The Beanie Baby Hunger Games

Riding on the waves of the current pop culture craze by incorporating a popular fad from years past, The Online Musical has put two and two together to create the latest YouTube sensation - The Beanie Baby Hunger Games! This creative, witty, and oh-so-cute parody of the smash action/adventure hit retells the story of the first book/film by using TY Beanie Babies to represent the memorable characters of the series. I thought it was a particularly clever choice to have Rocket the Blue Jay act as Katniss Everdeen, the Mockingjay.

Farewell, David Archuleta!

David Archuleta has embarked on a new adventure. For the next two years, he will be taking a break from his career, his loved ones, and the life he knew to serve as a Mormon missionary in South America. In his final video blog, the sweet and spiritual singer profusely thanks his supporters for their unyielding support over the past few years.

Four years ago, my mom told me about a talented teenager she discovered on a show called American Idol. I honestly don't know where I'd be or who I'd be today if she hadn't introduced me to David Archuleta. The singers of Season 7 had (and continue to have) an incredible impact on my life, and I can never thank them enough for that.

I admire David for always being a fine example of what it means to be giving, compassionate, and courageous. I draw great inspiration from his philosophies of appreciating the goodness around you and following your heart. David Archuleta devotes his life to making a difference. He has already touched the hearts of his fans through his music and his personality. Now it's time for him to begin changing the world on an even larger scale. May he continue to spread peace, love, and hope everywhere he goes.

It's Not Goodbye... It's See You in Two Years.

As a parting gift, David recorded an OPM album of classic Filipino love songs during his brief stay in the Philippines. Purchase 'Forevermore' today!

Jack and White Live Sessions: 'Night After Night'

Watch this fourth and final installment of Jack and White's Winter Wednesday - a live performance of "Night After Night" from their Winter EP.

Stay tuned for Jack and White's covers EP this Spring/Summer. They will be tackling songs from every genre - from to the 1960s to the 2010s! In the meantime, download Jack and White's 'Winter' and 'Gemini' EPs on iTunes.

Jack and White Live Sessions: 'Bright Side of the Bad News'

Check out this third installment of Jack and White's Winter Wednesday - a live performance of "Bright Side of the Bad News" from their Winter EP. There's something very cool and striking about this song. Just take a look at these lyrics:

On the bright side of the bad news
You're the shoreline of my dark blues

Download Jack and White's two EPs, 'Winter' and 'Gemini', on iTunes.

Jack and White Live Sessions: 'XYZ'

Jack and White have a knack for crafting insightful lyrics to coincide with their beautiful melodies. Watch this second installment of Winter Wednesday - a live performance of "XYZ" from their Winter EP - and listen to these words of wisdom:

The more I grow, the less I know, about xyz, the world I see
Ups and downs, they hang around, like leaves on trees, or waves on sea
That’s life.

Download Jack and White's two EPs, 'Winter' and 'Gemini', on iTunes.

Jack and White Live Sessions: 'Voices'

What I love the most about Jack and White is how inviting they are. Everything this duo does, from their performances to their engagement with their fans, is intimate, down-to-earth, and real.

On that note, Jack Matranga and Brooke White have recorded a series of live sessions of songs from their 'Winter' EP, to be released throughout the month of March. To start, here is the dreamy and delicate 'Voices'. Watch out for the next few installments on 'Winter Wednesdays'!

Download Jack and White's two EPs, 'Winter' and 'Gemini', on iTunes.

8: The Fight for Marriage Equality

Written by screenwriter Dustin Lance Black (J. Edgar, Milk) and directed by actor and director Rob Reiner, 8 is a stage adaptation of Perry v. Schwarzenegger, the landmark federal trial that overturned Proposition 8 - the constitutional amendment that eliminated the rights of same-sex couples to marry in the state of California. Framed around the trial's closing arguments in June 2010, this powerful account of the case filed by the American Foundation for Equal Rights (AFER) uses actual court transcripts and first-hand interviews to provide an intimate look at what unfolded in the U.S. District Court. The personal stories of the plaintiffs, witnesses, and their families' struggles of living as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender person in America add an emotional, honest quality to the play, which propels the all-important message of equality.

On Saturday, March 3, an all-star cast featuring George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Martin Sheen, Jamie Lee Curtis, Jane Lynch, Kevin Bacon, Chris Colfer, Matthew Morrison, Jessica Tyler Ferguson, John C. Reilly, and others, joined together for a one-night-only benefit reading of "8" in support of AFER at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre in L.A.

You can replay the live stream of the production by screening the YouTube video above.


"We put fear and prejudice on trial, and fear and prejudice lost."

American Idol Season 11: From Hollywood to Vegas

This week on American Idol, the remaining hopefuls were put through the test of putting on not one, but two, group performances. Traditionally, the group rounds prove to be a challenge for many contestants, as it is not an easy task to successfully blend multiple different voices together while highlighting your own vocal strengths in a matter of two minutes. While several performers fell (some quite literally), many saw their stock in the competition rise. These were two of my favourite group performances from Hollywood and Vegas (on the Viva Elvis stage).

Groovesauce (consisting of Reed Grimm, Creighton Fraker, Aaron Marcellus, Nick Boddington, and Jen Hirsh) singing Sam and Dave's "Hold On, I'm Coming". With their high energy, strong vocal solos, and great background harmonization, it was like this group wandered off of The Sing-Off set and onto the Idol stage! Groovesauce (minus Reed) teamed up again in Vegas as 'The Lady and the Spectacles' for "Sealed With a Kiss".

There were so many solid and diverse performances during Vegas Week. The most memorable one for me was this funkified rendition of Buddy Holly's "It Doesn't Matter Anymore" by Jessica Sanchez, Deandre Brackensick, and Candice Glover. These three young powerhouses were finally able to show off their vocal prowess with big notes, high notes, and several incredible runs. I appreciated their fearlessness and fine usage of hairography.

Carrie Underwood and Steven Tyler on CMT Crossroads

She's a little bit country, he's a little bit rock and roll. Together, they make crazy good music!

Carrie Underwood and Steven Tyler are the latest musicians to team up for CMT Crossroads, a program that pairs country artists with stars from a different genre. Some of my favourite duos that resulted from Crossroads include Reba McEntire and Kelly Clarkson; and John Mayer with Keith Urban and Brad Paisley. I thought pairing Carrie up with Steven again (they performed "Undo It / Walk This Way" during last year's ACM Awards) was a really cool idea because they seem to have so much fun on stage together. Their setlist consisted of "Sweet Emotion / Love in an Elevator", "Before He Cheats", "Cryin'", "Born to Be Wild", and my favourite, an emotionally-charged mash-up of Carrie's "Just a Dream" and Aerosmith's "Dream On". I really hope that a duet between Carrie and Steven is in the works because I can't get enough of this dynamic duo!

Rising Stars: Jen Hirsh

I finally found a favourite on American Idol! Meet Jen Hirsh from Agoura, California. Idol fans may remember her as the girl who auditioned with a jazzy rendition of "Ding Dong! The Witch is Dead" (complete with scatting!) during Season 9. Jen is back to compete in Season 11, and she has proven herself to be a serious contender! Her Hollywood Week performance of Patty Griffin's Up To The Mountain blew me away. She has such a clear, soulful voice and a wonderful sense of melody - signs of someone with true artistry in their bones! I'll definitely be keeping an eye out on Jen.

See Jen perform "The Better Half", a song from her pre-Idol album, Myself in Two, in the video above.

Fun fact: Jen is a member of the Beantown Swing Orchestra. See her serenade Idol Season 3 alum, John Stevens, in this music video for "The Trolley Song"!

Rising Stars: Juliet Simms and Tony Lucca

I feel like a traitor for what I'm about to say (since I'm one of American Idol's greatest supporters), but I have to admit it: I am in love with The Voice.

This sure wasn't the case last year, when I struggled to keep up with its inaugural season due to lack of interest in any of the contestants. However, this year, on the first night of Season 2, I found myself intrigued by two voices - Juliet Simms and Tony Lucca.


Any lady who can belt out "Oh! Darling" by the Beatles is a winner in my books. That list includes Sara Bareilles, Florence + the Machine, Katelyn Epperly and Haley Reinhart from Idol, and now, Juliet Simms from The Voice. As soon as she started singing "Oh darling, please believe me..." with that gravelly rasp of hers, I was sold. For years, I have been waiting for a rocker girl to win one of these singing competitions, and I think Juliet has some serious potential.


Former Disney Mouseketeer Tony Lucca (yes, he does know Christina Aguilera - they were in the Mickey Mouse Club together!) auditioned with Ray LaMontagne's "Trouble" and successfully got all four judges to turn their chairs around. His cool acoustic-soul-folk vibe is very enthralling, and I know for a fact that I would listen to his music because I am already familiar with some of his original songs!

Better Than I Know Myself

Think you know Adam Lambert? As the glamourous singer reveals in his music video for "Better Than I Know Myself", there is more to him than meets the eye! Directed by Ray Kay, the video finds the two sides of Adam, Light!Adam and Dark!Adam, in conflict with one another. Eventually, the serene and devious parts of Adam merge together, proving that it is possible to find harmony when you embrace all the different parts of your personality.

Sh*t SFU Says

Some students from my university created a parody of the popular "Sh*t Girls Say" meme called "Sh*t SFU Says" to bring attention to the hilarious sayings and actions that the Simon Fraser University community is guilty of committing.

Every situation that is highlighted in this video is both familiar and accurate. I for one am guilty of complaining about the never-ending stairs and waiting at the second bus stop for a 143 bus that will never come.

A Moment Like This... It Was Just A Dream

While confined to my sickbed due to a persistent case of the winter flu, I marathoned all of Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood's music videos on VEVO. These two American Idol Queens are the most successful winners (in terms of financial earnings, popularity, and longevity) to emerge from the competition since the show started in 2002. What is their secret to maintaining that "IT" factor after all of those years? On top of possessing incredible voices, Ms. Clarkson and Ms. Underwood are able to connect with people through their music, which covers all facets of human emotion and experience. Kelly is known for her empowering anthems (Miss Independent, Since U Been Gone, Never Again, Mr. Know It All), but she can also show you the pain of being hurt by someone you care about (Because Of You, Behind These Hazel Eyes). Carrie tells heartbreaking and heartwarming stories (So Small, Just a Dream, Temporary Home, Mama's Song) through the medium of song, but she also shares her sassy side through mistakes made, acts of revenge, and warnings against getting involved with Mr. Wrong (Last Name, Before He Cheats, Cowboy Casanova).

The answer to the question of staying on top in today's rapidly-changing world of entertainment? Be relevant and be real. Luckily, both ladies have done a spectacular job of accomplishing these goals!

The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face

Glee Cast - The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face
(featuring Lea Michele, Jenna Ushkowitz, Amber Riley, and Naya Rivera)



I have an intense love/hate relationship with Glee, but when the show gets it right, it's magical. One of those moments appeared in the episode "Yes/No", during this musical number where Lea, Tina, Mercedes, and Santana are reminiscing on the moments when they saw and fell in love with their significant others. When Lea, Jenna, Amber, and Naya's voices are together in harmony, it's magic.

And of course, whenever this Roberta Flack comes to mind, I always reflect back on when David Cook covered this romantic ballad on Season 7 of American Idol:

Rock And Roll Allows A Kid To Dream

As you know (or will come to know) from reading my blog, I absolutely adore American Idol. My love for the biggest singing competition on Earth began in Season 7, when I was introduced to seven amazing people who changed my life. There is something special about listening to these aspiring musicians' touching stories, hearing their unique voices, and seeing their dreams of performing under the spotlight come true. I'll forever be grateful to this show for introducing me to some of America's most promising talents.

Season 10 ranks up high beside Season 8 (with all due respect to Season 9 - we just didn't get along well) as my third favourite season. 2012 is going to be a big year for the most recent Idol graduates, with Interscope beauties Pia Toscano and Haley Reinhart set to release their debut albums in the Spring. January has already been blossoming with these new videos from my other three favourites from Season 10:




Lauren Alaina - Georgia Peaches
The Country princess kicks the new year off by revealing her fun, flirty side in this music video for her second single, the catchy and sassy "Georgia Peaches". Alaina and her posse (who just so happen to be her real-life best friends!) crash a Southern retro diner for a spontaneous dance party. Who wouldn't enjoy that?



Tim Halperin - You Da One (Rihanna Cover)
One of my favourite semi-finalists (he shares that honour with Season 9's Katelyn Epperly) has a penchant for taking songs from popular pop stars (see his cover for Miley's Party in the USA) and giving them his own singer-songwriter spin. This time around, he turns Rihanna's "You Da One" into a smooth, romantic jam.




Casey Abrams - Signed
 The ever-so-quirky Casey Abrams has a tendency of doing things differently and dramatically, from his selection of songs on Idol (who else would dare to cover 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' and 'Nature Boy'?) to his shocking elimination and subsequent save during Top 11. After a whirlwind of a journey on Idol, Casey fans can rest easy knowing that their jazzman has signed by Concord Records, as he sings about in this cute and clever announcement video!


Additional Note: This blog entry's title is a lyric from the song "America" by Ryan Star. Star, who was a contestant on Rock Star and has ties to American Idol Season 7 winner, David Cook (he opened for Cook on his Declaration Tour in 2009), recently released The America EP, which can be downloaded for free HERE.

I Won't Give Up

I don't want to be someone who walks away so easily

I'm here to stay and make the difference that I can make
Our differences they do a lot to teach us how to use the tools and gifts we got

Yeah, we got a lot at stake

I am in love with Jason Mraz's beautiful new ballad, "I Won't Give Up". This lyrics video is so creative and charming.

2012 is going to be a great year for good music. I can feel it.

Animoto

Make your own photo slideshow at Animoto.


Check out this cool music video that I made on Animoto.com!

David Archuleta's "Something 'Bout Love" Music Video Premiere!

This new video from pop prince David Archuleta is a departure from past themes of puppy love and relationship angst, focusing instead on a universal message of compassion which the young artist strives to share through his music. Directed by Declan Whitebloom, with Archuleta playing the role of the video's singing narrator, "Something 'Bout Love" observes various scenarios of love and kindness among people from all walks of life, and commences in an illuminating dance party.

Archuleta dedicates "Something 'Bout Love" to those who are feeling a little down, alone and frustrated with love (and life in general). Even with all of the trials and tribulations involved, "there's something about [love and life] you shouldn't give up on." This single reflects a positive, refined and mature approach to the young sage's sophomore effort, no doubt creating a lasting impression with his audience of devoted fans.

Your day will come. The past is gone.
So take your time. Live and let live.

Adam Lambert Is Here For Your Entertainment

On April 8th, I went to see Adam Lambert perform at the Red Robinson Show Theatre in my hometown of Coquitlam, the first of his two special engagements in Vancouver this week. As those who were interested in attending these concerts would know, the tickets were extremely difficult to come by (without resorting to a third-party reseller), so I knew that I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to see Adam in such an small and intimate venue.

I had watched Adam perform once before during the American Idols Live! Tour last summer, but his solo concert is a whole new and exhilarating experience. The vivacious vocalist was as fun, fierce and fabulous as ever, from his cool attitude to his sparkly rhinestoned boots. I am completely amazed by how he can belt out all those powerhouse notes while movin' and groovin' across the stage. Adam is an example of showmanship at its truest form - always riveting, dynamic and capable of bringing everyone in the audience out of their seats in a celebration of music.

He blazed through a stellar setlist which included his hit singles "For Your Entertainment" and "Whataya Want From Me", crowd pleasers such as "Fever" and "Music Again" and two personal favourites of mine, "Sleepwalker" and "Broken Open". He unveiled a couple of surprises especially for the Coquitlam crowd - the live debut of "A Loaded Smile" as well as an acoustic, uptempo version of his signature cover song, "Mad World". Transitioning smoothly from the dramatic to the sensual, his set showcased his eclectic collection of work. His stunning performance of "Soaked" was accompanied by the spinning of a disco ball above the audience, adding to the spellbound atmosphere of the room throughout the course of the riveting hour-long show.

Adam Lambert draws a truly international and diverse crowd to each of his scheduled gigs, and this night was no exception. His devoted 'Glamberts' from all over the world were in the house, displaying their enthusiasm in several different fashions, and all united in their love for their favourite musician. Adam rewarded his fans for their loyalty and support through his interaction with the audience: flirting, reaching out to the hands of the lucky few gathered by the stage and at one point, rubbing the head of an unsuspecting security personnel. The versatility of the sold-out crowd was an accurate representation of Adam's career itself, as he appeals and speaks to people of all ages, races, nations and sexual orientations. Rest assured, this concert experience was a 'sure fire winner' which left me 'want[ing] a little more' and thankful for innovation artists such as Adam Lambert for 'mak[ing] me want to listen to music again!'

SETLIST: For Your Entertainment, If I Had You, Whataya Want From Me, Strut, Sure Fire Winners, Soaked, A Loaded Smile, Mad World (Acoustic), Broken Open (Acoustic), Music Again, Sleepwalker, Fever (ENCORE) Down The Rabbit Hole

For more concert media, visit my Facebook Photo Album and YouTube Video Stream.


Adam is slated to be a guest mentor on American Idol next week. His sessions with the Season 9 Top 9 contestants are set to air on Tuesday night followed by a performance of his second single "Whataya Want From Me" on the Wednesday night during the subsequent results show. His Remixes EP (which includes an unreleased track entitled "Voodoo") is ready for purchase now on AdamOfficial.com, and will be made available as an iTunes digital download on April 13th. He will continue touring North America in support of his debut album "For Your Entertainment" this summer, so keep your eyes peeled for concert dates!