ain't that a kick in the head (ai08: rat pack standards)

Just what the audience needed, a theme of songs sung by five dead guys. Plugged as the Rat Pack Standards night, the formidable five belt out tunes made famous by Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr., Peter Lawford and Joey Bishop. The Rat Pack have contributed a wealth of classy tunes to choose from. And with Jamie Foxx as this week's mentor, this is bound to be a pretty interesting night.

THE BEST

KRIS ALLEN / The Way You Look Tonight. First of all, Cowell is a retard for throwing Kris Allen under the bus tonight. Kris Allen was fucking fantastic! Kara DioGuardi was right in pointing out that he is indeed this season's dark horse. So far, he's the only contestant who has been consistently good, week by week. He deserves recognition! If pitted against Lambert, it'll be like a Survivor - everyone who hates Lambert, and that's a lot of people mind you, will vote for Kris Allen. I'm giddy at the thought.

ALLISON IRAHETA / Someone To Watch Over Me. I can't believe I'm saying this but I actually like Iraheta's performance. Technically, it was flawless. And for the first time, I actually felt like she connected. Good job!

THE WORST

DANNY GOKEY / Come Rain, Come Shine. I didn't like Katharine McPhee's version back in season six. DeadWife Gokey was a million times better but still, I can't bear to sit through his performance without the word "douchebag" popping in my head. I'm so sick of his overpraised ass week after week after week. Do people really want another epic fail (i.e. Taylor Hicks)? He has a good voice but I just don't care.

THE REST

ADAM LAMBERT / Feelin' Good. What a fucking show-off. Stop trying to make "Lambert made it his own" happen. It won't happen because it was merely a ripoff! It wasn't even a Rat Pack standard. It wasn't a great performance! LOLs at those who think otherwise. He'd be great if this were Broadway though. But it's not.

MATT GIRAUD / My Funny Valentine. He did surprisingly well. I was impressed with his control especially on that glory note. It was awesome. Like Iraheta, he was technically proficient. However, I couldn't feel the song. It just wasn't there.

best kept secret: defying gravity

Because poetry reveals what prose can’t.


EASTER EGG
The irony in an Easter death is just too delightful to be ignored. Out of boredom and morbid curiosity, but mostly because of boredom, I wondered what it would be like to die. I wanted to know if the free fall would make one feel much more alive than how he felt before the jump. I considered naming it "Humpty Dumpty On Crack" because I'm whacked out like that.

STARGAZER
Stargazer was initially planned to be the prelude to an account of a grand love story. The latter never came to fruition because I'm too lazy to write it, or probably because the story is still on going. Whichever is more romantic, your pick. It reminds me not to over think with regards to all things love-related. Otherwise, complexities will surely ensue.

BULALAKAW
I seldom write in Filipino because I find my vocabulary of the language lacking so it was a surprise that Bulalakaw turned out fine considering its directness and simplicity. I like how it acknowledges that there are indeed persons whose problems are way greater than the petty ones that irk us to no end. Like gaining a pound, or missing a much-awaited concert.

WHEN THE MORNING COMES
When The Morning Comes is a revision of an earlier work published back in college. Whereas the original was inspired by Mariah Carey's After Tonight, the revision stemmed from a fellow blogger's entry back in March, 2008 that hit close to home.

HUNGOVER
It's that instance when you like someone, and you assume that the same person likes you back, sort of. And because you are unsure, you decide to coax that someone into making the first move. I blame this on the Cuervo.

ERODE
This is a poem about sex, damaging relationships and Daine. But mostly, it's about sex.

SNOWDRIFTS
The last line of my first short story – "and there was nothing but the snowdrifts left by the calmed storm" helped me set the setting for this poem. Inspired by a life-turning event which happened back in the summer of 2002, Snowdrifts remains to be one of my most treasured works regardless of how juvenile, mushy and saccharine it is.

FOR DAVE
This poem took me about three hours to finish. I never edited it as I wanted it to appear as raw, wordy, colorful and confusing as possible.

CALLED YOU FOR THE FIRST TIME YESTERDAY
The first 31 words that came out after a month of drunken stupor.

SWAN SONG
There's a certain yearning to go back to the life you once knew after every fall.


Defying Gravity collects my ten best attempts at poetry for the past year or so.
Because April is National Poetry Month.
In the United States and Canada.

in your sleep

If you'd only let me rest beside you
And watch you in your sleep
I'd picture how lovely it would be
If you'd stare back and watch over me
With the same intensity and longing.
Perhaps then, you and I won't be as empty.

it's betsy, bitch

MARVEL COMICS PRESENTS THE UNCANNY X-MEN ARC "SISTERHOOD"
THE X-MEN RED QUEEN REVANCHE AND PSYLOCKE
WRITTEN BY MATT FRACTION PENCILED BY TERRY DODSON INKED BY RACHEL DODSON COLORED BY JUSTIN PONSOR

MAY 2009

let's hear it for the boy (ai08: disco)

Like country, disco is a staple theme on American Idol; and this week the seven remaining hopefuls channel their inner Chaka in an attempt to outperform one another and secure themselves a spot on the top five. After all, the stakes are a bit higher as two of them will be sent packing home after tonight. Blame America for supporting that weave-wearing fug instead of giving more love to the talented Giraud, or the lovely Kris Allen.

THE BEST

KRIS ALLEN / She Works Hard For The Money. Artistry at its finest. Just flawless. I'm glad that Kris Allen is really upping the ante. Once again, he was, by FAR, the best of the night. No contest.

MATT GIRAUD / Stayin' Alive. Giraud chose to stick with the original arrangement which was fine since he was the only contestant who pulled off disco in its truest sense. It was unoriginal, but it was still good nonetheless.

THE WORST

ANOOP DESAI / Dim All The Lights. The build up was long, slow and lazy. And for what? A mid-tempo 70s second-tier song. Boring. Dude could've picked a much better song than this.

LIL ROUNDS / I'm Every Woman. Mandisa will flatten you for killing this song. Be afraid.

ALLISON IRAHETA / Hot Stuff. Bad news: Nicole Scherzinger and the Pussycat Dolls did it a million times better than Iraheta, and none of those girls can even sing to save their lives. Good news: the judges already used their save. Life is great!

THE REST

ADAM LAMBERT / If I Can't Have You. And I thought that the world would finally see the real Lambert on full throttle. But I guess bedazzled outfits and "It's Raining Men/I Will Survive" on disco night is just too predictable for an artiste. Instead, he settled for a mellow version of I Can't Have You which he might have pulled off perfectly if not for the god-awful shrieking. Show off.

DANNY GOKEY / September. Other than the opening note which made me cringe, the performance was borderline okay. His voice is solid gold though. This is me praising Deadwife Gokey.

superbad

To all Sarcasshole Wannabes:


Jumbo!

Being sarcastic is fucking hilarious, isn't it?

However, before you go out to the world and spread the love, let me share with you my knowledge on the delicate art that is sarcasm. You should always remember these by heart:

First, DO NOT abuse it. Seriously. Use sarcasm sparingly. As in. Too much of anything is… annoying. If it comes to that point, I will personally see to it that you’re brought down.

And second, know what sarcasm is before even considering using it. PLEASE.

As a reminder:

Sarcasm [sahr-kaz-uhm] is a noun defined as:

1. harsh or bitter derision or irony.
2. a sharply ironical taunt; sneering or cutting remark.

and,

3. the body’s natural defense, or verbal reflex against stupid.

Notice that it goes far beyond saying the opposite of what you mean. Sarcasm necessitates wit. Wit is something not everyone is born with, by the way. It takes a certain level of sarcastitude to pull a smart ass quip. If you don't have one, then just stop trying to make it happen. It won't happen!

When used incorrectly, sarcasm can only make you appear more foolish than your intended target. But who cares about you, right? Think of the second-hand embarassment, dolt!

I know it's always fun to mock stupid people. After all, it does take an extra effort to be that thick so it is just proper to commend them for their idiotic ways. But always remember that possessing a sharp tongue does not necessarily equate to having a keen mind.

I'm just saying. It's not like you sarcassholes need my two cents, anyway.

Let me close this with our mantra - "I know my sarcasm and I'm not afraid to use it!"

Cheers!


POSTSCRIPT. Don't feel bad when your sarcasm is unappreciated. It just means that they deserve to look obtuse as they do. Don't ruin it for everyone else.

legally bland

"RG here went diving in Anilao," JJ updated everyone of our Management Trainee's holiday activity. As the rest of the team were busy digging into the food JJ bought for our Easter celebration, it was up to me to make the obligatory follow up.

"How was it," I asked. Smiling.

On cue, RG animatedly retold every single detail of his adventure as if he was expecting this moment. His group went as deep as sixty feet where the top-most surface of the ocean can no longer be distinguished. But it was already thirty past four and we have yet reached the South Super Highway in his story so we wouldn't really know that part until much later on. The tale dragged on but it was alright. After all, he caught my interest; his adventure too.

This prompted me to ask, "Is it a prerequisite for one to know how to swim to dive?" RG and Lara, another dive enthusiast, gladly answered the question by sharing their experiences during their respective dive certification examinations. And that pretty much scratched diving off my list.

"How about you Mak? What did you do last week," JJ asked.

"Stayed at home. Bonded with loved ones. Starbucks," I said fully aware that I just made myself sound so lifeless and boring to these people. I wanted to add that I saw AJ Dee because AJ Dee trumps barracudas, manta rays, sharks and people in wet suits by a long shot.

It was only then that I realized how flavorless and uneventful my life has been lately. No wonder I've been whining to T2 and Binx these past few nights on how I seem so blasé these days. I am on a barren and boring plateau and it's one of those moments when I wish for another thrilling roller coaster ride, or at the very least, a new engaging and worthwhile hobby.

It's not that I lack the initiative. God knows how many plans I've laid out for this summer alone. What I'm missing though is the passion to pursue the things that I want to accomplish, and without it, I don't see any reason why I would want to go through the ordeal. Simply put, maybe I really don't want it.

Like attending Law school. I'm sure this trumps diving any day of the week. It's new, it's engaging and it will definitely be worthwhile but I'm still hesitant to go through with it. It's not like I've always wanted to be a lawyer. It's just that I don't think I'll be doing this for all the right reasons.

A friend who will be taking the bar this year was ecstatic when I told her of my intent. Unsurprisingly, she asked why the sudden interest. I told her that I woke up one day and told myself that I want to take up Law. So Elle Woods, right?

The call of buying new school supplies, the scent of thick books, the prospect of meeting new intellectuals, and actually passing the bar exams and becoming a full-fledged lawyer – these are all luring, new, engaging and definitely worthwhile but what if they're just temporary highs?

What if my heart isn't really set for courtroom dramas or corporate research and a lifetime of logic and lies, and pursuing it would mean that every other dream of mine will be put on hold indefinitely?

What if Law school isn't the answer to this itch?

Why can't I just settle for hobbies that other people do when they're bored like read books, do karaoke, or have casual sex?

I am confused.

hoedown throwdown (ai08: idol at the movies)

Scott MacIntyre's performance of The Search Is Over didn't get the sympathy of all four judges so he ended up bidding the contest goodbye last week. And I know how tired this line is but let me just say it one more time - I am so totally sure he didn't see that one coming! Ha! This week on Idol, Quentin Tarantino comes back to coach the finalists as they take on movie theme songs. I remember the infamous director bashing DeGarmo back in season three with her song choice ("There can't be a song we're more sick of hearing."). He made Cowell look so timid. Ah, good times!

THE BEST

KRIS ALLEN / Falling Slowly. Subtle works best for Allen. I wasn't too keen on the full blown orchestral arrangement because I think it would've been a lot better if he did it with just his thing, the guitar. Regardless, he was still the best of the night.

ANOOP DESAI / Everything I Do (I Do It For You). It started out rough but it mellowed down to the point of it being pleasant. Desai won't get anything beyond that because I can still hear him trying to do soul when clearly, he doesn't have any.

THE WORST

MATT GIRAUD / Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman?. Giraud takes the cake for having the most noticeable off key. Damn, I was really feeling it until he reached the bridge.

ALLISON IRAHETA / I Don't Want To Miss A Thing. Excruciating. I don't know if it's just me but I find her voice too thin and dry even for a rocker. I was waiting for glory notes the entire performance but none came.

LIL ROUNDS / The Rose. Booooooooooooooring. Girl can just STFU and go.

THE REST

ADAM LAMBERT / Born To Be Wild. I just want to point this out - in theatre, nothing is original. Back to Lambert, one word - screechfest. And six others, in make up, less is more. But I would really like to see him try his luck in the commercial market so give him a record deal already.

DANNY GOKEY / Endless Love. Ha! He was off key on the fourth line. And once again, I am reminded that it growls.

easter egg

I wonder what it would be like to hurl myself off the ledge in reckless abandon, into the open space, away from the static, the grey and the hollow. Would it last for an eternity, or be over in a snap? Would the rush of air feel good against my skin? Would it taste bittersweet, or remain insipid? Would I sprout wings and save myself, or let the wind cuff and carry me back to second guessing? But if all else fail, would I pray that I'm built to not break should gravity prove stronger and there's a lack of open arms to cushion the fall? Or would I just watch myself crack and bleed, to feel?

*******

Easter. On my way down from the rooftop after drafting this piece, I stubbed my toe against the staircase. It bled.

get a clue

Gugustuhin pa kaya ng basura na pulutin siya pagtapos siyang itapon?

holiday (ai08: year they were born)

"I don't care," Megan Joy answered back with an air of indifference as the judges refused to give her a chance to redeem herself. You go, Glenn Coco! You know how every season of American Idol has that week when the contestants sing a song from the year they were born? Well, it's this week's theme.

THE BEST

MATT GIRAUD / Part-Time Lover. It was Giraud's best performance so far. He came out with the cocked hat looking like he's going to pull this off, and he did! The bluesy arrangement, the slick and smooth vocals - God, it was really good! There was a part when he missed that high note but he recovered quickly. But overall, it was "wow". Giraud has the voice that is worth investing on. If this is a singing competition, he'd win by a mile.

ADAM LAMBERT / Mad World. Can someone give him the season's tiara already so he can record a pop-rock album that he always wanted to make? The Lambert hype is becoming so unbearable.

THE WORST

LIL ROUNDS / What's Love Got To Do With It. Big mistake.

DANNY GOKEY / Stand By Me. The song arrangement sounded a bit weird to me. I'm still not getting him. But I have to say it was his weakest performance to date. There's something awkward in him that I can't put a finger on.

SCOTT MACINTYRE / The Search Is Over. Finally. The universe works in mysterious ways.

THE REST

ANOOP DESAI / True Colors. It was a really good performance for Desai. I honestly expected it to be half bad. It turned out to be rather inviting. When he sings these kind of songs, he shows that he has emotional depth which is lacking in some of the contestants this season.

KRIS ALLEN / All She Wants To Do Is Dance. Kris had fun. Yay! But no more mosh pit performances, please. Song choice aside, I honestly believe it was a flawless performance. It wasn't awesome, but flawless nevertheless. However, being consistently "okay" isn't always a good thing in this competition.

ALLISON IRAHETA / I Can't Make You Love Me. It was interesting to hear her sing I Can't Make You Love Me because normally, this song is covered by people with soulful, mellow voices. The song's strength lies in its words and emotional rawness. Iraheta's edgier and raspier tone gave it a different vibe. Vocal wise, it was good but the feeling just wasn't there. I won't blame it on her age, she just doesn't have it.

what a guy wants

With the quarter-end work load and all the unnecessary stress behind me, now's the time to devote my full attention to something more important: my birthday.

It's about time I (please add the phrase "In Bed" to the following, when deemed necessary):

CAN STILL LIVE WITHOUT IT:

01. Enjoy playing PS3. Boredom has led me to undust my old PS2 and rediscover the joy in being a kick ass player in games like Devil May Cry, Final Fantasy, Marvel Vs. Capcom 2, Resident Evil, and Kingdom Hearts. Does the joy stick? Sadly, no. Games get tired and old after a few plays and since manufacturers seem to have stopped releasing new ones in PS2 format, it's probably time to get an upgrade on the console itself.

02. Learn how to play the guitar. Several years back, I asked my aunt to buy me one out of whim and she did. For the next couple of days, I tried learning how to play it but I had to eventually give up. It was too daunting a task with nothing but a chord chart taken from a song hits to teach me. I still don't have anyone to teach me but if I really want to learn this I should probably start soon.

03. Come up with a seriously good lyrical poetry. It took me this long to realize that if I want to write a song, or anything that closely resemble the works of Jewel, Michelle Branch, Vanessa Carlton, Mandy Moore and Taylor Swift, I should probably stop listening to their songs. Otherwise, I'll end up wasting time thinking that I should've thought of their words first.

NEXT ON THE LIST:

04. Practice on a Casio Workstation keyboard. The keyboard that I usually use for practice broke down two years ago. Hence, I am a bit rusty when it comes to playing. My brother wanted to buy one last Christmas because he planned on taking lessons as well. A few minutes before the actual purchase, he changed his mind and asked for an iPod instead. Crappy choice, but whatever. It was less costly than the piano anyway. Buying this model that I saw on Casio's website would probably make me feel like a legit Violet Sanford wannabe.

05. Meet David Archuleta. Yes, David Archuleta. He can.

06. Use a Canon DSLR Macro and Telephoto Lenses in a photo shoot. I know zip about photography. This I learned when I picked up some of the basic stuff from a friend who tinkered with my camera a few days back. Prior to this, I was already happy and content with the pretty pictures of my DSLR not knowing that auto is frowned upon in photography. But if I'm willing to master the craft, I might as well go all the way and invest on the good expensive stuff

07. Wait for mama's spaghetti. My mom makes the best spaghetti. Ever.

08. Drool over my red Bally Darro bag. Blog hopping led me to this site which featured this cool bag. The blogger described it as orgasmic. Indeed, it is. I'm not sure if this is already available here but I would sure love to find out. I want one! It's perfect for summer.

GOTTA HAVE IT:

09. Do my stuff using a Macbook Aluminum, or a really good, less expensive notebook. Considering my current and planned expenditures for the next few months, I'm pretty sure that I won't be able to buy a Macbook. Unless, I get unexpected bonuses which is very unlikely to happen. Anyway, if I am to push through with law school, I would be needing a new laptop. One that is lighter and more compact. Preferably, in orange.

10. Update my insanely cool journal on the day's events. I am in search for a cool notebook. It'll replace my 2009 Starbucks Planner as my journal-slash-scratch paper as the former is no longer pristine with all the erasures and the cuneiform-like writings.

11. Catch all Pokemons on my Nintendo DSi. This is so last year but with the US trip and all, my plan to buy a Nintendo DS got pushed back. The sudden craving to play Super Mario Brothers has tagged the thought of buying a Nintendo DS active once again. Hopefully, I'd be able to get one soon before a new batch of Pocket Monsters is released.

12. Remember the magic at Enchanted Kingdom. Bump cars!

13. Plan a stress-free "Gone For The Weekend" adventure. I miss traveling and everything that comes with it - visiting new places, interacting with complete strangers, trying out weird food, and having endless talks and bonding moments. It could be just me and my lonesome heart, complaining. Or maybe, I could do with a few friendly familiar faces. Besides, a photoshoot isn't nearly as fun when you're alone.

14. Sing-along to the music playing on my new red 16G iPod Nanochromatic. I love Nano Prime. Much like everything that I own, I cherish its sentimental value. But after four years, I think it's time to put it to the attic. Not only does the new generation of iPod Nano have a slicker built and more vibrant finish but it can also store up to 8- or 16-gigabytes of media files. Though it still can't hold my growing MP3 collection but 16 gig is still 16 gig. Ain't about what's waiting on the other side... it's the climb... shaaa.

15. Check the time on my trendy dress watch. I actually need a trendy watch and a dress watch. Since watches are generally expensive, I can do away with the former as dress watches are more important. It is a must when one is in a corporate get up. Mine broke when my mom accidentally dropped it. And for the past two months, I've been feeling so incomplete.

16. Fit two pairs of leather shoes. Unlike most people, I'm not into shoes but I really need a new pair. Or two - one black, one brown. But I do want a pair of white sneakers though.

17. Find someone who will keep me preoccupied. Preferably someone smart. Someone who knows what a two-way conversation is. If a talk doesn't progress beyond the "musta na?" line, it's a nonversation. Gah! I hate those. Someone who is independent yet needy. One who can handle any situation. Someone who doesn't always agree with someone like me. La la la... beautiful soul!

I know some of the items may prove too farfetched even if I dispose and utilize all of my resources. There's no harm in wanting a lot though. Daydreaming is the best way I know of to shed that extra pound of stress that life brings. It is the only diet that I actually stick to. Besides, if my luck won't fail me, I'd probably end up having everything save for one.

Thirty days people! Thirty days.


I like it how I like it, when I like it and that's how it is.
- Lindsay Lohan, Bossy

confessions of a job hopper

Okay. Don't panic. It's just a common question during interviews. I mean how hard could it be? You've been asked that same question on every single interview you've had for the past three years. What makes this one different, right? Besides, if they want me, they'll hire me regardless whether I've had ten, or ten thousand jobs. And of course, they want me. Everybody wants me. Okay, that sounded pretty cocky but whatever. If there's one thing I've learned from interviews is that attitude sells.

"I'm just concerned that you have not stayed with one company for more than a year," she said looking mightily indifferent. If I didn't know any better I would say that she's unimpressed.

"One and a half. Average," I corrected her.

"Convince me why I should hire you."

So she is definitely not impressed. I can't blame her though. It has been a very lousy interview so far. But wait. I am blaming her. I blame her for ruining my mood. I was all set when her secretary called to reschedule the interview. I hate it when that happens. Hiring managers should never, ever assume that the prospective applicant will free up their entire month's calendar just to accommodate a possible, unscheduled interview. Well, maybe some do that. Fresh graduates, perhaps. But not me. My time is precious.

That afternoon, I was at the mall accompanying a friend who needs to return his newly-bought laptop. We went to the shop, appealed to the manager and thirty minutes before 3 PM I was ready to leave when the secretary called to move it again, this time, to 5:30 PM. So I decided to stay. However, the transaction took longer than I expected and it was already a bit past five when we left the store. Taking a cab on a rush hour would be suicidal as it would take twice the amount of time to get to my destination. I pulled out my mobile phone and sent a message to the secretary: "Please tell your boss that I'm running a bit late. Heavy traffic. I'm really sorry. Thank you!" Then I walked. And ran. Slim tie, black shoes and all.

I arrived ten minutes past my supposed-appointment time looking so harassed, and harassed is putting it lightly. At the information counter, I asked for the hiring manager but the kind receptionist informed me that she was still in a meeting. I waited, and then she came twenty minutes after, and then this.

So why would I want to convince her that I'm the best person for the job and that she should hire me? Why would I want to please her when I have several other opportunities, better opportunities I must say, to fall back on? Why?!

"Are you alright," she asked.

Did I fall asleep? "Yes," I replied as I took a moment to compose myself. "Don't misconstrue my myriad work experience as job hopping. All the jobs that I took after my stint as an auditor were offered to me, opportunities handed at the most fortuitous time. I didn't move because I wanted a higher pay, or a promotion. I accepted their offer because I needed it – fresh start, new challenges. I want to keep my passion and learning curve way up. These companies, they didn't write me off when they saw that my tenure never went beyond 18 months. They took me in because they saw that I am a performer, that I exceed expectations. Nowadays, loyalty isn't about the number of years. It's about the delivery. I can give you promises that I won't be leaving, that I will retire here and so on but we both know that it's not true, right? There will always be a better opportunity. But as long as I find no reason to leave, I guarantee that you'll have my loyalty. I can and I will deliver."

She remained quiet for a while, eyeing me until her Blackberry beeped. "Fair enough. Thank you for your time. Our HR will call you in a few days." She closed the interview as she focused her attention to the message she received. I was about to stand up, roll my eyes, and leave the room when she said, "Oh, one more thing. How good are you in Excel?"

It took an eternity, but I got this bagged. Told you it was all about the attitude. And eloquence.

*******

MakMak: I have a new job opportunity. Relocation to Norway.
Striker Rosales: Wow! Go! :)
MakMak: They must have read in my profile that I speak fluent Norwegian.
Striker Rosales: Hahaha. Blonde ambition ito!

eh, eh (nothing else I can say) (ai08: popular itunes download)

Michael Sarver was rightfully eliminated after the horrible rendition of Ain't Too Proud To Beg during Motown week. The remaining hopefuls get to choose from a wider selection of songs as this week's category are popular iTunes download. It was widely speculated that the contestants will choose from the more current songs. Sadly, it was far from what happened as most of them covered songs that pre-dates iTunes itself. Over all, it was a so so week.

THE BEST

KRIS ALLEN / Ain't No Sunshine. Kris Allen deserves a spot in the final two. Now, that was a moment! And you know there could only be one true "moment" each season.

ADAM LAMBERT / Play That Funky Music. Don't get me wrong. It's not that good. It just fares better than the rest of the performances save Kris Allen's. He should probably tone down the screeching. It's annoying. He isn't Mick Jagger nor Steve Tyler. I love his blue shirt though.

THE WORST

ANOOP DESAI / Caught Up. Wake up call! Desai is not as suave and smooth as he thinks he is. Caught Up is good song because of Usher's riffs. Without it, it's just bland, old karaoke. He should stick with Jai Ho.

MEGAN JOY / Turn Your Lights Down. On the upside, it was a better performance compared to last week's disaster. On the downside, it was boring as hell. But she's like really pretty. America, keep her. At least for another week.

MATT GIRAUD / You Found Me. It was all over the place.

THE REST

SCOTT MACINTYRE / Just The Way You Are. Surprisingly, I found his performance very pleasant. It would have been completely likable if not for that high note he tried to reach during the bridge.

LIL ROUNDS / I Surrender. Seriously, her voice is so plain. Nothing special. Just plain, chocolate. And it was painful to hear her sing the chorus.

DANNY GOKEY / What Hurts The Most. I didn't get the so-called connection that the judges were commenting on. His was not a heartfelt rendition. Sorry.

ALLISON IRAHETA / Don't Speak. I say no to the guitar that was barely used, the shouting and the rushing through the song, the leaves on her hair, and the ensemble. OMG. Eyesore much?