Posting daily at 1pm central about all kinds of things. One day it's dating, the next it's TV commercials. I hope you're entertained. Professional photos on SmugMug – https://benwilder.smugmug.com
I enjoy a variety of things, one being photography. Mostly wildlife because people scare me. I rather take a picture of an alligator 10 feet away than try wrangling toddlers for a family photo, that’s for sure! Something about catching a moment in time candidly appeals me very much. Here are a few of my most recent photos, starting with some wildlife, go figure!
If you’d like to see more, I’d be delighted for you to check out my galleries. Start here and be nosy. I don’t mind! Or if you’d like to make a small donation to help me continue posting blogs daily, click the link below.
When this commercial came on the other day, I instantly needed to find the name of the song. I’m guessing that’s why you’re here, too. First check the ad out again, if you need to, then scroll down for more…
The Song. The creative commercial uses the song “take your vibes and go” by Kito as the soundtrack. Kito is an Australian… living in California… using Chinese lyrics. Pretty cool melting pot of cultures, wouldn’t you say? Follow her on Instagram for more cool stuff: @kito. Here’s the full song, released in 2025.
I’m starting to realize that I only agree with the judges half of the time. And if Lionel says, “I love it!” during a performance one more time, I’m going to flip out. Unless he just loves everything, which is weird, he and the rest of the judges need to channel their inner Simon Cowell and tell someone that their song was abysmal. That’s me, judging the judges. But in spite of the trio (Lionel, Luke, and Carrie) making some bizarre choices in who they gave golden tickets too, they have done a pretty good job narrowing down the group to 24 contestants. I don’t agree with all of them, or who they sent home very early on–yes, I’m still bitter about Sophie Powers getting cut after her iconic audition! She was unlike anyone who made it to the Top 24, as listed below. When I become a rich and famous singer, I’m going to plop myself down in a judge’s chair for a season to show everyone what’s what. But until then, here are the contestants comprising this season’s Top 24. Note, names in bold are the singers I predict as the top 5. Names in italics are contestants who will be (or should be) eliminated first.
Canaan James Hill Gabby Samone Zaylie Windsor Mattie Pruitt Thunderstorm Artis Drew Ryn Ché Penny Samar Grayson Torrence MKY Josh King Amanda Barise Victor Solomon Kyana Fenene Slater Nalley Baylee Littrell John Foster Filo Kolbi Jordan Isaiah Misailegalu Olivier Bergeron Desmond Roberts Jamal Roberts Breanna Nix
My top pick, and who I’ll be voting for, is Slater Nalley. My next two favorites are Jamal Roberts and Thunderstorm Artis. In other words, I think a guy is going to be the next American Idol. Who’s your favorite and if you say Baylee Littrell, I’m going to assume Brian is looking over shoulder right now, isn’t he?
Beware, this is not a recap of the first half of the showstopper round. Instead of giving you a play by play, it’s more fun for me to just tell you who’s definitely going to win. In other words, it’s my opinion so then we can discuss in the comments why I’m probably totally wrong. My top 3 guys are Slater Nalley, Jamal Roberts, and Thunderstorm Artis. My top 3 women are Gabby Samone, Clara Rae, and Breanna Nix.
I’m a little premature because we’re only halfway through this current round of cuts (60+ down to 24) and we haven’t even seen a few of my favorites– Krews Wright, Clara Rae, Josh King, Abi Bowen. Actually, the show is not great about sharing who’s still in it at this point so I’m not sure Clara and Abi are even there anymore. We’ll know the top 24 after tonight’s second half episode but after the first part, here are my favorites.
Slater Nalley and I’ve figured out why I like him so much. He reminds me of Jennifer Jeffries from last season. Here’s his showstopper performance of a song called “Ophelia.”
My next two favorites from last night’s episode is Thunderstorm Artis and Jamal Roberts.
I hope there’s a spotlight on Josh King, Abi Bowen, Clara Rae, and Krews Wright in tonight’s Top 24 wrap-up episode. Who are your favorites? Do you have a prediction for who will be crowned the winner?
To be honest, I prefer VRBO because I’m not really keen on the idea of being in a stranger’s home when they’re home, too. It encroaches on my peace and ups the anxiety. But to be honest again, I prefer state parks over VRBO. If you want to be in nature, as the ad below suggests, camp. But when that’s not feasible, Airbnb has your back. Check out the ad below then scroll down for the name of the song and more…
The Music. About halfway through the commercial a jazz funk song becomes the soundtrack of the outdoors. The song is called “Watermelon Man” by Herbie Hancock in 1973.
Actually the first version was released in 1962. Much more jazzy but also not as fitting for the Airbnb ad.
How do the people at the creative agencies creating these ads find these obscure (ish) songs? Kudos to them for their research!
Out of the Wilderness 