Congrats to Phillip and to this year's winners!

Was anyone else in tears???    I love Phillip....in an Idol obsession kinda way -- you know!?!  I can't imagine what he must have been feeling....I don't even think he could figure out what he was feeling!  Though I knew (as most of you did from the beginning) that he was going to win....and I've loved him since the beginning....my favorite part about him is that he stayed true to himself more than any idol ever has....put another way (for my finance friends) the "variance" between who he was when he started vs ended compared to the typical variance of where an idol starts vs ends is for sure the smallest with Phillip.  To this day, he still wears what he wants, sings how he wants, grooms how he wants....he surely did NOT let American Idol change him.  Well, maybe it made him a little less shy, but that's about it.  Considering he's not much of a performer, (though he is very nice to look at!) it's quite evident that this guy is going to be something big over the next decade or more. I sure hope he stays in the pop world though so I can hear him on Z100 :)....yes, that's still my go-to station!  Back to Phillip though....I'm really so happy for him and I'm psyched that his first single is AWESOME. 

Now, on to the rest of the show... Let's start with the runner up --- ok, I have to give it to her, she was UNBELIEVABLE.  Her 1st performance of Whitney, earlier in the season was really great, but this time she was SICK!  Clearly with some more training this chic has a real chance to make her mark....keep in mind she's only 16....yes 16!   Craziness!!   The control she has in her voice personifies the definition of talent.  Speaking of talent, her performance with Jennifer Holiday brought out a new side if Jessica, I mean Jennifer, no I mean Jessica :) (PS that reel of Jimmy messing up JLo's name over and over was hilarious!).  In this duet, Jessica's maturity is what made me love her....though usually that's the reason i'm not such a fan....with this performance, her maturity enabled her to connect with the audience and get into the song like i've never seen her do.  For the first time, she displayed her ability to perform.  I've never seen a performer make facial expressions like Holiday did, and then Jessica got right in the game with her.....that sign of letting loose is what made me really really like Jessica tonight. Go girl!!

Moving on to the other noteworthy performances -- go Rihanna -- another one from the night that I loved more than I ever have. Her performance was fabulous.....she had me dancing in my living room with my dog (let's see who really reads these posts!).... Pete was impressed :). Then, later in the show, Jennifer got me going again....Pete and I had a fun night :)   I wish I could dance like those two....I was extremely impressed at their abilities to dance and sing....now those two are also talented....Pete and I couldn't help but applaud after each!!  The one woman performer who had me wondering was Chaka Khan -- while I give her credit for looking great for her age, I was a tad skeptical about her sobriety....anyone else?  Funny fact....at my 1st or 2nd ESPN holiday party, she was the star performer....I had front row standing room.....it was a fun night!

And finally, with a show full of unbelievableness, I have to give a shout out to my boy Ace (no, I don't really know him!) but what a proposal he did.....and what a smile he has!
There you have it, one more season, one more idol and one more year of the Tiplitsky pool.....I hope you all enjoyed it!!   Next year, we are surely back on....don't you worry!  Feel free to send me any emails of people who may be interested next year.  Thanks to everyone for joining this year...and for bearing with me during my move and cable issues. Happy I could end this year like most of you are used to...with my idol rambles!!

Congrats to all the winners!!  If you all can send me your addresses, I will pop a check in the mail with your winnings.  

PEACE OUT!

week 8....

This was hometown week – or whatever they call the week where the idols get a memorable trip back to their home town where things happen to them that people could never imagine!  All of them were in awe of the crowds they drew wherever they went (who wouldn’t be in awe!)--- Josh’s personality came out more than I’ve ever seen, Phillips emotions came out more than I’ve ever seen and Jessica’s maturity came out more than I’ve ever seen – almost to the point where I just wanted to say to her, please be 16 for just one day!  Funniest moment of the show was as I was watching her with her little brothers and thinking “be young,” my mom goes to me “is that her kids?” ….enough said! 

The top 3 performed three songs last night – judge’s choice, contestant’s choice and Jimmy’s choice. Joshua began the night singing “I’d Rather Go Blind” by Etta James. Though I thought he was awesome , I just couldn’t stop looking at that microphone….was I alone?  His next song was picked by the judges, it was “Imagine” by John Lennon.  Like his first song, they loved it, saying it was a pull back moment for him, that his performance quality made him special….I LOVED IT TO!  Time after time, this kid performs his heart out on that state….and he didn’t let me down with his last song -- “Nor More Drama” by Mary J. Blige --  Jimmy choice this song for him and the, WOW, was Jimmy on point tonight.  Josh was movin around on that stage like he owned it…. He threw off his jacket like he meant it…..as Randy says (because he stole the line from me), Josh was in it to win it!

Jessica was the second performer of the night. JLo picked Maria Carey’s “My All” and her comment was it was a hard song but she did it so beautiful in her own way….my comment, “it was a hard song and she could have done better” – sorry to all you Jessica lovers, but why can’t these Judges “be tough on her only to make her better” – they do this to others, but never to Jessica who can likely use it – I bet she would absolutely get better if she got better (or any!) constructive criticism. Her second song was “I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing” by Aerosmith. What did Steven Tyler have to say about her version? He said he took a great song and made it greater – WHAT??? ARE YOU KIDDING STEVEN?  No way was it better than his version!  Grrrrrrrr! For her third song, Jimmy chose “I’ll Be There” by the Jackson Five. JLo and Steven loved it except for Randy, who liked it ok but didn’t love it --- neither did I.  As you can tell, I really think she should have been the one to go.

Phillip Phillips got the pimp spot. He sang “Begging” by Mankind, chosen by Steven for him. The judges said they were like watching his concert, another incredible performance by him. I really liked it to – I agreed with Steven that Phillip should really write his own music – this kid is going to be a star – his voice is so unique!  For his second song, he chose “Disease” by Matchbox 20. They didn’t love it, neither did I – the song choice was definitely an odd one for this point in the competition – but like Jimmy said, this kid is not afraid to take risks and put it all out there…..which is why we all know he’ll be huge one day – I wonder how many people think he’s the next Dave Matthews?!  For his final performance, Jimmy chose “We’ve Got Tonight” by Bob Seger and the judges thought that was a perfect song at the perfect time – I couldn’t agree more. 

When Ryan gave the results tonight, I pretty much lost focus once he said Jessica was safe.  I can’t imagine I’m the only one who thinks this is a now shoe in for Phillip – though I never thought Jessica would get more votes than Josh….so who knows?!

Week 7....

We're almost there.....Top 4 is now Top 3....so sad to see Hollie go, but when they're all good you just get the fact that someone you don't want to leave will.....even of a bunch of greats, there's always a worst!   

So....the show:  Theme was songs from California based artists and songs the idols had wished they had written.

Phillip began with “Have You Ever Seen the Rain” by Creedence Clearwater Revival. I was impressed, as were the judges. Loved the sax add-on!  Randy and JLo gave their traditional praise, and Steven didn't let me down with a quote of the week -- Phillip is the living proof that the road to success is always under construction. Phillip's second song was “Volcano” by Damien Rice. Like his first song, he did great.

Hollie was next -- She sang “Faithfully” by Journey for her first song and “I Can’t Make You Love Me” by Bonnie Ratt for the song she wish she had written. Her first song was great -- she really looks so comfortable up there these days.  Her second, however, wasn't as good. I agree with the judges that it was kind of short of emotion….which is kind of weird since she picked it as the song she wish she had written. 

Right after a great performance from David Cook (gosh, do women ever win this show?!  Though I do loooooove David)….was Josh. He sang “Steal Away” by Etta James and “It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World” by James Brown (great choice for him!). Him being given a standing O is usual (though in past seasons I rarely remember this happening) and it happened again during his second performance. The judges, especially JLo, loved the drama. Randy even said that the James Brown song is the greatest song for him and the best performance ever on any singing competition…what a claim! All in all, Josh was sure to gain a spot in the final 3….with the passion this guy brings every week, I’m now a believer that he could actually win this.  He’s really REALLY good!

Jessica was last and she sang “Steal Away” by Etta James and “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” by Jennifer Holiday. Besides the growling in Steal Away….totally agree with Jimmy on this one….I’ll give it to her…her vocals were amazing and, of course, the judges loved her…especially that she sang Etta James. Do I agree that she is one of the best vocally?  I question if that’s the case for this show, let alone ever….so, I’d say no. But did she deserver a standing O for that 2^nd performance….ok, fine!

To end of night of people in it to win it…we got a very lovely performance from Jennifer Lopez.  Wow she impresses me!! Hot hot HOT…..and those guys behind her….even HOTTER!  Great song, great performance.   I’m so fascinated by how we get to see two sides of JLo in this show…the day to day (or close enough to that) and then the performer.  I so wish I could be behind the scenes during commercials to see how fast everything is moving – what shes saying – whats she’s thinking – how she’s reacting….how the heck does she change outfits and look that relaxed and made up -- in a good way -- that fast…...could I be her for just one day?!

Alrighty, well that’s a wrap for this week….we’ll miss you Hollie!  I actually teared up as she sang her last song….particularly when she hugged the top 3 and Josh started to  break down.  I feel like he'll benefit from a few of Hollie's fans voting for him now. The cameras seem to think so, too, as they kept cutting back to a tearful Joshua. Should be an interesting semifinals week!

Hometown as Heros, here we come!  Very curious to see the differences in each of their “home comings”

Week 6...

Hi All! What a week of shocks for me -- country singers in the bottom, Joshua Ledet, "one of the top two best 'Idols' of all time"...."one of the best singers in 50 years", skylar getting the boot, p-squared having a not so good week, p-squared having a girlfriend (what?!?), Steven Tyler having never heard Bleeding Love?, my wedding song making it on idol (your love keeps lifting me!) and my husband and I spending our last night in NYC and first night (back) as NJ residents.....wow did I forget how hectic it is too move!  But it's nice to be done with packing (though unpacking is scary too!) and to have working cable/internet.  Anyway, the show....
This week I agreed with the judges....Hollie did a fabulous job and is peaking at the right time....to be honest with you, I attribute a lot of her recent success to the judges advice....since she's been able to perform naturally and not think about every move she makes and word she sings, shes' been kicking butt!
Phillip -- he was ok....honestly, I just can't stop thinking how we all didn't know he had a girlfriend!  Speaking of girlfriends....last week I was shocked about the "Ryan's girlfriend" incident -- well, not the incident, just the fact that Ryan has a girlfriend....forgot to note that last week (i think)
Jessica -- you know what bothers me most about her? It's that they make her look so much older than she is....can she look like a 16 yr old for at least one week?  Even though she sang the Tina song well, like Jackson said, the performance didn't sit well with me either.  Her 2nd performance was much better...but still, I can't seem to hop on her bandwagon.
Joshua is truly something special -- not sure he's one of the best idols of all time or one of the best singers in 50 years, but he sure is something special....i am very curious to see what this guy will be doing in 10 years....what I will be telling my kids in 20 years :)  I mean, if JLo is right, and this kid is one of the best in 50 years, then we all should be talking about him for a while!  I just hope he doesn't get messed up with all the press....good thing is that he seems to have quite a solid head on his shoulders.....he is definitely one of the most modest and chill idols I"ve ever seen -- he has a very unique personality -- one that makes you wonder and simply like him more -- I guess you could kind of call him the dark horse of the competition -- now I can definitely see him making it to the top 2, but in the beginning, I thought my husband was crazy for thinking Josh would win it all.   Speaking of winning it all -- or, i should say, NOT winning it all -- I was so sad to see Skylar go.  I love that girls energy and stage presense.  Ryan said it best that "she's simply so entertaining to watch".  She's another one I can't wait to see what happens with.

That's that....talk next week!

Week 4 ....

QUOTES OF THE WEEK:

"You gotta get low to get high." (Steven)

"When you want to get to the other shore, you gotta lose sight of this one." (Steven)

REMINDERS OF THE WEEK:　

PLEASE SEND PAYMENT IF YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY! I move next week (can’t wait to be done packing!), so if you still plan to send a check, email me and I’ll give you my new address. If you can pay via paypal, that would be preferred! Check out the standings sheet to confirm I have received your payment.

COMMENTS OF THE WEEK:

what a week! 　Finally my DVR didn't mess up and I could truly enjoy the show. 　What a start with Hollie.....so glad she not only nailed it, but the judges gave her props too!! 　It bugs me so much that they don't recognized her talent.....I even venture to say she's been better than Jessica....though Jessica did have a sick week this week! 　But, the last few weeks, she's been slacking and she absolutely belonged in the bottom 3 last week...don't get me wrong, she's really good, but she's not as good as the judges make her sound ever week....they never seem to recognize her bad weeks. 　But again, she does deserve credit for this week.....she too nailed it. 　Another one that nailed it this week was Philip....holy crap is he amazing.....JLo so wishes he was 15 years old....I don't blame her :) 　No matter what, this kid is the real deal....the passion he has on stage is that of only a star. 　Another star is Skylar....honestly, her voice isn't that good (though I like the scratchiness when it comes out), but still, she's a true performer in the sense that she also has the passion on the stage. 　I highly doubt she's going anywhere....here stardom gets her those country/western and that's all she needs.....though her fun attitude surely gets her even more votes.....like I said, she should be good to go for a while. 　 　Josh has been interesting.....I can't read this guy. 　The more intense he gets, the quieter he gets. 　He definitely lets his heart out on the stage when he's singing, but he needs to give me a little more when he's not singing.....I'll take a few more random comments like the one he made to JLo....he says nothing the whole show and then he comments on JLo’s beautifully displayed abs....of all contestants to comment on that, he was not my choice. 　Who else haven't I mentioned....oh, Elise....the classic one to fall to be forgotten, but never forgotten enough to get the lowest votes. 　Just like Phillip and Skylar, she is also a performer....but she's more of a performer from experience and practices vs from the heart. 　She's very very talented.....she will surely make it in some way shape or form after this season; I just wonder how big she can be. 　She's got this weird smile....though her laugh and comments are very real, her simple smile comes across as fake and forced.....as crazy as it may sound....I think someone needs to work on that one with her!! 　Colton, on the other hand, has such a contagious, genuine and sweet smile.....he could shut up and smile, and I'd still like him.....how couldn't I?!?! 　 Colton, Mr Red Strip, started off in a very interestingly good way, but besides the look and that performance.... i wish his second song was better.....honestly, it stunk!! 　Considering everyone had a great week, I'm not surprised　he's the one that got the boot this week. 　At this point in the game, no matter who has done really well every week, if you have one bad week, you are very much in danger. 　When it comes to the pool....anyone can win! 　Currently we have a 5 way tie (Jeff, Natalie, Jaime, Jennifer, Lindsay), and none of those people have Phillip winning.....I say that because I really really think he's got this in the bag. 　And I'm still going with Skylar as the runner up -- what are you guys thinking!

GO FLYERS!!!!!!!! WOOHHOOOOO!!!!!!!!

Week 3....

thank goodness deandre is gone.....he was really getting on my nerves!! Sorry to all those who like him.....I just didn't see what others did. And how did JLo say he was one of the best of the night.....honestly, she must be saying that just because she feels like she needs to.....ok, yeah, he is talened (i mean, he made it to the top 8!) but he doesn't compare to folks like Phillip, Skylar, Colton and Josh. Speaking of this crew....Phillip was a bit dissappointing....he seemed to struggle for a few notes and he was so distracted by having his "bro" on stage; Skylar was pretty good, but I like her more when she shows her spunk in her performance; Colton is totally delicious....he gets better and better each week! And Josh, he is really REALLY good.....and I really like his chill attitued......he's so genuine. As for the rest of the crew, I found Jessica extermely dissapointing....I so did NOT see what the judges saw. It really frustrated me that they praise her over and over and then give Hollie such a hard time when she has the better performance. Hollie is so my surprise of the year.....everytime she gets on stage, I just don't expect what comes out of her mounth....damn can she sing. It's mind boggling that she doesn't get recognized for the Celine Dion worthy notes that she hits. And finally, Elise.....she has a ton of talent and has gotten more likeable in the last few weeks, but sometimes she has this mad look on her face. This week I thought she did really well....no where near her Led Zepplin performance last week, but she has such a unique voice. Her voice and rock star moves on the stage could make her a star, but I worry about the other stuff. we shall see what happens to her.....she can't seem to escape the bottom 3.

Week 2...

While results are up, I actually don't have much to add this week since I've been in Chicago spending time with my new niece!! Believe it or not, but I haven't even watched all the performances.....though I hear there were lots of standing Os so I'll have to sneak in a few extra hours of viewing this week.

Now it's back to Ohio St vs Kansas.....congrats to Kentucky.....and to the states with the Mega Ball winners.....don't we all wish that was us!

Week 1....

Welcome!! So glad you all decided to join this year....I'm psyched we got another great turnout!

For all of you that are new to the pool, each week I will send out an email with a link to this site so you can read my latest post and download the latest standings. (Rather than email the standings and clog your inbox each week with the big file!) To the left of the pictures of the idols above, you'll see "Click Here for Week 1 Standings".....believe it or not, but you should click there to get the latest standings :) The standings are in Microsoft Excel and are available if you have the newest excel or the older version of excel. Let me know if you have any troubles at all....this is suppose to be an easy process, so if it doesn't appear that way I need to help you fix that!

Now, before I get to the Idol gossip, I want to welcome my new, and very first niece....the daughter of the other Jamie Tiplitsky (yes, my brother married a Jamie)! Her name is Presely Rae Tiplitsky, she was born this morning and she and the rest of the Tiplitsky family are doing great.

Ok, Ok, so now lets chat about the show this week.....the Billy Joel week. Definitely a few great performances and some not so great ones. Colton may have won my vote for the week and he surely locked in Scotty McCreery's fan base...espcially when Phillip clearly showed he had no interest in the ladies. How great that Tommy and Diddy told Phillip that he shouldn't wear grey, should shave and should leave the guitar behind.....then Phillip gets on stage with a grey shirt, a scruffy face and a guitar in hand.....you gotta love that guy for being so freaking good looking and scrumptions without even trying. I am very curious to see how things turn out for him....he TOTALLY can win this all and I wonder if the nonchalant attitude will help or hurt him. So besides liking Colton and Phillip, I thought Elise did a phenominal job....I just wish she was a bit more likeable. She's either too scared to be herself on stage or she really doesn't have much personality. Speaking of personality, I'm waiting for Skylar to have her chance to shine.....my guess is she'll be the dark horse this year.....she's got the country voice and what seems to be a very fun personality....we shall see how it all turns out! And Heejun.....oh Heejun.....this guy really cracks me up.....I love that he decided to mess with Tommy Hilfiger on national TV.....Tommy, Mr Proper, was so baffled at how to handle the situation. I just wish Heejun could have done a much better job with his performance....it was surely creative, but it had some pretty bad parts. While I'd like to see him stick around to entertain, I can't help but think he'll be going soon.....but not before Deandre....Deandre bothers me so much....lets just leave it at that for now! Let's see, who else am I missing.....Hollie....very talented voice.....very intersting accent....until Wednesday, actually, I had no clue she wasn't from the US! Her voice is so impressive....what she did last week with Celine Dion was unbelievable.....I don't seem to hear the "pitchiness" that Steven Tyler and Randy keep mentioning.....why can't they just give her a standing ovation already. I can't wait to see her face when she gets that standing O. Speaking of Standing Os'.....Josh and Jessica, the two who have gotten such awesome reactions from the audience and judges have hit a sweet spot. At this point in the "game" I don't think their getting the most votes, but they are likely far from falling in the bottom 3.....no doubt we'll be seeing those two for quite a while.

Alrighty, that's all I got this week. I'll be back next week! Until then, feel free to post your thoughts this past weeks show or anything you know about next week....those who come check out my comments, definitely like seeing what others have to say.

Have a great weekend!
~Jamie

Entry Forms Due 8PM, Wed March 21st

For those of you who are regulars to the Tiplitsky Pool, click to the left to download the Entry Form. (If you're on a mobile phone click "View Web Version" to navigate my website.) Once you download the form (on your Computer), start with row 15 and choose who you think will get voted off next week, then work your way down to the winner.

For you Newbees or Returnees, (go to the Web Version of this site) and check out the download titled "FAQs and Instructions" in the left margin or read the bottom of the web page.

Some key points for all of you:
-- Last year we had about 200 entrires, so prize money was almost $3,000!! (see table to the left)
-- Prizes go to 1st-5th place, LAST place and some random prizes in the middle -- so you have a good chance to make some $$, even if you have no clue who the idols are!!
-- Entry fee is $15 if you mail a check or $15.75 if you pay via paypal -- The entry form has some specifics on how to get me your fee

FORWARD A LINK TO THIS WEBSITE TO ANYONE THAT YOU THINK MAY BE INTERESTED (cc me, so I can add them to my distribution list)!

THE ENTRY FORM IS DUE BY 8PM ON WEDNESDAY (March 21st).....in order to make it in the pool you MUST get me your entry form ON TIME....NO IF ANDS OR BUTS about that (gotta keep things fair!)!!

Email me at tiplitskypool@gmail.com if you have any questions.

Have a great day!

Want To Know More About the Pool???

check out the "SAMPLE" files via the links to the right and read the FAQs below. If you have any questions, email me at tiplitskypool@gmail.com. If you haven't watched any American Idol episodes to date, choose from the "links to more American Idol news and videos"......you can see all performances from last week on the "Official FOX American Idol Site" (link to the right). It's actually pretty easy and quick to watch all.....my DVR didn't record the shows last week (grrrrrrr!!) so I had to watch the performances here: http://www.americanidol.com/videos/season_11/performances/

Who's been watching since the beginning this season?? Let everyone know your thoughts so far by posting a comment....do you like the idols so far? how are randy, jLo and Steven doing? think the guys are better than the girls?? have any faves? Let the rest of the crew know what you're thinking!!

If you really don't care to watch.....don't worry about reading or watching anything.....this way you'll be most equipped to submit a losing entry.....this year the loser will make $150 at least....10x the entry fee. Speaking of the entry feel, you'll see more details in the "SAMPLE" files you can download to the right --- actually, all you really need to know is the entry fee is $15 and I'll let you know how to get me this money once I send out the entry form.

Here's to a great season ahead.....cheers!

No CLUE

For some reason I lost admin access to my usual blog so I had to create a new one. If you have any clue how to help me get that back, please let me know!!