Live the Dlush Life

Adam Lambert Would Be, Like, My Best Friend

I am so excited about American Idol this year, more so than I've ever been.

Although I have watched the show regularly since it first began, after the audition shows are over, my attention tends to rise and fall based on who is contending for the crown.

For instance, I was a big Justin Guarini fan so I definitely watched the first season. He lost, but I was okay with Kelly Clarkson winning because she seemed like a regular girl who would be in my dorm or something.

Carrie Underwood was also cool, but I liked her even more when she released that "Before He Cheats" song. Who ever thought someone could make trashing a car so musically appealing?

I also watched last year because I thought David Cook and David Archulata were both guys I would have dated in different times in life.

For instance, David Cook is the type of guy I would go out with now, while David Archulata reminds me of the guy who took me on my very first date (I was five and he took me to the drug store and let me pick out any piece of candy I wanted. I picked out Skittles).

On the other hand, I thought Fantasia was talented, but stopped watching after a while because it seemed obvious she was going to win. I found Taylor Hicks boring in a kind of "my-Dad-would-like-him" way and Jordin Sparks was just too high-schooly for me.

This year is the best ever and,for me, it's all because of Adam Lambert.

I mean, Danny Gokey's got a good voice, but he seems like the guy my older sister, Jen, had a rebound romance with after she broke it off with her fiance. They even have similar voice -- and that's a problem for me.

When she broke it off, he got a guitar, stood outside what he thought was her window and started singing "Hey Jen," instead of "Hey Jude."

Of course, it was my window and I was trying to sleep. Ugh.

Kris Allen is a cutie, and I would probably vote for him in another season (and date him if he wasn't married), but this year is all about the Adam.

Adam is, like, the best guy friend I've never had, but always wanted. He's cool (knows how to put on mascara), nice, funny, a great singer and he dresses great.

I could see talking with him about my problems with a guy who looks like David Cook and would actually try to understand without seeing it as a way to make me like him instead.

Adam would also let me know that there's a guy who likes me for me and not because I spent hours trying to look cute.

I'm not alone. My friends think Adam is a dream and so does my Mom. We're all rooting for him to be the next American Idol.

There are some guys I know who are threatened by Adam because he dresses cooler than them, but they're just threatened, I just know if they got to know him, they would realize how cool he is.

In fact, I'd bet he'd even tell David Cook and Kris Allen what a cool girl I am and why they should date me.
 

My Contenders For 2009's Top Summer Song

With summer approaching we can only anticipate the songs we will one day associate with this summer.

It seems that every summer has at least one particular song that forever triggers all the memories of the season.

For instance, for me, 2008 was overtaken by “Katy Perry mania.” It seemed every station was blaring “I Kissed A Girl” -- sometimes all at once.

As for 2007, I think everyone can remember walking into a bar, store, or summer party singing along with Rihanna’s “Umbrella.”

As sick as we all probably got of those songs by the time August rolled around, they now bring me to a nostalgic state every time I hear them.

Naturally, that makes me wonder as we coast into summer, what songs will always remind me of summer 2009.

I think everyone can agree that the Black Eyed Peas’ song “Boom Boom Pow” could be a contender. It’s taken over the radio, just like a true summer hit.

The upbeat tempo and catchy lyrics defiantly create an appropriate summer vibe, but I wonder if it is reaching maturity a little too early for true summer song superiority. We will see if it can withstand the next three months.

On the other hand, I think the 3 OH! 3 ditty, “Don’t Trust Me” is a contender for top summer song for the way it mixes rap with some electronic beats (which seems to be becoming more and more popular).

Its appeal to a large audience really could eventually make it 2009’s No. 1 Summer Song.

It’s hard not to listen to it and not dance in your car (for me at least).

A personal favorite of mine and a song I believe is defiantly a front runner is Madcon’s “Beggin’.”

Its smooth sound makes it undeniable fun to listen to. If I had the only vote, I would definitely pick “Beggin’” as 2009’s hottest summer hit!

Of course, Britney’s back, and I don’t think we can ignore her potential for providing a big summer hit.

So far, “Womanizer,” “Circus,” and “If You Seek Amy” have all proven to be hits. I’m not sure if one of those will be a summer sensation or if it will be another Britney track, but I do know that she can’t be ignored.

It’s not officially summer so we can’t tell what will happen musically, but I am definitely excited to hear how it all plays out.

Whether or not my predictions are off beat, I can promise you all that a summer hit is on the way. So turn your radio up, roll down the windows, and embrace the music of summer.

If Susan Boyle Can Do It, I Can Too

Unless you live under a rock, you know about the Scottish, "Britain’s Got Talent" star and worldwide sensation: Susan Boyle.

Well, evidently until Thursday night, I’d been living under a rock.

I’m sitting in class on Thursday night and I overhear someone talking about Susan Boyle and I immediately think in my head, “Who the hell is Susan Boyle?” 

Next thing I know, someone from across the room belts out, “Oh my god, I love Susan Boyle!!”

Very confused, I look to my friend on my right and ask “What is Susan Boyle?”

Before I know it, someone has pulled up the YouTube clip of Britain’s Got Talent, and there is 47-year old Susan Boyle staring out with her sheepish grin, microphone pressed to her lips.

I sit back, anxious to understand what has got everyone in such a frenzy over this unassuming woman.  All the while, thinking this must be some kind of sad joke.

Mere moments later, the hair on my arms are rigid with goose-bumps, my jaw’s dropped, and my eyes are filling with tears.

I was completely floored and blown away by Susan’s musical talent.  The sound of her voice was like an angel singing.

Along with the snickering crowd, before Susan began her extraordinary performance, I judged her.  And looking back, I should’ve known better.

Considering the overwhelming pressures I’m feeling as graduation creeps its ugly head around the corner.  I’m faced with too many changes, too many choices, and too many decisions.  I just feel like taking a timeout – from life. 

But there’s a lesson to be learned from Susan: if she can withstand 47 years of pressure and come out on top, I think I can handle a few monumental life decisions at 21 years old.

You are a true inspiration, Susan Boyle!

Going Gaga For The New Pop Queen

There are some songs that you hear for the first time, and you just know.  It sounds just too good; like you’re sitting there rocking out, wondering, “how could no one have thought of this before?”   

And you know that the ingenious artist behind it...well they usually explode into stardom as fast as a meteoroid entering the atmosphere.

I specifically remember the moment I knew that Lady Gaga was officially the new face of pop. I was in a bar (legally OF COURSE!) when I first saw the music video for “Just Dance” playing on half a dozen television screens. The song was just beginning to circulate around all the local radio stations, but the few times I had heard the funky pop tune, all I wanted to do is what Lady Gaga commanded of me-- “just dance.”
 
The video features a party full of yuppie hipsters, crammed into what looks an artsy, 1960’s throwback style apartment. Everyone in the video is dressed like their about to leave and hit up NYC’s uber-trendy underground nightclubs.

At the same time, there are bizarrely random touches that subliminally pop up throughout the video (like the shirtless guy wearing a head of a bear mascot costume).

The overall vibe is, of course, hip: but also smart, provocative, and a totally fresh breath of air from the current drone of “sex, money, violence” that has overtaken the pop culture scene.

“This girl is cool. She’s original. I like it.” I remember thinking out loud.

As it turns out, Gaga is not just a fresh face that was picked up by MTV or some record label and forced to pump out great pop songs.

She’s actually worked her way up from the bottom, which is, like, a completely unheard of phenomenon in the pop world, as every star nowadays is handpicked from some horrible reality show or YouTube video.

And Gaga has done it all on her own terms. At age 4, she started to experiment with music when she learned to play the piano by ear. At 14, she played open mike nights at clubs such as New York’s the Bitter End. By age 17, she became was one of 20 kids in the world to be offered early admission to Tisch School of the Arts at NYU.

Signed by her 20th birthday, Gaga began writing songs for other artists (such as the Pussycat Dolls). The Fame is Lady Gaga’s first solo album to be released, and she’s stepped out of the shadows in a huge way. 

Not only is the girl a natural talent, and her songs are fiercely original, but Gaga is also changing the face of fashion. I mean, her sense of style alone makes her a true icon.

If you’ve ever seen pictures the tiny platinum blonde, you’ll notice that she frequently rocks lavender-colored lipstick, futuristic-looking Rayon jackets with gigantic shoulder pads, and is notorious for leaving the house in nothing but a one piece and some fish nets.

No pants… but this time (for those of you who read the Watchmen review) it’s a good thing.

It’s not like I’m going to run out and pick me up some of that purple-hued lip-gloss or go searching my mothers closet for old ‘80s shoulder pad ensembles (and before you do, I suggest you think twice about it).

The reason that I am suggesting that Gaga be crowned the new Queen of Pop is not because I think Gaga “gets it right” all of the time; it is because she is an individual.  She is a role model for our anti-establishment generation that believes no institution should have the right to tell us who we should, or should not be.

She is different and weird and she makes absolutely no apologies for it.  Call me strange, but, to me, that is the epitome of cool.

In a recent issue of magazine, Lady Gaga was interviewed about her recent catapult into stardom and iconic fame. She responded by saying:

"Some artists want your money so they can buy Range Rovers and diamond bracelets, but I don't care about that kind of stuff. I want your soul."

It’s all yours Gaga. All hail the Queen!!

War Child Looks for Heroes

When I was looking at recent album releases the other day, Heroes, put out by the charity organization War Child, caught my eye...and ears.  While the concept of a charity releasing a cover album is certainly not an original one, War Child puts a new twist on an old idea by having music legends, including David Bowie and Paul McCartney, nominate a contemporary artist and choose one of their classic songs they want that artist to cover. 

Whether you enjoy cover songs that stay true to the original or covers that strike out in a new direction, this album has you covered.  One of the most inspired tracks, and my favorite, features Lily Allen covering the Clash’s classic "Straight to Hell."  Her stunning vocal talent mixed with a melancholy tone really brings out the honesty of the lyrics. The result is an instant classic. 

Contrasting this sound is The Hold Steady with their cover of Bruce Springsteen’s "Atlantic City," which is surprisingly true to the original song albeit with more of a big band feel.  Elbow’s cover of U2’s "Running to Stand Still" is a stunningly touching song that rivals the original.  Beck does a superb job with "Leopard-Skin Pill Box-Hat," adding his own unique flair to the Bob Dylan classic.  I also enjoyed Duffy’s rendition of Paul McCartney’s (or Wing’s if you want to get technical) "Live and Let Die." While it doesn’t quite do the original song justice, Duffy’s stripped down version drips with emotion. Some other big names on the album include Estelle covering Stevie Wonder’s "Superstition," Peaches putting together an electronic rendition of The Stooges’ "Search and Destroy" and Rufus Wainwright singing Brian Wilson’s "Wonderful" and "Song For Children." 

If you’re thinking about downloading the album on Limewire or some other site consider this:  The proceeds from sales of "War Child: Heroes" go to help children in war torn countries.  Besides getting some great music, you also contribute to helping children in Iraq, Afghanistan, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.  War Child uses the money to rebuild schools that have been destroyed, to pay for children’s education and to reunite former child soldiers with their families.

After being jaded by an assortment of uninspired and sub-par cover albums I’ve finally found an album to restore my faith in the ability of contemporary artists to take classic songs and make them sound fresh.  Like any album, this one has high points and low points. Overall, it is an eclectic and enjoyable experience. Since it’s attached to such a great cause, why not give it a try?  You could become a child’s hero!

Time for Chris Brown to Take a Bow?

The story is one that has enough drama to fill a book or a couple of hours of silver screen hit. Not even Shakespeare or the writers of Gossip Girl could make this twisted stuff up.

It all began when the reigning prince and princess of the young hip-hop scene were set to appear at the 2009 Grammy Awards.  When the couple was mysteriously M.I.A. at the ceremony, Hollywood soon became abuzz with curiosity. The scandalous revelation that singer Chris Brown had physically abused girlfriend Rihanna quickly spread like wildfire.

The rumors roared through the hills of Hollywood, their flames engulfing every gossip magazine, entertainment show and blog. It was rumored that the fight had started at a pre-Grammy celebration, where the couple was arguing over a flirtatious text message that was left on Brown’s phone by an unknown female admirer. Everyone from Paris Hilton to Leona Lewis was accused of sending the instigating text. 

Police reports confirmed that the fight involved a text message received by Brown, after which the argument between the couple quickly escalated out of control. Brown began hitting Rhianna and even made threats to kill her. It was said that Rihanna somehow obtained the keys of the car which Chris was driving, and threw them into the street. When police arrived at the scene, Brown had fled from the car, leaving a bruised and battered Rihanna all alone. It was indicated in police reports that Brown turned himself in to police the following morning.

Brown quickly found himself being dismissed from endorsement deals like Wrigley’s. Radio stations instantly stopped playing his hit songs. Hollywood A-listers clamored to take sides and share their thoughts on the matter. Both parties have issued statements since the incident, neither giving many specifics because of “legal” obligations.  It seems as though everyone has been split over the whole ordeal.

Everyone except Rihanna and Chris Brown, that is.

In the most recent chapter of this bizarre story, pictures have leaked indicating that the couple has reunited at P. Diddy’s house in Miami. It seems as though princess RiRi is willing to give her frog – ahem – I mean prince, a second chance.

While the story seems to have a bittersweet conclusion for now, I am hopeful that this is not the final chapter or ending scene.

If I could write the ending of the script, here’s what it would look like:

Princess Rihanna awakes from her trance, ditches her toad, finds a prince worth kissing and lives happily and healthily ever after.

Roll credits.

GRAMMY Glam

 

If you didn’t already know (as in you’ve been in hibernation for the last month), this Sunday marks the 51st Annual Grammy Awards, held once again live from the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Everyone in the music industry is gearing up for what is sure to be an exciting show. With performances including everyone from Lil Wayne and Taylor Swift, to Radiohead, the Jonas Brothers, Paul McCartney and many more, the Grammys have made sure this year that the all-star lineup appeals to fans all over the music spectrum.

And with good reason.

Primetime networks have continued to watch their awards show ratings drop in recent years. Just three years ago, the Grammys aired on a Wednesday night and lost its viewers to the ever popular American Idol. Ratings two years ago faired better for CBS, but last year’s Grammy ratings showed that the 17.5 million viewers that did tune in was a 12% drop from the previous year.

So where did all the love go? My guess is that all the pre-shows, before the red carpet interviews, before the actual award ceremony, has us all so weary of Ryan Seacrest’s cheesy smile that we couldn’t last through the actual awards show. Tuning in a half hour before the show starts to see a quick camera pan of the amazing array of glitzy gowns and bowties is one thing, but the networks have taken it to a whole new, frankly exasperating, level.

Attention E! News network - we don’t care what Beyoncé could wear to the Grammys if your wardrobe stylist were dressing her; nor do we care about what Katy Perry might receive in her gift bag for being a performer at the event. There’s a legitimate reason the Grammys are held each year, and its not so celebrity gossipers can soak up all the glory of the event!

It is to recognize those artists who have created outstanding and innovative music, whose unique voice or sound is changing the face of the music industry. But amongst all this buzz and hype, the very spirit of the show has gotten lost somewhere in translation. And viewers have been disengaged in response.

So will this year be different? My hope is that this Sunday’s Grammy show will showcase talent instead of tabloid gossip. Will you tune in to see who wins on February 8th or will you wait to see the recaps in Monday’s issue of People?

American Idol

I know it wasn’t just you who pretended to sneer at the idea then rush home like a shoe-junkie to sit in front of the TV and watch the season premier of American Idol.

Maybe it wasn’t just you, but there were fewer of us than usual tuning in to watch the 8th season of the hit show. Neilson reported that American Idol received its lowest ratings for an opening show since 2004. I guess the show’s executives expected a lot worse, because the number of viewers (30.1 million) received a sigh of relief more than anything else.

Enough of us tuned in to watch the three stooges repeatedly say ‘Dawg’ to the contestants, play nice while slurring words or just plain make them cry. But this year we got a new addition to the judging panel – singer/songwriter Kara DioGuardi. It’s Kara, folks. Not Carra, Kerra or Carrie. Many of us may not have known who the heck she was before, but something tells me we’re going to be seeing a lot of her from now on.

Tuning in to watch Simon, Paula, Randy and Kara play good cop/bad cop with the contestants is all nice and well, and the excitement of seeing undiscovered talent get recognition is thrilling. But the major pull of audiences definitely has to be wondering what breed of nutcases will get their chance to be on television.

Surely some of us already have favorite "audition crazies" and “I can’t believe s/he did that” moments. There’s Brianna, the highly lively (caffeine overloaded) sweet girl who tried to keep her optimism up while her eyes clouded with tears. Her singing abilities are ok. Her energy is refreshing and she did call scary Simon "Simmie." That gets an "A" in my book.

Of course there’s Katrina Darrel who will forever be known as ‘Bikini Girl,’ with her quivering chin and bad attitude. She bulldozed her way through her audition, almost wedgie-free. The girl could actually sing and the bikini gimmick was balsy and effective. But darling, did you really have to be so embarrassingly rude?

Finally, the award for “I can’t believe he just did that” goes to Ryan Seacrest, the friendly, goofy guy with the microphone. He tried to congratulate the vision-impaired Scott McIntyre on moving to the next round. Riddle me this, Seacrest - When's a good time to high-five a blind guy?

Soundtrack to History

It’s here! It’s FINALLY here! Obama is going to the White House!

The inauguration of the President-elect Barack Obama will be held on January 20, 2009. With an expected flood of people in attendance, the music selection has to be good, right? 

It makes you wonder. We have gotten acquainted with president Obama’s (don’t you just love how that rolls off the tongue) comfortable confidence, his sharp mind and smooth voice. We have talked about Michelle’s wardrobe and what dog they’re getting their daughters.

We’ve swapped our Che Guevara t-shirts for Obama apparel proudly declaring “YES WE CAN”. We watched the elections and fretted; and we rejoiced (or not, depending on your stance) as the young man from Illinois historically won the presidential election. We’ve lived the drama and now it’s time to officially celebrate. So what’s the soundtrack gonna be? 

One thing’s for sure, the president-elect understands that there is symphony in fusion. The inauguration will have a medley of performers both traditional and contemporary, one of which is the United States Marine Band. They have been performing for presidents since 1801. In addition to several legends such as Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder and Barbara Streisand, the inauguration will also feature those artists currently topping the billboards, such as Rihanna, Beyonce, Shakira and John Legend. 

The biggest question though, is who is going to sing the Star Spangled Banner? There were rumors that American Idol, Jennifer Hudson would take this honor, but her aids have denied this. So the question remains – Who will be the lucky person to commemorate this historical event? I guess we’ll just have to wait and see!