"now I have to look at that instead of Pia!"
I hear you man, I hear you, and listen to that thin reedy voice instead of my Diva, oh that Pia is a beauty she is. |
It is weird - judges on one hand praise being emotionally attached to the song while the same time they praised Paul singing with big smile "I shot man in Reno...".
I'm not sure why judges are even there, since they praise everything. There are some very good performances and some bad. To them everything is "just beautiful". I miss Simon. On the positive note sound got much better after first two shows. |
Criticism is not Steven Tyler's strong suite. He is entertaining though and seems to really appreciate talent.
Hey, Aerosmith is not the pinnacle of modern music after all and Tyler may not be the one to be giving others advice and knows it.
J' Lo has offered some good constructive criticism this year to help fill the Simon void in that aspect. I've been impressed with her overall.
Pia was probably too classy and laid back to win out on Idol despite being one of the most talented singers overall and drop dead gorgeous to boot. I'd pay to hear her sing though perhaps! I predict a nice career in show biz somewhere for Pia. She just may not fit the American Idol mold. Oh well.... |
The beard with teeth isnt the guy who was saved (a silly save Imo) I am talking about the Barry Gibb wannabe who sounds like a Castrado on Steroids. |
Well, for that matter, either one of the beards leaving would not have me losing any sleep as long as my Diva was singing in my dreams, man I hate to see her gone. |
Pia lacked something for me somehow. Not to say she isn't very talented. She chose the wrong uptempo for her last night. Without a huge amount of energy, the performance of that Tina Turner song fell a little flat. And what was up with that outfit?! For that song, she needed black leather and a fire under her ass.
I liked Haley ok, but she looked and sounded more like she was enjoying singing a song than baring her soul, as that song demands.
Casey, the most talented overall, not the best singer. I admit I love this kid, love his bass, and his passion to go where music takes him. Unfortunately I doubt his stage appeal will not take him much further.
I admit that I appreciate Scotty's appeal, he will have a career in country. That as far as it goes for me. Oh, and for @$%& sake, slap that mic out of his hands till he learns how to hold it like a man!
Stefano is better that I expected, but just too hard to watch. He has pulled off some difficult songs.
I thought the Johnny Cash song was quirky Paul's best. Not really sure why Rod Stewart's weird cloning mishap is still in.
Lauren will also have a career, probable in county. She has talent and performance skills.
Jacob has a fabulous voice, and has proven to have all the skills to become a great R&B artists. Sadly, I think what holds him back is a certain lack of "masculinity" in his performance.
My pic is James. Out of the gate there was little doubt he could belt out rock like a pro. My preference is when he shows he can really sing, and shows he has a beautiful voice, great control and really knows how to express the essence of a song. His last performance was my favorite, where he took an unlikely song (which I have always loved) and showed he is has depth. If only he can remember one thing: never again allow them to back-light his ears.
All said, none of course are what I would call my cup of tea. But with my wife and daughters, I have seen much of the many seasons of AI. This has definitely been the best group of talent. |
"Casey, the most talented overall, not the best singer. I admit I love this kid, love his bass, and his passion to go where music takes him. Unfortunately I doubt his stage appeal will not take him much further."
This guy blew it for me in that over the top performance, the one that turned off the rest of the country as well when the judges saved him. I admit he has talent but is missing the "it" factor. He still seems shaken after that night and has really pulled it back but I think the writing is on the wall, same with Jacob after that silly remark he made about "America looking in the mirror" if they didn't like his song choice. Rule 1, don't bite the hand that feeds you. btw, he is one of my favorite singers but I realize he is on borrowed time after that comment.
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Tonight may be the end for Jacob.
I see him, paul and Casey in the bottom three.
Paul would be my pick to go.
james, Casey or Scottie are my current picks to win though I doubt casey has a chance.
Srephano is not my cup of tea but gotta admit he has come on strong of late.
lauren and haley are both good but I don't see either winning unless the really pour it on from here out. |
My take:
Top performer (by a mile): Casey
bottom three (three of these four): Paul, Stephano, Lauren and Haley.
Worst performance (by a mile) and hopefully going home: Paul
Frontrunner and guy to beat: Scotty
Interestingly, this season is evolaving into a competition between genres as much as performers (pop, jazz, hard-rock, gospel, country). Sadly missing is R&B. |
I feel Haley's vocals were not her best last night but my lord, her performance was her best yet, she sure pulled me in!
Loved Casey and James' performance the most but my feeling is nothing has changed since last week with James and Scotty still the ones to beat.
Bottom 3 guesses - Paul, Casey, Jacob |
I like Casey, but last night I thought he did a mediocre job on the wrong song. I suspect that he's gone. Sadly.
In my book, the guy in the rodeo costume can't get kicked off soon enough.
When Jacob finally learns that a little bit goes a long way, I think he might be terrific. Right now, it's still too much for my taste.
I like this group in general, but none have consistently nailed it.
Just one more opinion.
Marty |
BTW,
You gotta like the Zak Wylde appearance. |
Finally there is some justice, that Barry Gibb wannabe got the boot...........too bad he went after some much more promising talent. |
he didn't fit at all. first, i think he is semi pro from the bar scene. second, he was a lot older than the undiscovered contestants. but he was very positive and somewhat entertaining. it is nice this year to see some of the cast play instruments. |
I thought the duet with Casey and Haley showcased what Haley does best. She should take note and find the right songs. Country boy Scotty is ok, but still don't get him as a front runner.(?) |
Well, it's getting down to the nitty gritty.
Jacob never matched his version of GBTC during the early tryouts for me. Though I think he has a lot of potential especially if he develops as an entertainer as much as a pure singer, I had no qualms about him going last week.
Lady Gaga is a trip! Sho is so far out there but seems to know of what she speaks. She definitely helped the remaining 4 up their game from a performance perspective last night.
My favorite performances was Haley's I (Who Have Nothing) and Jame's Love Potion #9 (which was 200% over with my wife as well).
I also really like Scotty for what he is and think he is the most "ready" for stardom.
Lauren is probably the one who fits the Idol mold best and is a lovely performer and fine singer, but I'm not sure about the "it" factor.
Definitely a talented and also quite young group of finalists in what has been a very solid and entertaining year for Idol.
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I was watching the NBA playoffs when my wife walks into the room and tells me you're not going to believe what happened. I taped it and told her to please not tell me as I wanted to see for myself but she was so distraught she had to so I asked if I might guess that James was booted?
Oh well, as stated above, never underestimate the voting power of the 12 year old female. I can't imagine that he would fit the mold of what would appeal to them. |
Right Tubegroover, we knew there was a problem when they had James sing a hillbilly duet with Scotty at the beginning of the show. |
James clearly had the most talent with the most professional level of stage presence. The others look scared to death and are not really believeable (save for Scotty doing country). Every time I see the country crooner I think Alfred E. Newman sings country...LOL |
country music is not my favorite cup of tea but i do like scotty as a perfect fit for the mold. |
No doubt. Scotty has a great chance to become a future Country star... |
The reality is James was a good showman, but his vocals just we not that good. Besides, his "emotional stability" issues may be charming on Idol, but won't do him any favors in a professional career. This is still and always has been Scotty's competition to loose. I got to say I love Haley more every week. Her contempt for the J-Lo and Randy is written all over her. |
scotty is so sqeaky clean, he makes john boy look like eminem. |
"Every time I see the country crooner I think Alfred E. Newman sings country...LOL"
Me too now that you mention it LOL, but I really love that kid and how entertaining was the "Country Crooner" and Lady Gaga? I mean this year had some really memorable moments and that one will always stand out for me. I had a vision before I saw it but the reality was better than I ever could have imagined, great stuff! |
Edorr, his emotional stability issues as you state would be a deterrent in a pro career, well that's what a high functioning autistic individual has been hearing his whole life so you fit in with most unfortunately.
You may not like his vocals but calling out his disability is uncalled for. |
That kid made his issues well known...even IMO trying to gain some fans or sympathy because of it. If he made it public happily then by all means it can be talked about both as a positive and negative. Its fine to suggest it may be an issue.....because it may indeed be one, while we can hope not........its still possible. |
Pops, I am not calling him out an anything. In fact, I never even made the connection between his autism, Tourette, and emotional stability, and certainly never looked at him as "disabled" (like apparently you do, and may be I should have). I am just making the objective observation that having an emotional break-down ever other song is not helpfull if you aspire to a professional career in showbusiness. |
I'm surprised that James is gone and The Bumpkin is still in it. "In It to Win It". Randy, please drop that phrase. I would rather hear "Dog" a thousand times...
Anyway, "The Voice" has some interesting talent, think I'll be watching more of that show. |
haley has got "it" as far as i am concerned. can you imagine anyone else on the show singing led zepplin and alanis morrisette songs so well? and to try rhiannon could have really backfired. but it didn,t. she has star quality which is the point of the show i think. but the ballot stuffing kiddoes will have their say....and she got to experience the showbiz saying "break a leg" haha |
Artistically, Haley is in the zone I relate to best but practically I think she will have a tough time beating out the other two who are more mainstream. We'll see...
I enjoyed all the performances last night and think all three are worthy of stardom. |
I always liked Haley, and she is getting better every week. Her problem is identity - she has been all over the map and this week completely out of the blue she does a rocker chick act. Although it worked out very well, my take is she is so obsessed with winning this whatever it takes, she deliberately went after the James Durbin votes this week. Does not hurt she is kinda cute and has an attitude either .... |
Haley is a fighter and is the remaining one who has improved the most during the season.
Kelly Clarkson is the only Idol winner I have taken to to any great degree over the years and Haley is not too far removed from KC.
I will not object to whoever wins this year though which is a change from most years past. |
Amen Mapman, you stated everything I was thinking as well. |
How about Haley throw caution to the wind if she makes it to next week and do Clarkson's "My Life Would S--- Without You".
I bet she would kill it! |
I am ready to buy the first release from Haley. Have been sinve the top "8". She could cut an album tomorrow and and sell 100,000 copies before the end of the year!
I think Scotty and Lauren will become 'also rans' in the Country genre after their initial releases.
Having said the above I agree that I am completely happy with whomever wins this year. All were great!!!! |
I'm not ready to write of long time commercial success for any of these three quite yet.
Scotty may be the perfect storm in terms of name recognition (resulting from "Idol"), talent, niche, and commercial appeal for the country music genre. And he's only what, 16?, for God's sake.
I could see Lauren achieving Carrie Underwood level success, which is nothing to sneeze at.
I might very well buy a Haley album or at least download a few cuts when it comes out. |
Sheesh, Lauren really got to lay it on thick to close yesterday's show with that song about mothers (the GOOD kind).
I thought Scotty had it locked up with the Idol demographic, but maybe not now.... |
That show was just too aww shucks for me and this is least talented finale I can remember. |
I agree. This season started with a lot of promise but went out with a whimper. May be the show is just getting old. Judges were/are as boring as the contestants. I predict Lauren will win and Scotty will have a far more succesful career. |
I thought Tyler's comment about Lauren winning a round because she was prettier was hilarious but also quite insightful perhaps in that it really is mostly a popularity contest at this point more so than who is better or the best.
Or as Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson would say in his infinite wisdom:
"It doesn't matter who the best singer is!" |
If cuteness is a factor not only should Hailey be there but her voice, attitude and presence should have had her in finale. These two in finals are vanilla voiced with no where near the vocal range and talent you would think merits a true "American Idol". But sadly they are about as much of a joke as the music industry as a whole. |
More talent and diversity than any other seaason. Consider the voters and it's totally understandable why the last 2 standing are Lauren and Scotty. I'm not the biggest country fan and I'm turned off by Scotty's at times kitchy style, but his voice is really extraordinary (at 17 years old no less). |
Scotty Too Hotty, warp 10......NOW! |
My 11 year old put it very succinctly as she watched the finale. "This isn't American Idol, its American Teen Idol".
That is the show's viewer demographic and they play to it. Randy's simplistic, moronic feedback (In It to win it"). Jennifer's cloying personality, her um, music video's ....and Steven's placating "I loved it" blurbs are not just teen friendly, they are intended to appeal to that crowd. Haley was fun to watch because she improved so dramatically, but listening to the three stooges (judges) was excruciating this year so I opted out once she was shown the door.
The show was already headed to "Teen Idol" status before Simon left. After last year's down ratings they finished the transformation. They dumbed down the feedback, lowered the age of entry and got what they wanted... Young viewers, young winners and content that makes it difficult to watch for 20 and ups.
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"content that makes it difficult to watch for 20 and ups"
Not so much for women or even men with wives and kids.
I probably would not watch if not for them, but I enjoy watching it with them. Its one of the only shows we all sit down and watch together. |
Atleast for the most part its still a positive family show , I did think the Judas Priest set was disturbing but its better then 70% of the hide your kids eyes garbage on the tube these days.
Now on to Simon's new show this fall. |
I can't agree with all your observations Samuel except one thing for sure, we both loved Haley. While I agree that the judges were certainly less critical I really felt that somehow this year showed a marked improvement week to week with all the contestants whatever the reasons, Jimmy Ivine and all the producers involved in prepping these kids were certainly doing something right. In addition it seems the talent level was MUCH better than any previous year I've watched, 5 seasons. I was really getting tired of Cowell and his random caustic negative comments, it seemed more for effect than anything constructive. It also seemed to rub off on Karen last year. By the end of last season I was glad to see it end I was really tired of ALL the judges, it didn't work, the chemistry was wrong.
This year was a major turnaround and the most entertaining year to me. The judges were a hell of a lot more fun, after all, they're performers too, and the kids seemed to benefit, less of that wall between the judging and contestants. So far as demographics, I think adding Tyler and Lopez was a stroke of genius on someone's part, viewership up, thats what its all about. Call me dumb if you will but I throughly enjoyed the ride! Its the teens and prepubescents that always do the voting, git it?:) |
Sure Tube, you make good points. I agree, talent was up, Ivine especially, and other coaches were great. I did sit through most all the episodes with my girls and laughed at some, ok, many of Tylers quips. As always our favorite episodes were the auditions --for their comedic value.
Lopez however, started grating on me right away and Randy? That guy is a dope, pure and simple. Sure, Cowell was too caustic at times and yes, chemistry last year was awful, but this was the other extreme--sugar plum valley. If Tyler could have conjured even a little insight with his feedback I'd give him a pass but instead he just rubber-stamp raved about everyone.
For what the show tries to be, it was fine. Yes it was something we watched together and debated, made fun of and at times enjoyed. The young singers were (mostly) entertaining to watch develop and seeing Haley find a groove and stay in it was good entertainment. There was a lot to like, but Lopez and Jackson were hard to take and my daughters comment about it being Teen Idol rang very true.
Several better singers went home and bland milk toast sailed through with judges raving about what at times looked to us like mediocre performances. That ultimately, defined the show. Llooking back, it was set up to play out that way from the beginning.
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Jacksons no dope just is one on tv. His resume is about as solid as any in the music industry. |
I know, I am sure he's brilliant...secretly. And "Journey Is the greatest Rock and Roll band in history." RJ :o)
I'm aware of what his resume is, just commenting on his, uh, performance as a judge.
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