Well considering the truly awful round-up from last years shows this year couldn't possibly be any worse and low and behold it wasn't even close. I flipped back and forth between all the shows and Canada's show from Niagra Falls was pretty awful each time I was there. The big moment for the show seemed to be Great Big Sea according the rave-up by the hosts. They stunk up the joint quickly with some tepid Celtic infused folk rock. The band is one of those bands I just don't get nor do I want to honestly.
Then they had the Barenaked Ladies albeit missing Stephen Paige who is so much the band and without him as a member they haven't got a hope. The Niagra show was another dud and we will move on to the other Canadian network show. City TV had much more talent on their show but it was formatted for a younger crowd. The announcers were as expected fake over the top and stupid as they made predictable comments and tried to sound much younger than they actually are. Once the music started the show improved to be honest. Even though I'm not a fan of Shawn Desmond or Danny Fernandes they did their level best. The true moment that the show had was when the Stereo's were on screen performing. They did a great job in the cold working the crowd into a frenzy. The Chilliwacker's These Kids Wear Crowns also did a good job to sell their pop rock brand to country we live in and love.
The American networks have more talent always most of the performances are pre-recorded months in advance. Ryan Seacrest's show is the winner. They just had more and really some of their talent was surprisingly good. For me the show was stolen by the one song performance by La Roux. She was brilliant even with the many recorded elements. I enjoyed her freakish appearance and stage presence over everyone else. Ke$ha was as usual excellent and really taking a big chunk of Lady GaGa's throne claim as the next Madonna. She can sing live and her background vocalists are excellent. Mike Posner was pretty lame just singing his light R&B/pop music. Natasha Bedingfield was a highlight for sure and she's always solid performing. "Whip My Hair" by Willow Smith was fun and she's living her 15 minutes of fame so I'm ok with her and that annoying but catchy song. Ne-Yo, Derulo & Far East Movement were all decent as well.
Carson Daley had My Chemical Romance which was the highlight of all the shows for me (Na Na Na...). I love that band and the only thing that would have been better was if Weezer, Green Day and The Cult would have played greatest hits medley's. I also enjoyed the largest ass in Hip-Hop Nicki Minaj's performance but not so much that enormous Rump-a-sarous. All in all this years countdown show's stood up well. The music was better for the most part and that makes a huge difference and can balance out the awful hosts. Rick, Ryan & Carson were very good and I think Carson was the best of them all this year. The last mention goes to fellow Canadian Jimmy Fallon who's slow jam was funny and worth watching on Youtube if you missed it. Again the best of the night My Chemical Romance, La Roux, Ke$ha & The Stereo's who were all excellent in venues not conducive to good performances.
I wish that we could get the Rosa Parks Circle show from Grand Rapids Michigan. Their line-up is great with Good Charlotte, Runner Runner, Kaci Battaglia and We The Kings performing which will kick ass.
