Journey's Arnel Pineda rocked Las Vegas

The rock group Journey debuted their newest lead vocalist Arnel Pineda in Chile this February and they did not disappoint their fans. Based on the videos posted by fans who were in attendance, the performances were so powerful that Arnel Pineda was accepted with "Open Arms" by the Chilean Journey fans. Great for them, as a Filipina, I am very proud of Mr. Pineda. I totally commend Mr. Schoen for his dicovery of Arnel, although unconventional because it's through YouTube, he nevertheless hit the jackpot.

Just recently, March 8th to be exact, Journey performed in Hard Rock Cafe, Las Vegas. A throng of fans came to witness the new Journey with Arnel Pineda as their lead singer. Most of the people in attendance were Filipino Americans who showed their love and support for their fellow Filipino who now has to fill the big shoes of Steve Perry, the original Journey vocalist. Arnel stated that he is aware that comparisons will be made between him and Mr. Perry and he will be judged but he knows that there will never be another Perry and that he will sing the best he can. Smart man, smart answer, Arnel. He again rocked the place.

A DVD of that show will be coming out June 9 this year and a tour is planned for July. Ohhh, I can't wait! Rock on Journey, you are back!

Here is FAITHFULLY



Lovin' Touchin' Squeezin'

Jason Castro: A Unique Idol

Call him ecclectic, different, weird, but I think he is refreshing. Taylor Hicks was that person in 2006. With his quirky moves and ticks not to mention the gray hair. Taylor Hicks won the title as we all know due to his genuine talent and persona. Taylor was also never hesitant to bring in music that may not have been popular to mainstream. One of those artists he covered was Ray LaMontagne and the song was "Trouble."
Last night, Jason Castro performed a Leonard Cohen composition "Hallelujah" made famous by the late Jeff Buckley. Like LaMontagne, Jeff has a lot of devoted fans and even after his death he is still very much alive through his great songs and through his fans. When Jason sang this song last night, it made me excited because I am one of Jeff's fans and it even intensified my love for Jason Castro. Jason is truly unique and like Paula said, he has great phrasing when he sings any songs. He's my bet, he might not win it but he'll have a record deal.

Watch this performance from last night:

Idols are going to be allowed to sing The Beatles: FINALLY!

Nigel Lythgoe finally had the permission to have the Idols sing the music of Lennon and McCartney. The lucky ones who will be singing these songs will be the Top 12 contestants. Wow, that would be a privilege!

Take a listen to this:

Nigel talks to Ryan about the Beatles and American Idol

Sidebar: Come to think of it, Taylor Hicks was the first one who sang a Beatles' song when he performed "Something" on American Idol in '06. That was an awesome performance.