Once upon a time, there was Idol Musings. Since February 2008, I have written faithfully on American Idol (and occasionally the other reality singing shows) with insight, snark humor and self-righteous candor. And Adam Lambert. I’ve written a lot about Adam Lambert. And within the blog’s 618 posts, I also wrote occasionally about music in... Continue Reading →
I find myself thinking the same thing every year: that this year is the best year ever for music. This year is no exception, with fabulous albums by big hitters like Madonna, BTS, Evanescence, and Robyn. I cannot get enough of the albums by The Hardkiss and Adam Lambert. And then there is Dagny’s earwormy... Continue Reading →
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Excellent) I owe Madonna an apology. In my most recent post, I said that Dagny may have already dropped the throwback dance album of the year and issued a challenge: “Madge, the disco ball is your court.” With all apologies to Dagny, who made a very fine album, I feel Madge's disdain, and I... Continue Reading →
Obsession • an idea or thought that continually preoccupies or intrudes on a person’s mind: he was in the grip of an obsession he was powerless to resist. My body shakes. I get goosebumps from my jaw down through my legs. I don’t want to breathe lest my senses be directed somewhere other than my ears.... Continue Reading →
Eurovision 2026 is in the books, and this year’s Contest was surprising - shocking? - in several meaningful ways. But with the benefit of hindsight, was it surprising? Here are five things that happened. What had happened was the jury votes were significantly more diverse this year, and I think that is due to big... Continue Reading →
The jury votes that determine half of each country’s points have been cast. Here is how I think this year’s Grand Final is going to play out. When they reveal those jury votes, I expect that Australia and Finland will be well out in front of the 25 Finalists, and that Australia needs to be... Continue Reading →
“Cause now you’re in my head, my heart, my body parts.” Sure, these lyrics from Sweden’s Felicia in My System - an absolute banger of an electro-pop song - may not remind anybody of Bob Dylan or Leonard Cohen. But in the Eurovision Song Contest, only two things matter: what will (supposedly) objective juries of... Continue Reading →
Despite being just past one-third of the way through 2026, we’ve already been graced with a full year’s worth of great music. Here’s what’s been keeping my ears busy lately. How do I describe Robyn’s and Jessie Ware’s new albums in a PG-13 way? The kids today would say they’re “thirsty.” If you’re not a... Continue Reading →
Ray's Musings 