AMERICAN IDOL: Official Ledge Thread

[TrueFaith77]

I know I'm starting early, but in one week (Jan 13), I will lose rational thought. In one week, my every waking hour will be completely engrossed in the minutiae of American Idol-dom. So I thought I'd set up this thread in case any other Fleetwood Mac fans catch the show and feel like sharing their thoughts as the season progresses. Although I've been known to end friendships over American Idol, I will try to remain on my best behavior.

Opening topic: I actually think it would be cool (and smart) if Fleetwood Mac would use the show to promote their tour, Rumours rerelease by guest mentoring a Fleetwood Mac theme night.

[Musicman408]

Yeah, I've been waiting for a FM/Stevie night for years, but it has never come.... Don't know if it ever will.

But I am excited to see the auditions that took place in Louisville. :nod:

[skcin]

Opening topic: I actually think it would be cool (and smart) if Fleetwood Mac would use the show to promote their tour, Rumours rerelease by guest mentoring a Fleetwood Mac theme night.

It would be cool & smart. :distress: It will also never happen.

[Zombie]

Well, we did have that Nikki girl butcher "Edge" once, I remember.

[TrueFaith77]

And Michael Johns ruining "Go Your Own Way" :eek:

[skcin]

2 songs in 7 seasons is not much. I would love to see a full Mac themed show with band members as judges, but I'm a sucker for this cheesy show. :o I figure if 9 or 10 contestants sing a tune, we might get 2 or 3 decent covers.

[TrueFaith77]

2 songs in 7 seasons is not much. I would love to see a full Mac themed show with band members as judges, but I'm a sucker for this cheesy show. :o I figure if 9 or 10 contestants sing a tune, we might get 2 or 3 decent covers.

Definately would make it more fun to talk about. OMG, I think Lindsey and Stevie would be the best mentors EVER!!!

[jannieC]

Cool Stevie mention tonight. It really would be great if she did one of their mentor type shows. She would love the role of mother-mentor, wouldn't she? The problem, of course, would be with the contestants trying to sing her music.

On another note (haha, get it?), I'm not sure how I feel about this new judge. In spite of her statement that Stevie is one of her heroes, I'm not sure I'm into her presence on the show. Maybe she'll grow on me. Did I mention how much I love this show? I'm not so crazy about the early auditions, but I LOVE the competition part .

[Lee]

She's has my vote so far.:blob2:

Lee :)

[RockALittle250]

I loved it when that bikini girl told Kara "Well you didn't do much better" when she was correcting her on how to properly sing that song, and Kara and Paula both freaked out and Kara called the girl a bitch...effing hilarity!!

[fleetwoodtrick]

I loved it when that bikini girl told Kara "Well you didn't do much better" when she was correcting her on how to properly sing that song, and Kara and Paula both freaked out and Kara called the girl a bitch...effing hilarity!!
I KNOW!!!! And then that slutbag was like "Where's Ryan!? I wanna go make out with him!" I was like WTF!? WHO DOES THAT!!!???

I was surprised that the didn't bleep out the bitch comment, though. Normally they're pretty good about that stuff. I would have flipped bikini girl a few birds if I were in that situation, though!

[iamnotafraid]

Bikini girl........:thumbsup:

[HejiraNYC]

On another note (haha, get it?), I'm not sure how I feel about this new judge. In spite of her statement that Stevie is one of her heroes, I'm not sure I'm into her presence on the show. Maybe she'll grow on me. Did I mention how much I love this show? I'm not so crazy about the early auditions, but I LOVE the competition part .

I like her personality- she is quick on her feet and she seems to have a genuine enthusiasm for the process. However, I am disappointed that she brings nothing new musically. As a songwriter, I was hoping she would take these kids to task for butchering songs and failing to interpret songs effectively. And I was hoping that she would provide a counterpoint to the other three, who seem to think that simply staying in tune is good enough to be an Idol. So far she just seems to be more-or-less Simon's parrot.

[TrueFaith77]

My favorite last night was (of course):

Stevie Wright!!! She's named after Stevie Nicks and she sang, very prettily, an Etta James classic. I like her look too. I'm sure I'll be voting 4 her.

Others that I (especially) liked:

Deanna Brown - Sang "Sitting On The Dock of the Bay"; I dig the twang and her crazy blue eyes.

Alex Wagner-Trugman - I actually thought he sang “Baby Come To Me” REALLY well. Simon was unfair. That God Save The Queen joke was priceless.

Cody Sheldon - Everyone calls him Danny 2.0. He's no Danny. But I actually really liked his singing of that lame song, "What a Wonderful World"(?). And though he's an amateur horror movie director who makes stupid Blair Witch ripoffs, at least he finished something. That's always commendable.

Bikini Girl/Katrina Darrell - She kicked butt in the throw down and then she humiliated Ryan Seacrest. She's the bomb! And she reminds me of Megan from Rock of Love!

Did not make it but SHOULD have:

Lea Marie Goldie - Another that should have made it through; this precocious, nasal-voiced songwriter did a dance song, but actually SANG it. She's genuinely musical.

Aundre Caraway - The "Cactus" song guy. He should have made it through. I thought he was genuinely musical and unique.

Did not like:

Emily Wynne-Hughes - Her Barraccuda was so pitchy.

Scott MacIntyre - Just because he's blind doesn't mean his friends and family couldn't do his hair and give him a shave and let him go tanning with Katrina Darrell. Also, his singing was totally unspectacular. This isn't Restaurant Pianist Idol. I'm not impressed by a blind singer.

Michael Sarver - The oil rig guy. Idol always has these big guys who aren't very good singers but end up on the show far too long (Josh Gracin, Matthew Rogers). I don't get it.

[skcin]

^ Really? You liked bikini girl's karaoke impersonation of Mariah but not the Barracuda chick? :shocked: Huh.

[Musicman408]

I hated bikini chic. Yeah, she was hot, but she's the kind of person who uses only their looks to get anywhere in life. She could not sing well enough to be on that show.

I kind of liked the new judge, Kara. Now hopefully Paula won't get ganged up on as much, although it made for good TV.

[TrueFaith77]

^ Really? You liked bikini girl's karaoke impersonation of Mariah but not the Barracuda chick? :shocked: Huh.

I don't think I mentioned her singing in my recap. :) I just liked that she treated the show in the manner it deserves. And she reminds me of Megan from Rock of Love, who I adore. That's all.

But the Barracuda chick was awful in every respect.

[skcin]

I thought she was really disrespectful to Kara. :shrug: Agree to disagree fine, but to call a judge a bitch is uncalled for IMO. I'd feel the same way if someone called Randy a fat pig, or Simon a piece of ****. These people are there to be honest & HELP you. Kara wasn't rude, just honest & telling Bikini what she felt was missing from her performance. Bikini got defensive.

And I thought Barracuda chick was a bit off at first, but pulled it together after the 2nd line & was fantastic.

Megan from RoL is a trashy classless bimbo - not that any of those broads have much class (that show is a guilty pleasure of ours.) But she's particularly icky. Kicking people in the stomach, showing up for a reunion/interview show bombed off her ass - she makes herself look like an assh*le.


Hey - I just realized - do you have a thing for chicks who go on reality shows in their bikini? :p

[TrueFaith77]

I thought she was really disrespectful to Kara. :shrug: Agree to disagree fine, but to call a judge a bitch is uncalled for IMO. I'd feel the same way if someone called Randy a fat pig, or Simon a piece of ****. These people are there to be honest & HELP you. Kara wasn't rude, just honest & telling Bikini what she felt was missing from her performance. Bikini got defensive.

And I thought Barracuda chick was a bit off at first, but pulled it together after the 2nd line & was fantastic.

Megan from RoL is a trashy classless bimbo - not that any of those broads have much class (that show is a guilty pleasure of ours.) But she's particularly icky. Kicking people in the stomach, showing up for a reunion/interview show bombed off her ass - she makes herself look like an assh*le.


Hey - I just realized - do you have a thing for chicks who go on reality shows in their bikini? :p

I ain't ag'in it!

As for Megan from RoL, I love the people on this board too much to get into that argument. But I do love her and I do take her side in all of the conflicts you described above.

As for Kara & the judges, I just don't view them with any respect, so I'm fine with people disrespecting them. Now, Bikini Girl isn't privvy to what Kara said about her Number 1 Fan, but that proved to me that Kara is a horrible person. To me, for how I personally watch this show, I feel that Bikini Girl was making a mockery of the show and thus standing up for all those exploited by it. And for that: I salute her.

Meanwhile, Barracuda chick, for me, for what I like in people, seemed both, in terms of her singing, unappealing (for me) and, in terms of her personality, (for me) repulsive. But that's just me.

[HejiraNYC]

I wouldn't get my knickers in a twist over "Bikini." She was clearly allowed to enter the competition because she will stir the pot and create the drama that the show needs desperately. It was obvious that she had this tiny little voice that could not stay in the same key for longer than three seconds. That being said, I thought all of the kids auditioning last night were dreadful. No soul. No personality. No depth. Just a lot of deluded dreamers, posers, wannabes and hacks. If I go to hell in the afterlife, surely they will be playing a continuous soundtrack of former AI contestants in shuffle mode.

[GoldDustOrphan]

I love that a real hit-making powerhouse - and actual singer - such as Kara Dioguardi has joined the judging panel. I'm actually interested to hear her comments moreso than Simon's.

Have we once heard Paula Abdul sing live, even though that is what she is judging? I think Kara will be able to better communicate her remarks by singing.

She is a songwriter, musician, and producer who continues to turn our hit after hit. Just over the past three or four years, her credits include songwriting and production work on recent albums by Pink, Leona Lewis, Carrie Underwood, Britney Spears, Faith Hill, Celine Dion, Kelly Clarkson, Christina Aquilera, Gwen Stefani and Anastacia.

Randy Jackson's background is mainly as a session musician and musical director for live tours. He's not a songwriter. His only album release bombed - hard.


Kara Dioguardi also has a several connections to Stevie:

Kara Dioguardi was one half of Platinum Weird with Eurthymic Dave Stewart.

Stevie appeared in the faux documentary recalling the band's mysterious past.


In a 2005 interview, DioGuardi explained that she and Stewart were asked to write songs for The Pussycat Dolls in 2004. Instead, the pair ended up with material that DioGuardi described as resembling Fleetwood Mac. Although the collaboration did not produce the intended Pussycat Dolls songs, Interscope chairman Jimmy Iovine encouraged the continuation of the project, and longtime DioGuardi partner John Shanks was brought in for album production duties.

[tuigirl]

American Idol actually starts tonight for us, so wer'e a little behind....I wouldn't fret over a new judge, (it's just Simons way of adding drama to everything!:D)
We got a new fourth judge on X factor this year( wev'e had 4 for a while now) and she is BRILLIANT..(absolutely love her)
If your'e up for a couple of laughs and got 5 mins to watch, then check her out

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=6MtFNhiUiPw&feature=related

[Livia]

The whole recap is amusing, here's just the Stevie bit:

Next up is Stevie Wright, a plain-Jane 16-year-old named after Stevie Nicks. And suddenly I realize just what this show has been missing all these years--more Stevie Nicks. I can't even remember anyone covering "Landslide" on this show, let alone her countless other, better singles. And how about the rest of Fleetwood Mac? Stevie W. makes it through, and I'm left sensing a Fleetwood Mac Songbook this season.

http://blogs.villagevoice.com/music/archives/2009/01/american_idol_p.php

[tuigirl]

gosh, you know, I've never actually watched a whole episode of Idol auditions before (and I suspect, I may not again in this season either) but we did catch the last couple of Live shows last year.....it sure is different fron our own Xfactor!
I'm guessing it's been fun in the past, but purely on my observation on show 1, it seems very "clinical". I don't know if it's the Brits ability to laugh at themselves at being totally sillyor what, or whether everyone in the States is terribly serious, but it was a strange one to watch.Am I wrong in thinking the panel are all a bit kinda "frosty"? Even Simon wasn't who we normally see...Mind you, wev'e just seen the best Xfactor ever ( thanks mainly due to Cheryl coming across as the most lovliest down to earth person) I'm guessing Simon was hoping for more of the same.Maybe as time goes on, it'll warm through and the panel will have a real laugh together.Liked that blonde girl Deanna and Cody was cool, despite his dark side...think we might wait for the live shows and hope in the meantime, Simon picks himself up a bit.

[TrueFaith77]

I couldn't choose a standout from last night, so here are the:

Performers that I (especially) liked:

Jamar Rogers - I thought his "California Dreamin'" was the best audition of the night; a funky take on one of the greatest songs of all time.

Casey Carlson - She sang 1000 Miles better than the original (not hard) and she's cute and fun.

Von Smith - He sang "Over the Top" and it was insane and phlegmy. He'll bring some fun and unpredictability to the show. AND his mom was the sweetest thing ever.

India Morrison - She's got more pep than talent, but she seems really industrious and her rapport with big sister Asia was priceless.

Dennis Brigham - Simon's "dream queen" was very very very very very entertaining.

Did not make it but SHOULD have:

Andrew Lang - This season's first-round rejects are already forming quite a notable group of entertaining, quirky, MUSICAL individuals. Andrew Lang (apparently my twin, according to friends, coworkers, and my MOM???) really did a clever rendition of "My Girl" -- much more fun than music teacher Danny Gokey's by-the-books rendition of "I Heard It Through The Grapevine". . . He wuz robbed.

[TrueFaith77]

The whole recap is amusing, here's just the Stevie bit:

Next up is Stevie Wright, a plain-Jane 16-year-old named after Stevie Nicks. And suddenly I realize just what this show has been missing all these years--more Stevie Nicks. I can't even remember anyone covering "Landslide" on this show, let alone her countless other, better singles. And how about the rest of Fleetwood Mac? Stevie W. makes it through, and I'm left sensing a Fleetwood Mac Songbook this season.

http://blogs.villagevoice.com/music/archives/2009/01/american_idol_p.php


Yes, the two Stevies may meet after all . . .

Fleetwood Mac is taking it's ONLY break during the upcoming MONTHS-long tour during these Idol weeks:

Tuesday, March 31 Top 9
Tuesday, April 7 Top 8
Tuesday, April 14 Top 7

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


STEVIE WRIGHT (contestant): [Finishes singing "Landslide"]

LINDSEY BUCKINGHAM: I just don't think it has the right sound to it. It didn't reaffirm my faith in cycles.

STEVIE NICKS: Well, I don't think you could say that to Bob Dylan!

[Moz]

One girl (the diagram girl) said she sung from "the wrong rectum". :lol::lol::lol:

[MoonWaterPoet]

One girl (the diagram girl) said she sung from "the wrong rectum". :lol::lol::lol:


LMAOOoooooo ~... I saw her... she was a nut-case, and could not even speak... that was funny when she said she sang from the wrong rectum... LMmmmrectumooo!!!

Donnie Wayne ~

[Musicman408]

Alright, did any of you all catch the name of the guy tonight who kind of beatboxed and hummed? I'm hoping we can find that somewhere online and post it.... I about pissed my pants!!! Yall know who I'm talking about?

[Moz]

Alright, did any of you all catch the name of the guy tonight who kind of beatboxed and hummed? I'm hoping we can find that somewhere online and post it.... I about pissed my pants!!! Yall know who I'm talking about?

Yeah, that young kid. I forget what his name was though. :(

[TrueFaith77]

I [heart] Tatiana Nicole Del Toro


:sorry:

[skcin]

^ I don't think I can't discuss this show with you anymore. :laugh:


One girl (the diagram girl) said she sung from "the wrong rectum". :lol::lol::lol:

Is that the one who kept talking about her "traysheeah?" (trachea.) ;)

[jannieC]

Is that the one who kept talking about her "traysheeah?" (trachea.) ;)

She reminded me of someone with Asperger's Syndrome. And her voice was actually kind of cool; it was her affect and presentation that was...off.

I love this show. :woohoo:

[TrueFaith77]

^ I don't think I can't discuss this show with you anymore. :laugh:

Who me?? I know. I'm no fun. It's just that until I find a contestant to fall in love and really get behind, I just really enjoy those who are ... interesting and excessively human and not boring.

My alltime favorite Idol contestant, Sanjaya Malakar, just released a book and an EP. The EP is actually really good and is only 4 bucks download on amazon.com and one of the tracks is free. It's called: Dancing To the Music In My Head. Don't just listen to the samples though; the songs should be heard. Especially I like Track 2: "I Got It For You".

[TrueFaith77]

Something about the South makes for better singers. Too bad the show's simplistic treatment of Mudd history/folklore proved typical of its condescending approach to American culture and humanity in general, really.

I'm keeping an open mind about all those who made it to Hollywood, even Joanna Pacitti with her crocodile tears and crocodile smile. However, there was one I loved!

My favorite last night was:

Leneshe Young - Forget the sob story and focus on the star quality. She ended the night with a breezy, witty, sexy original song titled "Natty." I'm not saying she's the greatest thing out there (she's probably a dime a dozen among those trying to break into the bizz) but she is the best thing on this show so far. I also suspect she'll be a tough competitor: she's got the "teeth" Simon wanted from Stevie Wright.

Others that I (especially) liked:

Matt Giraud - For some reason, the fact that he's a duelling pianist makes me hopeful that he'll be an interesting addition to the competition. Maybe something about how those roots in Southern musical tradition might bring some creative, resonant musical interpretations. Or he could just be Elliott Yamin 2.0. With better teeth.

[TrueFaith77]

American Idol - Season 8
Episode 5 (Jacksonville) Recap

In an essay reprinted in Deeper Into Movies, Pauline Kael wrote about some shameful critical practices:

They were so superior to the subject that they never dealt with it. Now it more frequently takes the form of a wisecracking put-down. And that's the bottom of the trap, because, as all critics know, the worst danger of the profession is that one may sink to the level of what one is reviewing.

One must fight not to sink to the level of condescension displayed on American Idol when reviewing American Idol, especially given that there was no audition of note in last night's program. However, I do think, in order to avoid retain my humanity, it is worth relaying two moments of inhumanity that went unacknowledged in the course of the show. And -- most shockingly -- these moments weren't even acted out by the judges:

Naomi Sykes sings "Loving You" to the judges, Ryan, and a friend of hers who crushes on Randy (long story). She's terrible. After the judges mock her throughout and after the performance, she cries. She explains (I paraphrase): "Everybody always tells me I'm great." Her friend stifles a smile: she got to meet Randy and get on TV, riding on the bum high note of her delusional "friend."

Michael Perrelli loses his cool when he finds out that he can't use his guitar during his audition. (Since this is, like, his fourth audition in the process, this must have been a set-up.) He sings "Jumper" in a contemporary rock/punk/emo/greenday style. He breaks down under the constructive advice -- "Start a band" -- since he wanted the easy route to stardom via America Idol. When he exits sans golden ticket and with tears in his eyes, his mom reaches out to comfort him -- she takes on a familiar role. Hyper-aware of the camera, he snarls: "Don't touch me!" What a recognizable moment of shame, captured for the delectation of millions.

That's show business.

[skcin]

I was kind of bored last night. I liked the guy that sang Marvin Gaye, but he'd better calm down a bit in Hollywood. That young girl who sang the Fergie song was good too.

[TrueFaith77]

I was kind of bored last night. I liked the guy that sang Marvin Gaye, but he'd better calm down a bit in Hollywood. That young girl who sang the Fergie song was good too.

I thought she was nasally.

SPOILER: this just in: Lil Rounds makes it to the Top 36.

blah

[TrueFaith77]

Episode 6 (SLC) Recap


The highlight of last night's show was, once again, Tatiana Del Toro. After 3 weeks of the auditions, Tatiana emerges as the only star of the season, so far. Her two brief appearances in the Hollywood Week teaser stirred the senses. Her glamour pose under the stage lights made the anticipation and awe of Hollywood Week palpable. Then, to spotlight Hollywood Week group-song drama, the teaser featured beautious Tatiana crying out that she's being "thrown under the bus" and that this is "not a game" to her. Indeed, Tatiana embodies the fodder that Hollywood (the town, the industry, the Week) usually chews up and spits out -- yet, her resolve and signature giggle make her endearing and invites imaginative identification. Even Idol digs the vibe generated by Tatiana's buzz (both The Soup and Best Week Ever tagged her -- and her infectious laugh -- as the show's highlight last week). If you're taking odds on Tatiana or the bus, you might want to place your money on Tatiana the underdog.

Sadly, you won't be able to bet on last night's most noteworthy auditioner: Austin Sisneros. As the overachieving high school class president, Austin's aww-shucks All-American pluck is one of those types that American Idol ought to feature. Austin, Tatiana, and Megan Corkrey could be supporting characters in a Robert Altman epic. Another recognizable type and notable audition: the scarily ambitious Megan Corkrey got through to Hollywood on a jazz rendition on "Can't Help Lovin That Man of Mine," which provided ironic counterpoint to a backstory which insinuated that she divorced her husband so that she could have her go at Idol gold. I wouldn't be surprised if Megan is driving that bus with Tatiana in the sights.

[skcin]

Megan is cool. Vocal reminds me of Fiona Apple. I liked Rose too. And I agree with Simon - those are 2 of the very few that I'll remember when they start the Hollywood episodes.

What was with all the religious songs last night? I assume it's because they were in Mormon country? :laugh:

[TrueFaith77]

Episode 7 (NYC & PR) Recap

People hate Tatiana Del Toro because she works harder than any contestant in Idol history, boasting that she will win every contest until she ultimately gains her crown. And what irks them more: despite that, she's not a robot. Everything about her self-constructed image -- some would call it delusion, I'd call it body armor -- reflects back at the audience the shameful nightmare -- the exploitation -- behind our entertainment dream factory. Yet, in the face of it, she laughs. Her hysterical laugh conveys triumph and hope, but it's the triumph and hope of her humanity remaining intact. It's the part of her that can't be contained, and it provides the impact of which stars are truly made. Ironically, letting slip that humanity teases out audience's shame from under the show's condescension -- people don't like to be reminded what it takes to succeed or, more painfully, to fail trying. (Freud could explain it better than I.)

When she's under fire from the judges, she strikes a pose so photogenically right it could only be the product of years studying one's self in the mirror, the rigor it requires to be a star. If anyone doubts why she belongs in the Top 36, I'd challenge you to name another contestant this year who looks better on camera. Repeating last night's Hollywood Week teaser, Idol presents a, to some unrecognizable, Tatiana out of her make up and "Under The Sea"-prom dress -- and she's a stunning natural beauty. Attesting to her hard work -- and her essential goodness -- she lashes back at her fellow contestants and at reality television convention, with its glorification of backstabbing heartlessness: "You're trying to throw me under the bus, but this is not a game to me!" Wow! She transforms the reality game of American Idol into a moral challenge (while recalling a phrase from the recent Presidential Election -- a phrase that acts as a displacement of unseemly political ambition). Now that she's in the Top 36, that challenge is directed at the voting audience. It's needed. Democracy hasn’t tested Americans ability to confront its shame in the form of psychosexual spectacle since. . . Sarah Palin.

Ahhhhhhh, Puerto Rico (from whence Tatiana also rose from the bubbling sea). There, even a "joke" contestant like Joel Contreras displays undeniable charms -- and folk wit (singing the Lion King's "Circle of Life" with a Lion Puppet on his hand). So, not surprisingly, PR boasts the season's sole male standout, so far, in the Top 36: Jorge Nunez. He could be the first contestant to bust down the doors of the Idol closet by expanding definitions of machismo romanticism. Idol may be a game, but the struggle for compassionate pop is not.

[TrueFaith77]

WARNING: SPOILERS - These are the official but unannounced Top 36

Just very rough notes as I try to keep track of this year's contestants. Nothing serious, just my way of remembering them.

Thumbs Up!

Tatiana Del Toro - THUMBS UP!!!!!
Stevie Wright - Named after Stevie Nicks!
Casey Carlson - super cute girl who auditioned in KC.
Alexander Wagner-Trugman - God Save The Queen.
Jorge Nunez - Flaming PR.
Von Smith - hahaha.

Jury's Out - plus

Matt Giraud - Dueling piano.
Jackie Tohn - Raspy voiced, guitar player. Can sing.
Michael *unsure of last name- probably Michael Bartul - Blond guy they kept showing.
Megan Corkrey - Divorced her husband to get on Idol.
Kendall Beard - Blonde we saw for 2 seconds.

Jury's Out - minus

Adam Lambert - Broadway musical star.
Ann Marie Boskovich - the girl who fixed her make up.
Anoop Desai - Anoop Dogg. I found him boring.
Arianna Ayesha Afsar - Adopt a grandfriend.
Brent Keith - creepy flesh-colored beard country singer.
Alexis Grace - Dr. Feelgood. Go home and make love to your fiance.

Thumbs Down!

Danny Gokey - widower
Jasmine Murray - Sang Fergie's "Big Girls Don't Cry" through her sinuses.
Joanna Pacitti - THE PLANT Cryptkeeper.
Kai Kalama - I didn't like him but the girls did.
Lil Rounds - Overrated.
Matt Breitzke - NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! The bar singer.
Scott MacIntyre - Blind pianist.
Taylor Vaifanua - Twookie.

Who?

Allison Iraheta - She sang natural woman on the tatiana episode.
Jeanine Vailes
Jessica Langseth
Junot Joyner
Kristen McNamara - Purple hair and I have no memory of her.
Kris Allen - Totally don’t' remember. Wearing a hat.
Mishavonna Henson - No memory.
Nate McGee - No memory.
Nick Western
Ricky Braddy - No memory.
Stephen Fowler

[TrueFaith77]

(omg Tatiana quoted my posts here on her Myspace page! :xoxo:)

[vermicious knid]

Wow, she did. She says her mom sent it to her. And judging by how your ledge name, "addicted ledgie" status, and post number are included, it was read right off of here, and not from your blog. Funny.

So, Tatiana's mom, if you are reading, are you a regular Ledge reader, or did you stumble upon this site?

[TrueFaith77]

Wow, she did. She says her mom sent it to her. And judging by how your ledge name, "addicted ledgie" status, and post number are included, it was read right off of here, and not from your blog. Funny.

So, Tatiana's mom, if you are reading, are you a regular Ledge reader, or did you stumble upon this site?

I was thinking she must have her daughter's name in a google alert? and this just happened to pop up. it's weird, those google alerts can be unpredictable, so it's possible the Ledge showed up but my blog didn't? OR maybe she was on the site finding out how to get Mac tickets for the upcoming tour? THAT would be awesome!!

Hi Momma Del Toro! :wavey:

[TrueFaith77]

American Idol - Season 8
Hollywood Week (Episode 1) Recap

American Idol constructs a version of reality that associates normality with materialism and reduces individuality to product (usually for the sake of derision).

Example: widower Danny Gokey, along with two fellow Top 36 contestants: failed pop singer Joanna Pacitti and Jeanine Vailes, takes a ride in a show-sponsor Ford car. Gokey delivers some scripted dialogue to the girls and then shows off the car's cool features by pretending to offer a voice command for some some music, specifically the Rihanna hit "Shut Up and Drive" -- "get it?" they're in a car! It's phony, but the pretense of candid reality makes the quest for Idol-dom indistinguishable from the aspiration for material things, such as Ford cars with cool high-tech features. All it really tells us is that Gokey will play ball.

However, because most practitioners of television are inept, these attempts at creating forced narratives out of reality sometime make for unintentionally bizarre spectacle. Everything widower Gokey does on the show is connected to his wife who passed away -- suddenly -- one month prior to Gokey's audition for Idol. Gokey, himself, actively participates in this narrative as he declared that the Golden Ticket to Hollywood was "for" his wife. However, in Hollywood Week's first round of solo singing, Idol introduces Gokey with another montage of Gokey telling the story of his wife's death and home video footage of him and his wife. Was it, then, a manufactured bid to sway sympathy on the part of Idol producers that Gokey sings Seal's "Kiss From A Rose" -- another "get it?" song choice? The result, however, was that everyone I've talked to felt like the whole scene resulted in a creepy vibe that intimated, at best, exploitation and, at worst, foul play (reinforced by Gokey's unfelicitous song choice, mediocre singing approach -- roundly praised by the judges, and smug Cheshire grin). The result is that Gokey appears to be riding a new Ford model car -- The Ford Sympathy? -- to Idol victory.

Along with "The Widower Gokey Mystery," Idol 8's other most compelling -- unintended(?) -- narrative is "The Myth of Tatiana Del Toro." Keen-eyed viewers caught a few glimpses -- four shots -- of Tatiana on last night's Hollywood Week Episode 1: 1) A face in the crowd, wearing a red dress with matching grin after Barry Manilow's pep talk; 2) During the "goodbye to new friends" montage, Tatiana is shown wearing loose-fitting hoody(?) from last week's Hollywood Teaser; she's crying as she says "Thank you!" to one of the show's crew members -- not a fellow contestant; 3) in a teaser for the Day 2 solo auditions, she is shown wearing the same hoody(?) on the stage of the Kodak, with her arms in a prayer pose as she cries; I remember it being in slow-motion -- though we never see her perform on Day 2; and 4) during the teaser for tonight's Group Number episode, wearing the same hoody(?) and crying the line that now summarizes anticipation for Group Number dramz: "This is not a game to me! This is my life!" Yet, the Idol producers arrange her image, her signficance, her life like a pawn in a chess game. In the above breakdown, shots 2 and 3 ultimately have nothing to do with the ideas they're selling -- faux spectacles of friendship and hardship. The Idol producers' "Myth of Tatiana Del Toro" centers primarily around the presentation of her as a freak prone to hysterical laughing. Anyone with eyes can see that the producers strung together a series of shots -- gleaned from HOURS of footage -- of the bubbly gal giggling to create the impression of hysteria (etymology of hysteria: "of the womb") -- a misogyny made explicit in news from London that Simon Cowell told her during her audition: "You look like a h***er!" (Google it.) This impression of her also makes people keen to find out what Tatiana will do next, thus the use of her in the above teasers. However, the irony is that, for those who can discern Idol sleight-of-hand, that laugh is what tempers Tatiana's drive (all the contestants are ambitious) and keeps her significance from being entirely owned by Idol -- it bursts through the sutures. She's great Television, but the question will be whether or not she can translate that appealing humanity to her singing. During her audition, Tatiana claims to be the best singer in the room. Remember that episode and clear away the producer-constructed derision! She was right: Nobody was better.

For Gokey fans, Sympathy is just a pose, a product into which they've bought. Tatiana's life depends on the real thing.

[GoldDustOrphan]

Vote for the Worst claims the following is the final 36 based on an insider spy.

Adam Lambert
Alexander Wagner-Trugman
Alexis Grace
Allison Iraheta
Ann Marie Boskovich
Anoop Desai
Arianna Ayesha Afsar
Brent Keith
Casey Carlson
Danny Gokey
Jackie Tohn
Jasmine Murray
Jeanine Vailes
Jessica Langseth
Joanna Pacitti
Jorge Nunez
Junot Joyner
Kai Kalama
Kendall Beard
Kristen McNamara
Kris Allen
Lil Rounds
Matt Breitzke
Matt Giraud
Megan Corkrey
Michael Sarver
Mishavonna Henson
Nathaniel Marshall (aka Nate McGee)
Nick Western (the only one not listed on the AI site- possibly could be Nick Hendrix from Orlando?)
Ricky Braddy
Scott MacIntyre
Stephen Fowler
Stevie Wright
Taylor Vaifanua
Tatiana Del Toro
Von Smith

[TrueFaith77]

^^I posted that list here on 1/30

The latest however is that Nick Western is now believed by many at VFTW to be... Norman Gentle!

[bucklind17]

Apparently Jessica Langseth is Jonny Lang's sister. That's kinda fun.

I'm loving me some Danny, even though I hope we can cut back on the personal biz after awhile (though this is Idol, who am I kidding). Also loving Jeremy Michael Sarver Oil Rig Roughneck. Mmm.

[skcin]

Last night was pretty painful for the most part. I feel bad that Rose is out, she was an original but she really f*cked up so she deserved to go.

Don't Stop was awful. :distress:

[TrueFaith77]

American Idol - Season 8
Hollywood Week (Episode 2) Recap

On the epic Return of Group Night, Idol producers employed Voice-Of-God Ryan Seacrest to distort the meaning of the most humble moment on Idol since his performance of "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me" left David Archuleta shaking (Seacrest tried to ruin that moment too). Last night, Ryan announced: "Even though they make it through as a group, it's all about Tatiana" over the image Tatiana Del Toro's group leaving the stage -- each one earning passes to the next round. Ryan provides the context for the next shot: Her group in the Kodak lobby, with Tatiana overwhelmed with emotion and gratitude. Tatiana thanks "Jesus" and "God" and "the guy holding the sound stick" and everyone involved in the show. It's beautiful. Then she really lets loose -- and it is awesomely audacious: "You all make this part of me. You are all part of me. I will take each and every one of you in my heart for the rest of my life." American Idol attempts to pervert as vanity this display of profound humility -- one expressed in an impromptu dramatic flourish! Imagine her now-famous laugh: articulated.

The tension of Group Night revolves around this dialectical relationship: The show spins Tatiana's moral sanity as insanity. After being the odd Idol out in the show's Group Night dodgeball fascism, Tatiana suffers her group's insults -- they call her "Satan" and "psycho" -- and their defeatist attitude -- one complains about not being able to stay on key and one calls the members of the group "not tolerant," singling out Tatiana. Tatiana fears a repeat of her audition, in which Simon said she looked like a "h***er," as she explains that she's been through "Hell and back" to get here: "When we get in front of the judges, I know they are going to humiliate me like they did on camera!" Despite these genuine obstacles, Tatiana still takes charge and corrals the entire foursome to victory. Sure, Tatiana looks out for her own best interest (it is a competition, after all) but she knows that the best way to succeed on Group Night is if the entire group is "tight"! The show even illustrates her point. When she left her group because they spent more time dissing her to the camera than practicing, Tatiana also realized that her new home -- Team Compromise (Kristen McNamara, Nancy Wilson, and Nathaniel Marshall) -- would be a lost a cause, each member unwilling to "compromise" on personal approaches to rehearsals. "I can admit when I'm wrong," she apologizes to the doomed Team Compromise; she laughs as their displaced interest in her perceived betrayal reveals the group's fatal flaw, which Tatiana had to escape. Tatiana compromises by returning to her more malleable group -- they'll follow her lead, and she'll have to suffer their cruelty -- but she does not compromise her integrity.

[TrueFaith77]

What did you guys think of that massacre of "Don't Stop" last night. :distress:

Last night was pretty painful for the most part. I feel bad that Rose is out, she was an original but she really f*cked up so she deserved to go.

Don't Stop was awful. :distress:



I'm actually glad Rose is gone. I didn't like anything she sang, but "Don't Stop" was the final straw... even Alex Wagner-Trugman pulling faces during "Don't Stop" made me mad at him. And he's been my second favorite contestant.

[HejiraNYC]

What did you guys think of that massacre of "Don't Stop" last night. :distress:


As opposed to Stevie's more recent massacres of that song? :lol: Technically she would have been booted off of AI for not singing the correct lyrics.

But yes, it was terrible last night.

[skcin]

[ Ryan provides the context for the next shot: Her group in the Kodak lobby, with Tatiana overwhelmed with emotion and gratitude. Tatiana thanks "Jesus" and "God" and "the guy holding the sound stick" and everyone involved in the show. It's beautiful. Then she really lets loose -- and it is awesomely audacious: "You all make this part of me. You are all part of me. I will take each and every one of you in my heart for the rest of my life." American Idol attempts to pervert as vanity this display of profound humility -- one expressed in an impromptu dramatic flourish! Imagine her now-famous laugh: articulated.


Are you serious? OK. I might agree if she had also thanked the members of her group.


I'm actually glad Rose is gone. I didn't like anything she sang, but "Don't Stop" was the final straw... even Alex Wagner-Trugman pulling faces during "Don't Stop" made me mad at him. And he's been my second favorite contestant.

Rose didn't sing Don't Stop. :shrug:

As opposed to Stevie's more recent massacres of that song? :lol: Technically she would have been booted off of AI for not singing the correct lyrics.
But yes, it was terrible last night.

It's one thing to change it up a bit like La Nicks; it's quite another to completely forget you rlines & start humming or shove a "ooooh" or a "lalala" in there instead. :laugh: Not that I'm a big fan of Stevie's versions...

[TrueFaith77]

Are you serious?

yes

Rose didn't sing Don't Stop. :shrug:


Oh I got confused by the topic shift. Rose is the hippy girl. I was thinking the pink-haired rocker. That's the person to whom I was referring.

[GoldDustOrphan]

The best thing about the massacre of Don't Stop is that it forecasts a possible Fleetwood Mac night when the actual competition starts.

[TrueFaith77]

deleted cuz of idol roolz.

[TrueFaith77]

This is a handy guide!

http://i43.tinypic.com/axz32b.jpg

http://i43.tinypic.com/axz32b.jpg

[skcin]

^ Thanks. I see Stevie's probably still in. I wasn't sure, since they haven't shown much of her during Hollywood week.

My current faves are:

Anne Marie
Casey
Danny
Jackie
Jasmine
Lil
Matt B
Mike

That could change quickly, since they definitely have been showing certain people more than others & there are several on that list I'm not very familiar with. We'll see.

[TrueFaith77]

My Top 12 (Alphabetical):

Alex Wagner Trugman
Casey Carlson
Jackie Tohn
Jorge Nunez-Mendez
Kris Allen
Matt Giraud
Megan Corkrey
Nathaniel Marshall
Nick Mitchell
Stevie Wright
Tatiana Del Toro
Von Smith

My Top 12 Predictions (Alphabetical)

Adam Lambert
Anne Marie Boskovich
Anoop Desai
Danny Gokey
Jasmine Murray
Joanna Pacitti
Lil Rounds
Matt Giraud
Megan Corkrey
Scott MacIntyre
Stephen Fowler
Stevie Wright

I'll be shocked if I'm off by more than three of those.

[vermicious knid]

Nathaniel is a straight up MESS. I think voters will remember his ridiculous melodrama.

Kris Allen is some nice eye candy. I haven't noticed him if they have shown him.

[TrueFaith77]

Kris Allen is some nice eye candy. I haven't noticed him if they have shown him.

Yeah, he's the closest thing to it of the guys (though Jorge is the only one who is MY type). Why can't Idol find cute guys? I mean: that's what a pop idol should be. :shrug:

[Chrislit18]

Yeah, he's the closest thing to it of the guys (though Jorge is the only one who is MY type). Why can't Idol find cute guys? I mean: that's what a pop idol should be. :shrug:
Yeah, this year I haven't noticed that many hot guys.
Last year they had Michael Johns, and the year before...Blake Lewis and one of the Chris' I think [right?]

And season 5 Will Makar was soo hot, but he was voted off before the top 12 :(
There was another decent looking guy that season though.

I mostly watch Idol for the auditions, and the hot guys. This year I thought the auditions were lacking btw.

[TrueFaith77]

Yeah, this year I haven't noticed that many hot guys.
Last year they had Michael Johns, and the year before...Blake Lewis and one of the Chris' I think [right?]

And season 5 Will Makar was soo hot, but he was voted off before the top 12 :(
There was another decent looking guy that season though.

I mostly watch Idol for the auditions, and the hot guys. This year I thought the auditions were lacking btw.

Chris Richards(?) was definately attractive. Though not exactly a dreamboat. But Michael Johns was gross and Blake Lewis was grosser.

I am in complete agreement about Will Makar.

[GoldDustOrphan]

This season of AI seems designed to torture Tatiana Del Toro.

I liked David Hernadez, in a dirty stripper kind of way.

<a href="http://s71.photobucket.com/albums/i156/rickdunn101/?action=view&current=DavidAI02.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i156/rickdunn101/DavidAI02.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s71.photobucket.com/albums/i156/rickdunn101/?action=view&current=DavidAI01.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i156/rickdunn101/DavidAI01.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

[TrueFaith77]

This season of AI seems designed to torture Tatiana Del Toro.

Exactly. It's very sad, in that sense, but I also love her resilience. She is the star, for me.

I liked David Hernadez, in a dirty stripper kind of way.

I don't think think they or DH capitalized on DH's dirty stripper appeal. So instead, he was just boring and prone to unflattering make up and clothes. ugh.

[TrueFaith77]

American Idol - Season 8
Hollywood Week (Episode 3) Recap

Only a miracle can make reality Tatiana Del Toro's psychic friend's prediction of a place for her in the Top 12. The miracle: that the television audience will stop passively taking emotional cues from the Idol producers' crude manipulations. Nobody's survival has depended this much on audience participation since Tinker Bell. The show presents an exaggerated portrayal of Tatiana as the show's villain -- as if she were any more ambitious or proud than any of the other contestants! or anybody else in Hollywood! Wake up! Appreciate that Tatiana is the only one who makes showbiz aspiration... interesting. As one Worster summarized: "No need to elaborate on how awesome she is. She already is." In other words, when she exits the stage from her full-band solo audition and she twirls and smiles and breathily exhales that she feels "incredible" and that she was "awesome," she not only feels relief after a job well-done in the high-stress audition atmosphere, she actually expresses that relief in a way that makes it indelible.

And for the first time on the show, her singing is as indelible as her persona. The show makes light of her tendency to whip out new songs to contradict the judges' initial negative appraisals: the tactic of someone who knows how to claw her way to the top in Hollywood. You know: like all those aspiring stars who keep handy a copy of their portfolio in case opportunity arises -- another reality the show simply mocks, even as it promotes stardom as the noblest of goals. "That ain't your thing," Randy Jackson chastised her for doing to Aretha and Whitney, but defiant Tatiana shows that she makes the Baby Face composition "I’m Your Baby Tonight" entirely her own. When she sings the song for the judges, she has new intensity (for some reason, she reminded me of Jessica Harper in Brian De Palma's Phantom of the Paradise: entranced and entrancing). She digs deep on the low notes and then seems to cut off the back-up singers for a high-pitched vocal run at the end. It's utterly memorable -- and a psychologically apt expression of the song. . .

. . .unlike, say, Alex Wagner-Trugman (despite this, still a fave) and Anne Marie Boskovich's massacre of Fleetwood Mac's "Don’t Stop" on last week's Group Night show. From the literalizing of the song's lyrics in their cheesey group choreography to Alex's face-pulling -- misreading the song's profound rhythmic, poetic, pop-lore expression of Love and perserverence -- this encapsulates the danger American Idol poses to our shared pop heritage. The show threatens to separate expression from pop (especially exquisite pop like "Don't Stop"), individuality from performance.

This threat manifests itself in the show's establishing that Danny Gokey's schmaltzy -- cliché -- take on the schmaltzy "I Hope You Dance" somehow expresses genuine uplift: cue Paula's standing ovation. Sight-impaired Scott MacIntyre's schmaltzy, cliché, and, besting Gokey, off-pitch "Home" also got a standing O from Paula. The gesture was meaningless since he couldn't see it. Fitting. Joanna Pacitti forgot the words, but the failed pop star -- already rejected by the American public after being given major industry support -- serves the show's purpose of supporting the myth that Idol -- and Hollywood -- offers "second chances." You fail: try out for the show. You forget the words: You're in the Top 36. The show's real challenge, however, is for Idol viewers to redeem themselves.

No wonder the producers of the show heighten tension, keep viewers tuned in but tuned out, by moving Tatiana Del Toro from one winners' room to another, simultaneously encouraging a Tatiana freak-out (who wouldn't react after such a ploy?) and creating the impression that she was the bottom of the heap (so everyone will hate her for taking their loser favorite's spot). As GoldDustOrphan at the Fleetwood Mac fansite, The Ledge, put it: "This season of AI seems designed to torture Tatiana Del Toro." That's what Tatiana is up against in appealing to the television audience. On her myspace page, Tatiana describes her "mood" as "determined," signified by corresponding smiley. Tatiana Del Toro believes in miracles.

[GoldDustOrphan]

This morning on The View, the women agreed that Tatiana has been singled out by AI producers for exploitation and they've been following her story. While it might be unfair to suggest the reason they moved her from one room to the other (was she originally placed in the elimination room?), but it I think it was engineered to generate a dramatic response and it felt cruel. I'm now behind her 100%, but I have bad feeling about tonight.

<a href="http://s71.photobucket.com/albums/i156/rickdunn101/?action=view&current=l_1ae1c249284e4fde95d018a251626565.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i156/rickdunn101/l_1ae1c249284e4fde95d018a251626565.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

[Livia]

First Ryan attempts to high-five the blind guy and then Paula gives him a standing ovation. :rolleyes:

[TrueFaith77]

First Ryan attempts to high-five the blind guy and then Paula gives him a standing ovation. :rolleyes:

"I just found out Paula gave me a standing ovation" :lol:

This morning on The View, the women agreed that Tatiana has been singled out by AI producers for exploitation and they've been following her story. While it might be unfair to suggest the reason they moved her from one room to the other (was she originally placed in the elimination room?), but it I think it was engineered to generate a dramatic response and it felt cruel. I'm now behind her 100%, but I have bad feeling about tonight.

yay!!!!!!!!!

[GoldDustOrphan]

She made it through!

<a href="http://s71.photobucket.com/albums/i156/rickdunn101/?action=view&current=31.gif" target="_blank"><img src="http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i156/rickdunn101/31.gif" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

[TrueFaith77]

Yay! I'm running around my apt like Tatiana after she got the Top 36!

http://www.votefortheworst.com/20090212/pacitti_out_barton
Pacitti Out/Barton In

Hot damn, Joanna Pacitti has been disqualified from American Idol!

It has been determined that Joanna Pacitti is ineligible to continue in the competition. AMERICAN IDOL contestant Felicia Barton has replaced Ms. Pacitti as part of the Top 36, L.A. Times reports.

A source close to the show now tells us that Pacitti was disqualified to "avoid the appearance of impropriety."

In the past week, tabloids had been reporting on a private relationship between Pacitti and executives of 19 Management - one of the companies which oversees Idol.

[TrueFaith77]

American Idol - Season 8
Hollywood "Week" (Episode 4) The Top 36 "Announced"

Last night announced -- officially -- The Top 36 of American Idol's Season 8. Scratch that. This morning, a Fox press release announced The Top 36. Fox did not include failed pop star and chronic lyric forgetter Joanna Pacitti on the list, though she was shown as getting a "break" from Simon & co. last night. (Idol replaced her with Felica Barton, who the world saw getting the boot last night.) When Vote For The Worst uncovered Joanna Pacitti's ties to 19 Entertainment excecutives, the mainstream media began questioning the show's legitimacy. Idol dragged Joanna through the mud -- exposing her tendency to forget lyrics, general lack of talent, staggering history of failure despite many many breaks in the biz, and emotional desperation. After using Joanna to create "the myth of second chances," Idol now uses her to create "the myth of legitimacy." The latter could not have existed without the former. This typifies Idol's one truth: Show business is cruel.

How appropriate, then, that the montage revealing Semi-Finals Week 1 competitors (6 guys, 6 girls) gets scored to The Pussycat Dolls' "When I Grow Up." As the song's chorus goes:

When I grow up
I wanna be famous
I wanna be a star

An aspiration the hook answers in a mocking tone:

But be careful what you wish for cause’ you just might get it

The dazzlement of Joseph Kahn's music video for "When I Grow Up" revealed the desire for fame as a desire for transcending the banal (the clip opens with a Godardian traffic jam). But, most profoundly, Kahn's video accompaniment makes visual spectacle out of the hard work that goes into achieving fame (showing the PCD dancing at a construction site). For me, the video's iconic image is lead singer Nicole Scherzinger's belly-exposed dance moves (off the wall) on the music video set (within the music video) that closes that clip. The music industry is hard work: those abs are the result of sacrifice and rigor.

Yet, there is that warning: But be careful what you wish for cause’ you just might get it. Joanna is now world-famous as "The Biggest Loser." Which of the 12 dancing to, but possibly not comprehending, "When I Grow Up" will be next week's causuality?

Last night exhibited, again, that Tatiana Del Toro, among next week's twelve, knows showbiz cruelty -- but is not defeated by it. In another montage mocking her emotional outburts, Tatiana declared, after her Hollywood Week Round 1 pass: "This proves it to all those guys who said I had to sleep with them to get my album recorded," followed by her thanking and hugging a crew member. She earns her moment of glory, just as she shares her jubilation after the announcement of her place in The Top 36. However, the last few weeks of television manipulation must have dashed this hope that Idol offers a new path to fame (and validation) away from Hollywood exploitation, encapsulated here by Tatiana as the casting couch.

Idol is the biggest, baddest monster yet: show biz cruelty turned into entertainment. The season's suspense for humane viewers, however, is built around the question: Can Tatiana slay the Idol dragon? To do so, she'll have to listen to Pussycat Doll wisdom -- that is, to grow up -- rather than holding onto the sentimental notion symbolized by the kitschy trinket she sports during the Top 36 judgement -- Paula Abdul jewelry that reads something like: "When you reach for the stars, you can become a star." There's a dragon hiding behind the stars' blinding light. Joanna Pacitti, mere leftovers, left the beast hungry.

[GoldDustOrphan]

Tatiana's fans are using the names "Tatianics" and "Matadors."

She is the most searched contestant on the Internet, but also the most ridiculed.

A segment on her led Yahoo's A&E coverage today.

[TrueFaith77]

Tatiana's fans are using the names "Tatianics" and "Matadors."

She is the most searched contestant on the Internet, but also the most ridiculed.

A segment on her led Yahoo's A&E coverage today.


how did you get the most-searched data?

[skcin]

Yay! I'm running around my apt like Tatiana after she got the Top 36!


Great! I was gagging! :laugh: Agree to disagree.

Generally, I think the right decisions were made. I did like Frankie a lot & that Brandi Carlisle that she chose for her "sing off" rocks, but it's hard as hell to sing - lots of vocal gymnastics. Probably would have done better with practice, but whatareyougonnado?

[TrueFaith77]

Great! I was gagging! :laugh: Agree to disagree.


Oh, you're sorry to see Joanna go?

[skcin]

Oh, you're sorry to see Joanna go?

Nah, I don't really care about Joanna, I was talking about Tatiana. Not a fan.

[BellaDonna93]

Well, as you might know, I live in Sweden and I was watching American Idol yesterday, think they show the program later in Sweden, haha!. But I don't do it often...I watch the swedish Idol :) And when I watched American Idol, it was the audition from Phoenix, you know...and there were Stevie Wright! Named after Stevie Nicks! And then, as we know, she sang awesome and then after she had been singing they put on Rooms On Fire by Nicks!!! I was like "This is great!" Well, I don't watch it very often, as I said =)

[TrueFaith77]

American Idol
Season 8 - Semi-Finals Round 1

Ryan Seacrest kicks off Season 8 proper by repeating Simon Cowell's seasonal Semi-Finals lie/advice for the contestants to advance in the competition: "Sing well." The judges throw that criteria out the window, of course, as they talk about "likability" and how demonstrably bad, unprofessional performers deserve votes from America. With that said, I will take the bait for the season's first breakdown: The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly. In this breakdown, I rank (preferentially) the performers based on "singing well." Based on that criteria, it was not pretty last night.

The Good

Tatiana Del Toro -- "Saving All My Love For You" -- Last night, Tatiana represented everything -- objectively -- that this contest is about: finding a singer who can interpret a song in an interesting, commercial, attractive manner. In other words, Idol is not a search for the next geniuses, the next Aretha Franklin or Morrissey; Idol seeks out the next Whitney Houston, the next Celine Dion, maybe the next Britney. These are not "artists," per se, but they can deliver a song, and, thus, the song's sentiments. But you also couldn't mistake the singers for anyone else; that's part of why they sell. Last night, Tatiana took on a Whitney Houston hit -- and once again made it entirely her own. Her high notes and emotional tones made the song's other-woman angst poignant; her poise earned the audience's attention. I would rank it among the best performances I've ever seen on Idol. If the judges were honest, they would have declared that Tatiana is what Idol "is all about" (and recognized that unlike 9 of the other contestants, she chose the right song). But they lie. They feign shock that she can sing, while trying to draw out the "crazy." Perhaps if Tatiana had received the accolades from the judges that she deserved, we might have seen some more of that signature enthusiasm. Instead, Tatiana emphasized things in her personality that make no sense to TV-minded judges: the desire to get her "music" released (Simon mistakes that for the desire to be "famous" because that's all he undrstands) and her explanation for her refreshingly open emotions during the audition rounds: that, as a "woman," she is "multi-faceted" (recognizing the show's misogyny and reduction of personality to product). One couldn't miss Tatiana's distinctiveness when she closed out her song with a perfect extended siren note, then her, yes, eroticized sense of release at the end of the song: throwing back her head into the light, awash with the applause. She deserved the standing "O". She achieved beauty.

The Bad

Alexis Grace -- "I Never Loved a Man" -- The "Bad" here did something the "Ugly" didn't: they attended the stage like professionals. But that doesn't mean they were good. Alexis mostly hit her notes (except when she strained on the highs and lows), but the peformance was all affectation; it completely lacked the original, meaningful interpretation that Tatiana showed so well. Tatiana lived up to Whitney; Alexis paled in comparison to Aretha.

Danny Gokey -- "Hero" -- He reduced pop emotions to silly calls for people to find the hero in themselves (unlike Tatiana's dramatic representation of universal emotion). This was the most repugnant performance of the night for me. Every cheesy inflection repulsed: from the growl on "inside of you" to the melissma on "sur-v-I-vah" to the finger-pointing closer on "A hero lies in you." However, I can't deny that every cheesy inflection sounded in tune. He did what he believes entertains an audience -- and gets Idol votes. In other words, "the bad" at least take the competition seriously.

The U-G-L-Y (You ain't got no alibi)

Anoop Desai -- "Angel of Mine" -- Anoop returned the song that first turned him onto r&b. Hasn't he heard anything better since?

Ricky Braddy -- "A Song For You" -- Nice voice, but he looked like an ostrich dancing to an Elliot Yamin record.

Ann Marie Boskovitch -- "Natural Woman" -- Competent performance, but absolutely no connection to the song or the audience.

Jackie Tohn -- "A Little Less Conversation" -- Fun, but totally karoake.

Stephen Fowler -- "Rock With You" -- Good voice; no awareness of himself as a performer.

What's Grosser Than Gross?

Michael Sarver -- "I Don't Want To Be" -- Hilariously Paula recaps all former Idol performances of this song: Elliot, Chris R, Bo Bice. And every single one of them was ten times better at it.

Casey Carlson -- "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic" -- I never laughed harder during an Idol performance in my life.

Stevie Wright -- "You Belong With Me" -- Even more a mess than Casey, but not funny.

Brent Keith -- "Hicktown" -- Perhaps the worst performance I've ever seen at this stage of Idol, it offends because in every manner of its conception, there was no recognizable desire to please the crowd (Michael S, Casey C. and Stevie W. just aren't capable of it, but they tried).

[Chrislit18]

I didn't watch the whole show, cause I found something better (an IFC thing about teenagers/sex in movies. It was quite interesting actually.)


But anyways: I did watch most of it, and made damn sure to catch the 'recap' at the end.

I Liked [for the two spots]:
Alexis Grace
and Anoop

I think these will go through:
AnneMarie B.
and Danny Gokey.

And probably Tatiana, due to the fact we all know this voting show is completely rigged by producers :)

I hate the format this year btw, I prefered the 12 guys and 12 girls, and then get rid of two each week.
overall my verdict on the live show: dissapointed.

[vermicious knid]

Danny Gokey seething hatred! My dead wife this, my dead wife that! Singing a song that glorified himself and how wonderful he is. There is also some controversy about a charity he set up and whether the money is being funneled to his church. Taylor Hicks version 2.0.

[HejiraNYC]

I am normally exquisitely bored with AI, but Tatiana held me in thrall ever since her first televised chortle. That girl is a hot mess. As such, I was a bit disappointed to see her so restrained last night- she only teared up once and she got those nasty yellow teeth bleached. But a crazy girl can't keep the crazies down for long... I noticed at the end of her performance, as the spotlight dimmed, that she did one of those majestic "I'm all that" poses- kind of like Judy Garland at Carnegie Hall. Drama! Sure, she can definitely sing, but her phrasing is a bit clumsy- she tends to draw out notes overlong in places that should have been more staccato- it was very lounge-y.

Otherwise, what struck me about last night was the absolutely dreadful material. I mean, I realize they have a finite list of songs to pick from, but come on... "Angel of Mine?" "Hero," for crikeys sake! Have these kids no shame? Also, could it be any more obvious that AI is in the tank for Danny Gokey; he is clearly going to win.

[TrueFaith77]

I agree. NINE people picked the wrong songs and then sang them badly. I mean. It's a singing competition. That means you have to do two things: sing the song well and pick a song that will get you forward in the competition. After 8 years you'd think these people would understand how the show works.

According to that, I would say Danny and Alexis, although bad, were thinking competitively. Tatiana was also thinking competitively but she can't counter the hype.

So my predictions for the three who advance are:

Danny Gokey
Alexis Grace
Michael Sarver

I could be wrong about Michael S. Maybe it'll be Anoop. :shrug:


Danny Gokey seething hatred! My dead wife this, my dead wife that! Singing a song that glorified himself and how wonderful he is.

Very well-put.

[HejiraNYC]

So my predictions for the three who advance are:

Danny Gokey
Alexis Grace
Michael Sarver



I also sense that AI is in the tank for Michael Sarver as well- they seem to have these romantic notions about this blue collar dude working in the oil rigs singing the songs of the common man. Meanwhile, based on last night's performance, all I saw was this fat frat boy singing bad karaoke. He has no stage presence whatsoever and his voice is really not remarkable, so I don't think he's going to progress.

My predictions for the three who advance are:

-Danny Gokey (for obvious reasons)

-Tatiana del Toro - she's got the votefortheworst.com voting bloc behind her and she is BY FAR the most memorable contestant. Personally I would be extremely disappointed if she didn't progress- she is the best kind of trainwreck.

-Anoop Desai - he's a bit of a dark horse, admittedly. But besides the fact that he didn't suck, he's going to get the Asian and Indian community behind him big time- that's what helped Sangina, er, Sanjaya get so far. And call me crazy... but I get this sense about this kid... that he's doing this competition as some kind of goof. He seems like a super-brainy college kid with a dark sense of humor who is about to pull off the biggest prank ever; I mean, come on... "Angel of Mine" being the best R&B song ever? :rolleyes: Anyway, I know I'm not the only one who is onto his stunt... and hoping that he pulls it off!

[skcin]

Good God, what an awful show. :shocked: Terrible. I almost turned it off. Crappy song choices, bad wardrobe, dated musical arrangements...yuck.

I liked Alexis a lot. Bitch can saaaaaang. I know the producers are totally setting Danny up to go far by the constant focus on his late wife, but I truly do feel that he had the best performance of the night.

I thought Anoop did quite well. And I agree with Hejira that he will have the Asian community behind him - and hey, at least he can actually sing (I'm talking to you, Sanjaya Malakar!)

I was pleasantly surprised by Tatiana's performance, but put off by her demeanor. She's a bit...off, IMO. I used to work psych & she honestly reminds me of a few past patients. :sorry: She's an odd bird. Interesting how her accent seems to randomly come & go too.


The rest of them sucked. I almost cried, Jackie did so poorly - I love her voice but that performance was embarrassing. Poor little Stevie was so out of tune. That girl that did The Police - painful to watch & listen to. The rest of the guys were totally forgettable - all of their performances blend together in my mind & I can't recall who sang what (nor do I give a ****.) Ann Marie was bland bland bland.


Who I think did well enough to get through:
Alexis
Danny
Anoop

Who will probably get through:
Danny (awww, poor guy, he just lost his wife, and he's kinda cute!)
Anoop (Indian & Asian people will vote for him in droves)
Tatiana (thanks to www.votefortheworst.com)

[GoldDustOrphan]

I find The Widow Gokey absolutely repellent and completely disingenuous. If anyone is following a script, it's him. Choosing "Hero" for his first performance demonstrates his willingness to actively court the sympathy vote as if it were a specific voting block.

He's calculating and shrewd, much more of a careerist than the judges suspect. He's watched this show and he knows how it works. He has a better singing voice than the majority of contestants, but he lacks charisma, commercial selling points, and he's not stylistically specific (unlike similar-voiced Elliot Yamin and Taylor Hicks). He's really taking his cues from Hicks, who won despite Cowell's disapproval. Gokey knows he too will incur Simon Cowell's wrath for not being relevant or commercial, and he needed a preemptive measure to insulate him from Cowell, who will use Hicks' commercial failure and return to obscurity as a big "I told you so" to similar candidates. But, as the brave widow who lost his wife four weeks prior to his AI audition, he can hard sell his Michael Bolton vibe to single women who like cuddle without incurring Cowell's full wrath for appearing, well, hokey. However, if Gokey continues to inform his every move with the dead wife card, Cowell is the only judge likely to address what has polarized fans on AI message boards - Gokey's appearance of insincerity.

What makes Tatiana Del Toro so watchable is her resolve. Socially awkward, but sweet, she's probably been the odd girl out her whole life, but she clearly believes in AI's mission statement more than its producers. She's there to compete in singing competition, and that's just what she's going to do. The producers may have cast her with a certain role in mind, but she's unpredictable. She knows they're making fun of her, but she'll never let on. And her performance last night caught the judges off-guard. Randy Jackson didn't expect her to be good. Del Toro's composure was a curveball for Paula, who wanted to know where the crazy girl. Del Toro is that girl who won't flinch, the kind who has been a sturdy defense against bullies. It's like the producers invited Carrie White to the senior prom just to humiliate her, and hopefully, they'll pay a similar price.

FYI: Del Toro wrote every song on her self-financed CD and her resume reveals a strong work ethic.

[TrueFaith77]

Anyway, I know I'm not the only one who is onto his stunt... and hoping that he pulls it off!

Hmmmm... to what are you referring? He seemed like a gomer to me but I liked his bbq paper.

[TrueFaith77]

I find The Widow Gokey absolutely repellent and completely disingenuous. If anyone is following a script, it's him. Choosing "Hero" for his first performance demonstrates his willingness to actively court the sympathy vote as if it were a specific voting block.

He's calculating and shrewd, much more of a careerist than the judges suspect. He's watched this show and he knows how it works. He has a better singing voice than the majority of contestants, but he lacks charisma, commercial selling points, and he's not stylistically specific (unlike similar-voiced Elliot Yamin and Taylor Hicks). He's really taking his cues from Hicks, who won despite Cowell's disapproval. Gokey knows he too will incur Simon Cowell's wrath for not being relevant or commercial, and he needed a preemptive measure to insulate him from Cowell, who will use Hicks' commercial failure and return to obscurity as a big "I told you so" to similar candidates. But, as the brave widow who lost his wife four weeks prior to his AI audition, he can hard sell his Michael Bolton vibe to single women who like cuddle without incurring Cowell's full wrath for appearing, well, hokey. However, if Gokey continues to inform his every move with the dead wife card, Cowell is the only judge likely to address what has polarized fans on AI message boards - Gokey's appearance of insincerity.

What makes Tatiana Del Toro so watchable is her resolve. Socially awkward, but sweet, she's probably been the odd girl out her whole life, but she clearly believes in AI's mission statement more than its producers. She's there to compete in singing competition, and that's just what she's going to do. The producers may have cast her with a certain role in mind, but she's unpredictable. She knows they're making fun of her, but she'll never let on. And her performance last night caught the judges off-guard. Randy Jackson didn't expect her to be good. Del Toro's composure was a curveball for Paula, who wanted to know where the crazy girl. Del Toro is that girl who won't flinch, the kind who has been a sturdy defense against bullies. It's like the producers invited Carrie White to the senior prom just to humiliate her, and hopefully, they'll pay a similar price.

FYI: Del Toro wrote every song on her self-financed CD and her resume reveals a strong work ethic.

I agree with everything you said.

Who are you?! We should be friends.

I forgot to mention this in my write-up cuz I was focusing on other stuff, but when I talked to all my friends/family about the show, I kept saying that when the judges mocked her laugh -- in my opinion, the series' lowest moment ever -- it reminded me of the pig's blood in Carrie. Brilliant of you to recall that seminal pop culture moment.

And I'm moved by this: "It's like the producers invited Carrie White to the senior prom just to humiliate her, and hopefully, they'll pay a similar price." Wow.

Your paragraph on Tatiana is the best thing written about her ever. I could retire. But I won't. :thumbsup:

[HejiraNYC]

Hmmmm... to what are you referring? He seemed like a gomer to me but I liked his bbq paper.

I just get this vibe that he's not serious about music; rather, it seems like he's instead going to write some kind of snarky memoir of the experience. There's just something about him that is a bit peculiar- he just seems a bit stand-offish and aloof, yet socially engaging and well-spoken. He's not a ham and he doesn't gush about winning the contest. He just seems to be above it all, I suppose. And, again, his description of "Angel of Mine" as the first great R&B song he ever heard has "spoof" written all over it- it seemed to be straight out of the Borat playbook.

[TrueFaith77]

I actually suspect he's a genuine cheeseball. lol

[TrueFaith77]

I seriously think I'm gonna stop watching this show. I mean. Don't get me wrong. I got over A LOOONG TIME AGO being overly disappointed when my favorite gets eliminated. That's all good. But this sick sh*t with the way they made a spectacle of Tatiana -- goading her about her psychic, etc. is just too much.

[HejiraNYC]

I seriously think I'm gonna stop watching this show. I mean. Don't get me wrong. I got over A LOOONG TIME AGO being overly disappointed when my favorite gets eliminated. That's all good. But this sick sh*t with the way they made a spectacle of Tatiana -- goading her about her psychic, etc. is just too much.

Well, I'm glad you've had an epiphany. :lol: It is not subtle anymore- it's just so painfully obvious that AI is pushing through their chosen picks, voters be damned. I mean, that shouty little slutbag with the pink hair got through along with the oil barge and the dead-wife-dude. Sure, Danny hit the right musical and emotional notes to make it through, but the other two were simply dreadful. I just can't believe that a disarmingly sweet nutjob like Tatiana didn't get through; she really was the only reason to watch, and she wasn't even that bad last night. If she doesn't make it as a wild card, I think AI ratings will tank like never before. Shame on them.

[Chrislit18]

I seriously was screaming when Danny got through. This thread has made me realize just how much I don't like the fact he's playing the sympathy card.

While I was upset that Anoop got eliminated, I was happy that at least Michael got through, he seems like a good personality, and he doesn't completely suck.

I'm excited for next week, to see what happens. Hopefully some better performances?

OH- and a quick question. I hardly pay attention to Ryan, so exactly how will the other 3 of the top 12 be picked?
I know there's a 3 advance each week thing, but with three weeks, three times three equals...9. lol.

[TrueFaith77]

^^There's a Wild Card show on Thurs of the third SemiFinals Week. On that show, the judges will choose the remaining three to create The Top 12.

How, exactly, those Wild Cards will be chosen is unknown. I don't know if they'll invite a bunch of the semi-finalists back to perform and then make the decision at-that-moment. I don't know if it will just be an announcement, together with retreads of their performances.

Also, most controversially, there is precendent on the show for reaching back into the audition process beyond the official Semi-Finalists for a Wild Card pick.

So who knows?

I mean, one would have thought that Ryan would have announced last night: "And the remaining nine still have a shot for our wild card slots!" or something. In addition to being evil, the show is also a mess.

[Phoenix]

Well, I'm glad you've had an epiphany. :lol: It is not subtle anymore- it's just so painfully obvious that AI is pushing through their chosen picks, voters be damned. Shame on them.


TRUER WORDS HAVE NEVER BEEN UTTERED.

[Livia]

I can't believe Michael made it through. Gawd, he's such a Broseph. Bleeccch. I can barely stomach the results shows, artery-clogging cheezy numbers. But I did watch the GYOW snippet. I don't care for their unplugged, slowed tempo version. I hit the ff button 2 seconds into the Mraz song.


http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2009/02/19/american-idol-says-farewell-to-anoop-tatiana-as-grace-sarver-gokey-advance/

“American Idol” Says Farewell to Anoop, Tatiana as Grace, Sarver, Gokey Advance
2/19/09, 8:34 am EST

Spunky belter Alexis Grace, country-soul crooner Michael Sarver and hoarse howler Danny Gokey advanced to the season eight finals of American Idol last night, meaning Rock Daily favorite Anoop Desai and the duchess of drama Tatiana Del Toro didn’t make the cut — they’ll both be likely candidates for the Wild Card round, along with screen-time-starved Ricky Braddy. The show wasn’t clear as to which male singer received the most votes, and which made the Top Three with the third-most votes overall.

Twenty-four million votes were cast Tuesday night after the first 12 semifinal performances, which means perhaps the same number were watching on Wednesday and pondering the heavy questions: does Gokey have an eyeglass sponsor, or is he picking up new frames at some kind of Vision Depot every night? Why did Idol producers only air a blip of the pretty awesome footage of Carrie Underwood and David Cook covering Fleetwood Mac’s “Go Your Own Way”? (The pair performed at the recent opening of the American Idol Experience at Walt Disney World, where all seven Idol winners gathered together for the first time ever.) Come to think of it, how come there’s never been a Mac-themed Idol week?

Wednesday night also brought the first painfully awkward group number of the season, a less-than-spirited cover of Jason Mraz’s “I’m Yours” that sounded like Simon Cowell’s worst karaoke nightmare (note that the camera never cut to him during the song). Producers also packed in a reminder that past Idol hopefuls continue to live after they’re voted off, showcasing a duet between last season’s rock-ish contestants Carly Smithson and Michael Johns.

As for the top singers of the night, all three had lots of screen time playing up their difficult backstories during early episodes: young mom Grace, roughneck Sarver and widowed Gokey make for heart-tugging TV, don’t they? How long until we find out whether Idol votes are counted the same way Florida ballots were during the 2000 election? Yes, we welcome your conspiracy theories here at Rock Daily. Share them in the comments.

[TrueFaith77]

Remember, I called it. I predicted there will be a Mac theme night!

Not sure if this would even be a scoop worth getting, but after your post today with Mike Darnell's TV Week Interview, I thought this might be of interest for further research:

Darnell said: We’re going to big it up. (Musicians) will have to be ridiculously big this season for us to have them as mentors.

So I predict that Fleetwood Mac will be a mentor. Evidence:

1. On the Arizona episode, They kept repeating that Stevie Wright is named after Stevie Nicks

2. There are some Stevie Nicks / Kara Laguoardia Aiport connections (via Platinum Weird/Dave Stewart)
http://mjsbigidolblog.com/2009/01/16/kara-dioguardis-fake-band-platinum-weird/

3. Fleetwood Mac have a tour -- called Unleashed -- to promote this spring (and a rerelease of Rumours, which is like the fifth best selling album of all time -- ergo: "big it up")

4. The following is the only break during the upcoming MONTHS-long Fleetwood Mac Unleashed tour (listed with concurrent Idol weeks via heroesarehardtofind.blogspot.com):

Tuesday, March 31 Top 9
Tuesday, April 7 Top 8
Tuesday, April 14 Top 7


ETA:

5. They included "Don't Stop" among the group song numbers

6. They singled out the David Cook/Carrie Underwood "Go Your Own Way" performances

7. Thanks to Livia:

Alexis wants to work with FM (more foreshadowing?):

Q: What mentors would you like to work with?

A: Aretha Franklin, of course. Fleetwood Mac, I would love. And Bruce Springsteen.

Full interview with her and Danny and Michael here:

http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/160...9/story.jhtml# (http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1605433/20090219/story.jhtml#)

[HejiraNYC]

Remember, I called it. I predicted there will be a Mac theme night!

I don't think it's going to happen quite simply because I do not think there are enough Mac hits that lend themselves well to a singing competition; these are generally not singers' songs. In general, they do not contain a lot of range and contain lengthy instrumental passages. And few of them allow for mellismatic vocal acrobatics and soaring finales. And because Lindsey and Christine sing with such understatement, without vibrato, any attempt to belt their songs or twist them into soul-shouting workouts would probably sound hackneyed and over-the-top, e.g., Bekka Bramlett.

So what would work on AI?

-Don't Stop
-Tango in the Night
-Go Your Own Way
-Gypsy (this is a bit of a stretch)
-Songbird

Can't think of anything else... ?

[TrueFaith77]

I seriously think I'm gonna stop watching this show. I mean. Don't get me wrong. I got over A LOOONG TIME AGO being overly disappointed when my favorite gets eliminated. That's all good. But this sick sh*t with the way they made a spectacle of Tatiana -- goading her about her psychic, etc. is just too much.

I feel a resurgence coming on. I will keep watching the show. Now, my purpose to avenge Tatiana by helping to crush Danny Goatkey.

So that's healthy. . .

RE: Fleetwood Mac Night.

Well they did two Beatles Nights last year. . . so. . . it's possible.

Plus there's rumours that there will be duets figured into this year's competition. . .

Potential songs for Idolness:

Landslide
Rhiannon
Never Going Back Again (ala Over the Rainbow on the eukelele (spelling? lol)
Gypsy
Seven Wonders
Everywhere
Little Lies
Sara
etc I don't know. Idol can ruin ANYthing.

[skcin]

I don't disagree with any of you about the producers skewing the public's votes by telling certain contestants' stories. However, I honestly feel that Alexis & Danny had the best performances this week. :shrug: I don't believe Michael deserved to get in - the dude could barely make it through the song he was so out of breath. I think Anoop was better. Hell, even Tatiana was better.

As for the harsh treatment of Tatiana, they're definitely playing her up. However, what did she expect after making such a spectacle of herself in the first few shows? Her reaction was very unprofessional as well. Everyone was upset they didn't get through, but they didn't break down & ignore those who made it. Suck it up, smile & say congrats, then go behind everyone & cry your eyes out.


I think there are definitely songs that would work well on Idol, esp. if they do it when there are only 7 or 8 contestant left. I wonder if they would also allow them to branch off into solo material - you wouldn't think so, but you never know. Also - I'm trying to recall if every song was a "hit" during past mentor shows - is it possible someone might try out a rare gem? Beautiful Child, since it was done on the last tour? That's Alright, if someone wants a country vibe? Probably not. Think there's any chance in hell they would allow the contestants to do any pre-SN/LB material? I'm thinking no.

These are, IMO, familiar enough to most people in the general audience & are theoretically do-able by the contestants:

Landslide
Over My Head
Say You Love Me
Rhiannon
Dreams (I've said for years this is a perfect Idol song)
Go Your Own Way (although Michael Johns' version last year bored me to tears)
You Make Loving Fun
Sara
Hold Me
Big Love
Little Lies
Everywhere

Don't Stop or World Turning could work well for group performance. I shudder to think they would attempt The Chain - on that same note, I don't think anyone should attempt GDW, Silver Springs or Gypsy.

I'm changing my mind about there actually being a chance it might happen after reading those points in the Darnell interview. :thumbsup: As much as I fear that most tunes will be butchered, I still want to see/hear it. Glutton for punishment I guess.


And I too was clueless about just how the Wild Card people would be picked. If the judges are going to take 1 person from each group, I think Anoop or Tatiana are most deserving based on their performances this week. I'm holding out hope for Jackie since her voice is so original & she's comfortable on stage, but her performance was so spastic I think she blew it.

[skcin]

Here are next week's 12:

http://www.americanidol.com/top_36/group_2

The only ones I rmember at all are Allison, Jasmine, Adam, Kai & Matt B. Well, Nick too but who cares.

[HejiraNYC]

Here are next week's 12:

http://www.americanidol.com/top_36/group_2

The only ones I rmember at all are Allison, Jasmine, Adam, Kai & Matt B. Well, Nick too but who cares.

Is Chicken Little 2 in this batch or the next batch?

[Livia]

Alexis wants to work with FM (more foreshadowing?):

Q: What mentors would you like to work with?

A: Aretha Franklin, of course. Fleetwood Mac, I would love. And Bruce Springsteen.

Full interviews with her and Danny and Michael here:

http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1605433/20090219/story.jhtml#

[TrueFaith77]

Livia, I added to the list. Me thinks so!


ETA: Does this mean I have to like Alexis now? lol

[skcin]

Is Chicken Little 2 in this batch or the next batch?

Who's the new Chicken Little? :p The kid with the red pants & headbands?

[Chrislit18]

Who's the new Chicken Little? :p The kid with the red pants & headbands?
Nick?!
I love him. 'Norman' his alter ego adds humor to the show, so I hope that he gets through to the finals. lol.

Yet, nobody will ever be as Chicken Little as Mr. Kevin Covais :laugh:

[skcin]

^ No, I was talking about Nathaniel, the one who Simon asked "what the hell are you wearing?"

[Chrislit18]

^ No, I was talking about Nathaniel, the one who Simon asked "what the hell are you wearing?"
awh, I don't remember him. Let me go back to when TrueFaith posted the top 36...maybe that'll refresh my memory...

EDIT: WOW! I didn't even remember that kid got through. :lol:
I really didn't like him that much, he's too emotional for the show IMO. Plus his voice is 'eh.'

Good name for him though guys :D

[skcin]

^ Juts to clarify, I'm not sure that is who Hejira was talking about. :shrug: Just a guess.

[HejiraNYC]

^ Juts to clarify, I'm not sure that is who Hejira was talking about. :shrug: Just a guess.

I'm definitely not talking about Normund Gentle... it's the super-neurotic kid whose name escapes me...

[Livia]

Village Voice is on the Mac bandwagon:

A commercial for the new Idol Disney attraction ends with Carrie Underwood and David Cook dueting on "Go Your Own Way." Another clue about Fleetwood Mac night?

http://blogs.villagevoice.com/music/archives/2009/02/american_idol_f.php

[TrueFaith77]

I called it first! :wavey:

[skcin]

I called it first! :wavey:

Dude, you said it would be cool & smart if they did. I wouldn't try to get a job with the Psychic Friends Network or anything. :laugh:

[TrueFaith77]

Dude, you said it would be cool & smart if they did. I wouldn't try to get a job with the Psychic Friends Network or anything. :laugh:


No I meant I had broken down those "clues" a long time ago. I didn't say I was psychic.

[skcin]

No I meant I had broken down those "clues" a long time ago. I didn't say I was psychic.

I stand corrected - you're a genius. :thumbsup:

Kind of sucks it's not on tonight. I watch a lot of TV on Thursday & this will totally screw up my viewing schedule.

[TrueFaith77]

I stand corrected - you're a genius. :thumbsup:

Kind of sucks it's not on tonight. I watch a lot of TV on Thursday & this will totally screw up my viewing schedule.

Yeah it really threw my week out of whack.

I went to bed at like 10:30 last night. I think I was voting in my sleep. :shocked:

[cratesok6]

Did anyone else notice - Paula was high as a kite (again). She was all glassy eyed and kept deferring her comments to Simon, like she couldn't reason or speak!

What's with this chick? I've occasionally seen her in past years in the same condition. What is she thinking, going on national TV in an altered state for all to see?:mad:

[TrueFaith77]

American Idol
Season 8 - Semi-Finals Round 2

The Good

Nick Mitchell/Normund Gentle -- "And I Am Not Going" -- Wow!! A second viewing of this hilarious performance revealed two significant things: 1. Nick was vocally terrific until, yes, that darn sign got in the way! 2. Thanks to his inspired improvisations, he now joins Jennifer Holiday (from the original cast of Dreamgirls) and, my still favorite performer of this song, Joanna Chilcoat (in the movie Camp) as the only two interpreters of this lunatical (psychologically unhinged) song who have been able to make it make sense. His satiric performance reveals the song's sentiment as the impossible American Idol dream. Brilliant. And then after the performance, he crane kicks Simon. If only he could make it through to the Top 12 (he won't), it would be Tatiana: avenged.

Allison Irahata -- "Alone" -- Even though the back-up singers handle the high notes, she provides the texture and the personality to her rock phrasings. Honestly, I'm actually excited for her to do a Stevie song on Fleetwood Mac night. I can think of no higher praise. Since she'll definitely be in the Top 12, she stands as easily the competition's current frontrunner.


The Bad

Adam Lambert -- "Satisfaction" -- Toward the end of this song, Adam Lambert gives this song the same palpable sense of wild desire that Donna Summer conveyed in "Hot Stuff"; I had goosebumps at the end. But I wish that he had reconceived the song as a Disco track, because the rock accompaniment, his early snears at the camera, and his sojourn mid-song into hipster-land was embarassing. In fact, he should have just sung "Hot Stuff," cuz Adam can't pass for Mick Jagger. Undecided.

Megan Corkrey -- "Put Your Record On" -- Here's the problem with Megan: she has a recognizable, unique singing style (and a fascinating photogenic look) -- but she doesn't seem to understand what she's singing.

Matt Giraud -- "Viva La Vida" -- Whenever contestants do contemporary songs, it reveals their bad taste in music. In other words, these are the songs they like rather than the songs they should be singing. But also: why like these songs. That said, a re-view revealed that his vocals were interesting if misapplied.

Kris Allen -- "Man in the Mirror" -- What I dig about this is that it's appropriate that a contestant with a boy-band type of persona pays his debt to Michael Jackson -- trying to give us a white-bread version of a classic MJ single. What doesn't work is that Kris Allen is just not even as good as most boy-band singers.


The U-G-L-Y (You ain't got no alibi)

Jessie Langseth -- "Betty Davis Eyes" -- Well-sung, looks good, annoying & pretentious post-song attitude, totally karaoke.

Mishavonne Henson -- "Drops of Jupiter" -- Good voice. Bad taste in music. Mediocre. Totally forgettable.

Matt Bratzke -- "If You Can Only See" -- Why am I watching this show. Still, he had a better performance/vocal than fellow working man Michael Sarver, but there was just no soul in this performance.


What's Grosser Than Gross?

Jeanine Vailes -- "This Love" -- I loved her so much after the performance, taking criticism from the judges and begging for votes.

Kai Kalama -- "What Becomes of a Broken Heart" -- Maybe the cheesiest performance ever on Idol.

Jasmine Murray -- "Love Song" -- Still singing out of her sinuses. Unable to find the song's melody. (It was like hearing the band play one song while she sneezed out another.)


iTunes-worthy: I forgot that last year, I would also list which songs of the week were iTunes-worthy. Last week, only Tatiana Del Toro's "Saving All My Love" proved iTunes worthy (and it continues to delight in that format)! This week, I pre-ordered Nick Mitchell and Alison Iraheta's performances.

[skcin]

I fell asleep at 9:30. :o So I have to watch some contestants on DVR later. I did see Allison & thought she was excellent. I thought Nick/Norman was out of tune. :shrug: I know he can sing when he relaxes his schtick, but I don't think he sang well last night at all. Megan was solid, but not much stage presence - she seemed a bit stiff & awkward. I woke up during Adam & couldn't decide if he was singing his heart out or shouting & screeching. Still not sure.

The rest that I saw were boring, several were way out of tune. I don't get how so many contestants can get this far in the competition, rehearse ONE song all week (two I guess, for the group performance) and come out & actually sing OFF KEY?! WTF? Jasmine was the worst offender that I saw. Sad, really.

[HejiraNYC]

Man, that was awful. I mean, I generally roll my eyes at everything on AI, but at least I can recall thinking that, all things considered, there were some noteworthy performances. But with the exception of Nick Mitchell/Normund Gentle, which was a bit too self-consciously over-the-top, all of it was horrific. Horrific songs, horrific singing, horrific/non-existent personalities.

Anyway, here are my predictions for the Top Three:

-Nick Mitchell/Normund Gentle - He's got the Vote for the Worst vote and he was the only one even remotely entertaining.

-Allison Irahata - Girl was baked to high heaven. She gets the High Times voting bloc.

-Adam Lambert - Words just cannot describe how wrong this was. But Paula was practically overcome with lust. My feeling is that not only is he going to make it into the Top 12, he's going to be in the all-douche Top 2 (along with Dead Wife Danny).

[skcin]

^ I must agree with you about the top 3, even though I missed seeing like 4 contestants. :p

Allison's interview was painful, but I don't think she was high. Just a ditzy little girl, perhaps? Maybe Paula was so f*cked up that I didn't notice anyone else's condition. Honestly, sometimes she's so distracting. Loved when Ryan asked her a question & addressed her by name but she thought he was asking Simon. WTF.

I thought the same thing about Nick & votefortheworst.com. But they didn't get Tati in last week, so maybe not - unless the producers are just totally fixing the show now to account for the votefortheworst factor.

[skcin]

Allison deserved to get in, so I'm glad for that. Adam - eh. The other guy? I thought he gave a solid performance but was a bit dull & forgettable (obviously, since I can't recall his name or song.)

I'm thinking Megan will get a second shot at Wild Card. Maybe bald Matt since Simon seems to love him. Mishovonna's a maybe too.

[skcin]

So the wild card show will be this week already. :shocked: Good, get it over with & get to the actual competition. I'm still hearing conflicting reports about how this will work - I know the judges choose who will get another shot. But how many will there be? And will we vote, or will the judges decide the last 3 people to make it after they perform?


I'm actually hoping the judges decide - they're a bit less swayed by the sob stories & seem to go more on the quality of the actual performances.


Here's group 3, btw:
http://www.americanidol.com/top_36/group_3

The only people who I remember are Lil (in a good way) and Nathaniel, Scott & Kristen (in not as good ways.)

[ontheEdgeof17]

^Tues and Wed will the be regular format.

Thursday is the wildcard show. As far as I know, the judges pick the final 3 at the end of the show....which is kinda lame because I'm sure they already have the spots picked prior to the performances anyway.

[skcin]

^Tues and Wed will the be regular format.

Thursday is the wildcard show. As far as I know, the judges pick the final 3 at the end of the show....which is kinda lame because I'm sure they already have the spots picked prior to the performances anyway.

That's what I figured, since there's no results show for wild card. Any idea how many contestants get another shot on Thurs?

[ontheEdgeof17]

It's only an hour show....So 6 maybe? :shrug:

They need at least 10-15 minutes for picking.....so they can't have too many sing again, I wouldn't think.

[skcin]

It's only an hour show....So 6 maybe? :shrug:

They need at least 10-15 minutes for picking.....so they can't have too many sing again, I wouldn't think.

I was thinking maybe they'd each choose 2 people, but that would make 8 now that Kara's there so I don't know if there will be time. is it only an hour Thurs?

[ontheEdgeof17]

I was thinking maybe they'd each choose 2 people, but that would make 8 now that Kara's there so I don't know if there will be time. is it only an hour Thurs?

Yes.

Word on the street is that the wildcard show might not even include singing. 8-9 contestants come back and the judges pick based on past performances and the like. I guess we will see....

[ontheEdgeof17]

I was thinking maybe they'd each choose 2 people, but that would make 8 now that Kara's there so I don't know if there will be time. is it only an hour Thurs?

Yes.

Word on the street is that the wildcard show might not even include singing. 8-9 contestants come back and the judges pick based on past performances and the like. I guess we will see....

[skcin]

No singing? Just a selection? So they're gonna line them all up & point? :p Seems odd, but it is a short show so time is an issue.


So far the people I think deserve to get in based on their final performances are Meghan (tatoo-sleeve girl) and Anoop. Bald Matt was OK too, as was Mishovonna.

I loved Jackie & Jasmine initially, but their final performances blew so oh well. We'll see how the final 12 do tonight.

[TrueFaith77]

American Idol – Season 8
Semi-Finals Week 3


I gasped when Simon Cowell chastised the booing the audience: “On this show, we do not allow Democracy.” Funny: for a show based on viewer voting. Hopefully, Simon provided a wake up call to the show’s gross manipulations: judge’s comments meant to instill bias, back-stories full of sob stories, the predictable placement of faves in the Pimp spot (I called it: Lil Rounds takes it this week).

Here’s my attempt to assess despite the show’s dictatorship of meaning.

The Good

Jorge Nunez – “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me” – This Elton John classic favors anyone who sings it (including David Archuleta’s delivery of the greatest-EVER Idol performance during last season’s finale showdown). Jorge didn’t offer much subtlety in the phrasing, but he makes up for it passion – a very moving performance by the season’s best male contestant.

Von Smith – “You’re All I Need To Get By” – Von got robbed by being placed in the first slot. He gives a distinct, totally effective, interpretation of a classic Marvin Gaye song (the same-titled Gaye-Terrell album is one of my all-time favorites – a collection of love song duets to rival Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours). He and Jorge I can imagine as contemporary, successful recording artists.

Ju’Not Joyner – “Delilah” – Ju’Not’s slow-roast r&b take on the song ultimately pays off. It’s surprisingly captivating. I’m not quite sure what accounts for his charisma: it might be the thug-stylin’ in contrast to his Luther crooning.

Alex Wagner-Trugman – “I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues” – Everything Alex did before and after the performance of the song makes me want him to stay around longer – we should keep track on his progress as he hits the gym in hopes of filling out a shirt like Simon. I like his voice. I thought his performance was fun. He will be missed. He’ll be punished for trying to retain his individuality: I guess that’s why they call it. The blues.


The Bad

Felicia Barton – “No One” – Felicia’s in it to win it, performing a current Alicia Keyes. Ho-hum. Best female vocal of the night.

Nathaniel Marshall – “I Would Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That)” – Surprisingly, the vocal was solid (especially during the power notes), but this performance was campy – what Nathaniel mistakes for “fun.” And not in the witty way that Normund Gentle was last week. Why don’t people know how to play this game – after watching the show for 7 years? He was savvy enough to rip off YouTube acoustic performances of a Rhianna hit, but he thinks a jazzercise take on Meat Loaf is the way to compete?

Kristen McNamara – “Give Me One Reason” – She’s probably the best karaoke host in the world.

Scott McIntyre – “Mandolin Rain” -- I still don’t understand why it’s so impressive to be a blind singer (the one job that doesn’t require sight), but Scott steps it up with his best vocal to date (not saying much) and some funny post-song banter. Problem is: even if I were blind, I still wouldn’t enjoy his singing.


The U-G-L-Y (You ain’t got no alibi)

Lil Rounds – “Be Without You” – By doing a Mary J. Blige song, she reveals that she’s no Mary J. Blige. Judges: wrong again. It’s bad – soulless, grooveless, indistinct vocal tone and phrasing – but then it gets U-G-L-Y when she switches up the lyrics to beg for votes. When Normund Gentle did it, it clarified and crystallized the meaning of the song. When Lil does it, it makes the song serve her own ambition. A gross display.

Ariana Afsar – “The Winner Takes It All” – Contrary to the judges’ comments, the problem here isn’t the song choice (brilliant song choice) or even necessarily the orchestration or attempts to make it “contemporary.” The problem: the vocals.

Taylor Vaifanua – “If I Got You” – To quote Simon ten minutes after the performance: “Who’s Taylor?”

Kendall Beard – “This One’s For The Girls” – The shrillest performance in the history of Idol. The search for the next Carrie Underwood continues. . .


iTunes-Worthy: Jorge and Von both earn places on my iPod. I might get Ju’Not and Alex too.

[HejiraNYC]

An improvement from last week... but that's not saying much. Sometimes I wonder whether AI has already tapped out all of the potential talent in the country- this was just terrible. Anyway, here is who will go through:

-Lil Rounds. She didn't suck. She has a nice booty. She had strong stage presence. The hair was a bit too Atlanta-supermarket-cashier for me. But I agree- there was nothing particularly remarkable about her voice/persona. And let's face it- AI needs at least one black person in the Top 12.

-Scott McIntyre. The song sucked. He sucked. But how can you deny the pity factor? And we're talking about major AI pimpage here...

-Jorge Nunez. The song was a no-brainer choice and it's not particularly hard to sing well. His rendering was adequate but unremarkable. But it's the crocodile tears that will get him through. America wuvs a crybaby.

Possible upset: Von Smith. I was hoping he would scream the song, but he actually took it down a few notches and was quite effective. But yeah... he had the unenviable opening slot... that will hurt him, possibly mortally.

I also predict the following will go through from the wildcards:

-Jamal whatshisname (Dead wife Danny's BFF)
-Tatiana del Toro
-Matt Giraud

[GoldDustOrphan]

Weeks ago, leading theologians warned an unsuspecting public that Satan molded Golem Danny Gokey to lead his Army of Undead Wives in a war for the soul of America, and no one listened.
What they didn't reveal is that Satan took his last bit of clay - moistened with his spit and bile - and crafted Adam Lambert.
But, things are not as dire as it seems.
The pope has gifted Tatiana Del Toro with The Seven Daggers of Megiddo and a possible spot as a wild card contestant to get her closer to the belly of both beasts. But, they're on to her.
Satan sent "8 hurricanes" to blow her away, but she survived and was granted the power to "create energy from nothing". (See the second video below.) She won't give up until there's blood.

Now, Lambert has sent a chilling message that the war has begun. Watch this video as he goads her.

If you've never seen pure evil, hold onto something.


<div><object width="420" height="339"><param name="movie" value="http://www.dailymotion.com/swf/x8ihx1" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.dailymotion.com/swf/x8ihx1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="420" height="339" allowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always"></embed></object><br /><b><a href="http://www.dailymotion.com/swf/x8ihx1">Adam, Allison and Kris Los Angeles</a></b><br /><i>by <a href="http://www.dailymotion.com/krunkyou">krunkyou</a></i></div>

Tatiana - channeling warrior spirits Joan of Arc and Lola Falana - sends a message back to Satan: You Failed to Kill Me.

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/G1nxZmH6KtQ&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/G1nxZmH6KtQ&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

[TrueFaith77]

GoldDustOrphan, you read my mind. Thank you for alerting everyone to Adam's throwdown during that Good Morning LA (orwhatever) interview. Chilling. What a jerk.

Hilarious write-up. Here's hoping for the wild card.

[jannieC]

Oh for god's sake- they just let that stupid Tatiana back on. :mad:

[TrueFaith77]

Words cannot express how happy I am at this moment. I love Tatiana more than any contestant since my Sanjaya. Will she slay the dragon?

BONUS: And in my work pool, I have guessed every single one of the 9 to make the top 12 so far. wow.

[HejiraNYC]

Oh for god's sake- they just let that stupid Tatiana back on. :mad:

http://cdn.votefortheworst.com//files/u3/tatianaidolsuck.jpg

:thumbsup:

[TrueFaith77]

I am so glad that there are people who appreciate Tatiana on this board.

[skcin]

Oh for god's sake- they just let that stupid Tatiana back on. :mad:


Well, you knew that was going to happen. :p I don't disagree on their decision, since her last performance was very good. The only 2 people I would have liked to get in the wild card that didn't were Jackie & Ju'Not. I really don't think Von or Ricky need to be there, but what are you gonna do?



Words cannot express how happy I am at this moment. I love Tatiana more than any contestant since my Sanjaya. Will she slay the dragon?

BONUS: And in my work pool, I have guessed every single one of the 9 to make the top 12 so far. wow.


I think I've missed 2. :D I hate to predict who will get in before the show, but I'm thinking Anoop & Jasmine have the best shot. Anoop is a great singer & performer, IMO, and the judges like him a lot. I think Jasmine blew her most recent performance & she's a bit generic for me, but if she pulls out a good one tonight, she's in - you can practically see $$$ pop up in the judges' eyes when they talk about her.

I'm thinking the 3rd spot will go to a girl, because they are short on girls in the final 9. I'm leaning toward Meghan, she's got a cool original voice ( reminds me so much of Fiona Apple's.) But if she blows it & Tati does well, she might get in. We will see.

[jannieC]

Well, you knew that was going to happen. :p I don't disagree on their decision, since her last performance was very good.

To be totally honest, I have not been able to watch as much as I usually do, so I didn't see her allegedly good performance :p Just kidding- I had heard it was good from others. She's just so...ridiculous. Oh well. I will have to deal, I suppose. ;)

[TrueFaith77]

:(


I sense foul play. But sad nonetheless. That said: I won in the work pool again (Matt, Jasmine, Megan) and totally guessed Anoop would be a number 13 (though that didn't apply to the work pool).

[ontheEdgeof17]

This season is an

EPIC FAIL



boring....
.......and obviously they didn't pick the wild cards on voice ......
totally rigged. Anoop is horrible....and that Jasmine chick? I think we founf E.T. life with her.


I'm bored with this season. yawn.

[TrueFaith77]

American Idol – Season 8
Semi-Finals: Wild Card Round

Tonight’s “Wild Card” round ended the epic battle for what a friend of mine called “fairness” and “justice” on American Idol. The “Wild Card” round features semi-finalists not voted into Top 12 (surprise: Top 13 -- yawn) positions who are given a second chance to get placed in the finals by the judges. Getting rather metaphysical, Simon last night declared that the evening would be all about “redemption.” How right he was. . .


The Good

Tatiana Del Toro – “Saving All My Love For You” -- It will stand in Official Idol history as one of the great mistakes: Tatiana repeated her semi-final song choice of “Saving All My Love For You.” Like Sanjaya Malakar’s producer-imposed selection of “Something To Talk About” on Country night, the decision smacks of foul play. After giving another beautiful rendition of the song and easily ranking as the best VOCAL of the night (notably stronger in the beginning portion, and the big notes EVEN sweeter), the judges tore into her for repeating her previous song. She rationalized the decision in three parts: 1) she couldn’t get clearance for another song in one day; 2) she couldn’t get clearance for a song AS GOOD in one day; and 3) if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. The judges rationalized their decision to cut her, despite being the night’s (the season’s) best female vocalist, by instituting the “no repeat” rule. But I smell something is afoot. I see a contestant backed into a corner and trying to make the best of it: trusting that better talent will win out. Today, E!Online quoted a backstage source who made it clear that the show had no intention of moving Tatiana onto the next round (Google it). What a strange coincidence that she was either a) forced to settle on a previous song by being given a more limited song list choice or b) was allowed to follow her fancy in repeating a song: despite the impact that would have on the show and on iTunes sales (honestly, I wanted a new Tatiana song to play on my iPod). In other words, she was encouraged to fail. But did she really fail? Was she WRONG?

No.

Unlike the other contestants, Tatiana did not have to redeem herself. The judges had to redeem the show, after the show’s unfair presentation of her to the public made it impossible for her talent to be gauged by the voting process. She gave THEM another chance. They failed. The image of Tatiana bowed down before the American Idol logo, with the four judges (the outward representatives of producer prerogatives), was almost unbearable because it revealed Tatiana’s great flaw: that she believes that “talent” will win out in the end (on Idol). It represented our last image of Tatiana on the show: after so many. We’ve seen a person who in good (misguided) faith opened herself and her enthusiasm to the camera. Many of us saw a person whose drive, talent, and spark proved catching – like a pop melody you can’t shake. While many others were turned off by how much she seemed to weigh the fate of her hopes and dreams on that of her fate on Idol. During the live semi-final portions of the show, Idol viewers witnessed the phenomenon of a person now hyper-conscious of Idol producer manipulation and construction of her presentation on TV. Her attempt to regain ownership and control of her own image was probably not successful in the way it was intended, but it did something more: it revealed the kernel of truth of her humanity. That provided the context for appreciating her superb rendering of the Whitney song. . . on both televised appearances. Do not mistake her final genuflection as being directed to false Idols; it was her final challenge to the audience, to the judges, to the show: to join her in bowing down to Truth.

Cut to commercial. . .

Von Smith – “Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word” -- :robbed! Paula summed up the judge’s criticism by pointing out that Von seems overly concerned with technical precision – which he achieves – rather than emotional connection. Some people might feel that you can’t have the second without achieving the first. Von and Tatiana simply creamed the competition with their vocals. Via his vocal precision, Von’s slow build in the song proved emotionally resonant.


The Bad

Matt Giraud – “Who’s Loving You” – The first half of this performance was “Good”-worthy; full of soul, feeling, and he perfects the growl Alex Wagner Trugman attempted two night’s ago. The second half: disaster. Simon Cowell rightly id’d that turn as one from Justin Timberlake to Taylor Hicks. Not a compliment.

Megan Corkrey – “Black Horse and the Cherry Tree” – She’s probably as evil as Duffy.

Jesse Langseth – “Tell Me Something Good” – I just don’t respond to her. My brother said she reminds him of Janeane Garofalo and that sums up why she grosses me out (“too cool for school” the judges call it) despite the fact that she’s probably a better singer than any of the girls who made it through in the Wild Card. Simon rubs salt in the wound by saying she was “close” . . . but that’s before he announces there were actually FOUR spots to be filled. . . predictably.


The U-G-L-Y (You Ain’t Got Not Alibi)

Anoop Desai – “My Prerogative” – The judges say this is BETTER than his rendition of the song in Hollywood Week. In which case, I would like to know the justification for his placement in the Top 36, much less in the Top 13. Yes, the big notes are very nice, but the rest of the song is what Simon would sometimes call a “mess” – and he’d be right. But no, this song-repeater gets the wet-tongue-bath as the show attempts to ride the Slumdog Millionaire hype. My truest hope is that Anoop is taking notes and will give the world the definitive anthropological take-down of Idol hegemony – and how the show is ruining the culture. I will have to re-watch to see if Anoop shared my disgust at the condescension apparent in his role as the dupe in the Top 13 fake out.

Ricky Braddy – “Superstition” – Totally karaoke, embarrassing dancing, completely indistinct vocals. A waste.

Jasmine Murray – “Reflection” – After her disastrous first-round semi-finals performance, this shows a contestant willing to play the game. She goes the Christina Auguilera ballad route. And every sound she emits is unpleasant and loud – but she’s playing the game, so the judges LOOOOVE her and she unsurprisingly makes it to the Top 13.

iTunes-worthy: I’ll buy the Tatiana to hear how she switched it up (I think she cut the verse Randy had dissed last time) – See, Idol, Tatiana is so amazing, I’ll buy two versions of the same song if she’s singing it! I’ll get the Von Smith, too.

[skcin]

^ Dude, you are so biased. :laugh: You keep accusing people of unfairly bashing your darling Tati, yet you do the same to every other contestant. Even those who you begrudgingly admit did well go under the heading of "bad." You can't really truly believe that nobody else came close to being as good as you think she was - can you? :shocked:

She f*cked up by picking the same BORING ass song as before. Bottom line. It was good, but not any better/different than her first performance. It was clear that SHE made that choice & wasn't pushed to do so by the producers or anyone else. :shrug: If it didn't get her through the first time, why sing it again? Dumb move. She is a good singer (although I find her a bit generic), so she should have tried to show her versatility (considering she can sing anything, "world music" & all...)

LMAO when Paula asked when she "grew" her accent. :lol:

However, I agree that this Wild Card show was a bit ridiculous. I mean, most of us called it before seeing anyone perform. :rolleyes: The judges obviously had their eye on the people that made it in from the get-go, and as long as they didn't totally f*ck it up, they were getting in no matter what. I do think that the people that got through truly put in very solid performances. It's not like they blew it & the judges picked them anyway. Whether or not their performances were better than those who didn't make it is pretty subjective.

Von is too showtune for this competition, IMO. I also felt he was off-key at the start of his song. I thought Jesse's song choice sucked, she didn't show much range. Ricky was forgettable.

And f*ck you Curtis, I like Anoop. :mad: :laugh:

[HejiraNYC]

I really hoped, in the most objective way possible, that Tatiana would be sent through. But I knew instantly that it was not meant to be. And this time I don't think it was necessarily the judges' faults- she has only herself to blame. For one thing, the sparkly dress that even Tina Turner would consider too garish. And, hulloh... cankles! :eek: And she really needed to do something, anything but that lame-ass song again, which, I might add, was not as good as the first time she sang it. But ultimately, despite her best of intentions, she unleashed the crazies last night; Girl was off her meds and in full-on manic mode. Like them or not, every single one of the other contestants conducted themselves professionally even though, in my opinion, it does not make very interesting television. But as much as I would have loved to see a full-on trainwreck make it through to the final 13, I really could not objectively see how the judges could have gotten away with it- the singing was bad, and her behavior was even worse. If she could have just reigned it in just a bit longer...

I think what is painfully apparent is that Simon has a h***-on for Megan Corkrey, which all of the bad singing and quirky outfits in the world could not deflate. She is very attractive- perhaps a bit of a deadringer for Carrie Underwood. But there is absolutely nothing there. Nothing. I wonder if he is so distracted by her assets that he cannot actually listen to how awful she is...

Jasmine Murray is the other one that has a strange, unjustifiable following among the judges. She is not a terrible singer. But she was horrendous last week and this week she was just a very low-rent version of Aguilera. Again, there is absolutely nothing there...

Anyway... I think AI really missed some plum opportunities to make the show interesting this season. It's going to be a dull season- wake me up after Dead Wife Danny wins.

[GoldDustOrphan]

Megan "Fang Face" Corkrey - ghastly singing, visible fangs that she should have shaved down, weird, awkward hip shaking and no chance in the music business unless she's a song-writer.

AnoopDesade - Revenge of the Nerds is not very vengeful. Did someone forget to tell him that every time he pinched at the shoulder of his sweater he looked like a D**che? And he's not a "brotha?"

13 is an unlucky number.

I hope this curses the show and props begins to fall on contestants, hydraulic lifts fails and contestants are only eliminated by death.

[skcin]

^ Seriously? Wow. I think that girl is stunning.

I really hoped, in the most objective way possible, that Tatiana would be sent through. But I knew instantly that it was not meant to be. And this time I don't think it was necessarily the judges' faults- she has only herself to blame. For one thing, the sparkly dress that even Tina Turner would consider too garish. And, hulloh... cankles! :eek: And she really needed to do something, anything but that lame-ass song again, which, I might add, was not as good as the first time she sang it. But ultimately, despite her best of intentions, she unleashed the crazies last night; Girl was off her meds and in full-on manic mode. Like them or not, every single one of the other contestants conducted themselves professionally even though, in my opinion, it does not make very interesting television. But as much as I would have loved to see a full-on trainwreck make it through to the final 13, I really could not objectively see how the judges could have gotten away with it- the singing was bad, and her behavior was even worse. If she could have just reigned it in just a bit longer...

I think what is painfully apparent is that Simon has a h***-on for Megan Corkrey, which all of the bad singing and quirky outfits in the world could not deflate. She is very attractive- perhaps a bit of a deadringer for Carrie Underwood. But there is absolutely nothing there. Nothing. I wonder if he is so distracted by her assets that he cannot actually listen to how awful she is...

Jasmine Murray is the other one that has a strange, unjustifiable following among the judges. She is not a terrible singer. But she was horrendous last week and this week she was just a very low-rent version of Aguilera. Again, there is absolutely nothing there...

Anyway... I think AI really missed some plum opportunities to make the show interesting this season. It's going to be a dull season- wake me up after Dead Wife Danny wins.

ITA with your comments on Tatiana. If I thought she deserved it, I'd put aside my feelings about her look & her actions & everything else, but she didn't.

Yes, it is obvious that Simon loves Megan (he usually goes for brunettes, though, hmmmm.....) But I disagree about there being nothing special there - I definitely heard something original & cool & quirky in her voice. Fiona Apple-ish - I'm telling you.

Jasmine bores me. :wavey: She can leave any time. yes, she did well, but I don't think SHE's anything special.

And you know damn well you're glutton for punishment like the rest of us & you'll watch it every week.

[ontheEdgeof17]

And f*ck you Curtis, I like Anoop. :mad: :laugh:

:laugh:

He'll make Top 5.

Here are my predictions now that the Top 13 has been named:

13/12 (double elimination, according to Paula): Michael/Jasmine
11: Jorge
10: Kris
9: Matt
8: Megan
7: Alexis
6: Allison
5: Anoop
4: Scott
3: Lil
2: Adam
1: Danny :distress:

[skcin]

^ I don't want to predict before I see performances, but I think Alexis & Allison may make it a bit farther than you think. Other than that, sounds about right.

[ontheEdgeof17]

^ I don't want to predict before I see performances, but I think Alexis & Allison may make it a bit farther than you think. Other than that, sounds about right.

You think? I think Alexis is a little bland. Her whole get-up she has now is not her. I don't like how the judges told her to change her image and she came back with pink highlights? WTF? :laugh: A 20 something mother with pink hair? Such a poser. She does have an interesting voice, though.

I see Allison losing hers. She doesn't have vocal control yet and she is going to practice and practice hitting higher notes and I think it will bite her in the butt.

oy. I'm too into this show. I need help.

[HejiraNYC]

I see Allison losing hers. She doesn't have vocal control yet and she is going to practice and practice hitting higher notes and I think it will bite her in the butt.



I agree- it already sounds like there's a ganja farm growing in her alveolar sacs. :lol:

All it takes is one off-night to give her the boot. I think she lucked out with a good song choice (Heart's "Alone"), which gave her license to scream. But I don't think country 'n' western night will be so forgiving. :rolleyes:

[TrueFaith77]

I hear it's Michael Jackson theme this week.

[skcin]

I hear it's Michael Jackson theme this week.

Oh good lord. :rolleyes: This is going to be a nightmare. Most of his 80's work has not held up well, IMO - sooooo dated & cheesy, sure to give us plenty of karaoke-ish performances.

So Thriller for the groupd performance? :laugh: Or Black or White?


I'm a bit confused as to why they have both Kanye West and Kelly Clarkson performing this Wed. :shrug:

[ontheEdgeof17]

I'm a bit confused as to why they have both Kanye West and Kelly Clarkson performing this Wed. :shrug:

I think Kanye is the mentor this week and Kelly's album comes out tomorrow.....and you know Kanye. He has to perform no matter what.

[HejiraNYC]

I hear it's Michael Jackson theme this week.

Ugh. You know there's going to be someone who covers the David-Cook-Covering-Chris-Cornell-Covering-Michael-Jackson version of "Billie Jean," and everyone will rave that it's so radical and original. :rolleyes: .

[skcin]

^ So Kanye will talk about what an influence MJ was on him?
Great.

They must have countless mentors/guests lined up this season to throw 2 pretty major stars in the same week. :wavey:


You think? I think Alexis is a little bland. Her whole get-up she has now is not her. I don't like how the judges told her to change her image and she came back with pink highlights? WTF? :laugh: A 20 something mother with pink hair? Such a poser. She does have an interesting voice, though.

I see Allison losing hers. She doesn't have vocal control yet and she is going to practice and practice hitting higher notes and I think it will bite her in the butt.

oy. I'm too into this show. I need help.

I'm impressed by Alexis' voice, not her new look. We will see if she stays with the current image or not.

I don't know enough about singing to take a guess at Allison. My only hope is that the vocal coaching they receive will teach her some control. I'm a big fan of gravelly voices (in case you couldn't figure that out, lol.)

[HejiraNYC]

I think Kanye is the mentor this week and Kelly's album comes out tomorrow.....and you know Kanye. He has to perform no matter what.

She may as well have called it My Career Would Suck Without Top-Shelf Producers and Songwriters . :wavey:

[ontheEdgeof17]

I'm a big fan of gravelly voices (in case you couldn't figure that out, lol.)

ha!

Me, too girl. Me, too. Imperfection is perfection in my book.

I just wish they kept the format with 3 weeks of semi-finals. I think we would have a better feel of things. Who knows how bad/good these contestants really are? :shrug:

....and is it me or is Scott not a good singer at all? Mediocre, at best. I don't see (no pun) the appeal.

[ontheEdgeof17]

She may as well have called it My Career Would Suck Without Top-Shelf Producers and Songwriters . :wavey:

I personally love her 'My December' record compared to this one. :cool:

[skcin]

She may as well have called it My Career Would Suck Without Top-Shelf Producers and Songwriters . :wavey:

My December is an awesome album, actually. Not many hits, that's for sure. But it's my favorite of the 3 (I haven't heard the new one yet.) I was excited about the newer/edgier direction she seemed to be taking with that CD, but she's obviously been convinced that you need radio pop hits to be successful. Oh well.

[ontheEdgeof17]

but she's obviously been convinced that you need radio pop hits to be successful. Oh well.

How ironic when the radio era is pretty much dead. Does anyone listen to the radio anymore? It's all about digital downloads. I don't think I've listened to the radio in months to a year. Well, living in NYC, there's no radio in a car for me to listen to....it's all about my 'pod on the subway.

Anyway....back to Idol....they are still so concerned about image and appearance, rather than the actually voice. Don't they know the video era is also dead and gone.? People actually want good songs now rather than visuals.

[wondergirl9847]

Scott cannot sing. I'm sorry. I hope he wins American Idol though because it's time for it to die. LOL

I like a few songs on KC's new album (heard 'em all on YouTube) and will probably buy the ones I like, as I always do with Kelly's stuff.

I'm very curious about Adam. When he just sings, he's fantastic, but the screeching, I can do without. I love Anoop too.

Michael Jackson Week....ooooooh boy.

[omigodstevie]

My prediction is Adam Lambert for the win!
He was in Wicked :D :D :D

[HejiraNYC]

My prediction is Adam Lambert for the win!
He was in Wicked :D :D :D

I don't think Middle America is going to dig all of those pictures of Adam kissing guys floating around the interwebs...

[jannieC]

This Michael Jackson show is a disaster. Everyone is pretty boring but that guy Chris just made my skin crawl. His affect is so irritating, and the way he enunciates things- gah. I'm sad about this season so far. Usually I am pulling for someone by now.

*Sigh* Maybe it will pick up.

[ontheEdgeof17]

I don't think Middle America is going to dig all of those pictures of Adam kissing guys floating around the interwebs...

I dig 'em :wavey:



Anoop literally made my ears bleed. Him over Rickey? RIDICULOUS!

[jannieC]

Anoop literally made my ears bleed. Him over Rickey? RIDICULOUS!

That was uncomfortable, wasn't it?

[HejiraNYC]

Tweet... tweet... tweet... WTF is Megan doing in this competition? :eek:

[ontheEdgeof17]

Tweet... tweet... tweet... WTF is Megan doing in this competition? :eek:

Judge's choice. :lol:


....along with Anoop and Jasmine. :eek:

[jannieC]

OMG Adam was FANTASTIC. :nod:

[jannieC]

Tweet... tweet... tweet... WTF is Megan doing in this competition? :eek:

She's...pretty? :shrug:

[ontheEdgeof17]

OMG Adam was FANTASTIC. :nod:

:wavey::wavey::wavey:

God Bless Homosexuals. This show would suck without them.


I'm oddly attracted to Matt G.

[jannieC]

:wavey::wavey::wavey:

God Bless Homosexuals. This show would suck without them.

Oh, is he gay? ;)


I'm oddly attracted to Matt G.

His was a nice performance and I hope he continues on.

I'm on the fence about Alexis.

[ontheEdgeof17]

I'm on the fence about Alexis.

Me, too. I just think she's trying to be someone she is not, and that is what is rubbing me the wrong way.

All in all, a pretty bland show. Adam and Matt are the only two I enjoyed.

[TrueFaith77]

American Idol - Season 8
Top 13 (Michael Jackson Week)

American Idol ruins pop music. Every week, it perverts how meaning is made in pop and divorces spectators from genuine response. It's scary to think what the impact will be. It's obvious that the songs are now removed from their original context for an entire generation (Example: Danny Noriega sang "Superstar" -- not in solidarity with a gay Icon but because he knew the song from its Season 2 rendition by a Idol winner Ruben Studdard).

This week, the show disparages Michael Jackson's development of an original (pop-rock-r&b-hiphop expansive) pop idiom that literally shook the world. Removing the catalogue from its personal context (MJ) and circumstances of its global appeal, the show takes advantage of its license to destroy meaning-making. Thanks to Simon Cowell, "a white boy with soul," as he describes Danny Gokey, is defined by pointless growling through the better part of "P.Y.T." (after a lame slowed-down opening). So this confuses matters, even within the confines of the show, when Simon -- rightly -- criticizes Anoop Desai's frat-house talent-show rendition of "Beat It" for lacking "aggression." But is Simon conflating Michael Jackson's hard-hitting staccato "Beat It" with Danny Gokey's obscene growling? Who knows?

Continuing the damage, Simon boasts: "Art is fine, just not on this show." Well, that gives it all away. But step back. He attributes the label of "art" to Scott MacIntyre's utterly artless, "inspirational" version of "Keep The Faith." So "art" = "sappy"? No wonder Simon doesn't see the ART that Danny Gokey turns into self-indulgence in "Beat It."

All of this establishes the show's domination over meaning and its attempts to strip pop of its liberating potential.

Imagine, then, the impact on audience consciousness when the show (via Ryan Seacrest) blames the Recession on uppity black folk in general and Jasmine Murray, specifically. Yes, it happened (cue your dvr's to Ryan's pre-performance interview with Jasmine). Thus, the show uses its influence to perpetuate one of the most dangerous current political myths. I'd bet money Jasmine lands in the Bottom 3 this week.


The Good

Adam Lambert -- "Black or White" -- The performance goes from Adam Lambert's spiritual godparents Liza Minnelli to Ted Neeley (not horrible antecedents, but I don't buy that that's a combination made in "current" heaven; sorry: Randy). I was roused by Adam's theatrical enunciation of "And I told about equality / And it's true / Either you're wrong / Or you're right" and his kick-back on "Don't tell me you / Agree with me / When I saw you / Kicking dirt in / My eye." I sensed Adam's genuine solidarity with MJ, as outsiders with rock aspirations. (As a friend of mine put it, Adam Lambert is the person MJ always wanted to be: a white boy comfortable with his sexuality.)


The Bad

Megan Joy -- "Rockin' Robin" -- Along with Adam's performance, this is the one I most re-watched. Unlike the judges, I thought this was a clever song choice for her as she infused it with her jazz stylings, which, when she broke out into the -- wonderful -- "Caw! Caw!" vocalizations at the end suddenly made me realize: maybe she's not a Duffy-like phony. She may actually be connecting personal neuroses through her musical fetishizing, if not expressing it through art.

Allison Irehata -- "Give In To Me" -- Unfortunately for Allison, this was actually forgettable even though while watching it I felt energized by her confidence and her ability to strip down the song to its rock essence.

Kris Allen -- "Remember The Time" -- What a strange reminder of how good Jason Castro was on this show, but I give Kris props for originality and when his folk-rock approach to the song worked, it really worked.

Matt G. -- "Human Nature" -- I could picture this being performed at The Grammy's. The falsetto was nice.

Jasmine Murray -- "I'll Be There" -- I felt she redeemed her position in the Top 13 with this performance. Even though she still sounds like Fergie, I felt this was her best, most on-pitch application of Fergie.

Jorge Nunez - "Never Gonna Say Goodbye" -- Though the vocal was strong as he tried to add some Latin touches to the song, and I applaud Jorge for nearly exposing the way Idol producers fix the show by forcing song choices on fodder contestants, it really was the wrong song. The impact of the performance was ultimately uncomfortable. I think the producers' fix will prove effective.


The U-G-L-Y (You Ain't Got No Alibi)

Scott MacIntyre -- "Keep The Faith" -- He makes me laugh, but he's funnier without his piano. That said: it was his best vocal to date. What allows MJ to sing songs like this is his combination of conviction, talent, and ability to personalize the song. Scott doesn't have any of those skills.

Anoop Dawg -- "Beat It" -- I love how Anoop snaps back at the judge's critiques by calling them on their previous request that he act the fool. If only he had been able to apply that same sense of resistance in the performance of the song. . .

Lil Rounds -- "The Way You Make Me Feel" -- Her best vocal to date, but she reduces a great Michael Jackson song to a mediocre Whitney Houston song as sung by a singer not even in the same league as Whitney Houston. The profound line (a challenge) -- "Ain't nobody's business but mine and my baby" -- means NOTHING here.

Michael Sarver -- "You Are Not Alone" -- On a particularly cheesy episode of Idol, this takes the cheesecake. Again, conveying no understanding of the song's profound social vision -- a deeper understanding of empathy -- Sarver reduces it, through his performance, to sentimentality. He doesn't mean what he sings.

Alexis Grace -- "Dirty Diana" -- The backup vocalists and the musical accompaniment create the impression of intensity; don't be fooled. Like her redeux of The Commitments version of "Never Loved A Man" -- no wonder it sucked -- this is a copy cat vocal limited by her considerable vocal limitations.


What's Grosser Than Gross?

Danny Gokey -- "P.Y.T." -- I guess by "aggressive," Simon refers to the fact that Danny turned the song into a threat. (When he sings, "I'll take you there," am I the only person who thought he meant his dungeon?) Danny Gokey must be stopped.


iTunes-worthy: I might buy the Adam Lambert "Black or White" just so I can figure out why it moved me so much.

[skcin]

I don't think Middle America is going to dig all of those pictures of Adam kissing guys floating around the interwebs...

I don't know. He's doing pretty well so far. :shrug: Maybe Gayken & Danny Noriega eased them into the idea of a gay boy.

I dig 'em :wavey:


You're such a whore.:cool:

Tweet... tweet... tweet... WTF is Megan doing in this competition? :eek:


I thought her vocals were very cool. I thought the song choice was realy f*cking stupid - let's face it, Rockin' Robin may as well be a kid's song. And the "caw caw" at the end? Soooo bad. :distress: But I do like her (btw - I was looking at her teeth & she doesn't have vampire fangs or a snaggle tooth - perhaps the person who posted that last week was confusing her mouth with Scott's :cool: )

Lil was solid. HORRID outfit - who the hell did that to her? Were they just being mean? You do not put a curvy woman in pleated tapered white pants. :mad: Barf.

Danny gave a solid performance too, but he doesn't move me as much as everyone else, apparently.

My faves were Allison (although I agree that song was cool but forgettable - I hope she has enough fans to pull her through), Adam, Megan, and Sarver. Not sure about Alexis - now I'm leaning toward Curtis' opinion that she's playing dress up. Jasmine was OK but dull & once again, nothing special. :shrug: I'm not a fan of Kris, but I thought he was great last night.

Scott is OK, but not great. But he'll get through - a blind guy singing a tune about keeping the faith? Please. Matt was alright I guess - I hate that friggin song though. Anoop was horrendous. Really bad. As soon as he came out, I said "oh no, karaoke." Maybe he is doing this as a goof... Didn't like Jorge either.

Lil, Danny, Scott & Alexis should be solid - they are the only ones I didn't get through to one the first try. Who I want to go tonight? Anoop (sorry, buddy, I like you but that was just sad) and Jorge. I think Anoop & Matt might actually go - perhaps Jasmine.


Anyone hear what the judge's big bombshell will be tonight? Think they'll reserve the right to override America's decision if they think they got it wrong?

[HejiraNYC]

Anyone hear what the judge's big bombshell will be tonight? Think they'll reserve the right to override America's decision if they think they got it wrong?

My prediction is that that the bottom three will be up for elimination, but one person would be rescued by the judges. It's rigged.

My predictions for the bottom three:

-Jasmine Murray. Her rendering of Mariah Carey singing the Jackson 5 was so dull and without passion. And to be honest... she is a little bit difficult to look at- kind of like a character out of Mars Attacks. :sorry:

-Megan Caw-krey. This is despite the fact that she has the Vote for the Worst bloc behind her. She was beyond horrific... but somehow she redeemed herself with those caw caw noises at the end. :thumbsup:

-Anoop. It's a shame since he seems like the most non-douchey of the bunch of guys. But he has demonstrated for the third time in a row that the boy has the worst taste in music. But then again... an upset could occur due to the cresting wave of Indian pride following the Slumdog phenomenon. If Anoop doesn't bite it, then Allison will be in his slot, if for no other reason than the fact that rocker chicks are doomed to fail on Idol. Always.

Who gets a lifeline from the judges? Megan

[TrueFaith77]

My winning streak is probably over, but I predicted the bottom 3 will be:

Jorge
Jasmine
Kris Allen
And the people going home tonight will be: Jorge and Jasmine.

Megan Caw-krey. This is despite the fact that she has the Vote for the Worst bloc behind her. She was beyond horrific... but somehow she redeemed herself with those caw caw noises at the end. :thumbsup:

ITA!!!!!!!! :]

[skcin]

My winning streak is probably over, but I predicted the bottom 3 will be:

Jorge
Jasmine
Kris Allen
And the people going home tonight will be: Jorge and Jasmine.



ITA!!!!!!!! :]

We were joking around at work that Kris wil be out quick because he's happily married to a cute girl - no sob story/pity votes for him. :p

[Livia]

Yep - Kris just lost the teeny-bopper votes for flaunting his marriage.

LOL over Adam being what Michael Jackson has always wanted to be.

I wanna see Adam and Allison duet.

[Chrislit18]

We were joking around at work that Kris wil be out quick because he's happily married to a cute girl - no sob story/pity votes for him. :p
^^

The sad thing is, that's probably true
:laugh:

I honestly think Danny sucks, and he's only there out of pity.

Scott isn't TOO bad, I prefer him to Danny.
Kris is adorable [a better looking David Archuletta?] but his vocals...eh.
I fell asleep after...Adam I think. He was good, just the judges overreact to him I think.
Anoop is still my favorite, even though he sucked at 'Beat It'. I would have liked a slower song for him. :/

The girls:
I didn't like Alison, and her comment about 'its not like i cut myself or anything' was innapropriate, especially for the show.
Lil did a safe song, but she was good. Her outfit did look horrible on her, but I liked the top.
Megan isnt THAT good either, Simon just wants her.
Jasmine....shes bland IMO.

[GoldDustOrphan]

I just downloaded the "Going Home Theme" for this season - Carrie Underwood's cover of Motley Crew's "Home Sweet Home."

[Moz]

I didn't like Alison, and her comment about 'its not like i cut myself or anything' was innapropriate, especially for the show.

:laugh: I didn't hear her say that!

[Chrislit18]

yeah she did :lol:
it was on closed captioning.

[HejiraNYC]

Oh, yes they did! They went there. The cheesy group song number was "I Want You Back," including the line "Ooh, baby I was blind to let you go..." Yes, they went there... :eek:

[ontheEdgeof17]

Oh, yes they did! They went there. The cheesy group song number was "I Want You Back," including the line "Ooh, baby I was blind to let you go..." Yes, they went there... :eek:

HA!

They took it a step more and MADE HIM DANCE! Sadly, he was better than most up there.

[TrueFaith77]

Certainly better than WKDG.

Anyway, yay... in my work poll this season, I've gotten 16 out of 17 possible points (because I thought Kris Allen, not Anoop, would be the odd man out on last night's chopping block).

[GoldDustOrphan]

The smarmy face of EVIL!

<a href="http://s71.photobucket.com/albums/i156/rickdunn101/?action=view&current=thefaceofevil.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i156/rickdunn101/thefaceofevil.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

And now there's no one to help us....

<a href="http://s71.photobucket.com/albums/i156/rickdunn101/?action=view&current=31.gif" target="_blank"><img src="http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i156/rickdunn101/31.gif" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

[skcin]

I just downloaded the "Going Home Theme" for this season - Carrie Underwood's cover of Motley Crew's "Home Sweet Home."

Being a former metalhead, I don't know how I feel about this. :lol:

yeah she did :lol:
it was on closed captioning.

I caught it too. I think sh'es incredibly nervous & panics & stupid stuff comes out of her mouth.

Oh, yes they did! They went there. The cheesy group song number was "I Want You Back," including the line "Ooh, baby I was blind to let you go..." Yes, they went there... :eek:

I almost peed my pants.

HA!

They took it a step more and MADE HIM DANCE! Sadly, he was better than most up there.


Was I the only one terrified he was going to fall off the stage? :p

[ontheEdgeof17]

I think the producers have got their fill of Scott and will probably want him out this week. I can't see them wanting him on the Top 10 Tour. He will be more of a liability then. Be prepared for him to be thrown under the bus.

[TrueFaith77]

I think the producers have got their fill of Scott and will probably want him out this week. I can't see them wanting him on the Top 10 Tour. He will be more of a liability then. Be prepared for him to be thrown under the bus.

He won't even see it coming.






:sorry:

[vermicious knid]

http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/4014/dannyj.gif

HIDEOUS

[Chrislit18]

http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/4014/dannyj.gif

HIDEOUS
^^ HAHA.

Danny Gokey is the worst. Period. I hate him, and he is fail.
He needs to be booted, but sadly, the idiots who actually vote eat that sob story up.

I was about to write a letter if Anoop got kicked out :laugh:

Oh, and you must have heard Ryan all 'every week a former idol comes back!'
I bet if they do do a FM week, when FM comes to play, they'll have Underwood or D. Cook come in and sing with them....

That would warrant me writing a LONG letter....

[ontheEdgeof17]

Danny Gokey is the worst. Period.


Word. If I see one mor pelvic thrust from him, I'll be termed as a bulimic. He urks me so bad.

[skcin]

http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/4014/dannyj.gif

HIDEOUS

That clip just gave me herpes. :distress: Seriously I had blocked it out until you posted it. Truly awful. Why did they zoom on him? Do they think it's cute & amusing that he can't dance? Barf.

[skcin]

Grand Ole Opry week. :shocked: God help us all.

Perfomers listed for Wed. are Carrie Underwood, Randy Travis & Brad Paisley. Doesn't say if all are performing or if any were a mentor or what.

[ontheEdgeof17]

Grand Ole Opry week. :shocked: God help us all.

Perfomers listed for Wed. are Carrie Underwood, Randy Travis & Brad Paisley. Doesn't say if all are performing or if any were a mentor or what.


It might be a carrie/randy duet. I think she has a new single with him. Odd pairing, to say the least.

[TrueFaith77]

American Idol - Season 8
Top 11 (Grand Ole Opry Week)

The lie that bothered me most last night: Kara Dioguardi's insistence that "Always On My Mind" is "almost untouchable." The second sentence in the wiki entry on the song reads thusly: "Allmusic list over 300 recorded releases of the song in versions by dozens of performers." That's a LOT of touching. What this reveals is that the judges are highly-paid morons who know nothing about music or music history. They just blather. And last night they were all on auto-pilot (Kara Dioguardi complimented one contestant: "You can sing the alphabet!"). Yet, the show promotes the judges' words as expertise. The result is that American listeners will be ignorant to the Pet Shop Boys dance version of "Always On My Mind" -- which expanded the realms of romantic sentiment as assuredly as it expanded the song's audience back in 1988 (the track it bounced onto the Singles charts from the revolutionary orchestral dance album Introspective). For a karaoke competition that challenges the Idol contestants to transform songs from various genres into contemporary pop hits, the legacy of artists TOUCHING "Always On My Mind" should stand as the criteria for judgment, yet the judges pretend no such legacy exists. By robbing you of YOUR pop heritage -- it's yours, TAKE IT BACK! -- the show also attempts to also rob you of your truest responses. Two performers last night awaken those responses.


The Good

Adam Lambert -- "Ring of Fire" -- Adam's rejection of his pop heritage is his biggest problem. He ended his take on another artist's Middle-Eastern infused "Ring of Fire" by dissing Nashville, saying he'd never plan on visiting. He should. He could learn a lot. And I want him to learn because, for the second week in a row, Adam has completely crushed the competition. Simply put, his vocals are just in another class than the rest of the competition. He probably meant his sitar-backed "Ring of Fire" to be a challenge to patriotic Nashville. That's because he's stupid. However, the performance of the song acted as a seduction to appreciate the sound of the Other. He is transforming Idol -- and I don't yet know what that means or even if it's a good thing. But right now, he's untouchable.

Kris Allen -- "To Make You Feel My Love" -- I detect the influence of Bryan Ferry's enchanted, romanticized version from the radical, unheralded covers album As Time Goes By. That's the right place to go for inspiration because Kris pulls of the song's heartthrob potential. Beautiful.


The Bad

Megan Joy -- "Walkin' After Midnight" -- Last week, I watched and rewatched Megan's "Rockin' Robin" because it represented pure giddy, well, joy. Perhaps future viewings of "Walkin" will yield similar wonders. During the show's Top 11 line up at the end, it appeared as though Megan, who was hospitalized that day for the flu, turned toward the camera after vomiting behind her. Just what this show deserves!

Anoop Desai -- "Always on My Mind" -- Elvis, Willie Nelson, the Pet Shop Boys, Sanjaya Malakar all performed this song in a fashion that made it indelible and uniquely suited to their particular musical styles (Willie Nelson's country ache, Pet Shop Boys' yearning sophistication, Sanjaya's melodic tenderness). Anoop, on the other hand, made it diffident, not special, and then threw in an r&b "girl" probably to distance himself from the Pet Shop Boys. The notes crashed at the end. Still, it's a good song choice because, contrary to Kara's stupid commentary, it gifts anyone who sings it.

Scott McIntyre -- "Wild Angels" -- He's just not very good. But his line about moving the piano closer to the audience was inspired. And he called out the hat-picking process for song choices. I wonder which of the performed songs he wanted to sing.

Allison Irehata -- "Blame It On Your Heart" -- The problem with Allison is that all her songs sound the same and, despite having a recognizable tone and infectious confidence, she's forgettable.

Matt Giraud -- "So Small" -- Musical wallpaper. Remember that one?


The U-G-L-Y (You ain't got no alibi)

Alexis Grace -- "Jolene" -- Just don't screw up the melody and rhythm of this Dolly Parton classic, and the song will carry you through. Alexis screwed up the melody and rhythm. Terrible. Bad vocal too.

Lil Rounds -- "Independence Day" -- It's got the slow build-up and the big notes at the end. She's bad at both. Simon's insistence that Lil (short for Liliane or something) is short for Little made for a typically condescending spectacle -- driving home the point that she needed to do "I Will Always Love You." Lil will have the last laugh; she, like Kristy Lee Cook last year, played to the night's audience.


What's Grosser Than Gross?

Danny Gokey -- "Jesus Takes The Wheel" -- All is forgiven, David Cook. I'm sorry for every bad thing I ever said about you. Danny is terrorizing the pop catalogue. Verses? Screw 'em. Chorus: TIME TO SHOUT!!! He destroys all meaning of the vocal lexicon -- and makes these tropes ugly and disingenuous. Note how in the pre-performance clip with mentor Randy Travis, Danny PRETENDS to be overwhelmed with humility in front of the famous member of the Grand Ole Opry. He's disgusting.

Michael Sarver -- "Ain't Going Down (Until The Sun Comes Up)" -- As in rap, it is the rhythm, speed, impact, wit and enunciation/pronunciation that achieves what Michael claimed was his goal: to have "fun." He failed. One of the worst performances in Idol history.


iTunes-worthy: I will buy all Megan Corkrey videos because I love watching her perform. Also, Adam Lambert and Kris Allen deserve repeat listens.

[HejiraNYC]

The oil dude is gonna bite it tonight.

[TrueFaith77]

The oil dude is gonna bite it tonight.

According to DialIdol it's either allison, alexis, megan. I'm betting on Alexis, but word on the street is taht it's oil dude. Should be an interesting test of dialidol this year.

[ontheEdgeof17]

The oil dude is gonna bite it tonight.

I hope so. :wavey:

It's the cut before the Top 10 Touring Group. I can't see them letting go a girl or using the veto. It would be a cluster f*** if they used the veto and had to eliminate two next week. Which one would go on tour?

Oil dude, it is. Please?

[HejiraNYC]

According to DialIdol it's either allison, alexis, megan. I'm betting on Alexis, but word on the street is taht it's oil dude. Should be an interesting test of dialidol this year.

There is no way Alexis is going home. She's already part of the final four, if the mole quoted in yesterday's Daily News can be believed. I think Allison is going to be the other one in the bottom two. Even though I think she would do well doing tween music ala Miley Cyrus, unfortunately, to put it nicely, there isn't very much they can do for her looks-wise. :sorry: Even the stylist at AI seems to have raised his/her hands and given up.

Megan is dreadful, but she knows how to swing her (ample) moneymakers around and she looks like a trashier version of Reese Witherspoon. I think she will go far with them.

[goodun]

Does anyone have original images of Randy Jackson, Kara DioGuardi, and Fantasia? If so, send them to me, and I'll put them on Wikipedia.

[TrueFaith77]

There is no way Alexis is going home. She's already part of the final four, if the mole quoted in yesterday's Daily News can be believed. I think Allison is going to be the other one in the bottom two. Even though I think she would do well doing tween music ala Miley Cyrus, unfortunately, to put it nicely, there isn't very much they can do for her looks-wise. :sorry: Even the stylist at AI seems to have raised his/her hands and given up.

Megan is dreadful, but she knows how to swing her (ample) moneymakers around and she looks like a trashier version of Reese Witherspoon. I think she will go far with them.


I have guessed every single placement (top 12) and elimination this season in my work pool.

[ontheEdgeof17]

I can't believe that Sarver guy is going to tour. He is terrible. :cool:

[skcin]

Poor Alexis. She's a good singer, but she really blew it this week. I wasn't surprised, although I thought Oil Rig should go.

[tuigirl]

Adam is an interesting one isn't he? I wonder if the US could handle a guy with so much makeup these days?? I absolutely cringed at his "fire" rendition (and I see Simon agreed with me!) but he sure has got something there+ a cute smile...hope he does well.

[skcin]

^ He totally ripped off Dilana doing the same damn performance on Rock Star a few years back. :nod: She did a better job too.

I have guessed every single placement (top 12) and elimination this season in my work pool.

I hope you have money on it.

[skcin]

I forgot to ask if anyone else was creeped out by Carrie Underwood singing a love song with kinda-scary old guy Randy Travis. :shocked:

Motown week. Smokey Robinson & Ruben Studdard performing Thursday.

[HejiraNYC]

I forgot to ask if anyone else was creeped out by Carrie Underwood singing a love song with kinda-scary old guy Randy Travis. :shocked:

Motown week. Smokey Robinson & Ruben Studdard performing Thursday.

Well, I find Randy Travis to be kinda creepy, regardless of whom he is with. He's got that old-dude-turning-into-an-old-lady syndrome. And with the frosted locks and skinny pants and, well... he's about as good at passing for "straight" as Barry Manilow. :lol: :eek:

[TrueFaith77]

I forgot to ask if anyone else was creeped out by Carrie Underwood singing a love song with kinda-scary old guy Randy Travis. :shocked:

Motown week. Smokey Robinson & Ruben Studdard performing Thursday.

I love Smokey. I really enjoyed his last album. But I can't stand watching him on TV anymore.

[jannieC]

Wow- Adam. Holy Cow. I also liked Matt, but Adam is a star, really. What the hell is going on with Megan? She is amazingly beautiful but my God, that performance was painful. I think there are a few more performances left but I'm getting sleeeeeepy.

[ontheEdgeof17]

I love Smokey. I really enjoyed his last album. But I can't stand watching him on TV anymore.

Him or his new face?

[GoldDustOrphan]

Tonight, Allison gets my vote.

Goodbye: Megan Joyless


__________________________________

<a href="http://s71.photobucket.com/albums/i156/rickdunn101/?action=view&current=StevieNicksholdingChrishead.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i156/rickdunn101/StevieNicksholdingChrishead.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

[ontheEdgeof17]

The Good:

Adam
Allison
Matt

The Bad:

Danny
Megan
Scott

The Forgettable:

Anoop
Kris
Lil
Sarver

[iamnotafraid]

don't know their names yet, but the blonde girl has to go.

Here's your top three (names I don't know)

Dude with the Elvis' hair (earrings).
Girl with the red red hair.
Black girl.

[JazmenFlowers]

The Good:

Adam
Allison
Matt

The Bad:

Danny
Megan
Scott

The Forgettable:

Anoop
Kris
Lil
Sarver
ITA...I want to like Danny and I do like when he hits certain notes and his gravelness comes out, but I just can't seem to really pull for him. I also think Lil is phenomenal, but this performance was forgettable.

[TrueFaith77]

Him or his new face?

His old face -- lifted behind his ears.

[TrueFaith77]

American Idol - Season 8
The Top 10 (Motown Week)

American Idol is Television. It's not a talent contest. It's not a singing competition. It's not reality. It's tone is sensationalism. It rewards sensation. That's why David Cook won last year. No matter the theme, every week he cribbed someone else's "unique" take on a popular song. He never communicated any meaning with his re-arrangements. He simply provided a base Television pleasures: novelty. That's the quality Paula Abdul refers to as the "surprise" Adam Lambert brings to Idol each week. However, Adam's theatricality lifts his renditions above mere "novelty." He intuits that "novelty" must be connected to dramatic, essentially expressive, presentation. Surprise! Adam is the season's post-Tatiana star.


The Good

Adam Lambert -- "The Tracks of My Tears" -- Earning his standing "O" from Smokey Robinson, that's money in the bank. iTunes sales will soar. And they should. With his coiffed pompadour, he looks like he's going for a 50s/60s rockabilly/soul vibe though his expert falsetto suggests he going for an homage a la Chris Isaak. He ends up looking like k.d. lang. Like k.d., Adam Lambert takes on masculine images but naturally queers them. How appropriate for his subdued, aching rendition of "Tracks of My Tears" -- a song about how emotions scar even the toughest fronts.

Allison Ireheta -- "Papa Was a Rolling Stone" -- Allison raises her game by once again emphasizing the rock elements of the song (which risks being same-y) but mixes it up by also riding the song's funk groove. Also the song's father-daughter conflict works well with her youth.

Kris Allen -- "How Sweet It Is" -- Smokey Robinson, this week's guest mentor, looked like he was going to eat Kris like an ice cream cone. Not a surprise. Basically doing the same approach as his version of Michael Jackson's "Remember the Time" -- but the arrangement and vocals finally click -- Kris' enthusiasm remains infectious and attractive.


The Bad

Megan Joy -- "Once in My Life" -- All week, I was doing my impersonation of how I thought Megan would sing "My Guy" during for Motown night. It would have been epic. Too bad Megan, like so many contestants, seems to not grasp pop music history. That lack of knowledge leaves the contestants unable to marry the right song (dependent on the genre) with their personalities. That's unfortunate because Megan Joy's personality -- the world dubs it "quirky" -- shines.

Scott MacIntyre -- "You Can't Hurry Love" -- Another inappropriate song choice (Simon rightly said "Reach Out" would have been much more ambitious with better pay-off). Despite this, I'd say it was his best performance yet. It had zip and the vocals were on pitch. He's just too corny. Yet, again, his sense of humor AFTER the performance raised him up a few notches. He apologizes to America for his "pink pants." Since he is almost completely blind, he was just informed of his attire moments before he went on stage. Oh, the possibilities. . .

Matt Giraud -- "Let's Get It On" -- He should have stayed at the piano because he danced like Ricky Braddy when he left his comfort zone. Still, the vocals were strong tonight even though the performance was a snooze.

Anoop Desai -- "Ooh, Baby Baby" -- Every week the judges ask Anoop to be fun. He's always been boring. Second week in a row, I fell asleep in the middle of the song. The notes were all over the place.

Lil Rounds -- "Heatwave" -- Lil Rounds defends her song choice and her rendition by claiming she wanted to do honor to Motown (just like last she wanted to honor Country). Ummmm… since the contestants were limited to Motown songs, the odds of honoring Motown with song choice was about 100%. So the challenge was to pick the right song for her to do. She failed. I have a theory. I suspect she only knows Motown from American Idol. J-Hud sang "Heatwave" back in Season 3. It was the wrong song choice then. It's the wrong song choice now.


The U-G-L-Y (You Ain't Got No Alibi)

Danny Gokey -- "Get Ready" -- Every week, Danny delivers his songs at the same over-the-top level. It gives the songs a wedding-singer desperation that borders on threatening: pointing his finger at the audience when he screams "cuz here I come!" His ugly singing is matched only by his ugly personality. This week, he pretended to agree with Smokey Robinson's advice about changing up the song's call-and-response (Smokey rightly knew that would work with Danny's churchy style). However, come performance time, Danny rejected Smokey's advice. The result: the performance remained within the confines of a karaoke contest. He's not surprising.

Michael Sarver -- "Ain't to Proud to Beg" -- Yet, Michael Sarver again makes Danny Gokey look like a pro. He also doesn't heed Smokey's advice. Unlike Danny Gokey who thinks he's smarter than Smokey, Michael Sarver knows he doesn't have the talent to lay it all on the floor -- like the lovelorn character in the song . . . or like a real singer.


iTunes-worthy: Definitely Adam. Maybe Allison and Kris.

[HejiraNYC]

You would think by now that everyone knows the formula- you need to alter the arrangements drastically from the original version. Every time I hear these "old" songs being played in accordance with the original arrangements, no matter how well the performers sang, I know they are going to be savaged by the judges. If it was originally slow, you need to speed it up. If it was originally fast, you need to slow it down. And in every case, less is more- less instrumentation, less background singing. Adam Lambert knows how this is played. I don't think he is a particularly great singer- there are plenty of better singers on Broadway. He is not particularly good-looking (although many would disagree with me). But he is the ultimate contrarian- different for the sake of being different, and so far it's working! For his own sake, he'd better hope the other contestants do not figure out this strategy, even though one would have to be pretty obtuse not to figure it out.

[TrueFaith77]

You would think by now that everyone knows the formula- you need to alter the arrangements drastically from the original version. Every time I hear these "old" songs being played in accordance with the original arrangements, no matter how well the performers sang, I know they are going to be savaged by the judges. If it was originally slow, you need to speed it up. If it was originally fast, you need to slow it down. And in every case, less is more- less instrumentation, less background singing. Adam Lambert knows how this is played. I don't think he is a particularly great singer- there are plenty of better singers on Broadway. He is not particularly good-looking (although many would disagree with me). But he is the ultimate contrarian- different for the sake of being different, and so far it's working! For his own sake, he'd better hope the other contestants do not figure out this strategy, even though one would have to be pretty obtuse not to figure it out.

After watching this show for 7 seasons(!), I'm still dumbfounded by how few of the contestants know how to play the game... or even try.

[ontheEdgeof17]

I loved how Sarver "coughed" at the end of his performance to try to get the "I'm sick and can do better" votes and praises from the judges. Um. No. He just sucks.

I wish him gone tonight.

[TrueFaith77]

I loved how Sarver "coughed" at the end of his performance to try to get the "I'm sick and can do better" votes and praises from the judges. Um. No. He just sucks.

I wish him gone tonight.

My bet is that he will go home tonight. I've guessed every single placement/elimination this season, so I'm hoping I got this one too.

That said: the buzz seems to equally favor it being Megan's or Scott's last night.

[GoldDustOrphan]

His ugly singing is matched only by his ugly personality. This week, he pretended to agree with Smokey Robinson's advice about changing up the song's call-and-response (Smokey rightly knew that would work with Danny's churchy style). However, come performance time, Danny rejected Smokey's advice. The result: the performance remained within the confines of a karaoke contest.

I'm glad someone else noticed this giant middle-finger to Smokey Robinson.

(p.s. I'm pulling for Allison. )

Tonight, following the broadcast, Jennifer Hudson is taping a performance to be aired at a later date.

__________________________________________________

<a href="http://s71.photobucket.com/albums/i156/rickdunn101/?action=view&current=Steviewithherfirstrobotmonster-2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i156/rickdunn101/Steviewithherfirstrobotmonster-2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

[skcin]

The Good:

Adam
Allison
Matt

The Bad:

Danny
Megan
Scott

The Forgettable:

Anoop
Kris
Lil
Sarver

I agree with this, although I didn't think Megan was that bad. She definitely should have gone with My Guy though, ITA with that suggestion. Lil was boring, and Scott sucked. Adam & Matt were fantastic. Allison was amazing.


I think Megan will go home, but Sarver's not totally safe either IMO.

[HejiraNYC]

I agree with this, although I didn't think Megan was that bad. She definitely should have gone with My Guy though, ITA with that suggestion. Lil was boring, and Scott sucked. Adam & Matt were fantastic. Allison was amazing.


I think Megan will go home, but Sarver's not totally safe either IMO.

I predict it will be Sarver. Let's face it- Megan is a hottie, Sarver is a nottie. :sorry: Especially when he attempts to dance. :eek: I don't think he was that terrible last night, but the judges sure rained on his parade! As awful as Megan was last night, at least she didn't veer too deeply into karaoke territory.

[ontheEdgeof17]

The producers would be crazy to have another girl go so soon. I think they will boot Sarver. They needed a country guy on tour to fill that void and now there is no need for him anymore. The "stroke face" he does when he sings annoys me greatly.

[skcin]

I predict it will be Sarver. Let's face it- Megan is a hottie, Sarver is a nottie. :sorry: Especially when he attempts to dance. :eek: I don't think he was that terrible last night, but the judges sure rained on his parade! As awful as Megan was last night, at least she didn't veer too deeply into karaoke territory.

I would much rather Sarver go. We shall see. Megan is startlingly gorgeous. :nod: Don't know if it's enough to keep her.

The producers would be crazy to have another girl go so soon. I think they will boot Sarver. They needed a country guy on tour to fill that void and now there is no need for him anymore. The "stroke face" he does when he sings annoys me greatly.

ITA. :nod: When is was initially announced that it wouldn't even between the sexes, I assumed we'd end up with more girls this season. Shocking that it went to other way, IMO.

And I do feel they need to keep the girls in at least a couple more weeks to mix it up a bit - esp. if they do Mac week. :laugh: I don't want Anoop singing Dreams, dammit.

[HejiraNYC]

The producers would be crazy to have another girl go so soon. I think they will boot Sarver. They needed a country guy on tour to fill that void and now there is no need for him anymore. The "stroke face" he does when he sings annoys me greatly.

True dat. This season is shaping up to be quite the sausagefest. :eek:

[skcin]

YES! I'm pretty happy that Sarver's out. A bit surprised Megan wasn't in the bottom 3 & Matt was, but who cares - they're still in & Sarver's gone home. :laugh:

[ontheEdgeof17]

I'm pleased.

I just wish the format was different in the semis. Him over Ricky Braddy and Tatiana? Come on now....:shocked: And if he sings "Ain't Too Proud To Beg" on tour.....barf.


Scott is next on the hit list.

[HejiraNYC]

Scott is next on the hit list.

I swear he had this look of utter horror last night that seemed to say "What? That can't be happening! I'm the token "special needs" dude in the competition!"

[jannieC]

I swear he had this look of utter horror last night that seemed to say "What? That can't be happening! I'm the token "special needs" dude in the competition!"

I didn't get to watch last night, but I always feel guilty watching him perform. I just don't think he's a good singer, but....well, you know. I'll be glad when he's voted off so I can watch without contrition. :o

[TrueFaith77]

I swear he had this look of utter horror last night that seemed to say "What? That can't be happening! I'm the token "special needs" dude in the competition!"

I love how Megan was like: "Should I walk him over?" She is a delight.

[Chrislit18]

I swear he had this look of utter horror last night that seemed to say "What? That can't be happening! I'm the token "special needs" dude in the competition!"
on that note, I don't think he's that great, and I honestly think that's the ONLY reason why he's still there. He's not terrible, but he's not the best.

I'd like to see him out either this upcoming week or next, him and Gokey need to get booted. Followed by Megan [she's really pretty, but her voice isn't as good as Lil's and Allison's.]

Matt who?

[skcin]

I love how Megan was like: "Should I walk him over?" She is a delight.

I know. :p Don't they discuss this ahead of time? "So I guess I'll lead you over there?" Then Seacrest walks over & grabs his arm.

I don't think Scott's very good either. He's an average boring singer.


BTW - I love this guy's recaps:
http://www.tvgasm.com/shows/american-idol/american-idol-u-9326.php

[skcin]

Supposedly, Idol is doing "Top 100 iTunes Downloads" this week. Didn't they just do a Billboard Top 100 a few weeks ago? :rolleyes: Not sure how accurate/utd this list is, but...barf.

iTunes Store: Top 100 Songs

Poker Face - Lady GaGa
Right Round - Flo Rida
The Climb - Miley Cyrus
Kiss Me Thru the Phone - Soulja Boy Tell 'Em
Gives You Hell - The All-American Rejects
Love Sex Magic - Ciara
I Love College - Asher Roth
Blame It - Jamie Foxx
My Life Would Suck Without You - Kelly Clarkson
Just Dance - Lady GaGa & Colby O'Donis
Dead and Gone (feat. Justin Timberlake) - T.I.
How Do You Sleep? - Jesse McCartney
If U Seek Amy - Britney Spears
Hoedown Throwdown - Miley Cyrus
Halo - Beyoncé
Heartless - Kanye West
Don't Forget - Demi Lovato
Beautiful - Akon, Colby O'Donis & Kardinal Offishall
Crack a Bottle - Eminem, Dr. Dre & 50 Cent
Day 'n' Nite - Kid Cudi
You Found Me - The Fray
Don't Trust Me - 3OH!3
Love Story - Taylor Swift
Jai Ho! (You Are My Destiny) [feat. Nicole Scherzinger] - A. R. Rahman & The Pussycat Dolls
Let It Rock - Kevin Rudolf & Lil Wayne
Let's Get Crazy - Hannah Montana
1, 2, 3, 4 - Plain White T's
Second Chance - Shinedown
Circus - Britney Spears
I'm Yours - Jason Mraz
Turnin Me On - Keri Hilson & Lil Wayne
Mad - Ne-Yo
I Hate This Part - The Pussycat Dolls
Crazier - Taylor Swift
Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It) - Beyoncé
I Told You So - Carrie Underwood
Thinking of You - Katy Perry
All the Above (feat. T-Pain) - Maino
Love Who You Love - Rascal Flatts
Lucky (feat. Colbie Caillat) - Jason Mraz
Sober - P!nk
Here Comes Goodbye - Rascal Flatts
Hot Revolver - Lil Wayne
That's Not My Name - The Ting Tings
Dead and Gone (feat. Justin Timberlake) - T.I.
I'm On a Boat (feat. T-Pain) - The Lonely Island
I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho) [More English Extended Mix] - Pitbull
Come On Get Higher - Matt Nathanson
White Horse - Taylor Swift
Candle (Sick and Tired) - The White Tie Affair
Hot N Cold - Katy Perry
Turn My Swag On - Soulja Boy Tell 'Em
Then - Brad Paisley
Gotta Be Somebody - Nickelback
Viva la Vida - Coldplay
Knock You Down - Keri Hilson, Kanye West & Ne-Yo
Careless Whisper - Seether
Untouched - The Veronica
She's Country - Jason Aldean
Use Somebody - Kings of Leon
When I Grow Up - The Pussycat Dolls
Diva - Beyoncé
Prom Queen - Lil Wayne
Decode - Paramore
Home Sweet Home - Carrie Underwood
Stanky Legg - GS Boyz
Chasing Pavements - ADELE
Lifeline - Papa Roach
Chicken Fried - Zac Brown Band
Disturbia - Rihanna
Move (If You Wanna) - Mims
Womanizer - Britney Spears
Starstrukk - 3OH!3
Only You Can Love Me This Way - Keith Urban
Sex On Fire - Kings of Leon
Bad Girlfriend - Theory of a Deadman
Sweet Thing - Keith Urban
Ain't I (feat. Young Dro & T.I.) - Yung L.A.
Rockin' That Thang - The-Dream
Whatever It Is - Zac Brown Band
You Can Get It All - Bow Wow
LoveGame - Lady GaGa
Love Lockdown - Kanye West
Live Your Life (feat. Rihanna) - T.I.
Right Now (Na Na Na) - Akon
Supermassive Black Hole - Muse
Starstruck - Lady GaGa, Space Cowboy & Flo Rida
Don't Stop Believin' - Journey
The Fear - Lily Allen
Kids - MGMT
So What - P!nk
It Won't Be Like This for Long - Darius Rucker
Blame It (feat. T-Pain) - Jamie Foxx
I'm So Paid - Akon, Lil Wayne & Young Jeezy
Jai Ho - A. R. Rahman, Sukhvinder Singh, Tanvi Shah & Mahalaxmi Iyer
Let's Do This - Hannah Montana
Lollipop (Bonus Track) - Framing Hanley
Always Strapped (feat. Lil Wayne) - Birdman
I Don't Care - Apocalyptica

[ontheEdgeof17]

^I also heard that it is going to be songs that have hit #1 on Itunes.....which narrows it down a bit.

[skcin]

^I also heard that it is going to be songs that have hit #1 on Itunes.....which narrows it down a bit.

Yes it does. Still nothing I care to hear. :sorry:

[GoldDustOrphan]

Adam - Play That Funky Music: That's not singing. It's screeching and screaming, which is all I ever hear when he opens his mouth. His new Eddie Munster hair is questionable.

[PenguinHead]

My first time venture into the Chit Chat section!:]

Just got done watching Idol. My favorite now is Kris Alan. He reminds of a Jackson Brown-type artist. He sang and played keyboard for "Ain't No Sunshine When She's Gone" and it was amazing, with a very creative arrangement.

He's very unassuming, without the high profile of a few other contestants, but he's a dark horse. His last few performances were great, and his most current one was brilliant. He's one of the rare contestants who not only sings spot-on effortlessly, but has a strong grasp of music, nuanse, taste, and arrangement. This last performance made him my favorite.

[TrueFaith77]

American Idol - Season 8
Top 9 (iTunes Downloads)

Last night, I went to a Stevie Nicks CD/DVD signing at Barnes & Noble.

Stevie Nicks held my hand the entire time she signed my DVD and CD. I was shaking (like a leaf on a tree).

I leaned over and I said to her: "You are so cute!!!!!!!"

She looked up at me and said: "AAAWWWWWWW!" and she BEAMED, LUMINOUS.

I went up to Karen and said: "I meant to bring my copy of Destiny Rules for you to sign, but I left it at home!!"

Karen laughed and said: "Nice to meet you" and brushed me off the stage.

Heaven.

Bliss.

Stevie Nicks touched me.



So, needless to say, I was distracted last night. Everybody was very bad except for Kris Allen and Adam Lambert. I can't wait to see what they do on Fleetwood Mac Night! When Stevie Nicks holds their hands, I'm sure they will be inspired.

[GoldDustOrphan]

Kris Allen is now my favorite.

I love that questionable photos of him have appeared on-line. including this one:

<a href="http://s71.photobucket.com/albums/i156/rickdunn101/?action=view&current=KrisAllenatbeachtouchingcrotchwithf.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i156/rickdunn101/KrisAllenatbeachtouchingcrotchwithf.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

[TrueFaith77]

Kris Allen is now my favorite.

I love that questionable photos of him have appeared on-line. including this one:

<a href="http://s71.photobucket.com/albums/i156/rickdunn101/?action=view&current=KrisAllenatbeachtouchingcrotchwithf.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i156/rickdunn101/KrisAllenatbeachtouchingcrotchwithf.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Yeah he's so cute. I'd hang with him at the beach.

[ontheEdgeof17]

Yeah he's so cute. I'd hang with him at the beach.

Over me? :shrug:

[GoldDustOrphan]

I have no idea what is going on here, but Kris is enjoying himself...

<a href="http://s71.photobucket.com/albums/i156/rickdunn101/?action=view&current=KrisAlleninall-guypig-pile.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i156/rickdunn101/KrisAlleninall-guypig-pile.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

[jannieC]

Adam - Play That Funky Music: That's not singing. It's screeching and screaming, which is all I ever hear when he opens his mouth. His new Eddie Munster hair is questionable.

Really? I find him very entertaining. I thought his screeching was kind of cool. :)

Seriously though, I find him more interesting than anyone else this season. Though the 16 year old girl is quite good, too.

[skcin]

So, needless to say, I was distracted last night. Everybody was very bad except for Kris Allen and Adam Lambert. I can't wait to see what they do on Fleetwood Mac Night! When Stevie Nicks holds their hands, I'm sure they will be inspired.


Did you ask her about a Mac week on Idol?


I go back & forth about Adam, thought he was screechy last night. But like Jannie said, he's a good entertainer. He & Allison are the only ones I look forward to each week at this point. :shrug:

Lil was boring & looked/sounded old. Paula actually made sense for once by pointing out that it was a very adult contemporary performance. Megan's song sucked & did nothing to showcase her weird/cool voice. Kris & Scoot were pretty good last night, and I must admit Danny was too.

I think Anoop should go (karaoke yet again) but Megan's probably out.

[jannieC]

They were totally lip synching in that Journey intro thing. Omg, Scott was the giveaway. :laugh: