Congratulations Kris Allen!!! American Idol Season 8

Well, I missed the final competition of American Idol on Tuesday and had to watch the youtubes – thank God for those of you that record and share! (I saw my special AI guy and will post about that when I get a second – now is not possible).
I also missed the finale tonight, but my tweeps were tweeting their hearts out and giving me a play-by-play. Thanx all of you that sent me the run down so I can later find all of the related youtubes.

DISCLAIMER…. My blog.. My opinion  but you can share yours too.

I am truly happy for humble Kris Allen. My preference, if you read my blog, is a genuine, humble, and kind person. Not saying that there were not a few of those people this year, but it’s that vulnerable quality that I admire – someone that doesn't think they are “all it”.

This opportunity is huge for Kris. I ask that we continue to pray for him and Danny and those that go on the road and are taken from family into that “biz”.
Allen Lambert (HAHA SORRY, THIS WAS POINTED OUT TO ME.. FREUDIAN SLIP) I mean ADAM LAMBERT has success in the bag already – he is going to be a star and jump out at the gate--just like Daughtry. With his vocals, I am sure that his CD will knock their socks off. The way I think it works is that 19 Management usually signs spots 1 and 2. The Idol has to release a CD before the number 2 person. Either way, there are a few new discovered talents from this last group.
I can’t wait to go watch all the youtubes.

I heard that Keith Urban and Kris Allen a number together and I would love to see that one especially.

American Idol -- the Christian Vote?? Kris Allen / Adam Lambert

KRIS ALLEN (LEFT)
(photo credit: Rickey.org)


I just watched The O'Reilly Factor concerning the possibility of the Christian Vote electing the next American Idol.

I think the Christian vote has been a factor on every season of American Idol. The southern states (Bible Belt) have had many contestants over the years and those states make up a high percentage of voters for the show.

As far as the Christian vote goes, I say, well, Christians are supposed to be a family according the Bible. We are supposed to discern and view things as God views them with spiritual eyes. Singing contest, sminging contest... you don't only vote for a contest based upon the contestants voice (even Simon knows that and says it at other times). Why do you think they give everyone a makeover!? Because the winner needs to have the "package", the "look", that "appeal".

Kris Allen appeals to some people and Adam Lambert appeals to others, but I would hope that Christians would vote for a brother in Christ so he can go about doing his Father's business.

VOTE - VOTE - VOTE KRIS ALLEN!

(BUT, Remember, whether Kris wins or not, Romans 8:28!)

ADAM LAMBERT (photo credit: jabulela.com)(RIGHT)

WOOOHOOOO!! Got my original Twitter name back!

The Twitter tech unlocked my original user name and said it was an error and no fault of mine. Thank you Jesus.. I mean, truly, I could not figure out why it got suspended so I am glad she cleared my for takeoff :)

So, I am back using "cathyanne"
I will keep cathyanne2 for a while but may not log into it that often.

Thank you Jesus for answered prayer!!
Thank you Twitter tech!

A friend also got suspended for no reason, so if this happens to you, click on the HELP at the bottom of the page. Then submit a Request and get a Service Ticket.
It may take a while, but they will take care of it.

Twitter -- my new temporary home

Good Morning all,
I just wanted to update you.
Until my Twitter issue is resolved, I can temporarily be found at
www.twitter.com/cathyanne2

Hopefully, I will return to my original account at some point and then the tweets will be reflected on the page here.

Have a Jesusful Day!

Twitter is giving me grief at the moment

Well, I got a notice that my Twitter account was suspended -- for no reason on my part I might add.

It is very difficult to figure out how to deal with getting it unsuspended so I hope that I am able to do that (I'd had to have to start from scratch again and build my friends from memory)

Being that it is Saturday, I don't know if that means that I have to wait until Monday to get someone to respond. The "help boards" say it could also take several weeks which is not very encouraging.

I just wanted to let you guys know that I am working on it.

HUGS
Jesus bless ya

Danny Gokey fans -- Please Vote for Kris Allen (American Idol). Adam Lambert --already a star

KRIS ALLEN (photo credit unknown -- but probably American Idol)

I just wanted to post another thought before I hit the sack. I do actually hear my pillow calling me.. or is that the tv on in the other room?

Anyway, I am a believer in God's Word. One of the scriptures that allows me to rest in Christ and makes life less stressful is Romans 8:28. ("All things happen for good to them that love the Lord according to His purpose"). Soooo, since it is evident that Danny loves the Lord, we know that God has things already worked out for him. So we can celebrate in that. Danny definitely has a musical future. (Mandisa tweeted that maybe her and Danny will duet.. oh that would be really great!)

I wanted to make a plea to all those out there the love the Lord and those who are Danny Gokey fans. Adam Lambert is already a star and doesn't need the AI title under his belt. His has an awesome voice and stage presence (not my style, but still really good). There is no question that Adam will have a great career.

So, I am asking you to vote for Kris Allen for the American Idol -- Kris, like Danny, is a brother who loves the Lord and is humble and talented. To God be the glory!

Brooke White - American Idol Season 7 Alum - Coming Soon to Your iPod and CD Player

(photo credit: Angela Pierce - from Brooke's Myspace)

Life, Life, Life.. you know the drill.. well, I can apologize for not blogging this last week or so, but that gets old since the last few months have been so busy that I haven't been able to get on and blog as much as I would like. (I'm still asking forgiveness anyway -- life just gets in the way sometimes, so sorry)

So since we are getting to the end of this season's American Idol, I thought I would post about one of last year's other alumni, Brooke White.

Where is Brooke White now you ask? (well, even if you didn't, I'm going to tell you--so keep reading!)

Brooke has been working hard writing, recording, and wearing all different hats including chief cook and bottle washer (that means she does it all!) She is working on every aspect of her upcoming release including the artwork for the cover!

Brooke has just shared that her new CD will drop over the summer.

Not only is Brooke beautiful, but she has a sweet and tender heart. She is compassionate and genuine. (If you haven't noticed by now, that is the kind of person I prefer -- a REAL PERSON -- not a phoney or someone that thinks they are better than everyone else. I do a little "heart-throscopy")

Brooke is multi-talented and her voice is mellow and memorable. One of her inspirations is Carole King .. who is someone I have always enjoyed and whose songs were a big part of my youth.

I am sharing the info, but to make it easier, I am posting Brooke's blog for you to be in the know.
You can also visit Brooke on her Myspace or follow her on Twitter.

NOTE TO BROOKE: Congratulations on all the good news. You are a smart cookie! Wishing you success!
God bless!

Below is a note from Brooke herself and a press release:
Hello Friends... I've been anxiously waiting for the chance to tell you guys and gals all the developments of this record and such as I was waiting for everything to become official... So there is a little bit of bad news and a lot of good news. Well not really bad news, but maybe a bit disappointing for a sec... High Hopes and Heartbreak was originally set to release June 2nd, my b-day.... and as you know I have been working tirelessly around the clock to see that happen as my heart was dead set on that, however I can tell you right now that making a record is a huge endeavor with a checklist as long as my blogs... and I wanted to be involved on every level of making this record, including a very time consuming art project that I have been carefully crafting with my own two hands. Long story short, I didn't make the deadline in order for it to hit the shelves by June 2... why? because my heart is so wrapped up in this process and I'm a perfectionist... so if that means taking another month or so to get it right, then so be it. So please forgive me for the wait, it will be an out on
JULY 21, 2009!!!!! So hold tight, and wait a few more days... and then some:)

So below is the official press release that I just received from my publicist. As it is released through several circuits you will hear bits and pieces with maybe different interpretations, and I wanted to give it to you in it's entirety with the whole scoop. Another very exciting piece of information, due to my desire to have the freedom to make the record I envisioned, I started my own label, JUNE BABY RECORDS partnered with FONTANA distribution, and it became official last Wednesday, I was dying to tell you all but had to wait for the ink to dry! I've got such a great team of people that are behind this record and I'm so excited about it...

There is so much more to say, but honestly I have to get back to work on the final touches of that art project I was telling you about. I have been here, there and everywhere, and I think I've run myself ragged, but that is what it takes, hard work, it is all so worth it , this record is such a reward for me, I am grateful and I can't wait to share it with you. Thank you for being incredible fans to me, and for your patience... OH and there will be a new single on the way, VERY SOON... stay tuned!!!! Lots of love...On my way to San Jose!!

“AMERICAN IDOL” TOP FIVE FINALIST BROOKE WHITE TO RELEASE NEW ALBUM HIGH HOPES & HEARTBREAK JULY 21

Los Angeles, CA () – As a top five finalist on last season’s “American Idol,” Brooke White won the hearts of fans around the world with performances that were passionate, vibrant and strikingly beautiful. She returns July 21st with High Hopes & Heartbreak, a rapturously tuneful album that sees Brooke channeling a few idols of her own—Carole King, Fleetwood Mac, The Eagles and Elton John. The result is a stunning collection of songs brimming with warm, indelible melodies and hooks that stick after a single listen.

High Hopes & Heartbreak was produced by Dave Cobb (Shooter Jennings, Chris Cornell, Jamey Johnson) and executive produced by “Idol” judge/veteran producer/session player Randy Jackson. It’s worth noting that this is Jackson’s first project with a member of the “Idol” alumni. He’s also co-managing White with Carl Stubner, head of Sanctuary Artist Management.

"I wanted to work with Brooke from the moment I met her,” says Jackson. “When she sang, I instantly heard the legendary greats that inspired her: Carole King, Carly Simon, Joni Mitchell. She truly is an artist for all ages. And this album is a great collection of songs from a great new artist who was birthed on the stage of ‘American Idol.’ I’m so happy to be working with an amazingly talented artist at the beginning of her career."

The album will be released through June Baby Records, a brand-new indie label formed by White, Jackson and Stubner.

"If there was one valuable lesson that I learned from my ‘Idol’ experience, it would be to remain true to myself, even if that means going down the road less traveled and taking a few risks," says the singer-songwriter. "I’ve been hands-on with all aspects of this record, so I decided to form my own label and release it myself, too. Once the decision was made, it felt pretty liberating.”

White, who co-wrote the entire record, took the same approach with the album, crafting songs free of genre restrictions. “The goal was to create a very free-flowing, adventurous type of record,” she says. “I wanted it to have the feel of a classic, timeless album.”

A native of Phoenix, Arizona, White began singing at age 15. She turned heads during last season’s “Idol” by delivering breathtaking renditions of songs by the Beatles (“Let It Be”), Dolly Parton (“Jolene”) and Neil Diamond (“I Am I Said”). After she sang Carly Simon’s “You’re So Vain,” Simon proclaimed White to be her favorite “Idol” vocalist. Following her appearance on the show, White appeared on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” and performed on “Live with Regis and Kelly” and “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” among others.

Your Season 8 Top Three American Idol Contenders -- Danny Gokey, Kris Allen, Adam Lambert

Well, I missed last night's American Idol and had to catch up on the performances after I got home. I was able to make it home in time tonight and so I watched the results show live.

I thought that Allison Iraheta might be going home and I was right. The girl definitely has a memorable voice and she is good, but she can't sing all genres -- and shouldn't have to be a success. At this point in the game, they are all winners. Staying on the show all depends on fanbase votes. I think a lot of girls vote for the cute boys they want to win so Allison may not have gotten as many votes for that reason. I also do think it was her time, but she has no worries. She has a future in music.

I am so thrilled Danny Gokey and Kris Allen who made it to the finals -- Brothers in the Lord and hoping they are used by God in their careers and continue to give God the glory. YEAH Danny and Kris!

I've been reading a lot of "garbage" on the internet by people trying to start rumors or diss who they don't like. So ridiculous how people try to discredit the ones they don't like without proof of anything.

As far as Adam Lambert goes, he already is a professional and has been involved with professional projects on TV and in theatre, so he has no problem moving into the biz.
He definitely can sing, but he's not my cup of tea. He seems like a nice guy though and so I wish him well.

It was good to see Chris Daughtry perform again. A little bit of trivia -- he and Bucky Covington were on the same season of AI together and got their tatoos at the same time. Chris actually drew Bucky's tatoo (a music note with a spur). Chris tweets and so he tweeted after her performance which is really kinda cool to hear someone share their thoughts. Chris Daughtry was in a Christian band prior to AI and I believe he loves the Lord. There are certain songs he sings that you know he is singing to God. I also admire him for his commitment to his wife and family.

Paula Abdul and No Doubt (Gwen Stefani) also performed. It was a good show.

On behalf of himself and his family, American Idol David Cook, shares about his brother's passing and thanks his fans

First, I want to say, in case in some way David Cook ever sees my blog:

David:
There are many of us that have been and are praying for you and your family. We pray for God's peace and his comfort at such a painful time as this. People do care. Their care for you extends to your family as well -- and especially to Adam who they know you love deeply.

Thank you for speaking for yourself and maintaining the connection with your fans directly. God bless you and I pray that you draw close to Him during this time and he becomes truly real to you.
With His love and blessings,
Cathy Anne

That being said,
David Cook's Official Site posted this letter from David to his fans regarding Adam's passing:

I wanted to write everyone and say a few things, in light of recent events, to dispel any misinformation that may be circulating and to say thank you on behalf of my family and myself to everyone who has shown even the slightest bit of support to us and our efforts as a family to help eradicate this terrible affliction.

My brother, Adam, passed away at 11:52pm Eastern, May 2nd. He was 37 years old and leaves behind his wife and two children. We had played Sunfest in West Palm Beach that night, walking off stage at approximately 11:00pm Eastern, and I rushed to get on a plane to fly to Washington D.C., to be a part of the Race For Hope-D.C., a fundraiser for research and development of a cure for brain cancer. I learned of Adam’s passing upon getting to my hotel around 3:00am Eastern. I decided to run in the race, despite all of this, for two reasons. First, my brother never wanted his illness to affect others. That was evident in the fact that he wanted his illness to have no part in my experience on Idol, a point he was quite adamant about. So, with that wish in mind, I ran and was involved with the event as an homage to him. Secondly, there are many people who are still battling, and by running and sharing my brother’s story, I hope that it offers those still fighting that much more resolve to not succumb to this wretched disease.

I want to again thank everyone who donated to the race and continues to donate, sent a kind email, posted thoughts and prayers, called, etc. I take it as affirmation that my brother was the great man that I knew, and whose ideals I constantly try to uphold in myself. It is with those ideals in tow that I vow to continue to speak out in hopes of raising whatever necessary to help eliminate cancer entirely.

Also, I mentioned earlier that Adam never wanted his illness to affect anyone. So, with the exception of our Toledo, OH, show on May 6th, which we will do everything possible to reschedule, all other shows will go on as scheduled.

Lastly, thank you to everyone for allowing us, as a family, to grieve and come to terms privately. This event has shown me, beyond doubt, that I have the greatest people in my life, family, friends, and fans alike, and for that, I can never offer enough thanks.

David Cook's brother, Adam Cook, has died -- Please Pray for David and His Family

David on left, Adam on right
(photo credit unknown -- it if is yours, please let me know)
(If anyone has an earlier picture of Adam, I would appreciate that one) thank you

To all those out there that are David Cook fans (Cookies), I just got word that Adam Cook has passed away.

A friend of mine is at the Race for Hope event this moment in DC where David shared the sad news with everyone. (thanx Jeanette - read below*) Before writing this blog, I confirmed it and it is true. Adam Cook has died.

A number of us have been praying for Adam and for David during Adam's illness. David and his family need our prayers for comfort and strength now.

I have met David Cook several times and he was truly grateful for all the prayers and support where his brother was concerned. (Jason Castro's Dreadheads joined in to support Adam from the getgo and David told me that he was very thankful to them for doing so as well)

Please pray that David and his family draw close to the Lord for peace.

For those that do not know, David Cook is a recording artist and the Season 7 winner of American Idol.

EDIT: someone posted this video so I am sharing


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* NOTE TO JEANETTE: David's realizing you were there and waving to you probably was very comforting to him at this time.
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On another note, former NFL football player and Senator -- Jack Kemp died yesterday. I will not give you the news on that because it is all over the place, but I ask for prayers for his family for peace and comfort. We will miss Jack -- he was a good man!