We Are The Altar Boyz!

“I am a Catholic, yes I am,
Long live the Vatican.
God doesn’t make mistakes and he made me!
Ohhh, Let out what you’ve trapped inside,
Come on and show your Catholic pride
That’s how you were meant to be!”

-- Mark, from the song “Epiphany,” Altar Boyz

I’ve written about my love for the Off-Broadway show, Altar Boyz, before. I’ve seen it twice with the current cast, and I’ve hung out with the actor who plays Abraham, Ravi Roth, thanks to Lindsay. As long as it keeps running, I’m hoping to see it again. It’s truly wonderful!

This past Thursday, the Boyz were at Borders for an event to promote the 20at20 Off-Broadway discount program. Through February 8th, you can get $20 tickets to Off-Broadway productions, including Altar Boyz, 20 minutes before the show. At a time disposable income is at a premium, this is a great, affordable way to see theater in NYC.

Details can be found at http://www.20at20.com/. In the meantime, check out these videos from the appearance at Borders, featuring Ravi, Michael Kaden Craig, Neil Haskell, Travis Nesbitt, and Mauricio Perez! And if you’re in or near NYC on or before February 8th, GO SEE THE SHOW! You won’t be disappointed!

"We Are The Altar Boyz":


"The Calling":


Bonus Video: Leading the Way was cut from the original production, but it’s a great song.

25 Random Things....

“If reality TV has taught us anything, it's that you can't keep people with no shame down.”

-- Tina Fey, as Liz Lemon, 30 Rock

I know I’ve been MIA for a few weeks, and I apologize. The AI countdown was a massive undertaking. Definitely worth it, but I was a bit burnt out afterwards.

In the time that has elapsed, a viral survey has hit Facebook, much like the e-mail survey of years past. Normally, I ignore them, but this one was different. Void of questions, it merely asks the participant to list 25 random things about themselves. Reading a few posted by friends and acquaintances, I began to think about doing one myself. And much to my surprise, I found it exceedingly difficult. It wasn’t a perfect attempt, but I’m pleased with the result. I hope you enjoy getting to know a little bit more about me.


1. My most cherished dream is to compete in the Olympic Games and win a gold medal. And the dream isn’t dead, thanks to Curling!!!

2. On several occasions, I’ve taken vacation time to stay home and watch the first two rounds of March Madness on TV.

3. I’m addicted to TV show recaps at TVGASM, DGMS, and Entertainment Weekly.

4. Fantasy Football took my interest in the sport from casual spectator to rabid fandom.

5. Being an uncle and a godfather is best thing in the world.

6. My grandmother instilled in me devotion to family, love of food and cooking, and a deep appreciation for soap operas.

7. I’m painfully shy and socially awkward, until I become comfortable with my surroundings or I get a few drinks under my belt.

8. I have a tendency to shun things that garner instant and immense popularity, which has led to me being late to the game with Reality TV, Harry Potter, and Rent.

9. I can never be drunk enough to do karaoke.

10. I recently took up riding motorcycles, and once I get better at it, I’ll really love it.

11. The best show on Off-Broadway is Altar Boyz, and not just because I’ve hung out with the cast! (Ravi Roth and I are BFF’s!)

12. I’d really like to quit smoking, but not really.

13. My drink of choice is Absolut Vanilla and Coke.

14. Jay Brannan is a musical and lyrical genius. One day, he’ll write a happy love song and serenade me with it at our wedding.

15. My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving, because of the meal, which I can cook, really really well.

16. I used to work for an herbal supplement company as an inbound telephone sales rep, selling an all-natural male enhancement pill.

17. In college, I skipped class to hear Jerry Springer speak on campus. I shook his hand and got his autograph.

18. I turned down a full scholarship to St. John’s University so that I could go to a school where I could major in creative writing. Best decision I’ve ever made!

19. I would go straight for Tina Fey.

20. I don’t know how I ever lived without a cell phone, Bluetooth, a DVR, a GPS, or an iPod.

21. I was an altar boy from 11 to 15.

22. I was a paper boy from 11 to 18.

23. The furthest west I’ve traveled is Austin, TX. The furthest south and east is Aruba. The furthest north is Montreal.

24. I auditioned for the Jeopardy Teen Tournament in high school. It’s really hard to get on that show.

25. My favorite way to play hookey from life is taking in a double or triple feature with my brother.

Let the Games Begin!

"And I'll taste every moment, and live it out loud,
I know this is the time,
This is the time
To be more than a name, or a face in the crowd
I know this is the time,
This is the time of my life!"

-- David Cook, "Time of My Life"

Well, the wait is over! American Idol premiered tonight, and we've gotten our first look at this season's new crop of talent. There were some standouts and some also-rans. Overall, I was slightly underwhelmed, but there's some decent potential out there. I'm looking forward to the rest of the auditions and the Hollywood rounds to watch the cream rise to the top!

As this season starts to take shape, I offer one last reminder of why we love this show. 4 months (or so) from now, we crown a new American Idol!

Special thanks to Lindsay for all of your help with this countdown! I couldn't do it without ya, girl! And thanks to everyone who read, watched and commented!

If you're into recaps, I highly recommend Linda Sharp's amazing breakdown's at http://dontgetmestarted-lindasharp.typepad.com/ or the snarky team over at TVGASM, http://www.tvgasm.com/. ENJOY!!!



(Video of Ruben's video wasn't available online.... BOOOOO!!! We'll have to settle for this.)

AMERICAN IDOL PREMIERES TONIGHT!

“David, it was like sort of coming out of karaoke hell into a breath of fresh air, because that was original, it was daring, it stood out by a mile. And this is the sign of a great potential artist – someone who takes risks. Congratulations!”

-- Simon Cowell, after David Cook’s performance of “Always Be My Baby,” Season 7


Season 7 was highly touted, as every season inevitably is, as containing the best group of talent EVER IN THE HISTORY OF AMERICAN IDOL. While that claim is certainly debatable, I would argue the validity of that statement for last season. Look at the Top 6: Carly Smithson, Brooke White, Jason Castro, Syesha Mercado, David Archuleta, and David Cook. All were favorites (or dark horse competitors) at one point or another and all had weeks in the competition where their respective performances was clearly the best. I defy you to pinpoint another season as deep and diverse in talent.

David Cook was a standout from his first audition. The emo rocker with the faux-hawk and the gravelly voice made quite the impression with Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer.” He made it through Hollywood week into the semi-finals, and delivered his first outstanding performance during the final semi-final week with “Hello.” After two strong performances during the two Beatles themed weeks, he finally became a threat for the title with a smokin’ hot rendition of “Billie Jean.” While most of the attention and praise seemed to be focused on other contestants, David Cook slowly built his case with the audience on the strength of his performances.

He didn’t connect every week, but his Idol resume is loaded with magic moments on stage. In addition to “Hello” and “Billie Jean,” he shined on “Little Sparrow,” “Music of the Night,” “I’m Alive,” “Baba O’Riley,” and “First Time Ever I Saw Your Face.” However, I think David Cook won the competition during Top 7 week with the unlikeliest of themes – the music of Mariah Carey.

David reinvented Mariah’s signature, saccharine pop ballad, slowed it down, rearranged it, and gave it haunting male perspective. The result, combined with a new haircut that confirmed his sex symbol status, changed the entire trajectory of the season and lent legitimacy to the whole concept of theme weeks on the show. A few weeks later, in the finale, he took a risk by performing a new song instead of reprising any of his numerous standout efforts from the season. The risk paid off, to the tune of 12 million votes more than David Archuleta.

David Cook was the model of consistency, superior talent, and musical integrity.







Stay tuned for a special wrap up tomorrow!

1 Day to American Idol

“Look, again, it’s fantastic that you followed the previous performance because you just outlined my point so well. American is not known for nice singers. It is known for great singers, and you are one of them. Congratulations!”

-- Simon Cowell, about Kelly Clarkson’s performance of “Natural Woman,” Season 1


This is probably the hardest intro for me to write because I didn’t watch this season of American Idol. In fact, I bad-mouthed the show before having seen it. I detested the whole concept of reality television. It was a novelty, a fad that would quickly fade. I remember sitting in the kitchen of my apartment with my roommates, making fun of Kelly and her coronation song, “A Moment Like This.” And the farce, “From Justin to Kelly” didn’t help, that’s for sure!

I can’t put my finger on exactly what it was that changed my mind. The following winter, I watched some of the auditions with the intention of making fun of the “contestants.” Little did I know that beyond the hopelessly deluded and woefully untalented posers, there were actual phenomenal singers out there whose stories I connected with and whose talents I admired. I found it easy and addictive to root for people like Kimberley Locke and Ruben Studdard as they chased their dreams.

Having become a Kelly fan post-idol, and having seen her Idol performances on AI Rewind and on YouTube, I sincerely regret my initial impulse to despise something I had no experience of. It was immature and ignorant. I have grown since then (hopefully), and I apologize to Kelly and all my fellow AI fanatics out there.

Kelly was the first, and arguably the best AI winner. She is certainly the most mainstream artist produced by the show. Her tremendous success since the competition is the direct result of her amazing singing abilities, her rigorous work ethic, and her integrity, and NOT because she is the product of a pop culture machine telling the masses what they like.

I’m looking forward to her upcoming 4th album, due out in March. Go Kelly!

2 Days to American Idol

"My mother always taught me, even my dad, just never let other people's opinions of you shape your opinion of yourself. And I never have and I never will."

-- Ruben Studdard


(Today's entry is brought to you by Lindsay Hemphill.)

Those of you who know me, know that I could probably talk about Ruben Studdard for days and days. I will try not to do that. I remember watching Ruben’s very first audition (he sang “Ribbon in the Sky” and Marc and I could NOT find it on YouTube!) and I kind of fell in love! Later, I found out from a friend of mine that he was a Phi Mu Alpha brother and that made me love him even more, as many of my friends from college were/are brothers!

From his first audition and throughout the competition, Ruben was vocally, rock steady. He didn’t have a “bad performance” throughout, and every time he sang (especially a ballad), I was a big ol’ puddle on the floor! The finale was the closest in Idol history with only 1,335 votes separating first from second, and Ruben managed to squeak out the victory. Since Idol, he has put out 3 albums (I, of course, own them all) with a 4th expected out by Mother’s Day!!! He is currently with the touring company of the 30th Anniversary production of Ain’t Misbehavin’ (which I’m also seeing around Mother’s Day!)!!

I have been a fan since day 1 and I will ALWAYS continue to be a fan and support him any way I can!! (Except with his recent marriage….unless he’s to me, then I’ll be very happy!)  Anyway, I hope you enjoy the FOUR clips I picked (there were so many to choose from, we couldn’t narrow it down to just 2)!!

3 Days to American Idol

“Carrie, you’re not just the girl to beat, you’re the person to beat. I will make a prediction – not only will you win this show, you will sell more records than any other previous Idol winner.”

-- Simon Cowell, after Carrie Underwood’s performance of “Alone,” Season 4


Truer, more prescient words were never spoken. Her raw talent was never in doubt, but up until that point in the competition, Carrie battled nerves, inexperience, and awkward stage presence. Then, she took a step outside her comfort zone and took on Heart’s iconic rock anthem. What followed was pure, unadulterated Idol magic! I fell a little bit in love with this gorgeous country girl that night, which is saying a lot coming from me. She became the favorite to win the competition that night, including mine, especially after Simon’s remarks.

Then, the following week, she solidified her front-runner status by returning to her strength with a knock-out performance of “Independence Day.” In successive weeks, she showcased her strength and her massive crossover appeal. Idol has yet to experience such a potent one-two punch. Those performances combined with unmatched consistency throughout the competition earned her the title – the first and only pure country singer to do so.

And like no other idol winner before (with the possible exception of Kelly Clarkson), she skyrocketed to superstardom, both on the country and pop charts. She’s still the only winner to take home the Grammy for Best New Artist, and only Kelly Clarkson, with one more album release to her name, has sold more records than Carrie. Still, Carrie has the record for best selling debut album release post-idol and best-selling album amongst all Idol alum.

Carrie is brilliant, and I’m proud to call myself a fan!

4 Days to American Idol

“This is the first time since we have met where I actually believe, based on that performance, you could win American Idol.”

-- Simon Cowell, after Jordin Spark’s performance of “Broken Wing,” Season 6


Jordin Sparks flew under the radar during the early rounds of Season 6 of American Idol, content with her middle-of-the-pack consistency. Her potential was obvious, but her talent was hampered back by the constant references to her age.

She effectively shot that criticism down during British Invasion week, when she performed “I (Who Have Nothing).” She took a melancholy song and infused it with emotion well beyond her years and experience. Watching her connect to the material was awe-inspiring. This was the first time in the competition that I saw her as a true contender for the title with LaKisha and Melinda.

For the weeks that followed, she fell back a little, weighed down by weak themes (No Doubt/Artists who inspired Gwen Stefani, American Classics, and Latin). Country week could have been a disaster for her, but it proved to announce her arrival in the competition. Her soulful take on Martina McBride’s “Broken Wing” put her talent ahead of her “potential.” From that point on, she delivered one great performance after the next (with the exception of “Livin’ on a Prayer”).

During Top 4 week, LaKisha stumbled. And the following week, the voters connected with Jordin’s exuberant belting over Melinda’s perfect technique. In the end, I think, she won BECAUSE of her age. Extremely likable and extremely talented, she became the youngest American Idol winner thus far at 17. She radiates joy, and personally, I think she deserved it.

5 Days to American Idol

“The sun is never gonna go down you, because you bring out so much sunshine in everyone throughout the whole world through your singing. And David, that was a beautiful, beautiful stunning performance.”

-- Paula Abdul, about David Archuleta’s performance of “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me,” Season 7


I like to call it The Curse of Elton John.

To all future male AI contestants: DO NOT CHOOSE “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me,” by Elton John! And if someone else (namely Clive Davis) chooses this song for you, REFUSE!

I can’t take credit for noticing the trend, but I’m more than happy to bring it to the forefront. Every guy to perform this song, at whichever point in the competition, has gone on to be their season’s respective runner-up. The proof is in the pudding:

Justin Guarini, runner-up, Season 1




Clay Aiken, runner-up, Season 2




Bo Bice, runner-up, Season 4




David Archuleta, runner-up, Season 7




BONUS VIDEO - It didn't fare much better for the only female to perform it either. Jasmine Trias, 3rd place, Season 3

6 Days to American Idol

“Well, I think that American Idol can really use a kick of some rock, some blues, some soul, ya know. One thing that we haven’t really seen is somebody that gets up there and ya know, puts out the vibe of a rock star.”

-- Bo Bice, from his AI audition


In many ways, Bo Bice broke the mold of the stereotypical male AI contestant with his full beard, long hair, and rock sensibilities.

Bo benefitted from the relaxed age restriction that went into effect that year. He was too old to audition the previous year, when he could have easily won, and he would be too old once again if he hadn’t auditioned that year. Prior to season 4, male contestants consisted of boy band balladeers, R&B crooners, and country cowboys. The talent was always there, but the sheer, masculine edge was grossly absent until Bo came on the scene. He paved the way for contestants like Chris Daughtry, Blake Lewis, and David Cook.

Breaking new ground on the AI stage, Bo navigated the tricky waters of theme weeks, throwing in tracks genuinely suited to his strengths along the way. For every “Time in a Bottle” and “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down On Me,” he electrified the audience with “Whipping Post,” “Freebird,” and “Vehicle.” Coupled with his winning personality, he was an early favorite who was able to maintain that position.

Then, perhaps a week too early, Bo delivered one of the most unique and outstanding performances in the history of American Idol. In a tribute to his audition, he took the stage without the help of Ricky Minor and the AI band. His a cappella version of “In a Dream” was nothing short of a revelation! Watching it live, I was stunned speechless. Alas, America wasn’t ready to crown a rocker, and Carrie Underwood would not be denied.

7 Days to American Idol

“I applaude you! Soak in this moment, because your element and your magic is when you don’t go overboard and you just tap into your beautiful, natural self.”

-- Paula Abdul, about Katherine McPhee’s performance of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” Season 5


Katherine McPhee performed her best lying down! KIDDING! But if you look at the two performances we chose for her, you’ll understand the joke.

American Idol’s fifth season was an anomaly for me. It started with the requisite smattering of great, diverse talent, with strong country, R&B, pop, blues and rock performers. Things progressed as expected until the final few weeks. After Chris Daughtry was voted off, followed by Elliott Yamin, the finale pitted a strange, spastic lounge act against a slightly offbeat pop princess who had as many detractors as fans. For many, myself included, it was a lackluster affair.

As irritating as her personality might have been to some, there was no denying Katherine’s superior talent and stage presence. She commanded attention from the stage with smart song choices and solid performances. As Paula pointed out, she succeeded most when she didn't try to do too much, letting the purity of her voice shine. While I still would have preferred a Chris/Elliott finale, Kat left her fingerprint on the competition with some truly memorable moments on stage.

8 Days to American Idol

“David, you are ridiculous. I want to squish you, squeeze your head off, and dangle you from my rearview mirror…. that was one of the most beautiful songs ever written, and one of the most moving performances I’ve ever heard! You’re destined for superstardom.”

-- Paula Abdul, about David Archuleta’s performance of “Imagine,” Season 7


(Today's entry is brought to you by Lindsay Hemphill)

I have actually been a fan of David Archuleta’s for quite some time! He competed on Star Search with Arsenio Hall, losing out to Tiffany Evans in the Junior competition. I remember how amazing he was, even back then. (Don’t believe me? Check him out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niIbRea8lhg.) Whether at 11 or 17, he’s always had this mature voice for his age, although it wasn’t the easiest road for him. Apparently, as his voice was changing (and as he was competing on Star Search), he suffered vocal paralysis and had to re-learn how to sing!

I’ve bought his debut self-titled album and it’s really quite good. I think that once he gets a little older and has a little more freedom, he’ll be able to discover who he truly is as an artist. But, I must say, that I’ve loved watching his career and watching him grow!

(Oh, and another bonus clip of him singing to Kelly Clarkson and some other season 1 finalists in a hotel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrAUWVdkYN4. It just makes me happy!)

9 Days to American Idol

“If [American Idol] was the Olympics, I'd still get a medal. It was a great race!”

--Kimberley Locke (AKA K-Lo!)


(Today's entry is brought to you by Lindsay Hemphill, with my comments in blue.)

Kimberley Locke was an early favorite of mine! We’re about the same age, and she’s a strong person who has an amazing voice! At the time she auditioned for American Idol, she was contemplating going to Law School instead. Boy am I glad she chose to see where Idol would take her!

Season 2 will always be my favorite season. It was the first time that no one knew who was going to win. Once we got to the Top 3, it was really anyone’s game! But from her very first note, to her very last, she proved that she was a force to be reckoned with! Even when she was dealing with Strep throat, she was busting it out! I just love every song/cd she has put out since! I, of course, own them all!

Lindsay's right about Season 2's unpredictable Top 3. The format at that time divided the top 32 contestants into groups of 8. Each week, one group performed, with the top 2 vote-getters advancing. Group 2 of the semi-finals contained Kimberley, Ruben Studdard, and Clay Aiken - the contestants who would go on to comprise the Top 3. Kimberley and Ruben advanced on votes, and Clay got a second shot thanks to the wild card round. Look for AI to revert back to a similar structure this year, which I'm not happy about.

I could go on and on, but you would just be bored. So, please enjoy her performances of “Home” (personally, I think it’s one of her best performances!) from the Wiz and “Band of Gold” (which, incidentally, she sang with Frenchie Davis during Hollywood week!)! Oh, and as Gladys Knight (I think) told her, girlfriend can SANG!





Bonus Video: Kimberley performing "Band of Gold" with Frenchie Davis during Hollywood week of Season 2.

10 Days to American Idol

“This was the only performance… which stands up in the real world. It was the only credible, good, real performance I saw tonight, and tonight, you are the standard every one of these guys should be looking towards, ‘cause it was in a different class.”

-- Simon Cowell, about Chris Daughtry’s performance of “Hemorrhage,” Season 5


Bo Bice proved in season 4 that rock had a place on American Idol, but Chris Daughtry gave it a harder edge and took it to another level.

From his audition, you could tell that there was something different and special about him. Chris’ ascension into the top 12 was never surprising, nor were his electrifying performances. Like many other contestants with a niche style, he struggled to make the weekly themes work to his advantage. For every success, he had a failed performance. However, even when he missed the mark, his potential took center stage every week.

More than any other contestant, Chris transcended the show’s rigid format, highlighting his “sound.” You could hear in each performance what his debut record would sound like. And despite his inconsistencies within the competition, he remained a front-runner throughout season 5. His 4th place finish shocked AI fandom, as many expected him to challenge for the title. A Chris/Elliott finale would have been so much more entertaining and competitive than the farce the voters gave themselves.

After the completion of his AI obligations, Chris went on to form a band and put out an incredible hard rock debut disc. Staying true to himself, he delivered on the potential he showcased on American Idol and crossed over into mainstream success that few idol contestants have been able to do.

11 Days to American Idol

“The difference between you and everybody else tonight is that you are the first person who’s come out tonight and actually sounded like someone in 2007.”

-- Simon Cowell, about Blake Lewis’ performance of “Somewhere Only We Know,” Season 6


Blake Lewis represented a departure of image, of sorts, during Season 6 of American Idol. He was the show’s first legitimate alternative musician, and one of the only with a truly original image – cute, charming, and insanely talented in every unconventional way possible.

Behind the beat-boxing stands a singer with self-confidence. He turned what could have been a gimmick into a distinct style advantage on a show that usually doesn’t reward “quirky.” Yet, his first semifinal performance was a straightforward vocal on “Somewhere Only We Know,” establishing his talent as a singer first and foremost. By choosing current songs, and making old songs sound current and hip, he connected with the audience in a way that few before, or since, have been able to.

Not all of his performances were home runs, however. With competition like LaKisha Jones, Melinda Doolittle and Jordin Sparks, Blake was on the verge of elimination going into Idol Gives Back week. We’ll never know how he fared with the votes that week, when he performed John Lennon’s “Imagine.” The judges’ reception was less than enthusiastic, and had there been an elimination that week, he very well could have been cut.

But what followed was nothing short of sensational! In the same show, and in back to back performances, ON MY BIRTHDAY, I was treated to two of my favorite American Idol moments of all time. As with Lakisha, Jon Bon Jovi arrived on the scene to provide another contestant with a season-defining performance. In the intro video prior to Blake’s “You Give Love a Bad Name,” it was obvious that the week’s mentor was less than impressed with the liberties Blake took in changing up the song. I’d go so far as to say that Jon was downright pissed!

Then, Blake started with some shtick, dusting off an old LP and putting it on a record player. His arrangement, beat-boxing, interaction with the on-stage drummer, and very strong singing resulted in some quintessential American Idol MAGIC! The next morning, a local radio station had taken up playing the track, and the nationwide buzz was incredible. In 90 short seconds, Blake went from near elimination to major dark horse challenger. In my opinion, this performance carried him all the way into the finale.

Blake was a controversial and polarizing contestant, but clearly a deserving finalist.

12 Days to American Idol

“LaKisha, I actually could kiss you after that… You absolutely nailed it, and I’m so glad that you are back!”

-- Simon Cowell, about LaKisha Jones’ performance of “This Ain’t A Love Song,” Season 6


As far as individual American Idol performances go, LaKisha’s performance during Bon Jovi week during season 6 (which incidentially aired on my birthday that spring) is hands down one of my favorites.

During the first week of semifinal competition, LaKisha threw down the gauntlet with a powerhouse performance of “And I Am Telling You.” She easily made it to the top 12 on the strength of her vocal abilities, establishing herself as an early front runner that season. With standout performances of “I Have Nothing,”“God Bless the Child,” and “Diamonds Are Forever,” she appeared to be on track to go up against Melinda Doolittle in the finale. Still, she struggled midway through the season, primarily with the themes and song selection, opening the door for other contestants, like Jordin Sparks and Blake Lewis.

During Top 7 week, she committed the cardinal sin of taking on a song by a previous and iconic Idol winner, Carrie Underwood, her rendition of “Jesus Take the Wheel” paling in comparison. The following week, she made the exact same mistake by choosing Fantasia’s Idol coronation song, “I Believe.” Had it not been for a charitable non-elimination that week thanks to Idol Gives Back, we might have been denied such a bravura performance.

For Bon Jovi week, LaKisha chose the obscure track, “This Ain’t A Love Song.” From the first note to the very last, she infused her performance with passion, emotion, sexuality and vulnerability not seen since “And I Am Telling You.” It’s not often that I stand up and cheer alone in my living room after an AI performance, but I certainly did that night. Simon’s reaction, alone, says it all.