Tag Archives: tony bennett

Scotty McCreery Wins American Idol

Scotty McCreery winning American Idol is as surprising as someone finding out China has the world’s biggest population. Yes, it was that predictable.

And even though I voted thirteen times for Lauren Alaina all the way from Lebanon (yes, I outsmarted the American Idol geographical limitation system), it obviously wasn’t enough when you have more than 122 million votes cast for American Idol’s biggest finale, voting-wise, ever!

Both Scotty and Lauren sang with their idols on the finale, Tim McGraw and Carrie Underwood, respectively. The finale also featured performances by Steven Tyler, U2, Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Tony Bennett (who sang with top 3 Haley Reinhart), Judas Priest (who sang with top 4 James Durbin).

I had said before that Lauren needed to win more than Scotty but it doesn’t matter now. Apparently, they’re in a relationship since they went all kissy-kissy after Scotty won, which means Scotty should help Lauren when she tries to crack the country music scene. Win-win situation apparently.

Lauren Alaina, who was sure Scotty will win, said Carrie Underwood told her, prior to their Before He Cheats performance that “no matter what Lauren, you’re a winner and you’re going to be amazing in the country field.”

Scotty McCreery was loyal to the country genre since day one. He captivated audiences with his audition (my twitter timeline, filled with Country music loyalists was raving about him) and week by week, even when challenged with other genres, he made those songs his own, adding a country twist to them. Is it my cup of tea? sometimes yes, sometimes no. But the majority of those millions that voted like him, apparently.

After winning, and the need to constantly smile for camera snapshots coming in from everywhere, Scotty was asked by Carrie Underwood if his cheeks had started hurting yet. But apparently, he won’t be smiling for long. Why? the poor thing has an exam tomorrow. Talk about something raining on your parade.

Either way, I, for one, was happy with an all country finale since that’s my favorite genre. And whoever won would have been a good addition to the genre. They’re both very young with lots to give. Let’s wish them prosperous careers. Whose career am I more excited for, though? Lauren Alaina.

The Carrie Underwood Authenticness

I was browsing the web when I came across this article, posted by the LA Times.

The article wonders (if you don’t feel like reading it) if Taylor Swift will finally beat Carrie Underwood at this year’s ACM awards.

The thing that bothered me the most about the article was its title:

Can Taylor Swift finally beat Carrie Underwood at the Academy of Country Music Awards?

Why would a reputable publication decide to name one of its few articles about this award show this way? Not only does it show some juvenile attitude towards the matter but it’s also uncalled for and shows some ignorance regarding this award show.

Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood are competing against each other in one category, female vocalist of the year, but anyone would tell you that they’re both longshots to win, amidst what is expected to be a Miranda Lambert sweep.

The ACMs air in a few hours. Taylor Swift, with the help of her fans, has unleashed a massive twitter campaign to help her win the fan-voted portion of the coveted Entertainer Of The Year title. And if that wasn’t enough, she also has a camera up for grabs to those who vote for her. Also, people who have been to her concerts in international countries have found pamphlets on their seats inviting them to vote for her.

Brad Paisley, on the other hand, is offering a free iPod and a free download to those who vote for him and invite others to do so.

Carrie Underwood has never done that. She has won Entertainer of the Year twice in a row at the ACMs, the only country female singer ever to win it twice (let alone in a row), and she has never asked her fans to vote for her via a massive-online campaign or by giving out free downloads and goodies.

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