Rock and Roll Heaven Week - Canadian Idol

Monday night's Canadian Idol show opened with Ben Mulroney welcoming the viewers and then Ben said:

"The Idols were allowed to sing any song they wanted
with just one condition. The original artist must be dead.
This is our Rock and Roll Heaven Week.
The Top 9 have made their choices and we "Googled" them just to make sure they were dead and they were."
Just prior to introducing Sebastian's performance, Ben then said: "Tonight, the Idols are unearthing some of the biggest hits by some of the deadest music stars of all time."

My blog today is primarily about Sebastian Pigott's journey, but I feel that I need to express my "personal" thoughts regarding the diplomacy of these remarks. I have no way of knowing whether the comments were Ben's personal comments or the words written by a writer, but as a viewer, I found them to be distasteful. Considering Ben's background, I expected that he would have been more tactful and "politically correct" in describing the purpose of this week.
In my mind, I wondered what a family member of one of these departed musicians might think as I found those comments to be very offensive.

This is a television show which is often viewed by families. Surely, there must be a better way to boost the ratings and provide a better role model for the younger viewers by giving the appropriate respect to those who have moved on to "Rock and Roll Heaven". Now, I feel much better expressing my thoughts so let's move on to what is really important.

Sebastian chose to perform "Love Me" an Elvis #2 hit on the charts in 1956.



I enjoyed the performance but once again, Sebastian really took some severe criticism from the judges.




Taylor Hicks ~ 'Heart Full of Soul'
"But while I'd always listen to the judges' comments and respond to their criticism as best I could, I was well aware they weren't my ultimate judges."

Did anyone notice that there was no mention about the style of microphone Sebastian chose to use? I watched the footage of the show again and he was the only contestant who used the style of microphone which realistically portrayed the time in which the song was originally performed. One would think that it might have been mentioned instead of the standard "you look good" comments.



The thought has also crossed my mind that Sebastian Pigott is a "blues and soul" music kind of guy which begs the question if perhaps the Canadian Idol show feels that his genre of music isn't going to be easily heard on the radio? Does it all come down to dollars and cents and that is why their comments, perhaps, were intended to sway the potential voters?


Taylor Hicks ~ 'Heart Full of Soul'
"My type of soul wasn't ultra-sexy hip-hop it was old-school soul...."
".... the songs from my album weren't having a particularly easy time on the radio so far. Not for the first time, I encountered resistance from people who were quick to question where exactly I fit in - if I fit anywhere at all."


Once again Sebastian made a dramatic entrance with the lights dimmed and I think his entrance shows that he does give a great deal of thought to how he is going to portray himself on television.



I am not so sure, though, that I saw the go get 'em' sparkle in Sebastian's eyes this week that I have seen on previous shows.



I am wondering about a couple of things. Did Sebastian have his heart in performing tonight? He had all the right moves but did "he" feel the song? I think at times he did.



One thing that I did notice though. There didn't seem to be as many camera close-up shots of him as there usually are so maybe this made it more difficult to really "see" him perform the song.

Does Sebastian miss his brother being on the show or is he finding that the concept of the show is too confining? In my opinion, it takes alot of courage to appear on this kind of show. To be judged week after week is part and parcel of being a part of it, but how many of us would actually be willing to put ourselves out there and do it?

When all is said and done, the ultimate decision belongs to the public. If participating in the show gets you to where "you" want to go, then it is worth the ride. Let's wait until tomorrow night to find out what the people have to say. Sebastian, once again, I think you remained true to yourself and there is nothing more that anyone can ask from you. Good for you and by the way, my fingers did the dialing!


'There's no electoral college on American Idol - simply the weekly will of the people."
Taylor Hicks ~ 'Heart Full of Soul'



Today's cup:


"Just because you look good, don't mean you feel good."
~ Elvis Presley ~

As The World Turns

Taylor Hicks version of Elvis Presley's "In The Ghetto"
was a vivid inspired performance.
Taylor owned it, clutching the song tight as if to shield it from the cold.
This perhaps was the the defining song of the whole 2006 American Idol season.

Even if you don't remember where that quote was taken from, you'll remember the chills that ran up and down your spine when Taylor blew us away with his heartfelt performance of "In The Ghetto".
He left us yearning for more, and I'm still hoping that someday we will get to hear him sing the entire song.

How about these quotes, do you remember them?

His sterling voice, an alluring, evocative rasp that can be fierce or tender, and sometimes both at once.

Even Simon Cowell seemed to agree with Randy Jackson that Taylor found his groove – his heart – with a quiet "In the Ghetto."

Taylor is actually the one whose singing has a grain that could be developed into something original – some sort of country-blues.

Hmmm ... I'll respond to part of the last quote and leave the rest for food for thought.

I believe that Taylor is an original.
He has a voice that caresses our souls, while his old soul eyes peer right into our hearts.
He makes us feel the music that before we only listened to.
That's a mighty feat for one man to accomplish and he does it each and everytime he takes to the stage!




I hope you will continue your walk down memory lane today with a visit to Taylor's Scrapbook and the special page with photos and stories surrounding Taylor's visit to Graceland in May of 2006.
http://community.webtv.net/bloomingproud2/Graceland


A visit to Graceland wouldn't be complete without a video from Elvis Presley ... here is The King singing "In The Ghetto".



While I have always loved and appreciated Elvis,
this "In The Ghetto" performance does not
touch the center of my being the way that Taylor's did.

Do you agree?

Todays cup
"Everybody comes from the same source.
If you hate another human being,
you're hating part of yourself."
~Elvis Presley~

Heart, Soul and Blueberry Poptarts

Blowing on dandelions and watching the fluff take leave on even the softest of breezes.



Running barefoot and letting the grass squirt up between your toes.



Eating popsicles in the Summer heat as the drips form an orange goatee.



Leaping through sprinklers - flying spread-eagle through the spray.



Commandeering a swing - going back and forth and back and forth, and finally - getting up so high, your mom gasps and yells at you to slow down.



Eating peanut butter and banana sandwiches.



Soaking Oreos in a glass of milk to just the right texture.



Eating Rice Krispies, with raspberries nestled among the snap, crackle and pop.



Pop tarts with chocolate frosting or plain blueberry.



Chocolate chip muffins and donut-holes from Dunkin Donuts every Saturday morning.


Watching Scooby Doo, Sponge Bob Squarepants and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.



Eating off the ears first, on a chocolate Easter Bunny.



Riding Hot Wheels and tricycles and bicycles, sans training wheels, that sometimes teeter and fall.



Scraped knees and sobbing trips home.



Band aids decorated with the likes of Care Bears and Spiderman.



But sometimes hugs, iodine and band aids won't do.
Tragicially, sometimes there is a crying need for additional help.

St. Jude's is the beacon of light in a parent's darkest night.


ABOUT ST. JUDE AND HOW YOU CAN HELP:


Taylor's Angels wishes to unite with the Soul Patrol in donating to St. Jude's Hospital in Taylor Hicks' name.
They have set up an account, through Fans Care for St. Judes Kids.
Your support would be greatly appreciated.

Here is the link:

http://www.stjude.org/stjude/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=16702f4277e70110VgnVCM1000001e0215acRCRD&cpsextcurrchannel=1

Fans Care for St. Jude Kids:
Uniting fans worldwide for an important goal!
Fans Care for St. Jude Kids is a friendly fund-raising program involving the fans of music artists, actors, athletes, entertainers, television shows and more.
The program unites fans and fan clubs from across the world for one goal – to raise money for the life-saving work of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Through Fans Care, donations to St. Jude are made in honor of the donor’s favorite celebrity, team or show.
The program allows fans to show support for their favorite entertainer, while helping the kids of St. Jude at the same time.



"We are where some of today's most gifted researchers are able to do more science, more quickly.

Where doctors across the world send their toughest cases and most vulnerable patients.

Where no one pays for treatment beyond what is covered by insurance, and those without insurance are never asked to pay.

We've built America's 3rd-largest health-care charity, with a model that keeps the costs down and the funds flowing, so the science never stops."

"Every child deserves a chance at a life filled with love, laughter, friends and family.
We are working to find the cures that will give these youngsters a fighting chance.
When a child or parent faces an uncertain disease like cancer, they can find hope at St. Jude -- a place where miracles can and do happen."
~ Marlo Thomas ~




There is no better experience for the heart, than reaching down and lifting someone up!

Give thanks for the healthy kids in your lives, and give to those who are not, with the hope that someday all children will be healthy.




Taylor Hicks and the kids from St. Judes, pose for a photo, @ the 2008 Liberty Bowl.

Have I touched your heart today?

Have I made you stop and think?

After reading this, did you want to run and grab your kids and grandkids and give them a big hug, and tell them how much you love them?

Would you want St. Jude' resources available for you, should your family ever experience a parent's darkest night??

If you answered yes to any of those questions, I hope that you will add your support today by clicking on the Fans Care for St Jude's link above.

This page is dedicated in loving memory to my son, Jonathan Adam
July 8, 1983 - February 16, 1991
Forever in our hearts,
Love, Mom



"I Believe" ~ Elvis Presley