American Idol

[sodascouts]

I have to disagree with you all. I did not like Didi's rendition of Rhiannon. I think I'll go give it another listen.

Well, part of my positive review comes from the fact that the other Fleetwood Mac/Stevie covers sucked so hard, it made this one look good.

[Stars]

What did you all think of the guys singing last night? I honestly thought that they were all good, although some were better than others. The guy at the end was a real stand-out, and so was the guy who sang "Hallelujah". (wish I could remember names-sign of old age-:lol:)
However, I am still sticking by my two favorites-Andrew Garcia and Lee. Now I do remember their names!:D

[Prettymaid]

Big Mike was the one who ended the show. I wasn't familiar with the song but I agree with the judges that he did well. Lee (my fave) better start picking it up because all of the guys are starting to improve! Alex still looks stiff on stage but I just love his voice. And I actually agreed with Kara on the song choice for the sixteen year old - too old for him. But he sang it well.

I didn't like last night's rendition of Hallelujah as well as the guy with the dreadlocks (Jason?) who did it a couple of years ago.

[sodascouts]

Lee ("Fireflies") - This is such a lame song, but he made it sound more masculine than the feeble original. The judges were definitely right in that regard. That's not saying much, though. I wasn't super-impressed.

Alex ("Trouble") - I did see why some people like him - he does have a good timbre to his voice - but he looks so awkward up there that he's difficult to watch. And why hasn't anyone told him that mullet looks like a throwback to Carol Brady?

Tim ("Hallelujah") - The best he's sounded so far, but again, that's not saying much. The song did have some emotion, but not enough to truly give it its full punch.

Andrew ("Genie in a Bottle") - I blame the judges for this. They can't stop talking about "Straight Up" so Andrew tried to duplicate it, but in the worst way possible. It's almost like he's trying to get eliminated by choosing a song with lyrics like "You gotta rub me the right way." Ewwww. A girl can get away with that, but not a guy.

Casey ("You'll Think of Me") - good, but predictable. Still, I liked it.

Aaron ("I'm Already There") - started off badly but by the end he was hitting the glory notes. Still, he's just too young for this competition. I can't get into him. However, I do get tired of the judges harping on the fact that if you're young you only can sing certain types of material (they did this to Katie, too). If Allison Iraheta can belt out "Alone" by Heart when her idea of the pinnacle of a relationship is probably a date to the prom, then Aaron can sing a song about a dad being away from home. The problem is that the kid needs to be able to put the kind of emotion into it that would match the words, like Allison did - and Aaron's not mature enough to do that. Sorry, Aaron fans. He needs to go.

Todrick ("Somebody to Love") - I've been unimpressed with Todrick before, but I actually liked this. I think it's his best performance to date. It saved him for me, at least.

Mike ("This Woman's Work") - he has a great voice but he was way overpraised - and Kara's crying looked so fake. "As a woman without children"...it made me cringe.

I'm almost positive Andrew will go home, and maybe Aaron as well.

[Troubadour]

We're only getting the latest American Idol show now (yeah, we're in the Dark Ages over here ;)) so I am holding off reading your comments until it's over. Lee has just performed - I forgot to mention last time that I really like him. I thought he was great.

Oh, and Crystal was brilliant last night. She's just got it.

[sodascouts]

WOW, I certainly called it wrong! Not that I'll miss Katelyn, Alex, Todrick, or Lilly.... I just thought Andrew and Paige were goners for sure.

[Stars]

I am SO relieved that Andrew made it into the top 12! I was nervous for him, as the judges were pretty hard on him this week.
My favorite of the girls, Lilly, is gone. However, I do like Crystal and Siobhan a lot, and I'm glad they made it through ok.
The next few weeks will be very interesting!!
Congrats to all the Top 12!:applause:

[Prettymaid]

Alex ("Trouble") - ... And why hasn't anyone told him that mullet looks like a throwback to Carol Brady?

Lol! I was sad to see Alex go. I was hoping Andrew would go instead.

Lilly never really did it for me, or Katie either for that matter. But I was surprised at that outcome. Katie was wearing way-y-y-y too much eye makeup!

[Troubadour]

I can't believe Alex went! :( In a couple of years time though, he will be brilliant.

[sodascouts]

Poor Alex. It was a sign of his youth how distraught he was when he was eliminated - perhaps also because it was so unexpected. And he must have been well-liked as Siobhan was openly sobbing. Then, during the commercial break after his sing-out, some "intense emotion" occurred, according to Ryan - and I don't think he was being melodramatic because the kid was still standing there looking lost when they cut back to the show. Poor guy! I didn't even like him that much and I felt bad for him, especially since Andrew's "Genie in a Bottle" was so horrific.

My consolation is that I no longer have to hear Lilly's warbling. She sure was pissed off about getting eliminated! I never liked those "how do you feel about America voting you off" post-elimination interviews anyway, though, so I can't judge her too harshly for lashing out at the TV audience for sending home "a lot of talent" (which of course she numbers herself among, lol).

[Prettymaid]

My consolation is that I no longer have to hear Lilly's warbling. She sure was pissed off about getting eliminated! I never liked those "how do you feel about American voting you off" post-elimination interviews anyway, though, so I can't judge her too harshly for lashing out at the TV audience for sending home "a lot of talent" (which of course she numbers herself among, lol).

I didn't like it when she said something like, "I don't know what America wants..."

I guess they're not going to do the wild card show this year, where they bring back a couple or three of the ones that were voted off. They did it last year.

[Maleah]

I'm still trying to figure out how in the world Tim has lasted this long and Alex was sent packing. :shock: I mean I know Tim did better this week, but c'mon.

[Stars]

Maleah, although I think Tim did very well with "Hallelujah", I don't think he will last much longer. Let's wait and see!:)

[Prettymaid]

Talk about a Brady haircut...

http://static.tvguide.com/MediaBin/Galleries/Editorial/100215/american_idol_top24/idol-top-24-tim-urban-1.jpg

[eaglesvet]

I'm still trying to figure out how in the world Tim has lasted this long and Alex was sent packing. :shock: I mean I know Tim did better this week, but c'mon.

I agree.

[Prettymaid]

I don't have time right now to post my impressions of last night's show. Off to work for now but hopefully I'll get back here today.

[eaglesvet]

I know David Cook is the guest performer tonight...that alone is reason to watch!

[Stars]

I have to say, I was cringing during Tim's version of "Under My Thumb". Maybe people who were not familiar with the Rolling Stones' version liked it, but I thought it was horrible. I was one who Simon was referring to when he said RS fans would be turning off their TV's during that performance!:yuck:
However, I thought Crystal, Siobhan, and Lee did great jobs on their songs. Katie was good with "Wild Horses", which along with "As Tears Go By" is my favorite RS song. Looking forward to the results tonight!:thumbsup:

[eaglesvet]

I think Tim has gone much too far in this competition with his looks and his smile...charming, but this is a singing competition, right??

[sodascouts]

It's Rolling Stones night and we still get a lot of ballads and slowed-down numbers? Mmmmkay. Oh well, at least no one sucked.

Mike ("Miss You") - This guy is so overrated. He's got a pretty good voice but so does everyone else in the top 12. Not a standout at all.

Didi ("Playing with Fire") - This was different for her and I liked it, but when she fudged the lyrics a bit, I cringed. I'm afraid she won't last much longer.

Casey ("It's All Over Now") - I just enjoy listening to this guy. He's fun and I agree with the "rock star" comments. That said, he never seems to pick songs that really challenge him vocally, and this week was no different. Perhaps he just knows he has a limited range and is going to try and get as far as he can with what he's got going on now. And you know what, if it works, more power to him.

Lacey ("Ruby Tuesday"). Ugh, she's this year's Megan Joy. GO. Please GO.

Plane's boarding, so I'll give the rest of my thoughts later.

[MikeA]

Don't know anyone's names except Crystal. Verna hollers at me when she's going to do her thing. I haven't been disappointed in her yet. That touch of tone and attitude that reminds me of Joplin....but she has the control to control it! I'm pretty smitten by her <LOL>

[Prettymaid]

I agree with you, Mike. Crystal is consistently good and never fails to give a good performance. Her voice always fits the song.
The local news poobahs here are predicting Andrew will go tonight, if not him, Lacey or Tim. I'd say that's a sure bet on any of them:).

Yeah, I wouldn't miss any of them.

Well, I was going to try to do my list kinda like Soda's, but I don't have the time to do it, so let me just say that Casey, Lee, Crystal, Siobhan and the young guy - what's his name? - should stay. The rest can go anytime.

[sodascouts]

Back in time to check the results and WOOT - LACEY IS HISTORY! YES!!

Now, my thoughts on the others from last night:

Andrew ("Gimme Shelter") - I appreciate the spirit he gave it, and I was glad he did something different, but he doesn't really strike me as anything extraordinary.

Katie ("Wild Horses") - Her voice was strong, but I just don't feel the emotion there.

Tim ("Under My Thumb") - I had never heard this Stones song before, but all it took was a good listen to the lyrics to realize that this song should NEVER be sung to a peppy, happy reggae beat. Does Tim even understand what he is singing? Does he not realize how sick and twisted this song is? He treated it like Jason Mraz's "I'm Yours" for Heaven's sake! So many of them have seen the praise heaped upon David Cook and are desperate to change arrangments in hopes that they'll get the same accolades. They don't seem to understand that when you do something like that, you have to do it with an understanding of what fits the lyrics. GEEZ people!!! That said, his voice was pleasant on it.

Siobhan ("Paint It Black") - LOVE. HER. This cemented it for me. I want her to win. Yes, the screaming was over the top, but otherwise it was terrific. And I love her squinting at the camera in her glasses, parodying the lame "OH SHE TOOK OFF HER GLASSES, NOW SHE'S HOT" crap.

Lee ("Beast of Burdern") - I like Lee, but I haven't heard a "Great Voice" as Simon said. I heard a good rock'n'roll voice, though. I hope he gets over the obvious terror he feels performing up there.

Paige ("Honky Tonk Woman") - I like how she changed this up to fit herself, and I loved how bluesy she was. However, when Simon said "That was good, considering your laryngitis" it made me wonder what he would have said otherwise.

Aaron ("Angie") - I just can't get into this kid. He doesn't make me feel it. I'm sorry, I know he sang it well, but I hope he goes home soon. He's boring.

That said - did I mention that I'm happy Lacey is gone? 'CAUSE I AM! ;)

[Prettymaid]

Tim ("Under My Thumb") - I had never heard this Stones song before...


I'm surprised you've never heard the song before, Soda. I hope that you went and gave the original a listen just once to hear what it's really supposed to sound like.

Having said that, I have always hated the lyrics to that song! "Under my thumb" - What a pompous a** thing to say (and want)!

Aaron reminds me a little a David Archuletta.

And Soda, you didn't do Crystal. :-(

[MikeA]

Crystal isn't in the same game as the others Cathy.

[sodascouts]

I forgot Crystal? How embarrassing! :blush:

Crystal ("You Can't Always Get What You Want") - like Casey, always enjoyable; like Casey, not going outside of her comfort zone or challenging herself. I love her, and she obviously has the Melissa Etheridge groove down, but I want her to show me more. Plus, I have to admit, I react negatively when I see how so many people are pretty much already declaring her the winner. Perhaps that's not fair of me but it makes me want to root for an underdog - like Siobhan.

Cathy, I did go listen to the entire Rolling Stones song via YouTube, and I was appalled at how misogynistic it was. The lyrics for those who don't wish to hear it:

Under my thumb
The girl who once had me down
Under my thumb
The girl who once pushed me around

It's down to me
The difference in the clothes she wears
Down to me, the change has come,
She's under my thumb

Ain't it the truth babe?

Under my thumb
The squirmin' dog who's just had her day
Under my thumb
A girl who has just changed her ways

It's down to me, yes it is
The way she does just what she's told
Down to me, the change has come
She's under my thumb
Ah, ah, say it's alright

Under my thumb
A siamese cat of a girl
Under my thumb
She's the sweetest, hmmm, pet in the world

It's down to me
The way she talks when she's spoken to
Down to me, the change has come,
She's under my thumb
Ah, take it easy babe
Yeah

It's down to me, oh yeah
The way she talks when she's spoken to
Down to me, the change has come,
She's under my thumb
Yeah, it feels alright

Under my thumb
Her eyes are just kept to herself
Under my thumb, well I
I can still look at someone else

It's down to me, oh that's what I said
The way she talks when she's spoken to
Down to me, the change has come,
She's under my thumb
Say, it's alright.

Say it's all...
Say it's all...

Take it easy babe
Take it easy babe
Feels alright
Take it, take it easy babe

Jagger sings it in a mocking and smug tone, obviously taking vicious pleasure in how he's broken the spirit of his lover after she dared to challenge him. It's downright disgusting.

So out of the entire Stones catalog, Tim picks THIS song because he thinks he'll "have fun with it." Tim, with wide-eyed earnestness, sings prettily lines like "It's down to me - the way she does just what she's told." Meanwhile the tween girls scream for him, as oblivious as he is (at least I hope he's oblivious and really doesn't think this kind of thing is "alright"). It makes me want to puke.

The song came out in the mid sixties - thank goodness that Jackson and Glenn reclaimed the phrase "Take It Easy" a few years later!

[Prettymaid]

Soda, I knew you would feel the same way as I do about that song. What woman wouldn't?

As embarrassed as I am to admit it, The Beatles (my favorites of all time) wrote a song called Getting Better, in which they sing;

I used to be cruel to my woman, I beat her
And kept her apart from the things that she loved
Man I was mean but I'm changing my scene
And I'm doing the best that I can.

At least in the song they admit it was wrong.
Reminds me of a quote by Maya Angelou: When I was younger I did what I knew. When I knew better I did better.

[EagleLady]

To me it's just a song. It's not like Mick or Paul Believed In what they were singing about

[Prettymaid]

To me it's just a song. It's not like Mick or Paul Believed In what they were singing about

Yeah, I always hear that - that songwriters write what they don't believe in. :eyebrow:

[EagleLady]

I only meant in that they didn't actually do what they were singing about. Sorry

[Prettymaid]

I only meant in that they didn't actually do what they were singing about. Sorry


How do you know that, EL?

[EagleLady]

How do you know that they did? I know I can't assume they didn't, but you can't assume they did either.

[Prettymaid]

How do you know that they did? I know I can't assume they didn't, but you can't assume they did either.

I never said they did. But you specifically said they didn't and I challenged you on how you could possibly know something like that.

Look, all I'm saying is it doesn't put a songwriter in a very good light when they write negatively about women. Whether they actually did these things or not is not relevant to my point.

[EagleLady]

And All I am saying is it's just a song, doesn't mean anything

[Prettymaid]

And All I am saying is it's just a song, doesn't mean anything

EL, if you truly believe that statement you are on the wrong message board.

How can you be a lover of music and the Eagles and say that songs don't have meaning? You professed that several songs make you cry. If so they mean something. You can't have it both ways. You can't say the "good" ones mean something and the "bad" ones don't.

[EagleLady]

I guess I am just making excuses for Paul and Mick then

[Prettymaid]

I guess I am just making excuses for Paul and Mick then

Hey, I love Paul just as much as anybody (Mick - not so much). But I'll never make excuses for inexcusable lyrics like that. Fortunately, and much more frequently, The Beatles were known for their songs about love and peace.

Now back to the subject at hand...Tim Urban needs to go!

[MikeA]

Okay, to try be fair and show an open mind, If I can tear myself away from reruns of BONES and NCIS, I'll attempt to listen to the rest of them. I'm afraid it won't make any difference whether Crystal wins or loses to me for I'd buy her work as long as she comes out of the show with enough gumph to have a record deal to give me something to buy.

I know I'm being unfair....but when did musical tastes ever consider fairness? Hmmm, contradict myself for Adam Lambret or Lambert...you know who I mean....I couldn't get far enough past his personality to even begin to appreciate his music.

Crystal's personality, her style, her attitude and especially her presentation are as good as that of anyone who's ever been on the show...IMO

Don't know how to say it other than it seems she "Invests Herself" in any song I've heard her wail. She commits to the song....whatever it is. At least in all of the ones I've her singing on.

There might be some others deserved of admiration. That's all well and good, but whatever I decide about any of the others, Crystal will not lose my support AS A PERFORMER and ARTIST. I don't really care whether she wins or not.

Ahhh, as for the Stones.....those guys weren't Angels. They were hungry for material. So were the Beatles. They wrote about and sang just about anything any of them could come up with and the easiest things to come up with as a songwriter, are those things you know personally. I don't even want to mention 3E. (whispering)

[sodascouts]

Just read on mjsbigblog.com (http://www.mjsbigblog.com) that next week's theme will be "Teen Idol" songs. Any guesses as to what that entails? Will someone be doing David Cassidy's "I Think I Love You" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJYSu2OVCGM)?

P.S. Shoutout to FP's Partridge Family CD! ;)

[sodascouts]

I'm just sitting here wondering again how did Urban ever get this far in the competition? And even get called back for a 2nd chance earlier? He doesn't have the "IT" factor at all.

Maybe this has something to do with it:

http://perezhilton.com/2010-03-02-yes-please-hot-idol

There are a lot of young girls voting, remember! And according to Perez, gay men will form another voting block. ;)

[Prettymaid]

Oh boy, Teen Idol week! (I like the Partridge Family too!)

You think we'll hear Puppy Love by Donny Osmond? :worried:

[MikeA]

Four Seasons, Fabian, Ricky Nelson, Paul Anka, yeah, Partridge Family and Osmonds, and who knows, Jackson Five?

Bring it on! Sounds like they are going for the groove that Tim character on AI has gotten stuffed into (self stuffed).

We need a night of Etta James, Gatemouth Brown, Lightnin Hopkins....something with some DIRT on it!

[Maleah]

You think we'll hear Puppy Love by Donny Osmond? :worried:

Don't diss the Donny! lol Oh my word, my sister used to have the biggest crush on him when she was younger! Er.....actually she still does. lol (she's in her mid 40's) Although I have to admit, after watching him on Dancing With The Stars.....I may have developed a slight crush on him myself. :blush:

[eaglesvet]

Don't forget...teen idols today could mean the Jonas Brothers and Justin Bieber (though I'd be hard-pressed to actually name a song title by either one!)

[Stars]

I had never heard of Justin Bieber til I heard him mentioned one night on AI! Then one of my co-workers who also works at QVC mentioned he was going to make a live appearance on that network, and she was wondering how many girls were going to faint!:hilarious: He MUST be a big deal with the young teen-aged girls and maybe the pre-teens too.

[sodascouts]

I hear ya. Listen to the Beatle-esque screaming for the Jonas Brothers as they do a cover of John Mayer's Gravity - you can't even hear him sing at 1:56!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2Xm3vzxm20

Can you imagine that at an Eagles concert?

Don (from stage, sternly): "Girls, I am about to sing some meaningful and important lyrics. You are to refrain from screaming hysterically until the guitar solo."

[Troubadour]

Can you imagine that at an Eagles concert?

Don (from stage, sternly): "Girls, I am about to sing some meaningful and important lyrics. You are to refrain from screaming hysterically until the guitar solo."

:lol: Too funny! The bolded especially cracked me up. Better be on my best behaviour in San Jose.

That Jonas Brothers video was insane. There must have been some sore throats after that show. As for Justin Bieber - I've seen his name everywhere lately, but I have no clue who he is!

[sodascouts]

Well, looks like the "Teen Idol" element was simply the mentor....

Miley Cyrus.

NOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!

ETA: And a Jonas bro. performing tomorrow. Yeah, Teen Idols 2010.

[EagleLady]

Miley Cyrus is extremely overrated

[sodascouts]

OK, some impressions:

Lee (“The Letter”) – I want to like him because I think he has an interesting voice and he seems like a nice guy... but he also seemed to be struggling. At least he looked less terrified. I wonder if he realized that the guy who originally recorded it died earlier in the week (Alex Chilton of the Box Tops)?

Paige (“Against All Odds”) – I adore this song; it’s my favorite Phil Collins song and one of my fave songs, period. It has to be sung with a lot of emotion to work. Again, I wanted her to succeed, but she seemed so nervous and unable to control that beautiful voice of hers. At parts I was cringing. Poor Paige. She’s not gonna make it, unless she gets the pity vote.

Tim (“Crazy Little Thing Called Love”) – Very smooth vocal, but I kind of got a lounge singer vibe from it. Still, look at those girls screaming – he could be a teen idol too. And I think Miley was really into him. lol In spite of the fact that I was underwhelmed, I thought it was lame that Kara ragged on him for touching girls’ hands when he wasn’t “established” yet. C’mon, these guys do that all the time.

Aaron (I Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing”) – aw, poor Aaron is sick, too! I got a chuckle out of Aaron sneaking peeks at Miley’s micro-miniskirt. I think he enjoyed the hug. Anyway, for the first time, I got into his performance! Wow, never thought I would say that! For the first time, he seemed emotive to me. Maybe he was thinking of Miley when he sang. ;)

Crystal (“Bobby McGee”) – Nice to see her going out of her comfort zone by doing Joplin (um. not. lol). Still, she did a great job. Although it wasn’t her best, it was spirited and entertaining. I actually liked it better than last week personality-wise. I’m intrigued by her “big plans” comment. Hmmm! The carpet thing was cute.

Michael (“When a Man Loves a Woman”) – Got that open shirt goin’ on! Work it, Mike! lol Great voice, no surprises. (Does anyone else think of Stuart Smalley when they hear “...and people like you”)?

Andrew (“I Heard it Through the Grapevine”) – Good job, I thought, but not great. I do think it was smart for him to lose the guitar, but his vocals were still a bit off. At least he was playful with the judges. I thought it was a bit odd how Randy and Ellen were basically saying “You sucked but we hope people vote for you anyway.” And once again Straight Up gets mentioned... LET IT GO, KARA! I think Simon called it – “We overrated that.” BTW I hate it when they tell the kids “You don’t know yourself as an artist.” Some of these kids were working at the 7-11 two months ago and others aren’t even old enough to vote, how are they supposed to “know themselves” as artists?

Katie (“Big Girls Don’t Cry”) – Nice voice, but she bores me. Plus, several notes were a little sharp. I wasn’t impressed. Ellen calling it her “best performance”? Mmmmkay.

Casey (“Power of Love”) – As usual, Casey stays in the Safe Zone with Huey Lewis. OOPS on the lyrics though! All in all, sounded good – but Huey did it better. Thus, I can see Simon’s “cover band” interp of it. Oh well, still love Casey! (And I laughed when he told Miley he was a big fan... of her dad Billy Ray!)

Didi (“You’re No Good”) – There’s something about Didi I like, and I think she did well tonight. I believed it! And oh my gosh, how harsh was Simon??? I rarely vote but I pulled out the cell phone tonight and texted a couple times for Didi.

Siobhan (“Superstition”) – A different look again. Don’t be afraid to wear those glasses, though, Siobhan! Great performance! Love her! One thing, though – don’t need to screech a “big note” every song. Flashes of Lambert overkill.

Final verdict: I feel sorry for Paige, but she needs to go.

[Prettymaid]

It's as simple as this...


Deserves To Stay
------------------
Lee
Aaron
Crystal
Michael (Big Mike)
Casey
Siobhan


Deserves To Go
------------------
Paige
Tim
Andrew
Katie
Didi

ETA: I know very little of Miley Cyrus but there's something about her personality I like. And I know (and like) a couple of her songs.

What can I say? That's what happens when you don't have kids! :hilarious:

[sodascouts]

:: texts another vote for Didi :: ;)

[Prettymaid]

:: texts another vote for Didi :: ;)

To Didi's credit, she has a great voice. It reminds me of a current singer, but I don't know her name. But that was a terrible arrangement, and I agreed with the judges - it could have been part of a musical. Way-y-y-y
too dramatic! She's had her chance. She just doesn't get it.

[MikeA]

Crystal was the only one I saw perform last night. Was building my FILs computer and having a blast (got it completed too and it actually runs!)

But back to Crystal. She slays me! I get the feeling that all those comments about her not showing herself or "getting it back" from the crowd...BS! I think she is 100% comfortable up there....it's just her personality. But then "The Judges" have to have something to criticize.

And the "something BIG" for next week....I'm thinking she's going to come out with a different than "homey look" and that she is going to (unfortunately) ditch the guitar <sigh>. She plays that woodie so well!

[Prettymaid]

And the "something BIG" for next week....I'm thinking she's going to come out with a different than "homey look" and that she is going to (unfortunately) ditch the guitar <sigh>. She plays that woodie so well!

Well, she did pretty much come out and say she's not going to have her guitar next week, but I hope she stays true to herself otherwise.

[eaglesvet]

To borrow a slogan from Soda, a couple of those singers (Paige, Tim, Andrew) "made my ears bleed" last night. I think Paige will be the one sent packing. I'm still true to Didi and Siobhan. I loved Lee's performance...he really is getting comfortable on stage, and he's starting to look the part! And how can you not love little Aaron...too cute, and talented, too! I disagree with the judges in that I feel that Crystal DID connect more with her audience last night, and she certainly "dressed" herself up a bit more with her hairstyle and outfit. It's interesting that they are not ragging on her for not changing things up any more, ie, singing out of her comfort zone of songs. Anyone else, they have been using that sentiment in their critiques. Wouldn't you want to see what she would do with a song by Queen?:hilarious:

[Prettymaid]

Those judges can certainly be fickle!

[eaglesvet]

To Didi's credit, she has a great voice. It reminds me of a current singer, but I don't know her name. But that was a terrible arrangement, and I agreed with the judges - it could have been part of a musical. Way-y-y-y
too dramatic! She's had her chance. She just doesn't get it.
The current singer she reminds me of is singer-songwriter Ingrid Michaelson. She even sang one of her songs a couple of weeks back, and did a great job, "The Way I Am." They both have that vibrato in their voices that Miley mentioned. (I agree that last night's performance was one of my least favorite of hers.)

[sodascouts]

Yeah, the judges obviously favor Crystal and let her slide on the same points where they nail others. I like Crystal, too, but honestly it's a turn off. I certainly don't want her to go home, but I'm not sure I want her to win it either. Her ride has been too easy. But if she pulls it out next week and shows me there's more to her than the "Janis Lite" thing, I'll be back on the train.

[Stars]

I had to cringe when Paige sang "Against All Odds", which is one of my favorite Phil Collins' songs. I know she's been having voice problems, but still...:headshake:

[sodascouts]

Well, the right person went home tonight based on past performances... but Paige sounded better on her sing-out than on any night of the competition. If she had done that every week she'd be going on the tour. Instead, we have Andrew.

But since my ticket money'll be spent on the EAGLES, I am not worrying too much about the quality of the tour. :lol:

[Prettymaid]

I agree, Paige sounded really good on her sing out. I guess when the weight is lifted good things can happen!

Although Paige did need to go, that means another week of Tim Urban. :enraged:

[Molly]

Although Paige did need to go, that means another week of Tim Urban. :enraged:

If we were 12 years old that would be a good thing.

[Prettymaid]

If we were 12 years old that would be a good thing.

Yeah, 12 years old in 1970! That boy needs a major makeover!

[Stars]

I have to say, I was hoping Tim would go last week. I still think his days are numbered...

[Stars]

Yes, pueblo47, I am hoping this will be Tim's last week too. Like you said, it is getting embarrassing, and I can't help but think that it really is the young girls who are keeping him there.

[eaglesvet]

You hit the nail on the head, and he has to go!!

[sodascouts]

Well this was a night that threw me for a loop! I found myself liking a lot of people I don't usually.

Siobhan ("Through the Fire") – poor girl. I cringed. What can I say? I still love her, though.

Casey ("Hold On, I'm Comin'") – despite what the judges said, I considered this somewhat different for Casey. However, Kara did call it in that we haven’t been hearing his voice. In fact, sometimes the backing singers and guitar playing almost overpowered his voice. He certainly doesn’t sing anything too challenging. Still... he's talented and entertaining. I like him.

Mike ("Ready for Love") – at first, I was bored, but then it picked up and I enjoyed it. It’s the first time I’ve liked a performance by Mike since the semifinals.

Didi ("What Becomes of the Broken-Hearted") – love her! Yeah, it wasn’t perfect, but I “felt” it. Side note - What’s up with her and Ryan? At least she didn’t try to shamelessly get pity votes by telling a sob story, despite Ryan practically begging her to. Hmmm!!!

Tim ("Sweet Love") – oh man. He seems like such a nice kid but... no emotion behind the voice. It’s especially evident when he’s just sitting there on stage – at least last week, we had his “moves” to distract us!

Andrew ("Forever") – better than usual; started out lame but really picked up at the end. Tonight was the first time I wasn't cringing throughout his performance.

Katie ("Chain of Fools") – For the first time, I really liked her! I thought she looked very "contemporary" but what do I know - I'm twice that girl's age.

Lee ("Treat Her Like a Lady") – great job! You go, Lee!

Crystal ("Midnight Train to Georgia") – as soon as I saw her on the piano, I got excited. Finally, something different! You could tell she wasn’t nearly as secure and it wasn’t perfect, but I loved her taking a risk and showing there was more to her than, as I said before, Janis Lite.

Aaron ("Ain't No Sunshine") – after that clip with Usher, I expected more from him. He looked nervous and sounded it, too, although it wasn’t bad. But that hair... oh my gosh. Don’t they have stylists on this show with combs?

I hope Tim goes home, but I fear for Didi.

BTW guys - did you hear not only Usher but Justin Bieber are showing up tomorrow? lol!

[Prettymaid]

Siobhan ("Through the Fire") This is the first time in weeks I haven't liked her performance. But I think she's safe.

Casey ("Hold On, I'm Comin'") He's very consistant and I like him. Just not sure I want him to go all the way.

Mike ("Ready for Love") – I like Mike. Love his vocals, even though it's not my style of music. Hope he stays for awhile.

Didi ("What Becomes of the Broken-Hearted") – Soda, were you and I watching the same show? :hilarious: She has a good voice, but it's suited for a very specific style of music, and the last two weeks weren't it! She's got that Midnight At the Oasis vibe (okay, I know I'm dating myself) and that's the kind of lighthearted fluff she needs to stick with. I'd want her to go home this week if it weren't for...

Tim ("Sweet Love") – Tim has become my Survivor's Midnight Flyer - he won't go away!

Andrew ("Forever") – Like Didi, Andrew has a great voice made to sing a specific style of music. Finally he found his groove! Now if he can just stay on track.

Katie ("Chain of Fools") – First, I don't like it when they put a lot of makeup on her. I like her looking fresh and young. Her vocals were spot on, but I didn't like the song choice for her.

Lee ("Treat Her Like a Lady") – I've been rooting for this guy since the beginning. In a way, it kind of bothers me that the judges want to see more confidence in him. I like that he's so humble. However, I have to agree that when he shows the least bit of swagger on stage he is awesome!

Crystal ("Midnight Train to Georgia") – I was afraid for her when she first started and all of her concentration was on the piano, but she nailed it again! Way to go Crystal girl!

Aaron ("Ain't No Sunshine") – I know Soda - they hyped up the "I know" part and then he didn't do much with it. Sure liked it when Usher did it though. That was hot!

Tim must go!

[Prettymaid]

Didi ("What Becomes of the Broken-Hearted") Side note - What’s up with her and Ryan? At least she didn’t try to shamelessly get pity votes by telling a sob story, despite Ryan practically begging her to. Hmmm!!!


Even when she wouldn't say what it was, it sounded like Ryan finally did, but did anyone hear what he said? Something about her auditionong because of someone or something like that? :shrug:

[eaglesvet]

Even when she wouldn't say what it was, it sounded like Ryan finally did, but did anyone hear what he said? Something about her auditionong because of someone or something like that? :shrug:
At her audition, she said she was doing it to honor the memory of her girlfriend, who had recently died of cancer. I think it was relatively recent, at the time.

[eaglesvet]

I think even Tim looked surprised that Didi left instead of him. Last night's performance notwithstanding, Didi's talent overall far surpasses anything that Tim has offered up. Obviously, he is a very likeable guy, and that is carrying him through...but that shouldn't be ousting more capable singers from their spots. And I think he even realizes that. It was tooo funny how Simon finished up his critique of Tim last night, basically saying that no matter what the judges say, Tim smiles, gets votes, and survives another week. "Job well done."

I thought Lee was amazing last night, and Andrew finally made it back to where he should have been in the last few weeks. I don't know if he can keep it up, though. Hopefully.

I had never really known much about Usher and his music before. Still not a major fan of his music; but man, is he hot to look at (especially on Tues night's show, up close and personal!)

[Prettymaid]

EV, thanks for clearing up the Didi audition thing. She had to go sometime - it was inevitable. But before Tim???!!! Like I said above, that's like voting off Good Day In Hell before Midnight Flyer. :wink:

[MikeA]

This show (American Idol) confuses me. I'm not sure what the criteria is that is being used to select a winner from the contestants. I haven't watched it a lot over the past couple of years.

Is it something as artificial as "good looks"? It seems that way much of the time. Especially in the early and mid-game portions of the show. I've certainly seen contestants who made it through on something other than talent!

Is it an ability to sing on key...hit every note? I guess that is a valid criteria though it shouldn't be the ultimate criteria. It takes more that just hitting the notes....there has to be "conviction" in the performance and too much of the time, I just don't see that happening.

Is it the ability to play a musical instrument? Certainly something that this season's rules seems to be including. And that's "okay" as long as the performer really can enhance the performance with the instrument without sacrificing the vocals through a loss of concentration. Crystal exhibited a bit of that fault I thought with her piano playing at the beginning of her time on the stage. She needs to stick with the gitter and let her expression carry her through....it will!

What I don't think it should be is criteria to sing something exactly like the original artist. I personally would rather that all the music they perform be original stuff....the music that the musician would be or will be performing if they are lucky or tenacious enough to make a career out of music.

If they are forced to sing some previous "hit", then I look for originality even in that and I don't mean someone who takes every song and converts it to "beat box" on every performance (a couple of years ago, there was a guy who did that so much that I got sick of it). Reminds me of what Dilana did with Johnny Cash's "Ring Of Fire" on another show a few years ago. Blew me away!

I want to hear and SEE someone perform who really pours themselves into the song and makes you believe that they really mean it and that they are not "just" performing it. That's why I want to hear original material. Something that they have either written themselves or that they have selected because they feel it and want to communicate that to their audience.

The other night, I heard Crystal do that thing with "Midnight Train" and I heard Casey I think it was, doing a number. Both of those were performances that stood out for all of the reasons I've listed.

"Looks"? What has that to do with it? Maybe a little, but that's more of a "plus" if you have it but it is not a negative if you don't have it! Yesh, look at Willie Nelson....or try to <LOL>. He's for REAL. Crystal is like that too. Not that she is "homely" or anything like that, but she isn't going to make the centerfold of Playboy....yet she is herself. I didn't like what "they" encouraged her into with the heels and formal looking attire. She's a bluejeans girl with a set of pipes that can reach out and grab you.

I'm really anxious to hear her do some of her own material. Same with Casey. He can sing, swings a pretty mean ax and has something that I think is commercially viable. Lee showed signs of that too this last time that I watched.

[sodascouts]

Shoot, I was afraid Didi would get the boot. Dang it!

Weren't they saying this was a "girl's year"?!!

Mike, there's only 1 criteria: America's favor. And each person who votes does so for a different reason.

Heck, there's a site dedicated to coalition-voting for the worst contestant (http://www.votefortheworst.com)! Guess who they've been voting for?

ETA: I didn't get to see her sing-out last night, and I just heard it was Rhiannon. Awwwwww! :(

[Ive always been a dreamer]

Now, I'm gonna admit how uncool I am. I have actually never watched this show (but, in my defense, I really don't watch hardly any television at all), However, I do follow it by reading this thread. Soda, I agree what you are saying about "America's favor" being the only criteria. But do I understand correctly that the judges can overturn some of the voter's decisions? If so, I'm guessing the reason for that is to preserve the best talent. I also agree with what Pretty Maid, eaglesvet, and Mike are saying. It would be very dangerous to the show if any coalition was continuously successful in voting off the best contestants. That would undermine the show's crediblility and that would be a killer. I doubt if most of America would embrace the show if the inferior talent always prevailed. It would just become a big joke.

[MikeA]

Why can't I generate all that hate and discontent? Do I have to spell it out> <LOL>

Seriously

I think that's why I don't watch it that much Soda. I'm well aware of that: Too many people are "voting" for cosmetics instead of talent. Not talking about those here on the forum. I'm just not a fan of American Idol, though from time to time, I do enjoy watching some of the performers and then enjoy following their careers.

But hey, if the 8-year-olds are the ones influencing the record sales, then I guess that's just the way it goes and the selection criteria is what it is.

I do wish that there was some serious process devoted to choosing an artist who had a good chance of making it in the Business on TALENT...all round TALENT both in composition, song-writing and in performance.

But WAIT: There IS such a contest! But the Eagles have already won it. I think it is called "Financial Success and Popularity as a Recording Artist/Band". But wouldn't it be cool to watch some of these guys get a jump start through some venue to which the Public was privy to witness first hand? No 'Popular Vote'. Maybe the Judges would be big time producers whose involvement with the artist would not end with the end of the TV season!

[eaglesvet]

Soda, I do remember the "Vote for the Worst" website and the Sanjaya debacle of a few years back. It had occurred to me that part of Tim's success might be attributed to them, but I had never actually clicked to check it out. Figures...although I truly think he generates a lot of votes just by being a likeable guy who is good-looking, and therefore gets the young girls to vote for him whether he can sing or not.

However, I do think that for the most part, as the final weeks draw near, the voters really do rely more on talent for their criteria...at least that has seemed to be true in the past. Otherwise, how would we have ended up with Carrie, David, Kris and Adam among the recent finalists (or 2nd placers.) Of course, that doesn't explain the occasional anomaly of a Chris Daughtry getting voted off 4th and then selling albums and concert tickets galore; or a Taylor Hicks winning and then fading into obscurity.

[Prettymaid]

Although I enjoy watching the show for the singing talent and to talk about it with friends and family, it's really not that important to me in the big picture who wins. In other words, I guess I enjoy the game, the journey, more than the result. After all, I've never voted, and with three exceptions I've never purchased any Idol music. So although I say it's driving me crazy that Tim is still around, I still like the fact that the show allows America to pick, even if it means they are picking for every reason under the sun, singing talent notwithstanding.

I'm curious whether after Simon leaves I will leave with him and follow his show, stick with AI, watch both, or watch neither.

[MikeA]

I'm curious whether after Simon leaves I will leave with him and follow his show, stick with AI, watch both, or watch neither.

I'll stick with NCIS, BONES and sadly "Saving Grace" (last season).

[sodascouts]

I actually didn't get this last night - the cable went out - so I had to watch all these online! Here's my thoughts:

Aaron (“Long and Winding Road”) – snoooooze.

Katie (“Let It Be”) – I liked it fine but I think she was over-praised.

Andrew (“Can’t Buy Me Love”) – Seemed lounge-singer like. I was unimpressed. I want him to go home!

Michael (“Eleanor Rigby”) – When he started out with that “hey...” I was prepared to hate it, lol, but once he got into it I enjoyed it. The only thing was that his voice didn't really convey the desperate sadness of the lyrics.

Crystal (“Come Together”) – Her bluesy vocal was great! Loved it, even if she did fudge the lyrics a bit.

Tim (“All My Loving”) – Not bad. His voice is a little too smooth, though. I like the edgier voices – just personal preference.

Casey (“Jealous Guy”) – I loved how he sang “I was shivering inside.” Very emotional. Great performance!

Siobhan (“Across the Universe”) – Love her voice. She’s still my girl!

Lee (“Hey Jude”) – he sounded kind of “off” vocally tonight. I didn’t think it was all that great, although I do appreciate that at least he no longer looks terrified when he performs. The end with the bagpipes was fun, though! It was cute that he was trying to get the audience involved, even if it didn’t seem to work.

I think the bottom three will be Tim, Aaron, and Andrew... will Tim finally go home? We'll see! Personally, based on this night's performance, I think it should be Andrew.

[Prettymaid]

Yea!!! Lennon-McCartney night! You knew I'd love this. I held my breath in anticipation of Paul actually being a mentor but at least I got to see him wishing them luck.

So many great songs to choose from. I wanted to hear more of the ones that you don't hear of, but Casey is the only one who went off the beaten path a bit and I thought it really paid off for him.

Aaron (“Long and Winding Road”) – He's better than this. I think he chose the wrong song to showcase his country-style voice.

Katie (“Let It Be”) – Soda said, "I liked it fine but I think she was over-praised." I agree totally.

Andrew (“Can’t Buy Me Love”) – Aw poor Andrew. After last week I was hoping for something better from him. I liked how his housemates stuck up for him after Simon had said his personality was boring.

Michael (“Eleanor Rigby”) – I love being pleasantly surprised! I had low hopes for this when it started, but I really liked the arrangement and thought he did a good job.

Crystal (“Come Together”) – Hubby and I were trying to guess which song she would do and he actually guessed this and I said no way. I thought she'd pick something like Blackbird or more of a songwriter's song. But I'm so glad she did this one. It seems she can do no wrong.

Tim (“All My Loving”) – I didn't like it, but I'm probably biased because I want him gone. I thought the judges would butcher him. I really think they've just given up. Lol!

Casey (“Jealous Guy”) – Finally some emotion from Casey and I loved it!!! I thought it was funny when Ryan asked him what he was thinking about during the performance and Casey said, "I was thinking about being a jealous guy!"

Siobhan (“Across the Universe”) – She really does have a beautiful voice. Very controlled.

Lee (“Hey Jude”) – Lee's my man. I wish he woould have chosen another song, but hopefully he's safe.

I hope the bottom three will be Tim, Katie and Andrew with Tim going home.

[eaglesvet]

OK, I agree with about everything said by the two above. I really enjoyed the inside look of the other contestants' thoughts about each other...it really gave a nice insight into their personalities, and it hasn't been done in other seasons that I have seen.

I thought it WAS really cute when Casey said the obvious, that he was thinking about being a jealous guy, when asked the question. He completely avoided the point of the question, which I think was to get him to mention a significant other and get the adoring women fans up in arms. He is getting hotter every week!:thumbsup:

I actually have come to accept Tim for what he is...just a good-natured guy on the show to have fun, and he is succeeding tremendously in his goal. I think his vocals were just a shade above their usual bad, but for him that is good, and it doesn't matter. Do you remember when Ellen said one week early on that he would be great in the show Glee? Well, he would be. I hope they are watching. :hilarious:

I thought another cute moment occurred when both Simon and Ellen thought the bagpiper on Lee's song got lost from a parade...I agree, that should never have happened on that song. But when Simon actually questioned Lee about whose idea that was to put it in the arrangement, Lee got this cute look on his face and said something like, "Mine, 100%!" and just took "credit" for the mistake. Priceless!

[Stars]

I am hoping Andrew stays tonight, but I'm a bit worried, after the performance last night. I have to say, though, that I enjoyed most of the renditions of the Lennon/McCartney songs. My favorites were Katy, Crystal, Lee and Casey. I think if I had to pick my top favorite, it would be Casey's acoustic performance of John Lennon's song, "Jealous Guy". That was absolutely awesome, IMHO.:thumbsup:

[sodascouts]

I agree with Stars - Casey was amazing.

Something to talk about while waiting for the results show... last night, did you guys hear Michael "Big Mike" Lynche say his family band was called The Lynche Mob??????

[Prettymaid]

I agree with Stars - Casey was amazing.

Something to talk about while waiting for the results show... last night, did you guys hear Michael "Big Mike" Lynche say his family band was called The Lynche Mob??????

I heard it and I repeated it out loud! "The Lynche Mob"??? :eyebrow:

[sodascouts]

I know! I'm hoping he was just joking... tastelessly.

And that random noisy fan getting to go on stage and hug Siobhan? That's just asking for trouble. 1) It will embolden other people to be more obnoxious in hopes they'll be asked up to the stage 2) That guy could have been a weirdo who might have done anything from trying to grope her to actually hurting her (God forbid). BAD IDEA.

[sodascouts]

So they used the save on Mike! I don't even like Mike that much, but I admit, it made me smile.

But dang it, I was so hoping Andrew was on his way out!

[Prettymaid]

Well there ya go! Hubby called this one too. As soon as the bottom two were determined he said that the judges would use the save tonight and they did! Michael is a great singer. I'm just worried now that Tim Urban is going to start cutting into the meat of this contest. I can live with him staying over Andrew, Mike, Aaron and even Katie. But if he messes up my final four I'm going to get mad. :-x

Soda, concerning the guy who got to come up on stage - although they didn't give us a clue who he was, I'm hoping he was 'somebody' - a family member or friend or somebody they knew.

[Molly]

So they used the save on Mike! I don't even like Mike that much, but I admit, it made me smile.

But dang it, I was so hoping Andrew was on his way out!

My son, Peter, who has never really watched AI all these years was almost inconsolable last night when Mike was on the chopping block. :hilarious: I couldn't believe how invested he is this season on a show he's always proclaimed a "girl's show". I warned Peter he'd better "prepare" himself for the worst in the upcoming weeks coz Mike's probably used up all his luck, but reminded him how Kelly Pickler finished 6th her season-and she's not doing too badly these days.

[Prettymaid]

...but reminded him how Kelly Pickler finished 6th her season-and she's not doing too badly these days.

Wow Molly. I'm impressed that you had that statistic in your head !

[Molly]

Wow Molly. I'm impressed that you had that statistic in your head !

Yup! My mind if filled with useless stuff like that, which is probably why I forget all the important stuff I should remember!

Actually, don't be impressed, I stumbled upon an episode of "American Idol Rewind" a couple of weeks ago when I was stuck at home alone with a bad cold, and it happened to be the show that Kellie Pickler got sent packing.

[sodascouts]

So, right now, I'm sitting at a coffeehouse, they've got the Greatest Hits of the Beatles on, and it brings to my mind American Idol. Isn't that sick and sad?

[Freypower]

Well, Soda, if you are not really a fan of the Beatles, then I suppose it may be understandable, but I have to tell you you are missing out on some wonderful music. :-(

[sodascouts]

I like a lot of the Beatles' music. I even shelled out for their 4-CD Greatest Hits set.

I just think they're overrated. Folks are always fawning over them and saying they are THE! GREATEST! BAND! EVER! and that's what I don't see.

I just meant my comment as a light-hearted joke, not a dig at the Beatles or at the many people who believe that the Beatles are indeed the greatest band that ever existed. Tastes differ and we all have our own faves!

[EagleLady]

Nancy :steviesmack: :hilarious:

[sodascouts]

OK, American Idol is on right now, but I had to come post after this intro: "This week, our theme is Elvis songs. And because Elvis was one of the greatest performers to ever hit the stage, we thought it was appropriate to have as our guest mentor one of our favorite performers, Adam Lambert."

Mmmmmmkay...... That's a stretch!!!

[sodascouts]

Crystal (“Saved”) – I’m not sure how Crystal playing an electric guitar is “changing it up” since you couldn’t even hear it and she just did her usual strumming, lol. Still, she sounded great. This kind of bluesy material really works for her.

Andrew (“Hound Dog”) – OH MY GOSH, SO BAD. Why is this dude still here? He has officially sunk below Tim as “least talented” on the NancyMeter.

Tim (“Can’t Help Falling in Love”) – in fact.... I can’t believe I’m saying it... I liked Tim tonight. The song sounded beautiful and he’s got such an earnest face that you believe he means it. With regard to the mentoring segment, I thought it was hilarious that Adam’s one piece of advice was for Tim to do falsetto at the end, which made us all wait for it – and then he didn’t do it. Nice work, editors, lol. I’m glad he didn't do it. Falsetto would have been weak at the end. Even the judges praised him! However, it’s possible they’re being so nice in order to reduce the “pity-votes” so he’ll be out in the double elimination tomorrow. (BTW – what was up with Mike dancing with Ryan while Tim sang? If Tim had let it distract him, it would have been unintentional sabotage. NOT cool.)

Lee (“A Little Less Conversation”) – ooh, his voice was well-suited for this song. He sounded terrific! Go, Lee!

Aaron (“Blue Suede Shoes”) – Aaron is a good singer, that’s for sure, but he bores me and even when he does well I find I don’t really care. Maybe that’s unfair but what can I say? My response to him is consistently “meh.”

Siobhan (“Suspicious Minds”) – I want so bad for her to do well because I took a liking to her early on, but I think she’s starting to lose confidence in herself and it’s affecting her performances. It was good but not great.

Mike (“In the Ghetto”) – Nice. I like “acoustic on the stool” Mike, and he sounded like he felt it. It seemed a bit short though.

Katie (“Baby, What You Want Me to Do”) – Like Aaron, I just don’t care about Katie, no matter how well she does... but I thought she did fine.

Casey (“Lawdy Miss Clawdy”) – I like Casey and it was good, but nothing to write home about.

There's a double elimination tomorrow night - surely Andrew will go home this time! Please, America, don't vote for that guy!

[MikeA]

Last night is the first night that I've watched much more than Crystal, Lee and Cases throughout this season. I almost didn't watch it at all because of Lambert or Lambret. And I thought it was an absolute "In Your Face" when that kid ignored his advice about doing the false-setto.

That girl with the tall hair and the tattoos...don't know her name...She sang two different songs. The first one was pretty worthless. The second one I thought was great.

Nothing I can say about Lee, Crystal and Casey. They all three killed it!

Hmmm, don't remember much of what any of the others did. The big guy I thought did a pretty good rendition of "In The Getto". Didn't put me to sleep like one of the judges said. But I think he could have done without the guitar. He's definitely a singer and not a player....or at least he didn't show a lot of licks last night on that acoustic.

Andrew....is he the one with the hornrimed glasses? He sucked. <LOL> Sorry if anyone really likes him.

From my perspective, it's a two man race....for second.

[Stars]

Mike, Andrew has been my favorite from the start, but over the past couple weeks I have been losing faith in him. I have a feeling that he will go tonight, and maybe Aaron.
Last night I was very impressed with Tim. I thought he did a very moving rendition of "I Can't Help Falling in Love". I was disappointed in Siobhan, as that is my favorite Elvis song, and it could have been so much better...
I thought Lee, Crystal and Casey did really well.
We'll see what happens tonight, but I think my favorite guy is history.:-(

[eaglesvet]

I like a lot of the Beatles' music. I even shelled out for their 4-CD Greatest Hits set.

I just think they're overrated. Folks are always fawning over them and saying they are THE! GREATEST! BAND! EVER! and that's what I don't see.

I just meant my comment as a light-hearted joke, not a dig at the Beatles or at the many people who believe that the Beatles are indeed the greatest band that ever existed. Tastes differ and we all have our own faves!
I get it, Nanc. Everything you said.

[eaglesvet]

I too was surprised to find myself actually liking Tim last night. He is really working hard, though I don't believe he deserves to win by any stretch of the imagination. I think he may have "ignored" Adam's advice because he was afraid he couldn't successfully pull it off. Plus, I also think it sounded better the original way he did it.

Andrew...bad news. I don't know where he went wrong this season, but like the judges said, I think he just peaked too early.

I think Casey's song was boring and lackluster. He has done so much better in other weeks. That being said, there is no way anyone would vote him off. For multiple reasons, "freckles" among them! That, and awesome guitar and vocals most weeks!

I still hope Siobhan is safe one more week. I think she needs to get back to where she was at her peak, and refocus. But she has so much talent, I would hate to see her leave before some of these other stewnods. (I have never typed that word before...looks funny!)

Lee is getting better each week!

[Prettymaid]

I just think they're overrated. Folks are always fawning over them and saying they are THE! GREATEST! BAND! EVER! and that's what I don't see.


I completely took your coffeshop post as lighthearted - I understood what you meant.

I just wanted to follow up on this statement, since I am one of the folks who actually feel that way.

I am certain that my feeling that The Beatles are THE! GREATEST! BAND! EVER! comes from the decade I grew up in, the fact that my older brother adored them, and that they were the first band that broke the barrier into rock and had much success with changing their look and style as they evolved. For me, it's almost like 'you had to be there' observing it all as it happened and I'm so glad I was. But I totally get that people have different tastes - just some better than others! :nahnah: JK!!! :hilarious:

And now back to American Idol...

[Prettymaid]

Since I wanted to comment on some of Soda's thoughts, I decided to just quote her.

I agree that it took a lot of streching to compare Adam Lambert to Elvis! :hilarious: But I have to admit that I agreed with his comments on a couple of the contestants.


Crystal (“Saved”) – I’m not sure how Crystal playing an electric guitar is “changing it up” since you couldn’t even hear it and she just did her usual strumming, lol. Still, she sounded great. This kind of bluesy material really works for her.

I agree with the judges. There's just nothing more to say. She's great. She's got a good voice, good style, is very comfortable in her own skin and has been consistant through this whole contest.


Andrew (“Hound Dog”) – OH MY GOSH, SO BAD. Why is this dude still here? He has officially sunk below Tim as “least talented” on the NancyMeter.

:hilarious: The NancyMeter? I love that! He should have kept the original tempo, but even that wouldn't have helped too much. Awful!


Tim (“Can’t Help Falling in Love”) – in fact.... I can’t believe I’m saying it... I liked Tim tonight. The song sounded beautiful and he’s got such an earnest face that you believe he means it. With regard to the mentoring segment, I thought it was hilarious that Adam’s one piece of advice was for Tim to do falsetto at the end, which made us all wait for it – and then he didn’t do it. Nice work, editors, lol. I’m glad he didn't do it. Falsetto would have been weak at the end. Even the judges praised him! However, it’s possible they’re being so nice in order to reduce the “pity-votes” so he’ll be out in the double elimination tomorrow. (BTW – what was up with Mike dancing with Ryan while Tim sang? If Tim had let it distract him, it would have been unintentional sabotage. NOT cool.)

Nancy....sucker!!! :hilarious: You guys who are liking Tim befuddle me! I thought it was bad. Hardly any vibrato in his voice at all...a break after practically every word...I just didn't like it! Although I must admit that it's become a quest for me to see him go! But I think I would admit if I actually liked one of his performances. I agree with Soda that the dancing in the background was distracting and not fair to the performer. It was almost like they were making fun of the sweetness Tim was trying to convey. And like Soda, I have begun to question the sincerity of the judges comments to Tim. I do think they're using reverse strategy to get him eliminated.


Lee (“A Little Less Conversation”) – ooh, his voice was well-suited for this song. He sounded terrific! Go, Lee!

I want Lee to keep getting better and better. He's so good but everyone is right - I want to see him smile more!


Aaron (“Blue Suede Shoes”) – Aaron is a good singer, that’s for sure, but he bores me and even when he does well I find I don’t really care. Maybe that’s unfair but what can I say? My response to him is consistently “meh.”

I feel exactly the same. Good singer but boring, kind of like how I felt about David Archuletta. I think that Aaron needs to find a place in country music. That's where his voice is best suited.


Siobhan (“Suspicious Minds”) – I want so bad for her to do well because I took a liking to her early on, but I think she’s starting to lose confidence in herself and it’s affecting her performances. It was good but not great.

I don't see her losing confidence - it's more like she's trying to do too much in one performance. Mike actually thought she sang two songs, unless he was joking (Were you joking Mike?) It certainly sounded like two different songs. But I like her and I want her to stay.


Mike (“In the Ghetto”) – Nice. I like “acoustic on the stool” Mike, and he sounded like he felt it. It seemed a bit short though.

I thought Mike learned his lesson last week and would go for something even more in his R&B niche. Everybody stand back, I predict the fall of Big Mike.


Katie (“Baby, What You Want Me to Do”) – Like Aaron, I just don’t care about Katie, no matter how well she does... but I thought she did fine.

Again, I totally agree. It doesn't seem to matter to me what Katie does, I just don't want her to advance much further.



Casey (“Lawdy Miss Clawdy”) – I like Casey and it was good, but nothing to write home about.

Again, I agree. If Casey wants to win this thing he has to step up his game!


There's a double elimination tomorrow night - surely Andrew will go home this time! Please, America, don't vote for that guy!



Who do I want to go home? Tim and Andrew.

Who will go home? Mike and Andrew.

[MikeA]

You made the point I was trying to make with the "two song" thing. She just blew it on the first half of the song (the first of the two songs). On the second half, she rocked (the second song).

One of the judges said it confused them. I've heard that before and never really understood the meaning of it until last night when she sang that song. It wasn't that she sang it so differently, but the way she sang it differently it was like two different people singing it. When someone changes up a song like that, there needs to be a musical reason for it and didn't get that from her performance.

She needs to figure out who she is. If she's that artist who sang the first half of that song, then she needs to go audition for Broadway or something. If she is the artist who sang the second part, then she needs to pursue a Rock career. I thought she had a really marketable presentation on the last half....gravel in her tone, feeling...I actually thought she was trying to say something with it.

I'm not enthralled with her, but I can listen to her without being bored...most of the time.

[Prettymaid]

Mike, Siobhan (the contestant in question), early on became known for her "scream" near the end of each performance, thus the comparison to Adam Lambert. She's certainly got her own style and marches to the beat of a different drummer, both signs of an artist. It's a shame that last night's performance was the first you saw of her. She can be awesome!

[Prettymaid]

You guys aren't going to believe this, but Hubby called it even before the performances Tuesday night! He didn't even watch until I urged him to when the final twelve were announced. Just before Tuesday night's show he said, "I predict Andrew and Katie will get kicked off." You should have seen him last night when Ryan said Katie's name. He jumped out of his chair cheering, "I was right!" :roll: I asked him how he knew before they even performed and he said, "That Andrew's been skating on thin ice for a couple of weeks now, and there's just something about that Katie I don't like, and I think other people have picked up on it too."

As for me, all I could think was, "Tim made it through another week." :ack:

[sodascouts]

Wow, he's good!

I'm happy with the results, now that I've decided Tim isn't so bad.

So next week are "inspirational" songs for the "Idol Gives Back" special... I think Tim can handle that. Who knows, maybe it'll be a Tim vs. Crystal finale! ;)

[Prettymaid]

Who knows, maybe it'll be a Tim vs. Crystal finale! ;)

:nahnah: Bite your tongue Soda!

During the first Idol Gives Back week they didn't eliminate anyone. Think they'll do the same this year?

[sodascouts]

I had forgotten there were no eliminations on the prior "Idol Gives Back"... I bet they do that again. Fine with me!

[Prettymaid]

Isn't the final always around Memorial Day? If so we can just do the math...seven were left on the 14th, no eliminations on the 21st, down to six on the 28th, five after May 5th, four after the 12th, three left after elimination on the 19th, and the two finalists announced on the 26th. Performance night on June 1st and the final on the 2nd...sounds about right to me.

[sodascouts]

Casey (“Don’t Stop”) – he’s no Lindsey Buckingham but he's always enjoyable. His shout-out to Fleetwood Mac, Lindsey, and Lindsey's guitar got him a few text votes from me! After all, when it comes to American Idol, FM songs usually fare MUCH worse!

Lee (“The Boxer”) – kind of rough vocally, although impassioned. Not bad, but overpraised.I laughed when Simon called Ellen out on her “best of the night by far” comment. I thought the same thing as he did - a bit early to make that declaration!

Tim (“Better Days”) – He struggled vocally. It might be the end for Tim.

Aaron (“I Believe I Can Fly”) – Started out weak but nice ending. I think he'll stick around another week.

Siobhan (“When You Believe”) – she has the ability to belt out the big notes but she wavers on the more quiet ones. It annoyed me when she went on and on after her judging... I’m about ready to get off the Siobhan train. :(

Mike (“Hero”) – I’m glad he did something different but his voice also sounded a bit off to me tonight. It was nothing more than ok, with some nice moments. Since Mike was hamming it up (at one time even playing to the camera), I agree with Simon about it being “artificial.”

Crystal (“People Get Ready”) – I was so excited to hear that Crystal wasn’t going to be hiding behind her guitar! She had a few vocal waverings but pulled it out – I was shocked by the tears at the end, though. Wonder what was up with that? Yeah, her dad is in the audience, but so are other parents... still the display of emotion was nice, as Simon said, because it shows she's not holding back.

If no one goes home - yay! If someone goes home, I hope it's Mike. He's annoying.

[Prettymaid]

Well Soda, I immediately thought of you when Casey started out with Don't Stop. What'd you think? Not bad...not great but not bad...

Lee did great on The Boxer and even though tonight's performance wasn't one to smile during, I noticed that he did more smiling than usual during the judges' part and Ryan's part. He's a great singer. Now he just needs to keep showing that moneymaker of a smile! :D

Let's see, who was next...oh yeah, Tim :rolleyes: Okay, probably the best I've heard him so far, but I still want him to go.

Was Mike next or Siobhan? Mike sang Hero well, nothing to write home about, but what was that lame comment Simon made about it being from Spiderman? Who cares? It's a great, inspirational song.

Siobhan - I've already forgotten the name of her song. She has a beautiful voice, but I agreed with Kara. It sounded too much like something from a musical - too dramatic.

Oh, I forgot about Aaron. What's that tell you?

Crystal Bowersox - remember that name people. She's your next American Idol.

What was up with the edited ending of Crystal's song during the rundown? Was that fair or does it even matter?

Isn't Alicia Keyes a beautiful woman?

I predict that everyone's safe tomorrow. They're feeling generous for Idol Gives Back.

ETA: Soda posted while I was still writing. Now I know how you felt about Don't Stop.

[sodascouts]

What was up with the edited ending of Crystal's song during the rundown? Was that fair or does it even matter?

I was confused about that, too, so I looked it up. Turns out the clips they show while the numbers are displayed are pre-recorded - taken from the dress rehearsal, not the actual live show.

It's fair in the sense that they do it for every contestant, but it's jarring nonetheless when it's so obviously not the same performance you just saw.

And Alicia Keys is gorgeous!

[Prettymaid]

Thanks for clearing that up for me Soda. I never knew that and it is a fair way to do it.

In my short assessment of "MamaSox" I completely forgot to mention that People Get Ready is one of my favorite songs. :inlove: I think the first version I ever heard was Rod Stewart's.

[MikeA]

Actually, last night was the first time I've noticed that "editing". Of course, I haven't watched as many episodes of AI as most of you guys. But it was pretty blatant last night with Crystal.

[eaglesvet]

I thought that Casey's version of "Don't Stop" was a good one, and that he DID change it up quite a bit from the original with his phrasing and vocal riffs--contrary to what the judges said. I don't think they were listening to it very carefully! :hilarious: Still, it wasn't as show-stopping as some of the other performances that followed. I think he will be safe, because he is Casey.

I LOVED Lee's performance of "The Boxer." He wowed me from the beginning, because it was a different approach for him...kind of like a coffeehouse singer-songwriter. He definitely made it sound current. And he sounds better every week.

I am still a Siobhan fan, but she should have chosen a different song. I thought she did fairly well with it, and certainly defended her choice well when questioned (she has a lot of chutzpah!)...but there ARE so many songs to choose from. She could have hit one our of the park if she had really tried.

This was the first night that Crystal won me over. Don't get me wrong. I agree that she is ultra-talented. But there was something about her ALWAYS doing the same type of song with her instrument that just got to me. Lsst night, she shone, and then when she cried at the end, she did become more likeable to me. And that microphone stand...something else, huh?

I am soooo ready for Big Mike to leave. Or Tim. I still hold a small place in my heart for Aaron, because he is a cute little boy with a big voice. (He too should have chosen a better song.)

Something went awry with the call-in voting in my house aroung 10:30 Eastern. The calls weren't being accepted for some reason. I usually feel it's OK to vote once for every member of my household (4)....though I know many people vote many more times than that. So, unfortunately, I never got to vote at all. :sad:

[sodascouts]

Sorry to hear that, evet!

They got the President and First Lady to come on American Idol???

Does anyone else think that the opening song had passages eerily similar to the chorus of Cyndi Lauper's "All Through the Night (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESMMR8dedRs)" (about 40 seconds in)?

Ryan claims someone's going home tonight. We'll see...

[sodascouts]

Aw. Tim's gone and, surprisingly, I'm sad about it.

[Prettymaid]

I'm not! :nahnah: The way I see it "Idol Gave Back" to me in a big way - by getting rid of Teflon Tim!

I was surprised to hear that they were going ahead with elimination last night, enough so that even until the very end I thought Ryan might say something like, "Oh, what the heck, since everybody's in a giving mood tonight you are all safe!" When I saw that it was either Tim or Casey, I knew I was going to have a BIG problem if Tim stayed and Casey went! But everything happened as it should. The next couple weeks should go smoothly now, hopefully. Mike and Aaron, I don't care which one goes first.

[MikeA]

For me, last night was about Jeff Beck and Carrie Underwood. Man, can Beck play or WHAT! And Carrie. Yesh! She can really belt it out.

[Brooke]

I've been trying to watch the past couple weeks and catch up on who's who.

I was shocked that Casey was in the bottom three. I really like him, but felt that he didn't do much with Don't Stop.

I've seen but haven't gotten to hear Crystal yet.

Loved Carrie. What pipes!

As for the Black Eyed Peas, do you call that singing? I have heard Fergie before and know that she can, but last night all she did was yell rock that body. :thumbsdown:

[sodascouts]

Oh, ITA about the Black-Eyed Peas! I actually like some of their music, but they were awful last night. Carrie shone - that's how it's done! Beck and Lennox were great... Elton John seemed ragged vocally, but it's such a great song I'll forgive him. Blige... not bad, but not that great either. The comedy bits were funny in places, but overall not that great. George Lopez started out so good on that "judging the judges bit" by really razzing Randy, but his bits on the other three fell flat. The "empty phone bank" has some really funny parts but dragged on too long and had some lame parts, too. Wanda Sykes was the funniest one but even she started strong and ended with an "eh."

I can't believe they didn't let Tim have a sing-out. They were already 20 minutes over, what's a couple more? He was ROBBED. Just one more kick at Tim. I swear, he's not even that great of a talent, but I wanted him to stay just out of pity for the way he was treated!

[Prettymaid]

but I wanted him to stay just out of pity for the way he was treated!

You mean not letting him sing out or do you think he was treated badly in another way?

[sodascouts]

They seemed particularly harsh with him sometimes. I remember Kara at one point looking at him and saying slowly, "I don't think he understands what we're saying," as if he were mentally challenged or something!

[Prettymaid]

They seemed particularly harsh with him sometimes. I remember Kara at one point looking at him and saying slowly, "I don't think he understands what we're saying," as if he were mentally challenged or something!

Yeah, I do remember that. She was talking about him as if he wasn't standing right there. I think maybe that is also the same week Simon said, "It doesn't matter what we say, he's going to be here next week." I agree with you that what Kara said was not nice.

I think the judges were mystified that at that point Tim was the weakest and America wasn't listening to them.

[Stars]

I had a feeling Tim would leave, and hubby, who doesn't even watch Idol, called it before I did!:hilarious:
Even though I didn't like Tim that much, I thought he had some good weeks-his performance of "Can't Help Falling in Love" was really really touching.
I wish him all the best, and here's hoping Crystal or Lee win it all!:thumbsup:

[eaglesvet]

I think they were all pretty hot last night...country night, of all things! I hope it's Big Mike to go!

[Brooke]

I thought they all did pretty well last night. I'm coming in late, but what is with Crystal's hair? Are those dreadlocks? Does she always have them? Don't know if I can get past those!

And as you all know, I'm a hair gal and Casey's "got it"! What a cutie and loved his performance!

I thought Lee's performance was great, too.

[MikeA]

Got to be honest here....I was NOT impressed with Crystal's performance last night. I think she sang the song well, but I think she could have found a much better song by Twain to sing!

On the other hand, the one that I've been least impressed with (Soighmnzyxpt or whatever her name is) did really well on her selection...until the last screaming trill at the end of the song. She should have left that out.

I didn't see any of the other performances, but Crystal just may find herself in the bottom after last night if people do not "remember" the previous hundred weeks the show's been on.

And "yeah" I think those are dreadlocks Crystal has and I don't think she's going to get rid of them <LOL>

[Prettymaid]

I thought everybody did pretty well on Shania's songs. I'm hoping Aaron goes because as usual he just didn't do anything for me, although I liked him more than usual.

I thought it was funny when Simon told Siobhan that he thought she was having a baby up there! The screaming can be annoying. Too bad because she started out well in the competition.

Although my top two have been Crystal and Lee for a long time, I have to say Casey was excellent last night! So I guess my favorites could still change!

[Stars]

Aaron has not been one of my favorites, but I was quite impressed with his performance last night. I do think Casey's performance was my favorite though.
It's really hard to tell who will go-it's the votes that count!
I would still like to see either Crystal or Lee win!:thumbsup:

[Molly]

I missed the show last night and forgot to set the DVR...so let me guess...big Mike sang "Man, I Feel Like a Woman"? ;-)

[Prettymaid]

Lol Molly!

Siobhan lost this all by herself. Just a few weeks ago she was a very strong contender. For me, it just got to the point where she was all over the place - no consistency whatsoever.

And what's up with Casey being in the bottom three this week. I thought he was great!

Next week is Sinatra week...:yawn: :zzz:

[Prettymaid]

I thought they all did pretty well last night. I'm coming in late, but what is with Crystal's hair? Are those dreadlocks? Does she always have them? Don't know if I can get past those!

Sorry Brooke - I just realized nobody answered you. Yes, those are dreads and yes she always has them. I guess I was able to get past them the first time she opened her mouth. That girl can sang!

[Brooke]

Thanks Pm. Hmmmmmm. Yes, she can sing. I wonder what the powers that be will do with them if she wins?

What's with Casey being in the bottom three? What's wrong with these voters?!!!!!!

[tbs fanatic]

This week's show was the first time I've managed to watch this season. Have to say I don't think any of them are 'WOW!' - not even close. They are all 'Okay'. I suppose I would go with Casey if I had to pick a winner right off the bat but coming to this late I'm very unimpressed compared to other seasons - especially when AI first started eons ago.

[Prettymaid]

I can see why you liked Casey the best TBSF. He was very good this week. Too bad you don't have the past performances to judge by. This was clearly Crystal's weakest performance. Heck, up until now she hadn't come close to having a weak performance.

Here's my list as it stands now:

Crystal (Our American Idol)
Lee (runner up)
Casey
Mike
Aaron

Right now I still don't care who goes next - as long as it's Aaron or Mike. Then, if this trend continues, it's going to be very hard to determine the placement of the final three. Let the competition begin for real!

[MikeA]

I think you nailed it Cathy. There is NO ROOM for a weak performance. All 5 of them have to be on their "A Game". And, I think that is goign to be rather hard to shine with Sinatra night coming up.

[tbs fanatic]

I'll try a look up Crystal's earlier performances on Youtube. Sinatra night???

[Molly]

I see the last open date for Milwaukee's Summerfest has been filled by the American Idols tour.

[MikeA]

I'll try a look up Crystal's earlier performances on Youtube. Sinatra night???

Right! Yawn!

[Prettymaid]

Uhg. Why'd they have to pick Sinatra week so close to the final? I'd rather hear these singers doing their own thing.

Anyway, I forced myself to listen to these performances again this morning just to see if my opinion changed. It didn't.

Aaron (Fly Me To The Moon) - Poor Aaron. He's really got a good voice - a good country voice IMO. But nothing - and I mean nothing he does excites me. He is not going to win, so he might as well go...soon.

Casey (Blue Skies) - The judges really gave Casey a hard time on this one. He just didn't seem like himself up there. And that's why I don't like that they did Sinatra now. These five have made it this far. They've almost all found their niche and none of them is rat pack! Why take someone like Casey, who is a favorite and a real contender to win and make him sing Sinatra, losing his vibe and making him look bad when all along he's been doing well. You know what I mean?

Crystal (Summer Wind) - I thought at times the horns were going to completely swallow her vocal. Again, not her thing - why make her do it now? Sinatra week should have been way-y-y-y back there - weeks ago.
She looked so pretty in that dress. BTW, did you see that tattoo on her back??!!

Michael (The Way You Look Tonight) - Michael's stye is probably closest to Sinatra's. He did a great job and looked comfortable up there. Overall I just don't like Michael's style of singing. It's a personal preference. But I do think he's good.

Lee (That's Life) - I'm trying not to be shallow and to review the performances on their own merit, but OMG! How much cuter can this guy get? I love his lopsided grin - it's so sexy! (Ahem) Okay, now back to the performance review - I thought he did great! Again, (and I can't stress this enough) I'm not a Sinatra fan, but for what he had to work with I thought he nailed it. And every week he's looking more comfortable performing. Listen to Kara, Lee! You can win this thing!

Look how adorable he is. (Photo from Rickey.org)

http://3391.voxcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/100311A1_DEWYZE_B-GR_03.jpg

Hopefully Aaron will go home tonight. I hope it's not Casey. He doesn't deserve it.

[MikeA]

Just couldn't bring myself to watch it. Had just gotten in from 18 holes of "speed golf" and was absolutely jello! I couldn't imagine any of the contestants nailing Sinatra, nor could imagine any of them really wanting to!

I think maybe the producers with input from the Judges may have just needed something off the wall and completely outside the box to put the remaining singers through to give some hook to base elimination on. Certainly there are not going to be many of them take up Sinatra as a model for style in their careers.

[Brooke]

I'm with you on the Sinatra thing, Pm. Why? I thought the only one that could do it and get away with it was Lee and it just made the rest look bad. He does remind me of HC, Jr., too.

I really felt bad for Casey and Aaron. I mean, they told them that wasn't their thing, but they were supposed to act like it was? Dumb.

I'm really scared for Casey this week.

[sodascouts]

I watched this online and was completely unimpressed. Perhaps they chose the theme to accommodate Harry Connick Jr. as a mentor? Regardless, it really is unfair to those who don't have the kind of smooth voice that works best for these songs.

Aaron - started out horribly but got better at the end. My response, as usual, was "eh." Like PM said, he's just not very interesting.

Casey - It wasn't that great but the criticism was overly vicious. I haven't seen them be that cruel all season, not even to Tim. "You sound like a lamb baaahing." "The bright side: at least you have a gig next week." The audience was too shocked by the cruel comment to even boo. Simon's awkward attempt to fill the uncharacteristic silence with "That was a joke..." was the first time I've seen him appear a bit abashed about something he'd said.

As far as the conspiracy theories about the judging, Simon has admitted before to saying things he doesn't really believe in order to manipulate the voting audience to get his favorite in the final. The consistent overpraise of Lee is designed to set up a Lee/Crystal finale, and since we all know Aaron and Mike (who was already "eliminated") aren't going to make it that far, Casey was the only real threat. So... the judges throw him under the bus. If I had seen this Tuesday, I would've voted multiple times for Casey. I hope others react the same way.

Speaking of Crystal and Mike - both did well, but nothing to write home about. I agree with PM's assessments here and yes, Crystal did look gorgeous!

Lee - This is where I vary from PM a bit. I like Lee, but the judges keep overpraising him and it's pissing me off. He's cute, yes, and he has a radio-friendly voice that's not as generic as some of the other contestants (Aaron, Mike, I'm looking at you). His Sinatra was good, but didn't blow me away, and the judges telling him that he'd have won if the final was that week was completely ridiculous.

A disappointing episode.

Who I want to go home: Aaron or Mike
Who I'm very afraid will go home: Casey

[Prettymaid]

Lee - This is where I vary from PM a bit. I like Lee, but the judges keep overpraising him and it's pissing me off. He's cute, yes, and he has a radio-friendly voice that's not as generic as some of the other contestants (Aaron, Mike, I'm looking at you). His Sinatra was good, but didn't blow me away, and the judges telling him that he'd have won if the final was that week was completely ridiculous.

A disappointing episode.

Who I want to go home: Aaron or Mike
Who I'm very afraid will go home: Casey

Geesh Soda, did we catch you in a bad mood? :hilarious: You're right - we do disagree on how the judges are handling Lee. I think he is doing a great job of using their comments to his benefit. His voice was always good, but now he's smiling more and he looks more relaxed on stage. IMO, he's peaking at just the right time.

I do agree with your last three statements though.

[sodascouts]

Casey safe! WOOT! I just realized I want him in the finale (sorry Lee fans)!

I wanted Mike to go but Aaron is acceptable, lol. He seems like a really sweet kid and I wish him all the best, but he was overdue to leave.

[MikeA]

There is nothing "wrong" with Sinatra. He owned Vegas and was the Throb of a Generation....a generation BEFORE me so that would have put him somewhere around Moses.

The only way Casey or Crystal could have pulled something off would have been to take one of Sinatra's tunes, kept the lyrics and completely rearranged it into something that Rocked Out. And I didn't even see the competition this week!

[Prettymaid]

I think for me, the frustrating thing about Casey is he's showing no improvement. He's good - he's always been good. I guess I like the idea of the underdog, the sleeper, the one who shows noticable improvement from week to week. I was starting to feel a little "eh" about Casey until he did that Shania song. That was the first time I saw some vunerability in his performance and I loved it. But can he wow me from now until the end of the competition?

I still say this is anyone's to take.

[sodascouts]

Another disappointing night, IMHO. Top Four and we're still being underwhelmed?

Solo performances
Lee ("Kiss from a Rose") - yikes! I'm not surprised he struggled - this is a very difficult song to sing. It started poorly and started to pick up energy, but just as it got going, Lee started missing notes again... man. I felt sorry for him. He can do better. It was the worst performance of the night.

Mike ("Will You Be There") - I'm not into him but he sounded good after Lee tanked. Using a choir almost seems an unfair advantage though - they do the singing as he ad libs "woah woah woah, I'm only human, yeah, yeah." Still, I thought the judges were overly hard on him. The whole Free Willy conversation was uber-lame.

Casey ("Mrs. Robinson") - when I heard his song choice, I immediately got nervous. A lot of the demographic of AI is going to hear this song and be scratching their heads. Heck, even people who have seen The Graduate scratch their heads at the lyrics to this song. Plus, it's low energy. However, once he got going, I was pleasantly surprised by the way he changed it up and put some angst into it. It worked for him. I just hope America realizes it and didn't get distracted by the judges' tacky jokes about Kara the Cougar.... Casey Win, Judgery Fail.

Crystal ("I'm Alright") - I was looking forward to her rockin' it but the arrangement sucked some of the rocker fun from it. She has a strong voice that can make anything sound good, but that song doesn't have much meat to it and how far can you coast by hollering "I'm alright!" repeatedly. Guess she took a page out of Mike's book. However, she had energy, and in this group that goes a long way!

The duets:
Crystal and Lee ("Falling Slowly") - Crystal completely carried Lee on this. It was weak. Favorite moment of the season, Kara? Seriously???

Casey and Mike ("Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman") - once again, the judges make it about themselves as Ellen cracks jokes about being a lesbian. Gee, Ellen, really? I had no idea. Gag me. Then, they rave about this, when I thought it was off-key on the glory note! And poor Casey, I love him, but geez, every week he seems to struggle to remember the very few lyrics required of him for these songs. I expected the guys to get reamed, but no... they got fawned over! I was relieved in the sense that I never like to see the contestants put through the wringer, but it seemed so bizarre that they didn't call them on being off-key.

Final thoughts
I sure hope Mike goes home but after that sob story where he talks about how much it means for him to make Top 3, he'll probably get pity votes. I'm scared it's going to be Casey... I'm gonna text in a few votes for him.

[Prettymaid]

I agree with you Soda that it wasn't a very good night. Song choice people - song choice!

Based on past performances though, Crystal still deserves to win. Lee is the most improved and Casey is the least improved. And I'm just never going to be a big enough fan of Mike.

[Stars]

I really enjoyed the duet with Crystal and Lee-I am hoping Crystal wins, and Lee is runner up-perhaps they could duet together on one of their solo albums?
I am hoping Mike goes home, but I'm afraid it will be Casey.:sigh:

[MikeA]

I'll prolly draw some heckling with this, but the way I see it, there are two "artists" in the remaining four contestants: Crystal and Casey.

Of those two, Casey earns the check-mark with his guitar playing and adequate vocals. I actually liked his rendition of "Mrs. Robinson". Though I commented to Verna during his act that he could easily have cranked it a notch or two and made it really good. I get the feeling that he would fall into a groove with a certain type music and after the top-ten concert tour, would fall into oblivion.

Crystal earns it (Artist checkmark) by virtue of her vocals and more than just adequate but less than stellar guitar playing. Her vocals, I don't criticize. By far and away the best vocalist of the crop this hear. Her guitar skills remind me of someone who uses the instrument as an aid in songwriting and there is nothing wrong there. Jimi Hendrix she ain't...but her guitar belongs with her on stage.

Lee....moments of good vocals but doesn't know how to handle a guitar....unless it was intentional, he came close two or three times to slapping Crystal in the face with that headstock!

A thing I noticed last night....First in his practice with Jamie, Lee was playing a Seagull guitar. I think he was using a Gibson Songbird during his performance. Then Crystal is seen playing that same Seagull guitar in her performance! I'm wondering if these instruments are theirs or if they are props that AI provides? Like that Ovation Mandolin that Casey was playing?

Mike: God love 'em <sigh>.

[Brooke]

I was pretty disappointed with all of them last night except for the duets. I liked them.

I thought the judges were especially tacky with Casey. How uncomfortable could he have been during that?! Uncalled for. I thought his performance was ok, but nothing to write home about. I'm nervous for him again.

What a tough song Lee chose, but I didn't think it was terrible.

I think Mike can sing, but I don't know. Just not my pick I guess.

Of the four, I thought Crystal did the best.

I'm like Soda.....very underwhelmed for being this near the end. I hope Mike goes, but I'm scared it'll be Casey. The judges certainly do try to sway the voters.

[Stars]

I am tired of Mike. However, it's the votes that count, and I still have a strong feeling Casey will go home. Hope I'm wrong about that!:pray:

[sodascouts]

I usually just shoot off a text or two when I vote, but last night, for the first time, I actually picked up a phone and hit "redial" about ten times for Casey. I really hope other people felt the same way I did, but I'm nervous.

[Prettymaid]

Mike, Crystal usually plays her own guitar. The only reason I know is because she has it signed by several female artists. But I can't say I was paying any attention to that last night.

[sodascouts]

Also, just wanted to add a few words about Jamie Foxx as mentor - yikes! He was bad last year and even worse this year. How lame was the T-shirt idea?? And the whole "seduce me" thing was both awkward and already done... same with the "get in your face" bit. Get some new material, Foxx! And AI - get some new mentors!

[MikeA]

Mike, Crystal usually plays her own guitar. The only reason I know is because she has it signed by several female artists. But I can't say I was paying any attention to that last night.

That's why I did notice it. First, because I play a Seagull myself and recognized the headstock on it. Then second because she wasn't playing her #1 with the signatures. And third, because Lee was playing that same git or one identical to it in the audition with Jammie Foxx.

Hmmm, wonder if there is an endorsement deal between AI and Seagull. Most of the time, you see the performers playing Gibson.

[sodascouts]

YAY!!! Casey's safe!!!!! I literally cheered in my living room.

Now, will it be Big Mike or a shock boot? If Crystal goes, it'll be Daughtry all over again (He got booted at #4, too. BTW - how ironic that he is playing tonight!)

[sodascouts]

Poor Lee. Those girls screaming "WE LOVE YOU LEE" were drowning out Casey as he was trying to answer Ryan's question. Casey just ignored it like a gentleman but Lee was obviously embarrassed by how tacky they were being... and then they did it AGAIN! Lee was practically cringing! lol

I'm glad Lee's safe. He's much more appealing than Mike, IMHO. Of course, I'm glad Crystal's safe too - if she had gone home in favor of Mike, I think there would have been a riot!

[Prettymaid]

I'm like Soda.....very underwhelmed for being this near the end.

That's exactly the way I feel. I started being "underwhelmed" about the time Siobhan left - not that I wanted her to win, that's just when I started noticing that I wasn't that excited about this season anymore.

With Mike being eliminated the contest is going just the way we had all hoped, even if our faves are different.

I didn't hear the theme for next week. Does anybody know?

OBTW, I really enjoyed Daughtry's performance and Bon Jovi's was okay too. So much better than what they usually have on there. (Can you say Lady Gaga? :yuck: )

[MikeA]

Hmmm, Chris Daughtry is playing the new Intrust Arena here in Wichita soon.

There were no surprises last night after they sent Casey to the benches with the first pick. There just is no way that Mike was in the same league with the audience AI plays to as is Crystal and Lee.

Just my opinion but I really don't think we've seen what Casey is capable of doing. Casey is going to be able to capitalize on what he's accomplished already on AI but the question is how far can he go after the AI tour is over and he's back on his own? Personally, I like his style though he seems a bit blue collar...someone who can do it all and goes at it with a workman type approach...something like Stu Smith.

Lee...I can compare him to Daughtry. What I mean is that I think that he is going to be able to make it somewhat like a Daughtry, but NOT like a Carrie Underwood.

But then I don't think that Crystal will make it like Underwood either. Underwood is something very VERY special. However, with the proper management, Crystal may really surprise us. She has the kind of vocals that sells and in live performances, she can put on a good show with that git of hers. We need a Janis Joplin again!

[Prettymaid]

I was thinking about this too, Mike. Except for Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood, Idols haven't maintained the huge acclaim after their crowning, with Carrie Underwood by far being the biggest "star". Some contestants who have done well are Daughtry and Jennifer Hudson.

[Stars]

I was so relieved when Casey was safe last night. I think the Top 3 is just perfect now.
PM, I enjoyed Daughtry and Bon Jovi too. I had never heard that song that Bon Jovi did, and I really liked it a lot.:thumbsup:

[sodascouts]

I'm with you guys - Daughtry and Bon Jovi were great! "Superman" is actually a new song by Bon Jovi - they're still putting out new material and I love it.

Daughtry is my favorite successful ex-Idol, and last night, I watched Dreamgirls and was once again blown away by Jennifer Hudson. She certainly deserved her Oscar! However, Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson are indeed the biggest sellers by far (although they're pretty close to each other in sales according to Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Top-selling_American_Idol_alumni), at least at this point) and the only actual winners to see long-term success. Heck, Daughtry and Hudson were not even in the top 3 of their seasons! Daughtry was eliminated at the Top 4 and Hudson didn't make it past Week 7.

As far as this crop goes, I don't see them doing any better, but time will tell.

The most excited I've been all season was when Casey was declared safe, because it was so unexpected! Otherwise, I've been "blah" all season. Even my early faves Didi and Siobhan let me down and when the left, I was resigned to it.

We're not the only ones who feel this way. For the first time in years, American Idol is not consistently holding the Number 1 spot in its timeslot.

I think when Paula left and was replaced with Ellen and Kara, things started to fall apart. They messed with the formula and they're paying the price. Kara often comes off like a "mean girl" and her cougar shtick was embarrassing to watch. You can tell how seriously Ellen takes her job as "judge" with her "critique" of "Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman": "Yes, I have." After the laughter died down, the next judge spoke. That was her only contribution - no judging of the performance!

That's another thing - the judges have started to make it about themselves, and they've also started picking finalists on their potential market appeal instead of their talent (that's just my speculation, but you can't tell me out of all the people who tried out, these were the best). That screwed things up, too.

With Simon leaving next season, we just might be seeing the end of Idol.

[Molly]

I wonder, also how all the stress and the toll of touring, etc. will affect Crystal's health. I wondered early on in the season when she was ill or it was told that she was not feeling well.

I was surprised to hear that she has an insulin pump. That's pretty serious.

[Brooke]

I was so excited when Casey was announced as safe first, too! I figured then that Mike must be leaving. They tried to make Lee nervous, but I felt he was pretty safe. I hate that dragging out the "announcement" that Ryan does. :scowl:

I figure the final two will be Crystal and Lee with Crystal winning. I don't know, I think Casey can do better, but he just doesn't really try that hard to put himself over the top with his performances.

Loved Daughtry and Bon Jovi, too!

Pm, I can't even say LGG! :yuck:

[sodascouts]

PM, Lee DeWyze's homecoming parade is tomorrow in Mt. Prospect, IL. Planning on going?

[Prettymaid]

Now you tell me! :doh: Lol!

[Stars]

PM, if you do get to the parade, tell us all about it!!:thumbsup:
Soda, I was just telling hubby the other night that out of all the ex-Idols, Daughtry is my favorite. I have his CDs and they are wonderful!:)
He totally rocks!:rockguitar:

[Prettymaid]

Sadly, I will be going to work today like a good little girl...

[sodascouts]

Oh well! You probably wouldn't have been able to find parking anyway. lol

The author of this article (http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/idolconfessions/2011844721_bowersox_and_dewyze_do_that_to.html) thinks that Lee and Crytal sounded like Don Henley and Stevie Nicks on their duet.

Um. No. lol

[sodascouts]

Some press about their hometown visits. I can't wait to see the footage next week!

*WARNING: Song Spoilers for Next Week*

Lee in Chicago (http://mjsbigblog.com/lee-dewyze-chicago-homecoming-%E2%80%93-photos-videos-and-recaps.htm)

Crystal in Toledo (http://mjsbigblog.com/crystal-bowersox-toledo-homecoming-photos-videos-and-recaps.htm)

Casey in Fort Worth (http://mjsbigblog.com/casey-james-fort-worthdallas-homecoming-%E2%80%93-photos-videos-and-recaps.htm)

Watching the performance videos of Casey (scroll down on his page) - where he really lets loose - reminds me of the young Eagles when they were a bit less reserved. ;) I've decided I'm totally into him now. Casey FTW!

[Prettymaid]

Just saw this concerning some changes to the show for next season.

http://www.fancast.com/blogs/2010/tv-news/idol-in-trouble-fox-chairman-peter-rice-addresses-the-issue/

[Prettymaid]

They sure didn't show as much of their hometown trip as they usually do. :eyebrow:

Anyway, I think that Casey had every chance in the world to blow us away and he didn't (not me anyway). His first song didn't do a lot for me. It was good but not great. The song that Kara and Randy chose for him should have given him a great opportunity to show some more vulneralbility (like during Shania week), but I'm starting to think that he just doesn't know how to 'get into' his songs. I have never felt warm and fuzzy after a Casey performance. He's not proven that he belongs in the finale.

I have been a strong Crystal advocate since February. She has never wavered, staying true to the kind of singer she is, and she has been consistantly good, which is hard to do during a competition this long. For this reason alone she deserves to be in the finale. Normally I would have taken it a step further and said she deserves to win, except lately her smooth road has been getting rough and rocky, and the rubble in her path is named Lee!

Lee Dewyze is my kind of contestant. He hasn't been on Broadway doing The Lion King, nor has he ever sang backup for a famous singer. He was working in a paint store when he auditioned for AI. He started in the competition as a meek, nervous guy with a good, raspy voice and pushed himself harder and harder every week to get rid of the nerves, be more comfortable on stage and believe he can win. Lee peaked at just the right time and is giving Crystal a run for her money. I like what he has become onstage and hope that he goes to the finale with Crystal.

[Stars]

PM, I was also disappointed that they didn't show as much of the hometown visits as they usually do. I don't think they showed any of Lee's visit-I thought I just remembered seeing him getting a text from Simon while on the plane!:-(
So I don't know what's up with that. They sure had time to show more, didn't they?
I have been rooting for Crystal ever since Andrew left. However, after last night, I am leaning more toward Lee! I do think it's time for Casey to go.:nod:

[Brooke]

I pretty much agree with you guys. I hate to see Casey go, but he didn't really go over the top for me last night.

Crystal was better, but not as good as Lee for me. He may be the dark horse!

[Prettymaid]

P, I saw your avatar in another thread and quickly came over here to tell you - Love it!

Maybe they'll show more of their trips home tonight. Maybe they just showed the judges song choices last night for obvious reasons.

[Prettymaid]

Very cute! :nod:

[Prettymaid]

I'm surprised nobody has responded to last night's show. I guess we all got our wish, huh? Lee and Crystal...

[Prettymaid]

I see Simon's on Oprah right now if anybody's interested.

[sodascouts]

I wanted Casey in the final two but I can't say I'm surprised he didn't make it. Watching the finale now - I'm not invested in either of these people honestly but I guess I'll go with Crystal FTW as the stronger singer unless she really blows it tonight. I won't be bothering to vote regardless now that Casey's out, though.

[MikeA]

Okay folks. Is there ANY doubt in anyone's mind NOW?

[Stars]

Crystal was absolutely fantastic tonight! However, I do love both of them, and they are both winners in my book!:thumbsup:

[Prettymaid]

Crystal deserves to win.

[Brooke]

I thought Crystal did give a better performance than Lee, but the way the judges praised her was over the top. I felt sorry for Lee after that. Good grief, could they try to sway the audience any more? :scowl:

[MikeA]

Brooke,

Normally I would agree with you. I could sort of feel them trying their best to find positive things to say about Lee...and his performance wasn't bad. But from all perspectives, last night, Lee was as good as ever he has been but Crystal really did just NAIL all three songs and demonstrated a lot more vocal expertise than did Lee.

I would have felt it a real betrayal on the part of the judges had they not acknowledged the superiority of Crystal's performance.

I felt sort of that way last year with Lambert (whom I did NOT like) when he went against that guy from Conway, Arkansas whom I've forgotten. Lambert just outperformed the other guy and as much as I disliked him, I had to agree with them. It was like the Judges knew that Lambert was going to lose and gave him prime roles in that finale. At least that is the way it seemed to me.

It will be interesting to see how this upcoming night rolls out with the performances that really mean nothing other than for their entertainment value.

[Prettymaid]

Lee pulls off the win!!!

Congratulations to Lee! I started crying when he got emotional. What a come from behind win! Great show!

[Prettymaid]

Only problem I had with it is all the stars from my era, like Hall and Oates, Joe Cocker, Chicago, etc. are OLD!!! What's up with that<G>?

Yeah and yet we haven't aged at all! :nahnah: :hilarious:

[EagleLady]

I would have preferred Crystal winning but Congrats to Lee.

[MikeA]

I really don't have an opinion. But the following is my opinion <LOL>

I only hope that some wired agent gets their hands on Crystal and really promotes her. I'm also hoping that Lee can somehow find a little personality. He probably has one. Yes, I'm sure he does. But except for that "I'm overwhelmed" thing last night, I didn't see one throughout all of his performances on Idol. He's going to have trouble relating to audiences an consequently, the audiences are going to have trouble relating to HIM.

I saw Don Williams perform once. I love his music, but when he performed, he came out on stage with that floppy hat of his masking his face, parked it on a stool along with his guitar, never smiled, never said a word...just sang. He could pull it off. I'm not sure Lee can.

I was pretty floored when Michaels showed up with Casey! Is that guy trying to accomplish suicide or is he just riding a wave of current publicity and gambling that he won't collapse in front of millions...or hoping that he will? He and Casey were a good match on that tune though and it is one of my favorites.

But what was Janet Jackson doing there? <LOL> I'm sure she has her following but somehow, I don't think it is predominately Eagles addicts! But then, maybe that following is the population that chose Lee over Crystal. I'll give this much to him, he probably has more hormone appeal than Crystal <LOL>

[Brooke]

Shocker! I nearly fell off my chair when they announced Lee as the winner! Mike, I have to agree with you about him. I like him, but he's going to have to pump himself up somehow.

As for Janet........it took me forever to recognize her! I kept thinking....is that Janet? That hair! Or lack thereof! And she's put on a few pounds. I just knew that any moment there was going to be another "wardrobe malfunction"! :hilarious:

As for Bret, what a guy! He looked fantastic and moved much better than he did on The Celebrity Apprentice Sunday night! I hope he takes it easy! I'm still shocked he won that, with his medical problems and all. I figured Trump would think he was too risky. (sorry to go off topic)

It was great to see Kris Allen perform. Hadn't heard much out of him since last year. Surprisingly, Adam Lambert wasn't there, (or I missed him) the judges darling!

[MikeA]

Hmmmm.....maybe some smart Agent will snarf up both Casey and Crystal and form a group around them! Casey seems quite able to instrumentally lead a band and contribute vocally to Crystal's Bluesy leads! That would be an ACT!

[sodascouts]

I felt really lousy last night and had to miss the whole thing, despite having plans to watch it with PM and her husband. Sucks for me!

But I did watch it online here (http://mjsbigblog.com/american-idol-9-the-finale-recap.htm), and I too was shocked that Lee won. His humility was nice to see and it was a sweet moment, but it should've been Crystal, IMHO. I don't think a girl will ever win American Idol again, though. Too many tween girls with crushes who have unlimited texting.

It was great to see all the former Idols sans Cook, who of course was the one I was most hoping to see! Turns out he had a charity gig he couldn't cancel for that night.

Adam Lambert claims he couldn't come because he is on 'vocal rest' - and since he tweeted he was never asked to perform, I guess he figured he needn't bother showing up just to be in the background. Clay has been embroiled in a lawsuit with 19E (American Idol's corporate entity) so his absence is no surprise. I saw my fave from last season, Matt Giraud, in there! Of course I was also looking for Daughtry and Jennifer Hudson, and was disappointed not to see them. I was surprised Kelly didn't get to perform one of her own songs like Carrie and Kris did - she's the biggest seller of the Idol alums isn't she? Or has she been surpassed by Carrie? Regardless, I wish she would've gotten more airtime.

Loved seeing Didi and Siobhan again, especially Siobhan as her duet with Aaron and the Bee Gees was lovely. It was cute how one of the Bee Gees sang to her.

I was surprised at how many older acts they featured. Some were cool to see like the Bee Gees (minus one) and Hall and Oates, but some were painful to see... wow, Joe Cocker looks bad and Chicago sounded horrible. It's funny to think that most of the Idol contestants weren't even born when these guys had hits. Even Alanis is an "oldie" to them, popular when many of them were in elementary/middle school.

Speaking of Alanis, she's a favorite of mine and it was cool to see her. Still, I was astonished she was doing "You Oughta Know" - not exactly a family-friendly song! Ah well, that's what lyrics tweaks are for! Christina sounded great and played her role well as the lone guest singer of music from this millennium.

Janet sounded so much like Michael at first that it was spooky. She actually looks great compared to a few years ago when she gained like 60 pounds (seriously).

The "joke" parts like the "Pants on the Ground" segment made me cringe and in those cases, it's good to watch it online because you can close it out when it gets really bad!

So happy to see Paula again, even if she did ramble a bit. LOVE HER.

For me, the best part was the Casey/Bret Michaels duet, although I couldn't help but worry that it was too soon for him to be doing this kind of thing. Like Mike said, it seems if he continues this way he could wind up collapsing onstage. Take it easy, Bret!!! (I just had an unsettling thought - maybe Bret is trying to perform as much as he can while he can.)

But the real reason I wanted to watch this show was to see Simon sign off, and that he did, with class. It overshadowed Lee's winning by far (his "coronation song" was even cut off in the middle! That's a first). With all the clips and contestants from years gone by as well as the tearful farewells, this seemed like a series finale rather than a season finale.

I don't know if I'll tune in next year... with neither Paula nor Simon, will it truly be American Idol?

[sodascouts]

Regarding Bret Michaels, check this out:

Bret Michaels "Didn't Tell" Doctors He Was Doing "Idol" - MTV News (http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1640168/20100527/bret_michaels.jhtml)

[Prettymaid]

So relieved you're feeling better today Nancy. And thanks for the link.

I always enjoy the finale show. Whenever someone starts to sing a song, you know the person or band who made the song famous is going to come out. Last night was fun, perhaps better than last year. I enjoyed Chicago - just brought back great memories for me and although I don't know very much Christina Aguilara I was blown away by her performance. That's the way it's done - you don't need a weird performance gimmick - just go out there and sing. Usually they save the biggest "surprise" act for last. I was disappointed that it was Joe Cocker.

I actually started thinking, as I'm sure we all have, wouldn't it be awesome to have someone come out and start singing Peaceful Easy Feeling or Take It Easy and have the Eagles come out? I know, it'll never happen, but I could actually visualize it last night and it would be great. Oh, and they would be saved for last! :headbang:

[Brooke]

Bret, you are probably in a lot of trouble with the doctors and family about now! :headshake: But I bet that's happened before! :lol:

You know, I wonder why they didn't have more younger performers, like Christina, instead of the oldies? Not that I minded one bit, but....really!

[MikeA]

As far as I know, Joe Cocker is STILL performing regularly in Colorado, mostly for impromptu "Biker" parties. He use to have a cafe that was WAY off the beaten path up north of the San Juan mountain range in southwestern Colorado.

I was on a bike trip to Estes Park maybe 6 years ago with a friend and on the way back, we ran into a couple of lady bikers at a gas station. They were decked out in macho leathers and were heading for one of Cocker's parties.

He was, is and probably always will be popular with a certain sect of the population. I always liked him though he was a lot more spastic back then when on stage <LOL>. He's still got that Cocker voice.

[Brooke]

Thought this was interesting about the Idol's earnings:

http://tv.msn.com/top-earning-idols/story/feature/

The top-earning 'Idols'
June 4, 2010, 1:05 PM EST
As television's biggest music show falters, many of the stars whose careers it launched are making less.

By Dirk Smillie
Forbes

What does "American Idol" winner Lee DeWyze have to look forward to? Far less than in the past. The pop music market, now saturated with close to 100 of the show's alumni, is showing signs of "Idol" fatigue. Earnings for some of the show's top vocalists have nose-dived over the past year. The show that reshaped television and the music business just isn't minting cash for its stars like it once did.

Kris Allen, the 2009 winner, has sold just 300,000 albums, according to Nielsen SoundScan. In the past year, his music and touring sales have delivered an estimated $748,000 -- nothing much to sing about. He places 10th on our annual list of the top-earning stars launched by "American Idol."

Jennifer Hudson's light touring schedule and the end of her lucrative role as Avon spokeswoman hit the Oscar winner in the pocketbook, too. Forbes estimates that she earned $3.5 million in the year from June 1, 2009, to the end of this month, compared with $5 million the previous year. That dropped her to sixth place from second on last year's list. Carrie Underwood, No. 1 on our list, earned an estimated $13 million over the past year -- $1 million less than the year before. One "Idol" star, Taylor Hicks, didn't earn enough to remain on our list.

Plenty of the show's alumni, including Hudson, have made money on Broadway. Among them: Clay Aiken, Fantasia Barrino, Ace Young and Constantine Maroulis. But Broadway shows are paying less, too. The salary of a starring theatrical role is now as little as 10 percent of what a newly crowned "Idol" winner grosses on a debut tour, typically about $300,000.

However, not all "Idol" stars are taking it on the chin. Kelly Clarkson and Kellie Pickler are in the midst of high-grossing, nationwide tours. Clarkson, No. 2 on this year's list and the very first "Idol" winner, made an estimated $11.7 million over the last year, more than double the year before thanks to a heavy touring schedule. Clarkson was one of the most frequently played artists on radio in 2009, according to Nielsen SoundScan. Pickler, No. 4 on our list, has played 100 concerts in the past year, bringing in $7.6 million.

But this season's stars probably won't do as well. If there's one thing lacking among "Idol" contestants this year, it's an "It" factor. Neither of the final two vocalists -- DeWyze, a 24-year-old paint sales clerk from Mount Prospect, Ill., and 24-year-old musician Crystal Bowersox of Toledo, Ohio -- have the personality draw of, say, an Adam Lambert. There was little personal drama in their rivalry, unlike David Cook and David Archuleta (Season 7), who battled each other like musical gladiators.

Adding to this lackluster season may be an "Idol" backlash, of sorts. Blogs that cover the show suggest its aggressive product promotions are turning off fans (a recent episode plugged Ford and the latest "Shrek" movie in back-to-back video segments). There is less behind-the-scenes action to chatter about. Gone are the wacky, off-camera antics of former judge Paula Abdul, who left the show last year. "Idol"'s creator and its central personality, Simon Cowell, made his final appearance on the show on May 26.

"Idol" now averages 24 million viewers a broadcast, down from its high of 31 million in 2006. A Frank Sinatra-themed episode in early May that featured a special appearance by Lady Gaga drew one of the show's lowest ratings ever, dipping to 17.5 million viewers. Worse, "Idol" was recently overtaken in the ratings for the first time by ABC's "Dancing With the Stars."

All that said, "Idol" is still among the most lucrative shows on television. During finale week, FOX is believed to have charged $1 million for a 30-second spot.

The network reportedly paid Cowell $30 million annually for his judging, far more than any "Idol" contestant has ever made in a year.

Celebrity performers who appear on "Idol" do so to tap what is still a powerful promotion machine. In May, after Lady Gaga performed a new song, "Alejandro" (wearing a black thong and fishnet bodysuit), sales for the single jumped, says Nielsen SoundScan Vice President Chris Muratore. "The airplay Gaga got of that single was astounding. Digital sales of 'Alejandro' went up 70 percent after her 'Idol' appearance, from 78,000 to 133,000 per week," he says.

DeWyze and Bowersox will no doubt be signed to record deals, but no one is betting either will be the next Carrie Underwood. That leaves viewers to ponder the show's only true dramatic storyline this year: Can "Idol" survive the departure of Simon Cowell, its most recognizable presence?

[sodascouts]

Hmm, interesting. I had been curious about that. Of course, I'm sure the economy is affecting album sales, too.

For Lee's sake, I hope I'm wrong.... but I don't see him making much of a splash post-Idol.

[Prettymaid]

Hmm, interesting. I had been curious about that. Of course, I'm sure the economy is affecting album sales, too.

For Lee's sake, I hope I'm wrong.... but I don't see him making much of a splash post-Idol.

True, but for a former paint store employee, $700,000 in a year is nothing to sneeze at.

[Prettymaid]

Ellen and Kara out. Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler in?

http://www.vh1.com/artists/news/1644771/20100730/lopez_jennifer.jhtml?rsspartner=unknown

[Molly]

This past month, Milwaukee has been the place to be if you're an idol fan.

The Idol's tour, Carrie Underwood, Kellie Pickler and Danny Gokey were all at Summerfest earlier this month.

Actually, Danny has been back to town like 3 times in the past month.

The idol auditions were here last week Wednesday and Ryan Seacrest showed up when he wasn't really expected.

I'm suspecting that his being here had something to do with the fact that country singer Julianne Hough was performing at the Washington County Fair here in West Bend on Thursday and the two are dating.

[sodascouts]

What, Kara is gone too? I'm not surprised about Ellen, but I figured with Simon leaving they would want to keep at least two familiar judges.

I was hoping for Harry Connick Jr. myself, but I like the idea of J-Lo. She certainly has more cred than Ellen and Kara combined! Steven Tyler has cred too, but I'm not sure he can be as entertaining on a judging panel as he is onstage.

[Prettymaid]

I think they might be going back down to three.

[sodascouts]

I think that's a good idea. Too much time was being spent on the judges and their antics, like Kara's "cougar" bit and the frequent panel commentary on Simon's clothing choices. Plus, you'd often find the judges echoing each other anyway (especially Ellen, whose comments were often along the lines of "I agree with Randy/Kara/Simon... but I really like you and I hope you stay!"). Three judges was always a good number - bringing in Kara as a fourth was a bad idea from the outset.

[Prettymaid]

I've said this before - say what you will about Kara's unprofessional antics (I agree they were tacky), I think she was a good judge. I think her comments hit home and were useful - much more so than Randy's, for example.

[Maleah]

I know Randy is an original judge and he has music business cred, but I think he is absolutely pointless as a judge. I mean how many times can you say "yo dawg, that was just aiight for me. It was a little pitchy" and not get tired of it. His comments are almost always repetitive and generally he just jumps on whatever ship Simon was on. I would have rather had Kara stick around, although the whole cougar thing DID get way out of hand this year. I was one of the few as well that liked Ellen on the show. I liked the humor she brought to it. Yes, she didn't have any musical experience or cred, so to speak, but she brought it down to a more human level I thought. I didn't figure she'd last long though, as I figured she wouldn't want to be as brutal as they sometimes required. It should be interesting to see what they do! I would have loved to have seen Justin Timberlake as a judge, as he was mentioned at one point, but he is way to young and at a high level of his career to be tied down for an extended period of time I think. I think J Lo COULD be good, but I also think it could go either way with her. lol I have NO idea what would happen with Steven Tyler and call me crazy but I think Bret Michaels would actually be good. He was a very good judge on Nashville Star several years ago. He was truthful but constructive and helpful at the same time.

Anyway, moving on from the judges.....August 27th I'll be seeing the current Idol tour in Minneapolis! Pretty excited about the top 3....not sure about the rest. However, I've learned with past Idol tours that those you don't expect much from will often be the better ones!

[Prettymaid]

Enjoy it Maleah!

[sodascouts]

Have fun and report back - I wanna know how my faves are faring (especially Casey). I bet Didi does Rhiannon!

[Maleah]

Will do! I'm really excited to hear Casey especially, I hope he does Jealous Guy! We didn't get to go last year and I'm STILL disappointed that I didn't get to see/hear Danny :(

[eaglesvet]

What, Kara is gone too? I'm not surprised about Ellen, but I figured with Simon leaving they would want to keep at least two familiar judges.

I was hoping for Harry Connick Jr. myself, but I like the idea of J-Lo. She certainly has more cred than Ellen and Kara combined! Steven Tyler has cred too, but I'm not sure he can be as entertaining on a judging panel as he is onstage.

Actually, I read a commentary that Steven Tyler is really fulfilling the "wacky" judge; ie, taking Paula's place. I guess that his personality and antics will lend more of a "flighty" nature to his comments and judging than you would initially think.

[Brooke]

I hope Stephen does it, it'll be a reason for me to watch. That guy is crazy and no telling what he might say or do!

[EaglesFanatic]

Woah woah woah... Stephen Tyler is an American Idol judge?! Haha, that just makes me laugh. I can't picture him in that position... He shouldn't be wasting his time on that IMHO :shrug:

[EagleLady]

Woah woah woah... Stephen Tyler is an American Idol judge?! Haha, that just makes me laugh. I can't picture him in that position... He shouldn't be wasting his time on that IMHO :shrug:


Are you Kidding? That is one of the top Reality Shows on tv.

[Maleah]

Plus what else is he going to do? If him and Joe Perry do another show they might come to blows over something! lol It should be an interesting season on idol, that's for sure!

[sodascouts]

Ah well - he's gotta be better at this than Kara and Ellen! ::knock on wood:: But who's gonna bring the snark?

[Prettymaid]

Well, it's official...

http://omg.yahoo.com/news/fox-crowns-j-lo-tyler-new-american-idol-judges/47618

[sodascouts]

Hmm, it looks like no one's going to bring snark. Not sure if this is going to work. Also, did you see these changes the show is making according to that article?


Among other changes the new season will bring, the producers said that contestants won't be forced to stray from their favored genre: country singers can sing country songs; rock singers won't have to sing folk songs. Also, there are no plans to have celebrity mentors come on the show, as was common in seasons past.

Not sure these will work either, although the first one is more fair to the contestants, I think.

[Prettymaid]

I don't know, sounds like a snoozer to me. May have to switch to Simon Cowell's new show. When does it start, I wonder?

[Maleah]

I think the decades of music instead of genres would work fine but I'm NOT a fan of the no celeb mentors thing. That's something I always found really interesting, seeing how the mentors interacted with the contestants and what advice they gave them. Not so excited for the new season :(