Lee Villanueva

(Photos are to follow)

AND THE BOTTOM 3 ARE:

Michael Sarver

Scott Mcintyre

and

(surprisingly,) Matt Giraud

AND THE ONE WHO LEFT WAS:

Michael Sarver (finally!)

MATT GIRAUD: (Let's Get It On) I'm glad that my favorite guy got off the piano seat and showed more of his performer side. Even though I wasn't sure if it's as great as last week's performance, I still find him a black stag front runner.

KRIS ALLEN: (How Sweet It Is) His performance is great as well, and I think he's getting better week after week, though his rendition kinda reminded me of James Taylor's cover.

SCOTT MCINTYRE: (You Can't Hurry Love) I didn't like his performance. It's just the same as before. Thank God the back-up ladies are there beside him; at least, I saw something new.

MEGAN CORKREY: (For Once In My Life) She may be one of my favorite contestants, but I have to admit she had a poor performance last night. She definitely chose the wrong song, her vocals sounded weak and uncertain.

ANOOP DESAI: (Ooohh Baby Baby) I just find his performance good. I disagree with Paula's comment that his falsetto's good; I think it's weak in most parts.

MICHAEL SARVER: (Ain't too Proud to Beg) His attempt to “take it into church” definitely failed. I guess this song really requires mad, loud vocals (like George Huff's in Season 3 at least). I agree with the judges that the song dominated him. He's in big trouble tonight.

LIL ROUNDS: (Heatwave) Like last week, Miss Lil once again chose the wrong song. It seemed like she had a hard time catching up with the song's tempo that she failed to show how great of a singer she is. She should have chosen a Marvin Gaye song.

ADAM LAMBERT: (Tracks of My Tears) I was actually surprised with this performance. Even though I'm not a Lambert fan, I loved what he last night because even though he showed vocal restraint (unlike in the past weeks), his performance remained strong as ever (though next week, I want to see his vulnerable side because I still haven't seen it)

DANNY GOKEY: (Get Ready) Even though I'm for Gokey, I think his performance last night was just above average. Period. No erase.

ALLISON IRAHETA: (Papa was a Rolling Stone) I think her performance was one of the best last night (tied with Adam). Great song choice. Great vocals. Great personality. Everything is great about her. (I think)

MY BOTTOM 3:

Michael Sarver

Megan Corkrey

Scott Mcintyre

AND THE PERSON LEAVING IDOL IS:

Michael Sarver

Surprisingly, the Bottom 3 this week are:

Michael Sarver

Allison Iraheta

and

Alexis Grace

And more surprisingly, the one who bid farewell is

Alexis Grace(!)

(PHOTOS COURTESY OF americanidol.com)

The Bottom 4 this Week:

And the ones who were sent home are:

Jorge Nuñez

and

Jasmine Murray

(Images courtesy of americanidol.com)

(Due to a problem with my broadband connection, I wasn’t able to update my blog yesterday.  Anyway, here it goes)

Last night, the Top 13 heated up a bigger and definitely better stage with the music of Michael Jackson.  And because it’s from the King of Pop, upbeat songs and great energy on the stage were expected

LIL ROUNDS: (The Way You Make Me Feel) She definitely started the show right.  She showed mad vocal skills and made the song soulful and bluesy.  Great stage presence as well.

SCOTT MCINTYRE: (Keep the Faith) Even though he gave a heartfelt performance, I still think what he did was just like a few weeks ago; I couldn’t find something new and it’s beginning to bore me a little.

DANNY GOKEY: (PYT/Pretty Young Thing) I loved his performance and his energy on the stage.  Like Lil, he definitely got great vocal range.  And I also like the huskiness in his voice.  Very good.

MICHAEL SARVER: (You Are Not Alone) He gave a good performance.  He had good voice control, though I think it would have been better if he sang a bit higher and made more runs in the bridge-last chorus part to make it greater and more uplifting.

JASMINE MURRAY: (I’ll Be There) I wasn’t sure if she did well in her performance.  I think it’s just okay in terms of vocals.  Well, maybe it’s because I’d prefer to have her sing an upbeat song.  Nevertheless, she looked good in the camera.

KRIS ALLEN: (Remember the Time) I liked his performance.  Like what Randy said, he’s like Jason Mraz.  He didn’t only have great appeal to the audience; he’s got pipes as well.  And he sounded very current

ALLISON IRAHETA:  (Give In To Me) I’m really amazed how this sixteen-year-old got a mature rangy rock voice.  She’s one of the few that I’m looking really forward to in giving great performances.  And I wasn’t disappointed last night.  I loved her rock rendition.  I can see another rocker Kelly Clarkson/Pink in the making. 

ANOOP DESAI: (Beat It) He gave a very karaoke performance of the song.  I was disappointed with him this week.  And I did not see something new in him that he’s becoming a bit boring for me.

JORGE NUÑEZ: (Never Can Say Goodbye)  Another boring performance for me.  Period.  He might be one of those in trouble this week

MEGAN JOY CORKREY: (Rockin Robin) Even though the judges gave her some negative comments, I still enjoyed her performance.  It’s really fun watching her coz she’s cute and her voice’s kinda appealing.

ADAM LAMBERT: (Black or White) Yes, he gave a great performance, but I find it quite over the top.  But he’s definitely a shoo-in the final 5 at least.

MATT GIRAUD: (Human Nature) Actually, I liked him better than Adam.  I just like his singer-songwriter image and I love how he puts soul in his performance.  And I’m so glad that he made it in the Top 12 (or 13, I should say)

ALEXIS GRACE: (Dirty Diana) She didn’t make it in the Top 13 for no reason at all.  I liked her performance.  She even reminded me of Christina Aguilera.

Before the show ended, Ryan said that there would be a slight change in the rules this season.  I think it would be about the decision: maybe the results will be 50% from America’s vote and 50% from the judges vote (or something like that)

MY TOP 5: (in no particular order)

Matt Giraud

Adam Lambert

Kris Allen

Lil Rounds

Allison Iraheta

MY BOTTOM 4:

Jorge Nuñez

Anoop Desai

Jasmine Murray

Scott Mcintyre

- BASED ON LAST NIGHT’S PERFORMANCES, I think the ones who should go are Jorge and Anoop. (PS. IMO only)

This week, I find it quite hard to pick my top 3 contestants because I got to have more bets in this batch than the previous ones.  Well, here are my comments for each performance:

VON SMITH: (You’re All I Need to Get By).  He definitely showed improvement compared to his past auditions.  And the judges also gave him positive comments.  I think he’s got good showmanship and voice.  But I’m not sure he’ll get the top guy/second highest vote from America.

TAYLOR VAIFANUA: (If I Ain’t Got You).  In my opinion, it’s a wrong decision for her to sing that song the second time around (reminded me of Haley Scarlato from Season 6 when she sang It’s All Coming Back To Me Now the 2^nd time around; the judges did not enjoy it).  She lacked personality in her performance that I wasn’t thrilled watching and listening to it.  Overall, I think her performance isn’t enough to get her to the finals.  Well, at least at this moment.  Or tomorrow.

ALEX WAGNER TRUGMAN: (I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues).  He definitely can sing, but I find his performance quite odd and sort of little disturbing.  Maybe it’s because of some awkward things that happened in the stage while he’s singing.

ARIANNA AFSAR: (The Winner Takes It All).  I think she got the wrong song choice because it’s too big for her.  Her attempt to make it a good contemporary version failed for me; the original song has too much melody, the arrangement wasn’t contemporary (I think it was even slower than the original), and Arianna did too much vocal acrobatics that it somewhat messed up the whole song

JU’NOT JOYNER: (Hey There Delilah). Even though he had a safe performance, I still find it good because it was smooth and he showed some vulnerability.  The tone of his voice is nice as well (He somewhat reminded me of Sisqo).  Overall, I liked his performance, though I’m not sure if he would make it in the top 3.  But I hope that he at least will be chosen as a contender in the wildcard round.

KRISTEN MCNAMARA: (Give Me One Reason).  She definitely got a great big voice and I also loved her performance (though were some pitchy moments especially in the end part).  However, the judges had a problem with her personality, particularly her get-up).  But still, I’m rooting for her to be included in the top 12 (or if not, in the wildcard round at least).

NATHANIEL MARSHALL: (I Would Do Anything For Love).  I didn’t like his performance at all.  He can sing, but I think he lacked distinction in his voice.  I did not also like the arrangement of the song (tempo shifting, that is; I found it weird).  But he has a good personality.  That’s all

FELICIA BARTON: (No One) I love this girl.  I thought she looked great and had a distinct personality and voice as well.  She reminded me of Carly Smithson.  Though there were some pitch problems in her performance (especially on the first chorus, the “no one” was off-key), I still found it good.  She’s one of my bets as well.

SCOTT MCINTYRE: (Mandolin Rain).  Overall, he gave a good heartfelt performance, though I can’t wait for him to sing while he plays the piano.  I think he’ll be included in the Top 12

KENDALL BEARD: (This One’s for the Girls) For me, she gave a good performance, though I’m not sure in terms of her vocals and song choice.  But she’s cute.  And she definitely knows herself as a country singer (as shown in her performances)

JORGE NUÑEZ: (Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me) It’s another heartfelt performance.  Vocally-wise, he did great.  I think he’s the best male performer of the night). 

LI’L ROUNDS (Be Without You).  I think she’s the best female of the night.  I like her R&B vibe and her stage presence as well.

MY TOP 3 PREDICTION:

Top Guy: Either Jorge Nuñez or Scott Mcintyre

Top Girl: Lil Rounds

Second Highest: Either Scott Mcintyre, Jorge Nuñez, Ju’not Joyner, Felicia Barton or Kristen McNamara (though I’ll also be glad if Von Smith and Kendall Beard will join the rest of the crew)

JUST GOT THIS FROM MYLA's ENTRY

1.) SAANG GATE KA DUMADAAN PAPASOK SA UST?

Sa España gate.  Most of the time near the overpass

2.) MADALAS KUMAIN? CARP, ASTURIAS, CHUMBAYAN, P. NOVAL o NOTA (none of the above)

Sa may Asturias area.  Yung fishball, cheesesticks, and saging con hielo cart.  Isama mo na rin ang LoveLite

3.) ILANG FLOORS AND BLDG NIO?

Uhmm.. naku parang i forgot.. 4 yata un kung classrooms ang basehan pero 5 floors yata talaga

4.) ANONG TAWAG SA BLDG NIO?
St. Raymund's Building... for AB and commerce studes
 

5.) INABOT KA NA BA NG BAHA SA UST?

Hindi sa Uste eh, sa labas nun pero España area pa rin (hanggang tuhod)

6.) KULAY PUTI BA ANG UNIFORM MO?

Opo.  At maluwag pa.  Pinagtiisan ko rin yon ng 4 na taon

7.) SUMALI KA NA BA SA UNIVERSITY-WIDE ORGANIZATIONS?
Varsi, but I think it's considered a department na.. Uhm, ano pa ba? Mediartrix (1 sem lang ako naging active) and Becarios de Sto. Tomas (1 day active hehe)

8.) MAY KAKLASE/ NAGING KAKLASE KA BANG VARSITY PLAYER?

Puro mga sit-in lang sa class.  Tipong irregular ba.. 1st and 2nd year college

9.) NAKASALUBONG MO NA BA SI ABABOU, FORTUNA, ALLERA, JERVY AT IBA PANG BASKETBALL PLAYER?

Hindi lang nakasalubong, na-interview pa, hehe...nakakapanliit! (sa height ha!)

10.) SAAN MADAMENG GOOD-LOOKING PEOPLE?

Uhm... saan ba? nursing? hehe ewan ko!  lahat naman yata!

11.) KABISADO MO NA BA ANG UST HYMN?

Naku hindi po eh.  Ang natatandaan ko lang: God of all nations/ imbued with unending grace.  Mas memorize ko pa ang El Padre Nuestro at Ave Maria

.

12.) LAGI KA BANG LATE O SINASAKTO MO NA BEFORE MAG 15mins DUMATING SA ROOM (e.g. 14 mins before malate)?

Noong una punctual pa ako.  Pero nang lumaon eh alam mo na 

13.) MAY KASAMA BA KAYONG IBANG COLLEGE SA BLDG NIO? RELATED NMAN BA ANG COURSES NIO?

Yup, commerce.  Uhm pareho kaming may math and economics subjects...

14.) MAAYOS BA ANG AIRCON SA ROOM NIO?

Sa iba maayos, sa iba hindi. pero ayos lang, basta huwag ka lang mabagsakan ng yelo

15.) SAN KA NMAN MADALAS TUMAMBAY?
Sa Varsi, sa classroom, sa may Lover's lane

16.) NAKATAMBAY KA NA BA SA LOVER'S LANE NUNG HINDI PA YUN KINAKALBO? (AS IN NUNG MADAME PANG PUNO.)

Yup!

17.) MAY SCHOLARSHIP KA BA SA UST?

Meron kaso nung 1st year college-1st semester lang eh.  Di ko naabot ang 1.75 average eh hehe

18.) DL (dean's lister) ka ba?

Yup...

19.) SA TINGIN MO, MALAKI BA ANG USTE O MALIIT LANG?
Malaki na tama lang.  Ayoko naman ng sobrang laki kasi mahirap 'yon lalo na pag building to building ang lipatan mo for different subjects that you take.  Buti na lang block section dito at most profs are residents
 

20.) PAG NAGAWA NA ANG UST SRI LANKA AT IBA PANG BRANCHES NA BINABALAK ITAYO NG UST BY 2011, MAY BALAK KA BANG LUMIPAT AT IWAN ANG MAIN CAMPUS SA MANILA?

Uhmm, tapos na po ako hehe.  Siguro.  Di natin alam hehe

21.) LAST: NANGHIHINAYANG KA BA SA TUITION FEE NA BINABAYAD MO SA TUWING ENROLMENT?

Natapos na naman ang isang taon sa serye ng buhay mo, Lee.  Talaga namang ang bilis ng panahon.  Hindi mo aakalaing mahigit isang taon ka na palang nagtatrabaho.  Parang kailan lang, isa kang bolang tumatalbog-talbog sa Mataas na Paaralan ng North Fairview.  Nang lumaon, sumingaw ka nang kaunti dahil sa mga maliliit na batong nadadaanan mo nang ika’y patungo sa Unibersidad ng Santo Tomas.  Ngunit sa kabila ng iyong pagsingaw, isa ka pa ring bolang talbog nang talbog.  Bolang nagiging bula sa bigla mong pagkawala’t di pagpapakita sa mga organisasyong sinasalihan mo.  Mabuti na lang at tumino-tino ka nang ika’y nasa ikaapat na taon na.  Sa kabutihang palad, naging maayos naman sa kabuuan ang pananatili’t pagtatapos mo ng kolehiyo sa institusyong Dominikano.  Subalit nanumbalik na naman ang iyong pagiging pasaway nang magtrabaho ka sa Business World.  Isang buwan lang, umayaw ka na!  At ang mas malala pa nito, naisip mo nang banding tanghali na ayaw mo na at kinahapunan, nagpasa ka na ng alam mo na!  Matino bang pag-iisip ang mayroon ka?  Padalos-dalos!  Sa bagay, desisyon mo naman ‘yan.  Wala na akong magagawa pa.  Tapos na ‘yan.  Mabuti na lamang at hindi ka nabakante.     Mabuti na lang at natawagan ka agad ng kumpanyang matagal mo nang minimithang mapasukan at mapabilangan.  Naging maayos naman ang iyong pagtatrabaho—mula sa isang buwang pananatili sa una mong pinagtatrabahuhan ay nakaabot ka naman ng isang taon.  Hindi na masama (kung ang pagbabasehan ay ang kasaysayan ng iyong pagtatrabaho).  Ngunit ngayon, tila nagsasawa ka na naman sa iyong ginagawa.  Ang sabi mo sa akin at sa iba, nais mong baguhin ang iyong tatahaking landas.  Dagdag mo pa, kasabay ng pagbabago ng taon ay ang pagbabago sa ilang aspeto ng iyong buhay.  Hmmm…

ITUTULOY… (iyan ay kung hindi magiging kaunti ang pagmamahal sa paggawa ng sumulat)

I’ve been struggling with myself right now in terms of the path that I am taking (or I should suppose to take).  It’s been more than a year since I finished a degree in Journalism and yet I wasn’t able to prove myself worthy in many things especially that my life now is into facing the challenges of the real world.  I really don’t know if it’s just me who never feels contented or it’s just that I’m really left behind by others.

Maybe the problem is in me.  Maybe it’s because that I do not know what I want to do, where I want to be or where I want to end up.  Well, many people in different areas of my life asked me at least once what I want to be (especially in terms of career).  And my replies are either ‘I want to be this and that’ or ‘I am still undecided.’  But as time pass by, there I realize that the first reply of mine should be omitted as an option.   To be honest, I feel envious to other people who know what they want to be and put them into realization.  And there’s this sense of disappointment that I feel towards myself as to the current path that I am taking. 

With regard to my current job as a researcher of a talk show, I’m having some doubts to the fulfillment it brings in me.  Some colleagues of mine say that I should continue on with my current job because it gives a sense of fulfillment and pride when you get to be promoted eventually to a higher position plus the fact that you are working at a prestigious company.  Others in a sort of way influence or affect my thoughts into getting another (fair and more humane) job where one’s efforts are justifiably replaced by good compensations that in some way might be the root of fulfillment especially when you have multiple ambitions and to-do’s and to-be’s in life.