“Dorky Dogs” – BoredPanda.com – Liucija Adomaite and Justinas Keturka
American Idol – ABC
I’m excited because tonight is the finale on American Idol. I don’t usually watch the show, but this season there were two contestants who grabbed my heart. The two men have formed what will be a life-long friendship, starting with wanting to honor their fathers on the show.
One was Oliver Steele, (@oliversteelemusic on YouTube) but he was eliminated from the competition recently. The other is Iam Tongi, a really sweet 18-year-old young man from Hawaii. His voice and style are really distinctive, putting his own spin on whatever he sings. The whole audience explodes each time he sings.
Even without wins, both men have won in life. I expect both to have long, happy careers. Both write their own music. Iam has just dropped a single, “I’ll Be Seeing You” in honor of his dad, who passed recently. Oliver performed an original song, “Too Soon” on American Idol.
I promised you pictures of the garden, and I’ll share them in the next post, as soon as I process the pictures I just took.
I’m feeling “bummed”, plus “stupid”, this morning.
“Bummed” because one of my favorites on American Idol was eliminated last night. “Stupid” because I shouldn’t allow myself to get so ‘invested’ in a TV program that I know can only have one winner.
I don’t usually watch things like this. Lately it has been an escape for ‘the world being too much with us,’ and I fell hard for two contestants: Iam Tongi and Oliver Steele.
Iam Tongi is 18, from Hawaii. He lost his dad very recently. They bonded by singing together with Iam playing the guitar his dad bought for him with his holiday paycheck. His dad got sick and didn’t have long to live. They recorded several songs and posted them online. Iam’s dad died and Iam tried out for American Idol to honor his dad’s memory. He has captured the hearts of many during the competiton and he made it to the Top 5 last night.
Oliver Steele also entered the competition because of his dad. His dad is alive, a former singer, songwriter and musician. He had a massive stroke and lost the use of the left side of his body. He was there for his son’s audition. He was hospitalized soon after Oliver entered and has since started dialysis, but was able to attend his son’s performances last night.
Oliver is not only talented, his heart is huge. When Iam’s guitar broke, Oliver was really supportive. He got them both through the duet they shared and they have become friends for life. When the announcements were being made last night, Iam was named to the Top 5 and took the lei from around his neck and put it around Oliver’s neck as he left the stage. Oliver was eliminated from the competition a few minutes later.
SO. I’m happy Iam made it to the Top 5. In my mind, Oliver is also a winner – in life. I hope that he has garnered the attention of people who can help him achieve his dreams. I wish him all the best. He really got my heart.
I’ve never been caught up by American Idol before. I’ve watched some clips and been impressed by the talent, but never actively watched and rooted for contestants before.
I started this because my husband is really into violent movies with the sound turned up so high that I went into the office and wore my earphones at my computer as a defense. :0)
I immediately fell for two contestants: Iam Tongi and Oliver Steele.
Iam is Hawaiian, but is living in Seattle, having had to move from his home due to too-high prices. He lost his dad – who taught him to love music and sung with him, providing harmony – a couple of months ago. His dad bought him a guitar, using his holiday paycheck. Iam’s voice is soothing. He is creative, making every song his own. I REACT to everything he sings, feeling happy or tearing up.
Oliver is a singer, song writer, and musician. His dad was the same, but had a stroke that made him lose the use of the left side of his body. Oliver is trying to take care of his dad. He has a distinctive voice and style, and is also a wonderful human being. When Iam’s guitar broke right before their duet, Oliver supported Iam, got him through the song, and they have become friends for life.
Iam Tongi & Oliver Steele Dedicate The Duet Of “Save Your Tears” To Their Dads – American Idol 2023
The Top 7 competition was last night. Iam was voted into the Top 7. Oliver was not, but was the Judges’ Choice to continue in the group as #8.
I wish both of them could win the competition. I hope that both of them have garnered enough attention that they both get music contracts. Time will tell.
They have both won my heart. I feel motherly (though I’m old enough to be grandmotherly) toward both of them and wish them the best that life has to offer. Their next performance is this coming Sunday, May 7th.
I’m totally enjoying the current seasons of American Idol and The Voice. I may be wrong, but I think the quality of the singers is simply amazing this time. AND, I’m caught up in the stories of the contestants and am actively rooting for them – if not to win the contest outright, to make enough of a splash that they can continue their careers successfully.
I love the fact that I can watch the performances on YouTube. My husband would cause a stink if I watched the programs real time. I can catch up with the shows’ progress in the office with my headphones on while he watches some truly awful movie on TV. :0)
There is so much talent that my heart fills and spills out onto my cheeks. I love seeing their determination and growth during the contests and it brings pure joy to hear them sing.
The only problem is that I am rooting for SEVERAL contestants on each of these shows. I realize there can only be one winner, but I really don’t like it.
I’ve really gotten caught up on the singing contest shows this year. I never watch them live, preferring to watch the YouTube videos when I can make the time.
I’ve never felt ‘invested’ in them before, and I find I’m almost on the edge of my seat this time, regarding ‘American Idol’ and ‘The Voice.’ It really amazes me how much talent we have in our world. Something that is getting through to me is that if a person has something special, something to which people react emotionally, it doesn’t matter if they ‘win’ the contest. They may make it anyway because people want to hear more. I’m hoping there is lots of good news to come for many of these talented people.
I’m feeling lazy today. It’s dark, cool, and rainy today here. A GREAT excuse for just doing what I want, rather than being “productive.” :0)
So far, I’ve been watching ‘reactions’ on YouTube. I had never heard of ‘reactions’ until last week. I stumbled upon the category, discovering that there is a whole industry out there! These people can work from home, get a following, monetize their efforts, and actually make a living.
I’m amazed that some of them survive, to be honest. Many of them are too interested in their ‘image’ and I find that very annoying. I’m there to see what their reaction is to music I like, NOT for them to tell me or try to show me how ‘cool’ they are. Most of them are too lazy to do any research. It only takes a second to find out who the singer is, a short background, etc., but they ask inane questions or act like ignorance is something to be proud of. I have looked at a lot and won’t be back.
There are several I’ve found, however, who do their homework, either before, during, or after, who really want to know about the person who is performing. Their facial reactions tell a whole story. They follow that with some beautiful thoughts or real, raw, honest reactions to what they have just seen and heard. I find that fascinating and have decided to subscribe to a select few and ask them to react to some songs I think are special.
This morning I’ve been gratified by the reactions to Chris Stapleton singing the National Anthem at this year’s Super Bowl. I knew who he was, but I didn’t know he’s won 8 Grammy awards. His performance was stellar and made me proud to be a citizen of this country. The reaction of the listeners at the event told the story of how his voice and his interpretation affected people. It was beautiful to see and hear.
I hope that the sun is shining wherever you are today and that you’re enjoying every ray. :0)
Music is amazing. When I hear something from back in the dark ages when I was a teenager played, I’m immediately taken back to feeling as I did then, the first time I heard it, shedding years, fears, shedding pain, shedding responsibility, filled with the joy of flirting and dancing with a good looking guy at a party at a family’s home. I hope that nursing homes, retirement places, hospice care places, etc. use the power of music to take people back to a happy place.
Music also brings out your emotions. It can make you want to leap up and shake whatever parts you still have working, ( :0) ) get misty-eyed remembering a wonderful memory, or make you laugh or cry.
I told you I recently discovered that there are reaction video channels on YouTube, reacting to music videos and other things that are requested by their followers. A lot of these “reactors” seem to be merely ego-splashing places where they try to be ‘cool’, project a certain ‘image’ rather than seriously reacting to what they are seeing or hearing. These, thankfully, can be quickly dismissed. I have found several, though, that are worth a second look and a couple to which I have actually subscribed.
I’ve been watching reactions to James Blunt’s original song and video, “Monsters.” His dad has Stage 4 kidney disease and when James wrote the song, a donor could not be found for a transplant, so his dad’s time was nearly over. The heartfelt, complicated song tears your guts out and fills your heart at the same time. He has written a song that brings out emotions in men and women alike, young and old, as well. (Happily, when the video came out, a cousin in Australia, I think, checked and was compatible with his dad’s blood type, and donated a kidney. James’s dad got the transplant and was doing well the last I read.)
I’ve been listening to a lot of music lately, escaping the heaviness of the world to find super talented, wonderful people who are chasing their dreams. Music is a huge part of their lives, and they are hoping they resonate with listeners who want to hear more.
What a wonderful, complex thing that has so much power!
I’m probably the last person on the planet to find “reaction videos”, but I discovered them by accident this weekend. I’ve been watching a bunch of these, particularly the reactions to Iam Tongi on American Idol singing James Blunt’s “Monsters.”
The song was new to me. Iam Tongi was new to me. After watching several of the reaction videos, I found James Blunt singing his original song and was blown away again.
The song is describing the feelings of James Blunt on having to say goodbye to his dad. I did further research, and his dad GOT a kidney transplant and seems to be doing fine now, thank goodness.
Reaction videos are a whole industry of which I was unaware. People have YouTube channels where they react to music videos and other things. I almost never subscribe to things online, but I did subscribe to the one to which I’m linking above.
This man is real. He is compassionate. He wants to know all he can in the few minutes of the video about the person to whom he’s listening and takes extra steps to hear more, see more, so it’s a real moment for him AND for the people listening to him. I actually requested that he react to a singer I think is phenomenal. He actually ANSWERED my request this morning, saying he would put it on his list. I was impressed and will look for more from him.
I saw an audition by Iam Tongi on American Idol that has really reverberated all through me. Iam is from Hawaii and lost his dad, who sang with him and encouraged his love for music, two months ago. He sang, “Monsters” by James Blunt.
The song is completely amazing. I had never heard the song before and didn’t know James Blunt.
Lyrics
Oh, before they turn off all the lights I won’t read you your wrongs or your rights The time has gone I’ll tell you goodnight, close the door Tell you I love you once more The time has gone So here it is
I’m not your son, you’re not my father We’re just two grown men saying goodbye No need to forgive, no need to forget I know your mistakes and you know mine And while you’re sleeping I’ll try to make you proud So, daddy, won’t you just close your eyes? Don’t be afraid, it’s my turn To chase the monsters away
Oh, well, I’ll read a story to you Only difference is this one is true The time has gone I folded your clothes on the chair I hope you sleep well, don’t be scared The time has gone So here it is
I’m not your son, you’re not my father We’re just two grown men saying goodbye No need to forgive, no need to forget I know your mistakes and you know mine And while you’re sleeping I’ll try to make you proud So, daddy, won’t you just close your eyes? Don’t be afraid, it’s my turn To chase the monsters away
Sleep a lifetime Yes, and breathe a last word You can feel my hand on your own I will be the last one So I’ll leave a light on Let there be no darkness, in your heart
But I’m not your son, you’re not my father We’re just two grown men saying goodbye No need to forgive, no need to forget I know your mistakes and you know mine And while you’re sleeping I’ll try to make you proud So, daddy, won’t you just close your eyes? Don’t be afraid, it’s my turn To chase the monsters away
This is James Blunt, who wrote the song, singing to his dad.
This is 18 year old Iam Tongi singing the song for his audition on American Idol.
I’m completely blown away. I’ve been watching “reactions” to Tongi’s audition, with people just overflowing. The audition has boosted the views of James Blunt and his original video, plus captured the hearts of people everywhere. Absolutely amazing.
A hundred years or so ago I played guitar and sang. I wasn’t that great, but I did make some money in college as a part of a group that entertained at corporate events, and there was a place where folk singing was popular. I sang there regularly.
Time Out
I still sing along when I’m listening to music upstairs in my art room. It’s fun because I can really get into the music, bopping around to the beat and humming or singing as I figure out what the next step is in whatever art I’m working on. My husband is downstairs, and is a bit hard of hearing, so he isn’t bothered. :0)
FreePik
It has always amazed me how much POWER music has. It takes you back to where you were, how you felt when you heard it first. It gets inside you and makes you FEEL. Some voices just fill you up and you feel happier. I hear some music and I’m simply unable to sit still. I HAVE to get up and move. I have my MP3 player filled with music that makes me want to move to the beat, so I always take that out with me when I’m exercising on my elliptical trainer.
I have a lot of YouTube videos bookmarked so I can listen to them whenever I would like a boost. Even when the music is sad, I listen and it seems to purge any sadness as I react to the song, so that by the end I feel calmer, more able to deal with any problems or simply enjoy the day.
FreePik
I have CDs to play upstairs. I have Pandora on my phone now with earbuds I can use so I can listen to music if we’re having to wait for an appointment somewhere.
I feel lucky to have so many ways to listen to something that brings me joy.
I discovered Jess Glynne when she pranked The Voice Coaches, supposedly auditioning. She completely blew me away. Since then, I’ve found lots of songs she has recorded. I’ve never heard a voice like hers. I’ve bookmarked several so I can listen over and over again. I hope you enjoy her, too.
I found Emilie Fosshaug yesterday when I was taking a break between chores. Her voice is rich, full, and as smooth as butter. I hope she goes far in the competition.
I’ve always loved music, always amazed that hearing a song from when I was a teenager transports me back mentally and emotionally. I get up and dance – the years dropping away – when I hear one of my old songs. Sometimes I’m truly surprised after I finish and I see an old woman looking back at me in the mirror…
I play some of my favorite songs when I’m playing in my art room. It makes me feel that anything is possible, calming my soul so I can concentrate on enjoying colors and textures and ideas.
Music makes it possible for me to spend time on my elliptical trainer (though I haven’t done that for awhile.) I COULD play music when I’m doing my daily yoga session, but then I would have to wear earphones so I didn’t bother my husband.
My massage therapist plays wonderful background music that helps me relax while she finds all the sore spots and kneads them away.
Lately I’ve been watching and listening to videos on my computer of all the talent contests, delighted when someone’s voice makes me soar.
I listen to both of these over and over. They are both so talented and just fill my heart when they sing. I hope that both of them are very successful.
It’s 38 and rainy here in Arkansas today, but no ice or snow, and I’m grateful.
Seal – Wikipedia
I’ve been listening to music a lot lately and am newly in love with Seal. He’s magnificent physically; I love his voice; and he melts my heart when he coaches contestants on “The Voice”. He is really supportive and changes lives.
I’m delighted to tell you that my friend Kay is MUCH better after her procedure yesterday morning! She is almost pain-free!
“Vertebroplasty procedure Vertebroplasty is an outpatient procedure for stabilizing compression fractures in the spine. Bone cement is injected into back bones (vertebrae) that have cracked or broken, often because of osteoporosis. The cement hardens, stabilizing the fractures and supporting your spine.”
The only way it could have been better is if they had cleared the red tape sooner so she didn’t have to suffer for so long. I’m going to try to see her today. :0)
If the weather people are correct and it gets to the low 50’s here this afternoon (and the rain stops) I’ll try to get some work done in our planters in the yard. I would like to get at least one planter under better control for the winter.
I’m feeling a bit frazzled this morning – not sure why.
Our son left us a URL to a video featuring Peter Green. He was playing a really soulful guitar and singing, “Fool No More.” I don’t remember ever hearing him before. I think he’s amazing.
Our day is pretty today – lots of sunshine and plenty of cold temperatures. It’s 24 right now. I haven’t switched gears to having winter yet. When we’re home and relaxing in our recliners, I’ve turned on my heat pad to warm my bones. :0) We have several errands to run, and a pretty day to run them in.
We have no evidence yet of more raccoons, but I don’t think we have EVER had just one…
bizwaremagic.com
On my list of ‘things-to-do” today is exercise. I will do my yoga stretches this afternoon and see if I can actually build a habit this time.
It’s just the two of us this year. It’s 36 degrees, gray, and rainy here. Great time to enjoy being warm and dry indoors. We’ll have a quiet day (hopefully), I’ll cook our turkey breast, stuffing, slice cranberry sauce and make deviled eggs for this evening.
I’m thankful this morning that our son left a message on the chat program, wishing us a happy day. I found a wonderful performance of a man playing two guitars at once masterfully and sent it to him yesterday. Maybe you would enjoy it, too. The musician’s name is Luca Stricagnoli.
If this doesn’t provide a way to listen, here is the URL – https://amazingpandph.com/coolest-song-cover/RumiArt-etsy.comThis is the turkey who stands beside a tree at the top of our driveway.
To be honest, I’ve steered away from any new versions of “Sound of Silence” because I loved the Simon and Garfunkel version and thought that no one else would be able to stir me as much as that one did. I was wrong. I heard this one yesterday. I had never heard of Todd Hoffman. Now I will look up other songs by him on YouTube. I told my husband about this last night because I still had goosebumps after listening to it. I just finished listening to it again this morning and I’m trembling inside. I think this truly special and wanted to share it with you.
Our little town of Greenwood is celebrating Independence Day today. My husband and I steer clear of crowds, so we’ll stay home today. For many years I rented a spot on the square to sell my wares. I met a lot of nice people doing that, happy to see so many people out with their kids, having a good time. The city also puts on a fireworks display.
Happily, our neighbor down in the valley behind us usually sets off a bunch, too, so I can enjoy my “own, private fireworks display”, sitting on my porch with my feet up, coffee cup in hand.
This year is confusing. Greenwood – and I guess many other places – celebrating the holiday today. The actual holiday is tomorrow. Will people get the day off on Monday?
When I first heard this song, chills ran up and down my spine. My heart was in my throat as I listened. The chills continued throughout. This song says everything, as far as I’m concerned. I still get chills. I hope you enjoy it, too.
A Heart-filled Independence Day – whenever and wherever you are celebrating.
I know that when I hear music I first heard when I was a teenager, it takes me back. The years fall off. I feel GREAT. My heart fills, I jump up, and my body moves. Listening and reacting to music can be therapy. Making music is an art.
Music is a quality of life thing. I have seen the faces of people I love when one of their favorite songs plays. They are transported back to a time of wonderful memories. They smile. Their eyes get dreamy. And the feelings simply spill out. It’s a beautiful thing.
I’ve seen people in nursing homes ‘come alive’ when their favorite music is played. The years fall off. Their eyes are animated. Some will actually get up and dance. Those who cannot still ‘bop’ in their chairs.
Music is a miracle.
I create ‘mini-concerts’ via YouTube when I have the time, giving myself a needed rest and relaxation. I choose one musician I love and play a medley of greatest hits, or combine several. By the time I am finished, I feel renewed, ready to tackle whatever awaits.
We are rich when we can ‘teleport’ to when we were teenagers. or escape via the lyrics of a beautiful song, or bop along with favorite tunes that DEMAND you get up and shake whatever you have. (I’m glad no one can see me do this, too!)
How lucky we are to have so many talented people who give us joy!
Our son lives and works in Thailand. He has recently rented a house out in the country there, wanting privacy to be able to play his music without bothering anyone or always having to have earphones on.
He sent me a pic of his new music room –
He has two guitars – they are still in the living room, he says. He also plays the drums and a bit of keyboard. (You can see it there if you look carefully.) His big thing now is recording every day sounds and incorporating them in various fashions, repetitions, etc., to music he composes. He can build the music to his heart’s content, adding track after track to enrich the sound. He says I probably won’t be a fan of his new stuff. :0)
Being old and traditional, I love to hear him play one or more of the instruments, playing something he composed, or singing a cover of a song he likes. I’m happy that he now is starting to feel free to experiment and play in his music room, creating something he likes. He is thinking about starting a YouTube channel.
“Listen to the rhythm of the falling rain
Telling me just what a fool I’ve been
I wish that it would go and let me cry in vain
And let me be alone again
The only girl I care about has gone away
Looking for a brand new start
But little does she know that when she left that day
Along with her she took my heart
Rain please tell me now does that seem fair
For her to steal my heart away when she don’t care?
I can’t love another when my hearts somewhere far away
The only girl I care about has gone away
Looking for a brand new start
But little does she know that when she left that day
Along with her she took my heart
Rain won’t you tell her that I love her so
Please ask the sun to set her heart aglow
Rain in her heart and let the love we knew start to grow
Listen to the rhythm of the falling rain
Telling me just what a fool I’ve been
I wish that it would go and let me cry in vain
And let me be alone again
Oh, listen to the falling rain
Pitter patter, pitter patter
Oh, oh, oh, listen to the falling rain
Pitter patter, pitter patter”
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