American Idol Finale

In possibly one of the greatest season finale we have had on American Idol, the fans all came together to witness history in the making. Two talented finalists, Kris Allen & Adam Lambert, stepped up to the plate to put on a star-dozen performance & await to hear who will become the next American Idol? The finale had many special appearances {Queen Latifah, Carlos Santana, & Kiss} to the award cermonies {Nick Mitchell, Tatiana Del Tora, & "Bikini Girl} this would be a finale no one would ever forget.

Adam Mitchel Lambert is an American singer and actor from Los Angles, California. Lambert auditioned for the eighth season of American Idol in San Francisco, California. After passing through his initial audition, Lambert was voted into the Top 13, joining fellow Group 2 performers Allison Iraheta and Kris Allen. Lambert & Allen became roommates in the Idol mansion, with Allen stating it was due to their neatness. During Michael Jackson week, his performance lead to praise from all four judges, with Paula Abdul predicting he would go on to the finals. The following week, Lambert's next performance received praise from Randy Jackson, Dioguardi, & Abdul. Though Simon Cowell called it "indulgent rubbish." On Motown night, Lambert distanced himself from his rocker persona, singing a slowed down, acoustic version of his song. The judges all liked it, and Smoky Robinson, the week's mentor & the original singer-songwriter, gave Adam a standing ocation. For his Top 8 performance, because the show had exceeded its time slot, only Cowell gave a critique on his performance. For his second Top 7 performance, it delivered what DioGuardi described as his "most memorable performance," while Cowell described his vocals as "immaculate." Abdul was reduced to tears, with host Ryan Seacrest joking that Lambert had melted her into a "pool of Abdul." In his Top 4, Lambert was the first to perform. Cowell commented, "that was one of my most favourite performances... nobody can top that now," while abdul, punning on the song's title, described Lambert's performance as "a whole lotta perfect."

Season 7 American Idol winner David Cook stated that Lambert and Allen are his favorites of Season 8. Country music singer and actress Reba McEntire has echoed the same opinions, also adding Iraheta to her list of favorites. Photos of Lambert kissing a man were shown and discussed by conservative commentators on "The O'Reily Factor," they agreed that the images would likely have no impact on the competition because the focus remains on the singers' talent. Lambert confirmed that the photos were of him, stating he had nothing to hide and has always been open about his life. For his top three show, Lambert chose to sing at his alma mater, Mt. Carmel High School. While there, he performed two best-selling songs by Michael Jackson and Tears for Fears. After his performance, San Diego mayor Jerry Sanders declared May 8 "Adam Lambert Day." Lambert would later perform a medley with rock band Kiss during the final episode.

Kristopher Neil Allen, known as Kris Allen, is an American singer-songwriter from Conway, Arkansas. Prior to Idol, he self-released a 2007 album entitled "Brand New Shoes." Allen audtioned for the eighth season of American Idol in Louisville, Kentucky with his brother Daniel, who didn't make it to Hollywood. He peformed a song by The Jackson 5, during Hollywood week as part of a group named White Chocolate, which included fellow finalist and semi-finals roomate Matt Giruad.

Allen was voted into the finals along with Lambert & Allison Iraheta on February 26, 2009. He has received many compliments throughout the competition for his folk-inspired interpretations of modern pop songs, and has played several instruments during his performances, including the acoustic guitar, the electric guitar, the keyboard, and the piano. Randy Jackson has compared him to Jason Mraz. His performance as part of the Top 11 earned praise from the judges, with Simon Cowell commenting "I am genuinely beginning to think you have a shot of doing well in this competition." On the Top 9 show, he performed his own arrangement on a keyboard, with a few musicians on state, which earned praise from the judges. Cowell lauded it his "best performance so far." On the first Top 7 night, he chose to sing an Oscar-winning song from an indie film. While Jackson described it as "pitchy from note one," Kara DioGuari declared it "one of your best moments ever." Due to time constraints, Paula Abdul and Cowell did not comment. But on the following night's results show, Cowell stated "Kris, you were brilliant." On the second Top 7 show, Allen brought back the guitar for the fourth time and performed an original, acoustic song, complete with bongo drums and the band on stage. This earned praise from all four judges, with Abdul remarking "'There aren't many men who are willing to shop in the women's department. You shopped and found a perfect fit." For his second Top 3 performance, Allen impressed the judges with another accoustic arrangment of Kanye West's song, prompting Jackson to state that he prefeered the original cover version. Simon Cowell agreed & said, "I had written you out of the competition but that has changed after that performance."

After being voted into the Top 3 Finalists, Kris Allen returned home to Arkansas and his hometown to film the material for the next 2 American Idol episodes. Allen was greeted by a crowd estimated to be greater than 20,000. Allen performed concerts in Little Rock and Conway, playing many of his popular songs during the competition at his venues; he even performed at the local Fox News studio. He performed all of his songs with the guitar.

When it came down as to who will be the next American Idol, America has spoken. The winner of American Idol 2009 is.......... KRIS ALLEN!!! Kris Allen has always been the underdog, knowing he could never match up to Adam Lambert's vocals & talents. But in the end, the Underdog rose above the ranks & crowned the new American Idol. Though Lambert was announced the runner-up, he has proven that he deserves to release record-albums & perform in big concerts. Big things are happening for these two & we can expect to see great things from them during the Summer Tour. So for the final time of American Idol, I have one last thing to say for both Kris Allen & Adam Lambert: no matter what roads lie ahead, break a leg!

Glee Episode 1 Recap

While tuesday night would be one night before we announce who will win American Idol in season finale, TV viewers were introduced to brand new series of singing stars. While they may not be introduced as American Idol contestants, they were the stars of a brand new musical comedy TV series entitled: GLEE!!! Premiering on FOX, Glee focuses on a high school show choir, also known as a "glee" club, set within a high school in Lima, OH.

In a world where the jocks rule the school & the outcasts are treated poorly, one high school Spanish teacher Will Schuester {Matthew Morrison} decides to take over Glee Club {entitled "New Direction"}, to give the outcasts a chance to express themselves. The new Glee club members include: manuel wheelchair user Arty Abams {Kevin McHale}, aspiring talent Rachel Berry {Leah Michele}, stuttering student Tina Cohen-Chang {Jenna Ushkowitz}, gay member Kurt Hemmel {Chris Colfer}, rival of Rachael Mercedes Jones {Amber Riley}, and the all-star quarterback with passion for singing Finn Hudson {Cory Monteith}. With Glee club making its return, Shuester needs to form the greatest glee class in order to make their way to nationals.

Along the way, they run into several road blocks that stand in their way. The High School football/cheerleading squad are especially against the idea of reforming Glee Club. Sue Sylvester {Jane Lynch}, head coach of the "Cheerios," looks to make sure Glee Club falls, along with head cheerleader Quinn Fabray {Dianna Argon}, who wants to take Finn for herself. Meanwhile, Finn is stuck between fulfilling is dream and playing with the football team, especially Puck {Mark Salling}, who disapproves of Finn joining Glee Club. While Glee Club deals with personal issues, Schuester deals with his struggling relationship with his wife Terri {Jessalyn Gilsig}. At the moment, Schuester has a secret admirer in the form of OCD guidance counselor Emma Pillsbury {Jayma Lynch}. New Directions faces a tough road ahead, so all they can rely on is each other to make it through to the end.

Even before the show aired, Glee was already on the top most talked about shows of the decade. Ranked among the top trends on Twitter. Over the entire hour, the Glee Pilot actually drew an average of 10 million viewers. With top views like that, we can expect to see great things to happen for the new members of Glee.

Glee will make its return as we progress through the first season. Relationships will dwindle while tensions rise. But these outcasts know the only way to battle through the pain is through teamwork, trust, and friendship. Until then, I have one last thing to suggest for these glee members: as we say in show biz, break a leg!!!

American Idol Summer Tour 2009

While our two finalists prepare for the ultimate season finale of "American Idol," a huge announcement has been made regarding the competition. Though the show will end by next week, the end is only the beginning. When the battle is over, Adam Lambert & Kris Allen will be joining up with the eight finalists in the ultimate "American Idol Summer Tour '09!"

As stated before on one episode months ago, the top ten finalists will all be appearing for a summer tour in which they will all get to perform for their fans one last time. The summer tour will kick off in Portland, Oregon July 5th and will end at Manchester, New Hampshire September 15th. It has also been comfirmed that they will make a special appearance at Sunrise at the Bankatlantic Center on July 29th. Tickets are already being sold out so be sure your first in line for tickets.

Your favorite idols from the past season will be there to perform just for you. Including: Danny Gokey, Allison Iraheta, Matt Giraud, Anoop Desai, Lil Rounds, Scott MacIntyre, Megan Joy, and Michael Sarver. Though neither have made it to Top 3, with the acception of Adam & Kris, the American Idol judges have given them full priviledge to perform in the summer tour. Like last year when David Cook & David Archuleta paved the way, this looks to be the biggest summer blockbuster of the century.

If your looking for thhe most exciting concert to go for the summer, the American Idol Summer Tour is just around your block. These are contestants who started out as ordinary people & walked out as stars in the making. Now they come to perform their latest hit singles, to show the fans that a new age of music has just begun. With this tour, these 10 contestants look to make it big in the music iindustry. If they can put on a great performance in the tour, they will go far. Until then, I can only ask one thing for them: break a leg!

Last Outlet Response

After recently agreeing to do a final project for 700 points, it was quite clear that Mrs. Stoklosa thought the students weren't taking it seriously. All they had to do was do a Wiki & power point based on whatever topic we want. With only a few weeks left of school, this is our last chance to prove how creative we are. 700 points can ultimately change our grade point average, like earning a $700 dollar bonus for best work. 

Especially for students who haven't done well in class, this can ultimately alter the very fabric of what makes you a student. Succeeding in such a project can ultimately prove you learned something in this class. That's why I have been hard at work preparing a wiki based on a community theater group. Ever since being involved with the group, I have gotten to learn of their theatrical history, made good friends with the cast, and especially paved the way for a future stardom in the theatrics. It's not like any subject, but merely the idea that defines who I am as a person. It doesn't matter what satisfies you, as long as whatever you choose represents who you are. 

With only a few weeks left, this is the last chance to do something extraordinary. Just put your heart & soul into your masterpiece, picture the work in your mind, & then just put it all together like a crossword puzzle. As long as you have the idea in your head, nothing can stop you from doing the impossible. As Michael J. Fox once said, "If you set your mind to something you can accomplish anything." Just do the best that you can & do whatever it takes to make the best project {except cheating or stealing ideas!} Until then, break a leg!

AMT Musical Ideas

After the success of AMT's musical, Ragtime, we now have our eyes set on some brand new shows for the AMT fans. There have several rumors that AMT plans to do "Kiss Me, Kate" sometime next year. As a Cypress Bay AMT student, I am proud to say the rumors are true. Kiss Me, Kate will make it's presence known when it hits the stage in 2010.

Until then, we still need to decide on what we should for the first semester. Mrs. Lutwin is currently brainstorming on some ideas for musicals. Rumors are it might be "Dreamgirls," after hearing the music playing during the past four performances of Ragtime. So what I ask of you is to post some of your ideas directly to Mrs. Lutwin herself. If you have suggestions that you would like to make, don't hesistate to ask. Just look up her email on the faculty section on the Cypress Bay website, write any title of any broadway musical & let Mrs. Lutwin know how you feel. 

AMT relies entirely on the fans since the day it first formed in Cypress Bay. We want the new year to have some memorable performances for students entering their senior year & students just joining in the class. We all have a voice & we all must be heard. Send Mrs. Lutwin your ideas & you can never go wrong. Until then, I only have one thing to suggest: break a leg!

Drama Banquet Coming soon

As the end of the year comes in a few short weeks, the AMT group looks to put on a huge celebration after their recent musical, Ragtime. With the success from our 85 talented kids, Mrs. Lutwin & Mr. Maas have earned enough savings to hold a special banquet in honor of their performance.

Each student from the class are allowed to bring their family & friends to watch in honor of their success. No tickets are necessary, but they must bring one entree or drink to serve to the guest. If a student is planning to bring drinks, it is reminded that they should bring TWO or FOUR 2 litter sodas. As far as entrees go, you can bring whatever you'd like as long as it's delicious for the rest. 

We are also pleased to announce that a special award ceremony will take place. On this glorious night, the class of '09 will announce who will leave as the AMT President, Treasurer, Historian, & Vice President. We will also bring in the 411 on "Best Actor," "Best Actress," "Best Techie," & Best Thesbian." This wondrous evening looks to be the finest that we have had in the history of Cypress Bay. It shall be a night that no one, not even seniors, will ever forget. Till then, I have on thing left to suggest: break a leg!!

American Idol Update

For the past few months, our new season of American Idol has introduced the fans to some of the finest talent we've ever had in history. As the Top 13 were reduced to 10, we are now left with 3 finalists in American Idol. They wanted to prove that they can go all the way like Jordin Sparks, David Cook, & Kelly Clarkson. They were all fan favorites in the competition; no one wanted them to leave. Unfortunately, one of these contestants would have to step off the stage & leave forever. Surprisingly, the bottom two were the contestants who many thought would be in the finals: Adam Lambert & Danny Gokey. Out of the two talented contestants standing before them, the one packing the bags is: Danny Gokey.

Daniel Jay Gokey, known as Danny Gokey, is an American singer and church music director fro Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Gokey rose to national fame with hi participation in the eight season of American Idol. On August 8, 2008, he auditioned in Kansas City, Missouri, along with his friend Jamar Rogers, who is also from Milwaukee. Both made it through to Hollywood, but Rogers was eliminated from the competition prior to the semifinals. Gokey was recently nominated in his state of Wisconsin for WAMI {Wisconsin Area Music Industry} award for best Christian/Gospel Artist of the Year. However, he lost to Chad James, a local Christian artist in April 2009 during his run on American Idol.

Danny Gokey was given mostly exceptional opinions. During his Top 4 performance, Paula Abdul gave him an "A for effort." He made it to the top three, along with Adam Lambert & Kris Allen, but was eliminated from the competition. Of course, he didn't get into the competition for some big time contract or make the big bucks. He went into the competitio, to dedicate his performance to his wife, Sophia Martinez. A huge fan of American Idol, she died during routine surgery for congenital heart disease in July 2008. Since then, it's been his goal to make her proud & prove that he can do impossible tasks. This won't be the last time we hear from Danny Gokey, for I predict he will be a greater alumni than any in American Idol history.

As we draw closer to the epic season finale, we are now left with two contestants. Who will go on to become the next American Idol? Only one can accomplish that dream, one will step forth onto the road of greatness. Only you can decide who you want to win. Until then, I only have one thing left to suggest: break a leg!