Off his new album, “The Pandemic Project,” Tobe Nwigwe released the music video for the song “Eat” feat. FAT. Filmed in one seemingly continous shot you cannot take your eyes off the screen. Equally entrancing is an exotic production by NELL. Both performances are enthusiastic and lyrically so gratifying. By the time the song ends you will want to jump up and down with them.
Last night’s Billboard Music Awards were amazing! Live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas some nominees like Kendrick Lamar, Ed Sheeran and Bruno Mars battled it out for to win some of their 15 nominations. Check out the full list of winners below:
Top Artist:
Drake
Kendrick Lamar
Bruno Mars
Ed Sheeran (WINNER)
Taylor Swift
Trending everywhere this week is “Ultimatum,” the newest track by Disclosure and Malian singer Fatoumata Diaware. The track feautures a sample of her chopped vocals layered over top of one of Disclosure’s most elegant beats. This song is perfect for upcoming June parties and encouraged me to look into the vocalist who has an album coming out called Fenfo May 25th. Listen to the lead single Nterini below.
BONUS: Fatoumata Diawara – Nterini
American Idol brought back some of the eliminated contestants to share the spotlight during last night’s finale performance night. After the Top 3 each sang 3 songs: an original, an encore and a final selection, the eliminated singers took to the stage. Each singer performed an original song during the season and were given the opportunity to perform them as part of a medley.
The first singer Harper Grace’s performance immediately reminded me of how great her original song “Yard Sale” is, pretty impressive considering it was an audition song. Johnny Brenns was next with his original song “Blue Jeans.” This is a contestant who I would have loved to see go farther but I can imagine his career will not stop here, he has the full package for his niche and it was nice to hear him again.
Following Johnny is the super-memorable Michelle Sussett. Michelle performed her song “I’m A Dreamer” which is a shout out to the DREAM act. Her voice sounds great and her presence is amazing although the vocal needs to be tamed. The final performer in the medley was Catie Turner. For a few moments we hear her song “21st Century Machine” which is the catchiest of these four. Catie is another performer whose career will not end after the finale but rather I look forward to hearing more original songs from her.
Tune in tonight for celebrity performances and the winner revealed on the Season 16 Finale of American Idol at 8:00 EST on ABC.
Last night the Top 3 each sang 3 songs. Read about the first part of the last nights episode, the originals HERE. Read about the second part of last nights episode, the encores HERE.
Rounding out the night our Top 3 chose songs that would be the icing on their contestant cake before going into tomorrow’s finale. Motivated by their whirlwind trip the finale songs are dedicated to their home-towns and families.
Caleb continued to open the trio by going first. Coming full-circle he performed the song the southern voters have been waiting for “Folsom Prison Blues” by Johnny Cash. What a full-circle moment as his original song was about the warming of his “Johnny-Cash-heart” from November to June. Caleb leaves us with a strong performance of a great song and his voice as flexible and clean as always.
Caleb Lee Hutchinson -“Folsom Prison Blues”
Gabby’s home-visit was emotional, Pittsburgh is one of those cities with so much heart you could feel how much they love Gabby and the pride was overwhelming. Gabby dedicated her performance of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing” to her hometown and she did an amazing job. A very difficult song for range and stamina Gabby proved her voice is just as powerful as it seems on her country songs. This was a strong way to go into the finale as she is the only performer who did such high-energy songs.
Gabby Barrett – “Don’t Stop Believing”
Maddie Poppe closed the night with her 3rd selection, “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac. Maddie’s rendition was beautiful and refreshing. Her simple straight toned voice and head-voice bends fit this song really perfectly although I wish they would coach her to open up the later part, this is American Idol after-all, we are always waiting for the break-down. Overall, Maddie’s full package tonight was the strongest of the Top 3, her songs easily the cleanest and most appetizing.
Maddie Poppe – “Landslide”
Last night the Top 3 each sang 3 songs. Read about the first part of the last nights episode, the originals HERE
Following the 3 ‘coronation’ original songs we get insight into what the singer’s think their best number was from their past performances. Caleb and Maddie bring back songs we shortly heard weeks ago during Hollywood Week Song and Gabby reprised her Miranda Lambert from Top 14 week.
Caleb’s encore choice was Keith Whitley’s “Don’t Close Your Eyes.” It’s a great choice that solidified him as a contender in this competition during Hollywood Week and not just a fan favorite for his backstory. His original performance gave everyone chills but this time we hear his song with The backing harmonies and full orchestration add another level to Caleb’s voice not to mention the quality of production, his weight-loss, the make-up.
Caleb Lee Hutchinson – “Don’t Close Your Eyes”
Up next was Gabby’s encore of her Miranda Lambert song “Little Red Wagon” being the only real up-tempo selection of the night. It is very apparent that this is Gabby’s element. From the original performance at Top 14 week to last nights performance Gabby sells the song and her voice. Her high energy matches the money notes she blasts out. The contrast between this song and her original is harsh, it shows that Gabby knows “Little Red Wagon” inside and out. She needs the confidence that comes from familiarity with the song to really deliver.
Gabby Barrett – “Little Red Wagon”
Luke Bryan was so excited to hear this song again, it was “quintessential Maddie Poppe” and I agree. The song perfectly encompasses what kind of music Maddie should be performing. The simplicity of her voice and presentation as well as the message of the song fits her character very well. Her confidence always lets the audience relax as Maddie is simply in control. This was my favoite of the encore songs.
Maddie Poppe – “Don’t Ever Let Your Children Grow Up”
Last night was the final time Caleb, Gabby and Maddie will perform for votes on American Idol. The top three each sang three solo numbers including an old American Idol staple, the original. Idol put these original tunes at the beginning of the night to show off their new potential radio hits.
The night started with Caleb’s original: “Johnny Cash Heart.” The country ballad they put together fits his voice nicely, his range was challenged here with some higher notes, and while the performance may have been forgettable the tune is catchy upon on second listen. The judges were definitely bored though and encouraged him to think about performing new original songs as a salesman with the song as your product. Since the audience will be hearing it for the first time you may need to add some gimmick or sparkle to your performance so they listen the whole thing and get that inevitable ear-worm.
Caleb Lee Hutchinson – “Johnny Cash Heart”
Up next was Gabby’s ‘coronation’ original song. It makes sense that Gabby would gravitate to this song as it is a good match for many of the elements of her voice and style. It was revealed during her home-town visit that she grew up singing with a gospel choir which is strongly represented during the chorus. The verses are also fun and remind me of a Demi Lovato song. While it is powerful, of the three original songs this one felt the most laborious, maybe the song could be shortened with an arrangement that would let Gabby breathe a bit more. The song has all the musical elements to make a great record and performance but needs some tweaking and polishing.
Gabby Barrett – “Rivers Deep”
The final original song came from Maddie Poppe, “Going Going Gone” was co-written by Julia Michaels and is the best song of the three originals. It even has hit-quality reminding me American Idol winner Phillip Phillips’ song ‘Home.’ After hearing all three originals, maybe the reason American Idol gave her the strongest song of the three (a common theme that usually indicates a winner) is due to her radio potential, I found Maddie’s voice the most palatable and her simple presentation will appeal to a wide range of audiences. The judges also gave Maddie the most positive critiques for the orignals citing that she was the most comfortable.
Maddie Poppe – “Going Going Gone”
Mike Posner really has made a comeback. His new group, Mansionz with talented songwriter, blackbear. Their debut album will ironically be called Greatest Hitz coming this spring. The comedic song and video pokes fun at spoiled rich kids. Check out the funny video below: