Idol Buzz : Why This Season Promised Much.. but Delivered Little,

So, I know it has been sometime but I have been longing.. yes, LONGING, to write my take on this year's American Idol. As those who know me, you'd know what a gigantic Idol fanatic I am. So to those who've been curious what my take on this year's Idol is, here it is :

So where do I begin.. I believe this season had the potential to be the BIGGEST, BESTEST season ever. But on the way, things just congealed and really icky fungi grew on the show as a season with great potential turned into a competition that would be just as exciting as a soccer match between Selangor FC vs. Dundee United - really, would you even buy a ticket ?




The New Judges :
That admit it, Steven and Jenny managed to peck their way right into our good books during the audition rounds. Steven was funny and well, J.lo surprised many of us by being a "real" judge. We were not expecting that. But as the weeks have gone by we realize that J.Lo has been really so-so, giving very vague comments and Steven has basically made us wish that we had Paula back - at least there was some drama with Paula and we could poke more fun at her.

The old Judge :
I don't know what you think, I think Randy has just seen an opportunity to take center stage this season. At the Top 6 or 7 (can't remember), I just didn't get why Randy had to get up on stage on endorse the life outta James. That was totally uncalled for. As useless as Steven has been this season, I'm just disappointed and disgusted at Randy. It just seems as though he trying to show Simon and the world that he's "the man" right now. Not just him, I think the judging panel had already planned out like the type of artist they want. It only make sense - with a year of many changes, especially with Simon gone, that they would try to look for the artist that would SELL the most records, rather than the BEST singer.



Wildcard round :
Personally, I think the season's first wrong move was here. Since many really don't care about his round, I leave it really short. Ashston and Naima were WRONG decision. Stefano proved himself and deserved the spot.

Diversity :
This was the year that we all hoped that would break the mould and have a diverse bunch of Top 13 and we got it !!!.. for all of the hard work to go to voting waste !! =(

1. James Durbin - Metal
   
2. Casey Abrams - Blues
   
3. Jacob Jusk - Soul
   
4. Haley Reinhart - Jazz Soul
   
5. Lauren Alaina - Country Rock
   
6. Thia Megia - Teeny Pop
   
7. Stefano Langone - Pop
   
8. Ashston Jones - R&B
   
9. Karen Rodriguez - Latina
   
10. Paul McDonald - Folk Pop
    
11. Scotty McCreery - Country
    
12. Naima Adedapo - Caribbean/Reggae
    
13. Pia Toscano - Ballad Pop

With the heaps of different genres, we are sadly left with TWO boring country singer and an inconsistent but potentially GREAT Adele-Duffy-like singer.
So much hope. Simon usually favors pop - but he get the best out of them. I think that what's missing this season. Someone getting the best out of ALL genres. I must congratulate and salute Jimmy Iovine for his great amazing work with the contestants this season. It was no small feat.



Eliminations :

• First was Ashston - at Top 13. It just proved the ridiculous decision by the Judges to bring her back after America voted her out at the Top 24. Someone much better could've filled that spot.
• Then Karen, who was shoving down the Latina heritage thing down and deeper into our throats. Admittedly, she was NOT the worst singer, and not the worst female singer either, of the Top 12. FIRST SURPRISE ELIMINATION.
• Then, Casey was voted out. I mean, seriously America, Casey ??? I blame the complacency of America. But as least the judges were sensible enough to save him. SECOND SURPRISE VOTE.
  
• America then came to their senses and voted the ACTUAL two worst singers left in the Top 11 - Thia, who was just 'bleh' throughout the season and Naima, who was just plain weird.
• It's still so hard for me to say it but.. it was Pia's turn to go. I just can't accept that if America were to be more active, we could've gotten Pia saved if Casey didn't get voted out earlier. THIRD SURPRISE VOTE.
• There was only so much we could take Paul and his pink roses and he was given the boot at the Top 8.
• Top 7th spot went to Stafano, who, for me, was given a torrid time during his stint. Unfairly, I think the judges themselves didn't believe that he could go far and that make himself believe it.
• Top 6 was sad as Casey got voted out again. Never has a saved person been eliminated so early. It was getting ridiculous. FOURTH SURPRISE VOTE.
• Top 5 gave Jacob a farewell. Sadly, I think Jacob was THE best singer on Idol this season. I believe Randy just wanted James or Scotty in the finale and was so biased towards them. Jacob had some really stunning performance where, I think, the judges knew it, but did NOT give enough credit.
• And that left us with James.
  

Speaking of James.. :
Since we're fresh of his elimination.. let's talk about this. When I first saw James, or heard him sing, I was WOW-ed. The obvious comparison to Adam would always be a shadow over him. Let's face it, the only reasons we might prefer James over Adam is 1. James is straight, 2. James has tourettes syndrome and autism (pity the boy, yes. But don't base your vote on it) or 3. James brought hardcore metal to the Idol stage. But come on, there is no way James is even remotely in the same league as Adam. Voice ? Adam was smoother. Control ? Adam was far better, while James ALWAYS has to scoop his way to hit his "big note". What else ? Based on talent, Adam. Period. Thus, though I believe James WAS one of the best singers on Idol this season, I was never rooting for him to win because I'd be really upset if James won, based on the fact that Adam, who was superior couldn't win his season.

So where are we ? :
Personally, when it was the Top 13, I predicted a Pia, Jacob, Casey and James Top 4. None of these are in the Top 3. That is just sad. But there's a theory that James' fans would move over to vote for Haley and the country fans' vote would be split between the two youngsters. I just can't believe Scotty is still there. He doesn't even try.. pfft. Lauren seems a little childish but her cover of Carrie Underwood's song at the top 5 was evidence that this girl has the chops to becoming America's Next Idol. Lol. But, my goodness - let's pray that Haley wins. I think that the most relatable and sensible choice, yet making the Idol season 10 different from other seasons, America NEEDS to vote for Haley. It's the ONLY way to justify the most terrible eliminations ever experienced on an Idol season (collectively) with the diversity this season was expected to have by this stage.



What Idol has proved this season :

1. Randy needs to go.
2. Idol CANNOT handle to many genres in ONE season
3. America is still racist when it comes to general votes (I believe more racist than sexist) - having the first 6 or 7 elimination or non-white (only leaving Jacob, and even that most of the time in the bottom 2 or 3).
4. America loves its country (the music genre that is). This is sad as it doesn't have what it takes to beat the other genres internationally.
5. We miss Simon - someone who was decisive (and contrary to some beliefs, I, now, conclude, that he is more partial than Randy.)
6. Jimmy Iovine - GREAT MENTOR.
7. We should give J.Lo one more season's chance.
   

That's all for now. I could write more but you may not read on.. haha.
You can read this amazing blog on Idol's past few days. I love reading Lindsey Parker because she can really write plus, she's hilarious. Here are some of her recent posts (theories included):

'American Idol' Top 4 Results: James Stops Believin'

'American Idol, The Day After: Top 4 Results Night Dish'

'Season 10's Most Robbed 'American Idol' Contestants'

Would love your comments or questions on this year's Idol.
Do contact me here and follow me on Twitter at 'official_jbryan'.

Blessings,
The Unaverage Joe

Purpose or Prestige

Hey there !! It has been some time.. I shall not go on with a long list about why I have not been blogging but anyway, here's a post =) Very frankly, I sometimes don't see the point in blogging since I had believe that really not many read it. Then, I realized that I actually really wanted to blog. I guess God's just put a burden I sometimes I just wanna share so that we could think, and see somethings in other peoples' view - that's how I look at others' blog. So I hope this post is one that could encourage you or stir your hearts =)


Connecting to this post, I so excited to announce that Bethany Chapel seems to growing and having this sense of excitement. I am feeling great break-throughs around corner.. I really do.


A true story I heard recently : A pastor felt concerned for a member of the church who had recently become very irregular at meetings and was slowly "fading from the scene" (if you know what I mean. When encouraged, "Brother, I'll see you nest Sunday ?", the brother actually replied that he'll be going to another church. When asked how come by another friend, the brother answered that the church he was attending (the new one), was more PRESTIGIOUS !!


When I heard it, my jaw just dropped - you just don't know whether to laugh to just cry! It just make me think whether we are in our churches for Prestige or actual Purpose. I think there has to come a point where we realize which path to take. I'm not knocking at any mega-churches or anything. I personally admire them for doing something right (or else God wouldn't bless them with such numbers, right ?) but personally, how much do we really affect and are affected by our churches ? It makes me wonder about some of us who is in a church but can't find something or another to do/serve. I also sometimes stop to think about how effective am I really being at Bethany ?


I urge you, if it is possible, to to talk your leaders if you are at this crossroads, some of us might even have to re-look, talk to your Creator, and see where he is leading you.. I does not mean going to another church, maybe He's just leading you to a ministry of which he has blessed you with gifting for that ministry =) God wants to speak to us and wants to see us enjoy the gifts he has blessed us with in the best way we can. So.. Choose Purpose over Prestige (and be so sure of it, nobody can take that away from you).


I remember seeing 50 First Dates a long time ago, and it was interesting eh ? Adam Sandler's character had to make Drew Barrymore's character fall in love with him every single day (because she had a short-term memory defect).

I guess, that's how God wants us to be with Him too - To be able to have a FRESH, NEW faith and trust relationship with Hm as often as possible. I believe that's the best way to make our decisions, to be sure of what he wants for us and ultimately, to be in the center of His wonderful will for us that "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." --Jeremiah 29:11


I hope this long post will not deter you from reading this till the end.
Thanks for all your encouragements over the last weeks.
I've had it tough but I know He is with me and I'm absolutely enjoying His presence =)

-jO-

Everlasting God

So for the fifth time, Teen Scene Fest was a blast !! But one of the greatest experience personally this year was working together with a worship that I grew up with. Seeing all of them again always makes me sentimental.




I'd like to thank God for really helping forgetting about my illness as I was experiencing a bad sore throat and lethargic-ness the day of the Fest. I'd also wanna thank the worship team for their dedication and the all the fun we always have. Also thanking the drama team who did another tremendous job. I'm also thanking all my friends who actually did come whatever reason for - supporting me or for fun.. I thank the many people who had many positive comments and the few constructive criticisms we got about the drama team and especially the worship team.

One song that I personally got commented on was "Everlasting God" which was sung twice - one in the beginning and another time as a reprise at the end. I'm so so glad that many of you were really blessed and encouraged by this song. But how this song was actually put into the list of songs was incredible.

I had just come back from Australia - a 12-day vacation my family took in the beginning of June. On the second day we were there, we attended Perth Christian Life Center Church. There, I learnt "Everlasting God" for the first time and loved it.

Perth Christian Life Center

Meanwhile, Colin, in Klang and had picked most if the songs and was thinking what was the last song to fit into the puzzle.

When I came back, I had been humming the song the whole week I was back. I had downloaded the songs and played it again and again on my iPod. On Friday, we had a drama practice and I saw Colin and he was explaining that he needed one last upbeat song.

When I got back, I played this song and just thought of suggesting this song to Colin. I prayed about it and then...

On Sunday, after our service, both of us were walking to "the breakfast shop" and he was saying that he was thinking about a particular song to sing but he didn't know if it was suitable. So, I told him that I also had a song to suggest too. I asked him what the song he was thinking about was. Without any hesitation, he said Everlasting God" by Lincoln Brewster. I am not kidding when I say my jaw literally drop as this was the exact song I was just about suggest to him.

For the so much time we have spent together, Colin had never ever mentioned this song to me, I didn't know he even knew it.

With this, we just knew that our prayer that God speak clearly to us about the selection of the worship songs was answered. Therefore, I am, again, so grateful that many of you were encouraged by the Teen Scene Fest's worship and especially "Everlasting God".

*You can listen to the song by clicking on : "Everlasting God"

Indeed, strength will rise as you wait upon the Lord.
Everything is beautiful in His time.
Luv,
The Unaverage Joe

17 Again (Part 2)

It's been a week overdue, but hey, good things are worth waiting for eh ? Well, I attended Klang's Inter-school Christian Fellowship Rally on the 31st of July. Many can testify how God has indeed used this event throughout it's last 12 years. As this is part 2 of my "17 Again" post, I realize that not being able to be involved in this particular event over the years was probably my biggest regret. Being 17 is all about what I could've done (as you would have read in my last post). No, this is NOT an emo post. However, God has brought me to thank people who break boundaries through this post.

Sidney Poitier.. the first African American Academy Award recipient. He broke a massive racial barrier that led Denzel Washington to credit him when Denzel won his own Oscar. People who break barriers are people who are so special. Three people as far as ISCF is concerned has very subtly broke barriers whether or not they chose to see it that way. Three very good friends and three people I am thoroughly proud of and proud that they made that choice. Dex, Sapp, and Shaun (David L).. you guys have broken the barriers for homeschoolers to be involved in ISCF and it ain't no coincidence yo. I cannot tell you how proud I am of you all.

I was actually there when Dex was in the worship team and how I was feeling all proud of having him up there and if I'm not mistaken it was just as his broken leg was recovering.

Dexter Teh
ISCF "What If?"
-2007-

I'm sorry I was not there when Sapp was in the worship team but I'm happy you got the experience and believe you are going to be used mightily.

Sapphira Yeo

ISCF "Step Up"
-2009-

Shaun, I must admit, if you don't already know, I was so proud of you I think I teared up. You are "awesomes" (how you would say it).. and I personally share your feeling of gratefulness to be able to do what you did. I know your passion to be able to "get out" and serve in more areas than just school and church and you know mine.

Shaun (to me) a.k.a David Low

ISCF "Snoozing?"
-2010-

Thank the three of you. Not only have you three been in inspirations, I thank you that you are in your own ways being used greatly by God and always apart of my life =) Seeing you all up there makes me at peace that God knew what was best and as much as I wanted to get the chance to do what you all could, I'm so glad you guys got it. God bless and we have to meet soon! I hope other would see and realize that it IS possible because of you all.


So as I conclude this 17 again sequel, although I see many things I still, up til today, wish I could change, I know that there are years ahead that I may regret not doing or doing some things but my future lies safely in One who wants the best out of me.. and so do all you Christians out there. Go out. Be God's instrument. Break barriers. After all, If Paul never broke the barrier to go and preach to Gentiles, would we be Christians ? The "17 again" posts were for two purposes:

• for me confirm the many time people are confused when I reply then with a "YES, of course" when they ask me if I regret anything in my life.
• To tell the world that I am not ashamed of my regrets and that if we leave it to Him, we can come to peace with our regrets.

All that I am, all that I have
I lay them down before you, oh Lord
All my regrets, all my acclaims
The joy and the pain, I'm making them yours


Lord, I offer my life to you
Everything I've been through
Use it for your glory
Lord I offer my days to you
Lifting my praise to you
As a pleasing sacrifice
Lord I offer you my life

With love and more posts to come,
The Unaverage Joe

17 Again (Part 1)

Hi there ! This is my first ever post on this blog. Before I get on with the post, I would very much like to thank all those who have been really following me either on my old blog or my Tumblr page. I did promise that I would launch this blog on the 1st of August - in the suit to keep alive a proper blog on my passions and problems.


One of my biggest passions, ais the entertaining business. The movie above has really given me a fresh look on life. Some of you might know me, might be saying.. "Oh here he goes again with the Zac Efron". On the other hand, some might still still say that 'WHAT ?!?!?! Joel and Zac Efron ?? No way !!" Yes, to confirm the entire bug - I am a huge proud fan of the guy. I think he's a great up-and-coming actor with huge potential. (For you are laughing your tears out - Haiyo, can't a guy be a huge fan of another super-talented one !!)


Moving on, 17 again is a not-so-complicated movie that simply revolves around 39-year-old Mike O'Donnell, who goes back into time (to when he was 17 years old) to be able to re-make some of the decisions he made then. As I was watching the movie for the second time, (yes.. second time, and not the last), I was really thinking to myself how much could be changed if I could go back just till I was 17. I concluded that my life would certainly be different if I could make some of those decisions again.


I have a few (if not just one or two really AWESOME) friends who concurred with me that thought. If fact, my personal inward and outward survey was that not only would my life be different, it would've been different for the better. Well, I guess not in everyway, but in most ways, I (unfortunate as it may be) could agree that I would probably be a looser & happier human being than I am now. (To the friends, or friend - you know what I mean).. hehe =)


We can't change time, we can't control the speed of it. I guess that's why I we all have a Savior.. A God, whom we call Abba.. King of Kings who controls time. He controls time and everything, yes - EVERYTHING - is beautiful is HIS time. That thought is simply unimaginably awesome. Don't take time for granted. It isn't tangible and IS priceless. I testify and encourage you.. for if only I were 17 again.


Luv,
The Unaverage (because of my Abba) Joe

*Dedicating this first and foremost to the Lord of Lords, and to my friends who've stuck with me and still make me try to cling on - I love you all. You have no idea how much I appreciate you*

> ..stay with me and wait patiently for Part 2.. DO PLEASE GIVE YOUR COMMENTS and SUGGESTIONS FOR THIS BLOG !!


#Please stay tuned soon for more stuff on this blog and another blog to come.