American Idol 9: Discussion & Poll (FM Theme Night?)

[TrueFaith77]

I thought it would be fun to redo the AI discussion this season--and figured the poll would draw in more participants. I'm not going to do my usual write-ups this year, but last night was a fun show.

I'm digging:

Jermaine Sellers -- He oversang, but I was impressed by his control and tone.

Vanessa Wolfe -- My kinda girl!

Holly Harden/Hardin -- I thought she sang well through those guitar-shaped frames. And she made me smile.

Joshua Blaylock -- Because he feels like an antidote to Adam Lambert; a throwback to the kind of gays that were on AI:1

Not digging:

Pretty much everybody else but am repulsed by the cop who butchered "Superstar"! Why is it "unexpected" that someone has a decent voice even if that person is ugly?

[Dodfather]

I was going to start this thread too! Although I'm in the UK I LOVE American Idol! It's just done so much better by you guys than how it is over here.

To be honest I find it difficult to remember each person until Hollywood week and so I was gonna start it then. Rest assured, when there are enough peiople left that I can start to remember them then I'll have LOTS to say!

[Livia]

Pants On The Floor!

[skcin]

^ Um. Excuse me. It's Pants on the Ground. Get it right. :rolleyes:

:lol: I was cracking up. Couldn't help it. Was on facebook this morning & Larry already has a fan page.


As for Mac night, I truly thought there would be one last year, since they could have promoted the tour. I'm now convinced there won't ever be one. Although, they are running out of guest mentors...

[Livia]

I stand corrected! :lol: It's a trending topic on Twitter now. :thumbsup:

I felt bad for the contestants that Mary J. Blige was laughing at - not that they didn't deserve to be laughed at, but how humiliating it must have been for them.

There won't be a Mac night.

[Amlyn]

Pants On The Floor!

That was hysterical!! It reminded me of the guy who had the "Brother" song. And they brought him back for the finale. Well, i think we'll see Pants on the Ground guy sometime in May.

[FMlex]

Who couldn't love the "Pants on the Ground" guy? Haha poor guy.

I can't recall any of their names yet, but I really like the guy who sang "One of Us" -- I thought it was a pretty cool take on that song.
There were a few others too, I just can't remember them.

[TrueFaith77]

Who couldn't love the "Pants on the Ground" guy? Haha poor guy.


Why "poor guy"? I thought Pants on the Ground was a clever-ish way of getting across the Cosby word. AND this man was a Civil Rights activist, named the "General" for his service to the cause as a member of SNCC and one of many beat down by the cops in Selma.

I can't recall any of their names yet, but I really like the guy who sang "One of Us" -- I thought it was a pretty cool take on that song. There were a few others too, I just can't remember them.

That was Jermaine Sellers

[GODDESS6]

i loved the 'pants on the ground' guy, he was cracking me up~

[sara1998]

Yes, I had to post his little jingle on Facebook last night. What a great laugh!

No Mac night, but I was watching Wheel of Fortune the other night, and the solution to one of their Before and After puzzles was Fleetwood Mac and cheese! :laugh:

[HejiraNYC]

I overheard some guy doing the whole "pants on the ground" thing at the barber today. :eek: I'm afraid it's gone viral.

[jannieC]

The young girl from Tennessee had me in tears last night. Don't you hate when someone or something catches you off guard and touches you in an unexpected way?

[Musicman408]

The beautiful girl that sang At Last- Katie Stevens. She was fantastic! :nod:

[skcin]

The young girl from Tennessee had me in tears last night. Don't you hate when someone or something catches you off guard and touches you in an unexpected way?

I thought sure she was gonna suck.:shocked: I hope she does well.

[FMlex]

This is lovely-- taken from TMZ.com:

Skiiboski from 'Idol' -- The Many Mug Shots
Skiiboski from last night's "American Idol" is used to being in front of judges -- because the guy has been arrested as many times as DMX ... almost.

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.tmz.com/media/2010/01/0114_wheeler_booking.jpg

TMZ has obtained Antonio "Skiiboski" Wheeler's five mug shots from his arrests in Florida -- which according to Skiiboski's inmate history report from the Orange County Corrections Department, occurred between March of 2005 and December of 2009.

March 2005: Possession of cannabis with intent to distribute, possession of cocaine, escape, and two counts resisting an officer without violence.

November 2005: Ten counts of contempt of court, providing false ID to law enforcement officer, escape during transport, resisting officer without violence, possession of cocaine and battery by detainee in detention facility.

February 2007: Possession of controlled substance of less than 10 grams, providing false ID to law enforcement officer, resisting officer without violence, escape.

August 2008: Violation of probation, driving while license suspended, no registration.

December 2009: Contempt of court.

[Musicman408]

This is lovely-- taken from TMZ.com:

Skiiboski from 'Idol' -- The Many Mug Shots
Skiiboski from last night's "American Idol" is used to being in front of judges -- because the guy has been arrested as many times as DMX ... almost.

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.tmz.com/media/2010/01/0114_wheeler_booking.jpg

TMZ has obtained Antonio "Skiiboski" Wheeler's five mug shots from his arrests in Florida -- which according to Skiiboski's inmate history report from the Orange County Corrections Department, occurred between March of 2005 and December of 2009.

March 2005: Possession of cannabis with intent to distribute, possession of cocaine, escape, and two counts resisting an officer without violence.

November 2005: Ten counts of contempt of court, providing false ID to law enforcement officer, escape during transport, resisting officer without violence, possession of cocaine and battery by detainee in detention facility.

February 2007: Possession of controlled substance of less than 10 grams, providing false ID to law enforcement officer, resisting officer without violence, escape.

August 2008: Violation of probation, driving while license suspended, no registration.

December 2009: Contempt of court.

Way to FAIL!

:laugh:


SKIIBOSKI BABY!

[TrueFaith77]

brilliant

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8tDW4Fo0ao

[Lee]

i loved the 'pants on the ground' guy, he was cracking me up~


Yeah me, too. Yeah, Tony Romo had his Pants on The Ground today. :laugh: :blob1:

Lee :)

[Livia]

Jimmy Fallon's impression of Neil Young doing "Pants on the Ground."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2WfUzNYPwo&feature=player_embedded#

[TrueFaith77]

21 of the Top 24 have been spoiled at Joesplace.


http://www.joesplaceblog.com/2010/01/american-idol-9-contestant-listing-spoilers-2/

Votefortheworst

http://www.votefortheworst.com/20100118/spoiler_update_1_18_10_20_ai9_top_24

http://www.votefortheworst.com/20100118/maddy_curtis_top_24

[skcin]

Last night was really dull. Yawn.

[Travis]

Last night was really dull. Yawn.

I didn't even bother to tune in, no Paula = no Idol for me.

[TrueFaith77]

Last night was really dull. Yawn.

yes, but last night was awesome!!!!!!! omg

i love the sisters and the i lol'd at the stripper-trained splitter.

good tv

i also thought the best audition was the guy who sang "Smile" though he doesn't make the top 24.

[GODDESS6]

yes, but last night was awesome!!!!!!! omg

i love the sisters and the i lol'd at the stripper-trained splitter.

good tv

i also thought the best audition was the guy who sang "Smile" though he doesn't make the top 24.

the very last guy, who sang 'trouble', gave me goosebumps!!!~

& how 'bout the guy who had to be cuffed?, what a moron~

[skcin]

yes, but last night was awesome!!!!!!! omg

i love the sisters and the i lol'd at the stripper-trained splitter.

good tv

i also thought the best audition was the guy who sang "Smile" though he doesn't make the top 24.

Awesome? Really? I didn't think so. Liked the sisters OK & the pants split guy was funny but that's about it.

Also - please do not post spoilers without a warning. :distress: Thanks.

[TrueFaith77]

***SPOILERS***

Here is your Top 24 (via IdolManiac at idolforums.com):

Males:
1. Aaron Kelly
2. Andrew Garcia
3. Alexander "Alex" Lambert
4. Benjamin "Ben" Honeycutt *
5. Casey James
6. Christopher "Chris" Golightly
7. Jermaine Sellers
8. John Park
9. Jose Munoz
10. Lee DeWyze
11. Michael Lynche
12. Tyler Grady

Females:
1. Ashley Rodriguez
2. Crystal Bowersox
3. Haeley Vaughn
4. Janell Wheeler
5. Katelyn Epperly
6. Katy Stevens
7. Lacey Brown
8. Lillian "Lilly" Scott
9. Michelle Delamor
10. Paige DeChausse
11. Siobhan Magnus
12. Vered Didi Benami

[FMlex]

I read online that Jimmy iovine is number three in the list of people to replace simon cowell.

I'd post the article bit I am in class on my iPod touch.

EDIT:
Ah, here we go: http://www.deadline.com/hollywood/tv-tug-of-war-its-ellen-vs-simon-and-simon-fuller-vs-simon-cowell-and-american-idol-vs-x-factor-as-tommy-mottola-is-first-choice-to-judge-both-shows/

1. Tommy Mottola
2. Guy Oseary
3. Jimmy Iovine

[Travis]

I think David Foster would be a good replacement, he's got the music cred and he's a bit of a nasty bean.

[skcin]

I read online that Jimmy iovine is number three in the list of people to replace simon cowell.



I don't know if Jimmy wou8ld be a good choice, but I think his eyebrows would be great on that show.

[HejiraNYC]

I don't know if Jimmy wou8ld be a good choice, but I think his eyebrows would be great on that show.

I think Jimmy would be perfect. We already know that he can be an opinionated taskmaster in the studio. And in addition to the unibrow, he's got that scorched-sounding voice and the blinking tic-thing he does with his eyes. In summary, he's the perfect villain. I would love for him to tell some little rockchick poser "I know Stevie Nicks. I worked with Stevie Nicks. And you are NO Stevie Nicks."

Additionally, Jimmy has an ear for hit music- whether it is great (like Stevie's) or utter crap (like Enrique Iglesias). It's no accident that he is arguably one of the most successful music executives in history.

I'd also like to throw David Geffen's name into the ring. He has been very successful, but he's also more than a bit nutty. And he can say "You may think you're all that, but I f***ed Cher. And I'm gay!"

[skcin]

I think Jimmy would be perfect. We already know that he can be an opinionated taskmaster in the studio. And in addition to the unibrow, he's got that scorched-sounding voice and the blinking tic-thing he does with his eyes. In summary, he's the perfect villain. I would love for him to tell some little rockchick poser "I know Stevie Nicks. I worked with Stevie Nicks. And you are NO Stevie Nicks."

Additionally, Jimmy has an ear for hit music- whether it is great (like Stevie's) or utter crap (like Enrique Iglesias). It's no accident that he is arguably one of the most successful music executives in history.

I'd also like to throw David Geffen's name into the ring. He has been very successful, but he's also more than a bit nutty. And he can say "You may think you're all that, but I f***ed Cher. And I'm gay!"

I was kidding. I think he'd be really good. But I can't miss an opportunity to make fun of his eyebrow(s.)

[skcin]

These episodes are boring as hell so far. Last night's only entertainment was Kara & Katy arguing.

[TrueFaith77]

Katy Perry is amazing. Kara D. is a dog.

[skcin]

Katy Perry is amazing. Kara D. is a dog.

I don't think she's amazing. I do think she's damn hot. :nod:

[skcin]

Good god these audition shows are dull this season. I think Idol has officially run out of steam. :distress:

[StreetAngel95]

i think that although a Mac night isn't very promising, there's always something more generic: 70s theme, divas week, year you were born......etc
if the contestants were SMART they'd pick a Mac/Stevie song and then it possibly could get popular as a cover song and eventually have a new generation of fans..
...heres to hoping....

[Fiver]

Maybe after the Grammy performance a FM or Stevie night is more likely?

That'd be cool. As for AI, I don't watch the auditions anymore, not since around season 5. It's boring now.

[Travis]

Idol's less entertaining without Abdul

http://media.hamiltonspectator.topscms.com/images/22/d9/4a7062fa4e2e85b1988acdd3414f.jpeg

February 03, 2010

Verne Gay
Newsday
(Feb 3, 2010)

Three weeks into a new season, I have made my judgment: American Idol without Paula Abdul is sadder, weaker, less interesting and absolutely, positively less fun.

I miss her passion, humanity, joy, unpredictability and genuine emotion.

Here are my eight reasons why a Paula-free Idol has dimmed and paled so dramatically this season. (Of course, we'll see what happens after Ellen DeGeneres makes her judging debut next week.)

1. Simon seems desperately bored, as if his mind is elsewhere. Because it probably is.

2. Randy looks unhappy.

3. Actually, Randy looks lonesome, as if he's thinking, "Geez, I'm gonna be the last one here next season."

4. When Kara tries to be nice -- "Oh, honey, come here and lemme give you a hug" -- it feels phoney. She may be the sweetest person on the planet, but on TV it comes across as false and manufactured.

5. The guest judges are hit-and-miss and, worse, irrelevant. This "guest judging" all feels like a gimmick because it is a gimmick -- to throw a spotlight on a famous pop singer and get fans to tune in.

6. There is no heart left.

7. There is no passion. I can't stress that enough.

8. No one knows how to work off Simon, and get him engaged, or smooth his sharp edges, or give him extra human dimensions. When Kara gives him that double take and sort of says, "You disagreeing with me?" it comes off as lame.

[Dodfather]

Andrew Garcia's version of Straight Up has to be heard to be believed - it is AWESOME! Brave to do a Paula song on Idol too, and he kicked some serious ass!

[TrueFaith77]

I thought AG's Straight Up was disgusting.

Not because a particularly good song was travestied, but because it capitulated to hegemonic (white hetero male rock cric community) ideas of what constitutes "art." And Kara Dogface calls it "genius."

It was sentimental, dull, inexpressive, impersonal--a winning Idol combination.

[Dodfather]

The point I got from the interpretation was that he had the talent to come up with his own arrangement of a track would not usually suit his vocal style at all and make it entirely his own.

[Livia]

*Wed. night spoiler in case you haven't watched yet*













Poor Stevie - First Taylor murdered Rhiannon and then those twits last night crucified Dreams.

[skcin]

The point I got from the interpretation was that he had the talent to come up with his own arrangement of a track would not usually suit his vocal style at all and make it entirely his own.

I liked it too. :shrug:

Poor Stevie - First Taylor murdered Rhiannon and then those twits last night crucified Dreams.

Dammit, I didn't watch! At least now I have something to look forward to (or dread?) tonight when I watch it on DVR.

[Livia]

Sorry for the spoiler info, Paula. I was surprised no one else had mentioned it yet. Have a barf bag handy.:rolleyes:

ETA: It's being discussed on the Rumours board - video clip included.

[Lee]

"Poor Stevie - First Taylor murdered Rhiannon and then those twits last night crucified Dreams. "

OMG, what was up with that? They couldn't even remember the lyrics! Here I'm singing with them (& I can't sing), but I do know the lyrics.

Lee :shrug:

[TrueFaith77]

The point I got from the interpretation was that he had the talent to come up with his own arrangement of a track would not usually suit his vocal style at all and make it entirely his own.

My point was that he took a silly enjoyable pop song and made it very very very bland. And got called a genius for it. Sure he made it his own: he's bland.

Anyway, fo' sho', that Dreams performance was just horrible. I wonder if they'll ever get the Mac right on this show (another reason a theme night is probably not likely). But I was equally disturbed that, based on the footage, they were the only group to choose the song (amongst other song choices Bad Romance and that Gwen Stefani THING).

[skcin]

Sorry for the spoiler info, Paula. I was surprised no one else had mentioned it yet. Have a barf bag handy.:rolleyes:

ETA: It's being discussed on the Rumours board - video clip included.

Oh, I didn't really consider it a spoiler - I was saying "dammit" to myself for not watching it last night. :laugh: But thanks.

[skcin]

Howard Stern rumoured to be a possible replacement for Cowell? No thanks. IMO:

1) It would turn off too many of their viewers (mostly older people & kids, I believe.)
2) Stern would have to censor himself way too much. Why would he want to do that?
3) He is not in the music industry. Nobody knew who the hell Simon was before AI, but he did have previous experience in the biz.


I like Stern & his show a lot. I hope he signs on with Sirius for a couple more years. I don't think he's a good fit for Idol.

[Travis]

Howard Stern rumoured to be a possible replacement for Cowell? No thanks. IMO:

He is not in the music industry. Nobody knew who the hell Simon was before AI, but he did have previous experience in the biz.

Neither is Ellen :shrug:

[skcin]

Neither is Ellen :shrug:

Yeah, I know. And I suppose Paula was kinda sorta a music star back in the day (although, looking back her stuff wasn't exactly stellar.) I just think that if they're going to replace Simon, it should be with an industry guy - ESPECIALLY since they have non-music-person Ellen now. :shrug:

[TrueFaith77]

I think John Lydon would be the greatest possible judge for this show.

[TrueFaith77]

The way they treated Angela Martin last night was disgusting. Worst thing I've ever seen on the show.

Yet, last night also had one of the best things ever on the show. Super hottie Tim Urban replaced super fugly disqualified Chris Golightly!

yay!!!


For the first time in the history of the show, a genuinely attractive male contestant.

He'll be gone the first week. :(

[Travis]

The way they treated Angela Martin last night was disgusting. Worst thing I've ever seen on the show.

Yet, last night also had one of the best things ever on the show. Super hottie Tim Urban replaced super fugly disqualified Chris Golightly!

yay!!!


For the first time in the history of the show, a genuinely attractive male contestant.

He'll be gone the first week. :(

Pic of Tim Urban???

[Travis]

Oh I saw him, eh, cute but I'll take Casey James (I think that is his name - I just took a quick look at the Idol site-I'm not watching the show anymore).

[TrueFaith77]

Casey James is grotesque. Why do all the frau get turned on by guys who look like they are full of water? (He's an alcoholic and it's taken its toll, gross body, greasy hair, ugh.) I'm scared for our children that he becomes the standard of hot.

We've seen Casey with his shirt off too many times on this show. Which goes to show how dangerous it is. We see him with his shirt off but not TIM URBAN.

THIS is what a body is supposed to look like:

Tim Urban shirtless (http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/3200/timg.jpg)

[Dodfather]

Yeah, I know. And I suppose Paula was kinda sorta a music star back in the day (although, looking back her stuff wasn't exactly stellar.) I just think that if they're going to replace Simon, it should be with an industry guy - ESPECIALLY since they have non-music-person Ellen now. :shrug:

Guy Oseary (think that spelling is right) is apparently the hot tip to take over. He was Madonna's manager/musical director/whatever the actual title is... for years, ran Maverick Records and (I think) a has since been a Simon Cowell type in the American Music industry for years. He's insanely qualified and I really hope he gets the job.

[Travis]

Casey James is grotesque. Why do all the frau get turned on by guys who look like they are full of water? (He's an alcoholic and it's taken its toll, gross body, greasy hair, ugh.) I'm scared for our children that he becomes the standard of hot.

We've seen Casey with his shirt off too many times on this show. Which goes to show how dangerous it is. We see him with his shirt off but not TIM URBAN.

THIS is what a body is supposed to look like:

Tim Urban shirtless (http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/3200/timg.jpg)

TrueFaith! Yes I agree with you here, LOL, that IS a body. Trust me, I'm all about a fine body but I had not really seen Tim since I'm not really watching this year. I only saw the one scene of Casey shirtless when they were doing a recap of his audition - Kara seemed to find him hot. Granted, he has a thin body but he does have a certain sex appeal about him - it's all in the way one carries themselves.

BTW, what is that pic of Tim Ubran from? That's not Idol right?

[TrueFaith77]

good question.

I have no idea what's going on there!

I got it from an idol fan website, but I think the fans got it from his old myspace or facebook or whatever.

he's adorable.

ETA: if he wants to stick around, he best take that shirt off on the show. soon.

[DefDumbandBlond]

Landslide was just massacred by "Lacey" <img src="http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs40/f/2009/006/2/9/high_gwah_by_highgwahplz.gif">

[Amlyn]

Landslide was just massacred by "Lacey" <img src="http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs40/f/2009/006/2/9/high_gwah_by_highgwahplz.gif">

Why oh why can't someone do FM well on this show?

[DefDumbandBlond]

I have no idea but as soon as I heard her sing I knew it was going to be a wreck, and sure enough...........

[Amlyn]

This whole night has been a train wreck.

[DefDumbandBlond]

I don't think I've heard anyone worth a **** so far at all!

[Amlyn]

I'm waiting for Crystal. I think she'll redeem the night. Please!!!

[fleetwoodtrick]

Ohhh Lacey. I liked her too!

Crystal is definitely my fave this season. :wavey:

[chelluversu]

I actually like Lily Scott as well as Didi Denami. Haeley kind of tugs at my heart strings but that's probably because she looks and kind of acts like a friend of mine.

I knew Landslide was gonna be terrible before the first lines even came out of her mouth and then she sang the first two lines :(

[Lee]

Landslide was just massacred by "Lacey" <img src="http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs40/f/2009/006/2/9/high_gwah_by_highgwahplz.gif">

You know, they should just forbide them from singing any song who's artist they just can't compare with, like Stevie, like Ann Wilson. It's just a disaster. They usually just butcher it like last night. Even my husband, who knows nothing about music, is not really into music, said that this Landslide sounded awful. :shrug:

Lee :confused:

[skcin]

^ Ever since Carrie Underwood did Heart's Alone & blew the judges away, everyone tries it. Nobody has been very successful since, IMO. Maybe Carly Smithson, but that's about it.

Lacey's Landslide was painful, all bias aside. Really really bad.

Nobody's that good this season. :shrug:
http://www.americanidol.com/contestants/season_9/

Fave girls:
Crystal (you just know they'll try to chop her dreads.)
Lilly
Didi's OK
Siobhan is quirky. Unsure about her yet.

Boys:
Andrew
Casey (he's attractive but not that hot - at least he can sing)
Michael - better song choice next week, please


Alex was so visibly nervous last night that it was uncomfortable to watch.
Haeley is trying way too hard (don't think she realizes she's doing it) and grates on the nerves.
John's 'God Bless the Child" was boring. I felt no emotion.
Katie can sing, but that song is way too mature for a 17 year old to sing convincingly.
Tyler had promise, but seems like he's fast becoming a Jim Morrison impersonator.
Tim looks like a little boy. And he should never EVER try to sing falsetto again.


The rest were completely forgettable, IMO. They all blend together & nobody stands out. :wavey:

I think these kids are gone: Lacey, John, Alex, Janell. Possibly Todrick.

[TrueFaith77]

After Week 1 (Top 24), These Are My Fave Idols

1. Siobhan Magnus: After multiple listens, that version of "Wicked Game" borders on wonderful. Easily my favorite contestant so far this season. I think she's fascinating to look at and I love her regional "quirkiness" -- the sort which is often key to a star's persona. Let's she if she got it.
2. Aaron Kelly - the best male vocal (IMO) and the most interesting stage presence
3. Kateyln Epperly - she's hot and she can really sing; I thought she had the most consistent vocal on girls night and is interesting to me cuz she kinda tried the duffy/adele thing but in a completely american manner (unlike didi and lily's affectations)
4. Haeley Vaugn: Again, after multiple listens, I can't get her rendition of "I Wanna Hold Your Hand" out of my head
5. Tim Urban - He better get it together with a solid performance (someone that sweet and beautiful, all he needs is to be solid); that said, his "Apologize" wasn't THAT bad. Other than the falsetto (which means I'm making a big allowance here), he was probably the most consistently on key and on pitch of all the male contestants (of course, he wasn't really challenging that voice outside the falsetto either). But I liked him and his instincts for a pop song. He actually really was my second favorite guy of the night.

[Fiver]

Yeah, another Siobhan fan! :thumbsup:

She's very odd, but not in an off-putting way, and actually had stage presence, unlike the rest of em. Also, sings great. Pretty important.

I'm only starting watching with these two Top 24 shows, so I didn't see any previous displays of talent, if there were any, other than little snippets they showed so...

Judging by just this week, none of the guys impressed me, and most of the girls fell flat. I liked Crystal and Lilly, the Landslide rendition horrified me, and I barely remember the rest of the girls. Personality-wise, I liked Big Mike and John Park outta the dudes. None of the guys' singing really struck a chord with me in any way, though. Maybe they'll improve next week.

Also, I miss Paula. She didn't really add anything to the show as a judge, but she shot the entertainment factor way up. This season's talent is seemingly lacking so far, which makes it harder to adjust to no Paula insanity. I don't mind four judges... just keep everybody else and get rid of Kara. Unless, I'm the only one annoyed by her.. ?

[skcin]

[5. Tim Urban - He better get it together with a solid performance (someone that sweet and beautiful, all he needs is to be solid); that said, his "Apologize" wasn't THAT bad. Other than the falsetto (which means I'm making a big allowance here), he was probably the most consistently on key and on pitch of all the male contestants (of course, he wasn't really challenging that voice outside the falsetto either). But I liked him and his instincts for a pop song. He actually really was my second favorite guy of the night.

Are you serious? The whole hook of that tune IS the falsetto. He bombed. he's very lucky to still be in it.

Judging by just this week, none of the guys impressed me, and most of the girls fell flat. I liked Crystal and Lilly, the Landslide rendition horrified me, and I barely remember the rest of the girls. Personality-wise, I liked Big Mike and John Park outta the dudes. None of the guys' singing really struck a chord with me in any way, though. Maybe they'll improve next week.

Also, I miss Paula. She didn't really add anything to the show as a judge, but she shot the entertainment factor way up. This season's talent is seemingly lacking so far, which makes it harder to adjust to no Paula insanity. I don't mind four judges... just keep everybody else and get rid of Kara. Unless, I'm the only one annoyed by her.. ?

I agree with your entire post.

[TrueFaith77]

:thumbsup:
Alex Lambert - Beautiful voice. I think this is what the judges mean by making a song your own--before the Lewis/Cook iTunes regurgitation.
Tim Urban - NOT PITCHY. Not particularly range-y either, but completely emotionally convincing (unlike Jermaine, Todrick, John, and Andrew).
Aaron Kelly - He can SAYNG. But he's gonna need better insight into choosing the right songs.

:shrug:
Michael Lynche - On the fence on this one: but either way, my attention was not held--and neither was the carry-through on the phrasings or the ending.
Lee DeWyze - They are creating a monster here, but I can't deny he's got a nicer "tone" than Daughtry or Cook--even though he can't sing.
Casey James - He's this high because the guitar was excellent.

:mad:
Jermaine Sellers - Not a fan of What's Goin' On, so I don't think it's a crime against music what he did to the song, but he has no idea what is the right kind of song for him.
Todrick Hall - Another song I don't like so I'm not offended, just kinda bewildered.
John Park - He tried, but he's just not a pleasant or nuanced singer (unlike Tim Urban).
Andrew Garcia - Ack! The anti-Alex Lambert. In every way that Alex made his song riveting and unexpected and full of beauty and surprise, Andrew made his predictable, mushy-mouthed, sentimental.

[skcin]

I only watched the first hour last night, the rest is on DVR. I like Michael & that was it. :shrug: Such boring song choices too.

I heard the boys went first because Crystal had a diabetic reaction & was hospitalized?

[TrueFaith77]

I only watched the first hour last night, the rest is on DVR. I like Michael & that was it. :shrug: Such boring song choices too.

I heard the boys went first because Crystal had a diabetic reaction & was hospitalized?

that's the scoop. if she don't perform tonight, she'll be dq'd and only one girl will be eliminated this week.

[TrueFaith77]

:thumbsup:
Siobhan Magnus - From the post-Bell Curve vocalization on "I.Q." to the epic glory note, this performance made you THINK and feel FREEDOM. The best Idol since Archuleta towered above the show's history in the final bout with Cook.
Crystal Bowersox - She got soul and folk down, but does she have IT?
Katelyn Epperly - I do not like the Coldplay song, but her voice and stage presence is so compelling, I found it dreamy not sleepy.

:confused:
Lilly Scott - I do not like her or her style, but for those who do, you might not be mad at this interpretation of "A Change Is Gonna Come" (but it's nothing next to Siobhan's "Think").
Michelle Delamor - I love a surprise, and the beginning of the song was unexpectedly lovely. The ending: but at least she knew it.
Haeley Vaughn - The judges ruined her by not appreciating her rhythmic sense and infectious tone on the Beatles song last week. Now, as if in full out panic mode, she sings an impossible, dreadful Miley Cyrus song in a bid for youthfulness and the country-pop vibe. So I don't blame her. She's still a fave.

:eek:
Paige Miles
Lacey Brown
Didi Benami - Loved her post-song meltdown.
Katie Stevens - You know what? She just has an ugly voice.

[skcin]

^For once, we agree. :wavey:

I would switch out Haeley & Paige though. Haeley's adorable, but all over the place & very screechy at times. I like Paige alot. I agree about Katie - I actually think she can sing, but I'm not a fan of the tone of her voice or her in general. :shrug:

[TrueFaith77]

I agree about Katie - I actually think she can sing, but I'm not a fan of the tone of her voice or her in general. :shrug:

What's with that? I remember seeing youtube clips of her in pre-Idol research. And she sounded good. But for some reason on this show, even though she's on pitch, the TONE of her voice is profoundly unpleasant to me. Like I cringe. And that's even when I'm not looking at her cheesy facial expressions.

[DefDumbandBlond]

Rhiannon killed tonight :eek:

[TrueFaith77]

^^^by killed, I assume you mean that the singer killed all the meaning in the song? LEAVE STEVIE ALONE, IDOL! LEAVE HER ALONE!!!

[Travis]

A girl sang Rhiannon last night? That'll be something of interest to see when I get home. I decided to set the DVR for last night's Idol mainly because it's so weird to see Ellen totally out of her element. Watching Ellen on Idol (with the few clips that I have seen) is so uncomfortable. I’m not invested in this season at all, in fact, I’ve only set the DVR twice for Idol just out of curiosity, I haven’t even watched the performances, except for Casey and Tim Urban – I find myself forwarding thru them just to hear the judges comments and to watch Simon at how visibly annoyed he is having Ellen there. They hired a comedian and now have a comedy show, unintentionally.

[TrueFaith77]

:xoxo:
Siobhan Magnus - She turned "House of the Rising Sun" into an vocal exercise (complete with a capella intro) and, thus, dramatized its Oedipal challenge (note the homonymn "Sun/Son")--making sonic beauty out of her father's musical influence and other hereditary burdens.

:)
Crystal Bowersox - She gets my first "smiley" because, really, this isn't my sorta thing, but I can't deny that it was a catchy and professional and personal take on a proven catchy song. Still, I'd dare her to show the range (of genres) of Siobhan.

:shrug:
Lacey Brown - Pretty voice, but not even close to the revelation of Alex last week.
Katelyn Epperly - At first, I thought this was the first ever Idol suicide--a cry for help. Instead, it was just a major mistep from one of my favorite voices and contestants.
Didi Benami - Stevie Nicks'/Fleetwood Mac's "Rhiannon" is about a desire and longing that threatens to sweep you away: a powerful moral Romantic vision. She reduced the song's meaning to a platform for her puny talent. Consider: she and Siobhan should have switched songs!
Lilly Scott - And, now, Lilly has become a parody of herself.

:distress:
Paige Miles - From Charlie Chaplin to Michael Jackson, this is a song whose beneficence must be EARNED by the performer--thus the song's vocal and melodic difficulty.
Katie Stevens - She has the most unpleasant voice I think I've ever heard.

[Dodfather]

I LOVED Crystal Bowesox! Tracy Chapman meets a young Melissa Etheridge...
Lily Scott was really good too. Giver her some credit for being different, people. How many 20yo's would sing Patsy Cline? Good on her for beiong different and mixing it up. Remember she also did Fixing A Hole and A Change Is Gonna Come. I like the scope of her musical influences. It;s much better than hearing another young pop wannabe singing Miley Cyrus or Jason Mraz (I liked I'm Yours until everyone started doing it..)

[TrueFaith77]

Here's how I now rank the field:

1. Siobhan Magnus
2. Tim Urban
3. Alex Lambert
4. Aaron Kelly
5. Crystal Bowersox
6. Katlyn Epperly

I don't really care about any of the others. Of those 6 that I like, I predict 4 will make the top 12--which is an unusually high ratio in Idol.

As for last night:

HALLELUJAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!

:xoxo:
Tim Urban - Finally liberating Leonard Cohen from Jeff Buckley's now-ubiquitous porno rendition! The most moving performance of the season--and the year's best male performance. ALSO the year's best guitar picking! Riveting performance--brand new inflections; each one right and touching. Catapulted to the top of the men's heap. And that's why he's going home. The h8ters always win out in Idol season.

:thumbsup:
Alex Lambert - While I'm watching and listening to it, it's beautiful (that tone!) but aftewards, unlike last week, it was forgettable.
Aaron Kelly - His power vocals are always rousing.

:shrug:
Michael Lynche - IT'S A KATE BUSH SONG!!! KATE BUSH --->KATE BUSH<--- KATE BUSH Who da f*** is Maxwell? (As for the performance, arguably second most consistent vocal of the night--Alex being best--but Michael is all affectation while Tim Urban is the real deal.)
Lee DeWyze - Every other note is a bum one.
Casey James - I was gonna rank him higher because there was nothing really awful about his vocal, but I relistened to the original hit song by Keith Urban and . . . Casey "sucked the life" out of it. And Tim Urban outshined his guitar playing.
Todrick Hall - The verses were dead in the water, but the gospelized melisma wasn't too out of tune.

:shocked:
Andrew Garcia - A new impossible low in the history of the show. Awful vocal in every way, plus the constant reiteration to "rub me the right way" nearly made me puke. The only performance I couldn't watch a second time.

[HejiraNYC]

Here's how I now rank the field:

1. Siobhan Magnus
2. Tim Urban
3. Alex Lambert
4. Aaron Kelly
5. Crystal Bowersox
6. Katlyn Epperly

I don't really care about any of the others. Of those 6 that I like, I predict 4 will make the top 12--which is an unusually high ratio in Idol.

As for last night:

HALLELUJAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!

:xoxo:
Tim Urban - Finally liberating Leonard Cohen from Jeff Buckley's now-ubiquitous porno rendition! The most moving performance of the season--and the year's best male performance. ALSO the year's best guitar picking! Riveting performance--brand new inflections; each one right and touching. Catapulted to the top of the men's heap. And that's why he's going home. The h8ters always win out in Idol season.

:thumbsup:
Alex Lambert - While I'm watching and listening to it, it's beautiful (that tone!) but aftewards, unlike last week, it was forgettable.
Aaron Kelly - His power vocals are always rousing.

:shrug:
Michael Lynche - IT'S A KATE BUSH SONG!!! KATE BUSH --->KATE BUSH<--- KATE BUSH Who da f*** is Maxwell? (As for the performance, arguably second most consistent vocal of the night--Alex being best--but Michael is all affectation while Tim Urban is the real deal.)
Lee DeWyze - Every other note is a bum one.
Casey James - I was gonna rank him higher because there was nothing really awful about his vocal, but I relistened to the original hit song by Keith Urban and . . . Casey "sucked the life" out of it. And Tim Urban outshined his guitar playing.
Todrick Hall - The verses were dead in the water, but the gospelized melisma wasn't too out of tune.

:shocked:
Andrew Garcia - A new impossible low in the history of the show. Awful vocal in every way, plus the constant reiteration to "rub me the right way" nearly made me puke. The only performance I couldn't watch a second time.

It finally dawned on me why I thought Aaron Kelly looked so familiar to me:

http://img3.ak.crunchyroll.com/i/spire2/4057db96929fc095547275df52f235be1223700857_full.jpghttp://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc77/Mysteriosoman/Season9.jpg

:shrug:

[Lee]

I LOVED Crystal Bowesox! Tracy Chapman meets a young Melissa Etheridge...
Lily Scott was really good too. Giver her some credit for being different, people. How many 20yo's would sing Patsy Cline? Good on her for beiong different and mixing it up. Remember she also did Fixing A Hole and A Change Is Gonna Come. I like the scope of her musical influences. It;s much better than hearing another young pop wannabe singing Miley Cyrus or Jason Mraz (I liked I'm Yours until everyone started doing it..)

I like Crystal, too. She's the best out of the girls/women. JMO but I think Lilly, Lacey & sometimes Didi sound alike. I don't if it's just me or not. And I'm not sure why there seems to be a Fleetwood Mac song sung every week, but I think they just need to stop. :nod:

As for the guys, I like Big Mike right now. I don't know why; I think because maybe he reminds me of Reuben. Mike didn't bring me to tears though. :D And Casey is a close second to me. I used to like Andy Garcia, but if he keeps taking a woman's song & singing it slow, he's going to lose me. Do something different. Alex is slowing starting to grow on me. Just hope he doesn't get sick. :D

Lee :)

[skcin]

^ Didi & Lacey do sound very similar sometimes, it's not just you.

I was shocked at how much I liked Didi's Rhiannon. :shocked: I really, really loved it. Lacey did a fantastic job on The Story too (one of my favorite tunes by one of my favorite artists, Brandi Carlisle.) Crystal is amazing & Siobhan gave a great performance.

Any of the rest can go. I like Katelyn, but she was dull & cheesy this week. I think Katie & Paige will go.


Boys? Nobody impressed me that much this week. But I didn't hate Todrick's "Somebody To Love," and I was sure I would. Same for Tim's "Hallelujiah." Casey was solid but boring. Aaron was so painfully off key at the start I couldn't bear it.

I think Aaron will go, and maybe Alex.

[TrueFaith77]

Awww poor Alex. Oh well, at least my beloved Siobhan and Tim made it. THAT NEVER HAPPENS. My early faves have never made the top 12 in the history of Idol!

[Lee]

Well, I shouldn't be, but I was. Lilly & Alex gone? That shocked me. I thought they were both gaining popularity. I always read the Idol boards for reaction & most people were shocked. They think Crystal was either mad or sick or maybe both. :shrug: I watched her reaction, too. I think she was just sad, but I think they all were. Elimination night is not a pleasant night. Ryan's comment about Big Mike fitting on a stool was uncalled for, JMO. :distress:


Lee :shocked:

[bluefox4000]

Ryan should be electro-shocked for his own good. intolerable

Anyway I was so shocked about Alex and Lily. Loved them both:distress:

Mick

[HejiraNYC]

Poor Alex. :distress: There was something refreshingly "off" but sincere about him. I suspect that there is a bit of "slow adult"-ness going on there (and it's not only because he is a 19-year-old high school student). You could see it in his eyes and mannerisms- there definitely seems to be nothing going on at home except for a floor lamp on a timer. And the fact that he could sing as well as he could seemed almost like an idiot-savant move a la Susan Boyle- it's just pure raw talent. And you can't hate a guy who can rock a bowl haircut and a mullet at the same time!

[jannieC]

Siobhan and Crystal are my favorites, followed by Michael. I *really* liked Alex and hate he got voted off. There was an innocence about him that really was refreshing. I didn't get an idiot-savant vibe from him, though I did question the haircut and the way he bit his lip a lot.

In all seriousness now- Tim Urban makes me sick. I wish I could secretly video-tape my husband imitating him and then post it here. The way he kept saying "wow" the other night was ridiculous. I thought some of his vocals on Hallelujiah were okay but not at all like contestants in the past. His affect is gross and the way he tries to act humble- ew.

Oh, and I thought Didi's(?) version of Rhiannon was actually kind of lovely. I was surprised.

[Dodfather]

Bah!! Lily Scott, someone who is actually different, has gone out in favour of a generic (yet taleneted) 16 yo girl who sings Kelly Clarkson badly and doesn't know what she's really doing. Damnit. Right, I'm pinning my hopes on Crystal Bowersox!

I was also annoyed Alex went out, but he was very nervous all the time...he just had to conquer them then he he'll be great!

[TrueFaith77]

I'm glad Lilly is gone (although, yes, none of the girls are as awful as Katie).

I'm bummed Alex is gone, but, really, the word is that he's the victim of producer sabotage (who talked him into performing the forgettable "Trouble" over the song that Alex really wanted to do). If I were a contestant on the show, I'd NEVER listen to the producers (winners such as Kelly & Carrie famously demanded what they wanted in terms of song choice, arrangement, and time with the band--and got it!). So, yeah, unfortunately he deserves to go even though I thought he was very talented. It is a contest--and he didn't take Simon's advice to get the "killer instinct." Those with a killer instinct don't heed the advice of producers who insist on putting American through a weekly lip-synch group number from Hell!

[TrueFaith77]

Top 12 Night (Rolling Stones)

:xoxo:
Tim Urban - The only time tonight that I sat up and said: "WTF?!" and then in the second half of the song, I believe I swooned. Going reggae on "Under My Thumb" was risky and strange and attention-getting, but as performed by the show's (hated) heartthrob that infamously misogynist song became a whole new kind of challenging.
Aaron Kelly - The most consistent and passionate performance of the night, Aaron Kelly showed he's got great tone and control outside of his country power belting. Genius choice of song with "Angie."

:)
Crystal Bowersox - The most professional performance of the night, her "You Don't Always Get What You Want" didn't quite stick with me afterwards the way it should. I think she deviated too much from the original composition in ways that reduced its impact, though in no ways reduced her standing.
Siobhan Magnus - Honestly, I thought this was a mess. It showed off her greatest weaknesses (the high notes here crossed the border into--perhaps intentional--screechiness and the lower register was full of nasal), but it also featured some of her strengths: she's always compelling and when her voice is in its beauty range it's gorgeous (as in the very end of the song). Still, she's in danger of fitting the show's desire for a Lady Gaga type, and when that happens, I'll drop her. Her strength thus far has been interpretting songs in ways that dramatize their meaning; stick with it.

:shrug:
Casey James
Paige Miles
Didi Benami
Michael Lynche
Lee Dewyze

:eek:
Lacey Brown - Her strength has always been the appeal of her tone; last night, she sounded terrible.
Andrew Garcia - Straight up: why is he on this show?
Katie Stevens - "Wild Horses" must bless anyone who sings it; she ruined what I usually consider to be my favorite Stones song. Still, it would make a great exit song.

[HejiraNYC]

Top 12 Night (Rolling Stones)

:xoxo:
Tim Urban - The only time tonight that I sat up and said: "WTF?!" and then in the second half of the song, I believe I swooned. Going reggae on "Under My Thumb" was risky and strange and attention-getting, but as performed by the show's (hated) heartthrob that infamously misogynist song became a whole new kind of challenging.
Aaron Kelly - The most consistent and passionate performance of the night, Aaron Kelly showed he's got great tone and control outside of his country power belting. Genius choice of song with "Angie."

:)
Crystal Bowersox - The most professional performance of the night, her "You Don't Always Get What You Want" didn't quite stick with me afterwards the way it should. I think she deviated too much from the original composition in ways that reduced its impact, though in no ways reduced her standing.
Siobhan Magnus - Honestly, I thought this was a mess. It showed off her greatest weaknesses (the high notes here crossed the border into--perhaps intentional--screechiness and the lower register was full of nasal), but it also featured some of her strengths: she's always compelling and when her voice is in its beauty range it's gorgeous (as in the very end of the song). Still, she's in danger of fitting the show's desire for a Lady Gaga type, and when that happens, I'll drop her. Her strength thus far has been interpretting songs in ways that dramatize their meaning; stick with it.

:shrug:
Casey James
Paige Miles
Didi Benami
Michael Lynche
Lee Dewyze

:eek:
Lacey Brown - Her strength has always been the appeal of her tone; last night, she sounded terrible.
Andrew Garcia - Straight up: why is he on this show?
Katie Stevens - "Wild Horses" must bless anyone who sings it; she ruined what I usually consider to be my favorite Stones song. Still, it would make a great exit song.

Andrew Garcia is clearly going home, and deservedly so. But that's not to say that he was that much worse than the rest of them. I was expecting a bit of a ****show when it came to interpreting Stones songs, but I just had no idea how badly it would turn out. Wow. Of all of the performances, the only one that I found even remotely interesting was Didi Benami's take on "Playing With Fire." For one thing, it's not an obvious choice for a Stones song. And although she seemed to struggle with the big notes, she really owned this goth-lite rendition. Nicely done.

Otherwise, I think the other performances could be classified thusly:

Bad Hotel Lounge/Cruise Ship Act
Michael Lynch
Tim Urban
Paige Miles

Bad Corner Bar Covers Band
Casey James
Crystal Bowersox
Lee Dewyze
Andrew Garcia

Vapid Beauty Pageant Contestant
Katie Stevens
Siobhan Magnus
Lacey Brown

I think Aaron Kelly probably has potential as a "modern country" singer, and he's probably the dark horse in the competition. Crystal is clearly receiving the pimp treatment and she will definitely go far. But she is a dime a dozen- there is nothing particularly distinctive or memorable about her and she does read as being a bit on the aloof side- definitely not endearing. I don't think she has the kind of universal appeal that will push her into the victory slot.

[TrueFaith77]

I think your recap outdid mine for keeping it realz.

And I also agree with what you say about Aaron. Def got a sense that if he can pick up some fans, he's got a chance to go farther in the competition than I originally thought (even though I've always dug him).

Hope you are right about Andrew getting the boot!

[Lee]

It's hard to pull off singing the Stones. However, I really liked Mike, Crystal & Casey. I've said to my husband every week that Casey reminds me of Kenny Wayne Shepherd & Randy said last night that he is like KWS. (My husband & I have seen Kenny numerous times.) I think Casey though has a better voice than KWS (Sorry Kenny). Anyway I saw the odds according to MSNBC.

Lacey 100-1
Tim 75 - 1
Paige 40-1
Andrew 25-1
Aaron 20-1
Katie 18-1
Didi 15-1
Lee 10-1
Casey 8-1
Sioban 6-1
Crystal 3-1
Mike 2-1

Right now, I'd have to agree with these odds unless something drastically changes. What does everyone else think?

Lee :)

[HejiraNYC]

Lacey 100-1
Tim 75 - 1
Paige 40-1
Andrew 25-1
Aaron 20-1
Katie 18-1
Didi 15-1
Lee 10-1
Casey 8-1
Sioban 6-1
Crystal 3-1
Mike 2-1

Right now, I'd have to agree with these odds unless something drastically changes. What does everyone else think?

Lee :)

I would disagree strongly that Mike is the one to beat. Maybe 5 years ago he may have been a contender. The problem is that his style is a bit of a throwback- those big mellismatic R&B voices are just not particularly relevant these days. If you think about the most popular male singers today, NONE of them are good singers on any level. Today it's all about image, choreography, autotune and a having a hot producer to stitch it all together. Undoubtedly he will go far in the competition because, if nothing else, he has the distinction of being the only AA male in the group (although he may have turned off some people by trotting out his white wife. I'm just sayin'...). Otherwise, he doesn't seem to bring anything new or interesting to the table.

I think the top three will be Crystal, Siobhan and Aaron.

[skcin]

I like Mike, but I agree with the above as far relevance.

Didi is growing on me fast. Great performances the past 2 weeks.

I like Lee's voice, but he doesn't stand out to me at all.

I don't agree that Crystal is a dime a dozen - the bitch is good. Really good.

Figured it would be Lacey or Andrew to go, so I wasn't surprised or upset.

Siobhan is cool and she can sing. But that high note this week turned screechy. She had better not do that every week either - it will get old really fast.

[TrueFaith77]

Top 11 Night (Billboard #1's)

NOTHING iTunes-worthy this week. Still, a glorious train wreck!

:)
Tim Urban - Not the kind of performance to Win, but maybe the kind of performance to Survive another week. It's a horrible song choice ("Funny Little Thing Called Love" by Queen)-- a gimmick, a novelty, a piece of kitsch that hit #1. Still, in what I undoubtedly suspect was a case of Producer sabotage, Tim took the bulls*** by the horns and played it. . . wittily: good vocal (drowned out a bit by the music, though) and an energetic performance that seemed to be bidding for the tween votes and a role in Adam Shankman's next movie (Adam was in the audience; wonder what he thought of Tim's bid?). Two words: The Slide! It was Sanjaya worthy.
Siobhan Magnus - This is the first time I felt she was disconnected from the song, but at the end when she did some inspired runs, I remained fully captivated (can't say that about the next two good performances . . .)
Aaron Kelly - Aaron proves that he puts his stamp on every non-Country ballad. He's not yet the David Archuleta that Ryan claims him to be (and the routine about crushing on SECOND GREATEST MENTOR EVER Miley Cyrus didn't convince), but he SINGS with FEELING.
Crystal Bowersox - Crystal does too, but the judges are right to complain about a wall between her and the audience. She's still too coffee-shop, street-corner--she just might be the best of her type though. She needs a "moment"--and I believe she's capable of it. But every week, I can't remember what song she sang or how she sang it. The moment eludes her and me.

:shrug:
The next four oompa loompas represent the Cheese Factory:
Casey James
Michael Lynche
Lee DeWyze
Didi Benami

:laugh:
Paige Miles - She has this crack in her voice that is so wonderful, but she can't sing. The cut to her friends revealed a valley girl with soul in her vocal cords, but not in her heart. "Against All Odds" spells doom on Idol and she seems to embrace her destiny.
Katie Stevens - She was outrun by the song (talk about karaoke, you could practically see the ball bouncing past her vocals) and her voice remains ugly--as do her singing faces. At least she made Fergie look good: an achievement not matched since . . . Nine!
Andrew Garcia - It's one thing for Paige and Katie to ruin bad songs, but he smashes a Marvin Gaye classic ("I Heard It Through The Grapevine") into vinegar like Kim Jong-Il oppresses his people. Simon rightly declared that the judges had overrated his dime-a-dozen YouTube interpretation of Paula Abdul's "Straight Up"--but will they keep him so he can perform it on tour? Tim's fate rests in the balance.

[TrueFaith77]

Tim, who has risen to the top of the competition for me, is safe. phew...

[TrueFaith77]

No wonder nobody is commenting. Worst. Season. Ever. And I was looking forward to Siobhan, Crystal, Aaron, Tim . . . so far only Tim is fun, but even he isn't really doing what he does best: except exposing the judges for the jokes they are. :xoxo:

Anyway, Didi was finally eliminated last night. A friend of mine who never watches the show but happened to catch the last ten minutes called me up and said: "That must be the worst version of 'Rhiannon' EVER." And I agreed and :laugh:'d! Then my friend referred to it as the "I'm pretty" version of "Rhiannon."

Bye Bye Dudu!

[skcin]

Didi was OK, and I actually loved her version of Rhiannon. But 1 tune isn't enough & the rest of her stuff sucked.

Tim is awful, he hurts my everything.

This season blows. :rolleyes: So boring. I like Crystal the best, but I almost hope she doesn't win (I'm thinking she'd be better off on her own - ala' Daughtry.)

[jannieC]

Didi was OK, and I actually loved her version of Rhiannon. But 1 tune isn't enough & the rest of her stuff sucked.

Tim is awful, he hurts my everything.

This season blows. :rolleyes: So boring. I like Crystal the best, but I almost hope she doesn't win (I'm thinking she'd be better off on her own - ala' Daughtry.)

Thank you. :xoxo:

[TrueFaith77]

It was bound to happen, I suppose. It happens to me every year. My favorite contestant is the most hated. :( :o

[skcin]

It was bound to happen, I suppose. It happens to me every year. My favorite contestant is the most hated. :( :o

Yeah, you think you'd have developed better taste by now. :laugh: JK - to each his own.

I find that I'm not even looking forward to the show each week. :distress:

[Livia]

Even my DVR hates this season - it frequently freezes up recording and reboots itself whenever AI is on - then it either picks up recording the same episode again or not at all. When it doesn't, I don't miss it. I don't watch the results show anyway, just the last 30 seconds and if I miss that, well, that's what the internet is for.

[skcin]

Oy. Aaron should go home. Tim was bland, but not awful. I'm still unsure about Mike's re-do of Eleanor Rigby. Kind of cool, but that tune is so perfect as is I'm leaning toward Mike's being blasphemous. :p Andrew's re-do didn't bother me in that way, but it wasn't that great.

Siobhan's vocal was beautiful. Casey was the best of the night, IMO. Loved Crystal as usual. Katie's vocal was great but she bores me. I thought Lee was off-key, but I guess it was just me. :shrug:

[HejiraNYC]

Oy. Aaron should go home. Tim was bland, but not awful. I'm still unsure about Mike's re-do of Eleanor Rigby. Kind of cool, but that tune is so perfect as is I'm leaning toward Mike's being blasphemous. :p Andrew's re-do didn't bother me in that way, but it wasn't that great.

Siobhan's vocal was beautiful. Casey was the best of the night, IMO. Loved Crystal as usual. Katie's vocal was great but she bores me. I thought Lee was off-key, but I guess it was just me. :shrug:

Lee's version of "Hey Jude" hurt my everything. I can't even begin to describe how bad that was... The dude has a four-note range, which he embellishes with screams into an 8-note range, and the first mistake he made was to ratchet up the key from the original (when his actual voice is not all that high). Then came the off-key belting. Then came the faux-Springsteen posturing. And to be quite blunt- he looks vacant. Lights on, nobody home. Granted, nobody from this season is exactly a Mensa member, but I suspect this Lee dude was probably left back a grade or two in school.

I agree that Mike's rendition of "Eleanor Rigby" was just wrong. Does he even know what the song is about? Instead of sounding like a song about people living lives of quiet desperation, he makes it sound like some kind of soul jam. :eek:

The only passingly good performance was Casey's "Jealous Guy." I don't think he has a particularly great voice, but I think his rendition seemed to come from a genuine place and he made an inspired song selection. Of all of the finalists, I think he has the greatest potential to go on and become a recording artist. Sadly, it will most likely be in that bland, generic Nickelback-Creed-Daughtry vein. He won't win Idol, but he will be the most successful.

Although I didn't think he did too badly, I think this is finally Andrew's week to go home. However, in a just world, Lee would go home for that sh**eous rendition.

[skcin]

Lee's version of "Hey Jude" hurt my everything. I can't even begin to describe how bad that was... The dude has a four-note range, which he embellishes with screams into an 8-note range, and the first mistake he made was to ratchet up the key from the original (when his actual voice is not all that high). Then came the off-key belting. Then came the faux-Springsteen posturing. And to be quite blunt- he looks vacant. Lights on, nobody home. Granted, nobody from this season is exactly a Mensa member, but I suspect this Lee dude was probably left back a grade or two in school.

I agree that Mike's rendition of "Eleanor Rigby" was just wrong. Does he even know what the song is about? Instead of sounding like a song about people living lives of quiet desperation, he makes it sound like some kind of soul jam. :eek:

The only passingly good performance was Casey's "Jealous Guy." I don't think he has a particularly great voice, but I think his rendition seemed to come from a genuine place and he made an inspired song selection. Of all of the finalists, I think he has the greatest potential to go on and become a recording artist. Sadly, it will most likely be in that bland, generic Nickelback-Creed-Daughtry vein. He won't win Idol, but he will be the most successful.

Although I didn't think he did too badly, I think this is finally Andrew's week to go home. However, in a just world, Lee would go home for that sh**eous rendition.

I'm glad you mentioned the "up a key" bit - another thing I thought was just me. It was just....off in general. And I agree - I don't mind his voice, but for being "soulful" he doesn't have any. :D He's really dull & has no spark.

And ITA about Casey too - although I thought he was incredible last night, and his performance really got to me, when he was standing there next to Seacrest, all I could think was "goddammit Nickelback!" :mad: Cuz that's what he looks like.

[Dodfather]

This was the first week I've liked Katie, which surprised me! As everm Crystal was just GREAT!! Love her. Just a shame I can't vote!

Aarson is dull, sull, dull, and he picked one of the worst Beatles songs. I'm a huge Beatles fans but that song is just...eeuchh!

[TrueFaith77]

:xoxo:
Tim Urban - All My Loving - Ranks with Siobhan's "Wicked Game" and "Think" as the best performance of the season. Someday, somebody other than me will appreciate Tim for his phrasing and his melodic sensibility: he is now without competition as the best Idol this season. So, once again, I predict he will go home. His best performance so far.
Casey James - Jealous Guy - Roxy Music's cover of this Lennon solo outing is the definitive version (heartache made palpable through BEAUTY), but Casey's gruff and (over)emotive version made the song "his own" while adding definite tingle missing from the show--other than the lift of Tim's triumph.

:)
Crystal Bowersox - Come Together - She always looks down at her guitar while she plays and sings.

:cool:
Siobhan Magnus - Across the Universe - I wish I had felt the emotion in the song that she showed after the song. Better than Rufus Wainwright, but so is anybody... ANYBODY. Even Danny Gokey.
Michael Lynche - Eleanor Rigby - Almost thrilling by the end, but the first half was flat and arhythmic.
Katie Stevens - Let It Be - Compared to Brooke White? Puh-leez. Her best performance to date, nonetheless.
Aaron Kelly - The Long and Winding Road - Compared to David Archuleta? No way. I actually think Aaron could be tops in this competition, but somehow he's not able to do it. I would love if they used the Judge's save on him, but that won't happen til Idol Gives Back. (Let's hope Tim makes it that far!)

:distress:
Lee DeWyze - Hey Jude - !!!!!!GRUNT!!!!!!!!!HEY JUDE!!!!!!!!!ARGH!!!!!!!!!!!!! + bagpipe
Andrew Garcia - Can't Buy Me Love - No vocal range. Ugly arrangement.

[HejiraNYC]

:xoxo:
Tim Urban - All My Loving - Ranks with Siobhan's "Wicked Game" and "Think" as the best performance of the season. Someday, somebody other than me will appreciate Tim for his phrasing and his melodic sensibility: he is now without competition as the best Idol this season. So, once again, I predict he will go home. His best performance so far.
Casey James - Jealous Guy - Roxy Music's cover of this Lennon solo outing is the definitive version (heartache made palpable through BEAUTY), but Casey's gruff and (over)emotive version made the song "his own" while adding definite tingle missing from the show--other than the lift of Tim's triumph.

:)
Crystal Bowersox - Come Together - She always looks down at her guitar while she plays and sings.

:cool:
Siobhan Magnus - Across the Universe - I wish I had felt the emotion in the song that she showed after the song. Better than Rufus Wainwright, but so is anybody... ANYBODY. Even Danny Gokey.
Michael Lynche - Eleanor Rigby - Almost thrilling by the end, but the first half was flat and arhythmic.
Katie Stevens - Let It Be - Compared to Brooke White? Puh-leez. Her best performance to date, nonetheless.
Aaron Kelly - The Long and Winding Road - Compared to David Archuleta? No way. I actually think Aaron could be tops in this competition, but somehow he's not able to do it. I would love if they used the Judge's save on him, but that won't happen til Idol Gives Back. (Let's hope Tim makes it that far!)
:distress:
Lee DeWyze - Hey Jude - !!!!!!GRUNT!!!!!!!!!HEY JUDE!!!!!!!!!ARGH!!!!!!!!!!!!! + bagpipe
Andrew Garcia - Can't Buy Me Love - No vocal range. Ugly arrangement.

Um... they already blew their load last night on Fat Mike. No more saves, thank goodness. I would imagine it must have been rather distressing for the judges to see the only two "minority" contestants on the chopping block last night; I don't think there has ever been such a lily-white roster of finalists evah! Still, although I don't agree with their decision to save him, I understand why they did it.

[TrueFaith77]

Um... they already blew their load last night on Fat Mike. No more saves, thank goodness. I would imagine it must have been rather distressing for the judges to see the only two "minority" contestants on the chopping block last night; I don't think there has ever been such a lily-white roster of finalists evah! Still, although I don't agree with their decision to save him, I understand why they did it.


I know. I was just posting my original writeup.

Mike is pathetic, second-rate, and uncommercial. Waste of a save.

The reason for the lily-white finalists is because they intentionally cast the worst of the ethnic performers to be in the Top 24.

[skcin]

Um... they already blew their load last night on Fat Mike. No more saves, thank goodness. I would imagine it must have been rather distressing for the judges to see the only two "minority" contestants on the chopping block last night; I don't think there has ever been such a lily-white roster of finalists evah! Still, although I don't agree with their decision to save him, I understand why they did it.

I liked him at the beginning but he's becoming pretty run of the mill for me now. And he's a big dude, but not fat. He's really muscular. :shrug: I mean, he's big but he's not Reuben fat. And I don't think they saved him to keep a minority in the competition; I DO think they saved him because he's the "R&B" contestant. You know the formula! They jam everyone into their own neat little mold, whether they truly fit it or not:

Rocker chick (Crystal)
Rocker guy (Lee)
R&B guy or gal (Mike)
Country pop rock guy or gal (Casey)
Singer-songwriter gal (Lacey)
AC guy (Aaron)
AC gal (Katie)
Teeny bopper guy or gal (Tim & Haelley)

And this season, they've introduced some new characters:
Weirdo (Siobhan)
I'm not sure wtf Andrew is. :( Maybe they thought he could be singer-songwriter guy? ala' Kris Allen?

[TrueFaith77]

I just wanted to send out a friendly plug to encourage anyone open to encouragement to throw a few (or more) votes the way of Tim Urban tonight.

It would mean a lot.

Thank you.

[StreetAngel95]

GOOD RIDDANCE KATIE STEVENS!!!!!!!!!!

long live Siobhan Magnus and Tim Urban!!!!!!

[DefDumbandBlond]

Oh good she left, she got on my nerves.

I've forgotten to watch the past few weeks, whoops!

[TrueFaith77]

GOOD RIDDANCE KATIE STEVENS!!!!!!!!!!

long live Siobhan Magnus and Tim Urban!!!!!!

:thumbsup:

[HejiraNYC]

Oh good she left, she got on my nerves.

I've forgotten to watch the past few weeks, whoops!

I don't understand all of the Katie hate. I don't think she's all that great, but I certainly find her less offensive than the other girls like Pigpen, er, Crystal and Siobhan. Katie actually has a really good voice for country music, but it does seem a little odd coming from this WASPy teenage girl from Connecticut.

The one contestant that I loathe is Siobhan. Sure, she can scream a dog whistle frequency when she wants to. But she has absolutely no connection with whatever song she is singing. And her singing style is quite conventional while her got-dressed-in-Cyndi-Lauper's-closet-without-the-lights-on look is incongruously out there. She's a poser and there really is nothing original about a girl who can stay in tune but cannot deliver a song properly. And to be quite blunt, she's kind of hard to look at. Yes, that's harsh, but maybe it wouldn't be so bad if she would just clean herself up a bit. Unfortunately, if Crystal doesn't snag the Idol win, it will be Siobhan.

[greendaze5]

Ryan as the new Paula?

'Seacrest Out-Of-It' :

http://new.ca.music.yahoo.com/blogs/realityrocks/338918/seacrest-out-really-out/

[skcin]

I don't understand all of the Katie hate. I don't think she's all that great, but I certainly find her less offensive than the other girls like Pigpen, er, Crystal and Siobhan. Katie actually has a really good voice for country music, but it does seem a little odd coming from this WASPy teenage girl from Connecticut.
The one contestant that I loathe is Siobhan. Sure, she can scream a dog whistle frequency when she wants to. But she has absolutely no connection with whatever song she is singing. And her singing style is quite conventional while her got-dressed-in-Cyndi-Lauper's-closet-without-the-lights-on look is incongruously out there. She's a poser and there really is nothing original about a girl who can stay in tune but cannot deliver a song properly. And to be quite blunt, she's kind of hard to look at. Yes, that's harsh, but maybe it wouldn't be so bad if she would just clean herself up a bit. Unfortunately, if Crystal doesn't snag the Idol win, it will be Siobhan.


Katie bugged me because her voice did not match her age & it creeped me out. :shrug:

I still love Crystal, but kinda hope she doesn't win so she can do her own thing.

Siobhan was cool at first, but now she grates on my nerves.

[Dodfather]

The past 2 weeks were the only times that I have liked Katie. I thought her version of Let It Be was gorgeous, and just different enough. Such a shame she went out when Aaron is still there - why?!? Damnit.

[skcin]

The past 2 weeks were the only times that I have liked Katie. I thought her version of Let It Be was gorgeous, and just different enough. Such a shame she went out when Aaron is still there - why?!? Damnit.

I won't miss Katie, but ITA about Aaron.

[TrueFaith77]

Tim :]

Glad Katie is gone.

[skcin]

^ Tim is getting better each week. I don't love him, but I like him a hell of a lot more than Aaron.

[TrueFaith77]

^ Tim is getting better each week. I don't love him, but I like him a hell of a lot more than Aaron.

I LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE
HIM

[Beachwood Mac]

Spoiler Alert!

















Casey James is supposedly singing Fleetwood Mac's Don't Stop tonight.

[DefDumbandBlond]

^ I'm watching it right now and he is! He's one of the best on there, I'm glad he's singing it!

[bucklind17]

Yeah, I thought that was pretty awesome! Glad someone that can actually play guitar attempted it too, he had it down. Pretty hot, I think.

[StreetAngel95]

i am so surprised with the judges' reactions. It was amazing! He's got the whole blues/rock thing that Christine had with the song - loved it! And i disagree - very inspiring!

[Lee]

Casey! I liked it, too, & he likes Fleetwood Mac. So his no Lindsey on guitar, but I liked his performance. :thumbsup:

Lee :)

[Lee]

And can I add here that I loved Crystal's performance. I think she's always awesome, but tonight she was really awesome. :nod:

Lee :)

[skcin]

^ Of course, the one performance I missed was Casey's. :o From the short bit I saw on the recap, it sounded good.

Loved Crystal.

[TrueFaith77]

I missed last week's Idol wrap-up of Elvis week because of strep throat. Though I can summarize in one sentence: Tim Urban's "Can't Help Falling In Love" inspired.

In contrast, this week's songs of inspiration failed to inspire.


:xoxo:
Tim Urban - This is the performance to which I kept returning. Although the song exposed some of his weaknesses, it also allowed some of his strengths to shine: his phrasing, the crispness of his voice, the conviction of his feeling. He could be a star.

:)
Crystal Bowersox - Her emotions and a brilliant song choice could not disguise that, vocally, this was uneven--but it more than made up for it. She still hasn't had her "moment."

Siobhan Magnus - A new and fascinating persona is developing for Siobhan. Her dramatic delivery, overwrought technique, and excessive artificiality might just be. . . a style.

:woohoo:
Casey James - He loves Fleetwood Mac. And I salute him for saluting the great band.

:(
Aaron Kelly - It's sad to think that he sang R. Kelly's (underrated!) anthem better when he was 5.

Michael Lynche - At first, his voice sounded beautiful, but as soon as the song went into Nickelback territory, he just proved himself a better Lee than Lee. And his grandstanding attitude (complete with lipsmacking closer) is just TMTH.


:distress:
Lee Dewyze - Lee's tuneless, mush-mouthed, one-note deliveries have grated on my last nerve. Sure he made the Simon-Garfunkel classic sound contemporary, but how is that a good thing if he reduced it to bad contemporary rock? The show promotes the Daughtry-Cook-Lee-style rock which is precisely the sound to which Idol should provide an alternative.

[bucklind17]

Apparently Lindsey gave Casey that guitar to use? I really find that hard to believe but Casey said so in a recent interview with MTV's Jim Cantiello.

[Ghost_Tracker]

Mary J. Blige just performed "Stairway" on American Idol.
With Randy Jackson playing on guitar.
I thought she did pretty well with it! :)

[jannieC]

Who was voted off? I fell asleep. :o

[hayley]

Who was voted off? I fell asleep. :o

Tim! Thank god.

[TrueFaith77]

^^^^ :mad::o:distress:

[jannieC]

Tim! Thank god.

Oh, my husband will be so pleased! :)

[hayley]

^^^^ :mad::o:distress:

Don't worry, I'm sure he'll make an excellent singing waiter one day.

[TrueFaith77]

Don't worry, I'm sure he'll make an excellent singing waiter one day.

HOT!!

:blob1::woohoo:

[Lee]

Tim! Thank god.


I was really going to be mad if Casey went before Tim. I know Casey won't win, but I didn't want to see him go quite yet. :nod:

Lee :)

[skcin]

Boring week.

[jannieC]

Boring week.

I keep forgetting it's on. What was the theme?

[Livia]

Shania Twain - she was the mentor and they all sang her songs. I was hoping Casey would have done Man! I Feel Like a Woman , but no such luck.

[StreetAngel95]

I'm really diggin the band that's playing now - Sons of Sylvia

also, i'm super sad my two favorites are in the bottom three: Casey and Siobhan!!!

[KarmaContestant]

Lee won. Meh.

I'm sure Crystal will be very successful anyway.

[ILoveFM]

Lee won. Meh.

I'm sure Crystal will be very successful anyway.

I'm so disappointed with the results. I thought it was obvious that Crystal was the more talented finalist, but then again so was Adam Lambert.

[holidayroad]

I'm so disappointed with the results. I thought it was obvious that Crystal was the more talented finalist, but then again so was Adam Lambert.

This is why people don't watch AI anymore. It is very disheartening to see the best person lose 2 years in a row!!

[TrueFaith77]

Tim and Siobhan would have been the best top two. Oh well, I'm glad Lee won because now I will never watch the show again--and the world will be spared my dramatics.

[vermicious knid]

I agree with this writer:

A panel featuring Randy Jackson, Ellen DeGeneres, and Kara DioGuardi cannot possibly succeed, and no matter who they line up for Simon's chair, the whole thing does feel a little ... over.
http://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/2010/05/27/127207787/-american-idol-wraps-its-dull-season#more

[Lee]

Well, I was more taken with the professional musical entertainment than I was with the outcome. It's more a popularity contest than a talent contest. I'm not going to bash Lee; he seems like a nice guy just like Chris Allen. AI is what you make it. You can take it & go with it or just disappear. Personally I liked Crystal better, but it's a win-win situation for both of them & they know it.

I know some people weren't too happy with the artists on there, but having grown up in the 70s, I loved seeing Michael McDonald, Hall & Oates, & even Bret Michaels. I even liked Christina G. & Janet.

I'm thinking though that this may have been the swan song for AI. It's just not going to be the same without Simon, no matter who they get to replace him. :distress:

Lee :)

[HejiraNYC]

I agree with this writer:

A panel featuring Randy Jackson, Ellen DeGeneres, and Kara DioGuardi cannot possibly succeed, and no matter who they line up for Simon's chair, the whole thing does feel a little ... over.
http://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/2010/05/27/127207787/-american-idol-wraps-its-dull-season#more

Agreed. I've never been a big fan of the show, but I have to admit that the Randy-Paula-Simon lineup worked incredibly well. There was definitely a chemistry there, which was undeniably apparent during last night's flashback montage, and painfully lacking in the present day. Who knew that the linchpin of the show was not Simon, but... Paula? Her presence last night was like a big, sloppy bear hug. For the five minutes or so she had the spotlight, it seemed like the world was back on its axis and everything was alright again. For a nanosecond I thought that this horrible season of AI, contestants notwithstanding, could have actually been halfway decent if they had booted Kara and Ellen, and given Paula their salaries. But alas, the geniuses behind AI thought they knew better. It seems that they forgot the one about "don't fix it if it ain't broke."

Was Ricky Gervais really on there to pay respect to Simon... or was it an omen of things to come? For some reason I think casting Ricky Gervais as a judge would be quite brilliant IMHO.

[HejiraNYC]

Well, I was more taken with the professional musical entertainment than I was with the outcome. It's more a popularity contest than a talent contest. I'm not going to bash Lee; he seems like a nice guy just like Chris Allen. AI is what you make it. You can take it & go with it or just disappear. Personally I liked Crystal better, but it's a win-win situation for both of them & they know it.


I think Lee's performance with Chicago pretty much said it all. He was totally overpowered and swallowed up by these faceless altecockers who are basically just a bunch of hired background musicians. Lee gives "deer in the headlights" extremely well. That's about the only positive thing I could say about him.

[holidayroad]

I know some people weren't too happy with the artists on there, but having grown up in the 70s, I loved seeing Michael McDonald, Hall & Oates, & even Bret Michaels. I even liked Christina G. & Janet.

Lee :)

This is one of the few times I didn't watch the finale and I miss Daryl&John!!!!!!!! I couldn't believe it! If I Had watched it, they wouldn't have been on it!!!!!!!!!

[StreetAngel95]

This is one of the few times I didn't watch the finale and I miss Daryl&John!!!!!!!! I couldn't believe it! If I Had watched it, they wouldn't have been on it!!!!!!!!!

i was thinking of you when i saw it! so surprised you didn't see it!:sorry:

[holidayroad]

i was thinking of you when i saw it! so surprised you didn't see it!:sorry:

I did get to watch it on YouTube!

[Lee]

I did get to watch it on YouTube!

Well, I'm glad that you got to see them on YouTube. I didn't even know that they were going to be on there. I heard the rumor about Bret Michaels, Christina & I got an e-mail saying Michael McDonald was going to be on there, but I had know idea about H&O. When they started singing their songs, I said to my husband, "OMG, are they there?" What pleasant surprise! :nod:

Lee :)