I'm not an obsessed follower of the show and haven't caught every single episode, tho I try to at least read recaps. Thank God for youtube and iTunes. I do think Adam had the better vocal range and power and was certainly more dynamic as a performer. It bothered me tho that his music sounded dated when he performed it. Only when he reigned in the screams like on "Mad World" did he sound current. I think he can make a cool record with the right band. Danny Gokey had stronger vocals than Kris as well. However, as a "recording" artist, I do believe Kris was the best choice. After listening to the studio versions that the singers cut of songs they performed on AI, it is very clear that Kris is going to make great sounding records. Adam's voice actually doesn't translate as well to recordings. His live performances far exceed his studio versions. Some of the other finalists will go on to make records with the right songs too like Allison and Matt because they record well.

Many of the most successful artists today aren't necessarily the vocal pipe blowin' types. Like John Mayer, Jason Mraz & co, I think Kris stands a good chance of success. I think Kris actually has a better voice than either of the 2 stars I mentioned.  With all artists, it will come down to good songs. (poor Kris has to sing Kara's song. The song fit Adam even less style wise. My husband thought it sounded like a very 80s rock ballad. I think David Cook would have salvaged the song if he had competed this yr, but I digress)  

I wasn't super "into" this season when it started and was rather indifferent about who I wanted to win until the end. I did dial some votes for Kris. He made a fan out of me and earned my respect. I look fwd to hearing his new music and I think he will continue to surprise people with his talent. So there's my thoughts unpacked about this yr's AI. Now to turn my focus back to the NBA playoffs....

A funny story about this song is when I sang this at a church once, a Pastor came up to me horrified. He told me he was shocked that I was singing about taking my clothes off, but then he heard the rest of the song and was ok with. He took the first verse literally "Take off my overcoat, slip off my faded shoes." of course I go on to sing, "Hang up my weary soul, pull off these heavy blues"   The song is metaphoric. When I sing this in clubs, no one bats an eye. I repeat, this song is metaphoric and not about a striptease.

Simply, this song is about shedding all the things that weigh you down and putting on the things that have deeper significance like God's love.

My mind was spinning once again after watching LOST last night. Great writing leaves you thinking about the last scene you watched on TV or in a movie or play. Time travel, free will vs. destiny, a continuous loop of time, irony of actions....all these thoughts and more as I ponder whether Faraday's mom knew what she was doing and why she did it.

24 is equally compelling in different ways. One big edge of your seat thriller. Bad Tony's back and Jack's dying minute by minute. With all this intensity, I need some humor w/ 30 Rock and Chuck. (please NBC, bring this show back and keep my friend, Zac Levi, employed) I actually saw Scott Bakula at Griffith Observatory earlier this year. I was a huge Quantum Leap fan so was super glad he was playing Chuck's dad. I have a weakness for spy shows. (can't wait for Burn Notice to start up again)

It was always takes a little time for me to digest and unpack things I've learned from trips and conferences. Last week I was in Nashville for GMA week and then attended Catalyst and Biola Media Conference. What I'm beginning to process is that I need to keep making music (and/or doing TV) and making a difference in this world (keep pushing fwd w/ the  Beautiful Faith movement and On the Way Up ministries). As illustrated by my discussion of the above TV shows, art has the capacity to challenge and inspire. I'm rediscovering my love for creating music and other forms of art. Creativity is who I am. Though I have the perfectionist and "am I good enough?" tortured artist tendencies, I should neither fear failure nor success.  I'm reminded of this quote  from Isaiah 41:10

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."