This week, bluesy pianist Matt Giraud was sent home in what might have been the best show in a very long time on American Idol. In fact, I've venture to say this was the most talented top 5 we've seen in many, many seasons.
I had a few hunches about who I think will end up in the top 3, and then who might take home the title (I even predicted Kris Allen), but after this week's Rat Pack performances, I'm left scratching my head. I'm pretty certain that viewers voting for Adam won't vote for Danny, and Danny's fans won't switch their votes to Adam, but what happens with people who've been voting for Kris, Matt and Allison if they go home? I have no clue.
Phillip LaRue's "Chasing Daylight," from his new album Let The Road Pave Itself, is this week's iTunes Discovery Download. That means you can get a free download of the song this week only!
For those of you complaining about crappy Christian music, you have to check out Phillip's new album. He's one of those artists who eschews the "Christian music" pigeon hole, instead exemplifiying the beauty that comes from focusing not on the industry, but the God of Creation. The result is beautiful music with sincere and heartfelt lyrics that connect emotionally and spiritually. The behind the scenes video gives you a glimspe into Phillip's heart and artistry.
Head over to iTunes for your free download of Phillip LaRue's new single. (I'm going to be totally honest; I have no idea how to use iTunes, so I can't give you a link.)
Get the Gospel Soundcheck headlines delivered daily to your email inbox. Just sign up for the RSS feed by going to the "Subscribe" box on the right hand side of this blog and entering your email address. And follow me on Twitter!
Last night, the remaining five American Idol contestants performed songs from the Rat Pack, and they proved why they're the best of this season. It's difficult to predict who's going home. Even DialIdol.com, which tracks the busy signals for the voting phone lines, has the contestants in a dead heat, with a Kris Allen and Matt Giraud at the bottom of the list, but not by much.
Honestly, it's tough to call this one. I think Matt may go home, but certainly not because he deserves it. Then again, Allison has been in the bottom three a few times, too. But she wowed the audience last night with her best performance of the season.
We'll find out tonight! Join me here as I blog live tonight during the American Idol Top 5 results show!
And in case you didn't see it, I'm going out on a limb and predicting Kris Allen to win this season. Just working a hunch.
8:44 PM - I'm just watching "America's Next Top Model"; I always forget it's on on Wednesday night. I usually watch the rerun on Fridays. I love that so many of you are sharing your thoughts on the show! I can't believe there are only three weeks left!
Head over to iTickets for your free download of Manic Drive's "Blue" and let me know what you think!
Get the Gospel Soundcheck headlines delivered daily to your email inbox. Just sign up for the RSS feed by going to the "Subscribe" box on the right hand side of this blog and entering your email address. And follow me on Twitter!
John Tesh Greatest Hits Live In Concert is a collection of Tesh's high energy full-band performances as well as more stripped down, grand piano compositions, and spans the first chapter of this artist's brilliant career. And you can get a free download of the John Tesh's song "Rescue" by visiting iTickets this week.
Get the Gospel Soundcheck headlines delivered daily to your email inbox. Just sign up for the RSS feed by going to the "Subscribe" box on the right hand side of this blog and entering your email address. And follow me on Twitter!
Check out the free Christian music download from Texas-based, girl-fronted rock band Addison Road. The song is "Start Over Again" from the band's self-titled album. iTickets offers the free download for a week, so don't wait! Check it out and...
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Samaritan's Purse is launching a new reality TV program, but this is incredibly different than anything you've seen. The show, "Children's Heart," documents the story of three Mongolian youth with life-threatening heart conditions who come to the U.S. for...
While I was having lunch with the guys in The Wrecking this past week, they tipped me off to YouTube video made by a fan of the movie "Twilight" who used one of the band's songs to do a...
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The 40th annual Dove Awards air live tonight on the Gospel Music Channel. The awards recognize the best in Christian and gospel music. Topping the list of nominees this year is current three-time Male Vocalist of the Year Chris Tomlin,...
As I sat in JFK last night, delayed again and again on my way home from Gospel Music Week, I had a bit of a scare: I thought I lost my digital voice recorder! That would have been a tragedy,...
I had hoped to blog live during GMA week, and give you some daily updates on interviews and showcases, but two things prevented me: first, I was on the go from sun up till sun down, and second, I was...
As you know, I'm in Nashville this week for Gospel Music Week. That means that Idol comes on at 7 pm where I am, so I wasn't able to watch the show because I was at the Centricity dinner and...
I'm away at Gospel Music Week in Nashville, so in my place I'd thrilled to share a guest blog from filmmaker Dan Millican. Dan is the filmmaker behind the movie "The Imposter," starring Christian music artist Kevin Max. The film...
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In Last night the Top 7 American Idol contestants sang their hearts out to song from the cinema, with special guest mentor Quentin Tarantino. Tonight, we find out who goes home. Top performers last night included Danny Gokey and Adam...
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Some time ago, I told you about Billy Wilkins' biblically-based sleep program, and I used the opportunity to sound off about the whole industry of bible-based products. At the time, I was in a snarky mood, which isn't unusual, but...
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Award-winning freelance writer and columnist Joanne Brokaw covers entertainment for The Christian Examiner newspapers, The Minnesota Christian Chronicle, and The Ozarks Christian News.
Her other writing credits include Breakaway and Brio Magazines, OnCourse Magazine, ChristianMusicPlanet.com, BuddyHollywood.com and AGreaterFreedom.com. Her humor column, A Big Slice of Life, appears monthly in the Christian Voice Magazine and she pens a regular humor column on The Writing Life for ByLine Magazine.
Joanne lives in Western New York with her darling husband David, their Border collie Scout and their cat Murphy. Their almost adult daughter Cassie drops by often. Find out more about Joanne at JoanneBrokaw.com.
This week, bluesy pianist Matt Giraud was sent home in what might have been the best show in a very long time on American Idol. In fact, I've venture to say this was the most talented top 5 we've seen in many, many seasons.
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