Hollie Cavanagh 18 is a top contender. She was cut in a previous season but matured, improved and returned to be a top contender for this season's American Idol title - (FOX photo)

Shannon Mcgrane 16 is winning the hearts of American Idol voters and judges - (FOX photo)

Video Beat Part 2 - AMERICAN IDOL CHOPS QUICKLY TO TOP 13

James Loving - National Radio Text Service

For the most part this season has a talented group of contestants. We define good as when you enjoy listening to every singer in the contest. That was the case last season which in our opinion was the best ever group of talent on the show where country music was king as the two top winners Scott McCreery and Lauren Alaina represented the genre - JAY-Z & HENRY KRAVIS on GAME CHANGERS - Recommended TV Listings

Saturday March 03, 2012

A CHANGE IS HAPPENING ON AMERICAN IDOL

Where is American Idol in house mentor Jimmy Iovine when you need him? How does the lyrics to that song go, A change is gonna come oh yes it is? For this season's American Idol it is happening before your eyes despite their claims the format would be the same as last season… it is NOT.

The most notable change is the chopping block of the top 24-25 came early in one fell swoop during the first week of the show when 12 of the 25 were sent packing. In the past there would be three shows of eliminations from the top 24 to 20 to 16 and then the Top 12.

For viewers that's the bad news as they will to have three elimination show to watch. The good news it that the immediate chop spares the 12-13 contestants that won't qualify weeks of agony trying. In medical terms the AI brass has done a mercy killing and pulled the plug and cut off the respirator.

For the most part this season has a talented group of contestants. We define good as when you enjoy listening to every singer in the contest. That was the case last season which in our opinion was the best ever group of talent on the show where country music was king as the two top winners Scott McCreery and Lauren Alaina represented the genre.

This season group has a number of contestants leaning towards the Grammy Award winning Adel vein. In the past it was Whitney (Houston) and Mariah (Carey) but the contestant's flavor of the year this season is the chunky English lady.

That will be put to the test in the first week of the Top 13 as the contestants will be required to sing and pay tribute to Whitney Houston's and Stevie Wonder tunes. That is a strange option for the shows producers as in the past contestants doing both of the artists songs have been criticized for their efforts and told that it shouldn't and can't be done. That raises the question is AI going for the quick kill? Will there be a double elimination prior to the selection of the Top 10 that will go on the American Idol tour this summer?

Of those qualifying for the Top 13 there are some good voices. Their shortcoming at this point appears to be a lack of performing or stage presence. As the season progresses the strong will survive and the fat will be cut off the lamb.

Standouts include 16-year-old Shannon Mcgrane the six foot daughter of a former professional baseball player Joe who is 6'6" and her mother is 5'11". The young lady and family were subject to sexist remarks from judge Steven Tyler about how hot (I a sexy way) she was when she made her initial audition. This past week host Ryan Seacrest made light of the matter when she performed and father Joe was in the audience.

Seacrest pointed out to Joe that this was the first time that he was in a room with Tyler for the first time since he made his remark. Joe jokingly asked if there was a wrestling mat available. Tyler yelled out, "I didn't mean it." "It's cool," Joe replied. With that hatchet buried life goes on.

Mcgrane was voted in the Top 10 although she did OK she was pushing it hard and appeared to be forcing her voice as she sang "Go Light Your World" by Kathy Troccoli. It bordered on being a Christian song that few people would be aware of. The judges credited her for her passion in performing the piece. That was the turning point of revealing Mcgrane's persona.

She said she wanted to do material that moved her. This song was about helping people. Mcgrane comes across as being an individual with high moral character. She is the type is person that should she not become a singing star she has the quality and intelligence to be an executive with and entertainment organization. She is top class with a pure heart.

Texan Hollie Cavanagh 18 is another standout. She like Jessica Sanchez is emotionally involved in the material she chooses to sing. She qualified by singing Christina Aguilera's "Reflection".

Joshua Ledet made an impressionable showing singing Jennifer Hudson's "You Pulled Me Through." Iovine is excited about his talent.

NEXT - Part 3 - The Asian Equation Heejun Han - Reed Grim cut deemed not another Casey Abrams - The Top 13 List

Part 1 - JESSICA SANCHEZ ROCKS AMERICAN IDOL TOP 10

JAY-Z & HENRY KRAVIS on GAME CHANGERS

One may think that RAP music is not about business but if you follow the story of rapper Jay-Z you would change your mind. Born in the ghetto in New York City in 1969 the now 41-year-old left the neighborhood to evolve into being recognized a highly respected businessman. His rags to riches story if featured this week on Bloomberg Television's Game Changers program televised in the Eastern Asian region.

The half hour segment is the second half of a two part one hour presentation. The first half hour features businessman Henry Kravis who was a major business investor player in the mid 80's and is characterized in the film Wall Street saying "Greed is good." He was the central figure in the infamous Nabisco Corporation buyout that went sour as well as the junk bonds scandal.

NOTE:

Bloomberg is losing the plot. On their 4:30 PM airing of the show they eliminated the second half with the Jay-Z profile. For a company that represents what goes on in business they are negligent. One thing is for sure they are as dependable as those crooked Wall Street stock market gangsters they report on as being good guys in white hats that will do anything to steal your money. The bottom line is... THEY ARE NOT DEPENDABLE.

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