Liezel Garcia, a star in the making

Raised in Mindoro, Lizel Garcia symbolizes the dreams of every Filipino who have gone abroad to come back and finally find their roots. After auditioning in Dubai, Liezel earned the right to be one of the scholars in the Pinoy Dream Academy House (PDA) in the ABS-CBN, Manila.

She admitted to have been influenced greatly by her lola who used to train her at 5 in the morning. She gained popularity in singing even when she was still young and reaped prizes in local singing contest in her hometown.

Liezel had her share of bitter memories, when they were abandoned by their father at the age of six. She met him again at the age of twenty and never came back.

Her unique voice during her performances marked a good imprint in her fans, making them long to see her performance every Saturday. She has since made it to be at the top position of four consecutive times reflective of her being chosen as a star scholar three times in a row.

The Fator Factor

Terry Fator showcases America’s talent. He is able to combine ventriloquism, art and impressionism all in one. His shows never fail to amaze his audience of all ages. I am also amazed seeing him perform on stage. I am very happy he won the title. To show more of his videos simply browse on his videos below.

Amanda Overmyer: the rocker gone boring

Amanda's performance this week did not eventually gain the favor of many American voters making her bid for the American Idol farewell. Her rocker image eventually bored many voters, reflected by the judges general comment for some variation. This seasons winner has to rise above monotony and show to the audience it is able to offer a different showcase of her capability week after week. The predictability, making her a boring performer definitely led her back home. I am however believing that she will continue with her career in singing and would be able to make her own records soon.

Carly Smithson had a past

Carly Smithson, one of the finalists of the American Idol 7 had already made a record deal with MCA in 1999. In total, the label invested more than $2 million in her album titled "Ultimate High." She was known as Carly Hennessy then. It did not make well. Most of her songs in the album were written by Danielle Brisebois; the same person who wrote Clayaikens "Perfect Day" and Kelly Clarksons "Just Missed the Train."

Carly Smithson was born in Dublin, Ireland. She used to model and act in Ireland and was a print model at the age of 9, she beat out many hopefuls for an international role in Les Miserables. At age 10, she released an album in Ireland titled Carly's Christmas Album. At age 13, she was named the Irish national spokes model for the Denny Sausage brand. While she was succeeding in the acting and modeling fields, singing was her true passion. She traveled with her father to Los Angeles in order to market her demo. Her demo landed at MCA Records and they signed a contract on the spot.

Many idol fans had been frantic about her inclusion in the finalist. Will joining the American Idol revive her career as a singer?

Will Chikeze Smash the Votes

Chikeze, American Idol Season 7 who almost did not make it to the final list of contestants was able to prove that he can greatly perform a song. All three judges gave out their positive comments on his rendition on The Beatles Theme Final 12. With this, he was safe. It was Hernandez time to go.

However, while Chikeze may have actually made it this far, his chances of retaining himself is in a roller coaster ride. His songs and performances each week did not show some consistency. At the same time, as a singer he is merely one good singer with a good voice but lacking the quality of an idol. My prediction is that he is soon to go. Although he may have smashed the favor of the judges and the votes, the question of whether his popularity can sustain him to the final five is a big question.

Hernandez stripped of his chances

Hernandez the infamous idol contestant for his past as a stripper was finally voted out of this week's elimination round. Honestly, things happen for a reason," Hernandez said before leaving the stage. "I think we all have a plan. ... This isn't it for me."Hernandez sang the Beatles' "I Saw Her Standing There. Other bottom two contestants included Kristy Lee Cook, a 24-year-old from Selma, Ore., and Syesha Mercado, a 21-year-old from Sarasota, Fla

The copycat, flamboyant, dead, and forgettable

If I could point the reason why another four American Idol aspirants did not make it this week, it would be about their lack of dynamics. It means originality and the stage presence in performance.

Asia’h performance was more of copying her idol without bringing in the originality. Simon regarded this as simply a copycat and only good for the top 12. He was right.

Danny Noriega’s performance turned out horrible, seemingly bragging about his outward flamboyance on stage. This was a case of exaggerated mannerisms. His tendency to overdo it clouded the whole performance that it became “horrible” as Simon said.

Kady Malloys performance despite her good voice had a dead performance, lacking the stage presence or appeal. All three judges noticed she held back herself in her performances.

Luke’s songs and voice did not seem to synchronize with his stature, making all his performance to be weak. Simon said “a bit girly” and simply “forgettable.” The voting public agreed with him.

One David in heaven, another David in hell

While American Idol aspirant David Archuleta may continually receive praises and glory among idol judges and fans for his sentimental voice and humble personality, David Hernandez has been tormented with gossips and rumors spreading over the internet. First was the question about his sexual preference and lately his previous work as a male stripper in Dick's Cabaret. Internet search about his previous work as evident on the photos circulating like wildfire on the net. The American Idol organizers has yet to disclose their final verdict on this case as scandals had impacts on the hopes of past idol contestants Frenchie Davis and Antonella Barba.

Embarrassing Idol Moments

Another four of the aspiring idol contestants failed to appeal the voting public in the latest American Idol episodes. These included Alaina Whitaker, Jason, Yeager, Robbie Carrico and Alexandra Lushington.

Whitaker considered the cut to be so embarrassing but was assured by judge Paula Abdul of her talent. Although she was Jackson’s favorite, he commented the song did not fit her as she displayed a lack of confidence and uncomfortable on the stage.

Simon Cowel commented on Yaiger’s performance as not to stand out in the crowd. Simon also saw the superficiality of Carrico’s rocker performance when he sang Hot Blooded.

Among the judge favourite included Archuleta, who sang a soulful cover of Imagine and Brooke White, 24, for her bare-bones performance of You're So Vain.

If it’s blonde, it must be Carrie!

Simon Cowell predicted during the American Idol competition that Carrie Underwood would win and that she would outsell all of Idol's previous winners. Simon was right. Carrie’s debut album, Some Hearts, is the biggest-selling American Idol album to date, selling more than 6 million records in the U.S. alone. Her debut CD, Some Hearts, released in 2005, has been the best-selling female country album of 2005, 2006 and 2007. Carrie hit #1 with every single she has released to date, and has won two Grammys as well as a host of trophies from the AMA, ACM, CMA, People’s Choice and Billboard, among many others.　In October 2007, Carrie’s self titled album Carnival Ride has again catapulted to success selling like hot potatoes across the globe.
At present Carrie Underwood has current rumored romance with the NFL quarterback Tony Romo and now Gossip Girl hunk Chace Crawford.

Top 12 Guy Idols Season 7

The first battle of the 24 Top Idol began. Below are the top 12 idol guys.

David Cook -- "So Happy Together," rock style.
Robbie Carrico -- "One is the Loneliest Number"
David Archuleta -- "Shop Around." Very nice and shows complete performance level.
Jason Castro -- "What a Day for Daydream," shows talents on guitar.
Michael Johns -- "Light My Fire."

Middle ground:

David Hernandez -- "Midnight Hour," with an interesting gospel start.
Chikezie Eze -- "I Love You More Today Than Yesterday"
Colton Berry -- "Suspicious Minds,"
Jason Yaeger -- "Moon River," a bit boring but shows good voice.
Borderline disastrous:
Danny Noriega -- "Jailhouse Rock," which Simon calls "grotesque."
Luke Menard -- "Everybody's Talkin'
Garett Haley -- "Breaking Up is Hard to Do."

Top 12 lady Idols Season 7

Top Performances

Alexandrea Lushington -- "Spinning Wheel." In pink hightops. Fierce.
Asia'h Epperson -- "Piece of My Heart." So good I can forgive the apostrophe h.
Ramiele Malubay -- "You Don't Have to Say You Love Me." Effortless and cute (thought what's with the Project Runway Christian hair)
Syesha Mercado -- "Tobacco Road," though she's like the female Robbie Carrico. Too rehearsed, inauthentic.

Middle Ground

Joanne Borgella -- "I Say a Little Prayer for You." Maybe it's just because this song makes me happy?
Alaina Whitaker -- "I Love You More Today Than Yesterday." God, she's wholesome and happy.
Carly Smithson -- "Song I Don't Know" (ha!). Don't believe the hype?
Amanda Overmeyer -- "Baby Please Don't Go." Not exactly singing, but badass.

Middle Ground

Kristy Lee Cook -- "Rescue Me." Safe choice, easy song.
Amy Davis -- She's pretty, but her "Where the Boys Are," is OFF.
Brooke White -- "So Happy Together," which makes Simon thinks he's in a commercial for "washing up liquid" in the 60s.
Kady Malloy -- "Groovy Kind of Love," which ages her up way too far.

David Archuleta reveals his secret

During the audition David was humble enough to admit that he is tone deaf. Despite this special condition, he was able to deliver his audition piece very well impressing all three judges.

I agree to Simon that David has a lot potential in the competition. Given his innocent looks,humble but talented presence and heart-warming performances, David could surely win the hearts of many specially the younger masses. It would not be surprising to see him continue to survive each round with the overwhelming support.

Given the progress variations of the competition, David may have to adapt to certain elements in the competition and bring on new styles and capabilities in order to prove that he can be a total performer. If he does this, he could win this competition. I can contend to saying that he can be at the top 3 of this competition.

Ramielle Malubay slapped on the face

When American Idol contestant Ramiele Malubay made it to the top 24. She did not believe it that she slapped herself to check out whether it was really true. Ramiele is another Filipino-bloodied American idol contestant whose parents migrated to the US for a greener pasture.

Ramiele's position as one of the finalists came out as a surprise to many as Simon did not show his all confidence to the young petite during her audition. I believed that her being able to stay for a few more weeks in American Idol mean two things. First, is the strategy of the whole production to diversify a wider range of voters and audience and that would include Filipinos who already represent a good amount of minority in the US. This means also that Ramiele's stay is highly based on the fellow Filipinos who may have not really admired her singing prowess but on the theory of identification. Malubay is surely a favorite among Fil-Ams living in the United States. I for one do not believe she can make it to the top 6 but I am hoping this contestant the luck and the vote as well as the consistency in her performances.

She wanted to become an American idol to represent Asians in the US. This maybe her ticket to progressing into the competition. She knows that majority of her votes would come from Asians who would love to have an Asian looking idol for America. The sustaining power of their votes however are yet to come.