American Idol Top Three Contestants Shine!

Tonight we were treated to some exceptional performances by the remaining three American Idol contestants.  Each contestant sang three songs.  One song was the contestant’s choice, one was Jimmy Iovine’s choice and one was the judge’s choice.  Tonight’s guest mentor was Beyonce who worked with the contestants on their song choice.

Scotty started the ball rolling with Lone Star’s “Amazed” which he totally nailed.  It amazes me how young these people are and the amount of poise and self-confidence they have.

Lauren sang “Wild One” by Faith Hill and did a great job!

Haley sang “What Is And What Should Never Be” by Led Zeppelin and her father played guitar on the number.  Again, another awesome performance and Led Zeppelin songs are not easy!  Haley fell during her performance got right up and kept on going like nothing happened.  The mark of a true pro.

The judges gave the first round unanimously to Haley.

Jimmy Iovene picked “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not” by Thompson Square for Scotty.  This proved to be a perfect song choice and an excellent performance.  Scotty was most definitely in his element.

Jimmy picked “If I Die Young” by The Band Perry for Lauren.  Another great performance by Lauren.  Lauren missed a modulation, but she immediately self-corrected and went on to a strong finish.

Jimmy picked the iconic Fleetwood Mac anthem “Rhiannon” with lead vocals by Stevie Nicks for Haley.  Definitely not an easy song but Haley rose to the occasion.

The judges were split on who won this round.  I believe Steven voted for Lauren and Randy and Jennifer said Scotty was the man on round two.

Before the last round of songs, American Idol World Premiered Beyonce’s new single “Run The World (Girls)”.  Another Beyonce “anthem” that is sure to be a big hit.

The judges chose “She Believes In Me” a Kenny Rogers classic for Scotty.  It was done to showcase Scotty’s higher range and for him to sing a song with a more “pop/county” feel.  Great performance by Scotty.

The judges chose “I Hope You Dance” by LeAnn Rimes.  This song was a huge hit for LeAnn.  Lauren gave Jennifer goose bumps.  I chucked with the name dropping by Randy and Steven.

The judges chose “You Oughta Know”, one of Alanis Morissette’s greatest hits for Haley.  Haley slayed the choruses but she had trouble with the speed and rhythm of the verses.  Not an easy song by any stretch of the imagination.

The judges were again split on who won the round.  Steven voted for Haley and Jennifer and Randy give the win to Lauren for Round 3.

The level of talent this season is amazing.  Watching some of these performances are like watching a concert.

Tune in tomorrow to see who will be in the finale!

Missed my buddy James Durbin tonight and wondered what Jimmy and the judges would have picked for him to sing.  The brief clip they showed of James’ homecoming in Santa Cruz looked awesome!  I saw him holding up WWF belts!

Pottstown School Board Director Election Results

It appears congratulations are in order for Mary-Beth Lydon, Andrew Kefer and Judyth Zahora for winning spots on the November Democratic Ballot for Pottstown School Director.  Sadly, Amy Francis and Michele Pargeon will not be joining their running mates from the Friends Of Pottstown Public Education.  Code Blue will now have two candidates on the November ballot.

Voter turn out was pathetically low.  I suppose people do not think Primary Elections are important and make no effort to vote.  However, by not voting in the Primary Election you are allowing others to dictate your choices in November.  This is how good candidates are removed from voter consideration while others creep in by default.

Glossy smear-tactic postcards evidently did the trick for the five candidates Mr. Hylton supported via his Pottstown Citizens For Responsible Government political action committee.  Hopefully in November voters will turn out in greater numbers and do more research before voting.  Otherwise the Pottstown School Board will become a one-way voting block.

In other election news, Roy’s Rants congratulates Sixth Ward Councilor and “man of the people” Jody Rhoads for his re-election victory.  Jody handily defeated his opponent and will be running unopposed in November!  “Fight When You’re Right”

We thank everyone who voted today and exercised their constitutional right to take part in a free election.  Your vote does make a difference.

Power to the Pottstown People!