MR

I've posted here about Ugly Betty - the American version of the popular hit comedy that originated in Colombia (my wife's country) as Betty La Fea. I posted about this show because I KNEW it was going to be a hit. It is. I mentioned it here as evidence to the widening horizon of our culture. That Americans are embracing the Latino culture more now than ever despite the hysteria regarding illegal Mexicans.

I've also posted here that I've picked the American Idol winners from hearing their FIRST audition. That's right. I saw Kelly's first audition and KNEW she would be the winner. I saw Clay's and KNEW (although he came in 2nd place I'd argue that he's more popular than Ruben and perhaps was more of a co-champion). Taylor Hicks was my favorite and KNEW from his first audition that he was the winner. In regards to Carrie - I didn't pick her. In fact I didn't follow AI that year as I was very upset with how they were poking fun at the people auditioning who were clearly mentally challenged. Since then they seem to have tempered that a little however it still amazes me that they resort to cheap laughs by humiliating people who don't have the faculties to recognize that they're being laughed AT.

Last night I saw Perla (I believe that was her name) on AI. She's from Colombia and is a typical perky girl from Baranquilla. She came out and sounded HORRIBLE on her version of Blondie's Call Me. I cringed and was really disappointed despite the fact that I heard SOMETHING in her voice. The judges spoke with her and noted that they heard that Shakira (whom I thought would've been a GREAT singer to duet with JOURNEY years ago BEFORE she rose to stardom) was her favorite. She confirmed that. They asked her to sing a bit of Shakira's Hips Don't Lie and she HAMMERED it. I figured her accent and vocal style would make it very challenging for her in this competition - Simon also noted this. She will have a lot to overcome but she claims to be a survivor and if that's true...

Barring any unknown legal problems in her background that may surface and jeopardize her status I am picking her as the winner. I didn't get that BAM! when I saw her like I did with Kelly, Clay, and Taylor BUT I got something and can see her pulling it off.

So...

When she wins JOURNEY needs to be her big brother. They need to invite her into the studio to do a duet with JSS on the next JOURNEY album.

My crystal ball is true. I have spoken.

Bump for Perla!

PERLA MENESES


When I began my Dream JOURNEY Project in 2003 I selected Shakira as a special guest artist. I could see that her star was on the rise and the JOURNEY sound combined with her unique ability to combine musical  styles would've resulted in something incredible. Coincidentally, there was talk of Neal Schon working with Shakira but for reasons unknown the partnership dissolved before it began.

I believe that Perla would now be a perfect fit for the Dream JOURNEY Project. Like Shakira, Perla is also from Colombia. There may be some initial similarities between the two but I think Perla's a little less refined and has yet to truly define herself vocally and artistically. Win or lose JOURNEY could bring her in for a project like this and be her big brother. They could help launch her career and at the same time enliven their own with a new and vibrant fan base crossing over from AI and Latin rhythms.

$100 says she doesn't win. Put your money where your mouth is.

Perla was cute in her audition. I won't be surprised if they find away to put her through to the final 32. It would bump the Latin ratings. Not that they need a ratings boost. It will be intersting to see how she does in LA. Last year, they put people through that couldn't remember the words during LA week.

NealIsGod wrote:$100 says she doesn't win. Put your money where your mouth is.

LOL! I would LOVE to do that but I believe that you should only gamble what you can afford to lose. In this case I can't afford to lose ANYTHING. We're trying to scrape together money to visit Colombia this year and EVERY penny is being counted.

Renegade79 wrote:Perla was cute in her audition. I won't be surprised if they find away to put her through to the final 32. It would bump the Latin ratings. Not that they need a ratings boost. It will be intersting to see how she does in LA. Last year, they put people through that couldn't remember the words during LA week.

Not remembering the words is one thing BUT if you can maintain your poise and sing through it then that's another thing. That's a fundamental of stage performance. I recall "forgetting" entire pages of dialogue during my stage days - you just keep going and try to circle back to it. Some of the contestants trip over or forget lyrics and then bail - that makes me nuts.

SP was notorious for lyrical goofs but he still pulled out the performances.

FyreWyngz wrote:

NealIsGod wrote:$100 says she doesn't win. Put your money where your mouth is.

LOL! I would LOVE to do that but I believe that you should only gamble what you can afford to lose. In this case I can't afford to lose ANYTHING. We're trying to scrape together money to visit Colombia this year and EVERY penny is being counted.

But wait a second now,,,, since you have your crystal ball and youve always been right so far , this deal is just in your favor . This means you could get 10,000 pennies from NIG.
A bit too good to miss IMO, specially since EVERY penny counts!

Behshad wrote:

FyreWyngz wrote:

NealIsGod wrote:$100 says she doesn't win. Put your money where your mouth is.

LOL! I would LOVE to do that but I believe that you should only gamble what you can afford to lose. In this case I can't afford to lose ANYTHING. We're trying to scrape together money to visit Colombia this year and EVERY penny is being counted.

But wait a second now,,,, since you have your crystal ball and youve always been right so far , this deal is just in your favor . This means you could get 10,000 pennies from NIG.
A bit too good to miss IMO, specially since EVERY penny counts!

Smart ass! Well, it's always better to be a smart ass then a dumb ass.

I've been right up to now. There's always a first time to be wrong!

You don't know my luck. With my luck this would be the first time I'd be wrong about AI and then I'd have to cough up $100 to NIG. Further - my luck is such that that $100 would be the difference in us going to Colombia or not.

I can't gamble with my family's happiness. My wife hasn't been home to Colombia since 2001. Her parents and family have never seen any of our children. We've also lost 2 grandmothers and 1 uncle in Colombia and that was tough as they had wanted to see our children, too.

As tempting as it is I have to stick with the old proverb. I can't gamble what I can't afford to lose!

FyreWyngz wrote:

Behshad wrote:

FyreWyngz wrote:

NealIsGod wrote:$100 says she doesn't win. Put your money where your mouth is.

LOL! I would LOVE to do that but I believe that you should only gamble what you can afford to lose. In this case I can't afford to lose ANYTHING. We're trying to scrape together money to visit Colombia this year and EVERY penny is being counted.

But wait a second now,,,, since you have your crystal ball and youve always been right so far , this deal is just in your favor . This means you could get 10,000 pennies from NIG.
A bit too good to miss IMO, specially since EVERY penny counts!

Smart ass! Well, it's always better to be a smart ass then a dumb ass.

I've been right up to now. There's always a first time to be wrong!

You don't know my luck. With my luck this would be the first time I'd be wrong about AI and then I'd have to cough up $100 to NIG. Further - my luck is such that that $100 would be the difference in us going to Colombia or not.

I can't gamble with my family's happiness. My wife hasn't been home to Colombia since 2001. Her parents and family have never seen any of our children. We've also lost 2 grandmothers and 1 uncle in Colombia and that was tough as they had wanted to see our children, too.

As tempting as it is I have to stick with the old proverb. I can't gamble what I can't afford to lose!

I know what you mean,,,, but look at it this way,,,, you set yourself up for it and I just HAD to take the opportunity to

Behshad wrote:

FyreWyngz wrote:

Behshad wrote:

FyreWyngz wrote:

NealIsGod wrote:$100 says she doesn't win. Put your money where your mouth is.

LOL! I would LOVE to do that but I believe that you should only gamble what you can afford to lose. In this case I can't afford to lose ANYTHING. We're trying to scrape together money to visit Colombia this year and EVERY penny is being counted.

But wait a second now,,,, since you have your crystal ball and youve always been right so far , this deal is just in your favor . This means you could get 10,000 pennies from NIG.
A bit too good to miss IMO, specially since EVERY penny counts!

Smart ass! Well, it's always better to be a smart ass then a dumb ass.

I've been right up to now. There's always a first time to be wrong!

You don't know my luck. With my luck this would be the first time I'd be wrong about AI and then I'd have to cough up $100 to NIG. Further - my luck is such that that $100 would be the difference in us going to Colombia or not.

I can't gamble with my family's happiness. My wife hasn't been home to Colombia since 2001. Her parents and family have never seen any of our children. We've also lost 2 grandmothers and 1 uncle in Colombia and that was tough as they had wanted to see our children, too.

As tempting as it is I have to stick with the old proverb. I can't gamble what I can't afford to lose!

I know what you mean,,,, but look at it this way,,,, you set yourself up for it and I just HAD to take the opportunity to

One of my favorite QB's was Lynn Dickey of the Packers. He was once asked after coming back from some pretty serious injuries, "Why have you come back - why not just retire?" He replied, "What's one more torpedo in an already sinking ship."

Along that line of thinking I say, "What's one more in an already head?

Thats great the girl reminds me of Charo---cuchi! cuchi!--pretty girl, doubt she will make it to the end she was horrible on her blondie song.

yulog wrote:Thats great the girl reminds me of Charo---cuchi! cuchi!--pretty girl, doubt she will make it to the end she was horrible on her blondie song.

Hmmm...I think if she reminds you of Charo you're:
1. Trying to bait me into a discussion similar to what happened on JF - shame on you.
2. Unable to discern between an aging Spanish comedienne/guitarist/actress/dancer/singer and a vibrant and upcoming Colombian entertainer.

1.If i were baiting you regarding something from somewhere else , wouldnt you be baiting everyone here by bringing this here(also wouldnt that make you a MASTERBAITER.)
2. Stating that someone reminds you of someone else is a matter of opinion and has nothing to do with differentiating between two people,actually it would be the opposite. My comment is bringing about similarities between 2 people--your comment is trying to find differences.

Did you not understand my point? i was trying to express the similarities between these 2 people-- i still doubt this pretty young lady will make it to the end.

she looks kinda like carly

....

[quote="yulog"](also wouldnt that make you a MASTERBAITER.)


BEAUTIFUL!!!!

Sorry WyngDinger,
This Shakira wannabe's cute little accent
and cute little 'airhead' act is the same routine that
got old real quick last year with Pickler and
I doubt she will even make the top 12.
IF she does, she'll be out within the first 2 weeks.
There is absolutely NOTHING original there.

My 'sleeper' pick???
If that one dude cuts his hair and shaves
his "Castro-Bin Laiden-Zakk Wylde" beard,
I think he goes AT LEAST top-5
And watch out for teh big guy, what was his name...
Sundance? Suncatcher???

yulog wrote:1.If i were baiting you regarding something from somewhere else , wouldnt you be baiting everyone here by bringing this here(also wouldnt that make you a MASTERBAITER.)
2. Stating that someone reminds you of someone else is a matter of opinion and has nothing to do with differentiating between two people,actually it would be the opposite. My comment is bringing about similarities between 2 people--your comment is trying to find differences.

Did you not understand my point? i was trying to express the similarities between these 2 people-- i still doubt this pretty young lady will make it to the end.

Thank you, Yulog! Wonderfully stated on both points.

Kim

yulog wrote:1.If i were baiting you regarding something from somewhere else , wouldnt you be baiting everyone here by bringing this here(also wouldnt that make you a MASTERBAITER.)
2. Stating that someone reminds you of someone else is a matter of opinion and has nothing to do with differentiating between two people,actually it would be the opposite. My comment is bringing about similarities between 2 people--your comment is trying to find differences.

Did you not understand my point? i was trying to express the similarities between these 2 people-- i still doubt this pretty young lady will make it to the end.

1. I don't bait. I post what I believe wherever I'm a member. In this instance I've posted this topic here there and everywhere. I've even posted it on AI and Perla's own forum.

2. I prefer not to compare. Doing so is a disservice. I have 3 children. I don't compare them to each other. You're trying to say that Perla and Charo are similar. Fine. Pesonally, I don't see any similarities. My preference is NOT to find DIFFERENCES rather I look for what is UNIQUE in people - what's SPECIAL about each and every one of us.

FyreWyngz wrote:2. I prefer not to compare. Doing so is a disservice. I have 3 children. I don't compare them to each other. You're trying to say that Perla and Charo are similar. Fine. Pesonally, I don't see any similarities. My preference is NOT to find DIFFERENCES rather I look for what is UNIQUE in people - what's SPECIAL about each and every one of us.

Then you are a very rare soul, WyngDynger.
ESPECIALLY when it comes to music, whenever you
read a review or are talking to someone about a band or
solo artists, what are one of the FIRST things that get
brought up every time?
"Well, I'd say he/she/this band kinda sounds like... or is a cross between
blah and blah..."

Some times the comparisons are flattering, sometimes not.
But 'comparing' to a known entity is the quickest way to get
your point across when trying to describe most musicians,especially newer artists.
There's no racism or disservices involved.

Carlitto H@kk wrote:Sorry WyngDinger,
This Shakira wannabe's cute little accent
and cute little 'airhead' act is the same routine that
got old real quick last year with Pickler and
I doubt she will even make the top 12.
IF she does, she'll be out within the first 2 weeks.
There is absolutely NOTHING original there.

My 'sleeper' pick???
If that one dude cuts his hair and shaves
his "Castro-Bin Laiden-Zakk Wylde" beard,
I think he goes AT LEAST top-5
And watch out for teh big guy, what was his name...
Sundance? Suncatcher???

Had Pickler actually delivered then things would've been different. She delivered a couple songs but mostly choked every night.

I don't see this in Perla's case. She'll deliver and her "airhead act" will be more of a dynamic then a distraction. It's funny that you say she's a Shakira wannabe because she purposely sang a Blondie song so as NOT to present herself as such. Also, Shakira is not an air head. Shakira and Charo are both incredibly talented women who are geniuses in the vein of Prince. I know that will make eyes roll.

Perla brings a genuine playfulness - I think that's her originality and as long as she performs as such then I don't know who will beat her.

I saw the bearded wonder that you mentioned. Easily Top 5 potential.

I think she looks like a crossover between Elisabeth Berkley & Shakira

I'll have to reserve judgement until I see her again. She must not have made much of an impression the first time because I barely remember her.

FyreWyngz wrote: It's funny that you say she's a Shakira wannabe because she purposely sang a Blondie song so as NOT to present herself as such. Also, Shakira is not an air head. Shakira and Charo are both incredibly talented women who are geniuses in the vein of Prince. I know that will make eyes roll.

Perla brings a genuine playfulness - I think that's her originality and as long as she performs as such then I don't know who will beat her.

You have lost your mind
Now, I really don't know a whole lot about Charo,
but even mentioning Shakira as "a genius in the vein of Prince"
is one of the most laughable, ridiculous things I've heard you say.
Yes, I know she has been a huge success in the latin american community
since the early 90s and has just recently, within the past 5-6 years,
gained cross-over success but "a genius"???
And BTW, I never called Shakira an Airhead

So what exactly is so "Original" about this Perla?
Yea, she sang a Blondie song (quite medicore IMO) on purpose but,
as soon as the "Shakira" remark came up from one of the judges,
TOTAL change in attitude. She jumped right into that Shakira tracked
like she'd done a million times in front of her mirror at home.
THAT is where your Perla is most comfortable and THAT is why she
will not go very far. There is really nothing original there.
Her look? Blatant Shakira knock-off.
Her voice? Shakira, Estafan, maybe a hint of 80s Madonna...
But absolutely nothing original being brought to the table.

But then again, NONE of the contestants really are completely
original.
Clarkson? Hints of Christina, Whitney and other Divas the year she won.
Taylor? Cocker, McDonald, Ray Charles...
Daughtry? Stapp, Scallions, Kroeger and any other Alt-Grungey rocker out there.
Rueben, Clay, McPhee, Bo Bice, Underwood...
They ALL weren't completely original; they all 'subtly' mimiced thier idols.
The one person that I truely thought was the most original at times?
Fantascia.

FyreWyngz wrote:..........Shakira and Charo are both incredibly talented women who are geniuses in the vein of Prince. I know that will make eyes roll.....

...and stomachs churn.

FyreWyngz wrote:..........Shakira and Charo are both incredibly talented women who are geniuses in the vein of Prince. I know that will make eyes roll.....

Charo is a talented classical guitarist, but Shakira is just a latin Britney and European Christina IMO. I don't see anything genius anywhere but possibly in their PR people.

Charo is a genius --did you see her on the network smash---The surreal life ----or maybe you have seen her in KY jelly commercials.

yulog wrote:Charo is a genius --did you see her on the network smash---The surreal life ----or maybe you have seen her in KY jelly commercials.

KY jelly? Are you serious? Cuchi, cuchi OOOOH!

ohsherrie wrote:

FyreWyngz wrote:..........Shakira and Charo are both incredibly talented women who are geniuses in the vein of Prince. I know that will make eyes roll.....

Charo is a talented classical guitarist, but Shakira is just a latin Britney and European Christina IMO. I don't see anything genius anywhere but possibly in their PR people.

Come on now Sherri
Shakira is FAR away from a Britney or a Christina
She is a kick ass singer and dancer,,,,
And as a bonus she is very hot....
Cant belive you would even compare her to trash like Britney!!!

FyreWyngz wrote:

yulog wrote:1.If i were baiting you regarding something from somewhere else , wouldnt you be baiting everyone here by bringing this here(also wouldnt that make you a MASTERBAITER.)
2. Stating that someone reminds you of someone else is a matter of opinion and has nothing to do with differentiating between two people,actually it would be the opposite. My comment is bringing about similarities between 2 people--your comment is trying to find differences.

Did you not understand my point? i was trying to express the similarities between these 2 people-- i still doubt this pretty young lady will make it to the end.

1. I don't bait. I post what I believe wherever I'm a member. In this instance I've posted this topic here there and everywhere. I've even posted it on AI and Perla's own forum.

2. I prefer not to compare. Doing so is a disservice. I have 3 children. I don't compare them to each other. You're trying to say that Perla and Charo are similar. Fine. Pesonally, I don't see any similarities. My preference is NOT to find DIFFERENCES rather I look for what is UNIQUE in people - what's SPECIAL about each and every one of us.

1. Everyone baits, no one is immune to this including myself, of course not all of us are MASTERS at it.

2. Man, this one is just too easy, you say you dont like to find differences but in the same sentence you say you look for what is unique in people.(which is to stand from the rest,or to be different from all others) Using the words "unique in people" means to find something in one that no one else has, by definition that would be looking for a difference.

Here's a question for you. You say you have 3 children please descibe them to me How tall,How old , what color hair, what color eyes ,boy/ girl etc? Unless you have identical triplets and you named them all george you cannot do this without comparing them and telling me the differences between them.

I dont think your being honest with yourself or us for that matter --everyone compares and finds differences in all facets of life, its how humans make sense of this huge fascinating world that we live in.

Behshad wrote:

ohsherrie wrote:

FyreWyngz wrote:..........Shakira and Charo are both incredibly talented women who are geniuses in the vein of Prince. I know that will make eyes roll.....

Charo is a talented classical guitarist, but Shakira is just a latin Britney and European Christina IMO. I don't see anything genius anywhere but possibly in their PR people.

Come on now Sherri
Shakira is FAR away from a Britney or a Christina
She is a kick ass singer and dancer,,,,
And as a bonus she is very hot....
Cant belive you would even compare her to trash like Britney!!!

I've only seen her twice on TV. She dances well, but then so does Britney, she sings well, but then so does Christina when she tries. I guess if she has an advantage over them it's that she has the best of both. Her Hotness factor doesn't do much for me personally.