American Idol Finals-Rat Pack Week

Simon was saying the opposite of everything I expected this week...and how cool would it have been (for ME) if Joey Mac could have mentored....but Jamie Foxx was frickin' awesome anyway.

Kris singing, "The Way You Look Tonight"- as soon as he started I felt a spontaneous EEK! rise from my gut. I had to stifle it, of course, because my significant other was iTouching right next to me. I love this song and Kris was yummy as always and I loved his take on it. I love Joey Mac's version so that's saying something. As for Simon's wet comment...well, I don't think Kris was but I'm sure he had fans that were. (no kids read this right?)

Allison singing, "Someone to Watch Over Me"- I thought she looked beautiful and that is was her best vocal yet. She was sincere and her voice was controlled. 16. Craziness. Simon is a freaking jerk for asking a 16 year old to say she thinks she should win over the hot 4 older guys she lives with (well, 3...Danny is ick to me). She said she thinks she has a chance to win...isn't that good enough? Just for that, I voted 10 times for her and none for anyone else.

Matt singing, "My Funny Valentine"-I don't know if Jamie's advice to change the key was a good thing, though I think his advice to just hold notes was good. Matt sounded strange in the beginning. I can't even really say what was wrong, it just was. I liked that he kept the vocal runs to a minimum and the ending was strong...still he could be in trouble.

Danny singing, "Come Rain or Come Shine"- OK, OK, I liked this performance. Even though we all know Danny should just NOT dance, he seemed really stiff behind the mic, like someone glued his feet to the stage. Once he blasted towards the front of the stage though, he actually didn't look like a big dork. His vocals were really good, OK?

Adam singing, "Feelin' Good"- can I just say I loved Adam's totally showboat catwalk strut down those stairs? Adam is loud and proud and a star. I was also digging that we had rocker Adam from the neck up and ballady suit wearing Adam for the rest of it. That long high note at the end....hello! I swear, I've never seen a guy sing this song but it worked for him.

The judges- I basically disagreed with Simon all night which was weird. Kara, Paula, AND Randy all made sense, which was also weird.

Songs I'm most likely to download- everyone but Matt. Sorry Matt.

Have you ever...?

Ever had a moment where you suddenly feel like a stranger in your own life? I just did. Not really sure if it's going to change anything but still...odd feeling.

Sorry, I know that is a little deep for a Thursday afternoon but I guess you can't always control these things...like PMS.

American Idol Finals-Disco Week

Top 7 take two:

Well, it finally happened. Every year my husband says "I'm not watching anymore." when his favorite gets voted off. This year he really meant it. Alexis was his favorite so it's been 4 weeks now since he's even cared about the show (minus a couple Adam Lambert performances). With that, plus the fact that my house was 85 degrees inside, we weren't really in the mood to watch TV. We ended up laying on the bed in nothing but our undies trying not to die.

I did get up and power Tivo it through the show this morning before work so I could write this review for you ( I only vote once per favorite so I doubt it will affect the results that I didn't).

Lil singing, "I'm Every Woman"- First off, props on the cat suit...that took some guts. Hated the hair. I think Lil's performance was good and she actually showed some personality but the vocals were mediocre and all over the place. I've always noticed that about Lil, so it's not like I was surprised. At least she had fun.

Kris singing, "She Works Hard for the Money"- Sometimes a white t-shirt and jeans can be so hot, you know? But really, it doesn't matter because Kris took a total 80's dance track and made it into this cool acoustic thing. The beginning guitar totally reminded me of a Doobie Brothers track (the name escapes me). Overall it was amazing...the performance of the night.

Danny singing, "September"- I'm not big on disco but this is one track I do like. I wasn't too thrilled about Danny singing it, but he did a good job. Am I the only one that is embarrassed watching him though? If I close my eyes and just listen, he's a pretty good singer. Then I open my eyes and all I think is "dork with no rhythm singing karaoke". Kara saying he always has perfect pitch was a joke. Paula saying he's going to the finals was a slap in Kris' face.

Allison singing, "Hot Stuff"- I wasn't really sure how she was going to do this and not sound karaoke but the slow rock arrangement did just that. I thought it was hot and totally Allison. Loved her outfit. She is still one of my faves but I think Kris has taken the number 2 spot from her. I did NOT think it was indulgent. (Whatever Randy...you just stole Simon's line because the only thing you could think of all night was "you can definitely sing")

Matt singing, "Stayin Alive"- This could have been really cheesy and it wasn't. Matt had the JT/Matt look tonight. It reminded me of his Stevie Wonder night but not quite as good. Definitely not bad though. I think he's on the fence in regards to getting voted off.

Adam singing, "If I Can't Have You"- As soon as I saw Adam in the suit and pompadour I knew he was going to do a slow song (watch out Adam, getting slightly predictable). That said, I didn't even recognize the song and once again his vocals were gorgeous. Between him, Kris, and Allison, disco night wasn't feeling so disco-ey...thank goodness.

Anoop singing, "Dim All the Lights"- I didn't recognize this song at all and I missed Ryan saying what it was (did he?) so I had to look it up on Idolatry. With the shadow, light suit, and pink shirt, he reminded me of the guys in Miami Vice. Anyway...he was boring and cheesy. I could have sworn for one minute the light hit his face and his upper lip was all wet and I got grossed out.

The judges- didn't talk too much but Randy kept reminding America that these contestants can sing....uh they are Top 7 on American Idol, we know that. Simon was right on pretty much, Paula didn't get too mushy, and Kara evidently hates Lil now.

Most likely to download- Kris, Adam, and Allison

I think Anoop and Lil should just go away now, bye bye.

Sometimes a title isn't necessary...

...when someone puts their heart into something like this;



"Final" Lyrics (between me and Katie and a 100 or so listens of two different YouTube's)
Friday afternoon in Boston town and
Still know my way around and
Trying to find a rehearsal spot for
the reunion of New Kids on the Block

Gonna rip it like we used to do
Good to be back too with the crew
Don't know how it's gonna be but
Last time we made history so

Tell your momma and your sister too the
New Kids are comin back for you
In my mind I knew you'd never forget but
To see you again like this makes me feel
like I'll never be alone

Chorus
Where ever it is I'm going to
Whatever I am is because of you
and I thank you, and I thank you
Five brothers and a million sistas
Didn't know how much I missed ya
Thank you and I thank you

On my way back and on to rehearse
Call it What You Want but I call it love <---hehe, clever
Some people said we couldn't do it again but
the New Kids had the last word in the end

See what happens when you follow your dreams and
See what happens when you just believe, yeah
The whole world opens up her arms
Everything is easy that used to be hard

Tell your momma that I love her too but
Don't you know we did it all for you, cuz
In my heart I knew you'd never forget but
To see you again like this makes me feel
like I'll never be alone

Chorus
Where ever it is I'm going to
Whatever I am is because of you
and I thank you, and I thank you
Five brothers and a million sistas
Didn't know how much I missed you
Thank you and I thank you

You build me up, you make me high
When I feel your love I wanna fly, I wanna fly, I wanna fly
(piano)
And I thank you, and I thank you
Wherever it is
Whatever I am
And it's all, it's all because of you

Five brothers and a million sistas
Didn't know how much I missed you
I didn't know it, didn't know it, I didn't know

You pick me, you make me high
When I feel your love I wanna fly
No matter what I'm goin through, Oh!

You pick me up, you make me high
When I feel your love I wanna fly
No matter what we're goin through
There ain't nothin we can't do

(piano)
And I thank you, and I thank you
And I thank you, and I thank you

People often roll their eyes, make jokes, and laugh at us New Kids fans. They say they "don't get it", "the music sucks", "don't sing very well". I can't 100% disagree with any of those statements and neither can the "Kids" themselves. Nobody has ever claimed they had the greatest music or were the greatest singers. Does that mean they don't have a place? Does that mean they deserve the ridicule? The answer is no. This original song (no title as of yet), written by member (and my fave) Joey McIntyre, is the perfect example as to why we love them. It's because they TRULY love and appreciate their fans.

I did go to the Fresno show last week and it was a blast. My mom loved it. And you know what? Despite 2-3 of them being sick (Jon especially looked like he was going to pass out for most of the concert) they sang live and had the crowd up on its feet the entire show. (Unlike some super pop stars who get their music played all over the radio, tons of media attention, and then rip off their fans by lip syncing and barely even engaging the audience.) Sorry, rant over.

Thanks Joey. See you in West Palm Beach.

American Idol Finals, Week Whatever- Movie Music

I learned in Speech 1A in college that you never start anything with an apology. This isn't college however, this is real life, so I'm starting with an apology. This won't be my best review because this week has been tough personally and it was hard for me to care A LOT about Idol. Anyway, here it goes:

Allison singing "I Don't Wanna Miss a Thing"- yikes...David Cook did this really well last year. I even have it on my iPod. This performance was a mixed bag for me. I love Allison but this was not her best week. She was really cool on some parts and really a mess on others. I don't know why Simon was praising her so much unless he is trying to make up for kissing Lil's round this whole time when we all knew Allison was the stronger competitor.

Anoop singing "Everything I Do (I do it For You)"- did I type that super long title right? I don't know...anyway...it's one of those songs I loved growing up. I think it came out when I was in the 6th grade. Anoop sang it well but here's the thing...all Anoop can do is sing some soft syrupy ballad. Whenever he tries an upbeat song he falls apart so...he won't win this thing.

Adam singing "Born to be Wild"- haha. Adam. I missed crazy rocker Adam and his eyeliner. When Adam does the crazy rocker thing, it doesn't exactly make me want to listen to it on my iPod BUT his voice is exceptional and he's such a showman I always end up enjoying the performance. He even collapsed on his knees at the end and wailed. Gotta love it.

Danny singing "Endless Love"- I liked seeing Danny without the glasses...any change for him is a good change because every week feels the same. I thought the beginning was rough and pitchy but as usual, on his power vocals, he sounded great. Also, I did agree with Simon that he really connected to the song emotionally. I appreciated that.

Matt singing "Have you Ever Really Love a Woman"-jeez, I forgot about Bryan Adams ridiculously long song titles.... Matt had good parts and bad parts. That's really all there is to say about it. There wasn't anything special about it. He over sang it I guess. Matt frustrates me. One week (last week) he's great, the next week (this week) he's all over the place.

Kris singing "Some song I have no clue what it Was called but he was Awesome!"- I didn't hear Ryan say the title and I couldn't catch it in the song but who cares? Kris was amazing. Subtle and relaxed with his vocals. Hung on to the mic stand in a way that kind of drove me bonkers (in a good way). Randy must have been twittering or something because he was dead wrong in his critique of Kris. Kara was completely correct (in my opinion).

Lil singing "The Rose"- before I vomit over her song choice I just want to say that Simon was really harsh about her arrangement. She finally did what they asked and he totally thumbed his nose at her. I give her props for standing up for herself. That said, "The Rose" makes me gag. I was a band geek and that's one of those songs you learn and play a million times. It's so depressing. As for the performance, well, the beginning was horrible, the end was horrible, and the only good part was her gospel twist. Props for that but I think it's too little too late for Lil.

The judges- had to speak as a couple because they ramble too much. After last week's mess with Adam and Tivo the contestants only got two opinions after their performance. Poor time management annoys me.

Song most likely to download- Kris'

Do Somethin'-Britney comes to Sacramento (oh, oops! San Jose)

i see you looking at me
like i`m some kinda of freak
get up outta your seat
why don`t you do somethin`?

The lyrics to Britney's "Do Somethin'" were strangley ironic by the time she got to them Sunday night. By this point most of the audience was sitting and there wasn't much reason for us to get back out of our seats.

I was soooo excited for this girls night with my mom and sister. Our theme song is "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" by Cyndi Lauper, and boy could Britney take some lessons from Cyndi (and Madonna, and New Kids on the Block...) We are rarely bored together...but Brit managed to make it happen.

Here's the thing...there was A LOT going on; circus performers, hot dancers, tons of lighting, the circus style stage, and a huge circular monitor...oh and Britney was there. The problem was, unless you were fairly close, I doubt you could even tell it WAS Britney on the stage. We were on the upper bowl so we were praying that circular monitor was for us...so that we could connect and see her face. No such luck. The monitor was just filled with more visual effects.

I was prepared for lip syncing, little audience participation, and a big spectacle. What I wasn't prepared for was Britney saying "How you doing Sacramento?" after 40 minutes, and never seeing her face. You could hear the audience do a collective "WTF?" when she said that.

Anyway, she did mention San Jose a few times later on. Yippee. My favorite part of the night was her original hit "Hit Me Baby (One More Time)". It was the only time I felt a collective excitement in the crowd as we remembered the original Brit song. She should have ended there...but she left again, changed again, and ended with Womanizer.

Britney didn't sing
She mostly walked around on stilettos or was pushed around stage
She barely talked (and screwed up when she did)
She didn't show us her face
Britney, why don't YOU do somethin'?

Luckily, I have another New Kids on the Block concert on Thursday. Thank goodness. They know how to entertain and make you feel appreciated.

Not 20 years in the making...

Ok, so something pretty major happened today...something I never thought I'd do....something that I've been planning since October when I met a bunch of really awesome women online. Yeah, me...I made friends online. I will never tease anyone for doing that. Most people say, "20 years in the making" but if I said it, it would be a lie. ( I have a feeling a lot of people out there do exaggerate their dedication for attention) Anyway, this isn't 20 years in the making, its really only 6 months (to clarify, I was a fan as a kid, I grew up, moved on and am overjoyed they are back. I wasn't waiting this whole time) but 11 year old Myka is dumbstruck, terrified and over joyed.

I bought VIP tickets that include a Meet and Greet with New Kids on the Block. A few of my loyal followers may laugh but most of you gals won't because you are coming with me, lol. So, when I was 11, like most girls my age, I was in love with a member of a boy band. My future husband? Joey McIntyre. I, like many, lay on my floor and really believed "Please Don't Go Girl" was meant for me. I was going to marry him when I was 20 because he'd be 26 and that seemed ok at the time. (Ironically, I met my real Joe that year) I did get to see them in concert with my sister in 1990. We were way back on the lawn but I didn't care...they were so close, breathing the same air. Unfortunately, I was in such shock I only remember a few things: Jordan's torso and white shirt during Baby I Believe in You, Joey wore a gold sequin jacket, and my dad complaining about the screeching girls, then making us leave before the encore.


I saw the guys reunion show in October...this time I was a little closer but not so much, top of an arena. I remember the entire show, which is nice.

April 16th I am taking my mom (who has a cougar crush now that they are Grown Men) to see them in Fresno. We will only be 20 rows away. A little closer still...

May 30th, my friends and I will be in Florida enjoying the show from somewhere inside the Ford Amphitheatre. May 31st however...

I will get to hug Joey McIntyre and the rest of NKOTB. I don't care if it last 2 minutes (so many people complain). For that moment, I will have my arms wrapped around him, his around me and my 11 year old self can feel really really good. It will be worth every penny.

To NKOTB and my GG's...thanks for teaching me to LIVE. Everyone who knows me, knows I don't do these kinds of things...and I can't wait.