Just Like You, The Perfect Stocking Stuffer

If you're still looking for a good Christmas present or need a stocking stuffer for someone, Be sure to pickup Allison Iraheta's debut album, Just Like You.

Ashley Argota and Trevor Brown - Two is Better Than One by Boys Like Girls and Taylor Swift

Ally Heman Finally on iTunes

The wait is over! And it was very much worth it. Three songs we've heard on YouTube have been reborn and there are two we haven't heard before. You can read my iTunes reveiw (guitargurl0404) if you want a textual preview, and if you like what you read, go buy it!!

Allison Iraheta buys her album in disguise

Haha I love this. Allison rocks.


And if you have not gotten the album yet, you need to: iTunes

Ally Heman - Stronger by Kanye West

Ally Heman - Jump Then Fall by Taylor Swift

Alyssa Bernal - Down by Jay Sean

Anuhea - Here I Go Again Official Music Video

Yay she's got a music video out now. Though I'm not really feeling the believability of her lip synching.

Ally Heman - Her Diamonds by Rob Thomas

She definitely made this song her own and I love the introduction of the uke.

Ally Heman - Truth & Lies (original)

Jennette McCurdy with Darius Rucker - In Color by Jamey Johnson

Ain - If it Kills Me by Jason Mraz

Maxie - Mama Do by Pixie Lott

Ana Free - Medley Português

Ana's singing a bunch of portuguese songs in this one.

Ally Heman - The Only Exception by Paramore

Ally's almost done with her cd. Can't wait for it!

Allison Iraheta - Friday I'll Be Over You

Allison's finally got a single out. It's definately different than what we've heard of her on the show, but it really captures that rock vibe that she keeps saying she's going for.

In addition to this song she also did an interview with PopEater

Allison Iraheta, the 17-year-old singer who made it to the top 4 on 'American Idol' last season with her rocker style and attitude is on her own now, and PopEater is proud to debut her new single, 'Friday I'll Be Over U.' PopEater got the chance to chat with Allison about her new tune, which she says "ain't too hard to understand" in its message.

So how'd 'Friday I'll Be Over U' come about?

I worked with Max Martin, and he pulled it out of his magic box. He came up with an awesome song and sent I to me and we cut it and it was just amazing. He definitely knows how to put himself in other people's shoes.

What were you looking to convey with 'Friday'?

Pretty much show who I really am as an artist, and what I really want to continue doing for the rest of my life, which is this. Just really do awesome music for the rest of my life.

What will your fans take away from the song?

It's a song everyone can relate to. It's a pretty simple song. It ain't too hard to understand. I think people will really just be like 'Yeah!' ... hopefully.

Do you think you were able to be yourself on 'Idol'?

Not really. It was pretty hard. Being on 'American Idol,' it's very hard to be who you are. You can try, but you're already portrayed as someone else. It's kind of hard to come out as who you really are. But, now people get a chance to know who we are, going to see us on tour and stuff.

Do you think rockers have a disadvantage on 'Idol'?

I don't even know, man. Hey, Daughtry, David Cook, they're doing pretty awesome right now so hopefully we'll see what happens with me.

What other types of things can fans expect on your new album?

There will be some ballads and some upbeats maybe you can dance to songs, but they all pretty much come out as a rock vibe.

You just got off of the 'Idol' tour. How was that?

It was amazing, especially going on tour with nine other people that you've been with over a year, so it's your family. Getting to do what weve always wanted to do. .. it's a dream come true and preparation for all of us.

This was your first major tour. What did you miss the most?

The family, definitely. My dad, my dogs, being on my hard-ass bed. Little things like that you really miss when you're on the road. You miss your bed, the family, everything.

What did you to to take your mind off of it while on the road?

We didn't have time to focus on anything else but the tour, so that got our minds off of being homesick. We were so focused on the tour, but towards the end we were all like 'I'm ready to go home!' And then of course on the last day we were all crying, like 'I don't want this to end!'

Is there an artist out there you really look up to and would want to collaborate with?

I keep saying this, and I'm always going to say it until it happens... working with Pink, my friend. That would be amazing. Her music altogether inspires me. I look up to her.

Would you be interested in making a transition to film or stage like other 'Idol' vets have done?

I don't know. I really don't know. I think I would suck at Broadway and stuff like that. I get kind of weird in front of audiences. Singing and dancing, I don't think I can do that. But hey, I wouldn't mind trying new things I guess.

You even get weird in front of audiences when you're touring with your music?

I do, and I freak out right before I hit the stage, but something comes over me and I black out or something and by the time I get off stage I'm like what the heck just happened. I don't konw why I'd feel weird if I'm doing dancing.

How did you deal with all of the criticism laid out on 'Idol'?

It's hard to take at first, but people should be prepared before they audition. The whole show of 'Idol' is not about your singing. It's pretty much... it's favoritism. I don't know, but that's pretty much what it is.

What do you think of Chris Sligh's comments that no one will care about ex-'Idol' contestants once the tour is over?

Yea, it's like everybody goes on to do their own thing after the tour. Everybody does what they've got to do, and if you deserve to get out there, you're gonna get out there. This year, this ain't the last you're gonna hear from us. I think all of us are going to get out there.

So years down the road, when you have a long, successful career, what would be the ultimate way for fans to describe you?

I'm bad at that. I don't know ... hopefully just Allison Iraheta, with my name still out there. To have people say my name and know who I am. I'll be content with that.

Jennette McCurdy - I Can't Make You Love Me by Bonnie Raitt

Emily Harder - Fireflies by Owl City

Drake Bell's Modern Times featured in Twalkin Commercial

Part of Drake's song Modern Times was used in a commercial for a new social networking application called Twalkin.

Maxie - Catch Me by Demi Lovato

Ally Heman - Crazy by Gnarls Barkley

Getting on iTunes is always a good thing.

Emily Harder - What If (original)

She wrote this song for MTV's show Made. If you've seen the show, the lyrics make a lot of sense. She really captured the essence of it

Ana Free - High Tide (original)

Kendra Wolcott - I Write Sins Not Tradgedies by Panic at the Disco

Definitely put her own spin on this one.

New Discovery: Chris Cendana

Really smooth voice from this guy. Lovin' the accoustic vibes too.

New Discovery: Ashley Argota

If she looks familiar to you, it's because she plays Lulu on True Jackson VP. After watching an iCarly related video, I found her channel via the related videos section. The first video that caught my eye was this one since the title of it is "me finally singing :)" She reminds me of Jennette McCurdy a little bit, so if you like her you'll like Ashley.

Ally Heman - You Belong With Me by Taylor Swift

Vicki Lee - Cannonball by Damien Rice

Maxie - The One That Got Away (original)

Alyssa Bernal - Outta Here by Esmee Denters

New Discovery: Marissa Lynn

My best friend finally got her music myspace up! Check her out:
http://www.myspace.com/keepinfaith1

New Discovery: Meiko

Thanks to anonymous commenter for pointing this one out to me. I think I might have heard her song Boys with Girlfriends on Music Choice too. She kinda sounds a little like flyleaf with a hint of katy perry.
http://www.myspace.com/meiko

Ana Free - Mama Do by Pixie Lot

Hmm this song is pretty popular around youtube. Wonder who's gonna cover it next.

Ally Heman - Come Home by One Republic

Maxie - Pokerface by Lady Gaga

I love all these acoustic covers of Pokerface. Whoever came up with it first is a genius. Chris Daughtry's cover will still be my all time favorite of it (out of the ones that I've seen), but Maxie still did a good job.

Alyssa Bernal - Just in Time (original)

Chantelle Readman - Mama Do by Pixie Lot

Free Tunes Tuesday - Melody by Kate Earl

Really intriguing sound, and she's from Alaska. It seems that a lot of new artists from places you might not expect (unless of course you live there) tend to have a really unique sound that draws you in.


Download it free on iTunes until August 24, 2009

Online Idol Finale UPDATE

Voting starts August 21 at midnight and lasts until August 22 at 3pm
Paige Cook
onlineidolfinalist3@gmail.com
I'm not sure the judges picked the right song for her, but she did change it up a bit and the vocals/pitch are right on point

Nice vibrato in this one. Love the lyrics too, really sweet and well written

Emily Harder - World of Chances by Demi Lovato

David Cook's Behind the Scenes Video at Good Morning America

Ally Heman - I Do Not Hook Up by Kelly Clarkson

Online Idol Finale UPDATE - Getting To Know You

Before their songs get uploaded, the contestants had to do a little about me kind of video. Check 'em out below:

Paige Cook:


Mollie Evans


Trevor Hoen

Free Tunes Tuesday - Wonderful by Gary Go

Download it free on iTunes until August 17, 2009

New Discovery: Gloria Lee

If the name sounds familiar, that's because it's Vicki Lee's sister. And just like Vicki, she's really good. So thanks go to Vicki for pointing this out in her latest video which I've posted a few posts down. Check out this slow piano take Gloria did on Use Somebody by Kings of Leon.

Online Idol Finale

No one's posted videos yet but just thought I'd give you guys a head's up on who's left and what's taking place. Unfortunately, only one of my favorites made it through, Paige Cook. The others that made it are Mollie Evans and Trevor Hoen. They're all doing 2 songs; one is judges choice and the other will be an original song. So this should be interesting. Having to do an original will show us what they're capable of lyrically in addition to vocally.

Kendra Wolcott - Hero of War by Rise Against

Vicki Lee - Falling For You by Colbie Caillat

Online Idol Finals UPDATE

Paige Cook
onlineidolfinalist5@gmail.com
Not a big fan of the song but she sings it pretty well regardless.


Rankings:
1. Vanessa Colleen-Campos
2. Ryan Kelley
3. Paige Cook

Online Idol Finals UPDATE

It's down to the top 5 now and 3 of them have a video up already. All my favorites got through except for Stephanie Empson, unfortunately. I wanted to see her get through. Voting works the same way, and you can vote from August 8th at midnight (Saturday) to August 9th at 5pm.

Vanessa Colleen-Campos
onlineidolfinalist4@gmail.com


Ryan Kelley
onlineidolfinalist2@gmail.com
Even though it was hard to judge because the band drowned her out a bit, from what I could hear, this is the genre for her. The song fits her really well. Wasn't expecting the music video-esque aspect of it either lol.


Mollie's entry started out okay but I'm still not a fan of the screamy parts. I think she'll be better just singing softly and not belting it out.

Online Idol Finals UPDATE

The finals are here and voting is up to us (the viewers) A lot of people are gone since semi-finals.
Voting starts at Midnight on August 1st (2 days from now) and ends on August 2nd at 5pm. You can vote up to a max of 20 times by sending blank emails to the contestant's email addresses, which I've provided below

Stephanie Empson
Hmm, I wonder if she read what I wrote last time. She really stepped it up since her last video and showed off her range a bit more.
onlineidolfinalist2@gmail.com


Paige Cook
I still love this girl's voice. So unique.
onlineidolfinalist7@gmail.com


Vanessa-Colleen Campos
Wow the best vocal this round. Song choice was right on point
onlineidolfinalist5@gmail.com


Ryan Kelley
Nothing too special in comparison to everyone else. A little screamy and over the top.
onlineidolfinalist3@gmail.com


Rankings:
1. Vanessa-Colleen Campos
2. Stephanie Empson
3. Paige Cook
4. Ryan Kelley

Free Tunes Tuesday - On My Way by Billy Boy On Poison

Love the overdriven guitar instrumentals on this one

Get it free on iTunes until August 3, 2009

Free Tunes Tuesday - Catch Me If You Can by Comic Book Heroes

This band's sound reminds me slightly of Saving Abel

Download it from iTunes for free until July 28

Emily Harder - Every Time You Lie by Demi Lovato

Anuhea - Birthday Sex by Jeremih

Ana Free - Use Somebody by Kings of Leon

A softer version than the grit that Kings of Leon brings to the song. Shows that she's not trying to emulate the original vocal qualities

Online Idol Semi-Finals UPDATE

Brittany Brooks
Nice female take on this song


Trevor Hoen
I didn't like him much in auditions but he sounds really good this round. It proves that good song choice is key


Stephanie Empson
The song doesn't show off too much range but I liked it


Rankings:
1. Paige Cook
2. Trevor Hoen
3. Ashleigh
4. Brittany Brooks
5. Dayze Estelle
6. Stephanie Empson
7. Chelsey Ponce

Alyssa Beranal - Where I Stood by Missy Higgins

Jordan McCoy - I'll Be There by Michael Jackson

Online Idol Semi-Finals UPDATE

Paige Cook
Nice take on this song. She really changed it up.


Chelsey Ponce
She's got really good control on this song, but I think some background music could help strengthen her voice


Ashleigh
She's less screamy than she was in auditions which is a good thing. I like seeing different sides of people's voices.


Rankings:
1. Paige Cook
2. Ashleigh
3. Dayze Estelle
4. Chelsey Ponce

Online Idol Semi-Finals UPDATE

Dayze Estelle
Seemed like she was holding back a little in the beginning but as the song progressed she got a little more into the song


That was the only good one so far. Mollie Evan's entry just didn't do it for me this time around.

Ally Heman - Fall To Pieces by Avril Lavigne

Online Idol Auditions UPDATE

Since my last post about Online Idol there have been quite a few good ones that have been added

Paige Cook
I love Adele and this girl really does it justice


Riley Mcmahon
The national anthem is a hard one to sing but she's right on key with every note


Brandy Kay Riha
The face doesn't really go with the voice and she's a little nasaly in certain parts, but she can still sing really well


Vanessa-Colleen Campos
She has great control over her vocals and knows when to go soft and when to belt it out. Flawless.


Dayze Estelle
She also has good control over her vocals and it's cool to hear her accent come through in it


Kendra Wolcott
Whoa, did not expect that sound to come out of her. Her voice slightly resembles Allison Iraheta who was my favorite during Season 8


Stephanie Empson
There's a definite grit to her voice and she does that cool raspy aggressive thing with her voice near the end (I'm not sure what that's called but when you watch it you'll know what I mean)


Chelsey Ponce
Very nice soft voice, a lighter tone that a lot of these contestants but it works for her


Ashleigh
No last name? That's okay though because she's really good. However, the ending could have been better


Tommy Benrowski
Really unique, another face that doesn't go with the voice. I like this guy


Ryan Kelly
Her voice doesn't conform to that genre so I'm interested to hear her sing something different because I can see some potential in her


Updated Rankings:
1. Kendra Wolcott
2. Robert Hough
3. Madeline Olsen
4. Brittany Brooks
5. Vanessa-Colleen Campos
6. Riley Mcmahon
7. Ashleigh
8. Ryan Kelly
9. Stephanie Empson
10. Chelsey Ponce
11. Paige Cook
12. Brandy Kay Riha
13. Tommy Benrowski
14. Dayze Estelle
15. Mollie Evans
16. Danielle Chan

EDIT: All of my favorites got through except for Riley Mcmahon. And unfortunately some bad ones slipped through as well. Now we're in the semi-finals until July 17. Let's see what happens.

Alyssa Beranal - You Belong With Me by Taylor Swift

Ana Free - Keep On Walking Music Video

Download this song for free

Ally Heman - Wonderwall by Oasis

Jennette McCurdy - Home Sweet Home by Carrie Underwood

New Discovery: Emily Harder

If you like this girl, she's got 5 songs available on iTunes.

Alyssa Beranal - Please Don't Leave Me by Pink

She said she got signed to Star Track Interscope records, so congrats to her on that

We Are the Fallen - Bury Me Alive

I just got my download from the website I posted yesterday and if you haven't gotten yours yet or want to hear it first, here it is:

http://www.wearethefallen.com/index.php

Free Tunes Tuesday - Don't Wake Me by Love and Theft

The genre may be country but that's only because of one instrument that's thrown in at certain points in the song.

Download it from iTunes for free until June 30

David Cook's new vlog

Online Idol Auditions

I heard about this Online Idol thing which is going to be judged by three of the top 36 contestants from Season 8 and decided to check out the auditioners. Here's how my favorites stack up:

1. Robert Hough - His voice is really smooth, I'm just worried he might become forgettable


2. Madeline Olsen - If she was on the real American Idol she'd definately be in the highlight reels, though something in her voice sounds a bit awkward in the chorus. Also I love the way she sings "driving"


3. Brittany Brooks - she's good but she screams the high notes


4.Danielle Chan - I see a potential in her, she kinda reminds me of Chantelle Readman


5. Mollie Evans - Again, a bit screamy but still good


You can check out the others but they really can't sing in my opinion, except for the little kid, she might be good in a few years but she's only four so she's too young for me to really tell. But she's really cute and looked like she was havin' a lot of fun.

Auditions are going on 'til the end of June so If any other good ones get added I'll be sure and post them and update my ranking.

http://idol-thoughts.com/talent//index.php?option=com_seyret&Itemid=162

Free Download - We Are the Fallen - Bury Me Alive

Carly Smithson from American Idol Season 7 is now playing in the Fallen with Amy Lee's old bandmates. If you hurry and head over to their new website, you can get a free download their new song, Bury Me Alive. This offer is only good for the first 100,000 people so get on over there.
http://www.wearethefallen.com/index.php

Jordan McCoy - Sick and Tired (original)

Jordan wrote a song for World Refugee Day. Check it out:

Ana Free - Playgrounds and Kisses (original)

Download the studio version: http://www.jmftwinvines.com/

Idol Live Chats!!

This week and next week, comcast.net is hosting a live chat with each of the top ten idols. Michael Sarver, Megan Joy, Scott MacIntyre, and Anoop Desai have already chatted, but here is the schedule for the rest of the idols:

Lil Rounds: Today, 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT
Matt Giraud: Monday, June 15, 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT
Allison Iraheta: Monday, June 15, 4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT
Danny Gokey: Tuesday, June 16, 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT
Adam Lambert: Wednesday, June 17, 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT
Kris Allen: Thursday, June 18, 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT

Make sure you bookmark this page so you can chat with your favorite idol: http://www.comcast.net/tv/eyeonidol/66318/idoltop10chat/

Kris Allen Sings the National Anthem

Earlier tonight Kris Allen sang the National Anthem before the 2nd game of the NBA Finals

Ally Heman - White Lines and Red Lights by Between The Trees

As you'll hear at the end of the video, Ally's gonna be playing live at Duggan's Pub in Lincoln, Nebraska on June 8 at 9:00pm. So if you like what you've been hearing and live in Nebraska, go out and support her!

Bre Morgan - Nobody Knows by Pink

Ain - A Beautiful Mess by Jason Mraz

Ain - Heartless/Geek in the Pink Mashup

Check out Ain's awesome mashup featuring Kanye West's Heartless and Jason Mraz's Geek in the Pink:

Allison Iraheta Record Deal in the Works

Cleveland radio station KISS 96.5 announced that Allison Iraheta signed with Jive Records!!

"Allison Iraheta seemed like an early favorite on American Idol season 8, but she came in 4th like Idol alum Chris Daughtry. He's had massive success - so Allison probably has a bright future ahead of her. She recently signed with Jive Records - following in the footsteps of previous Idol loser David Archuleta."

Ally Heman - Don't Forget by Demi Lovato

Ally pulls off some really high notes extremely well in this song

New Discovery: Ana Free

So I finally get to show you guys a new music discovery I just found; the main focus of this whole blog. While browsing through quite a few different youtubers by use of the related videos, this girl stood out to me. However the reason I made this blog is for you to listen, not read. So I'm gonna shut up now and let you listen to/watch the video that led me to discovering this girl:



Youtube Channel
MySpace Music
iTunes

Bre Morgan Posted a New Shout Out Video

Check out Bre Morgan's latest youtube shout out video below:

Kris Allen at the American Idol Experience at Walt Disney World

Kris Allen sang Heartless and did a Q&A today at the American Idol Experience at Walt Disney World