Song of the month!

I put on a post previously about my "song of the week", but I failed to post a song every week, so I'll simply put one every month.

This month, my favorite song is definitely a Mariah Carey song! I've been listening non-stop to her music lately, her beautiful voice gives me chills with almost every single song.

I've chosen a pretty ballad, Love Takes Time. It's such a wonderful song, I love everything: the lyrics, the voice,
the melody, everything's perfect! I've chosen the live version which is even better. Her high note is impressive, as always.

I hope Mariah decides to focus on her babies right now and not in her career, I think it would be better for her and her family. Also, she can rest her voice that way, which is never a bad thing.

Here's the song:




I hope you enjoy it!!

The X Factor Review

So far we’ve got 17 finalists, and from what I’ve read, they’ve got to be cut to 12. In the beginning we were told that the judges would decide which from their category would go home. Tough! Let’s hope they keep the best ones.

First live show, which is exciting! But not as exciting as it will be next week, when we can finally vote! And it’s also exciting because now, Steve Jones will FINALLY be on camera! I can’t wait to see if he’s as interesting and as good as Ryan Seacrest at creating suspense and making each moment different. 

The judges, Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Nicole Scherzinger and L.A. Reid, came out of the stage and took their seats. Apparently they would sing by category, and the Boys were up first. 

Astro:

Was up first, you know, the annoying kid who can rap quite amazingly. I’ve got to say, the lightning, the dancers, the stage, it was fabulous! Huge and very impressive! So Astro rapped a song called “Jump” and I’ve got to admit… the kid is GOOD, at one moment I was sure he was going to run out of air or mess up the fast lyrics, but he didn’t! I’m sure that performance was enough for him to make it.

Nicole: I couldn’t think of a better way to start the live shows, it’s going to be an easy decision.

Paula: This is what you’re going to be doing for the rest of your life.

Simon: You’ve just come out on this stage, 14 years old, and killed it on this stage.

L.A.: You just made it tough on this guys, that was amazing.

Chris René:

The second act from the Boys category! I couldn’t wait to see this! Sadly, his version of “Love Don’t Live Here Anymore” was a bit disappointing. I think he must’ve been very nervous, because he was pitchy all over in my opinion, his vocals weren’t too strong. Either way, his chances of going through are probably as high as Astro’s.

Nicole: I don’t know if I would’ve picked that song.

Paula: Your voice is authentic.

Simon: You are one of the best recording artists in the competition.

L.A.: I like unpredictable, you did a great job.

Phillip Lomax:

The one to prove himself. I like him, but he probably needed the most powerful performance to make it through. He sang “I’m a Believer”, his performance was entertaining, but his vocals weren’t too strong either. The most likely to be sent home.

Nicole: You were radiating, you had fun and we had fun.

Paula: You know how to connect with your audience.

Simon: You’ve got massive potential, but that song is too cheap.

L.A.: You stepped outside of your comfort zone, you’re just fine.

Marcus Canty:

The most unpredictable one in my opinion! I couldn’t wait to see what he’d sing! He went with “Do You Really Want To Hurt Me” and it was good, his vocals were better than the rest of the boys in my opinion. But his performance was so fast! I couldn’t make my mind about if I liked it or not.

Nicole: You were born to be on that stage.

Paula: You owned that stage.

Simon: You gave it everything I would’ve wanted if I were your mentor.

L.A.: Tonight you stepped up and made me proud.

So, it was decision time for L.A. Reid. In my opinion, based on the four performances, I would’ve sent Chris René home. L.A. said it wouldn’t be easy. The four boys were called back on stage. Astro was the first one to make it through. Marcus was the second boy that made it. Phillip Lomax and Chris René were really nervous. Chris René made it. Just like I thought, such a shame, I really liked Phillip.

It was time for the Groups to perform and Paula to decide which three would make it. 

The Stereo Hogzz:

The first group to take the stage! So exciting, this category is much more exciting than the Boys category for me. The sang “Try A Little Tenderness” and it was very good! I’ve noticed now that this show is definitely not about just singing, it’s about performing, and the performance did entertain and call my attention, I think they’ll make it through easily. 

L.A.: As much as I want to have some criticism, I have to say it was really good.

Nicole: It was current and classic at the same time.

Simon: It was a great mix of retro and current.

Paula: You made me proud.

The Brewer Boys:

The second group to take the stage! The song was “Rich Girl”, this was a very cute performance, very fun and nice. This boys are definitely talented, they sing in tune, and they can play their guitars awesomely. I just don’t think they’re commercial enough to make it.

L.A.: I don’t know if I was blown away, but it was very good.

Nicole: If I was a teenager again I would have you all over my walls.

Simon: I think that you’ve progressed. It didn’t shine.

Paula: I think you nailed it and you have a unique sound, I’m very proud of you.

InTENsity:

The biggest group was next, I couldn’t wait! Their last performance was so good, it gave my very high expectations! And it definitely didn’t disappoint, their performance of “Footloose” was fantastic! At first I thought throwing 10 kids together was a mistake, but now I see that they have great chemistry! I read somewhere that they are The X Factor’s version of Glee, and I can see that too, which is great!

L.A.: I feel you guys have grown together, great job.

Nicole: I hope you’re enjoying this, all of you are little stars.

Simon: That was the equivalent of a music miracle. I’ve got the new Glee in front of me.

Paula: You rose the occasion, I’m very proud of you.

Lakoda Rayne:

Another group of four girls put together! Four beautiful girls with beautiful voices! They sang “Come On Eileen” AMAZING, I love how this girls sound together!!! I think they’re still having trouble getting along, I can tell a little bit by their faces, but they’ve got to work hard it they want that prize. And they’re all very beautiful, the brunette stands out a bit in my opinion.

L.A.: l love everything about you, you did a great job.

Nicole: I know you’ve only been together for a short time but you seem like a family.

Simon: This is better than I could’ve thought.

Paula: You made me really proud because you, out of all the groups, have a lot to prove.

Time for the verdict again, pretty obvious in my opinion. All the groups took the stage once again, Paula thanked them all and told them she was proud of all of them. The first group to make it were The Stereo Hogzz. The second group was Lakoda Rayne. The third group, InTENsity. I was very happy with the results, but I was sad to see The Brewer Boys go.

The Over 30s were up next. Interesting.

Dexter Haygood:

The most interesting act of all, probably, because he’s the most different one, the one you wouldn’t expect to see in this kind of competition. He sang “Womanizer” and “I Kissed a Girl”. It was a very weird performance, I didn’t really enjoy it too much, I was just a bit confused.

L.A.: Dexter, I think you found him.

Paula: I know you like to kiss girls, and you like it.

Simon: The combination of you, Nicole, Katy Perry and Britney Spears is like the weirdest milkshake in the world, but I kind of liked it.

Nicole: You didn’t forget the lyrics, yes!

Leroy Bell:

The oldest contestant! Exciting. He sang “Nobody Knows”, and he was so good!! Finally a performance were the vocals were amazing haha, he’s got the X factor and the voice. Love it!

L.A.: There’s nothing missing, really good.

Paula: Your voice is velvet, it’s pure magic.

Simon: I think you have one of the best voices in the competition, but you lack confidence.

Nicole: He had so much confidence tonight, you represent what this competition is about.

Stacy Francis:

The dramatic one! Haha but very talented lady, this was one of the performances I was most looking forward to! She sang “One More Try” and it was INCREDIBLE! She’s got such an amazing voice! The good thing is that she definitely didn’t go over the top, she gave just enough. And also, she looked gorgeous! Good one!

L.A.: I’m really proud of you! Really good.

Paula: Stacy, tonight you came out looking like a star and you told a beautiful story.

Simon: I didn’t like what you’re wearing and the song, you are a church singer. You can’t sell records like that.

Nicole: The moment gave you wings, I’m so proud of you.

Josh Krajcik:

The last one in the category, also a very interesting one. He sang “Forever Young”. It was OK, not a great performance, he’s got a good voice. Somehow I think it’ll be between him and Dexter.

L.A.: I love your voice and energy.

Paula: Your voice is my favorite voice that I’ve heard in the past decade.

Simon: You are the artist I fear, because you’ve got it all going on.

Nicole: That was so beautiful, your voice just ripped out into the air.

Once again it was time for Nicole to choose which 3 acts would make it. The Over 30s came back onstage, and Nicole’s face showed her nerves, she really didn’t want to do this. The first one through was Stacy Francis (Yay!) The second one through was Josh Krajcik. Leroy Bell was the third one! Dexter eliminated, it was a bit obvious. He was very confused, Nicole wanted to tell him something but Steve Jones kept pushing because time was running out.

Girls time! Finally!

Simone Battle:

Was the first one. Simone sang “Just Be Good To Me” and it was awesome!! It also seemed that her song was longer than every single song they had sang so far! Haha she’s definitely a pop star.

L.A.: I still don’t get it. Simone, I love you, it’s Simon I’m worried about.

Simone: You looked like a dive star, I’m proud of you.

Paula: I wish there weren’t that many dancers, I would’ve loved to see you more.

Simon: You made a show, you made an effort.

Rachel Crow:

The youngest contestant! So exciting!!!! She sang “Baby” by Justin Bieber and it was AMAZING! She rocked the song, her voice soared, it was awesome!!

L.A.: You can have a career out of music.

Nicole: I’m so proud, you were amazing tonight.

Paula: You can do anything you want.

Simon: You area a retro artist and a pop artist, you are original.

Drew:

Where did the “Ryniewicz” go?? I had just memorized it! Haha, anyway, this was THE performance I couldn’t wait to watch! My favorite girl!!! She sang “What A Feeling” just BEAUTIFULLY! Ah, I love this girl. Simple ballad, big voice. 

L.A.: You have an amazing voice, you’re the whole package.

Nicole: You’re my little folk princess. I would go to your concert.

Paula: You connect with an audience.

Simon: This is why I want to be back on American TV, to find someone like you.

Tiah Tolliver:

The one to prove herself! I think she’s good, but good enough to beat the rest of the girls? I don’t know. Her voice was flawless in “Sweet Dreams”, but her performance seemed a bit like Lady Gaga. I don’t think she’ll make it. 

L.A.: Great production. Congratulations to you.

Nicole: You looked fierce and I’m very proud of you.

Paula: If you want to work on this world, you have to work on your pitch.

Simon: I thought you did great, well done.

Melanie Amaro:

The best singer of the competition, no doubt. She sang “I Have Nothing”and it was good, though I’ve heard much better versions of this song. Surely, she’ll be in the Top 12 acts.

L.A.: You were unbelievable. You nailed it.

Nicole: I just connect with you every time, I’m so grateful that you’re on the show.

Paula: I’m so grateful that Simon brought you back.

Simon: Melania you’re great, now I’ve got to make the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make.

And definitely a hard decision, two girls to go home. They were called back to the stage. First girl through: Drew! She screamed so much, it was very cute! I’m so happy for her! Rachel Crow was the second girl! Awesome! Only one spot left!!! For Melanie Amaro! AH I was actually worried he wouldn’t put her through!!! But she’s there, so I’m happy. 

With these results, we finally have our 12 finalists acts:

Boys, with L.A. Reid:

Astro

Marcus Canty

Chris René

Groups, with Paula Abdul:

The Stereo Hogzz

InTENsity

Lakoda Rayne

Over 30s, with Nicole Scherzinger:

Josh Krajcik

Leroy Bell

Stacy Francis

Girls, with Simon Cowell:

Melanie Amaro

Rachel Crow

Drew (Ryniewicz)

I actually love the results, and I’m also going to make a prediction of how it will go. No explanations, just how I think they’ll make it:

12. Josh Krajcik

11. Marcus Canty

10. The Stereo Hogzz

9. Leroy Bell

8. Astro

7. Rachel Crow

6. InTENsity

5. Stacy Francis

4. Lakoda Rayne

3. Chris René

2. Drew

1. Melanie Amaro

Laguna de Chicabal

Es hora de descanzar. Después de un viaje del fin de semana, uno regresa agotado y listo para caer a la cama a roncar. Pero quiero escribir esto antes que lo olvide todo.

El sábado en la mañana salimos (bueno.. más tarde que en la mañana), cada uno con un maletín no tan grande y solamente con lo que era necesario, nada más. Incluso se quedaron un par de cosas necesarias.

Salimos en dos carros, más adelante llegaron los demás en otro carro. El viaje fue rápido, casi las 14 canciones que tenía el disco que había quemado la mañana anterior. Llegamos a la montaña y empezamos a subir el camino, todo iba bien hasta que se volvió de tierra, y luego era lodo. Ninguno de los carros pasó y tuvimos que dejarlos en el parqueo y pagar por un pick up de doble tracción para que nos llevara. Eramos 10 personas en un pick up, uno o dos maletines por cabeza, más la comida. No podíamos ir más apretados.

El camino no era el mejor cuidado, por lo que ir en la palangana del pick up fue aventuroso, mis expresiones faciales y orales pudieron haber ofendido a alguien, por lo que me disculpo. Simplemente cuando estoy un poco asustado se me salen!

Llegamos hasta la cima y nos bajamos, desequipamos el carro y descanzamos un rato. También tomamos fotos en el mirador. La laguna se miraba muy bonita y limpia.

Cada uno agarró sus cosas y alguna otra cosa para ayudar y empezamos a bajar las gradas. Me había comentado un compañero que eran muchas gradas, pero realmente quedé sorprendido de la cantidad de gradas que eran. Sumandole a esto la cantidad de cosas que llevabamos encima, las piernas nos temblaban a todos cuando por fin se acabaron las gradas y pudimos sentarnos en unas banquitas de madera que estaban a la orilla de la laguna.

Lo primero que hice, como siempre, fue acercarme a la laguna a ver si habían o no peces. Siendo uno de mis animales favoritos, me emocioné mucho cuando vi a un par de peces pequeños nadando, quería ver más grandes. En lo que terminaban de bajar todos (fui el primero en bajar) seguí buscando peces, pero ya no encontré. Caminamos hacia el lugar donde había una pequeña chozita de aluminio y armamos las carpas para acampar. Una vez hechas, regresé al agua a buscar peces. Me alejé de los demás para tener más silencio y menos movimiento, y a los cuantos minutos, aparecieron en cantidades. Me encantaron, además habían anaranjados, negros, manchados, blancos, hasta rojos. Estaba muy feliz.

Por la tarde almorzamos, empezamos a jugar juegos de mesa y una vez oscureció, guardamos el juego y decidimos divertirnos con 'cultura chupística'. El juego duró casi dos horas, estuvo muy alegre y como siempre, perdí bastante. Terminamos de jugar y estabamos listos para la cena. La noche terminó con chistes, un par de borrachos alegres y un poco de lluvia.

Nadie durmió muy bien, pues era un poco incomodo, pero logramos descanzar. La mañana siguiente fuimos con mi amiga a dar una vuelta a la laguna, nos tardamos aproximadamente media hora. Desayunamos y platicamos un rato.. luego empezamos a empacar. Una vez estaba todo listo, hubo sesión fotográfica. (Cabe mencionar que no había baños.. cada uno tuvo que buscar su lugar preferido para.. entienden)

Cada uno tomó sus cosas, ahora fue más fácil pues la comida la llevabamos en el estómago, lo que disminuyó el esfuerzo en subir todo. Fui el primero en empezar a subir, a la mitad ya no tenía aire pero no me detuve. Hice tres pequeñas pausas, y logré subir en un tiempo estimado de 15 minutos. Una vez arriba, tiré todo y me senté a bajar el ritmo cardíaco que me estaba matando.

Esta vez no había pick up para llevarnos de regreso, así que tuvimos que caminar los dos kilómetros al hotel. Después de lo que pareció una eternidad y varios resbalones, llegamos. Tomamos agua, algunos fueron al baño y los demás descanzamos. Nos contaron un poco acerca de la laguna, como un señor hace ya varios años llevó los peces, al igual que se han visto Quetzales por allí. También nos contó sobre ceremonias que se hacen en la laguna y cómo hay un día al año donde suben más de 2,000 personas.

Por último, un pick up iba pasando, así que nos subimos y nos llevó al auto, casi hubo insultos de nuevo, pero logré mantenerlos adentro. Llegamos al carro y regresamos.. fue toda una aventura. Para varias personas que no habíamos acampado, fue una muy buena experiencia y bastante alegre. Ahora estamos de nuevo en la civilización y listos para seguir con la vida.

Song of the week!

Given to the fact that I never know what to write about (epic fail) then I'll write a blog every week with a song I've selected as my favorite of the week, I'll sum up what it's about & put the link to it if it's available!

So the first song of the week is.... One and Only by Adele.

This song is about a person thinking about someone, and challenging them to be together. It's sang in a way implying that she wasn't sure if she wanted to be with that person, but now she is and wants the other person to respond.

I love to sing this song, the best thing is that Ii sing it pretty well. Adele's songs are unique, don't you think?

Ética en Ciencias de la Comunicación

Un poco de nuestras vidas.. 

Gabriel Sierra:

Nací el 26 de abril de 1989, fui el tercero y último hijo de mis padres. Tuve una infancia muy alegre, crecí junto a mis primos y a mis hermanos, todos muy unidos. A los diez años me mudé de casa por primera vez, dejando atrás a mis primos y sintiéndome muy triste al respecto. Nunca me gustó el deporte, pero mi pasión por la música siempre existió, al igual que mi gusto por la lectura. Siempre tuve obsesiones temporales por artistas, músicos, películas, libros, etc. y aún soy así. Trato de ser positivo siempre, ver el lado bueno de la vida, me gusta reír y hacer feliz a los demás. Aunque no soy el más aplicado, tengo buen promedio y buenas notas y cuando algo me gusta, realmente me meto en ello. Tengo mucha emoción por lo que el próximo año traerá y estoy listo para empezar a vivir de una forma más independiente.

Jeanny de Gandarias:

Tengo 22 años, el 24 de noviembre del 88 nací, soy la tercera hija y única mujer. Tuve una niñez muy tranquila y me gustaba ir al colegio, jugar con mis compañeros divertirme siempre. Estuve todo mi vida escolar en un colegio de sólo mujeres, fue muy divertido y a la vez aprendí a ser la mujer que soy hoy en día, nunca fui muy buena estudiante siempre me costó las clases numéricas y por lo mismo en la universidad escogí una carrera que no mencionaran números. Al momento de escoger una carrera fue un gran dilema porque realmente no sabía que estudiar siempre me gusto lo que era arte pero a la vez tenía ese sentimiento de ayudar a la gente , pasaron varias carreras por mi mente pero al descubrir la carrera de ciencias de la comunicación fue que simplemente en mi interior dijo ésta carrera debo seguir, hoy en día no me arrepiento de esta decisión después de 5 años me doy cuenta que ésta es mi vocación y mi objetivo es siempre dar lo mejor ayudando así a los demás. Un gran reto se viene ya que se acabo la universidad y tengo que salir al mundo a demostrar lo que sé , lo que aprendí y lo que puedo dar.

Motivo por el que estudiamos ciencias de la comunicación.

Creemos que el principal motivo de haber escogido estudiar esta carrera fue que  hoy en día es una herramienta básica para comprender al mundo entero, si no hay una comunicación nadie podría desarrollarse. Es un acto en la cual se da con otras personas  y poder ser diferentes unos que otros. El impacto que damos como comunicadores es muy grande, saber que nosotros tenemos el poder y que toda la información que brindemos a la sociedad será de utilidad nos enriquece más como personas, poder ser nosotros un cambio y demostrar que la comunicación es una forma de vida y que con el tiempo se va transformando. Y por otro punto ser nosotros el cambio, que a través de la información que demos se pueda lograr en las personas crear un criterio propio sobre la realidad en la que se vive y que ésta no manipule a la sociedad. 

Por qué consideran que es importante tener conocimientos de ética para su desempeño profesiona.

La Ética como se aprendió se considera como una ciencia práctica y normativa que a su vez estudia el comportamiento de las personas , que conviven socialmente bajo una serie de normas que le permiten ordenar sus actuaciones. Es por eso que es importante tener el conocimiento de éste término para ejercer un desempeño profesional, ya que al saber y ponerla en práctica nos  ayudara a lidiar con los actos voluntarios que cada persona tiene y poder enfrentar cada situación que se presente en el trabajo sin olvidar sus principios como persona como por ejemplo poder vitar u ofrecer misiones o pagas indebidas o inadecuadas, abstenerse de solicitar influencias para obtener trabajos, privilegios o del cualquier otra providencia incorrecta. Lo más importantes es poder distinguir lo bueno y lo malo al momento de ejercer su profesión. 

5 dilemas éticos que se encuentra un comunicador:

Un dilema ético que muchos comunicadores encuentran es el de encontrar el equilibrio de sus principios éticos con los de el medio en donde trabaja, ya que pueden diferir bastante. Es importante lograr establecer claramente cuáles son ambos para tener un límite sobre lo que publicado, siempre haciendo un buen trabajo y manteniendo la mejor relación con la empresa. Si es muy diferente, lo preferible para el comunicador sería retirarse y buscar un lugar más similar, para no tener que trabajar rompiendo con sus principios. 

Otro dilema que se puede dar sin buscarlo, es ser objetivo siempre. Como comunicadores debemos transmitir, informar, siempre con la mayor retroalimentación posible, pero debemos hacerlo siempre objetivamente sin brindar nuestra opinión personal o denotar ciertos aspectos por que nos llamen más la atención. Esto puede suceder a veces sin buscarlo, uno puede escribir alguna frase que contenga alguna característica personal y pueda afectar la noticia. Debemos ser conscientes de lo que escribimos, decimos, hacemos, etc. para garantizar que realmente se evite esto. 

Un tercer dilema importante es el de la credibilidad y veracidad del contenido informativo. El comunicador debe asegurarse de siempre tener la información lo más exacto posible, con fuentes adecuadas para poder respaldar la información. También es importante mantener seguras las fuentes, algunas no van a desear ser reconocidas, pero se debe tener el contacto y debe haber manera de probar que son fuentes reales.

Algo muy importante para un comunicador es tener en cuenta su contexto y sociedad, lo que sería el cuarto dilema ético. Debe entender y trabajar en torno a su sociedad para lograr causar un mayor impacto, pero más importante, debe saber qué es aceptado y qué es rechazado para no causar escándalos o problemas que puedan afectar a la población. 

Un último dilema ético que vale la pena mencionar es el hecho de actuar en el momento. Muchos periodistas pueden encontrarse en una situación de poder tomar una gran fotografía, o de informar sobre una catástrofe que está sucediendo en ese momento. Deben saber en qué momento deben dejar de informar y ayudar a las personas que están en los alrededores. Pueden haber excepciones, por ello el comunicador debe saber bien en qué momento actuar y en cual no hacerlo. 

Principios éticos y regla de oro aplicados en profesión.

Los principios éticos son muy importantes en todos los círculos sociales a los que pertenezcan todas las personas. Sin importar la diferencia de estos círculos, si la persona tiene bien definidos sus principios, los seguirá en todo momento. Aplicados al tema de la profesión, es donde son más importantes que casi todos los demás círculos sociales. El profesional debe hacer su trabajo bien para garantizarse su éxito y el cuidado necesario con los demás. Al hacer esto, el profesional puede sentirse orgulloso de sí mismo y puede asegurar que la reacción de los demás sobre su trabajo será un 99% positiva ya que fue hecha para ser recibida de esa forma. 

La regla de oro es igual de importante si no es que más que los principios éticos. El profesional en TODO acto debe ponerse en la situación del otro para ver si lo que está haciendo vale la pena y cómo se sentirán los demás. Si logra hacer esto de una forma natural siempre, será un profesional excelente ya que no hará a los demás lo que no le gustaría que le hicieran a él. 

José Gabriel Sierra

Jeanny de Gandarias

Haley Reinhart: American Idol's Real Winner of 2011

So season 10 of American Idol has been over for a while now. I must admit, last year hearing all the rumors about the new judges, then the auditions going really fast, and all the changes the show was going to go through, I didn't know what to expect. I was pretty excited when the show started and I instantly loved the new judges and began hating the only old judge, whom, I think, needs to be replaced as soon as possible.

Hollywood week began and many very talented singers were shown. At this point, my favorite in the competition was Hollie Cavanagh, though singing mostly Miley Cyrus songs, she demonstrated she had a very big range. There were too many great singers to have one favorite so I decided to wait until they selected the Top 24.

I was sad to see Hollie leave, but then again, she wasn't shown again in cameras much so I suppose she didn't have performances strong enough to keep her in the competition. I was upset because I had no favorite and I'd have to wait to see if I would have another one. Some seasons I've had ONE favorite and other seasons I've liked a bunch, it's always different so I didn't know what to expect. What I could tell, though, was that this year there was much more talent than there had been in a couple of years (since season 5 in my opinion). This year most of the Top 24 truly had wonderful voices, I enjoyed that week so much because almost everyone did a great job. I had selected my Top 10 after this episode and I really hoped they'd make it. They were: Karen, Kendra, Pia, Haley and Lauren, Paul, Casey, Jacob, James and Scotty. I guessed there would be a Top 13 since Ryan said the judges would pick as many finalists as they wanted, but it was obvious it couldn't be more than 13. My pick for the other 3 were Stefano, Thia and Ashton. I was surprised when 12 of my Top 13 made it through, though I was disappointed to see Kendra go, her performance that night was my favorite.

The Top 13 began and I was really excited to see who was gonna stand out and who was gonna be left behind. Though I had liked Haley the previous week, she didn't really surprise me, she sang amazing, yes, but the song has been sang waaay to much. That's why this week I was blown away by her. Not only did I not know the song, I loved it the first time I heard it! Then when I got the iTunes version, I loved it even more!! I was shocked to see her in the bottom 2, as I had loved her performance. I was reminded it's not up to me, it's up to America, and I began hoping they would notice her soon as I did.

The Top 12 week I hoped Haley would sing a song that would show her voice, but she chose a really random song and I didn't like it that much. It's probably her worst performance, and when I say worst I don't mean it's bad, it simply isn't as good as the rest of them.

Top 11 part 1 was the week I fell for Haley. To date, this is still my favorite performance, she sang it amazing and looked beautiful! Not to mention it was her only performance (if I'm right) where she had straight hair. She really got a hold on me that week. (Haha, get it?)

Top 11 part 2 was the answer to my prayers! I had asked that Haley be noticed by everyone else and this week it finally happened! She closed the show in such an amazing way, this week was the first week I wasn't preoccupied she might be voted off.

Top 9 was good, though I don't like the song much, she sang amazing and I was really excited to read so many good comments on Haley's videos on youtube! I started feeling she might make it really far.

Top 8 was OK, when I heard she was singing Call Me I though 'She's crazy' but then after the performance I saw she actually nailed it, it could've been better but it was good enough to keep her there so I didn't complain.

Top 7 was good, I love her live version of Rolling in the Deep better than the recorded one just cuz of the little high note after 'reap just what you've sown'.

Top 6 was amazing in my opinion, not only did she look beautiful, she sang amazing! 'Beautiful' is a song I listen to every day when I wake up now, and makes me happy every time I do so!! :)

Top 5 was Haley's moment. Oh yes it was. I LOVED You & I and HATED that the judges gave her a hard time.  As if the rest of the contestant's songs were that well known. UNFAIR, every year the judges think they can get people booted off the show with their comments (in my opinion) and it sometimes works. Look at Didi Benami, she had been safe for two weeks and then Simon insulted her and off she went. I got the feeling they were trying to do the same. (Not Steven though) So I waited for the second song and as soon as it began I knew it was gonna be amazing. I still think House Of The Rising Sun is the best performance of the season.

Top 4 was good, she sang amazing and I was upset again and happy again.. Almost the exact feelings I had the week before.

Top 3 was very exciting for me, I knew this was brake it or make it. I was sure she'd make it, and I was really angry when she didn't. She was the best of the 3, the only one who sang different, went above and beyond with her songs and was original. What I was glad to see was the way she left, she sang AMAZING and was really energetic, so I wasn't too worried. Besides, 3rd place is really good, and from all the support she's been getting, I'm sure she'll do great.

The Top 2 performance show was the most boring one I've seen. Scotty and Lauren sing really good, yes, but they always sounded the same to me and never took risks. I watched it cuz I had seen all season and why not finish it? The results show was really good, and though I wish Haley would've sang more I really enjoyed it. 'Scotty won? What?' That was my reaction, I've hoped since season 8 that a girl wins again, but I doubt it'll ever happen again. (A bit dramatic, eh?) No, it will happen again, I'm sure, if the show survives for a couple of years, but its a bummer it wasn't this year. I would've loved for Haley or Pia to win.

So for me, the real winner of American Idol season 10 is Haley Reinhart. I support her 100% and I'm sure she'll do good. She's got the character to survive in the music world.

I actually had forgotten I had this blog or else I would've written it sooner! But here it is :) I'll leave you with the best performance of the season, hope ya'll like it (if you haven't seen it already)!! :D

Carrie Underwood

Carrie Underwood, ganadora de American Idol Season 5, se ha convertido en la cantante #1 para mis gustos musicales. Conocí su bella voz y presencia escenica el día en que ganó American Idol, por casualidades de la vida, y desde ese día sigo su carrera sin falta. Su primer album, Some Hearts, se convirtió el #1 album country de la década pasada, empezando su carrera con gran fuerza. Su segundo album, Carnival Ride, tuvo 5 éxitos que llegaron a #1 en música country, y también llegó a #1 de todos los géneros en el 2007. Su tercer album, Play On, ha tenido tres #1 y un actual #9 en música country. Los tres albumes siguen siendo mis favoritos, y sigo escuchando sus canciones cada semana.

Tuve la oportunidad de conocer a Carrie Underwood personalmente en el 2008, y no sólo llegó 100% a mis expectativas, sino las superó. Fue más que amable, fue amigable, tierna, agradecida y me trató como si fuera un viejo amigo. Minutos después, disfruté del mejor concierto de mi vida hasta la fecha.

Estas son las razones por las que Carrie Underwood es mi artista favorita, es realmente única y especial. Sin más que decir, dejo su primer sencillo del 3er album, 'Play On', para que lo disfruten.