because you want to know: the AMA's

It's been a while since I've done a full-out post on an award show or anything of the sort, but it's time to talk about last night's American Music Awards!

First up: Let's visit the Red Carpet and see how everyone was lookin'.

My faves:

Making me cringe:




The rest:

And now... For the performances..

There were three former Idols to perform... And people say the song produces no one?

Kelly Clarkson, looking bigger than her best, but sounding just as amazing as she did in her American Idol days.




Adam Lambert, who everyone is FREAKING OUT about for this performance. [I guess that's why they picked him over Kris... He'll make people talk.] He's still a little too showy to me, but it's probably time I admit that's what everyone likes- Someone who will entertain in any and every way. And don't tell anyone, but his song is totally growing on me.

As for the raunchiness of this performance- I say work it if you can! Work the system, that is. They don't always let things happen like this, he's an adult, he's putting on a show! [Did I just say something nice about Glambert?! Uh oh.]




Carrie Underwood looked, sounded, everything perfectly... As usual. I noticed her outfit looks a lot like one of my faves from the Project Runway finale... Anyone else catch it?!




Two daring performers stepped out in very odd outfits. Lady Gaga doesn't surprise me any, of course... And I guess Rihanna has been going down the "odd" trail for a little while now, too. Who's was worse/crazier/whatever?

A skeleton is just never really an OK look. Even though they both have the same skeletal idea I feel, Gaga's is obviously too much.

Some people sound way better on the radio, but I appreciate their effort to sing live. [But maybe a little technical help would in fact be better...]

Shakira is hott, but that's about it.



The Black Eyed Peas are just not good live.




There were some performers that maybe you forgot could still make good music, but they're still talented and doin' their thing!

Whitney Houston had an emotional return to the AMA stage, but I think she did great. I'm so happy for her!



J.Lo has definitely been missed [I've missed her, at least]. Minus the absolutely hilarious fall right before her big solo dance, I'd give her an A!




As for other notable performances, I don't really have any complaints minus Eminem obviously being satellited. Everyone did pretty great, and I love that the AMA's have so much music.

Jay Z and Alicia Keys [Please take note of Perez having the time of his life during this song, but not really knowing the words.]




And last but not least, the opening performance of the night was Janet Jackson. She definitely put on quite a show. She looks great, and she sounded great [with the obvious help of pre-recorded music ;)]. I love hearing some of these songs with a new touch on them. One question: Has she gotten more surgery recently?!


As for the winners, I'll just tell you that Taylor Swift won the most awards with 5, and I'm mad about it. I still don't get how she can beat people like Michael Jackson, Carrie Underwood, Kenny Chesney.... Yeah, her music is cute... But is nowhere near legendary.

So, because I'm mad, you can read all of the winners for yourself here. Sorry. Kinda.


And that'll do it for my thoughts! I tried to get it all straight to the point for those of you who didn't get to watch last night!

love,
elizabethany

PS: I'm still shocked Kate Hudson's nip didn't slip when she presented the Black Eyed Peas.

watch: awesome i gotta feelin one-take video

I never really knew about this fascinating thing we shall call "one-take videos." A group of people gets together and creates a video that is not edited and is done in one take.

You probably think "yeah.... Uhhh.. Okay.. I don't get it... Nor do I care to really watch this video."

You're wrong, my friend. You should watch this video that was done by a school in Quebec because you will enjoy it. You will also want to create something just like it. I know this for a fact.



That was awesome, wasn't it?! Am I right or wrong?! If I'm wrong- please keep it to yourself... I'm not in the mood to get my heartbroken.

172 people were involved in this and they planned and executed it all in just a couple hours! The timing was perfect for everything, and it all looked super cool!

I can figure out how they did it, but the planning is the crazy part... Along with them all ending up in the same place at the end.

My gears are going a mile a minute in my brain right now... Trying to come up with something similar. No luck so far.

love,
elizabethany

tunes on wednesday 092309

Woohoo! It's time for Tunes on Tuesday! [Even though it's Wednesday.. Woopsies.]

LOTS of upcoming songs to share today!


Kris Allen--> Live Like We're Dyin'



OMG! I LOVE it!!!!! I knew I was going to like his music, but I was a little worried that it would fall under the same category as Blake Lewis's-- Good, but not good enough to be a radio hit. Ummm... I could listen to this over and over again. It has the Jason Mraz/John Mayer feel I assumed it would, but better! Gah. Obsessed.


Whitney Houston--> Million Dollar Bill



She looks great, and she sounds the same as she always did! It even sounds like a classic Whitney song with a little upgrade. I'm pumped.


Jessie James--> I Look So Good [Without You]



I really like her. I love her sound, and she's totally hott! [So is the video!] I love everything about this song, and it's going to be huge. Mark my word.


Black Eyed Peas--> Meet Me Halfway



I hope you weren't ready for the Black Eyed Peas to fade away. They've taken over the charts all summer, and just as you might be getting sick of "I Gotta Feeling," they're releasing a new one. I really don't think it's an amazing song at all, but I didn't think so about the last one, either.


Leona Lewis--> Happy



Speaking of people who have songs you can't get off the radio.. She's baaaacckkkk. It's a bit slow. I don't really ever get into it because of that, but maybe it'll grow on me. I feel like it may be fun to sing once I know it.


The Ting Tings--> Great DJ



Yikes.. I just don't know about some of these songs. I really don't know about the Ting Tings in general but... Urgh. I know this is going to be played all types of crazy. Fabulous.


Young and Divine--> Shake That Bubble



This isn't terrible. I don't think I'll go around playing it a million times while I jam out, but you might.


Alexandra Burke ft. Flo-Rida-- Bad Boys



This song has a very soundtrack feel to me, but I really do like it. It may have something to do with Flo-Rida being involved, but what's it matter? It's a good song.


Amy Pearson-- Butterfingers



She's an Australian pop singer, and that's exactly what this song is. I do kinda like it. Some of the lyrics are things I feel a guy should say but.... Whatever floats your boat, woman.


Darin Jassy ft. David Jassy--> Pop That



I was really worried that this song would be called "Pop That" and not be a good dance song.. But I can TOTALLY get down to this! He's a SWEDISH pop singer! Hmmm.. Am I going to start going global with my choice of music!?


Jeremih--> Break Up to Make Up



Not a bad song at all! I'm not going OMG OMG LISTEN NOW, but it's definitely worth your time and a download.... And multiple listens.


Ester Dean ft. Chris Brown--> Drop it Low



I know a lot of you aren't supportive of Chris Brown but I am so excited to see him in a music video again! First of all- the song is hott. Second- he's still got it! [Not that he really has had anything else to do but practice.. but still.] I'm not sure how I feel about Miss Ester, but I enjoy this.

***Note: Because Country music is apparently crazy about their stuff getting out early, I can only give you links for these songs. Click and it'll play.]

Bomshel--> 19 and Crazy
Good stuff, for sure. I think these 2 girls could be somethin' special.

Big Kenny--> Long After I'm Gone
Hmm.. This is a pretty decent song... But uh... We can't have another Kenny in Country music, dude.... You're going to need a name change, sorry.

Jason Aldean--> The Truth
I enjoy Jason Aldean. I enjoy this song. Enough said.


That's going to wrap it up! Break out your downloading equipment!

love,
elizabethany

perez got beat up by will.i.am

Wowzers, Twitter went CRAZY last night while I was sleeping. I woke up to about double the tweets I normally do overnight, and it's all thanks to an event that happened after the Much Music Video Awards in Canada last night.

Perez Hilton was bleeding, needed the popo's, and was in shock. Will.I.am supposedly beat him up.

Read some of Perez's tweets:

• I'm in shock. I need the police ASAP. Please come to the SoHo Metropolitan Hotel now. Please.
• I was assaulted by Will.I.Am of the Black Eyed Peas and his security guards. I am bleeding. Please, I need to file a police report. No joke.
• Still waiting for the police. The bleeding has stopped. I need to document this. Please, can the police come to the SoHo Met Hotel.
• I spoke to my lawyer. I really need to talk to the authorities. Please come to the SoHo Met Hotel. Have called the police. Need them here.
• The Toronto police are here now. Thank you. Please stop calling them.
• Thank u all from the bottom of my heart for ur concern. The police are investigating the assault now. I did the right thing by reporting it.

Hmmmm... Will.I.am?!?! I just can't imagine him doing anything like that! [And yes, in case you were wondering, I do in fact know him personally, and we're BFF's so I know what he would and wouldn't do... Duh.]

I guess we'll find out what really happened eventually. All I want to do is see the pictures, though. I know for a fact I would laugh out loud... At least a little bit.

But uh.... If this IS true... You can bet Will.I.am and the Black Eyed Peas will get some not-so-nice names and posts from Perez.


In other news, here are some pictures from the event, which is said to be a lot like the MTV VMA's. It involved Lady GaGa's boobies exploding in flames and her cooter almost falling out, Fergie's creepy fingernails, Kelly Clarkson looking huge, and JoBro ridiculousness.. Including them making an obscene gesture.

Looks like an interesting night, that's for sure.

love,
elizabethany

tunes on tuesday 052609

Woohoo! It's my favorite day! And I'm getting the post done early!!!
[I almost didn't at all, though! I kept thinking it was Monday. Darn those 3 day weekends.]


Jay Sean ft. Lil Wayne--> Down



So he's some British pop star and has had multiple hits or something... Is it bad that I kinda like this song? It's definitely cheesy, but who cares?! And apparently Wayne is all about helpin' people lately.


Flo Rida--> Sugar



In case ya'll forgot, I totally debuted this song months ago, and I have absolutely loved it from the second I heard it. Question, though... Why does this video look like something a small-town amateur would do?


Black Eyed Peas--> Alive



Hmmm... Maybe it's good that they came out with "Boom Boom Pow" first so that they got a bunch of people wanting to hear more, but I have yet to be uber impressed since that song. I don't know.. This one is OK I guess...


Esmee Denters--> Outta Here



So this girl was discovered after covering Justin Timberlake's "What Goes Around" and now he's producing this song. You'd never be able to tell by this video, but she's veryyyy Spanish. Or Hispanic, or Latina or whatever it is. I like the song though... I can hang with it.


Black Eyed Peas--> I Got a Feelin'



Okay, I take back what I said before, I think. This is actually the new official single being released to all the stations, and I'm glad. I still don't like as much as BBP, but I like it... It's funny, and has a decent beat. Phew.


Beyonce--> Sweet Dreams



Woah. Could this be.... A different sound from B? No... It's almost like... I've never heard something like this from her! It has a different beat! I'm not CRAZY about it, but I like it.. And it gets 10 points for being different than the usual. BUT! Will she wear a leotard and have 2 dancers???


Lovesick Radio--> Loser of the Year



Consider me a big fan of them now, after hanging with them for a day. [Elaborate post coming ASAP.] So I'm pretty sure this is going to be their next single and I think you need to listen. Also, listen to more of them... Especially when they do covers at live performances. They're fab.


Shea Fisher--> Don't Chase Me



She reminds me of a brunette Julianne Hough or something. She also has the potential to pull a Carrie or Taylor and do pop and country. The weird cheer in the beginning and middle needs to go, though.


Jason Aldean--> Big Green Tractor



I fully enjoy Jason Aldean, and this song is alright, but it's not fabulous. Probably something I'll play on the random, but not something I'll be excited to hear.


And as for a hopefuly "big comeback," AQUA has come out with a new single! [Yes, the group that did "Barbie Girl"]

"Back to the 80's"



I mean... Cool idea, I guess. Lyrics that you hear a lot in the country world but uh... These people were never talented, they just had a good voice for a funny song about Barbie. Why do they think it's a good idea to try and come back into the music world? Bad, bad idea.


That is all for today, folks! Enjoy, and break out the iTunes!!

Also, for Idol lovers, Brandon Rogers and Ruben Studdard have had albums released lately... I should have some of those songs on here next week. I need to listen first!

love,
elizabethany

this guy is amazing on the acoustics

I was just surfing around for American Idol stuff last night and found this guy, and I'm really glad I did.

I don't know much about him besides the fact that he's from Boyce Avenue and his name is Alejandro Manzano and he sings a bunch of popular songs with the acoustic guitar. And oh yeah, they're amazing.

This one is my favorite so far... He mixed Alicia Keys, Jordin Sparks and Black Eyed Peas/Justin Timberlake into one song, that sounds GREAT! How he came up with it, I'll never know, but it's remarkable [Woah! New word for me!] and you need to watch/listen.



I have officially started to follow them on Twitter so hopefully I'll get plenty more things to share with you! Also, Ellen needs to have this guy on her show PRONTO.

love,
elizabethany

because you want to know: american idol finale pt 2

Ohhh man! What. A. Finale!!! First of all, THANK GOD KRIS WON!!!! Your American Idol= Kris Allen!




The show was pretty great, and definitely packed... And also definitely aiming towards middle-aged women, who probably helped Kris win big time. TONS of duets from famous singers with people from the Top 13. Here are some of them:

Kris Allen, Adam Lambert/Queen--> We Are the Champions



WOW! What a performance for the top 2 to do. It's crazy how they have such different voices, but they both sound good with Queen. [Of course, Adam stands out quite a bit..] And how precious of a song. ;)


Adam Lambert/Kiss--> Beth



Absolutely incredible performance, for sure. [And of course, the song is uber-fabulous!] When's the last time anyone saw KISS perform?! But what is Adam wearing? Metal, rhinestoned, wings? Or are they shoulder pads? And why did he call up the Spice Girls to ask to borrow their shoes? Yikes. Wardrobe change, please.


Allison Iraheta/Cyndi Lauper--> Time After Time



This girl is so incredibly talented, holy S. I can't wait to hear what kind of album she puts out. Cyndi sounded rough, but the idea behind it all was really awesome. I love this... A lot.


Danny Gokey/Lionel Richie--> Medley



I wish I could say "Danny should have been in the finale." He should have been.. But who should he have replaced? I'm not sure that he should have won in place of Kris, but maybe. Actually, probably. But who knows! All I know is he is an amazing singer, and did great with Lionel.


Top 13/Jason Mraz--> I'm Yours



I think this is a cool performance, but I wish it would have only been a couple of them, not everyone.


Top 13/Carlos Santana--> Medley



Again, I love this performance, but I wish it had only been Matt Giraud with him... And maybe Kris and if they had to come up with a girl, Alexis. Sometimes all 13 of them is just too much, duh.


The girls/Fergie--> Medley

Why do the girls sound way better than Fergie? And what is this look of hers?! My GOD she looks MISERABLE!! Seriously awful. Also, they had to dump her during Boom Boom Pow because apparently she forgot you can't say the S word on national TV. Idiot.


Kris Allen/Keith Urban--> Kiss a Girl



Absolutely amazing. This shows why he won! He sounds GREAT alongside of Keith. He's almost like a mini-me to him.


Honestly.. The highlight of the whole show, was when Bikini Girl got her award. No wait, that wasn't the best part. It was right after that:



OMG. Katrina's face is PRICELESS when Kara comes out there on the stage. I really don't think she knew ahead of time. She was not trying to give her a hug! AND!! When Kara ripped off her dress!! You go girl! I'm so sick of Bikini Girl's 15 minutes of fame! Kara took over the moment!!


As for the performances, that's about it it. Steve Martin performed a song on the banjo.... Weird. And they gave a duet to Lil... With Queen Latifah. Also random..

Everyone's really freaking out about the "upset." I guess I agree because I said from the beginning that Kris was the guy I liked that never had a chance in winning. I thought he was forgettable. Apparently not.

The best part about it is that when he was about to hear the results, he wasn't worried or anything. You could tell that he "knew" he wasn't going to win and that Adam had it hands down. When they called his name, this is the face he made:



Pure shock. He has got to be the most "boy next door" or down to Earth Idol ever, and I am so excited about it! Congrats, Kris Allen! I can't wait to write much more about you, and maybe even get an interview in the future. :)

American Idol, RIP... For now. Until I see you at auditions with my BFF C-ton, that is.

love,
elizabethany

PS: Here are some pictures! Check out the band-aids Carrie is ROCKIN'! And Kim Caldwell looks great! Also, it's kinda crazy how Glambert is just proportionately a lot bigger than Kris.

PPS: To see the "Top 10 Reaction Videos".. Click here. Some of them are pretty funny.

tunes on [thursday] 052109

Alright, I know I scout's honored that I would have this up yesterday, but when you move back into your parents' house, you don't exactly get to do what you want, when you want to do it.

So here ya go! Here is this week's Tunes on Tuesday!... On Thursday.

Beyonce--> Ego



Imagine that. She's wearing a leotard and has two dancers beside her. Why is she feeling her boobs? And seriously.. She needs to fire her choreographer and get a new one because she has the same dance for every song. Ugh.


Cascada--> Evacuate the Dancefloor



I actually enjoy this song, it's good to dance to. I'm not used to heard her/them/whatever sing an original song! The video could be better, but whatever. I won't hate... Yet.


Ace Hood ft. Akon and T-Pain--> Overtime



I actually really dig this song, too. I think because I actually enjoy the lyrics... Or at least what they're trying to say.


Black Eyed Peas--> Imma Be



I think BEP had a lot to live up to after Boom Boom Pow, and I don't think this was the song to do it. It's not a terrible song, but it's certainly not my favorite by any means.


Cobra Starship ft. Leighton Meester--> [I Make] Good Girls Go Bad



Leighton Meester= Blair from Gossip Girl. Interesting. The song is okay, she sounds a lot better than I expected her to. I may actually like her songs when she comes out with something of her own. The song as a whole- I give it a C.


Ida Maria--> I Like You So Much Better When You're Naked



This song isn't my absolute favorite, but it's that kind of music that people are going NUTS over lately, so I'm thinking it's going to give this Indie girl a huge in to the pop world. Mark my words.


Daughtry--> No Surprise



Are ya'll ready for another Chris Daughtry song to take over the airwaves? He's back! I fully enjoy this song, too. For once a song admitting that both people knew a breakup was coming, and it's alright. Oh Chris.. You're great. Can you believe this is the first song from his second album!? All of those before were from his debut album. Wow.


Finally, your American Idol! Kris Allen--> No Boundaries



It's maybe one of my lesser favorite Idol songs, but it's growing on me. And since Kris won, I definitely won't complain when I hear it on the radio.


As for my country fans... The songs that are about to become big, and are great, can't be downloaded/embedded for free right now, so here are some links:

Brooks & Dunn--> Indian Summer
Phill Vassar--> Bobby With an I
Rodney Atkins--> 15 Minutes
Jimmy Wayne--> I'll Be That

Alright, that's all I got for today, guys!! Again, sorry it's 2 days late!

love,
elizabethany

watch: kid boom boom pows

I say this all of the time: The Black Eyed Peas' "Boom Boom Pow" is a party starter. People will get DOWN to that song no matter what!

Even little kids have their own dance to it!



Okay no really though, this kid can get down on the dance flo'! He's not even worried about ANYONE else around him! Whoever edited it all together is a genius, too.

It reminds me a little of the kid who danced to Low. But... that kid was even better.

love,
elizabethany

the latest on ellen: 050509

I haven't given an update on Ellen in a while, and it's a shame! She hit her 1000th episode mark [CONGRATS ELLEN!], found out she's going to be in the December issue of O Magazine, and has had some fabulous people on the show.

Matt Giraud was on yesterday and sang "Let's Get It On." My goodness he could wet any girl's pants. I'm glad she got on the piano because it made me feel normal. If Ellen gets excited over him, I totally can.




Simon Cowell was on today talkin' about how he didn't like Kara at first, how he's single and looking, and who he thinks is going to win. It was pretty funny, actually. He's a charming fella, and definitely my favorite judge.



I'd date you, Simon. If you weren't like, old.


Black Eyed Peas performed today, too. They're good. Real good. But what the heck was Fergie wearing?!

It may be hard to see because I can't find an actual picture anywhere yet, but she had on this skirt/shorts thing. It was a skirt until the bottom where suddenly it had two leg holes. Like MC Hammer pants on crack. Very bad. Also, she had these extra long gold nail things on. Odd.

I've never really understood her, nor liked her when she's solo... But the BEPs... Them, I love.

Ellen I love too, obvi. Man I would give anything to go to her show.

love,
elizabethany

tunes on tuesday 042109

Because I'm running low on time, we're going to have to do Tunes on Tuesday a little differently. I'm not going to comment on the songs, I'm just going to throw them up here and let you decide for yourself what you think.


Dorrough--> Ice Cream Paint Job

Gorilla Zoe--> Echo

Hurricane Chris ft. Superstar--> She's Fine

Kelly Clarkson--> I Do Not Hook Up

Black Eyed Peas--> Boom Boom Pow




Ashley Tisdale--> It's Alright, It's OK




There ya have it! I'll comment tomorrow and add more at some point! But make sure to check those out and give YOUR feedback!

love,
elizabethany