Glee: The Road of Tears Leads to Greatness (5/17/11)

Last night's Glee was the defination of a perfect episode of a dramaedy and it showed alot about why people are so drawn to this show. I'll admit, going in, I was afraid it was going to be last season's Funk episode that preluded the finale where it just felt like a rest stop before getting to the big finale and not that big a deal. This week it seems they learned their lesson and gave us one of the best episodes of the season.

Sue was being extra bitchy when the show started, she actually figured out how to reroute New Directions' flight to New York by sending them to Libya and then kicks Becky, who has pretty much been her partner in crime all season, off the Cherrios. When push comes to shove we find out that her sister, who had been in the hospital for years, had passed away the day before and she was very on edge. That being said, she took her anger out on everyone till Will got to her and then broke the news to the glee club which leads to Finn and Kurt to make a deal with her that they would help with the funeral and help her clean out Jean's (her sister) hospital room.

Meanwhile, Will also hired Jesse to be a consultant and convinced him to hold auditions for the lead for nationals.

That's a pretty good setup, let's get to the music, especially since there isn't a whole lot to really talk about, which in this case is not a bad thing...

Santana-Back to Black
Since Jesse, apparently, took a class on reality television judging, these audition were done like mock Idol style, which in reality was hysterical. I though that Santana killed this song big time and was on major fire on stage. It seems, in a way of pretty much making sure Rachel got the lead, Jesse told her that she was too boring and didn't pull off the song. Yeah right. A

Kurt-Some People
This was awesome. Kurt doesn't get to sing that much anymore, so to hear him belt this out was amazing. Nice range and just stunning dramatic effect. Jesse, of course, didn't think he should be singing girly songs. Kurt said it perfectly, his bread and butter is girly songs. A

Mercedes-Try a Little Tenderness
Hands down one of the best solos of the season. Amazing. Sometimes you really do forget how great a singer she is. Jesse said she was lazy and she almost got off the stage and punched him out. To be honest he totally deserved it at this point. A+

Rachel-My Man
I'll admit, this was incredible. She totally killed this song, it was dramatic, it told a story and showed what she is truly thinking about, Finn. Even though I think Jesse thought she was singing about him. Of course Jesse loved it and he wanted her to get the lead. Will said he was going to hold off till the end of the week. A+

New Directions-Pure Imagination
I never get emotional when watching TV anymore. I never have a moment where I want to cry because something just stirs up inside of me. But this funeral scene did that for me. Sue's speech, said though Will, was just simply incredible. You just felt it, especially since Sue couldn't keep it together and who can blame her? This performance was unreal to say the least. It was inspired by Jean's favorite movie, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, and was simply of the best performances in the history of the show. By the end, Sue was holding Will's hand and thanked the glee club for this moment. I also would like to thank them. A+

After that song, the show actually picked up to set up next week. Finn broke up with Quinn and then decided to pursure Rachel only to see her kissing Jesse. Sue told Will that she was done toturing the glee club and confessed that she messed with the tickets to New York. But then the biggest surprise of the night came when Terri actually gave Will first class tickets for the glee club to get to New York as an apology and goodbye.

All things said and done, it's time to get to New York and to Nationals. Bring it on! I'm ready for this!

Dancing With the Stars: The Semifinals (5/16/11)

This week was the semifinals and after 14 dances, I'm exhausted. Yes I said 14 DANCES. Insane night, but definately alot of fun. Let's get right into it.

Ralph/Karina
Dance: Argentine Tango
Judge's Score: 25
My Rating: 4
Thoughts: Sore knee and all, this was well done. Perfect no. The beginning felt straight out of West Side Story which is not a bad thing.

Kristie/Maksim
Dance: Viennese Waltz
Judge's Score: 27
My Rating: 5
Thoughts: Very elegant. I really enjoyed that. It was what deserves to be in the semifinals.

Chelsea/Mark
Dance: Argentine Tango
Judge's Score: 28
My Rating: 5
Thoughts: Very elegant and professional. It's almost like she's the pro too. Well done.

Hines/Kym
Dance: Argentine Tango
Judge's Score: 30
My Rating: 5
Thoughts: First of all after that fall and injury, I thought Kym was done. That being said that dance was great. It was crisp and clean and really emotional.

Ralph/Karina
Dance: Samba
Judge's Score: 23 (48)
My Rating: 3
Thoughts: What the hell was that? I know he's got a bad wheel but that doesn't equal a bad gimmick and bad dance. They also danced too slow for their music. Wow how the mighty have fallen.

Kristie/Maksim
Dance: Paso Doble
Judge's Score: 27 (54)
My Rating: 5
Thoughts: Well this was well done. I really enjoyed that. Nothing bad to say.

Chelsea/Mark
Dance: Rumba
Judge's Score: 30 (58)
My Rating: 5
Thoughts: I swear there are times that I have to remind myself that Chelsea isn't a pro. This is one of those times. So amazing to watch.

Hines/Kym
Dance: Salsa
Judge's Score: 30 (60)
My Rating: 5
Thoughts: Wow. Totally awesome. Do they have an off switch? I think I finally have my final two. Amazing.

Winner Takes All Cha-Cha

You know after I watched this and I had no idea how to review this or even rate it so I'm not going to. I will at least explain it. The four couples went head to head doing a cha-cha according to the way they were ranked after the first two rounds. Then the judges would pick a winner from those parings and then when it came down to final two couples, they would have the commerical break to put together another cha-cha and then go head to head. Then the winner would get 15 additional points to their score. Confused? So was I till it actually played out.

Heat 1
Ralph/Karina (4th) vs. Hines/Kym (1st)
Winner-Hines/Kym 3-0

Heat 2
Kristie/Maks (3rd) vs. Chelsea/Mark (2nd)
Winner-Chelsea/Mark 2-1

Finals
Chelsea/Mark vs. Hines/Kim

Worst Coin Toss Ever
Hines said tails, the coin lands heads yet there was confusion who won the toss. Really?

Winner-Chelsea/Mark-15 (73)

They did all that in four minutes? Holy shit! Didn't see that coming.

Will Go Home: Ralph/Karina
Could Go Home: Kristie/Maks

NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs-Conference Finals (Picks)

Eastern Conference

#3 Boston  vs. #5 Tampa Bay
Pick: Boston in 6

Western Conference

#1 Vancouver  vs. #2 San Jose
Pick: Vancouver in 6

NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs-Semifinals (Results)

Eastern Conference

#1 Washington  vs. #5 Tampa Bay
Pick: Washington in 7
Results: Tampa Bay 4-0

#2 Philadelphia vs. #3 Boston
Pick: Philadelphia in 6
Results: Boston 4-0

Western Conference

#1 Vancouver  vs. #5 Nashville
Pick: Nashville in 6
Results: Vancouver 4-2

#2 San Jose vs. #3 Detroit 
Pick: San Jose in 7
Results: San Jose 4-3

American Idol: Guys vs. Girls (5/12/11)

Last night it was time to say goodbye to one more Idol and get down to 3. Before that though it was a battle of the sexes in duets.

Scotty and James-Start A Band
Excellent song and a lot of fun. Nice to see James step out of his rock comfort zone.

Haley & Lauren-Gunpowder and Lead
Is it country night? Loved this performance! Very intense!

Results
Lauren- Safe

Ford Commercial
Fireflies
Very awesome! Looked like fun!

What the hell happened to Jordin? She looks and sounds like everyone now. Very disappointed.

Results 
Haley safe

I am shocked! Totally shocked! 

Results 
Scotty-Safe!
James-Eliminated

Wow. Right to the end this results show is shocking. Simply amazing. 

So final three going home in style:
Scotty, Lauren and Haley

Let's bring it on!

American Idol: Journey Home (5/11/11)

It's really hard to believe we've hit the final four. This week was split up into two rounds, first round was songs that inspire them, the second was songs by Leiber and Stoller which I would have appreciated a better explaination for the younger audiences, but they were too obsessed with the guest mentor Lady Gaga to do that. That being said let's get into the show...

James
Song: Don't Stop Believin
Blake: Loved the stage presence. Really good performance for him. I really enjoyed it. Might have been one of his best.
Rating (out of 5): *****
Mandy: James rocked the Journey song, but then again I don't think I can hate anyone doing that song. Great job with a great song.

Haley
Song: The Earth Song
Blake: This was alright. She's done better and right now she really feels like the weak link on this show in this group.
Rating (out of 5): ****
Mandy: Haley, don't sing a song about saving Earth while wearing leather. And you inspired me alright, to want to jump off a bridge..

Scotty
Song: Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning)
Blake: Could you pull at the heartstrings anymore? Amazing. Thank you for singing this song. Just thank you.
Rating (out of 5): *****
Mandy: Scotty knows how to play the crowd's heartstrings. Amazing rendition of a song America needed. He's got a country soul.

Lauren
Song: Anyway
Blake: Whoa! This one touched home for her and you can tell in her voice. Amazing.
Rating (out of 5): *****
Mandy: Lauren looked amazing and sounded even better. One of my favorite Idol performances of all time. Martina would be proud.

Haley
Song: I (Who Have Nothing)
Blake: The full orchestra was a bit much for me. Too dramatic for me and way too much screaming. Seemed like she was trying way too hard.
Rating (out of 5): ***
Mandy: Good song for Haley, but too theatrical for my taste. It was great, but I think her lights are on Broadway, not the Idol stage.

Scotty
Song: Young Blood
Blake: We now return you to concert Scotty. For real I felt like we walked into one of his concerts and this time I'm not sure if that's a good thing or not. Hysterical but I'm a little speechless.
Rating (out of 5): ****
Mandy: Scotty's facial expressions distracted me more than anything, but it was good. He doesn't need the show but the show needs him.

Lauren
Song: Trouble
Blake: Fiesty! Totally completely opposite of her wholesome side that we're used to. I enjoyed it. It was alot of fun.
Rating (out of 5): ****
Mandy: Not Lauren's best, but not her worst. She's not evil and Gaga's not a role model, but she did loosen uo. Get her on the radio.

James
Song: Love Potion #9
Blake: That was well done and a perfect ending for this round. Take notes Haley, that's how you end a song with high notes without screaming!
Rating (out of 5): ****
Mandy: James is too much. It's Love Potion #9, not friggin' Enter Sandman. Why does he get all the effects? Ozfest, yes. Idol, no.

Should Go Home: Haley
Will Go Home: Haley

The Voice: Let the Battles Begin! (5/10/11)

The teams are set, it's now time for the battle round. What is the battle round? I'll explain.

The four coaches have four teams of eight. At this point the coaches must pit their team against each other in duets and then eliminate someone after the duet. When the battle rounds are over, which it seems like in four weeks, each coach will only have teams of four. The really cool part about the battles are that the duets are in a ring ala boxing and wrestling. Now that we are all on the same page, let the battle rounds begin!

Coach: Christina (guest mentor Sia Furler)
Battle: Frenchie Davis vs. Tarralyn Ramsey
Song: Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)
Thoughts: Is it bad I was kinda bored this song? The performances were alright I guess. Maybe it's the fact that I'm very over this song. These two hit all the notes and even maybe oversung it a little.
Winner: Frenchie

Coach: Blake (guest mentor Reba)
Battle: Tyler Robinson vs. Patrick Thomas
Song: Burning Love
Thoughts: It's funny if Scotty on Idol didn't sing an Elvis song a few weeks back, I wouldn't have put Elvis and country together. But this was actually good. Good choice for these guys. Both guys actually deserved to move on in my opinion.
Winner: Patrick

Coach: Adam (guest mentor Adam Blackstone)
Battle: Tim Mahoney vs. Casey Weston
Song: Leather and Lace
Thoughts: I honestly didn't know the name of this song but knew what it was it was really good. The first girl vs. guy battle, actually really wasn't, especially since Adam thought Tim was a girl when he auditioned. That being said, really good performance for both of them. Didn't make it that hard though in my opinion.
Winner: Casey

Coach: Cee Lo (guest mentor Monica)
Battle: Vicci Martinez vs. Niki Dawson
Song: F***** Perfect
Thoughts: This was the best duet of the night by far. Well done by the ladies on a song that all ladies around the world seem to love and relate to. This was a tough choice and he really couldn't go wrong either way in my view.
Winner: Vicci

That's in for week one of the battles, I'm looking forward to week two.