Archive for July, 2006

I’m back…..

Looks like you guys need a new thread!

Even More Recaps

• Right Said Fred’s Richmond VA Recap
• Pat’s Greensboro NC recap

UPDATE: I’ve FINALLY finished uploading Richmond pics to my Photobucket.  There are some nice shots of Elliott enjoying his homecoming.  Check it out.

Thanks to everybody for posting recaps and photos!  It’s a good thing you guys have been on the ball–I’ve been so busy travelling, recording, snapping, uploading etc., I haven’t really had time to post my own thoughts. 

Tomorrow I’ll post a wrap up with the best of my pictures.

More Recaps from Richmond and Washington…

• Cat’s Washington DC recap
• LA Girl’s Washington DC recap
• Megan’s Richmond VA recap

Still coming:  I haven’t finished uploading  Taylor and TONS of Elliott pics to my Richmond photobucket.   And I’ll write a Richmond/wrap-up recap when I get back to Boston tonight.   I’m hitting the road shortly, so I’ll see you peeps later!   I had an absolute blast this weekend.   Thanks for coming along for the ride…

Monday Daily Chat Thread

July 30 Greensboro, NC Idols Show

Tara’s Photobucket

Tara’s Recap

I guess I should start this out by saying, as most of you know, I’m a fan of Daughtry and Ace. So if this recap sounds a bit biased then you’ll know why.

No meeting the Idols, unfortunately, I should have flirted with those Event Staff folks. Heh. But it was an amazing night nonetheless. I went to the show with my mom, sister, and aunt. My sister and I had 4th row tickets, my mom and aunt were sitting in my old seats, which still were not bad at all, we could see them. I had my two signs, one for Ace, one for Chris. You can see the signs in my Photobucket if you’d like.

The show went as usual, except there was no girl’s medley, which didn’t bother me so much.

Mandisa started the show, singing her power vocals. And also singing her song to Ruben as well as giving her inspirational speech. She also talked about how she was glad to be back in the South. This was popular theme throughout the evening. Mandisa has a beautiful voice and will do really well in the gospel music world (if that’s where she wants to go).

Next comes Ace, and I swoon a little (ok I lie, I swoon a lot). I mean, I was prepared for the hotness that is Ace. I had heard stories. Apparently I wasn’t prepared enough. There are no words to describe the gorgeousness that is Ace of Hots. His arms…my gawd! You can swing from them like Tarzan swings from trees. He’s really a great performer as well. Cheese-a-rific but comes off as very sincere. I was the only person near the stage with a sign, so I held that thing up with pride. This got me two winks and a wave from the Ace of Hots. All the people around me were like, “omg he saw you!!” Ace has great energy and honestly has a really awesome pop/R&B voice. I was basically on cloud 9, or cloud 900, whatever.

Next out was Buck-a-roo. He got the 2nd loudest applause of the night. Before the show started his brother Rocky got a lot of cheers when he was going to his seat. His seat happened to be one row behind ours and a few seats over. It was neat-o. Bucky was thriving off of the crowd’s energy. He had a really good performance. He has such pretty hair. I looked over at Rocky a few times and he was jamming out and had the biggest grin on his face. I was actually quite impressed with Bucky.

Out comes Pickler. She talks about how happy she is too be home. Missed the sweet tea, fried okra and fried squash. Sweet tea was mentioned about 4 times tonight by the contestants. We really do have awesome sweet tea, hehe. She did her bit. Girl has some junk in the trunk, I was impressed. She’s a sweet girl, and had the crowd laughing. Same ol’ Kellie.

At intermission we look back and see the members of Chris’ band, Absent Element, sitting two rows behind us. There were a few people getting their picture made with them. Very good-looking guys. One had his gf with him, gf or wife, I dunno.

Alrighty, now it’s DAUGHTRY time. The time everyone has been waiting for. The crowd was going crrrrazy. So so so so loud. It was redunkulous.  I was pumped up. I had my sign, ready to hold up. I wish I could describe the crowd noise, but honestly, you had to be there. Chris was everything I had hoped for and more. He sounds awesome in these big coliseums. His voice was strong, no yelling, just singing. Not a single missed note. He owned that stage. I held up my sign and he saw it and did the “rock hand” back to me. Once again, the people around me were like “omg he saw you!” Chris is quite handsome. I was going to record him singing, but I just couldn’t focus enough to do it. I wanted to take in every moment of him up on that stage. I did get some good pictures though. It was really amazing to be at his homecoming show. I wish he could have sung more than 3 songs. Oh, and fyi, I saw him smile. THREE TIMES! Yes, three.

E-Dub came out and got some love from the audience. He was a little too subdued for me. It’s like going from some really rockin’ tunes to very mellow bluesy songs. His voice also sounded different to me. He was good though. Seemed happy to be there, loved the crowd reaction. It was such a loud crowd. His riffs kind of bother me, but he’s a good singer. I have nothing bad to say about him, just that it went from about a 100 down to 75 when he sang. No big deal though. It was a North Carolina night.

I absolutely LOVE the guys singing “Patience”. They sound fantastic together. I got some nice Ace pics, and a nice Chrace pic at that time. Once again, I was going to record it, but wanted to just soak up the moment.

Next comes McPhee in her prom dress. Really, I question the crawling on the floor in such a lovely dress. The crowd was less responsive to her, but they still cheered. There was an uber hot guy in the row in front of me who was really lovin him some Kat. (PS, Hot guy on the 3rd row, if you read MJs, CALL ME! Loved the guyliner). She sang her two songs and talked about being sick. She sounded pretty good. I’m sure she’ll sound a lot better in a few weeks. She’s absolutely stunning though.

You all know that Tay his next. He did his thing. Ran around, danced around, played on the tambourine, played the harmonica. It’s tough getting pictures of him because he dances around so much. He has so much energy. I am by no means a Taylor fan, but he was enjoyable and the crowd loved him.

Alrighty I won’t talk about the encores. Same ol’ same ol’ with that. But now, when I was leaving, I walked by the Absent Element guys. I am super shy and was afraid to talk to them, but finally I grew some testicles and talked to Scott, the drummer. I asked if he was going to see Chris right after the show and he said yes, and so I asked him if he would give Chris my sign. He said of course. He complimented me on how lovely it was. Asked me to sign my name on it but I didn’t have a pen, so I just said, tell him it’s from Tara in Winston. So then I watched him until he went backstage and he still had that poster in hand. So hopefully Chris got to at least see it. Scott was really nice though. I’m glad semi-fame hasn’t gone to their head.

The night was magnificent and I want to do it again and again and again.
Edit:

Apparently in my first recap posted in the comments I forgot to mention Lisa and Paris. I guess I was too excited thinking about Ace and then Chris, lol.

Lisa is a lovely girl. She’s soooo tiny. Very mellow setting. She’s got great talent to be at such a young age. The choreography she and Paris did with “Waterfalls” was very cute. And the back of her shirt was awesome.

Paris danced a lot. She had a lot of energy, and had the crowd standing. She sounded very good in “Midnight Train To Georgia” but it was all about performance and booty shaking in the Beyonce song. Her outfit and hair were very cute. She’s the only one that wore a microphone on a headset. They were both good, and I expect big things from them in the future.

I’m going to bed now.

Richmond VA Media

I concentratated on Elliott mostly, because it was his night.  Again, not the greatest audio quality, but you’ll get the picture:

Update: Downloads

• Chris/Elliott – Savin’ Me/Never Too Much
• Elliott – Moody’s Mood for Love
• Elliott – Trouble
• Katharine – Over the Rainbow
• VA – Patience
• Taylor – Do I Make You Proud
• Taylor – Living in the City
• Taylor – Takin’ it to the Streets

Go Fish Streaming Video:

• Elliott/Chris – Savin Me/Never Too Much
• Elliott – Moody’s Mood for Love
• Elliott – Trouble
• Patience
• Katharine – Over the Rainbow
• Taylor – Do I Make You Proud
• Taylor – Living in the City
• Taylor Takin it to the Streets

Richmond VA Photobucket 

I have TONS more to post today, including recaps and pictures.  And, since I forgot my swim suit (hotel pool!) and it’s too hot to hang outside, I’ll have time to hang on the blog.  Thanks Richmond. Hee.

ETA:  Thanks to EVERYBODY who posted recaps and pictures.  I’m going to go through the comments today and after I organize them, I’ll be posting links.  You guys rawk…

Sunday Daily Chat Post

Back from the Show:

Sawry, I got a bite to eat with some friends, and then we indulged in some chica-talk that lasted for, oh, a few hours.  I’m just getting back now.  I have to say tonight was most definitely the Elliott Yamin show.  And, I would say Elliott and Chris got the biggest cheers here in Richmond.

I’ll post a longer recap and some videos tomorrow. I’m beat.

Be sure to check out the comments in the Richmond thread.  Some folks have already posted recaps.

July 29 Richmond, VA Idols Show

Here I am…Richmond VA!  Home of Elliott Yamin.  Yes, I found a ticket–this morning!  I love to live dangerously.

It’s hot hot hot and muggy here, and I got caught in massive traffic in between DC and Richmond on I 95, but it’s all good.  I’m looking forward to tonight’s show.

Thanks for the great comments on the videos.  Taylor’s got an extra spring in his step, doesn’t he?  Hips don’t lie! Ha ha.

I’ll be posting the recaps from comments out in front where they belong soon…just bear with me.  I noticed the links I put up didn’t work for everyone.

Later!

Washington DC Video

For now, I have some videos to post.  Watch this space as I update!  Unfortunately, the bass is still a little distorted, but not as bad as last time…

• Katharine – Black Horse and the Cherry Tree plus speech
• Ace – Maroon 5 tune
• Kellie monologue about meeting the President
• Chris – Wanted Dead or Alive
• Chris and Elliott – Savin Me
• Elliott – Trouble
• Taylor – Hollywood Nights
• Taylor – Living for the City
• Patience

I’ll have downloads available later.  Check out Taylor’s dancing in Living for the City.  I really don’t know why folks say he can’t dance.  Hee.  The kids seemed really blown away by meeting the President.  Kellie changed her set a bit.  Her last song was Walking after Midnight/Something to Talk About done as a medley.  I still think Paris is as cute as a button, and am not sure why she gets such bad reviews.  I wish Ruben would call Mandisa already.  Taylor and Chris got the loudest cheers.  I love the band.  Elliott and Chris rawk hard on ”Saving Me”.  I’m so glad Patience wasn’t cut from the show.

Comparing this show to the early ones:

The kids seem more confident, particularly Elliott who has a very mischievous sparkle in his eyes these days. Taylor looked ecstatic and totally into his groove thang last night.  Tonight was my favorite Taylor performance yet.  Katharine’s songs did not ruin the flow of the second half at all.  At this point, she just needs to get up to speed.  The second half of the show is very well paced.  The only thing I’d change: Get rid of the girl’s medley and bring back Don’t Let Me Down! Heh.  

ETA:  I’m pressed for time today, so instead of posting recaps from comments, I’m going to link to them.

• LA Girl’s recap
• Cheese’s recap

Saturday Daily Chat Post

July 28 Washington, DC Idols Show

First:  Sawry to all the folks who sent me emails.  There were a few people I tried to hunt down tonight, but couldn’t find.  Maybe we can catch up some other time.

Great show tonight.  Katharine McPhee was there.  The crowd welcomed her warmly, and she was very moved.  She sang “Black Horse and the Cherry Tree”, “Over the Rainbow” and then joined the other Idols for “Living in America”.  I have to say, it was a little rough for her tonight, particularly “Rainbow”.  It’s going to take a little while for her to get her “Tour Legs” under her, as Randy would say.

Taylor seems completely over his illness.   He was chipper, smiling and in rare form.  I love that he performs the songs differently each night.  He performs as the spirit moves him.  It’s awesome.

In fact, all the idols appeared healthy tonight.

I was really pleased with my seats!  Big shout out to Cheese!  Thanks a bunch.  And uhhh, you know what we forgot?  I’ll email you…

Claudette Yamin was sitting a few rows over, and she was surrounded by people wanting her autograph and a picture taken.  She walked into the arena, and the crowd noticed and cheered for her.  She’s become a celebrity in her own right.

After the show, we hit the Hard Rock Cafe to watch the Little Memphis Blues Orchestra perform.  They were fabulous.  If they come to your tour city, make a point to check them out.  They play a funky/blues jam thing, and they’re extremely tight.  Great stuff.

Unfortunately, Taylor was unable to make the Hard Rock.  I’m not too disappointed.  Just very tired right now.  I’m going to bed.  I’ve got some goodies to post in the morning.  No Katharine fans, I didn’t forget you!

More tomorrow…

Hello Washington DC!

I’ve arrived, and I only got lost once, and only for about 20 minutes!  Yay me.  I’m watching CNN right now.   The news anchor mentioned the Idol visit.  Unfortunately, there were no details of the meeting, only a summary of how the visit came to be–Laura Bush’s press secretary, Susan Whitson, was Taylor’s Hicks’s 9th grade English teacher.  They did flash a photo of the Idols posing with President Bush…

On the Road to Washington DC

It’s dawn, and I’m just about to load up my car and head out onto the Massachusetts turnpike for the long drive down the east coast to Washington DC.  I’m attending the Idols, concert tonight.  Afterward, I’m hanging out at the Hard Rock cafe.  Taylor Hicks’s old band, the Little Memphis Blues Orchestra is the featured attraction.  I hear a very special guest might drop by later.  Ahem.

Saturday, morning, I’m off to Richmond, VA and the Idols’ concert later that evening.  Ok, well, hopefully.   I don’t have a ticket yet exactly….heh.  A minor detail I hope to work out soon.  What, me worry? 

I’ve installed blogging software onto my laptop, and I’m all set to post updates from my hotel room.  If everything goes right today, I’ll my next update should arrive early this afternoon. 

In the meantime, the Idols are scheduled to meet President Bush at the White House today.  Katharine McPhee will no doubt be there too.  She’ll perform with them for the first time on stage tonight.  And I’ll be there to bring you all the details.  Yes!

So later, people.  Be good. 

Friday Daily Chat Thread

Katharine McPhee performs on the View

I taped Katharine’s appearance on The View today.  Unfortunately, there was breaking news in Boston and I only got about 30 minutes of the show.  But I’ll post what I have.

Fortunately, I did get Katharine’s performance of “Over the Rainbow”, here for your listening pleasure.  Nice job, Kat…

ETA:  The View Interview Part 1

The View Interview Part 2