Dennies’ Blog

My mom is having her first vacation here in Cebu!  She will be arriving tomorrow, 9PM via Cebu Pacific!  Im actually excited that she’s coming.  She will stay here for two full days (friday-saturday).

The best part is, she will be coming with my bestfriend Eric!

We’re planning to visit Magellan’s Cross, Shangrila Mactan, and maybe Plantation Bay!  It will be two days of sight seeing and shopping!

Ill update you on what happened!

Signing out my blog.  Over and out.

Its Wednesday and once again, and this means its American Idol performance day!  The Top 7 Idol hopefuls will be tackling Mariah Carey songs this week!  Again, thanks to Rickey, we were able to get the updates as they happen!

Opening the show this week is David Archuleta with the song When You Believe.  Great song choice for David A.  I was wondering for days what song he would choose because admittedly, Mariah’s song are mostly high pitch songs, but he was able to pick the right song.  OMG!  Brilliant performance!  He was able to make his own version of the song.  Wondeful falsetto!  I didnt know he could do that!  Bravo! 

Next is Carly Smithson with the song Without You.  As Simon would put it, "It’s the guy’s night!  it would be a lot tougher for the girls because there will be comparison…"   According to Rickey, "They finally threw Carly Smithson under the bus…"  (This was his same comment to Ramiele 2 weeks ago and she went home)  For me, it was one of Carly’s best vocals!  But singing after David Archuleta did affect the perception of the judges and the audience.  I can not accept this!  Carly leaving the show even before Kristy Lee Cook and Brooke White!  This is insane!  Lets vote for Carly, 1-866-IDOLS-02

3rd on the list is Syesha Mercado with the song Vanishing.  Really weird song choice.  She was able to give justice to the song.  The song was able to showcase her powerful voice.  It was an ok performance for me.  The judges are being unfair with Carly.  They’re expecting too much from Carly!  I think Syesha will be good for another week or two. 

Midway thru the list is Brooke White with the song Hero.  Very unique version of the song, sounds a bit country.  She used the piano again, and she fumbled a little in the end.  Its like listening to a karaoke bar performance of the song.  I think she’s in danger this week.  I hope she goes instead of Carly.

After Brooke is Kristy Lee Cook with the song Forever.  Another obscure song choice.  It was a safe performance for Kristy.  At this point, safe performance is a no-no.  You should give your 100%.  I think we have the bottom 3 all lined up! (so far…)  I hope she leaves before Carly.

Second to the last performance of the night was from David Cook with the song Always Be My Baby.  OMG!  Wonderful version from Mr. Cook!  Are we seeing a Archuleta-Cook finals showdown?  His performance was awesome!  Hot from his Billy Jean song, he gave another huge performance for the night!  Way the go!  He was in tears after hearing praises from the judges.  He showed his soft side.  Mr Cook is your next American Idol!  Lets vote for David Cook, 1-866-IDOLS-06

Closing the show is Jason Castro with the song I Dont Wanna Cry.  Singing after that explosive performance from Mr Cook will be tough, but Jason was able to pull it thru.  He has the talent and skill to tackle the song.  Another unique arrangement for a classic.  Very good performance.  He’s safe for this week.

The guys completely won the night!  One of the girls will be going home this week.  (Guys, lets not be too complacent!)  My bottom 3 this week will be Carly, Brooke and Kristy. 

I dont want Carly to go home!  Lets support Carly and the guys!

Signing out my blog.  Over and out.

Ive written a blog before about young talented ladies with golden voices I admire and one of them is our very own Charice Pempengco.  She is a product of Little Big Star, a local talent seach where she placed second, and has guested in The Ellen De Generes Show and Star King in Korea.

Now, she’s making waves in Great Britain!  She recently guested on the Paul O’ Grady show and received a standing ovation from the audience!  According to the show’s producers, never in the history of the show (4 years) has any artist received a standing ovation!  Not even Mariah Carey who guested a week before Charice’s guesting.  Here’s the clip of the show!  Amazing girl!

Signing out my blog.  Over and out.

Here is the live American Idol Top 8 Elimination Spoiler.  This is really a shocker friends!  Same advice, if u want to watch the show tonight (and be shocked) dont read this blog. 

Recap first on Idol Gives Back

Carrie Underwood performs, Annie Lennox with a video, so does Daughtry.  Raised over $60 million!  (smaller compare to last year, but still a big amount!)  Phone lines are still open for more donations.

Now with the results.  Dim the lights, here we go!

31 million votes cast!

Brooke White is safe!

David Cook is safe!

David Achuleta is safe!

Jason Castro is safe!

Kristy Lee Cook is safe! (Sh-t!)

Bottom 3 are Syesha, Carly and Michael! (Got 2 out of 3)

The Results:

Michael Johns is Eliminated! (Aaaawwwww!!!)

Syesha and Carly are safe!

WHAT A SHOCKER!!!

Bye Michael! Guess we didnt see that coming did we?  I know Americans hate contestants answering back to the judges, thats what you get for answering back!  I know you will go a long way!  You have a great voice, someone will sign you up!

Is this a preview to a David A-David C finals?  Now that Michael Johns is eliminated, all the fans (which are split indefinitely) will support the Cook!  This is going to be exciting!

Signing out my blog.  Over and out.

Today is the 2nd Idol Gives Back Fundraiser.  As we write, the event is happening live with several guest artist performing.  Thanks to live blogging from Rickey, we are able to watch some clips from the show.  (Thanks rickey, wonderful site!)

The show opened with a song and dance number from So You Think You Can Dance cast and the American Idol Top 8.  Wonderful opening number!  Very alive and energetic!  Makes you want to donate to Idol Gives Back!  Click here for the clip!

Carrie Underwood, the American Idol Season 4 winner is in the house and she gave a touching performance of Praying for Time by George Michael.  OMG, Im having goosebumps while watching her performance.  Makes me wanna donate now! 

Annie Lennox is also present and made a very touching video specially for Idol Gives Back.  We really have to help these people who are in need.  After watching the video, a teardrop roll down my cheeks.

After the video, the American Idol Top 8 sings Seasons of Love from the Broadway Musical RENT.  Again, another wonderful group performance from the idol contestants.  Who says great voices cant sing together.

Brad Pitt is also present.  He had the priviledge to introduce the video of Chris Daughtry and his band.  Another very emotional and touching video.  The message of the video is simple, we are luckier than some people, given the oppotunities that we have.  Lets share to those who are not as lucky as us. 

What more can you ask for?  Donate now!

Donate Online

http://www.americanidol.com/idolgivesback/howtodonate/

Donate By Phone

U.S. and Canadian donors may call our credit card hotline:

Call 1 877 IDOL AID (1 877 436 5243)

Donate By Mail

Please do not send cash. Make checks payable to Idol Gives Back Foundation.

Idol Gives Back Foundation
P.O Box 414214
Boston, MA 02241-4214

Any amount will do.  Just to give you an idea on where your money can go.  Here are the breakdown.

$ 20 - Provides a day’s worth of nutritious hot meals and snacks for 3 children in the US feeding program. 

$ 50 - 5 nets or Malaria pills to save 100 kids from Malaria in Kenya

$100 - A year’s worth of food for one orphan in Kenya.

$250 - Books for 3 kids at a US after school reading program.

Signing out my blog.  Over and out.

I was trying to post some pictures with my blog yesterday, and friendster prompted me that I have already reach my 50 picture limit for the month… Duh????

Why does friendster have so much limitations?  Arent you guys earning enough to upgrade your system?  Is it because its FREE thats why its limited?

Friendster is easy to use and simple.  If not for that, I would have moved to Myspace or facebook.  Since most of my friends, who are not that internet savy, are here in friendster, I have to bare with these limitations of this pre-historic friends page!

When will you upgrade Friendster?  When? When?

Signing out this frustrating blog.  Over and out.

Here’s the last four American Idol hopefuls performing inspirational songs for the 2nd Idol Gives Back Fundraiser.

5th on the list to perform is David Cook with the song Innocent by Our Lady Peace.  Once again, brillant performance from the Cook himself.  He never seizes to amaze me!  I hope all his fans will call in and vote for him.  He can win this!  For David Cook, thats 1-866-IDOLS-05.

Next in line is Carly Smithson singing The Show Must Go On by Queen.  Very disappointing night for Carly.  I feel this is not the right song for her.  She has very good vocal range.  She should have sang A Moment Like This instead of this song (maybe she’s afraid to be compared to Kelly Clarkson).  Lets support Carly 1-866-IDOLS-06.

Second to the last performance came from David Archuleta with the song Angels from Robbie Williams.  Brilliant!  Good choice of song!  Wonderful performance!  He’s got his groove back!  He even played the piano (shows his versatility).  I dont need to plug for David A., but just to be fair, 1-866-IDOLS-07 (Rickey might get mad at me!)

And to wrap up the performances was Brooke White singing You’ve Got a Friend by James Taylor.  She was able to redeem herself this week for that performance.  One of the best from Brooke.  Touching performance to close the show!  To vote for Brooke, 1-866-IDOLS-08.

My Bottom 3 based on this week’s performance

Kristy Lee Cook

Carly Smithson

Syesha Mercado

I think Syesha will go home! (based on this week)

But there’s still next week to redeem yourselves ladies.

I stand corrected, theres going to be elimination this friday!

Signing out my blog.  Over and out.

During the 2nd Idol Gives Back fundraiser, the contestant sang Inspirational songs of their choice.  The phone lines will be open, but there will be no eliminations this week.  All the votes from this week and next week will be counted, and someone will go home next week.  (will it be a double elimnation next week?)  (I stand corrected, there will be eliminations this friday)  Again, thanks to Rickey, we were able to get the videos of the performances as they happen.

First to perform tonight is Michael Johns with the song Dream On by Aerosmith.  We might be seeing a shocker next week.  Michael did not do well with the song.  At this stage of the competition, nobody can afford any mistake.  I am a MIchael Johns fan and I myself didnt like the performance.  The performance lack energy and flare!  If you want to save Michael, dial 1-866-IDOLS-01.

After Michael, next is Syesha Mercado with the song I Believe by Fantasia Barrino.  Another massive failure.  Nobody (and I mean Nobody) performs I Believe better than Fantasia.  What was Syesha thinking?  Her performance lacks something, something that only Fantasia can give.  Another screaming performance.  To be fair, here’s the number to vote for Syesha 1-866-IDOLS-02.

Third to perform is Jason Castro with the song Somewhere Over the Rainbow by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole.  A breakthrough performance for Jason Castro.  By far, his best performance since he entered the Top 12.  Bravo Jason!  Great performance!  He will be safe this week!  But dont be complacent Jason’s fan.  Here’s the number for Jason 1-866-IDOLS-03. (He still has that guitar with him!)

Next on the list is Kristy Lee Cook with the song Anyway by Martina Mcbride.  She chose the right song for her voice.  The judges love it!  I sort of like it too.  Will this mean another week for Kristy Lee Cook?  Right performance on the right time!  You can vote for Kristy 1-866-IDOLS-04.

I will continue the other four perfomances later.

Signing out for now.  Over and out.

After Wrestlemania, the next pay per view big event in sports entertainment wrestling is BACKLASH.  This year, it will be on April 27, Sunday at 8pm EST.  The fallout from WrestleMania has been felt at one event, Backlash. How will the ramifications of WrestleMania XXIV be felt this year?  Check out the fights scheduled for Backlash this year.  For more info, you can visit WWE website.

Undertaker vs Edge for the WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

After winning the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania and moving to 16-0 on the Grandest Stage of Them All, Undertaker now heads into Backlash to defend his title against the obsessed former champion, Edge.  Edge will exercise his rematch clause to take back what he claims "is rightfully his".  At Backlash, the Rated-R Superstar will have the opportunity to live up to those words when he challenges The Phenom for the gold.

Fatal Four Way for the WWE Championship

If two’s company and three’s a crowd, then four, well, four can be downright fatal — especially when you combine the lethal elements of Randy Orton, Triple H, John Cena and JBL in a Fatal Four Way Title Match at Backlash.  While Orton managed to scrape out a victory in his Triple Threat Match against Triple H and Cena at WrestleMania XXIV to retain the gold, can the Legend Killer possibly hope to overcome even stiffer odds with JBL in the mix? If not, which of the remaining competitors will survive the Fatal Four Way Title Match to lay claim to WWE gold?

Kane vs Chavo Guerrero for the ECW Championship

It didn’t take long for Chavo Guerrero to secure his rematch with ECW Champion Kane. Then again, it didn’t take long for the Big Red Machine to capture the gold from the self-proclaimed “Mexican Warrior,” either.  Despite the quick contest between Kane and Guerrero at WrestleMania XXIV, Kane traveled a difficult road to obtain the title. In a special 24-Man Battle Royal, Kane outlasted the likes of The Great Khali, Mark Henry and other monstrous competitors to become No. 1 Contender to the ECW Title. Later that evening, he took the defending ECW Champion by surprise and laid him to rest in a mere eight seconds.  Now that Chavo has his chance, will he make the most of Backlash and hoist the ECW Title once again? Or will Kane further illustrate why he is deserving of his championship status?

Shawn Michaels vs Batista

After two confrontations this past week, one on SmackDown and then again on Chris Jericho’s Highlight Reel, it’s official: Shawn Michaels and Batista will go one-on-one at Backlash.  The two Superstars have argued on whether or not HBK made the right decision by ending Ric Flair’s career at WrestleMania XXIV. The Animal blames Michaels for ending his mentor’s livelihood. The Interpromotional Challenge was inked by Raw GM William Regal and SmackDown GM Vickie Guerrero moments after the confrontation on Raw.  What will happen when these two top-caliber athletes, and former champions, collide at Backlash? Will the heavy emotion weighing on both Superstars explode in the ring when they meet in this rare encounter?

I hope I will be able to watch Backlash live.  Its as exciting as Wrestlemania!  I want John Cena to win the WWE Championship, and the Brothers of Destruction to retain their titles!  As for Michaels Batista fight, of course Im on Batista’s side! 

Signing out my blog.  Over and out.

Since Ramiele’s emotional departure on the show last Wednesday, I am revising my American Idol Season 7 favorites!  So far there are only 8 contestants left, I am going to arrange the last 8 according to my favorite to win the competition.   

The next to go is Kristy Lee Cook.  She’s been in the bottom 3 several times, and I wish it was her who was eliminated last wednesday, but as my friend would put it, there are still more Americans than Asian in the United States.  Simon obviously thinks she’s forgettable, and I think so too.  Unless there will be a shocker, she’s going home next week.

  # 7 (or # 6) Brooke White or Syesha Mercado.  After Kristy’s departure, it can go either way.  Unless Barack’s supporters will phone in to vote for her, Syesha will be next to go.  As for Brooke, same as Kristy, I think she lacks the personality, the star factor, and she’s just like an ordinary girl, singing an ordinary song in a bar.  So it can either be a back to back blond elimination, or an ebony ivory combination!  Im going to call it as I see it, it will be in this order!  Brooke then Syesha!  Im sorry but Brooke has no appeal for me!

# 5 will be Jason Castro.  For me, Jason has a limited voice range and he can only sing certain songs (which are guitar based) Do you notice, from the time he got into the top 12, how many times did he loosed that guitar, once?  You might say the same thing for David Cook but the Cook has better voice range and he can tackle different kinds of songs. 

  # 4 (or # 3) will either be Carly Smithson or Michael Johns.  Im sorry Carly but I think this season is for the gentlemen.  Even if ur the only girl left in the competition, I still say the guys are stronger.  It will go either way.  She might get more votes because the votes will be split into 3 for the 3 remaining guys.  Apparently David Cook and Michael Johns have the same fan base, so we might expect a shocker down the wire.  I would love a David C.-David A. finals showdown.

  The final two for me will be David Cook and David Archuleta.  With the trend that going right now, where David Cook is becoming hotter and hotter in each performance, I think he can overcome the Archy Angels fan based.  Remember, David A’s fans are different from David C’s so it will go either way.  It will also depends on the perfomance of each contestants week after week. 

For me, my favorites totally change after the show entered the Top 10.  After the Billy Jean performance, David Cook became my favorite to win the American Idol!

Signing out my blog.  Over and out.