Video: Paul McDonald sings “The Tracks of My Tears”
for Motown night.
[buy it on iTunes — aff. link]

Motown never dies. At least, not on “American Idol.”

The Top 11 pick their favorite hits from the label, including Huntsville’s Paul McDonald, complete with guitar.

• Song: “The Tracks of My Tears,” by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles

[buy Smokey Robinson and the Miracles’ “The Tracks of My Tears”
on iTunes, Amazon; buy Paul’s version — aff. links]

• Judges say: Randy: “You have a distinctive voice. You took it to a Rod Stewart level. When you sing tender, you’ve definitely got that husky, quirky voice quality. Bring more of that out.” Steven: “Like (Bob) Dylan, Willie Nelson, your voice is that different. I love it.” J. Lo: “You’re the most seasoned performer we have. You’re the complete package.”

• We say: The uptempo version charmed the audience and the judges, but where’s the sorrow, the longing, the true emotion of a classic? And yet, he’s growing on us.

Behold the power of the trucker hat.

Rehearsing for Motown night.

Audio: “The Tracks of My Tears,” Paul McDonald

“American Idol” airs at 7 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays on Fox 6.

Voting closes at 11 tonight.

Update March 24: Casey Abrams was almost sent home, but the judges unanimously decided to use their one “save” to keep him on the show.

Previous: Top 12 — Songs from Your Birth Year
Next: Top 10 Top 11 again

Video: “The Tracks of My Tears,” by the Miracles

Also:

• Buy Paul McDonald’s “The Tracks of My Tears” on iTunes [aff. link]

• • •

More “American Idol” at idol.wadeonbirmingham.com.

Episode 6 recap

survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com

Against the grains: Matt Elrod and Krista Klumpp share
a meal on Redemption Island.

Does Krista Klumpp have what it takes to defeat the three-time champion of Redemption Island?

For the Fairhope native, that’s the only question that matters in tonight’s “Survivor.”

Matt Elrod has sent other competitors packing, including one of the toughest players of three seasons, Russell Hantz.

And before they duel, will Krista and Matt connect on other level?

Find out after the jump …

[buy this episode — aff. link]

(more…)

‘Survivor: Redemption Island,’ episode 6 preview

survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com

Video: Preview of tonight’s episode.

For Fairhope native Krista Klumpp, her journey on “Survivor: Redemption Island” has come to an end.

Or has it?

Tonight, she faces the formidable Matt Elrod, the three-time champion at Redemption Island. She stays only if she defeats him, and every other castoff after him.

Last week, Zapatera booted her over her ally Stephanie Valencia. The question is: Does Krista have what it takes to beat all challengers from here on out?

Check out the action tonight, and look for the recap here.

Episode 5 recaps:

• Wade on Birmingham
• Jeff Probst: “Krista is a farm girl and is a legitimate threat to beat Matt in a challenge.”

“Survivor: Redemption Island” airs at 7 p.m. Wednesdays on CBS 42. Look for the full recap tonight following the show.

• • •

Back up for grabs … more “Survivor: Redemption Island” at survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com.

The clatter of feet
and cars and bands and Shriners
and floats approaches.

• • •

Read more haiku.

Subscribe via RSS to Wade’s Daily Haiku. Or have it delivered daily by e-mail.

Samford’s Ruth Ketcham drives against Florida State
in the first round of the 2011 NCAA Tournament.

The post-season hopes grow ever dimmer with each passing game for Alabama teams.

In the National Invitation Tournament, No. 1 Alabama managed to defeat No. 4 New Mexico 74-67 on Monday. So far, Alabama is 18-0 at Coleman Coliseum.

The Tide earns one more home game, this time against No. 2 Miami, 8 p.m. Wednesday, airing on ESPN2. Tickets — $8, $4 for students and age 18 and younger — are available online, by calling (877) TIDE-TIX (877-843-3849) and at the door. [NIT bracket]

Should Alabama win, the team will head to the semifinals at Madison Square Garden in New York against Colorado or Kent State.

Samford‘s first trip to the NCAA Women’s Tournament ended abruptly Sunday. The No. 14 Lady Bulldogs lost to No. 3 Florida State 76-46 in the opening round at Auburn. Samford ends the season at 25-8.

Also:

• More basketball coverage

Alabama’s Chris Hines takes the leap against New Mexico.

Photo (bottom): Kent Gidley, Alabama Athletics

Truth isn’t all it’s
supposed to be. But neither
is soothing fiction.

• • •

Read more haiku.

Subscribe via RSS to Wade’s Daily Haiku. Or have it delivered daily by e-mail.

The aching dust coats
the metallic skin, leaving
misery around.

• • •

Read more haiku.

Subscribe via RSS to Wade’s Daily Haiku. Or have it delivered daily by e-mail.

Cover bands toil
for reflected glory from
authentic knock-offs.

• • •

Read more haiku.

Subscribe via RSS to Wade’s Daily Haiku. Or have it delivered daily by e-mail.

The clocks have jumped the
gun, waiting for Ms. Mother
Nature to catch up.

• • •

Read more haiku.

Subscribe via RSS to Wade’s Daily Haiku. Or have it delivered daily by e-mail.

Her words came screaming
out. Beneath the tears and fears,
she announced her burst.

• • •

Read more haiku.

Subscribe via RSS to Wade’s Daily Haiku. Or have it delivered daily by e-mail.

Samford Lady Bulldogs prepare for NCAA Women’s Tournament

Alabama’s Senario Hillman, left, and Trevor Releford play defense
against Coastal Carolina. The Tide won 68-44 in the NIT opening round.

It’s been somewhat of a downer post-season so far for Alabama men’s basketball teams.

The bright spot is No. 1 Alabama‘s win Tuesday over No. 8 Coastal Carolina 68-44 in Tuscaloosa in the opening round of the National Invitation Tournament. The Tide faces No. 4 New Mexico at 8 p.m. Monday, also in Tuscaloosa. The game will air on ESPN. Tickets — $8, $4 for students and age 18 and younger — are available online and at the door. [NIT bracket]

UAB fell to fellow No. 12 seed Clemson 70-52 Tuesday in the new NCAA First Four round in Dayton, Ohio. The Blazers end the season 22-9.

And Alabama State lost to Texas-San Antonio 70-61 Wednesday in a battle of the No. 16 seeds, also in Dayton. The Hornets finish 17-18.

Meanwhile, the Samford Lady Bulldogs won the Southern Conference Tournament Championship earlier this month, earning their first trip to the NCAA Women’s Tournament. No. 14 Samford faces No. 3 Florida State at 4 p.m. Sunday in Auburn, to air on ESPN2, WVSU (91.1 FM) and streaming online. [NCAA bracket]

Also:

• Men’s teams announced for tournaments

Photo: Kent Gidley, Alabama Athletics

Rolling hills calm the
soul, gliding along on a
bicycle for one.

• • •

Read more haiku.

Subscribe via RSS to Wade’s Daily Haiku. Or have it delivered daily by e-mail.

Episode 5 recap

survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com

Video: Fan tribute to Krista Klumpp

Two against the world. That’s how Fairhope native Krista Klumpp and ally Stephanie Valencia feel at Zapatera.

But if the tribe keeps winning, they have nothing to fear, especially with their new backup plan.

Alliances are always in motion on “Survivor: Redemption Island.”

Meanwhile, has the Zapatera tribe become too cocky? Has Ometepe relied too much on “Boston Rob” Mariano?

And can Matt Elrod continue his win streak at Redemption Island?

Find out after the jump …

[buy this episode — aff. link]

The buddy system: Stephanie Valencia, left,
and Krista Klumpp work out a plan.

(more…)

Video: Paul McDonald sings “I Guess That’s Why They
Call It the Blues,” a song from his birth year, 1984.
[buy it on iTunes — aff. link]

The Top 12 are on deck on “American Idol,” with a retro theme this week, “Songs From Your Birth Year.” Will a cold slow down Huntsville’s Paul McDonald?

• Song: “I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues,” by Elton John

[buy Elton John’s “I Guess That’s Why They
Call It the Blues” on iTunes, Amazon; buy Paul’s version — aff. links]

• Judges say: J. Lo: “I feel you. I know you felt like you were struggling, You have so much soul and star quality that it overcame that. You made it happen.” Randy: “I’m not gonna give you a pass because you have a cold. The first half was pitchy. The thing I like: You’re the ingenue, you find a way to make it your own. You put the Paul spin on it. But get the notes right.” Steven: “You define a cool dude and loose mood. Your swagger is way cool. It’s a very distinctive voice — that’s what you’re turning into.”

• We say: We’re still not feeling it, but maybe he’ll grow on us over time. Overall, a weak performance. And is he too Paul for America?

Audio: “I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues,” Paul McDonald

“American Idol” airs at 7 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays on Fox 6.

Voting closes at 11 tonight.

Previous: Top 13 — Songs By Your Musical Idol
Next: Top 11

Video: “I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues,” by Elton John
[buy this song on iTunes, Amazon— aff. links]

Too mean?

Update March 17: Karen Rodriguez of New York was eliminated.

Also:

• Contestant Stefano Langone has a DUI on his record
• Burning questions about this season of “American Idol”
• Buy Paul McDonald’s “I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues” on iTunes [aff. link]

• • •

More “American Idol” at idol.wadeonbirmingham.com.

‘Survivor: Redemption Island,’ episode 5 preview

survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com

Video: Preview of tonight’s episode.

One villain down, one to go.

Russell Hantz went down fighting in his duel, but still ended up in second-to-last place overall. Next!

Meanwhile, his allies Stephanie Valencia and Fairhope native Krista Klumpp are on still their own in a hostile Zapatera tribe. Will either make it very far into “Survivor: Redemption Island”?

Over at Ometepe, “Boston Rob” Mariano may have his hands full with screwball Phillip Sheppard. Can the tribal king handle the court jester?

Check out the action tonight, and look for the recap here.

Video: Back on Day 7, Russell Hantz and his allies
Stephanie Valencia and Krista Klumpp raided the rice
while the rest of Zapatera was away in this unaired scene.

Episode 4 recaps:

• Wade on Birmingham
• Jeff Probst: “Russell will go down in history as one of the most notorious contestants of all time. Maybe THE most notorious.”

“Survivor: Redemption Island” airs at 7 p.m. Wednesdays on CBS 42. Look for the full recap tonight following the show.

• • •

Back up for grabs … more “Survivor: Redemption Island” at survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com.