PING: American Idol Fans

[Ben E Lou]

I just heard a brief news spot on the radio that included a sound clip from someone who it sounds like made it to the next round last night or recently. Just so you know, she sang "Independence Day." I cannot BELIEVE how flat she was on the last line of the song that I heard, and that she actually advanced a round. She was *horrible.* I've never watched the show, as I contend that it represents just about everything wrong with the pop music scene, but I always assumed that the participants were at least half-decent singers. Unbelievable.

[Joe]

yeah, she's in the final. her performing is even worse than her singing.

[Passacaglia]

as I contend that it represents just about everything wrong with the pop music scene

How so? I've never seen the show either, but it seems to me like it embodies the one thing pop music does well, which is giving the people what they want.

[Ben E Lou]

How so? I've never seen the show either, but it seems to me like it embodies the one thing pop music does well, which is giving the people what they want.Well, if you look at it from that perspective, I guess you're correct. I was referring to the fact that for the majority of performers in that particular gender, being successful means whoring yourself out, performing whatever song that someone tells you to perform, adhering to whatever image is crafted for you, etc.

[Ksyrup]

She's playing the dumb, cute, hick from Oklahoma. She's got a decent voice, is very pretty, and absolutely no stage presence. Both of them were pretty sub-par last night; I think it was the nerves, because they're usually not that consistently poor.

[MJ4H]

I just heard a brief news spot on the radio that included a sound clip from someone who it sounds like made it to the next round last night or recently. Just so you know, she sang "Independence Day." I cannot BELIEVE how flat she was on the last line of the song that I heard, and that she actually advanced a round. She was *horrible.* I've never watched the show, as I contend that it represents just about everything wrong with the pop music scene, but I always assumed that the participants were at least half-decent singers. Unbelievable.
This is QUITE the hazy generalization wouldn't you say? She is a very talented singer. Yes, her performance of that song had some problems, but she is not experienced enough yet to have ability to adapt to some of the acoustic situations. I can tell you from experience that there are times on stage when singing under pitch sounds right, and it even sounds right in the audience, but you listen back and it's flat as the dickens. She will adapt to that with more experience.

Now, I'm not making excuses for her. She is a good singer, but that was not her best performance by any stretch. It is actually pretty rare for her to be that out of tune for a stretch like that. But to take that stretch you heard and conclude that the singers on American Idol are not even half-way decent singers? Come on, you know better than that.

[Ben E Lou]

This is QUITE the hazy generalization wouldn't you say? She is a very talented singer. Yes, her performance of that song had some problems, but she is not experienced enough yet to have ability to adapt to some of the acoustic situations. I can tell you from experience that there are times on stage when singing under pitch sounds right, and it even sounds right in the audience, but you listen back and it's flat as the dickens. She will adapt to that with more experience.

Now, I'm not making excuses for her. She is a good singer, but that was not her best performance by any stretch. It is actually pretty rare for her to be that out of tune for a stretch like that. But to take that stretch you heard and conclude that the singers on American Idol are not even half-way decent singers? Come on, you know better than that.I've never heard anyone be flat for such an extended period of time who was what I would consider a half-way decent singer. I've heard *many* high school girls singing on a crappy stage with no monitors who held pitch much better than what I heard this morning. I've heard tons and tons of acoustic performers in horrible venues who haven't lost pitch like she did. There's a gal who sings Karaoke regularly in Tucker that I've heard a bunch of times and she's been dead-on every time I heard her. (Man, that chick can BELT OUT Martina McBride's "With A Broken Wing," by the way...) If the girl I heard this morning is a finalist, is it not reasonable to conclude that the girl in question was better than all but at least however many other finalists there are?

[Ben E Lou]

Plus, if the performance I heard this morning got her into the finals, then what the heck did the person or persons sound like who did NOT get in??? :confused:

[MJ4H]

I have heard better singers lose pitch worse than she did. A lot.

Also it was not the performance you heard that got her into the finals, but the consistently good performances she gave all season that you didn't see and are jumping to conclusions about based on one admittedly poor performance.

[Ben E Lou]

One question: do the performers pick their songs, or are they picked for them? If the latter, are they given a chance to practice/listen to them beforehand, or are they expected to know how the song goes and perform it "cold?"

[Ben E Lou]

Also it was not the performance you heard that got her into the finals, but the consistently good performances she gave all season that you didn't see and are jumping to conclusions about based on one admittedly poor performance.So....clarify this for me. Did she stink it up in the round before the finals, but the judges gave her a free pass because she'd done well up until then? :confused:

[MJ4H]

The singer she is up against, by the way, also turned in some of his worst performances pitch-wise last night. Chalk it up to something strange acoustically an probably some nerves.

[Ben E Lou]

The singer she is up against, by the way, also turned in some of his worst performances pitch-wise last night. Chalk it up to something strange acoustically an probably some nerves.So again, I ask, how bad did those that *lost* to them sound?

[MJ4H]

Sometimes good, sometimes bad. They all had some talent, all were inconsistent because they are all so young and inexperienced (which is the point of the show - discovering young talent). Some of the ones that lost had performances much better than the ones last night.

[MJ4H]

If you really are this curious about the show, you should just watch it. It really is fun to watch. At least for me. But listening critically to music is sort of most of my profession.

[jetpunk2000]

So again, I ask, how bad did those that *lost* to them sound?
Many of them were pretty awful, but the fan base for this show consists of a lot of immature teenage girls who vote for who they think is cute and popular as opposed to who can sing. The two best performers are in the finals but the road was, as usual, a bit unusual. There was one really bad, undeserving singer in the final 5 and one OK singer who got there most likely on the cute vote. Last night was not really indicative of how these 2 have performed over the course of the show though. Carrie seems to get flustered at times though which could account for her sounding flat.

[Ben E Lou]

the fan base for this show consists of a lot of immature teenage girls who vote for who they think is cute and popular as opposed to who can singOK. This is news to me, too. (Sorry, but I've never watched the show, and I after this thread, I now KNOW I'll never watch the show.) So, they actually have a 900-number or web site for voting, then, as opposed to actual judges???

[Dr. Sak]

OK. This is news to me, too. (Sorry, but I've never watched the show, and I after this thread, I now KNOW I'll never watch the show.) So, they actually have a 900-number or web site for voting, then, as opposed to actual judges???


Correct. It is a 1-866 number I believe so the call is free. You can also send a text message to vote.

[KevinNU7]

For the first time ever I think SkyDog is purposely not listening to other people, attempting to fuel his own agenda.

SD,
For the most part the people on this season have been pretty good. Last night both performers seemed to be off a bit. THIS DOES NOT MEAN THEY WERE ALWAYS OFF. The previous week both sang very well and if you watched those performances you probably would agree.

Just because they sang bad yesterday does not mean that the people that lost to them sang worse, it means that in previous weeks these two people sang better to beat out those other singers.

[Cuckoo]

For the first time ever I think SkyDog is purposely not listening to other people, attempting to fuel his own agenda.

SD,
For the most part the people on this season have been pretty good. Last night both performers seemed to be off a bit. THIS DOES NOT MEAN THEY WERE ALWAYS OFF. The previous week both sang very well and if you watched those performances you probably would agree.

Just because they sang bad yesterday does not mean that the people that lost to them sang worse, it means that in previous weeks these two people sang better to beat out those other singers.

Yep. Agree with MJFH as well. These are actually some talented people, raw but very talented.

[Ben E Lou]

For the first time ever I think SkyDog is purposely not listening to other people, attempting to fuel his own agenda.

SD,
For the most part the people on this season have been pretty good. Last night both performers seemed to be off a bit. THIS DOES NOT MEAN THEY WERE ALWAYS OFF. The previous week both sang very well and if you watched those performances you probably would agree.

Just because they sang bad yesterday does not mean that the people that lost to them sang worse, it means that in previous weeks these two people sang better to beat out those other singers.Not fueling any agenda. I had no idea that the thing was done by popular vote, rather than by impartial judges. I can completely see the masses judging not on that particular performance, but on past performance/popularity, etc. Sounds like the pop music version of the fans votings for All-Star starters, and Ozzie still getting the start when others were clearly having better years. Both systems are severely flawed, but they accomplish their whorish agendas, I guess.

EDIT: Under the assumption that I was making (impartial judges, not text message voting), I think you can see where I was coming from. The thought was, "Well, if what I heard WON last night, that means it was better than whatever LOST last night."

[Ben E Lou]

You can also send a text message to vote.Ah. That easily explains the teenage girl vote mentioned above.

[Danny]

This thread is obviously the beginning of SkyDog's plot to destroy American Idol. No agenda? I think not.

:D

[Cuckoo]

Not fueling any agenda. I had no idea that the thing was done by popular vote, rather than by impartial judges. I can completely see the masses judging not on that particular performance, but on past performance/popularity, etc. Sounds like the pop music version of the fans votings for All-Star starters, and Ozzie still getting the start when others were clearly having better years. Both systems are severely flawed, but they accomplish their whorish agendas, I guess.


This is especially funny since Ozzie's son was a finalist this year. :D

But I agree, they are flawed. However, I would contend that this year they definitely got it right, at least on the final two. And I actually think the vast majority of people would agree with me.

[kcchief19]

I think Bucc hacked SkyDog's user account -- he sounds like an old crank this morning! :)

I've never watched American Idol either, but I've heard enough blather about it to know about the voting system, especially since when it fouls up it suddenly becomes breaking news on CNN. Come on, SD, pick up a copy of People magazine! :)

[kcchief19]

Correct. It is a 1-866 number I believe so the call is free. You can also send a text message to vote. Confirming for us once again that bsak is a teenage girl.

[Ben E Lou]

This is especially funny since Ozzie's son was a finalist this year. :D Shut up! Seriously???

[CraigSca]

The best part about American Idol are the first few episodes highlighting the rejects. The competition itself is boring. I can't stand the Barry Manilow/Barbra Streisand "pop artist" to begin with - why would I see a competition trying to find the next "hot singer"?

Step into any karaoke bar and you can see the same thing...

Not disparaging anyone who likes the show, just my opinion.

[Dr. Sak]

Confirming for us once again that bsak is a teenage girl.

Text the word Vote to 5702!

[Ben E Lou]

Come on, SD, pick up a copy of People magazine! :)My wife felt guilty about being a part of the "voyeur" culture that she feels contributed to Princess Di's death, and she has not bought a copy of People since then. (We were dating at the time.) I think the only time I *ever* read People as an adult was on the toilet when I was visiting SWMBO during our courtship, prior to the Di tragedy.

[Cuckoo]

Shut up! Seriously???

Absolutely. In the early try-out rounds he was going by Osbourne, then switched to Nikko in the later rounds. Originally, he barely missed the cut to the final 12. But when one guy dropped out of the competition, he was the next in line so he made the top 12. Then he survived down to 8 or 9 I think.

[Daimyo]

The performance you heard was not the one that got her into the finals, it was the second song (out of three) she sung last night in the finals (we will find out if it was enough to win tonight). Both of the finalists were pretty bad last night... probably was the worst Idol show in a while.

[Cuckoo]

Looks just like his Dad too. He did some hip-hop stuff and was a decent change of pace from some of the other performers. All in all, though, I'd call him mediocre. And if you don't like that kind of music (which I don't really), he became a tad annoying as each week passed.

Edit: Timestamp ruined my DOLA. :)

[Ben E Lou]

The performance you heard was not the one that got her into the finals, it was the second song (out of three) she sung last night in the finals (we will find out if it was enough to win tonight). Both of the finalists were pretty bad last night... probably was the worst Idol show in a while.Ah, more new info to me, then. I didn't realize that they don't find out the winner right after the performance. I guess that's a ramification of voting by text message and telephone, plus it helps ratings one more night?

[Blackadar]

Why don't they require them to play an instrument as well? It'd make the contest much more interesting...

[Ksyrup]

I've said it before, and I'll say it again - I'm still waiting for an honest, no-frills "battle of the bands" type show. None of this runnign from town-to-town trying to make money to play at a club crap like that VH1 show, just a weekly competition between bands who play their own music and write their own songs.

Also, I'd love to see a singer-songwriter competition. So many good ones out there, it would be cool to see them get some exposure. Anything that I could feel was remotely authentic.

[Ben E Lou]

Also, I'd love to see a singer-songwriter competition. So many good ones out there, it would be cool to see them get some exposure.I'd watch that every day and twice on Sunday, but I'm wondering if they could get good enough ratings to make it worth it. However, acoustic open mic places are pretty popular, so perhaps it would work.

[Daimyo]

Ah, more new info to me, then. I didn't realize that they don't find out the winner right after the performance. I guess that's a ramification of voting by text message and telephone, plus it helps ratings one more night?
I think tonight's show will be the 42nd or 43rd "episode" this season so they definately do their best to milk this thing for all its worth. Each episode also seems to have more than a normal amount of commercials too. In addition to advertising they also get a couple #1 records out of each season (and even a really bad movie from season 1). The whole process has been recreated in dozens of countries so you know someone is raking in the cash for all this...

[CraigSca]

I've said it before, and I'll say it again - I'm still waiting for an honest, no-frills "battle of the bands" type show. None of this runnign from town-to-town trying to make money to play at a club crap like that VH1 show, just a weekly competition between bands who play their own music and write their own songs.

Also, I'd love to see a singer-songwriter competition. So many good ones out there, it would be cool to see them get some exposure. Anything that I could feel was remotely authentic.
Right - find the next Paul Simon/John Lennon - THAT I would watch.

[chinaski]

Not one single person was remotely good this season, and the finalists are beyond pathetic.

[MJ4H]

Why don't they require them to play an instrument as well? It'd make the contest much more interesting...
Because the contest is to find the best singer (the voice is an instrument, incidentally). If they required the vocalist to also play another instrument, you would unnecessarily limit the field to just those that can do both really well.

Incidentally Carrie has played guitar on the show (I don't remember if Bo did, but I know Carrie did).

The point is, though, this show is designed to focus on the best vocalist, not the best all-around instrumentalist, all-around musician, or whatever. Though, as some others have mentioned, that would be an interesting idea for a different show. One I would undoubtedly watch, as well.

[MJ4H]

Not one single person was remotely good this season, and the finalists are beyond pathetic.
Needless to say, I disagree. It is mostly a matter of taste though, probably, because to argue they have poor vocal talent is just silly. They clearly have that. A tad inconsistent, yet, sure. However, that will get better with more experience. The two finalists are already a lot better than a lot of pop vocalists that are making a lot of money (ever heard some of these people sing live? holy cow)

[Ksyrup]

Right - find the next Paul Simon/John Lennon - THAT I would watch.
I'd settle for the next Julian Lennon at this point.

[JeeberD]

I've said it before, and I'll say it again - I'm still waiting for an honest, no-frills "battle of the bands" type show. None of this runnign from town-to-town trying to make money to play at a club crap like that VH1 show, just a weekly competition between bands who play their own music and write their own songs.

Flickerstick ROCKS! :p

[chinaski]

Needless to say, I disagree. It is mostly a matter of taste though, probably, because to argue they have poor vocal talent is just silly. They clearly have that. A tad inconsistent, yet, sure. However, that will get better with more experience. The two finalists are already a lot better than a lot of pop vocalists that are making a lot of money (ever heard some of these people sing live? holy cow)
I agree, with your disagreement http://dynamic.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif I would argue that they have no vocal talent anyday, it would take me all day to name just friends of mine who can sing better than 99% of the people ive seen on AI in its entire lifespan. To "sing" like a person on AI really doesnt take that much; 5 years in the church choir or apparently playing covers of Freebird 4 nights a week for 10 years. Ive only been slightly impressed by someone on that show, and it was Ruben... and hes not even unique; i just liked calling him the velvet teddy bear. Its very easy to sum up every single person whos been on that show.. generic. Id like to know how being on AI somehow ups your "talent" cred, or why people forget that anyone who would ever put themselves into the AI contest clearly from the onset has no clue about music or art.

[MJ4H]

Totally disagree with everything you just said and would go so far as to say that thinking you have that many friends that can sing better than the AI contestants is probably why the auditions are packed full of humiliations (really just kidding about that, but not totally - don't take it personally, it's really just a joke).

Since we agree to disagree, I will bow out of the thread.

[Ksyrup]

Flickerstick ROCKS! :p
I still see the name around - I think they even play here. Pretty surprising.

[judicial clerk]

Skydog, you really need to watch the show. I bet that Ksyrup shares a similar opinion to you generally, and the show has sucked him in and it will suck you in too.

I think that if you give it a chance you will enjoy it for what it is.

[Mustang]

thinking you have that many friends that can sing better than the AI contestants is probably why the auditions are packed full of humiliations (really just kidding about that, but not totally - don't take it personally, it's really just a joke).

While you meant it as a joke, probably not far from the truth. Similar to the whole mentality with people thinking that with a few breaks they could be professional athletes..

[Ben E Lou]

Skydog, you really need to watch the show. I bet that Ksyrup shares a similar opinion to you generally, and the show has sucked him in and it will suck you in too.

I think that if you give it a chance you will enjoy it for what it is.Doubtful. Other than "Cops," I haven't gotten into any "new" show since "In Living Color," and I've tried several. Apart from sports-related stuff, the only time I watch TV is if I'm bored and a rerun of Cops, Cosby, Sanford & Son, Good Times, or Gilligan's Island is on. I'll take in one of those "Hip Hop History" specials that MTV/VH-1 like to do from time to time, too. There's nothing like an interview with 60-ish-year-old Grandmaster Flash. :p None of the other newer shows have drawn me in. SWMBO tried to get me to watch "Kevin Hill," but I found that I enjoy text sims and message boards better.

[Ben E Lou]

Totally disagree with everything you just said and would go so far as to say that thinking you have that many friends that can sing better than the AI contestants is probably why the auditions are packed full of humiliations (really just kidding about that, but not totally - don't take it personally, it's really just a joke).That depends on who your friends are, though. :p

I am quite certain that Bebo Norman, Ed Cash, Allen Levi, Jon Black, Ryan Long and Matthew Terrell, among others,l can all sing circles around that chick I heard on the radio this morning, but I realize that I'm a little spoiled. Bebo, Allen and Ed in particular have voices that are just absolutely angelic.

[JeeberD]

I still see the name around - I think they even play here. Pretty surprising.

They're from the Dallas area and still do a lot of shows around here. I've never seen then myself, though. I'm actually kinda surprised that they make it out to Florida...

[Ksyrup]

I'm in a college town, so maybe they make a Southeastern run every few months.

[Joe]

Why don't they require them to play an instrument as well? It'd make the contest much more interesting...


thats why I like Nashville star better. the contestants all play an instrument, and have to write and perform original songs.

[ShaqFu]

Last night's performance didn't get her into the final. It was the final. IMHO, I thought she was great on that song and her third song. I think many of the problems, which were small, can be attributed to nerves. Carrie's voice cracked on her last song, but you could tell it was more emotional than bad singing.

The Idols have went from singing in front of 3 people to 3,000 people. Through most of the season they sing in a much smaller venue. The final is held at Kodak Theatre and for both of them, it is probably their biggest crowd ever.

Between Carrie and Bo, Carrie is probably the easiest to market. However in the two previous seasons (not season one) you had Clay v Ruben. Clay was easier to market, but Ruben won. Clay has had more success. In season three, you had Diana and Fantasia. Diana was probably easier to market, but Fantasia won. I've seen more of Diana than Fantasia.

While I want Carrie to win (just as I wanted Clay and Diana) I think Bo will end up winning. However, unlike with Ruben or Fantasia, I think he will have better success.

[Ksyrup]

In season three, you had Diana and Fantasia. Diana was probably easier to market, but Fantasia won. I've seen more of Diana than Fantasia.
That's because there was more of her to see. Although judging from her appearance on AI this year, Fantasia's ass is going for the gold.

[Daimyo]

Diana was pretty terrible... I can't imagine she would have made it far this season.