Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Album Sales Update

Kelly Clarkson's Christmas album sold another 112K in its sixth week, bringing her total to around 442K.

Daughtry's album sold around 12K in its third week, bringing his total to around 107K.

Scotty McCreery's album sold 9K in its eighth week, bringing his total to around 137K.

Cassadee Pope's album sold 6K in its ninth week, bringing her total to around 110K.

Danielle Bradbery's album sold 11K in its second week, bringing her total to around 53K.

Kellie Pickler's album didn't make the chart. I'll give her 2K to bring her total to round 27K in its fourth week.


Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Daughtry "Baptized"

Daughtry has a new album, "Baptized," and HDD is reporting it sold 57.5K in its first week.

Kelly Clarkson's Christmas album sold 42K in its fourth week, bringing her total to around 195K.

Scotty McCreery's album is now around 103K in its sixth week.

Cassadee Pope's album is now around 97K in its seventh week.

Kellie Pickler's album, is now around 22K in its second week.


Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Kelly Clarkson "Wrapped In Red"

Kelly Clarkson has released a Christmas album called "Wrapped In Red." HDD is reporting it sold around 70K in its first week.

Scotty McCreery's second album is up to around 80K in its third week.

Cassadee Pope's album is up to around 79K in its fourth week.

Fifth Harmony's album seems to have stalled already at 30K in its second week.

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Haley Reinhart's Jazzy "American Boy"

Here is Haley Reinhart performing a very jazzy version of "American Boy" in Las Vegas back in August:



Wednesday, October 16, 2013

No Cassadee vs Candice Showdown

No Cassadee vs Candice showdown.

There was supposed to be a showdown between Cassadee Pope of "The Voice" and Candice Glover of Idol with both releasing albums on October 8. But Candice has fled to February, making her one of the few (if any) Idol winners to not release an album in time for the Christmas season.

Cassadee would have won this battle anyway because although Candice is a more talented vocalist, Cassadee is simply more popular and was out touring with Rascal Flatts over the summer.

Hits Daily Double is reporting that Cassadee's album has sold around 45K in its first week. That is the best showing by far of any contestant from The Voice, but it is unlikely the album will ever reach gold. However, Cassadee has a single from the album, "Wasting All These Tears," which has sold over 400K, which is huge for a contestant from The Voice.


Sunday, September 29, 2013

Phillip Phillips Album Platinum

Phillip Phillips' debut album "The World from the Side of the Moon" has culminated it's slow, steady climb to platinum status by selling its millionth copy this month (September).

Off the top of my head, other Idols who have had platinum albums include Kelly Clarkson, Clay Aiken, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks, Chris Daughtry, Jordin Sparks, David Cook, Adam Lambert and Scotty McCreery.

By platinum, I mean at least one million sold worldwide. So for Seasons 1 through 11, only Season 9 failed to produce a platinum album.


Thursday, September 19, 2013

Allison Iraheta With Tonight Show Band

I was watching a bit of the Tonight Show, and I thought I saw and heard Allison Iraheta singing with the band. It turns out, she's been with the band all week as a one-week substitute:

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/idol-worship/american-idol-alum-allison-iraheta-632018


Sunday, September 8, 2013

Carrie Underwood Falls On Butt

Carrie Underwood fell on her butt during a recent performance. Luckily she's only 5' 3" and slight of build. Unlike, say, Candice Glover:




Monday, September 2, 2013

Short Idol Tour Ends In Nashville

The relatively short 2013 Idol summer tour ended in Nashville Saturday, 08/31. Here are the girls singing Beyonce's "End of Time" in Reading, PA on 08/24:



Friday, August 16, 2013

Haley Reinhart "Oh My"

Here is Haley Reinhart's "Oh My" being used in a Lifetime TV commercial:



And here is Haley singing it live recently at CityWalk:



Sunday, August 11, 2013

Angie Miller "Mamma Knows Best"

Here's Angie Miller on the Idol tour from Fairfax, VA, with "Mamma Knows Best:"



Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Country Girls In Houston

Here are the Idol country girls from Houston.

Janelle Arthur "Better Dig Two:"



Kree Harrison "All Cried Out:"



Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Girls Open The Show

The girls open the show on the Idol tour from the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles:



Saturday, July 20, 2013

Summer Tour Finally Starts

The American Idol Season 12 summer tour finally got started Friday, July 19, at Kent Washington. Last season, the tour started on July 6.

Here is a generally positive review from The Seattle Times:

http://blogs.seattletimes.com/soundposts/2013/07/20/american-idols-tour-kickoff-a-mixed-bag-in-kent/

Another review from Dallas July 28:

http://www.dallasnews.com/entertainment/music/headlines/20130728-american-idol-isn-t-dead-yet-dallas-show-produces-some-magic.ece


Thursday, July 11, 2013

Adam Lambert 80s Album?

This report from The Hollywood Reporter says Adam's record label is considering all 80s covers for his next (third) album:

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/idol-worship/adam-lamberts-next-album-all-covers-581758

I've always said that an Idol's debut album should be 50% covers to ease the transition from Idol to "artist." But an all-covers album for Adam would be too much. Adam just needs to lay off the soft gay dance stuff and be more of a "rock god" to get some of his fans back.

Update: Adam parts ways with RCA over creative differences:

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/idol-worship/adam-lambert-parts-ways-rca-584714


Monday, July 8, 2013

Here is Siobhan Magnus recording "Someday" from a musical called "The Reluctant Dragon:"


She performed this live on stage back in 2011:



Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Haley Reinhart Incognito

Here's a Haley Reinhart YouTube video from back in March where she sings for tips incognito. She might be unrecognizable, but her voice is unmistakable:



Wednesday, June 19, 2013

"The Glut" Crowns Yet Another Country Girl

"The Glut" Crowns Yet Another Country Girl

"The Voice," otherwise known as "The Glut" has crowned yet another country girl in Danielle Bradbery. Cassadee Pope, who won Season 3 not long ago in December, is still in the process of converting from rock to country, yet all of a sudden, here is Danielle who could derail Cassadee's efforts.

This is why I've said many times, The Voice is stupid for going twice a year. It might be good for NBC and the judges, but it's not doing any good for the contestants.

In addition, Idol is adding Kree Harrison and Janelle Arthur as well. And of course Lauren Alaina is still out there.

I've always felt Idol should be once every two years to give the contestants a chance to get going. Idol produced glut by itself. Now with X Factor and two seasons of The Voice, it's very difficult for the contestants to get going.

The Voice is especially selfish and uncaring for going twice a year without yet having produced a big-selling star. Will Danielle be a star? This Daily Beast article says no:

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2013/06/19/danielle-bradbery-wins-the-voice-but-she-won-t-be-a-star.html


Monday, June 10, 2013

Allison Iraheta on NBC Latino

Here is a YouTube video of Allison Iraheta on NBC Latino:



Monday, May 27, 2013

Candice, Jessica on PBS

Candice, Jessica on Memorial Day Concert 2013 on PBS:

Candice Glover - National Anthem:


Jessica Sanchez - God Bless America:



Sunday, May 19, 2013

Season 12 Post-Season Analysis

With Season 12 now over, Ken Barnes offers his post-season analysis with "Five ways to help fix American Idol:

http://social.entertainment.msn.com/tv/blogs/blog--five-ways-to-help-fix-american-idol

I posted this: When you see The Voice and Idol both dropping to around 11-12 mil, you know that viewer fatigue is a big problem. Idol's Thursday finale got 14.3 mil. But Idol's main problem this season was casting, casting, casting. Nicki Minaj turned off millions of loyal viewers without bringing in the younger viewers they were expecting. And casting a bunch of lame guys for a viewership that's at least 62% female was a big mistake. I know they really, really wanted a female to win, but the cost was too high.

Let me add that the viewers who left the show were likely Kree voters, so it's very possible that Kree Harrison would have won if Nicki had not chased away her voters.


Thursday, May 16, 2013

Season 12 Week 18 Thursday Finale

Season 12 Week 18 Thursday - Finale Results

Group number.

The Band Perry performs. With Janelle Arthur.

Guys Sabotaged bit.

Top Five Guys perform. With Frankie Vallie.

Mariah Carey performs.

Amber Holcomb performs. With Emeli Sande.

Korean guy Psy performs.

Keith Urban performs.

Candice Glover performs. With Jennifer Hudson.

Angela Miller performs. With Adam Lambert.

Jessie J performs with Angie.

Judges bit.

Kree Harrison performs. With Randy, Keith.

Randy Jackson is Leaving bit.

Aretha Franklin from New York. With the Top 5 Girls.

Season tribute video.

Jennifer Lopez & Pit Bull perform.

Candice & Kree perform.

The Winner Is: Candice Glover.

The best singer of the season rightfully wins the season.


Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Season 12 Week 18 Wednesday Reactions

Season 12 Week 18 Wednesday - Top 2 Finale

Rankings:

1. Candice Glover
2. Kree Harrison

Details:

Simon Fuller picks:

Kree Harrison - Very nice. Finesse.

Candice Glover - Nice spin. Great job.

Carly Rae Jepsen performs.

Contestant Singles:

Kree Harrison - Kinda hokey song, but well sung.

Candice Glover - Kinda hokey song, but well sung.

Contestant Favorites:

Kree Harrison - Great job, very powerful.

Candice Glover - I really didn't want to hear that song, but well sung.

Candice has been the superior singer all season long and deserves to win this contest.


Thursday, May 9, 2013

Season 12 Week 17 Thursday Reactions

Season 12 Week 17 Thursday - Top 3 Results

Group song.

Jimmy Iovine reacts for round one.

Lauren Alaina performs.

Jimmy Iovine reacts for round two.

Mariah music video.

Adam Lambert update.

Alicia Keys performs.

Jimmy Iovine reacts for round three.

Candice Glover - Safe.

Angie vs Kree - Kree Safe. Stunning. It seemed Angie was the most popular.

But Angie is now the highest finisher (3) from New England, surpassing Siobhan Magnus (6).


Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Season 12 Week 17 Wednesday Reactions

Season 12 Week 17 Wednesday - Top 3

Rankings:

1. Candice Glover
2. Angela Miller
3. Kree Harrison

Details:

Jimmy Iovine picks:

Kree Harrison - Not a great pick for her. Needed more edge.

Candice Glover - Very fine job. Made me wish she could scream like Fantasia, but that's ok.

Angela Miller - Odd choice for her. But good job anyway. I guess Jimmy was expecting her to sit at the piano. Yes, he was.

Judges picks:

Candice Glover - I don't get the song choice. But good job.

Angela Miller - From New England, like Katie Stevens and Siobhan Magnus. Great pick, great job.

Kree Harrison - Good pick, good job.

Producer picks:

Angela Miller - Nice job. Well-connected, very authentic.

Kree Harrison - Her vocal quality is too naturally soft for this. Needed more edge. She got some edge in there, but needed more.

Candice Glover - Very odd song choice. Put the girl on Broadway? But a very fine job anyway.


Thursday, May 2, 2013

Season 12 Week 16 Thursday Reactions

Season 12 Week 16 Thursday - Top 4 Results again

Group song.

Jimmy Iovine reacts.

David Cook performs.

will.i.am performs.

Constantine Maroulis update.

Harry Connick, Jr. performs.

Angie - Safe.
Candice - Safe.

Amber vs Kree - Kree Safe.

Amber Out.

Not a surprise as Amber has been at risk for a while. Amber has serious talent, but needs more time to learn how to use it.


Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Season 12 Week 16 Wednesday Reactions

Season 12 Week 16 Wednesday - Top 4 again

Rankings:

1. Candice Glover
2. Angela Miller
3. Kree Harrison
4. Amber Holcomb

Details:

Songs from 2013:

Angela Miller - Very cool. Last week, she was pushing too hard, losing her tone. This time she didn't force it, and it was cool.

Amber Holcomb - I mean, it's just a vocal exercise with her. She doesn't really get it.

Candice Glover - Bruno's version annoys me. This was just fine.

Kree Harrison - Nice job, she but could have picked a more known song.

Standards:

Angela Miller - She's so finesse this week. But maybe too finesse for this song. But still good.

Amber Holcomb - Very nice. Very old-school good.

Candice Glover - Great job. Stellar.

Kree Harrison -  Somehow a little bland. Not stormy enough.

Group song - time filler


Thursday, April 25, 2013

Season 12 Week 15 Thursday Reactions

Season 12 Week 15 Thursday - Top 4 Results

Group song.

Amber - recap.

Kree - recap.

Stefano performs.

Candice - recap. Drake visits.

Lee DeWyze performs.

Angie - recap.

Amber - left side.
Candice - left side.

Angie - right side.
Kree - right side.

Amber, Candice - Bottom Two.

Nobody leaving due to schedule.

Kree benefited from Janelle leaving.


Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Season 12 Week 15 Wednesday Reactions

Season 12 Week 15 Wednesday - Top 4

Rankings:

1. Candice Glover
2. Kree Harrison
3. Angela Miller
4. Amber Holcomb

Details:

Contestant's Choice:

Amber Holcomb - Awful song choice. All slow, long tones. Too easy for her. Lazy.

Candice Glover - Cool vibe. Nicely done.

Kree Harrison - Nice groove. Well done.

Angela Miller - For some reason, it didn't quite fit her voice.

Amber & Kree - time filler.

Angie & Candice - time filler.

One Hit Wonders:

Amber Holcomb - I think she's still a few years away from knowing how to use her great voice.

Candice Glover - Great groove. Everyone was groovin' to that.

Kree Harrison - Nicely done with the organ.

Angie Miller - Song is wrong for her voice. Nice try, though.


Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Season 12 Week 14 Wednesday Reactions

Season 12 Week 14 Wednesday - Top 5

Rankings:

1. Candice Glover
2. Kree Harrison
3. Angela Miller
4. Amber Holcomb
5. Janelle Arthur

Details:

Songs from Year of Birth:

Candice Glover - Very nice acoustic version.

Janelle Arthur - Nice, but sleepy.

Kree Harrison - Good, but not compelling.

Angela Miller - Nice job. Nice finesse at the beginning.

Amber Holcomb - Great vocal ability, but kind of choppy, struggling.

Songs of Divas:

Candice Glover - Very nice. Song is more difficult than it seems. Just ask David Archuleta and Siobhan Magnus.

Janelle Arthur - Should I say dumb song choice?

Kree Harrison - Fine job on this one.

Angela Miller - She would have been better off with the variant of that song, Kelly Clarkson's "Already Gone."

Amber Holcomb - Very well done, but why that song?


Thursday, April 11, 2013

Season 12 Week 13 Thursday Reactions

Season 12 Week 13 Thursday - Top 6 Results

Group medley.

Angela Miller - Left side.
Lazaro Arbos -  Middle.
Kree Harrison - Right side.

Wonderful, a Nigel game.

Scotty McCreery performs.

Janelle Arthur - With Angie.
Candice Glover - With Kree.
Amber Holcomb - With Lazaro.

Kelly Clarkson performs.

Kree, Candice - Top 2.

Lazaro, Amber - Bottom 2.

Angie, Janelle - Safe.

Lazaro vs Amber - Amber Safe.

Lazaro sing for Save - Judges: NO.

Nightmare over.


Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Season 12 Week 13 Wednesday Reactions

Season 12 Week 13 Wednesday - Top 6

Rankings:

1. Candice Glover
2. Angela Miller
3. Amber Holcomb
4. Janelle Arthur
5. Kree Harrison
6. Lazaro Arbos

Details:

Bacharach/David:

Angela Miller - Nice job.

Amber Holcomb - Well sung.

Lazaro Arbos - Lame.

Kree Harrison - Sounds kinda messy.

Janelle Arthur - Sweetness.

Candice Glover - Great job.

Wish had Written:

Angela Miller - Very nice.

Amber Holcomb - Kinda noisy.

Lazaro Arbos - Mediocre.

Kree Harrison - Kinda sleepy.

Janelle Arthur - Okay.

Candice Glover - Great again.


Thursday, April 4, 2013

Siobhan Magnus "Doubtful Guest" Rock Band

Siobhan Magnus has joined a very interesting new rock band featuring former members of famous 90s rock bands. The band is called "Doubtful Guest" and features the following members:

Guitarist Tony Fredianelli (Third Eye Blind), 
Guitarist Peter Klett (Candlebox)
Drummer Tommy Stewart (Godsmack, Fuel)
Bassman Sammy Hudson (Everclear)

Here is Siobhan discussing Doubtful Guest with Fox Nashville:


Here is Siobhan with Doubtful Guest doing an acoustic version of "Shimmer" for Fox Nashville:


And here is Siobhan with Doubtful Guest doing their cover of Alanis Morissette's "You Oughta Know:"



Season 12 Week 12 Thursday Reactions

Season 12 Week 12 Thursday - Top 7 Results

Group song.

Jimmy Iovine speaks.

Casey James performs.

Judges Top 3:
Keith: Kree, Angie, Amber
Nicki: Angie, Amber, Kree
Randy: Amber, Kree, Angie
Mariah: Kree, Amber, Candice

Top 3: Kree, Angie, Lazaro

The judges were fools to let Lazaro on in the first place. They have no one to blame but themselves.

Carrie Underwood performs. It's good to hear Carrie in full voice. The last time she was on, she had a cold. You can hear the difference between Carrie and Kree where both have great power, but Carrie's tone is piercing while Kree's is a bit muffled.

Candice - Safe.
Amber - Safe.

So, with less viewers, there are not enough votes to sustain both Kree and Janelle. Lazaro is obviously getting the texting tween girl votes because they have no other boyfriends to vote for.

Janelle vs Burnell - Burnell Out, Janelle Safe.

Burnell sings for Save: NO.


Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Season 12 Week 12 Wednesday Reactions

Season 12 Week 12 Wednesday - Top 7

Rankings:

1. Angela Miller
2. Candice Glover
3. Amber Holcomb
4. Kree Harrison
5. Janelle Arthur
6. Burnell Taylor
7. Lazaro Arbos

Details:

Rock.
Roaming Orianthi.

Burnell Taylor - Not bad.

Angela & Lazaro - time filler.

Kree Harrison - Power is good, style is not. But power is good.

Candice & Taylor - time filler.

Jannell Arthur - Not quite rockin' enough.

Lazaro Arbos - Lame.

Janelle, Kree, Amber - time filler.

Candice Glover - Finally. Rock, roll & snarl.

Amber Holcomb - Strong, lots of power. If Serena Williams could sing ...

Angela Miller - Compelling, engrossing.


Thursday, March 28, 2013

Season 12 Week 11 Thursday Reactions

Season 12 Week 11 Thursday - Top 8 Results

Group song.

Jimmy recap.

Colton Dixon performs.

One Republic with Katharine McPhee perform.

Keith Urban performs.

45 minutes in before results.

Kree - safe.
Candice - safe.
Janelle - safe.
Angie - safe.
Amber - safe.

All guys in the bottom three.

Burnell - safe.
Lazaro - safe.

Devin sings for Save: NO.

I would rather listen to Devin than Burnell or Lazaro.


Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Season 12 Week 11 Wednesday Reactions

Season 12 Week 11 Wednesday - Top 8

Rankings:

1. Amber Holcomb
2. Candice Glover
3. Devin Velez
4. Kree Harrison
5. Janelle Arthur
6. Angela Miller
7. Burnell Taylor
8. Lazaro Arbos

Details:

Motown

Candice Glover - I said before she doesn't know how to growl. She was growling now. Very good.

Kree & Janelle - time filler. ridiculous to judge.

Lazaro Arbos - Good when it was slow, then very uneven, with a distinct lack of high notes.

Janelle Arthur - Pretty spin on the song.

Devin Velez - Nicely sung. Fits his voice well.

Amber, Candice, Angie trio - time filler. ridiculous to judge.

Burnell Taylor - Sometimes oddly sounds like a robot.

Angela Miller - Not bad. But not quite enough rough power for it.

Amber Holcomb - She handled the range so easily. Amazing.

Devin, Burnell, Lazaro - time filler. ridiculous to judge.

Kree Harrison - Was good, but not spectacular.


Thursday, March 21, 2013

Season 12 Week 10 Thursday Reactions

Season 12 Week 10 Thursday - Top 9 Results

Iovine speaks.

Amber - smoke, wait.

Group song guys.

Paul - Bottom three.

Casey Abrams performs.

Group song girls.

Devin - Bottom three.

Lazaro - Safe.

Jessica Sanchez feat. Ne-Yo perform. - Pretty good.

Pairing Jessica with Ne-Yo is a smart move, reminiscent of when they paired Jordin Sparks with Chris Brown on "No Air."

Kree - Safe.

Candice - Safe.

Angela - Safe.

Janelle - Safe.

Burnell - Safe.

Amber - Bottom three.

Lowest votes - Paul Jolley.

Paul sings for Save: NO.


Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Season 12 Week 10 Wednesday Reactions

Season 12 Week 10 Wednesday - Top 9

Rankings:

1. Janelle Aurthur
2. Kree Harrison
3. Candice Glover
4. Amber Holcomb
5. Angela Miller
6. Paul Jolley
7. Devin Velez
8. Burnell Taylor
9. Lazaro Arbos

Details:

The Beatles

Charlie vs Aubrey: Aubrey - for Tour only.

Kree Harrison - Well, I said she reminded me of an opera singer, and she gave it the big operatic treatment.

Burnell Taylor - I just don't like his so-called unique tone. Sang it okay only.

Amber Holcomb - Odd song choice, but well sung, interesting spin.

Lazaro Arbos - Should've sung Yellow Submarine.

Candice Parker - Good, but needed a little more edge to it.

Paul Jolley - Well sung, but too softy, no edge, annoying falsetto.

Angela Miller - Is this the same girl? This was like the musical theater version, instead of the singer-songwriter version.

Devin Velez - I just couldn't get into the arrangement.

Janelle Aurthur - How'd she do that? #1.


Thursday, March 14, 2013

Season 12 Week 9 Thursday Reactions

Season 12 Week 9 Thursday - Top 10 Results

Iovine speaks.

Devin Velez - #1 Puerto Rico

Janelle Aurthur - #1 Tennessee

Candice Glover - #1 South Carolina - Safe & Top 3

Top Ten Group Song.

Kree Harrison - Key, Safe & Top 3

Bon Jovi performs.

Charlie Askew gets a sing-off. Boo! - Sounds like girl. Weak.

Aubrey Cleland gets a sing-off. - Nice job.

Phillip Phillips performs.

Angie Miller - Safe & Top 3

Lazaro Arbos - #1 Florida

4th - Lazaro
5th - Amber
6th - Janelle
7th - Burnell
8th - Paul
9th - Devin

Ousted: Curtis

Curtis sings for Save - NO.

Lazaro at #4 is a joke.


Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Season 12 Week 9 Wednesday Reactions

Season 12 Week 9 Wednesday - Top 10

Rankings:

1. Candice Glover
2. Angela Miller
3. Amber Holcomb
4. Devin Velez
5. Kree Harrison
6. Paul Jolley
7. Curtis Finch, Jr.
8. Janelle Aurthur
9. Burnell Taylor
10. Lazaro Arbos

Details:

No Nicki. Late.

Theme - American Idol Winners

Curtis Finch, Jr. - Not great.

Nicki arrives.

Janelle Aurthur - Rather pedestrian.

Devin Velez - Good. Smooth, easy delivery.

Angela Miller - Not bad, but not Kelly Clarkson. Get real baby.

Paul Jolley - Bad mic. Underwhelming.

Candice Glover - Better than Jordin. Super.

Lazaro Arbos - Lifeless, meaningless.

Kree Harrison - Jimmy should shut up. She sounded like she was holding back too much. Let them sing. Good, though.

Burnell Taylor - I just don't see what people see in him.

Amber Holcomb - She's very talented, but she's still doing it by the numbers.


Thursday, March 7, 2013

Season 12 Week 8 Thursday Reactions

Season 12 Week 8 Thursday - Top 20 III

Top 10 Selected.
Five girls, five guys.

It seems they got to the Top 10, and thus the Idol Tour, with just one vote from the viewers. In the past, there were a couple of more voting rounds before the Top 10. I'm not sure what the thinking is in doing it this way, and I'm not sure if it's good or bad.

Guys:
Paul Jolley - In.
Burnell Taylor - In.
Curtis Finch, Jr. - In.
Devin Velez - In.
Lazaro Arbos - In.

I got three of them.

Girls:
Janelle Aurthur - In.
Candice Glover - In.
Angela Miller - In.
Amber Holcomb - In.
Kree Harrison - In.

I got four of them.


Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Season 12 Week 8 Wednesday Reactions

Season 12 Week 8 Wednesday - Top 20 II

Top 10 Guys.

Rankings:

1. Paul Jolley
2. Curtis Finch, Jr.
3. Devin Velez
4. Elijah Liu
5. Cortez Shaw
6. Nick Boddington
7. Burnell Taylor
8. Lazaro Arbos
9. Vincent Powell
10. Charlie Askew

Details:

Elijah Liu - Good, but didn't show enough. Just kind of sat there.

Cortez Shaw - Tough song, but he doesn't quite have the precision to execute it.

Charlie Askew - Very theatrical, but his voice is too thin and shallow for it.

Nick Boddington - Kind of shaky. Not strong or solid enough.

Burnell Taylor - His voice and style are just not very appealing.

Paul Jolley - Very good.

Lazaro Arbos - Bad choice. Muddled. Unremarkable.

Curtis Finch, Jr. - He's pretty good, but he just looks and acts so corny.

Devin Velez - Not bad. Not much going on with the song though.

Vincent Powell - Mr. Potato Head. Struggling. What happened to him? Sandpaper.


Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Season 12 Week 8 Tuesday Reactions

Season 12 Week 8 Tuesday - Top 20 I

Top 10 Girls.

Rankings:

1. Candice Glover
2. Tenna Torres
3. Kree Harrison
4. Angela Miller
5. Amber Holcomb
6. Adriana Latonio
7. Breanna Steer
8. Janelle Aurthur
9. Aubrey Cleland
10. Zoanette Johnson

Details:

Zoanette Johnson - Mic sounds bad. So does she.

Breanna Steer - Smooth and exotic.

Aubrey Cleland - Dang. The song is over her head. Hate to see pretty go.

Janelle Aurthur - It's like she's holding back too much. Kind of frustrating.

Tenna Torres - Very good.

Angela Miller - Good, but could have done more with it.

Amber Holcomb - It's like she's still learning how to sing like that.

Kree Harrison - Kat McPhee's mother coaching. Pretty good.

Adriana Latonio - Okay.

Candice Glover - Skilled. Pro. Best.


Thursday, February 28, 2013

Season 12 Week 7 Thursday Reactions

Season 12 Week 7 Thursday - Vegas IV

Last 10 Guys.

Mathenee Treco - Bahamas. Song & Dance. Good, but somehow not compelling.

Gurpreet Singh Sarin - Indian Sikh. Yellow. Lazy. Didn't go anywhere.

Vincent Holiday - Funny looking. Old looking. Backup singer. But can sing. How unfortunate. Get a toupee.

Nick Boddington - Very high voice. Skilled. Smooth. Good.

Josh Holiday - Cattle farm. Original song. Skilled. Not bad.

David Oliver Willis - Foster home. Very plain.

Bryant Tadeo - Filipino from Hawaii. So why a New York state of mind? Big mistake.

Burnell Taylor - Lost 40 pounds. Sounded interesting at first. Then fizzled a bit.

Lazaro Arbos - Keith Urban song. Struggling a bit.

Cortez Shaw - High voice. Very good.

Results:

David - No.
Bryant - No. No Filipino guy has ever made the Top 10.
Vincent - Yes.
Mathenee - No.
Lazaro - Yes. Boo.
Cortez - Yes.
Josh - No.
Burnell - Yes.

Nick vs Gurpreet? Gurpreet is lame. Gurpreet No, Nick Yes.


Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Season 12 Week 7 Wednesday Reactions

Season 12 Week 7 Wednesday - Vegas III

10 more girls.

Melinda Ademi - Beat by Thia Megia last time. Purple thighs. Good enough.

Candice Glover - Beat by Jessica and Deandre last time. Good.

Juliana Chahayed - 15. Very live mic. Pretty, but weak. Too much baby.

Jett Hermano - Another Filipino. Piano. Good.

Cristabel Clack - 29. Three kids. Seemed to run out of gas and overcompensated.

Aubrey Cleland - Pretty. Good, but thin. Looks good, though.

Rachel Hale - Smiley is back. Okay.

Breanna Steer - Not distinctive enough.

Janelle Aurthur - Kind of blah, just sat there. Lady Antebellum. No wonder. Hillary Scott is an Idol reject.

Zoanette Johnson - Liberian. Well, she's good for that one song. Only.

Results:

This was a fairly unimpressive group.

Zoanette - Yes. Gag.
Melinda Ademi - No. Boo.
Juliana Chahayed - No. Young.
Aubrey Cleland - Yes.
Cristabel Clack - No. Old.
Candice Glover - Yes. Duh.
Jett Hermano - No.
Breanna Steer - Yes.

Rachel vs Janelle: Rachel No, Janelle Yes.



Thursday, February 21, 2013

Season 12 Week 6 Thursday Reactions

Season 12 Week 6 Thursday - Vegas II

10 Guys.

Paul Jolley - Crybaby. Not bad.

Johnny Keyser - Too much backup singer. Not bad.

JDA - Tranny. Nice performance, but not a nice voice.

Kevin Harris - High voice. Thins out. Too much backup singer. Okay.

Chris Watson - Odd voice. Unpleasant.

Devin Velez - Shouldn't have changed keys up. Good enough.

Elijah Liu - Mexican-Chinese, a bit like Bruno Mars. Very high voice. And sings a Bruno Mars song. Okay. Bruno Mars is Puerto Rican-Filipino.

Charlie Askew - Golf club. Mic twirl. Shaky like an old man, not a rocket man. More like an old woman. Lame.

Jimmy Smith - Country boy. Okay.

Curtis Finch, Jr. - Gospel guy. Sleepy. Corny.

Results:

Curtis - Yes.
Jimmy Smith - No.
Kevin - No.
Elijah - Yes.
JDA - No. Relief.
Paul Jolley - Split decision. Iovine: Yes.
Chris - No.
Charlie - Yes? Boo!

Johnny vs Deven - Johnny ousted again. Both times in Vegas.


Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Season 12 Week 6 Wednesday Reactions

Season 12 Week 6 Wednesday - Vegas I

Top 40.

Sudden death, one song.

10 tonight.

Jenny Beth Willis - Country girl. Competent only.

Tenna Torres - Camp Mariah. Very nice.

Adriana Latonio - Alaska. Filipino like Jessica Sanchez. Very good.

Brandy Hotard - Valerie Bertinelli. Okay.

Shubha Vedula - Pretty good. Somewhat lacking.

Kamaria Ousley - Background singer. Off key. Struggling. Not good.

Kree Harrison - Demo singer in Nashville. Frumpy. Okay.

I'm not sure why the judges think she's so great. I don't get it at all.

Angela Miller - Very good.

Isabelle - Large Fergie. Oversung.

Amber Holcomb - Very good.

Results:

Jenny - No.
Brandy - No.
Tenna - Yes.
Kree - Yes. Needs a makeover.
Isabelle - No.
Angela - Yes.
Kamaria - No.
Amber - Yes.

Adriana vs Shubha - Adriana Yes.


Thursday, February 14, 2013

Season 12 Week 5 Thursday Reactions

Season 12 Week 5 Thursday - Hollywood IV

47 Girls.

Angela Miller - Orig song, amazing. Standing O.

Candice Glover - Good enough.

Janelle Miller - Country girl. Good.

Zoanette Johnson - Beat nut. Drumming. Made up song. About Idol. Lost stick. Slow down beat. Wail.

Candice,
Janelle,
Jet? (little asian),
Angela,
Zoanette -
Yes.

Welcome to the Zoanette Zone. Ugh.

Shubha Vedula - Good, but a bit thin.

Juliana Chahayed - Nicey.

Kez Ban - Mall trip with Zoanette. Odd attraction. Orig song. Short. Ousted immed. Gets boom job.

Ashlee Feliciano - Sounds ill. High notes.

Melinda Ademi - Good fun.

Kree Harrison - No parents. So-so.

Lauren,
Kree,
Melinda -
Yes.

Ashlee, Briana, Selena - No.

24 Girls. Need 20.

Lauren,
Hollie,
Ariel - Ousted.

Sing-off.

Stephanie (porcelain doll) - Good.

Rachel (happy) - So-so.

Stephanie - Ousted. Boo!

Guys next.

28 guys.

Sing-off.

Adam Sanders - Ugly. Awful.

Josh Holiday - So-so. Rips pants.

Peter,
Marvin,
Devin
Kenny,
Will,
Tony,
David Leathers (repeat),
Adam -
Ousted.


Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Season 12 Week 5 Wednesday Reactions

Season 12 Week 5 Wednesday - Hollywood Week III

Girls this week.

Lines of 10.

Mariah Pulice - Not bad.

Angela Miller - Good. Skilled.

Victoria Acosta - Still loud mariachi style.

Angela, Victoria - yes.

Mariah - no.

Ashley Smith,
Ann Difani (Miss UofA),
Sarah - no.

Rachel Hale (country joy girl) - Good.

Janelle Arthur (country girl) - Strong.

Janelle, Rachel - yes.

Candice Glover (big) - Big.

Megan Miller (crutches girl) - Okay.

Candice, two others - yes.

Megan - no.

Isabelle - Great. yes.

Kez Ban (nut) - Howl.

Briana Oakley - Good.

Whole line of 4 - yes.

Ashlee, Melinda - yes.

Dumb Groups coming up.

Kez Ban a problem immediately. Surprise. But a good song.

Zoanette Johnson a problem. Surprise.

Candice group -
Kamaria Ousley,
Melinda Ademi,
Candice Glover,
Denise Jackson -
yes to all.

Boots group -
Morgan Leigh Boberg,
Lauren Mink,
Brandy Hotard,
Other -
yes to all.

Savannah Votion,
Liz Weiss,
Daysia Hall,
J'Leigh Chauvin -

Daysia - yes.
Others - no. Should have been all no.

Drama group -
Kriss Mincey,
Janel (nutcase) Stinney,
Cristabel Clack,
Other ("whistle tone girl") -
all yes.

Shubha Vedula,
Sarina-Joi,
Aubrey Cleland -
missed it, maybe it was Shubha yes.

Seretha Guinn,
Tenna Torres,
Kiara Lanier,
Other -

Seretha - no.
Others - yes.

Zoanette group -
Erin Christine,
Zoanette Johnson,
Lauren Bettes,
Isabelle -

Lauren - no.
Others - yes.
Zoanette is hideous.

Hopeless group -
Wandering lost member (Liz) -
Shira Gavrielov,
Alisha Dixon,
Liz Bills,
Courtney Calle -

Liz - yes,
Others - no.
It pays to be nuts.

Porcelain doll group -
Morning song change -
Stephanie Schimal (doll),
Alex Delaney,
Kalli Therinae,
Holly Miller -

Stephanie, Holly - yes.
Others - no.

Hand writing epidemic.

Breakdown group -
Britnee Kellogg,
Kree Harrison,
Brandy Neelly,
Haley Davis (hand job) -

Haley,
Kree,
Britnee - yes.

Brandy - no? Very odd choices.

Kez group -
Kez Ban (nuts),
Breanna Steer,
Angela Miller,
Janelle Arthur -
yes to all.


Thursday, February 7, 2013

Season 12 Week 4 Thursday Reactions

Season 12 Week 4 Thursday - Hollywood II

Picking the Top 20 Guys. Out of 43.

Paul Jolley - Breaking down. Nervous. Good. Still nervous, annoying.

Lazaro Arbos - Good. Didn't talk, good.

Curtis Finch, Jr. - Overacting.

Paul,
Lazaro,
Curtis -
Yes.

Others no, didn't show them.

Devin Velez - Odd looking. Good.

Gurpreet Singh Sarin - Turban, Beard, Georgia. Okay.

Cortez Shaw - Good.

Matheus Fernandes - Short man. Okay. Nicki "pity party."

Devin,
Gurpreet,
Cortez,
Adam Sanders -
Yes.

Matheus and others no.

Nicholas Mathis - Obese. Poor job. Overacting.

Papa Peachez - Nicki don't like song. Lazy singing.

Jimmy Smith - Not quite on.

Nicholas, Papa - No.

Jimmy, Johnny Keyser, Other - Yes.

Nick Boddington - Bald, very high voice. Good.

Charlie Askew - Jumping jacks. Leads with a story into the song. Thin. A bit weak.

Nick,
JDA (tranny),
Mathenee?,
Charlie -
Yes.

Others no.

Burnell Taylor - Not great. Yes.
Marvin Calderon - Not great. Yes.

Micah Johnson (tonsil man) - Okay. No.

Gabe Brown (big rocker),
Sonny?,
Nate Tao -
No.

28 guys? 8 need to be cut.


Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Season 12 Week 4 Wednesday Reactions

Season 12 Week 4 Wednesday - Hollywood Week I

20 guys, 20 girls will make it through.

Guys this week.

Line of 10 guys.
Micah Johnson (tonsil man) yes.
4 through total.

Nate Tao yes.
Gabe Brown yes.
Gurpreet Singh Sarin (turban man) yes.

Karl Skinner no.
Dustin Watts (fireman!) no.
Calvin Peters (doctor!) no.

Cortez Shaw - conflict (Nicki hates), yes.

Curtis Finch, Jr. (gospel man) - yes.
Frankie Ford - yes.

Lazaro Arbos (stammer man) - should just shut up and sing, wastes too much time. yes.

Trevor Blankney - yes.
Bryant Tadeo - yes.
Charles Allen - yes.

Brian Rittenberry (fatman) - split, no.

Groups up next.

Groups picked by producers. Something I've been suggesting for years, ending the fake drama of wandering contestants.

List of 20 songs available.

But producers seem to have picked some groups for the sake of comedy. And hey, instant drama. Clap, clap, clap.

First group:
Nick Boddington
Manthenee Treco
Matheus Fernandes (shortman)
Gabe Brown (big rocker)
All yes.

Next group:
Johnny Keyser - forgets lyrics, yes anyway.
Kareem Clark - no.
Other two yes.

Next group:
Curtis Finch, Jr. (mean guy)
Charlie Askew (misfit)
Other guy
All yes.

Next group:
Micah Johnson
Marvin Calderon
David Willis
Other guy
All yes.

Next group:
Zach Birnbaum
Nate Tao
Cortez Shaw
Elijah Liu
All yes.

Epidemic of lost lyrics:
Bad group.
Bad group - two through.
Bad group - all four through (incl turban man).

This shows the advantage of knowing how to speak in tongues.

Bad group:
Jason Jones
Dan Wood
Jessie Lawrence
Other guy
No to all.

Acapella group:
Devan Jones - yes.
Devin Valez - yes.
Adrian - yes.
Other guy - no.

Next group:
Tony Foster, Jr. - yes.
Mario Jose - no.
Burnell Taylor - yes.
Darien Moses - no.

Next group:
Josh Stephens - no.
Scott Fleenor - no.
Christian Lopez - yes.
Lazaro Arbos - yes.

Unfair. The guys should have left Lazaro and his dumb stammer act out in the cold.

Comedy group:
Lee Pritchard - no.
JDA (tranny) - yes.
Joel Wayman - yes.
Trevor Blakney (sarge) - no.

Next group:
David Leathers (repeat) - yes.
Kevin Quinn - no.
Kayden Stephenson (the kid) - no.
Sanni M'Mairura - yes.

Last group:
Papa Peachez - yes, barely.
Adam Sanders - yes.
Frankie Ford - unstable, no.
Charles Allen - yes.

Even with producer-picked groups, groups still accomplish nothing in terms of finding the next American Idol. They're just an idiotic waste of time.


Thursday, January 31, 2013

Season 12 Week 3 Thursday Reactions

Season 12 Week 3 Thursday - Oklahoma City

Karl Skinner - Bus tour pickup. Skinny guy with fat wife. High energy. Can sing a bit. Yes? I guess.

Nate Tao - Asian? Deaf parents. Sign language. A bit thin, but good job. Yes.

Halie Hilburn - Girl and hand puppet dog. Ventriloquist. Can actually sing. Loses puppet. Sings alone. Yes. Except Randy. Dog trashed. I guess Randy didn't want to be replaced.

Zoanette Johnson - Monster. Forgets words. Helped by Mariah. Keith falls out of his seat. Zoanette wails, stomps. Yes? Be careful what you ask for.

Anastacia Freeman - Big buildup for nothing. Sent by God. Return to sender.

Kayden Stephenson - 16 looks like little kid. Cystic fibrosis. Sings like a little kid. Yes? I guess.

Steven Tyler in drag.


Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Season 12 Week 3 Wednesday Reactions

Season 12 Week 3 Wednesday - San Antonio, Los Angeles

San Antonio:

Vincent Powell - Funny looking. Looks middle aged. Good voice. Yes.

Derek & David Bacerott - Brothers. Lameness is genetic. So is stupidity. No.

Savannah Votion - Single mother. Belly button. Good voice. Power. Yes.

Ricky Jo Garcia - Trash. No.

Cristabel Clack - Worship leader. Three kids. 29. Skilled. Yes.

Ann Difani - Miss Something. Razorback. Nominated by hubbie. Not bad for a skinny beauty. Yes.

Victoria Acosta - Mariachi singer. Sings loud, like a mariachi singer. Much better at Mariachi. Yes.

Papa Peachez - Black woman in skinny white boy. Original song. Gay. Big voice for a skinny boy. Split vote. Randy switches. Yes.

Sanni M'mairura - African parents. Dancer. Good enough. Yes.

Adam Sanders - High voice. Skilled. Visually unappealing. Let the Adam Lambert jokes begin.

Los Angeles on the Queen Mary (Long Beach):

Two guy judges only.

Shuba Vedula - Big voice for a skinny girl. Yes.

Mariah shows up.

Brian Martinez - Looks like a cadaver. Perfect for a zombie movie. Dead. No.

Matt Farmer - IED explosion Kuwait. Daughter. Strong projection. Yes.

Stephanie Sanson - Purple hair. Band. Possessed by demons. No.

Nicki arrives.

Jesaiah Baer - Captain wannabe. Stylized singer. Alarm sounds. Abandon ship. Small fire. Good singer. Yes.

Micah Johnson - Tonsillectomy gone wrong. Nerve damage. Speech problems. But singing not affected. Good. Yes.

Rachel Hale - Yet another skinny girl with strong voice. Overfilled with happiness. Yes.

Briana Oakley - Sang on Maury. Then got bullied. Maury is poison. Good. Nicki stuck on wow. Yes.

Matheus Fernandes - Medical mystery. Just short. Good. Yes.


Thursday, January 24, 2013

Season 12 Week 2 Thursday Reactions

Season 12 Week 2 Thursday - Baton Rouge

Megan Miller - Crutch microphone. Good. Yes.

Charlie Askew - Misfit. Thin, odd projection. Broadway version of Edward Scissorhands. Yes.

Maddie Assel - Nominated by grandma. Thin, odd delivery. Yes.

Paul Jolley - Thin guy. Okay. Yes.

Christopher Barthel - Cartoon character. Touched by an angel? Just Nicki. No.

Dr. Calvin Peters - Physical rehab specialist. Good. Yes.

Michelle Montezeri.
Breanna Steer.
Brandy Hotard.

Dustin Watts - The fireman cometh. Very country projection. Yes. Given many females have fireman fantasies, and this guy is pretty good, can Dustin Watts be beat?

Burnell Taylor - Singers in the family. Made Mariah cry. Yes.


Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Season 12 Week 2 Wednesday Reactions

Season 12 Week 2 Wednesday - Charlotte

Naomi Morris - Wears it better than she sings it. No.

Joel Nemoyer - Moves well. Flat on his back. Down for the count. No.

Brian Rittenberry - Big fat guy. Fat family. Big fat voice. Yes.

Jimmy Smith - High country voice. Good. Yes.

Sarina-Joi Crowe.
Haley Davis.
Na'chelle Fullins-Lovell.

Matthew Muse - Karaoke Brad Paisley space case. No.

Isabel Gonzalez - Nominated by aunt. Visted by Randy. Funny vocal delivery. Pretty enough. Yes.

Taisha Bethea - Black girl alt rocker? Confusing. Split decision. Decided by Keith. Yes.

Summer Cunningham - Strong. Country soul. Yes. But Nicki gets annoyed by long boring panel discussion. Starts a fight. Walks out.

But Nicki comes back the next day to avoid breach of contract.

Brandy Hamilton - Walks into judges' hornets nest. Navy reserve. Settles the panel down. Yes.

Ashley Smith - Black girl with blond wig. Hyper. But can sing. Yes.

Janelle Arthur - Totally country. Skilled. Yes.

Rodney Barber - The Voice of Charlotte. Street singer. Good. Yes.

Candice Glover - Back for more. Big girl with plus-sized voice. Yes.

Ja'Bria Barber - Bullfrog cannibal. Good. Yes.

Brad Harris - Nutcase. No.

Seretha Guinn - Daughter. High voice. Yes.


Thursday, January 17, 2013

Season 12 Week 1 Thursday Reactions

Season 12 Week 1 Thursday - Chicago

Mackenzie Wasner - Experienced, country. Yes.

Austin Earles - Bad. No.

Kiara Lanier - Sang for Obama. Very tall. Yes.

Stephanie Schimel - Looks like a porcelain doll. Yes, except for Nicki.

Melissa Bush - Misguided. No.

Gabe Brown - Big screaming rocker. Just shouting away. Yes.

Kevin Navity - Lyrics on screen. Fast mouth. No.

Isabelle Parell - Doesn't look 15. Throwback. Yes, except for Randy.

Griffin Peterson - Got Nicki's attention before he sang, and after. Yes, except for Randy.

Curtis Finch, Jr. - Gospel. Yes.

Mariah Pulice - Anorexic. Crying. Yes.

Brandy Neelly - Country girl. Strong. Yes.

Josh Holiday - Piercing. Yes.

Courtney Williams - Yes.
Andrew Jones - Yes.

Clifton Duffin - Hidden talent? I guess. Yes.

Ieisha Cotton - Dancer. Not a singer. No.

Johnny Keyser - Back for more. Yes.

Kez Ban - Street performer. Looks worn out, homeless. Yes.

Ashley Curry - Musical theater student. Flunked. No.

Lazaro Arbos - Serious stutterer. Except when singing. Yes.


Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Season 12 Week 1 Wednesday Reactions

Season 12 Week 1 Wednesday - New York

Michael Buonopane - No.

Tenna Torres - Camp Mariah. Skilled, but a bit thin. Yes.

James Bae - Asian dork. no. Nicki shows some odd but genuine empathy for him.

Christina "Isabelle" - Big, strong. Berklee trained. Yes.

Evan Ruggiero - Dancer, cancer survivor, amputee. Did better with Bon Jovi. No.

Jessica Kartalis - Nominated by mother. Screwed up guitar. No.

Shira Gavrielov - From Israel. Yes.

Frankie Ford - Adopted. Sings on the train. Nervous. Black guy singing Eurythmics. Yes.

Benjamin Gaisey - Nut, noisy clothes. No.

Rozanna Shindelman - Doesn't sing in front of people. Nice preparation. No.

Sarah Restuccio - Rides like Skylar Laine. And raps as well. Yes.

Albert Chang - Horrible speaking voice. And it gets worse.

Angela Miller - Hearing loss. But not tone deaf. Good. Yes.

Brett Holt - American Idol trivia guy. Multiple auditions. Bad. No.

Gurpreet Singh Sarin - Turban, beard. Turbanator. Yes.

Ashlee Feliciano - Yes.


Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Phillip Phillips GOLD

According to Soundscan, Phillip Phillips' debut album "World From The Other Side Of The Moon" is now Gold.

Soundscan reports sales of 98K in the 5th week and 58K in the 6th week bringing the total about 533K, where gold in the US is 500K.

HDD is estimating another 63K for the 7th week, so Phillip is not done yet.

To me Soundscan is more legit than RIAA certification, because RIAA looks at items shipped, not actual sales, whereas Soundscan is based on actual sales.


Thursday, January 3, 2013

Siobhan Magnus Rings In New Year

Here is Siobhan Magnus performing at The International Resort in Bolton, MA, at their New Year's Eve party, singing "Hold On, I'm Comin':"


Siobhan performed several songs, captured, as usual, by user metrowest100. The event was sold out.

And here is the same video, except I added some cheap MIDI horns:


And here is Siobhan's "Over The Rainbow." This is a very unusual version because she sings it much higher than the original, then sings it mostly in a baby falsetto. Yet the last note she uses natural voice to convey anguish. This shows again the extreme versatility of Siobhan Magnus:



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