AMAs, NYC, and More

So, I don't know why, but I woke up at 8 a.m. and couldn't fall back asleep, so I figured I would blog! The AMAs were on last night, NYC life (and NYU) is going well, and I continue to see how blessed I am in many different areas of my life.

First, and most recent, let's discuss a bit about the AMAs. In one word, they were "interesting." I was really excited, mainly because my favorite artist EVER, the beautiful Miss Carrie Underwood, was performing and up for an award ("Favorite Country Female.") To begin the show, there was an eight-minute Janet Jackson performance, which did not reach my expectations. First of all, she was lip-synching. Personally, as a singer, I lose respect for people when they lip-synch. Ok, I understand that if you are going to have crazy dance moves, it is easier to lip-synch so your voice doesn't sound all wobbly. BUT, you are a performer and people have bought your album, and want to hear your voice. I must say that the ONLY exception I find to this rule is Britney Spears. Even though she lip-synchs about 95% of the time, I LOVE her music and performances. Here is the difference: Britney is an entertainer, not a vocalist. Continuing on, Daughtry also gave a strong performance. Their second album is still growing on me...I LOVED their first album, and I still listen to it regularly. The Black Eyed Peas did pretty well, too. My friend Jordan made a good observation...saying that what they did was "hard to perform live." He was right. They have had a good career, and it is sad to see them disband, but I am sure that they will all continue to find success. Kelly Clarkson was, in a word, phenomenal. First of all, I think my favorite song of her's EVER is "Already Gone." I was SO happy when I saw that that was the song she was singing. She continues to showcase amazing vocals. The last concert I saw before I moved to NYC was a Kelly Clarkson concert...it was incredible. Carrie did amazing. While I was hoping she was going to sing "Temporary Home" or "Change," she did "Cowboy Casanova" and rocked it. I love that each performance from her shows her growth as an artist and performer. Her vocals were stunning...at points, I thought the background singers were a bit too loud, but they sounded good. Whitney Houston proved that she is "back," Mary J. Blige gave a strong and stunning performance, Lady Gaga's performance was a Lady Gaga performance, and Keith Urban showed why he won "Favorite Country Male." In addition, Green Day did well, Jennifer Lopez not only fell, but lip-synch, and Jay-Z and Alicia Keys proved that they were in an "Empire State of Mind." Shakira did pretty well, while Eminem seems to be stronger, now that he is out of rehab. For me, the BIGGEST disappoint of the night was that Adam Lambert not only performed, but closed the show, and that Kris Allen didn't perform, but presented. First of all, Kris Allen is so talented, and completely deserved the title of 'American Idol.' Adam Lambert, on the other hand, delivered an embarrassing performance, filled with sexual moves and off-pitch vocals. All during this past season of 'American Idol,' I remember being a fan of ONE Adam Lambert performance: Mad World. I was a fan of Kris Allen every week. While Adam may have been nervous, his performance to me seemed like he was trying too hard. It was an appalling performance, and I really do think that his record sales are going to suffer. During 'Idol,' he won the hearts of a lot of people, and now they all seem to be shocked, mainly because he didn't show any vocal talent, only a lot of screeching. So, all that being said, I am sure these AMAs won't be forgotten easily. Lastly, I was happy that Michael Jackson received the awards for Favorite Male Artist in the Pop/Rock and Soul/R&B categories, as well as two others. Whitney Houston completely deserved the "International Artist of the Year' award, while I don't think that Taylor Swift should have won "Favorite Country Female" over Carrie or Reba, or the "Artist of the Year" award over Jackson. Additionally, Taylor took the "Favorite Pop/Rock Female" over Beyonce and Lady Gaga? This is a problem. Taylor isn't pop or rock, she is country. This all being said, I need to remember that the votes were from the fans, and Taylor does have a strong fan base. I am rooting for Carrie to win the People's Choice Awards for "Favorite Female Artist" and "Favorite Country Artist."

In other news, I am continuing to love NYC and NYU. A couple weeks ago, I was really sick, which caused me to be rather depressed and just wanting to go home. I was convinced that I was going to take next semester off, stay home, and get a job. Now that I look back on that thought process, I realize that it was just because I was quarantined to my room, and hating life. I continue to understand how blessed I am to be here, and to have met so many awesome people. The semester is beginning to wind down. After Thanksgiving break is over, it will be a crazy...auditions will be the main focus. Two of my friends from the summer, Jaimee and Jacquie, are coming to chill with me for Thanksgiving Break, and we are planning on having a great time...including going to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade!! I am so excited.

While I love NYC, I am counting down the days until I go home. I didn't believe it when I first heard it, but the city really does get to you after awhile. I am looking forward to the nature aspect of life again...going outside and seeing my backyard, instead of nothing but buildings. Like I said, the city is nice, but I never realized how much of a "country boy" I am until I moved here. I am also eager to see my friends from home again. I miss soooo many people.

Well, that is all for now. I am sure I will blog again sometime soon. I think I might be getting addicted! Oh well, better than an addiction to drugs...lol. 'Til next time!