Rock Star: Supernova ~ Week 2 Eliminations

Chris Pierson was the second Rocker to be sent home.But first the other juicy bits of the evening:

Tonight’s show started with the videotape from the Mansion, after last night’s show. Lukas was reflecting on Jason’s comments about his singing. Jill was stunned – she thought Dave was harsh. We got to hear some of their thoughts and reactions of the night. Toby, bless his heart, reminded them that they were there to learn, not just win.

Dave then gave the Rockers the chance to say it in his face, so to speak. And they all wimped out, in my opinion. Well, not really wimped out. I just thought that they must have all had a lesson in media training the previous week. All of the Rockers defending what they said before made everything sound all nice and friendly again. I’m not saying that their attitudes had to be all piss and vinegar, but Geez, even Lukas was Mr. Nice Guy!

And speaking of feeling all the love in the room, Jason was quick to remind the Rockers, “This is not an animosity contest”, and that they were about positivity. You gotta love that! Tommy commented that Toby had a good head on his shoulders, towhich Toby added, “You can’t buy this kind of advice”. He’s damn right.

Gilby put the kibosh on everything by reminding the room that things will get tougher every week, because “we need one of you to front our band at the end of the year”. Think of it this way: they are interviewing to hire a talented employee/colleague. Period. If you want that gig, you have to give them what they want, even before they know what it is. Good luck!

First performance of the night was another encore. Tommy asked Toby Rand to do “Take Me Out” again. By the way, I do own this CD, so I’d have to say it was quite a testimony for me to forget what Toby was singing, although I could remember that he was hawt

Toby’s energy was a little lower than last night, but his singing was amazing! By saving the energy on his movements, he’s totally able to kill his vocals.

By the way, anytime you hear someone say “He killed it”, that means he sang the shit out of it.

Good deal, Mate!

Then, Brooke lists the names of the bottom three as of the night before, before the show ended, but before the voting was completed. So she mentions three names, and they have to wait until AFTER the commercial break to find out if their on the FINAL Bottom Three that was tabulated today. How awful that they have to wait for something that could totally change. But will there be much difference? The Preliminary Bottom Three was Jill, Chris, and Zayra, and after the tabulations, Jill was added to them.

So who had to perform?

Jill – Bring Me Back to Life

YEAH!!! Her voice sounded so good. Tommy Lee had told her earlier that she looked amazing tonight, and she did. Man, there is NOTHING like someone who is on the edge. This girl came back to life alright. Members of Supernova were even convening! Yeah, we were all feeling Jill tonight.

Jill Gioia, I believed you tonight. Rock on!

Zayra – You Really Got Me

She decided to do the same song, because she really liked it, and because it was fun and electronic, “and I know you do some of that”. Jason nodded at that. He’s so Zen these days. Hell, all the guys in supernova are sounding quite wise. Tommy, Gilby, and Jason are my ROCK GURUS!

Ahem, where was I? Oh yeah, so Zayra was “wondering what the hell happened?” when it turned out that she was in the Bottom Three again. Gilby and Zayra made up after her comment about being in diapers when their records came out. Gilby was all smiles, “It was classic”. Yeah, it was

Zayra’s on the stage, and she has a lot of heart. I like the way she uses her body. She screamed. She howled. I LOVED it!

Chris – If You Could Only See

Jason commented on Chris maturity when taking comments, which is a definite strong point that he has. Chris decided to do this song acoustically, and it was a good choice. I think he sounded great, but compared to Jills and Zayras performances tonight, he still wasn’t there.

When it was decision time: “Chris, you are the second rocker to go.”

Dave commended Chris on his humility, and said that he thought that his performance tonight was the best one he’s seen of his yet. Jason reminded him that this was still a step up, and Tommy added, “Just to be at this level, you won.” Yeah, I admit I boo-hooed at that. Hey, it was a tender moment, give me a break!

And Chris was totally smart. He mentioned a song on his solo indie EP was named Stepping Stone, and Dave’s words were a sign that he was on the right track. Hey, my new CD is named Supernova, the same as this band, and I think I’m on the right track too. The Rockers gave the gracious and humble Chris a standing ovation.

I have a feeling that Chris is going to take this education with him to the next level, and I’m interested to see what he does next. Check out his group Street Light Syndrome

Farewell, Chris Pierson!

Music Business Diva Blogs Rock Star Life Lessons From Rock Star: Supernova

 (PRWEB) July 11, 2006 — Rock Star: Supernova, the new musical reality show on CBS TV, is this summer’s backstage pass into the life of an aspiring Rock Star, and Carla Lynne Hall, musician and music biz expert, seeks to turn the lessons learned by the show’s contestants into advice any musician can use. At her blog at http://www.MySpace.com/carlalynnehall  Carla blogs about the contestants on Rock Star: Supernova, as well as her own quest for what she’s coined “Rockstarhood.”This summer’s new Rock Star: Supernova seeks to find a new lead singer to front all-star band Supernova, made of Tommy Lee (Motley Crue), Gilby Clarke (Guns N’ Roses), and Jason Newsted (Metallica), and 15 Rocker contestants from around the world will be competing for their chance to be THE Rock Star of Supernova. “Each one of these Rockers had to be damned good to get on the show,” Carla adds, “but competing against each other on national TV takes the game to another level. Last year’s JD Fortune had his own issues to deal with before he finally won Rock Star: INXS. I’m just blogging about the ebb and flow of competing in a musical reality show, and hopefully providing examples, life lessons if you will, for aspiring rock stars.”

Carla Lynne Hall’s interest in Rock Star: Supernova came as a coincidence. Carla released her second CD, also called Supernova in February 2006. Described as a cross between Norah Jones and Sade with a touch of The Beatles, Hall’s Supernova is gaining a following in the Adult Album Alternative category. Hall auditioned for the Rock Star show eight days before the new band’s name was announced in March, but she didn’t get the callback. Still, Hall is undeterred. “I sang my ass off for the audition, and I’m sure I’m not the only possible Rocker who didn’t get the call. There were only 15 slots, and thousands of people auditioned. There’s such thing as the right time, and there’s such thing as the right fit. Now that I know who Supernova is, I have a better idea of what the producers are looking for. The point is, believing in yourself is the most important goal. It doesn’t matter what I say on my blog, or even what Tommy Lee says from the judge’s box. If success doesn’t come for a Rocker during this particular show, it doesn’t mean that success will never happen. A determined musician can take the pressure built from frustration and obscurity and transform it into a diamond. That’s the stuff of magic!”

So is Carla Lynne Hall giving up promoting her Supernova CD to promote Rock Star: Supernova? “Hell, no!” she laughs, “I’ll be using Rock Star: Supernova like a study guide, noting what works and blogging about it, but I have a few gigs of my own this summer. I’ll be blogging about my own quest for rockstarhood as well. While it’s fun watching these talented contestants, I’m ready to rock the house myself.”

And what is Rockstarhood, you ask? “Becoming a rock star means that you can command a stage, and control the energy of a room with the sheer strength of your personal power and charisma,” Hall explains, “Achieving rockstarhood takes into account all of the rock star life lessons that you learned along the way,” explains Hall, “Dealing with personal demons, self-confidence issues, addictions, co-dependencies, and the usual obstacles like not having enough money are issues that all aspiring musicians have to work out for themselves. Achieving rockstarhood requires a lot of self-work that people don’t often address. When you see an awesome stage performance, there was a lot of work behind it. I’ll be the one digging for that story.”

Carla has opened for legendary bluesman Taj Mahal, and has performed at clubs and college campuses throughout the United States. Front & Center, Carla’s debut CD on Moxie Entertainment, was released in 2001, and rose to #3 on college playlists. In 2004, Hall’s “My First Child” lullaby was released as a single, and won raves from celebrity moms Courtney Cox and Debra Messing. Also known as “The DIY Diva” in music circles, Carla Lynne Hall is also the author of The DIY Guide to the Music Biz, and her columns appear in Vibe Magazine, MusicDish.com, and other publications around the globe. Carla’s Rock Star: Supernova blog can be found at http://www.MySpace.com/carlalynnehall, and her official website is located at http://www.carlalynnehall.com/

Rock Star: Supernova ~ Week 2 Performances

Week 2 Performances

Magni – My Generation

Much improved!!! Magni went back to the drawing board for his outfit and stage presence, and we got a glimpse of why he was picked for the gig! He has a great rock voice, can scream at will. I think tonight’s performance will keep Magni out of the Bottom Three, but how far he’ll go in the competition is still to be decided. Tommy Lee called his performance “ho hum”.

Jenny Galt – Tainted Love

I love her voice – it has a distinctive color to it that I like a lot. She did lose the guitar this week, but I felt like she was overcompensating with her hands and upper body to hide nerves. Her beginning was shaky, as she sang a little ahead of the beat. It seemed like the band was trying hard to keep up with her, but she eventually found her way. The next two weeks (if she survives) will give me a better idea of what she’s actually bringing to the table.

Jill Gioia – Violet

After writing last week that Jill Gioia made me think of a wedding singer, she comes onstage this week in a short wedding dress, black leather boots and dead red roses. With the smeary red lipstick paired with the leather and lace, I figured that she was borrowing a page from Courtney Love’s style book. Her performance was dirtier, and more rock and roll. She still has a great voice, but I wasn’t crazy about the jumping she was doing. Still, I had to give her kudos for going for it.

Dave was not feeling the Courtney Love vibe at all. When he called Jill on it, she insisted that this was her own idea, and that she knew nothing about what Courtney was doing musically. Then Dave countered that her song’s CD had a photo of Courtney Love during her grunge days, also wearing a similar dress.

Gilby thought she had a better singing voice than a screaming one, and Tommy Lee asked if she was wearing panties. In my opinion, by insisting that she didn’t know what Courtney Love was into (while looking like a Courtney look-alike), it appeared that she was out of the rock and roll loop. I don’t think that Tommy takes Jill seriously. And I don’t know if she’ll be able to change his mind.

Zayra Alvarez-You Really Got Me

Zayra has something…She was at her exotic best – black catsuit, sexy and sleek like a panther. The Kinks’ classic was a great choice, as the song gave her plenty space to pose and moan like the diva she is. Her performance was theatrical and sexy. This song was also good because it masks her possible accent issues. Her accent doesn’t bother me, but what about Tommy, Gilby, and Jason???

Gilby was quick to ask Zayra if she knew anything about any of the bands that the Supernova members had come from, if she owned any records of theirs. Her answer? “I was in diapers when they came out.” Ouch!

I admit, I loved her sassy response, but what about Tommy, Gilby, and Jason? Remember, this is the job interview of your life. Do you tell a potential employer that he or she is over the hill? And to come back to Gilby’s point, has she done her homework? It might be time for Zayra to reach in and find some rock roots. But she’s fun to watch.

Chris Pierson – Take Me Out

Better song choice, but he needs more power and energy in his performance.

Dave got a little snarky, and told Chris that he was still missing some authenticity. Jason agreed. Nothing particularly stood out for me.

Dilana – Ring of Fire

I love when women cover songs done by men, and Dilana’s choice of a Johnny Cash song did not disappoint. Dilana has this great gravelly voice, but also a clear tone that she demonstrates every so often when she sings in a higher register. Her outfit was sort of Elvira, Mistress of the Night, which fit her dark and elegant performance. Dave, Tommy, and Gilby all loved her performance.

Josh Logan – Arms Wide Open

He chose a Creed song? Dude, enough of the gospel riffing. Too much is just filler, and the more you do it, the more it loses its meaning. Dave found him average, and Jason warned him of overdoing the “Stevie Wonder” licks. Amen

Josh Logan is going to get signed, and go on tour, but not with Supernova.

Phil Ritchie – If You Could Only See

Good emotional singer, but hard to understand what he’s singing. His song choice was good. Jason also wanted him to stop sliding around the stage, “plant your feet on the ground and just CRUSH it.” But Tommy dug him, so he may be around a bit longer.

Storm Large – Surrender

Since she wasn’t in the first spot this week, I had a better opportunity to check out Storm’s performance. The thing I like about Storm is that she’s natural onstage. I feel like she was meant to be on somebody’s stage. She has a great voice. She gives a great swagger in her performance. Great energy, and a powerful performance.

Dave thought parts of her act was a little Broadway, like Cats. She was gracious and humble about the comments, but I don’t agree with Dave.

Patrice Pike – Heart Shaped Box

I can’t help but think of Jordis Unga’s version of this from Rock Star: INXS last year, but I suppose that memory has no place in this recap. Anyway, she played guitar, and her voice was in good form, but this week I had a better idea of Patrice’s range. The song choice was good, but if she had the vocal chops to kill it, she could have. I still like Patrice, but I’m on the fence this week…

Lukas – Dont Panic

I love the eye shadow on this year’s bad boy Rocker. He has great stage poses, and excellent presence. His voice is versatile, but I still have problems understanding him.

Tommy liked his singing, and Jason gave him a mini-vocal lesson. Tommy teased Jason about that but Jason added that Lukas’ voice is his instrument, and that he needs to take care of it. This is true, Folks. Bad singing technique will damage your vocal chords – especially dangerous for singers on the road with a hectic schedule. Lukas took the comment well.

Ryan Star – Jumping Jack Flash

I wanted more energy from Ryan at the beginning. Somewhere in the middle, he went into the audience, sang through the house, then ran back on stage. He came alive at that point, and the audience connected with that.

Dave mentioned how his venture through the audience turned his performance up a notch. Tommy reminded Ryan how Mick Jagger does this song: ” He’s a showboat, so show your boat!”

Something’s missing for me that I can’t put my finger on. We’ll see…

Dana Andrews – Born to Be Wild

She has a powerful voice, but she’s still green. She wore a leopard print corset, black miniskirt with what appeared to be thigh high boots. It’s a sexy rock and roll look, but she can’t hide that baby face. It seemed to me that the miniskirt waddle (or maybe the stiletto heels) also prevented her from doing more on stage. She also reacted a bit with one of the guitarists in the house band, but it felt like an afterthought to me. But she was working it, never you mind about that.

Gilby asked if her parents would recognize her, and said that he’d like more “dirtier rock” from her. She giggled that the leopard print was supposed to be dirtier. She should have kept quiet with that comment, as it made her seem like she was playing dress up. Tommy said she was “born to be mild”. Jason said she had “killer potential”. What does it mean? She has the chops, but the band might throw her back in the water til she gets bigger.

Toby Rand – cant remember, but he was hawt

I loved Toby’s performance this week. He had a strong start, and he maintained that edge through the whole song. He gave a powerful, direct, and sexy performance.

Gilby commented that Toby “killed it” two nights in a row, and Tommy added “Its obvious. Girls like you.” Toby’s answer? “”That’s good cuz I like girls.” This week’s heartthrob award definitely goes to Toby.

By the way, did anyone else notice how Dave Navarro was a bit snarky this week in his comments? Are he and Carmen Electra having a tiff, or are the producers trying to turn up the heat on the contestants? I also detected canned applause during the judge’s comments. What are the show’s producer’s up to now?

My rankings:

Top Three
Dilana
Lukas
Toby

Bottom Three
Jill Gioia
Chris Pierson
Dana Andrews

Tomorrow night is the next elimination round. See you then!