Today was kind of a sad day for me.
St. Paddy's Day has always been one of my favorite days. I know this comes as a shock to all of you. Really. But it's the one day of the year where it's actually cool to be Irish, and unlike every other cool thing that I pretend to be a part of but actually am not, I am actually super Irish! I like how everyone expects me to be just balls-to-the-wall crazy on this day, and I love living up to it.
All through grade school, my mom whored me out in my green finest. It was my thing. We had corned beef and cabbage for dinner every year, and it was delicious.
It took me longer to get into the booze-aholic version of St Paddy's, because it took me awhile to get into the drinking thing.
I actually do not remember the St. Paddy's of either of the years I was at Wagner. I feel like I probably should, but I do not. Somehow I've managed to forget a zillion things that happened in those 2 years.
Junior year at Fisher, I greened it out and went to a party, but if I recall correctly, I was sick or something, so I did not have mucho fun.
Senior year. I started drinking as soon as I got out of class. Spent the whole evening in the quad, drinking with the girls, and Mark Waldron and his rubber face. It was greeeeeat.
Although I was drinking, like, hard iced tea, which is questionable in and of itself.
My first year living in Rochester, Jhole and I were so poor. When St. Paddy's rolled around, I was sort-of-employed-but-not-actually-working-at an irish pub, and would actually go on to get my first real job the next week. Soooo I had the whole day free for festivities.
I started my day by going with Chris Fanning to Geneva for an Irish lunch and green beer with his dad. Delightful.
It should also be noted that this was during a time when I was....uh....connecting with my Irish roots, and became sooooort of obsessed with a little group called Celtic Thunder, which is not actually a bunch of Irish Chippendale dancers, but is in fact a musical group. I don't really have a defense for this, other than to say that I love men with accents. And there was a particular boy in the group, named Keith, who is cute as a button and speaks with an almost unintelligable Derry accent, and has a birthday 2 days after mine, which, it must be said that there's nothing a gemini loves more than ANOTHER GEMINI!
ANYWHO, so my dear friend Heather, who actually GOT me into Celtic Thunder, because she and her mom were even more into it, was that very day attending the St. Paddy's Day parade in NYC, because Celtic Thunder was performing. She was there with a group of Celtic Thunder fans, and the guys ended up actually coming over to meet them. So I am at Chris's, when my phone rings, and it's Heather, so I pick it up and I hear "[garble garble garble] my friend Colleen?" followed by "Hullo Colleen!" from the adorable Irish boy's mouth! I, thinking she was holding the phone out to him at a distance that he couldn't actually hear me, made some sort of enthusiastic squawk, which I imagine was quite unpleasant, considering he had actually taken her phone and was holding it up to his ear. Just another example of me embarrassing myself in the presence of pseudo-celebrities (see also: JC Chasez.)
Anyway, this was a very special St. Paddy's Day, because not only was it the most Irish of days, but it was also Jenna Bellucci's 21st birthday. Imagine, if you will, that situation. The drinking that ensued. The evening was spent at The Colony, the bar down the street. It was also, by some karmic magnificence, karaoke night. Throughout the night, Jenna did the following:
1. Went around the bar telling everyone EVERYONE that it was her birthday. Some people gave her stickers.
2. Did a somersault, at the end of the night, across the bar floor. Gross.
3. Got up in front of everyone in the crowded bar, took the mic from the karaoke guy, and made a big speech thanking everyone IN THE ENTIRE BAR for coming out for her birthday. One of the funniest things I have ever witnessed.
Then she woke up the next morning, feeling fine and dandy, while Chris Fanning and I barely woke up.
That weekend, Jenna, Amanda, and I continued the birthday celebration in Syracuse, specifically Tipp Hill. We had so much silly fun, including eating tacos in Amanda's kitchen at 2 am, and me making tactless yet timely Natasha Richardson jokes.
Last year was much more of the same, except with slightly less birthday fun, as it was not a milestone b-day for J Booch. Also, I had to work all day. And in an exercise in poor planning, I had to work the next day as well. Which turned out to be unfortunate, because I got more drunk that night than I have ever ever gotten in my life. I don't really remember much of the night, though I imagine it was magical. I do remember waking up in the middle of the night to puke in my trashcan, only to find out when I woke up the next morning that I had completely misjudged the location of the trashcan and had actually projectile vomited all over my bedroom floor. I think I was probably more ashamed of this situation than I have ever been in my life. Especially because I did not have enough time before I left for work to completely finish cleaning it up, so my room smelled like vomit all day. It should also be said that while getting ready in the morning, I was still drunk. Being drunk turned into being hungover while I was on the bus to work. Which, as you can imagine, is not the best place to feel hungover. I sat with my purse open in my lap in case I needed to vomit into it. I was lucky that day, because the phones were not busy, and best of all, my boss did not come in until halfway through the day. So I sat at my desk and slept off my hangover for 2 hours. Better yet, I had a work-related dinner to go to that night, which I still felt like crap for. Fun times. I didn't drink for....months afterward.
So much fun, so many years in a row!
This year, I wore a green shirt. That was the extent of it. I worked late. I came home to an empty house, because my parents were at a St Paddy's Day celebration in Oswego. I called my sister, but she was on her way out. I had pickle dip and Mountain Dew for dinner, because they're kind of green. I don't want to sound like a big moper, because I've done SO much moping in this blog, which I intended to be full of hilarity. But there are certain days where I'm just really sad to not be in Rochester anymore. I feel like everything's happening and I'm missing it. Today was one of those days, big time. I know this was my decision; I've made my bed and now I've got to lie in it, but it's just hard sometimes.
However, writing about the great March 17ths of yore have brought a smile to my face and to my heart.
Much the way this does: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCbuRA_D3KU
Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone!
Friday, March 18, 2011
Monday, March 14, 2011
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Legen-WAIT FOR IT-dary
Guys, I've really gotten into watching How I Met Your Mother lately. For the longest time, it's been one of those shows I kind of enjoyed whenever I caught it, but I never really got into watching it regularly. Well, now I'm pretty much obsessed with it, which is convenient, because there's pretty much an episode playing somewhere on some channel at any given time. So, aces.
But really. Now, I'm going to make a bold statement here, but I think HIMYM may be the Friends of this decade. It's not nearly as good as Friends, because nothing is, but I think it's the first sitcom to really work the same dynamic friends had, and it's consistently funny.
Anyway, in related news, I just made the discovery today that when I saw The Graduate on broadway when I was in high school, the guy I saw understudy for Jason Biggs' lead role was JOSH RADNOR! Aka Ted Moseby! Madness. I don't really remember anything of his performance, other than thinking that he was cute. I should've gotten his autograph after the show, but I was too busy losing my mind over seeing Cher Horowitz and Chandler's dad (aka Alicia Silverstone and Kathleen Turner) in person.
In more related news, today I saw the trailor for Happythankyoumoreplease, which is an actual movie title of the actual movie that Josh Radnor wrote, directed, and stars in. It looks good, and I guess it won some sort of Sundance prize? Good for him.
In unrelated and unfortunate news, I have had two songs CONSTANTLY stuck in my head today: For The First Time by The Script, and What The Hell by Avril Lavigne. Awful. Well, the Avril song is admittedly kind of catchy, but I feel like she needs a new gimmick. The Script is just UGH sooo blah. Like, who LOVES The Script? It's like saying "Oh I just LOVE Matchbox 20!" Which, I feel like comparing the two is even an insult to Matchbox 20. But I am indifferent to the point of anger about The Script. Which, I realize, is not indifference. It's just that their songs are okay, but they are played ALL THE TIME! I don't even listen to the radio/watch music videos all that much, and even I feel bombarded. Stop bombarding me, The Script. Also, stop being from Ireland, because hating you makes me feel like I'm betraying the motherland.
Seacrest out.
But really. Now, I'm going to make a bold statement here, but I think HIMYM may be the Friends of this decade. It's not nearly as good as Friends, because nothing is, but I think it's the first sitcom to really work the same dynamic friends had, and it's consistently funny.
Anyway, in related news, I just made the discovery today that when I saw The Graduate on broadway when I was in high school, the guy I saw understudy for Jason Biggs' lead role was JOSH RADNOR! Aka Ted Moseby! Madness. I don't really remember anything of his performance, other than thinking that he was cute. I should've gotten his autograph after the show, but I was too busy losing my mind over seeing Cher Horowitz and Chandler's dad (aka Alicia Silverstone and Kathleen Turner) in person.
In more related news, today I saw the trailor for Happythankyoumoreplease, which is an actual movie title of the actual movie that Josh Radnor wrote, directed, and stars in. It looks good, and I guess it won some sort of Sundance prize? Good for him.
In unrelated and unfortunate news, I have had two songs CONSTANTLY stuck in my head today: For The First Time by The Script, and What The Hell by Avril Lavigne. Awful. Well, the Avril song is admittedly kind of catchy, but I feel like she needs a new gimmick. The Script is just UGH sooo blah. Like, who LOVES The Script? It's like saying "Oh I just LOVE Matchbox 20!" Which, I feel like comparing the two is even an insult to Matchbox 20. But I am indifferent to the point of anger about The Script. Which, I realize, is not indifference. It's just that their songs are okay, but they are played ALL THE TIME! I don't even listen to the radio/watch music videos all that much, and even I feel bombarded. Stop bombarding me, The Script. Also, stop being from Ireland, because hating you makes me feel like I'm betraying the motherland.
Seacrest out.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
I am better today
I was actually better by, like, an hour after I got home from work. Damn this seasonal depression. Not that it's entirely to blame, but it certainly doesn't help.
Some things that have helped today:
1. I got to thinking about a few posts I want to do in the future. They involve lists. And will probably only be interesting to me. Oh well. I love lists.
2. I had a long talk with my dad at dinner about my time in France. It was pretty much the best part of my life, and brought up a lot of happy memories. This evening I got out my bag o' France memories. I have been meaning to make a scrapbook out of it, but I just keep...not doing anything about it. And it's been almost 4 years. But I'm really excited about it now, and hopefully it will actually turn into something. Also, I reread my journals I kept on that trip. Love. I want to go back. Anyway, I think the project will bring me much joy.
In completely unrelated news, I was listening to Don't Stop Believin tonight, and was reminded of what a fucking awesome song that was. I miss the days, before that song became so associated with pop culture, i.e. Glee and Rock of Ages. Now, I feel like rocking out to that song is just a Gleek thing to do. I just love the 80s, goddammit!
In other news, I am worried I may have ingested some poison today. I keep tasting black licorice, like, really strongly. Which I guess means poison to me.
Some things that have helped today:
1. I got to thinking about a few posts I want to do in the future. They involve lists. And will probably only be interesting to me. Oh well. I love lists.
2. I had a long talk with my dad at dinner about my time in France. It was pretty much the best part of my life, and brought up a lot of happy memories. This evening I got out my bag o' France memories. I have been meaning to make a scrapbook out of it, but I just keep...not doing anything about it. And it's been almost 4 years. But I'm really excited about it now, and hopefully it will actually turn into something. Also, I reread my journals I kept on that trip. Love. I want to go back. Anyway, I think the project will bring me much joy.
In completely unrelated news, I was listening to Don't Stop Believin tonight, and was reminded of what a fucking awesome song that was. I miss the days, before that song became so associated with pop culture, i.e. Glee and Rock of Ages. Now, I feel like rocking out to that song is just a Gleek thing to do. I just love the 80s, goddammit!
In other news, I am worried I may have ingested some poison today. I keep tasting black licorice, like, really strongly. Which I guess means poison to me.
Monday, March 7, 2011
RAGE
Dear [redacted - you can find this by googling - YIKES],
Thank you so much for not responding to the 4 emails I have sent you regarding my interview 3 FUCKING WEEKS AGO. I really appreciate the respect and professionalism you have demonstrated in your utter lack of consideration. I mean, I know you've undoubtedly been super busy contemplating just which pair of high-waisted plaid pants you will be wearing each day, and I know that must be exhausting, but if you could take just a second of your day to write me an email, or pick up your phone and call me, that would just be super duper.
Additionally, I'm getting a little wary about you holding my portfolio hostage. I have asked nicely for it to be returned to me, even offered to pick it up myself. I know you don't even know what it is, because when I gave it to you, you thought it was a collection of random articles by random writers that I thought you might...like...to read...so I can't imagine what the fuck you've been doing with it it for all this time. But I'd really like that back, useless though it has proven to be thusfar in my job search. I will even come to your NO MAN'S LAND of an office to get it! I will barge in without knocking!
Because yes, oh yes, let's not forget, I ALREADY FUCKING WORK FOR YOU! Hi...yeah...that's me, one of the monkeys over in customer service, the one trying desperately to escape? Me. Your response is critical to my escape plan. You can see my cubicle from your office. You could feasibly write me a note, fold it into a paper airplane, and lauch it over to my cubicle, if you wanted. That would admittedly be the coolest job rejection ever. See how easy it would be for you to JUST FUCKING LET ME KNOW if the position has been filled or you're not interested in me? I mean, aren't we all supposed to be one big happy family here at Mystic? In that case, can you please help a sister out here?
Fondly,
Colleen
P.S. I know where you live.
Well, that's that. Had to get that off my chest. But seriously, WHAT THE FUCK IS WITH POTENTIAL EMPLOYERS JUST NOT RESPONDING?! This is nowhere near the first time this has happened. Throughout my entire job search, even though all but one place said that they would definitely DEFINITELY let me know either way, whether I was hired or not, by such and such a day. They just do nothing. No call, no email, in this case, not even coming over to my desk and saying, "Hey, sorry." The only way I have gotten either of the "real" jobs I've had post college has been by calling repeatedly and pestering people. And this is not like, calling the next day either. This is "Oh, we'll definitely let you know either way by next Friday" and I call, like, a week or so after that. Other places I've called and called, spoken with secretaries, and they just say they'll pass along the message and definitely have someone get back to me. False.
I am 24 years old, relatively new to the workforce, and even I know this is unprofessional. I don't want to pester you with phone calls, but when I desperately need a job because I either don't have one and have no money, or the one I have currently is going to make me start killing people in cold blood, I JUST WANT SOME SORT OF ANSWER. If you don't want to get back to people you're not interested in, just tell them in the interview that if they don't hear from you by such-and-such a date, to assume that you are not interested. Don't promise that you will call with a result either way, and then don't do it! It is so fucking frustrating.
Basically, this whole situation...plus my disappointment that I obviously have not gotten the job I wanted, and will be stuck in a horrible customer service job presumably for the rest of time, because the college degree that I wasted thousands and thousands of dollars on that I cannot afford to pay back, is about as useful as a dirty diaper...has brewed up a delicious batch of Colleen rage.
Now as most of you are aware, Colleen rage is a very special thing. Because I am a social retard, and I do not know how to process emotions such as rage and anger, they come out all wrong, often at innopportune times. Basically, all of my emotions and feelings bottle up, until one single minor thing tips me off, and I start flailing and shrieking over something absolutely ridiculous. I am a big enough person to admit that every single time, it comes across as hilarious. But imagine, if you will, if you were furious and/upset about something....and how much more infuriating it would be if your rage was hilarious. Because now, not only are you pissed off about whatever you were pissed off about in the first place, plus the minor thing that tipped you off, but NOW you are pissed off that people are LAUGHING RIGHT IN YOUR FACE over your behavior. And there is NOTHING you can do to make them stop, or realize that you're serious, or that you're really upset, because the damage has already been done. So now you just have to get over it, take a loss, bottle up all of your feelings, and be regular ol' Colleen, because GOD FORBID Colleen is ever upset about something, because then she might not be able to listen to everyone else's problems.
So, there's that. I am not a happy camper. My job makes me miserable. I am, at this point, living at home and working in customer service for the long term. What I initially planned to be a quick time at home, for maybe a year, has turned into me living at home for a long, long time. I have no way of getting out with out a very decent paying job, and there is nothing, absolutely nothing like that in Camden. I can't look for a job outside of Camden, because I do not have a car. I cannot get a car because I am not even sort of able to afford one, and my parents cannot/will not help me with one. It is non-negotiable.
I am stuck in Camden with an awful job, no friends, and absolutely nothing to do. I'm a 24 year old waste of space. So I'm sorry if I'm not always able to entertain you.
Thank you so much for not responding to the 4 emails I have sent you regarding my interview 3 FUCKING WEEKS AGO. I really appreciate the respect and professionalism you have demonstrated in your utter lack of consideration. I mean, I know you've undoubtedly been super busy contemplating just which pair of high-waisted plaid pants you will be wearing each day, and I know that must be exhausting, but if you could take just a second of your day to write me an email, or pick up your phone and call me, that would just be super duper.
Additionally, I'm getting a little wary about you holding my portfolio hostage. I have asked nicely for it to be returned to me, even offered to pick it up myself. I know you don't even know what it is, because when I gave it to you, you thought it was a collection of random articles by random writers that I thought you might...like...to read...so I can't imagine what the fuck you've been doing with it it for all this time. But I'd really like that back, useless though it has proven to be thusfar in my job search. I will even come to your NO MAN'S LAND of an office to get it! I will barge in without knocking!
Because yes, oh yes, let's not forget, I ALREADY FUCKING WORK FOR YOU! Hi...yeah...that's me, one of the monkeys over in customer service, the one trying desperately to escape? Me. Your response is critical to my escape plan. You can see my cubicle from your office. You could feasibly write me a note, fold it into a paper airplane, and lauch it over to my cubicle, if you wanted. That would admittedly be the coolest job rejection ever. See how easy it would be for you to JUST FUCKING LET ME KNOW if the position has been filled or you're not interested in me? I mean, aren't we all supposed to be one big happy family here at Mystic? In that case, can you please help a sister out here?
Fondly,
Colleen
P.S. I know where you live.
Well, that's that. Had to get that off my chest. But seriously, WHAT THE FUCK IS WITH POTENTIAL EMPLOYERS JUST NOT RESPONDING?! This is nowhere near the first time this has happened. Throughout my entire job search, even though all but one place said that they would definitely DEFINITELY let me know either way, whether I was hired or not, by such and such a day. They just do nothing. No call, no email, in this case, not even coming over to my desk and saying, "Hey, sorry." The only way I have gotten either of the "real" jobs I've had post college has been by calling repeatedly and pestering people. And this is not like, calling the next day either. This is "Oh, we'll definitely let you know either way by next Friday" and I call, like, a week or so after that. Other places I've called and called, spoken with secretaries, and they just say they'll pass along the message and definitely have someone get back to me. False.
I am 24 years old, relatively new to the workforce, and even I know this is unprofessional. I don't want to pester you with phone calls, but when I desperately need a job because I either don't have one and have no money, or the one I have currently is going to make me start killing people in cold blood, I JUST WANT SOME SORT OF ANSWER. If you don't want to get back to people you're not interested in, just tell them in the interview that if they don't hear from you by such-and-such a date, to assume that you are not interested. Don't promise that you will call with a result either way, and then don't do it! It is so fucking frustrating.
Basically, this whole situation...plus my disappointment that I obviously have not gotten the job I wanted, and will be stuck in a horrible customer service job presumably for the rest of time, because the college degree that I wasted thousands and thousands of dollars on that I cannot afford to pay back, is about as useful as a dirty diaper...has brewed up a delicious batch of Colleen rage.
Now as most of you are aware, Colleen rage is a very special thing. Because I am a social retard, and I do not know how to process emotions such as rage and anger, they come out all wrong, often at innopportune times. Basically, all of my emotions and feelings bottle up, until one single minor thing tips me off, and I start flailing and shrieking over something absolutely ridiculous. I am a big enough person to admit that every single time, it comes across as hilarious. But imagine, if you will, if you were furious and/upset about something....and how much more infuriating it would be if your rage was hilarious. Because now, not only are you pissed off about whatever you were pissed off about in the first place, plus the minor thing that tipped you off, but NOW you are pissed off that people are LAUGHING RIGHT IN YOUR FACE over your behavior. And there is NOTHING you can do to make them stop, or realize that you're serious, or that you're really upset, because the damage has already been done. So now you just have to get over it, take a loss, bottle up all of your feelings, and be regular ol' Colleen, because GOD FORBID Colleen is ever upset about something, because then she might not be able to listen to everyone else's problems.
So, there's that. I am not a happy camper. My job makes me miserable. I am, at this point, living at home and working in customer service for the long term. What I initially planned to be a quick time at home, for maybe a year, has turned into me living at home for a long, long time. I have no way of getting out with out a very decent paying job, and there is nothing, absolutely nothing like that in Camden. I can't look for a job outside of Camden, because I do not have a car. I cannot get a car because I am not even sort of able to afford one, and my parents cannot/will not help me with one. It is non-negotiable.
I am stuck in Camden with an awful job, no friends, and absolutely nothing to do. I'm a 24 year old waste of space. So I'm sorry if I'm not always able to entertain you.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
I think a change would do me good
My sister is looking to buy a house.
There are 2 bedrooms.
After going to look at it today....I want to move in with her.
It's not really feasible at this point, and I don't even know if she would want to live with me, but...yeah.
Something to think about.
There are 2 bedrooms.
After going to look at it today....I want to move in with her.
It's not really feasible at this point, and I don't even know if she would want to live with me, but...yeah.
Something to think about.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Idol Curiosity
I love American Idol. I am physically unable to not love American Idol. There are so many things I hate about it, that I bitch about, but it basically makes my life worth living, for however many months a year that it's on.
As a testament to my love, I was going to make a top 10 list of my favorite ever performances. But after spending several hours narrowing down the list of my favorites, I just cannot do a top 10. It's too hard. Then I was going to do a favorite from each season. Way too hard. Plus season 3 was worthless.
Sooo....I made a list of my top ___ (number to be filled in once I finally finish narrowing it down.) And since I'm sure you all THIRST to watch these videos, I've included a link, because I don't even know if it's possible to embed the videos in here.
SEASON 1
Kelly Clarkson - I Surrender Leah, I know you feel me on this one. Everything was so intense! The song was suspenseful! Dramatic key change! Omigod, Kelly's losing her voice, CAN SHE MAKE IT TO THE FINALE?!?! Spoiler alert: she can.
Also, if you do not love Kelly Clarkson after her winning performance, you are a big jerk.
SEASON 2
Kimberley Locke & Frenchie Davis - Band of Gold Pre-Frenchiegate. Two big black women trying to out-black each other in Hollywood Week. The winner? My ears.
Clay Aiken - Bridge Over Troubled Water I don't even care what y'all say about Clay Aiken, he can sing the shit out of a song. Bonus: this was the version we sang in chorus!
SEASON 3 was terrible.
SEASON 4 happened.
SEASON 5
Elliott Yamin and Mary J Blige - One Elliott is hands down my all-time favorite Idol contestant. Ever. And his finale performance with MJB is, as I believe we said back in that time, "off the chain". Granted, I find MJB annoying as fuck, but she's incredible in this. Watch Elliott hold his own as she attempts to drag him around the stage like a ragdoll! One of the best Idol performances ever.
SEASON 6 was a big one for me. Probably my overall favorite season, in terms of like-ability across the board.
Jordin Sparks - I Who Have Nothing Sixteen. She was sixteen when she sang this. Could you sing like this when you were sixteen? I certainly couldn't.
Blake Lewis - Virtual Insanity THAT'S RIGHT FOLKS, SOMEONE PERFORMED JAMIROQUAI ON AMERICAN IDOL. Blake Lewis deserves to live on in infamy for that reason alone. Unfortunately, he doesn't. That doesn't change the fact that I once paid $5 so that he would say my name in a youtube video, but that's certainly not the most ridiculous thing I've ever done in my life.
Chris Richardson - Geek in the Pink First of all, thank you judges for pointing out how ridiculous it was that he dedicated this performance to his grandma ("You've been invaluable tonight, Paula, haven't you?"). Secondly, I was so excited that Chris performed this Jason Mraz song that I nearly pooped my pants. He was cute as a button.
Phil Stacey - I Could Not Ask For More Again, I don't even care what you say. I LOVED Phil Stacey, and though this performance starts off rough and is almost nauseatingly cheesy, he kills it at the end. Plus, he missed the birth of his daughter to audition, so I think we need to give him some respect for the fact that his wife will hold that over his head for the rest of his life, and even after that.
Phil Stacey - Missing You Yeah that's right, more Phil Stacey. What of it? Leave his ears alone!
SEASON 7
David Archuleta - Another Day in Paradise NOBODY cared about this performance. Literally nobody. Archie probably doesn't even remember performing it. But I loooooved how he started this one out. Phil Collins haterz need not apply.
David Cook - Always Be My Baby Now, I will be the first to admit that I was extremely skeptical/overjoyed when I heard they would be doing a Mariah Carey week. But low and behold, David Cook knocked it outta the park! AND this was another super-dramatic performance, because this was the first and I think only week his terminally ill brother Adam could make it out to see him perform on the show, and it was great that he was there for such a great performance for which he received so much praise. David was super emotional, and it made for a great moment.
While I'm at it, I've basically always gone back and forth between indifference and annoyance towards David Cook, but then I saw this video, which totally changed my mind. He showed up to MC an event to benefit brain cancer, in the pouring rain, THE DAY AFTER losing his brother to the disease, and made this wonderful speech. Incredible.
SEASON 8
Matt Giraud - Georgia Fucking awesome. And this was during Hollywood week! MG is my other all-time favorite Idol contestant. Also, he used to be a dueling piano player, which, I think, may be the coolest job ever.
Kris Allen - To Make You Feel My Love I actually prefer his version to Adele's. So romantical. Maybe I'll get him to sing it at Jhole's wedding. In addition to Lifehouse. I couldn't find his actual performance, so here's the studio version featuring a really obnoxious picture.
Anoop Desai - Always On My Mind I forgot, as I was writing this, that his name is not actually "Anoop Dawg Desai". Thanks, Randy. Anyway, here's the audio of his idol performance with a really creepy still shot. And it cuts out at the very end.
Kris Allen - Ain't No Sunshine Jhole just had to change her pants.
Kris Allen - Falling Slowly I LOVE THIS. That is all. Studio version was the best I could find.
Matt Giraud - Hard to Handle This is a bit of a cheat, because he didn't perform it on the show, but he did perform it in the AI Live concert, and this is my damn list so I'll put it on here if I want. A quick visit to the Department of Backstory: I always loved Matt on the show, but my love was only musical. BUT THEN I saw him in the concert and was just...consumed with lust. He was not only crazy awesome for his entire set (a lot better than "Phone it in" Lambert, but whatever), but he was also rocking a fauxhawk. I will not apologize for loving a man with a fauxhawk. So anyway, this song was pretty much the peek of my lust.
SEASON 9
Lee DeWyze - Beast of Burden Because this song makes me want to make love to him on...like... a picnic blanket in the middle of the afternoon, to distract myself from his inability to sing the correct words.
Casey James - Jealous Guy I didn't even really care for Casey, but this performance won me over in a big way.
Lee DeWyze - The Boxer Crying! Parents! "I'm gonna try to win the thing, alright?" Ugh, I loves me a good emotional homecoming montage. His actual performance starts at like 2:40.
SEASON 10 just started! Here are the best so far:
Paul McDonald - Maggie May What a great little weirdo! He's adorable. And his teeth win at being white. Seriously. Theyaresowhite.
Also, while we're at it, his Hollywood week duet of Blackbird with Kendra somethingorother was awesome as well.
Casey Abrams - I Put A Spell On You This guy has already rendered every other contestant unnecessary. The best take on "I Put A Spell On You" since the Sanderson Sisters (2 points if you get the reference).
So that's all for this season, but I can wait to see what lies in store!
In closing, in spending HOURS compiling this list, I actually...sort of...forgot to actually vote for the boys tonight. I'M SORRY PAUL AND CASEY I HOPE YOU'RE SAFE ANYWAY! If they aren't I will never forgive myself/forget pretty quickly.
As a testament to my love, I was going to make a top 10 list of my favorite ever performances. But after spending several hours narrowing down the list of my favorites, I just cannot do a top 10. It's too hard. Then I was going to do a favorite from each season. Way too hard. Plus season 3 was worthless.
Sooo....I made a list of my top ___ (number to be filled in once I finally finish narrowing it down.) And since I'm sure you all THIRST to watch these videos, I've included a link, because I don't even know if it's possible to embed the videos in here.
SEASON 1
Kelly Clarkson - I Surrender Leah, I know you feel me on this one. Everything was so intense! The song was suspenseful! Dramatic key change! Omigod, Kelly's losing her voice, CAN SHE MAKE IT TO THE FINALE?!?! Spoiler alert: she can.
Also, if you do not love Kelly Clarkson after her winning performance, you are a big jerk.
SEASON 2
Kimberley Locke & Frenchie Davis - Band of Gold Pre-Frenchiegate. Two big black women trying to out-black each other in Hollywood Week. The winner? My ears.
Clay Aiken - Bridge Over Troubled Water I don't even care what y'all say about Clay Aiken, he can sing the shit out of a song. Bonus: this was the version we sang in chorus!
SEASON 3 was terrible.
SEASON 4 happened.
SEASON 5
Elliott Yamin and Mary J Blige - One Elliott is hands down my all-time favorite Idol contestant. Ever. And his finale performance with MJB is, as I believe we said back in that time, "off the chain". Granted, I find MJB annoying as fuck, but she's incredible in this. Watch Elliott hold his own as she attempts to drag him around the stage like a ragdoll! One of the best Idol performances ever.
SEASON 6 was a big one for me. Probably my overall favorite season, in terms of like-ability across the board.
Jordin Sparks - I Who Have Nothing Sixteen. She was sixteen when she sang this. Could you sing like this when you were sixteen? I certainly couldn't.
Blake Lewis - Virtual Insanity THAT'S RIGHT FOLKS, SOMEONE PERFORMED JAMIROQUAI ON AMERICAN IDOL. Blake Lewis deserves to live on in infamy for that reason alone. Unfortunately, he doesn't. That doesn't change the fact that I once paid $5 so that he would say my name in a youtube video, but that's certainly not the most ridiculous thing I've ever done in my life.
Chris Richardson - Geek in the Pink First of all, thank you judges for pointing out how ridiculous it was that he dedicated this performance to his grandma ("You've been invaluable tonight, Paula, haven't you?"). Secondly, I was so excited that Chris performed this Jason Mraz song that I nearly pooped my pants. He was cute as a button.
Phil Stacey - I Could Not Ask For More Again, I don't even care what you say. I LOVED Phil Stacey, and though this performance starts off rough and is almost nauseatingly cheesy, he kills it at the end. Plus, he missed the birth of his daughter to audition, so I think we need to give him some respect for the fact that his wife will hold that over his head for the rest of his life, and even after that.
Phil Stacey - Missing You Yeah that's right, more Phil Stacey. What of it? Leave his ears alone!
SEASON 7
David Archuleta - Another Day in Paradise NOBODY cared about this performance. Literally nobody. Archie probably doesn't even remember performing it. But I loooooved how he started this one out. Phil Collins haterz need not apply.
David Cook - Always Be My Baby Now, I will be the first to admit that I was extremely skeptical/overjoyed when I heard they would be doing a Mariah Carey week. But low and behold, David Cook knocked it outta the park! AND this was another super-dramatic performance, because this was the first and I think only week his terminally ill brother Adam could make it out to see him perform on the show, and it was great that he was there for such a great performance for which he received so much praise. David was super emotional, and it made for a great moment.
While I'm at it, I've basically always gone back and forth between indifference and annoyance towards David Cook, but then I saw this video, which totally changed my mind. He showed up to MC an event to benefit brain cancer, in the pouring rain, THE DAY AFTER losing his brother to the disease, and made this wonderful speech. Incredible.
SEASON 8
Matt Giraud - Georgia Fucking awesome. And this was during Hollywood week! MG is my other all-time favorite Idol contestant. Also, he used to be a dueling piano player, which, I think, may be the coolest job ever.
Kris Allen - To Make You Feel My Love I actually prefer his version to Adele's. So romantical. Maybe I'll get him to sing it at Jhole's wedding. In addition to Lifehouse. I couldn't find his actual performance, so here's the studio version featuring a really obnoxious picture.
Anoop Desai - Always On My Mind I forgot, as I was writing this, that his name is not actually "Anoop Dawg Desai". Thanks, Randy. Anyway, here's the audio of his idol performance with a really creepy still shot. And it cuts out at the very end.
Kris Allen - Ain't No Sunshine Jhole just had to change her pants.
Kris Allen - Falling Slowly I LOVE THIS. That is all. Studio version was the best I could find.
Matt Giraud - Hard to Handle This is a bit of a cheat, because he didn't perform it on the show, but he did perform it in the AI Live concert, and this is my damn list so I'll put it on here if I want. A quick visit to the Department of Backstory: I always loved Matt on the show, but my love was only musical. BUT THEN I saw him in the concert and was just...consumed with lust. He was not only crazy awesome for his entire set (a lot better than "Phone it in" Lambert, but whatever), but he was also rocking a fauxhawk. I will not apologize for loving a man with a fauxhawk. So anyway, this song was pretty much the peek of my lust.
SEASON 9
Lee DeWyze - Beast of Burden Because this song makes me want to make love to him on...like... a picnic blanket in the middle of the afternoon, to distract myself from his inability to sing the correct words.
Casey James - Jealous Guy I didn't even really care for Casey, but this performance won me over in a big way.
Lee DeWyze - The Boxer Crying! Parents! "I'm gonna try to win the thing, alright?" Ugh, I loves me a good emotional homecoming montage. His actual performance starts at like 2:40.
SEASON 10 just started! Here are the best so far:
Paul McDonald - Maggie May What a great little weirdo! He's adorable. And his teeth win at being white. Seriously. Theyaresowhite.
Also, while we're at it, his Hollywood week duet of Blackbird with Kendra somethingorother was awesome as well.
Casey Abrams - I Put A Spell On You This guy has already rendered every other contestant unnecessary. The best take on "I Put A Spell On You" since the Sanderson Sisters (2 points if you get the reference).
So that's all for this season, but I can wait to see what lies in store!
In closing, in spending HOURS compiling this list, I actually...sort of...forgot to actually vote for the boys tonight. I'M SORRY PAUL AND CASEY I HOPE YOU'RE SAFE ANYWAY! If they aren't I will never forgive myself/forget pretty quickly.
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