American Idol 2007

[MJ4H]

Yeah basically. Here, listen to a short excerpt if you want. (http://pwatts14.googlepages.com/Choleexcerpt.mp3)

[Ksyrup]

Wow. That's one hell of a pure voice. Someone needs to get her away from the Disney music and put her in a band, though. :D

[MJ4H]

Disney music, indeed. Nella Fantasia is a song based on Gabrielle's Oboe from the movie The Mission, composed by a guy you may have heard of, Ennio Morriconne (recent lifetime acheivement award at the Oscars).

[Ksyrup]

Honestly, she'd be perfect for a symphonic metal band like Therion. They use real opera singers and such.

Just looking for some way to relate an obvious talent to something I might actually enjoy, that's all!

[Crim]

Re: Suckjaya's sister... have you guys noticed her freakishly large forehead and reptilian wide-set eyes?!? I mean, I'm a tit guy too, but that face is a deal breaker for me!

[MJ4H]

Now you know why paper bags were invented.

[wade moore]

So - are Melinda and LaKisha going to be in anyway pushed out of their comfort zone or forced to make a song out of their comfort zone in to their style? Seems like no, and I find that very dissapointing and discouraging personally.

[Easy Mac]

Now you know why paper bags were invented.

a paperbag would not help

hxxp://slimtainment.com/idolblog/wp-content/photos/shyamalihooters.jpg

[Logan]

So - are Melinda and LaKisha going to be in anyway pushed out of their comfort zone or forced to make a song out of their comfort zone in to their style? Seems like no, and I find that very dissapointing and discouraging personally.

I hope so, and the AI producers should make it happen so they get knocked out. I believe a few weeks back we were talking about how bad the show would look if Melinda got knocked out, since she is 10x the singer than anyone else and could be a professional today. Well, my opinion has changed pretty quickly...the show will look bad once again when the winner ends up having a much worse career (or no commercial career) compared to the losers. And soon it'll be looking bad to not just the people like me who never watched a season like Ruben-Clay but know that the runner-up is more successful, but the core audience will start wondering why their winners aren't tearing up the charts like the ones they're going up against.

I mean, eventually it has to catch up with them right?

edit: Do you think people are going to end up going crazy over the Melinda-Lakisha combo during the Idol Tour?

[wade moore]

I hope so, and the AI producers should make it happen so they get knocked out. I believe a few weeks back we were talking about how bad the show would look if Melinda got knocked out, since she is 10x the singer than anyone else and could be a professional today. Well, my opinion has changed pretty quickly...the show will look bad once again when the winner ends up having a much worse career (or no commercial career) compared to the losers. And soon it'll be looking bad to not just the people like me who never watched a season like Ruben-Clay but know that the runner-up is more successful, but the core audience will start wondering why their winners aren't tearing up the charts like the ones they're going up against.

I mean, eventually it has to catch up with them right?

It's a good question that I'm not sure the answer too. In reality, I think you can say that only two Idol Winners have had commercial success - Clarkson and Underwood. Reuban, Fantasia, and Hicks have all had mediocre commercial success. However, Daughtry, McPhee, Grayson have all certainly been more commercially successful than those three winners - and I'm sure there's more that I'm forgetting since last season was the first season I watched.

[Easy Mac]

I disagree. I think people see this as nothing more than a game or a contest and really don't care who sells more. This is reflected by the fact that if it was all about selling records for the audience, then 30 million people would be buying American Idol albums, but those numbers are nowhere close.

[Solecismic]

I find it difficult to read anything nefarious into the Idol system. The voting rewards the power voices, which don't necessarily translate into commercial success.

We are conditioned by the format to recognize the strongest instrument. Sometimes, that is coupled with absurd amounts of talent, like with Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood. And sometimes it isn't.

It's a subjective system, and that pretty much guarantees a lot of people won't be happy with the results. At least it's better than how we choose presidential candidates.

[Toddzilla]

Please Please Please DO NOT vote Sanjaya off....

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[Swaggs]

Andy Samberg did a pretty solid rendition of Sanjaya on SNL this past weekend.

[Solecismic]

Tonight's theme is Pop Songs of the '90s. Gwen Stefani, everybody's favorite gender unspecific singer, is guiding the proceedings.

As usual, many of the constestants are playing it fast and loose with the song choices. The divas are singing 1980s Donna Summer songs, the ballad-oriented guys are choosing 1980s Police songs. In fact, only the trio shamelessly sucking up to Stefani seemed to choose songs anyone would ever identify with the 1990s.

In order of performance...


Lakisha Jones - "Love Has a Mind of its Own" - Donna Summer

Randy says: "I liked it, I like you, what a way to open the show."
Paula says: "Murphl bloffy terrapin quaable"
Simon says: "It was a bit slow, a bit too much in your comfort zone. I'd like to see you try something a little more modern."

Expected Score: 80.


Blake Lewis - "Love Song" - Tesla?

Randy says: "I have no idea what it is, but I liked it."
Paula says: "Crunky blaffles!"
Simon says: "I didn't like your song choice this week. I thought it was too slow and a little odd. It was all Blake improvising, and I think you're at your best with more melody to work with."

Expected Score: 75.


Jordin Sparks - "Hey Baby" - No Doubt

Randy says: "It's good to see you out there, but I don't know that it was your best vocal."
Paula says: "Wizzle cranfl reskatootle blumpki."
Simon says: "You need to perform songs that show off your range and the quality of your voice. This is more an energy song, and it just wasn't a good choice for you."

Expected Score: 73.


Chris Richardson - "Don't Speak" - No Doubt

Randy says: "I like the song choice, I like the quality of your voice, I think it was a bit pitchy."
Paula says: (nothing, she's just drooling like a lapdog with a fresh bone).
Simon says: "I'm not sure it was a great choice for you, but I like you and I think you made your fans (glances at Paula) very happy."

Expected Score: 78.


Gina Glocksen - "Just Like a Pill" - Pink

Randy says: "I'm just going to frown at you, because you already know what I'm going to say."
Paula says: "You're you, and that's what I love about you."
Simon says: "The lower ranges were simply dreadful. I know you want to preserve your place here as the rock singer, but that seemed very forced. I think you're in some danger this week."

Expected Score: 52.


Phil Stacey - "Every Breath You Take" - The Police

Randy says: "I just don't know. That didn't really do it for me. I mean, it's good, but, uh, it's good."
Paula says: "Skibbie wooo furley rangerabbits."
Simon says: "You know what that sounded like? You know when your father has had a little too much to drink, and he meets a pretty girl, but your mother's there so he doesn't want to say anything overt, but he wants to let her know, and then he gets up on a table and sings. That's what it sounded like."

Expected Score: 57.


Haley Scarnato - "True Colors" - Cyndi Lauper

Randy says: "You know, I kinda liked it. Maybe not your best performance, but it was okay. I mean okay, you know."
Paula says: "You're Haley, and you're always going to be Haley, and I love that."
Simon says: "I don't think that was a very good choice for you. It just wasn't a very strong performance. I won't remember it tomorrow. I loved the dress."

Expected Score: 66.


Sanjaya Malakar - "Sunday Morning" - No Doubt

Randy says: "It's good to see you having fun up there. I'm not sure the reggae beat was a great choice for you."
Paula says: "Nilldy wanngrass flibby gerfunket."
Simon says: "I have no idea why you're still here. You have a good voice, but it wasn't a good performance."

Expected Score: 54.


Melinda Doolittle - "Sunset People" - Donna Summer

Randy says: "That was a hot vocal. I enjoyed the faster pace this week, you're in your comfort zone and it really shows."
Paula says: "Priyannamawgally!!"
Simon says: "Like LaKisha, I want to see you try something new and different. You really are a sweetheart, aren't you? Yes you are, Melinda. Yes you are, and that is just so rare."

Expected Score: 85.


Chris Sligh - "Every Little Thing She Does is Magic" - The Police

Randy says: "That just didn't do it, dawg. It was kind of bad, you know."
Paula says: "I thought it was pitchy, but you know how much I love you."
Simon says: "You're going to have to step it up. There are three or four people here who want to be here, and that just wasn't good enough."

Expected Score: 61.


Overall... I'm not all that impressed with the song choices. I know the '90s pop scene was kind of a wasteland - grunge groups took off and the mainstream became a lot less cool. Still, finding a bunch of '80s songs that sort of fit in more reminds me why grunge was necessary in the first place. I see the LaKisha/Melinda combo dominating tonight even though they are staying firmly in their comfort zones simply because no one else will step it up. I hope I'm wrong, but I'm not looking forward to tonight.

[adubroff]

I think Sunday Morning is Maroon 40 and Love Song is The Cure. I am most curious about Blake doing that one.

Of the shakier contestants, I believe Haley has done the best picking a song to fit her voice/talents.

[sabotai]

Just my opinion on what I've seen over the years, but it seems to me that people are more likely to vote for someone who sings a modern, popular song "well" over someone who hits an oldie out of the park. Melinda will not win this competition unless she starts singings songs that were written after the invention of indoor plumbing (or at least songs that sound like they were written after it). This week was her perfect chance to do that, and she blew it.

[sabotai]

Please Please Please DO NOT vote Sanjaya off.

Can't......stop.....watching.....

[Eaglesfan27]

I'm almost certain Sunday Morning is No Doubt as my roommate in college was a huge fan and played their music constantly.


Jim, that was hilarious commentary and so on point.


Edit: Per Google, Sunday Morning definitely is by No Doubt.

[JeeberD]

Maroon 5 has a song called Sunday Morning as well, but going by the category I would guess it's the No Doubt song tonight...

[adubroff]

Maroon 5 has a song called Sunday Morning as well, but going by the category I would guess it's the No Doubt song tonight...


Makes sense. I will go crawl back in my hole.

[RedKingGold]

I'm getting really tired of the divas escaping and getting good reviews for basically doing the same thing every freaking week.

[Sublime 2]

Gwen Stefani is yummy

[MJ4H]

Gina picks awesome songs. This song fucking rules.

[adubroff]

Gina picks awesome songs. This song fucking rules.


Gina is the Greg Luzinski of this competition. She swings for the fences and when she connects, the ball goes REALLY far.

[MJ4H]

HAHAHAHAHA

[MJ4H]

dola

sunjaya

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

[Flasch186]

wow, she is extra hot tonight....

and I thought we'd have a courtney love moment there.

[FBPro]

Haley=yummy!!!!(who cares what she sounds like).

[sabotai]

Haley=yummy!!!!(who cares what she sounds like).

I concur.

[FBPro]

I just hope she sticks around just so we can look at her. :D

[adubroff]

I give the week to Gina. It's the first week I think you can make an arguement that Melinda didn't do the very best. It will be interesting come vote counting time, because the performances I think were all around pretty strong. I never like Chris, but I liked him this week. Ditto Phil. Blake, Melinda, Lakisha were their usual strong selves. Even Svenjaya wasn't awful this week in my mind.

I didn't like Jordin near as much as the judges, I'd put her in my bottom 3 this week along with Chris and Haley.

[wade moore]

I'd give the week to Gina with some order of Phil Stacey (to my surprise), Blake, and Melinda in the next tier.

[Thomkal]

Heh Jim, I liked your judges comments better than the real thing. :)

Well a pretty blah week for me, maybe because I'm not a Gwen Stefani fan and three of the people picked her songs. Other than one person none of them were my favorite performances from them. I think Gina wins hands down here.

The two Chris's are in the most danger I think, probably Phil too. That is if Sanjaya doesn't go after making himself an even bigger joke than he already is. My god everything about it from the hair to the song choice was awful. Loved Simon's comment about him being in his own universe though. Would that be "Bizarro Universe?"

[MJ4H]

1. Melinda - always technically sound, always emotive.
2. Gina - fantastic song. A few bobbles in the performance but I'm a fan of this song so I'm biased.
3. Lakisha - pretty technically solid, pretty boring. I can't really even remember it as I type this.
4. Phil - performed well, but tried to sound too much like Sting for me. Still pretty good.
5. Blake - yeah this was pretty rough pitch-wise in some spots, but Blake has style and is always entertaining.
6. Chris R - I'm amazed frequently that while Simon doesn't seem to get some of the technical music things, he almost always gets when someone has fundamental problems while Randy and Paula are frequently the opposite. Chris did struggle in the middle with his pitch and phrasing and Simon recognized it, but I'm not sure he knew exactly what he recognized--just that he was struggling.
7. Jordin - Yikes, I thought this was extremely hokey and completely missed the spirit of the original. Like Mary Poppins trying to sing Joan Jett.
8. Chris S - oof
9. Haley - Pretty girl who can sing ok.
10. Sanjaya - this isn't even worth a discussion.

[Lathum]

I'm getting really tired of the divas escaping and getting good reviews for basically doing the same thing every freaking week.

I could not agree more.

Someone explain to me the point of a "theme" if Melinda and Lakisha can basicly sing the same songs every week.

[Drake]

I would fully support a Skinemax musical for Haley.

[Mustang]

I'm officially bored with Melinda and Lakisha.. good singers but, if Blake gets the comment of 'You're doing Chris Daughtry and doing your own thing' not sure what exactly Melinda and Lakisha are doing. IMO, they have done nothing to be unique. At this point, I'd like to see a final of Jordin and Blake.

Unfortunately, my DVR screwed up when Sanjaya sang.. it is as though the finger of God scrambled it so I would not suffer.

[Lathum]

I'm officially bored with Melinda and Lakisha.. good singers but, if Blake gets the comment of 'You're doing Chris Daughtry and doing your own thing' not sure what exactly Melinda and Lakisha are doing. IMO, they have done nothing to be unique. At this point, I'd like to see a final of Jordin and Blake.

Agree 100%

[FBPro]

I would fully support a Skinemax musical for Haley.

Anything to see more of her.

[Swaggs]

I think Gina and maybe Blake, if he had some really great songs, are the only two this season that I would be interested in seeing live or buying one of their CDs.

[Toddzilla]

I would fully support a Skinemax musical for Haley.Pair her up with Sanjaya's sister, and I'd walk funny for the rest of my life...

[Solecismic]

So much for previews this week. Pay no attention to the man behind the spoiler sources. If you don't watch out, seven little monkeys will spring out from Sanjaya's hairdo, pick up brooms and launch an aerial attack not seen since the days when Peyton Manning was all about touchdown numbers and failure in the playoffs.

Speaking of reversals, Gwen Stefani is looking pretty hot these days. I guess she took her own vocal advice about not oversinging good melodies and applied that to her makeup staff. There's no doubt, no doubt at all I would have given her more a listen in the '90s had she presented this more feminine side. First Fergie, now this. What's up with that?

Tonight was songs by artists who Gwen considers an inspiration. Strangely enough, they include Gwen Stefani. Did you know that if you play her first album at 78 speed, it's the perfect soundtrack for the premiere episode of South Park? For you kids who are too young to know what 78 speed means, Google it or something, as I get to the ratings:

1. Gina Glocksen. My spoiler site had her mangling a Pink song with a difficult lower register. She had other ideas, fortunately. She took on a sincere Pretenders song and kept it very much under control. It was night and day from last week as she was able to show her power without losing her pitch. Score of 93.

2. Melinda Doolittle. We run the risk at this point of expecting perfection every week out. She picked up the pace with a faster Donna Summer song and really performed it well, hanging back for the first minute and letting loose in the final bars. A very professional approach, well done as always. Again, I'm wondering why a seasoned pro is kicking ass in an amateurs' competition. Score of 90.

3. Chris Richardson. I liked this vocal a lot better than I thought I would. His tune is very good and he can handle complex runs as well as anyone in the competition. His voice doesn't have the pure tone I think is necessary to win it all, but he's making the most of every week. Score of 84.

4. Blake Lewis. I had him singing the wrong Love Song. This was The Cure's version, and much better suited to his brooding vocal style. I think he made the right choice not to beatbox it up, but he had a bit of trouble with the higher notes. Part of this score is just enjoying that someone is doing a competent job adding a completely different performance style to the Idol repetoire. Score of 83.

5. Phil Stacey. He did a very nice job imitating Sting performing a difficult song. Usually, Phil is bad karaoke. Tonight, he was very good karaoke. Score of 82.

6. Jordin Sparks. Jordin clearly studied the hell out of old No Doubt videos. She had Gwen Stefani facial expressions down pat, mannerisms, even dressed the part, taking care to cover the less toned midriff. Jordin will be a phenomenal Broadway star some day. It was good to see her take a chance, but it wasn't up to her usual vocal level. Score of 81.

7. LaKisha Jones. Three through seven today were separated by a handful of points. This wasn't really a bottom half peformance, it's just that after Melinda and Gina, the next five were good but not great. LaKisha also picked up the pace with Donna Summer tonight, and did a nice job, but I could tell she was out of her comfort zone. Score of 80.

8. Haley Scarnato. Miles and miles of space between number seven and eight, though. It started rough, then she had a nice run that had me hoping she could finally break through, but then she crashed badly in the middle and could not retain her rhythm or tone. She just can't get past these Miss America competition level renditions. I think she should make the transition to Miss America. I'd vote for her there, not here. Score of 60.

9. Chris Sligh. From day one, I've worried he doesn't put in the work. He had some decent ideas here, and probably should have done a lot better, but the end result was just a poor imitation of Sting. Stacey flat out beat him like a rug tonight. Score of 57.

10. Sanjaya Malakar. Last week, he had a lot of energy, and sold a decent parody. I liked it. This week, he lacked energy, looked like an idiot, but still tried to sell a parody version of a song. It was pure amateur crap as a result. Score of 34.

Who's in the bottom three: Chris Sligh, Haley, Phil.

Who should go: Sanjaya.

Who will go: Chris Sligh.

Average Scores to date:

Melinda 92, Jordin 84, LaKisha 83, Blake 80, Gina 78, Chris Richardson 76, Chris Sligh 67, Phil 63, Haley 63, Sanjaya 49.

[LoneStarGirl]

In order of performance...



Where did you get that that was the order of performance? It was totally off.

I loved Gina tonight. She blew me away. Phil was second with Jordin third. Jordin is freaking awesome and I agree she would be terrific for the finale with Blake

[Ksyrup]

I'm with you guys on the Lakisha/Melinda thing. I'm officially on an anti-diva platform. After we rid the world of Chris R. I don't think I've ever seen a singer after whose performances I've said - every time - "that was flawless, but awful." But that's basically my comment after Mellinda sings every week. Horrible music, performed professionally. But as often as Simon says that he's seen these performances on a cruise ship or whatever, I have to say the same about Melinda - except, maybe not a cruise ship, but Broadway or some high-end Vegas show. Woop-de-freaking-do.

I hate that music with a passion, and the fact that they can sing the same shitty-sounding songs week and week regardless of the theme pisses me off to no end.

[Ksyrup]

Sanjaya's hair was what he tried to do last week for You Really Got Me, but the hair stylist couldn't get the gel to work, so he scrapped it at the last minute and came up with the individual ponytails to pull it off this week. I didn't think it was possible for him to be worse every week, but he managed it.

Chris S. was really bad too. I'll say it again - lose and go back to your band.

[Ksyrup]

BTW, Jim, hxxp://mjsbigblog.com/ pretty much nails the spoilers every week - even down to the wardrobe (they reported the Sanjaya hair thing last week).

[Eaglesfan27]

I mostly agree with Jim's rankings, but I would knock Chris Richardson down at least 3 slots to just above Haley and bump everyone else up 1 slot. Gwen looked incredible tonight. Haley looked even better. I hope she hangs around for at least a few more weeks.


Edited to add: I really loved Gina's look tonight as well as her song and had her first on my list. I see signs of improving confidence in Jordin every week which should carry her far with her talent.

[Solecismic]

BTW, Jim, hxxp://mjsbigblog.com/ pretty much nails the spoilers every week - even down to the wardrobe (they reported the Sanjaya hair thing last week).

Sorry, not sure what happened this week. I use a variety of sources and this looked reliable. Obviously whoever came up with it made up the order and only had about half the songs right.

[Ksyrup]

Had I seen the differences before the show, I would have said something, but I didn't get to MJ's site today. I just went there, though, and they had most of the songs and the order. A couple they just knew the artist, but not song.

[Ksyrup]

I thought Jordin was excellent, but again, that song was terrible. She was out of breath in parts and the song was light on actual vocals, I thought. The only ones I thought were downright bad were Sanjaya and the Chris's.

[JeeberD]

I thought Jordin was excellent, but again, that song was terrible.

I've always like "Hey Baby", but even before she went on stage I felt it was the wrong sort of song for this kind of competition...

[lordscarlet]

I just want to reiterate what everyone else has said. The diva bit is getting old, particularly that the judges do not call them out. Gina rocked the house and even got the Melinda lovers to see her as better this week. However, Gina is back into my not-so-hot list for looks after this week. ;)

I think one of the Chris's go this week.

[Ksyrup]

I've always like "Hey Baby", but even before she went on stage I felt it was the wrong sort of song for this kind of competition...

I'd never heard the song before and hope never to again.

[JeeberD]

It's much better in its original format...

[Lathum]

I think Chris S. is gone, he was really out of sync tonight.

[Lathum]

dola- My fiance has serius radio and she said when she has the Howard Stern show on "vote for Sanjaya" scrolls across the display :)

[Vinatieri for Prez]

I don't get what you all like about Melinda. So, she's got a good voice. This is a performance competition and she has half a package. No personality on stage frankly. With the repetition of songs added to that, I have one word that sums up her performance when she steps on stage --- BOOOOORRRRRING.

Gina won tonight. Chris S. sucked. So did Haley, but I'm hoping she can hang in longer for obvious reasons.

[Ragone]

If this keeps up.. honestly at some point they are gonna have to step up and just eliminate sanjaya.. Clearly he's the worst of the bunch, shouldn't have made the final 12.. much less the show to begin with

[lordscarlet]

I don't get what you all like about Melinda. So, she's got a good voice. This is a performance competition and she has half a package. No personality on stage frankly. With the repetition of songs added to that, I have one word that sums up her performance when she steps on stage --- BOOOOORRRRRING.

Gina won tonight. Chris S. sucked. So did Haley, but I'm hoping she can hang in longer for obvious reasons.

By "you all" do you mean "the judges"?

[wade moore]

I'm with you guys on the Lakisha/Melinda thing. I'm officially on an anti-diva platform. After we rid the world of Chris R. I don't think I've ever seen a singer after whose performances I've said - every time - "that was flawless, but awful." But that's basically my comment after Mellinda sings every week. Horrible music, performed professionally. But as often as Simon says that he's seen these performances on a cruise ship or whatever, I have to say the same about Melinda - except, maybe not a cruise ship, but Broadway or some high-end Vegas show. Woop-de-freaking-do.

I hate that music with a passion, and the fact that they can sing the same shitty-sounding songs week and week regardless of the theme pisses me off to no end.

More and more folks here are joining this club - is this also true elsewhere in america?

Jordin - Yikes, I thought this was extremely hokey and completely missed the spirit of the original. Like Mary Poppins trying to sing Joan Jett. PERFECT summary of this performance for me.


Good summary by Jim. I'm glad he mentioned the Gwen thing. I was REALLY thrown off. If they hadn't told me that it was Gwen Stefani and just shown this woman up there talking, you could have bet me $1000 that it was Gwen Stefani and I'd take you up on that bet. COMPLETELY different look (read: better) and she seemed like she was as young as the contestants.

[EagleFan]

What I took from this episode was that Gwen looked freaking amazing. I have not been a fan of hers because I hate that over made up look she always has. She looked damn hot last night!!!

[Thomkal]

Really hope Chris Sligh doesn't go tonight. Have to say I enjoy his vocals more than any other of the contestants. He's just made some poor decisions with song choices/arrangements. He may be better suited for a band though rather than solo-I keep thinking he'd be good with Barenaked Ladies for some reason.

[Ksyrup]

What I took from this episode was that Gwen looked freaking amazing. I have not been a fan of hers because I hate that over made up look she always has. She looked damn hot last night!!!

I have been outspoken on this board about my hatred of this Madonna wannabe, but I agree with what you said. Stripped of the makeup and faux-punk attitude, she came off as stunningly beautiful and nice. The funny thing is, I was convinced from seeing her last night that she was in her early 30s, but was shocked to see that she's older than me (37). I think she was the real winner last night.

Oh, and am I the only one who thinks they gave Chris R. the last performance of the night as a way of trying to prop up his chances of staying on the show given that he was in the bottom 2 last week? That's supposed to be the "show stopper" performance, but he certainly didn't earn that spot. I think that was the show's attempt to buy him some votes to keep him around. Just a theory.

[Ksyrup]

Really hope Chris Sligh doesn't go tonight. Have to say I enjoy his vocals more than any other of the contestants. He's just made some poor decisions with song choices/arrangements. He may be better suited for a band though rather than solo-I keep thinking he'd be good with Barenaked Ladies for some reason.

Have you heard his band's stuff? I linked to it several pages back. It's radio-friendly, but pretty good. I think the BNL connection is his weight.

[wade moore]

I have been outspoken on this board about my hatred of this Madonna wannabe, but I agree with what you said. Stripped of the makeup and faux-punk attitude, she came off as stunningly beautiful and nice. The funny thing is, I was convinced from seeing her last night that she was in her early 30s, but was shocked to see that she's older than me (37). I think she was the real winner last night.

yes yes.

[Ksyrup]

Interesting bit of info...


The New York Times (http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/25/arts/television/25news.html) (registration required) notes that out of the Top 11 American Idol contestants, 7 are from the South. Andy Dehnart of Reality Blurred (http://www.realityblurred.com/realitytv/archives/american_idol_6/2007_Mar_26_southerners) further points out that in the Top 24, the South was underrepresented–only 7 were from the South–including Florida, Texas and Virginia. In other words, Stephanie Edwards was the first Southerner to be eliminated since the public started voting.

Last year, according to Pursuent Research, 39% of Idol viewers came from the South, while 21% each came from the North and North Central regions and 19% from the West. This year, according to the Times article, ”…the two-hour season premiere had a 34.7 share in Atlanta, compared with 22.3 in New York and 18.2 in Los Angeles [from Nielsen Media Research].”

[Ksyrup]

On the issue of Lakisha and Melinda's song choices, since both were from Donna Summer, I wonder if Gwen Stefani was coaxed into adding Donna Summer to her list of artists that inspired her. I guess anything's possible and certainly there are likely to be artists you wouldn't expect on many artists' "inspired by" lists, but that just stuck out like a sore thumb to me.

Police, Pretenders, Cure, Cyndi Lauper...and Donna Summer.

One of these things is not like the other ones, one of these things just doesn't belong.

[wade moore]

On the issue of Lakisha and Melinda's song choices, since both were from Donna Summer, I wonder if Gwen Stefani was coaxed into adding Donna Summer to her list of artists that inspired her. I guess anything's possible and certainly there are likely to be artists you wouldn't expect on many artists' "inspired by" lists, but that just stuck out like a sore thumb to me.

Police, Pretenders, Cure, Cyndi Lauper...and Donna Summer.

One of these things is not like the other ones, one of these things just doesn't belong.

I had the same thought.

And this is now two weeks in a row of "questionable" song choices to the theme were Melinda and LaKisha both picked the same artist.

It all just stinks to me.

[lordscarlet]

On the issue of Lakisha and Melinda's song choices, since both were from Donna Summer, I wonder if Gwen Stefani was coaxed into adding Donna Summer to her list of artists that inspired her. I guess anything's possible and certainly there are likely to be artists you wouldn't expect on many artists' "inspired by" lists, but that just stuck out like a sore thumb to me.

Police, Pretenders, Cure, Cyndi Lauper...and Donna Summer.

One of these things is not like the other ones, one of these things just doesn't belong.

I was thinking the same thing.

In addition, I have always been a fan of Gwen Stefani in the looks department, but I'm odd. :)

[Thomkal]

Have you heard his band's stuff? I linked to it several pages back. It's radio-friendly, but pretty good. I think the BNL connection is his weight.

His physical appearance probably does have something to do with the connection, but I just thought ever since I first heard him that he would do a great job with a BNL song.

I keep meaning to check out that link, but I'm lazy. :)

[Ksyrup]

America...your next American Idol!

http://pbskids.org/arthur/friends/images/rollovers/francine_home_08_roll.gif

[cuervo72]

I have to admit, Stefani looked pretty darned good last night (the brief glimpse I saw), and I have been less than enamored with her in the past. I was really taken aback. :)

[Swaggs]

I have always thought Gwen Stefani was hot, but I can see how folks find her unattractive when she has her stage-look going. She always looks pretty good when she is a guest on a talkshow or in regular interviews, though.

[path12]

I don't get the Melinda backlash. You can quibble about the song choices, but she is heads above everyone else in the competition talent-wise. I think when the inevitable diva showdown occurs in the next few weeks that Lakisha will be the one who is gone.

Jordin is growing on me every week. She is just the epitome of the cute sassy high school girl and would be a fantastic idol for marketing reasons.

[Ksyrup]

I think the problem with Melinda is that she's not really "competing" - in addition to being a pro, she's not being forced to choose, or willingly choosing, songs that fit the spirit of the themes in the competition. I don't care what Simon says, this is NOT a singing competition. Peter Noone was right - it's a voting competition. And I would much rather see someone like Blake win than Melinda because he "gets it" - he's 100 times more likely to be a successful AI winner in 2007 than the "technically proficient but sings songs from your mother's 8-track collection" stylings of Melinda, no matter how great a voice she has. Or heck, if I'm forced to choose between the remaining divas, Jordin wins hands down because she is much closer to what AI is supposed to be about than "Melisha" (for short).

[wade moore]

I think the problem with Melinda is that she's not really "competing" - in addition to being a pro, she's not being forced to choose, or willingly choosing, songs that fit the spirit of the themes in the competition. I don't care what Simon says, this is NOT a singing competition. Peter Noone was right - it's a voting competition. And I would much rather see someone like Blake win than Melinda because he "gets it" - he's 100 times more likely to be a successful AI winner in 2007 than the "technically proficient but sings songs from your mother's 8-track collection" stylings of Melinda, no matter how great a voice she has. Or heck, if I'm forced to choose between the remaining divas, Jordin wins hands down because she is much closer to what AI is supposed to be about than "Melisha" (for short).

Agreed. In addition there's an entertainment factor. I want an AI contestant to entertain me, not just wow me with a technically proficient voice. Melisha (I like that) does not entertain me. Part of that entertaining is to see what they do with the themes. Since what Melisha does is stretch as far away from the theme to pick another song just like the previous songs they've done, that does not entertain me.

And before people try to make the Blake/Daughtry comparison again - like it has been said, Blake takes a song from the theme and makes it his. Melisha takes a song that either really (imo) doesn't fit the theme or is on the outskirts of the theme that fits their comfort zone.

[Logan]

Would anyone here really pay to see Melisha (agreed on liking this, and I think this should be board mandate from now on) in concert?

[Solecismic]

There are two rules, as stated on air over and over:

1) Vote for who you like, vote early and often.

2) It is a singing competition.

It's up to us to determine how we interpret that. For me, Melinda is the best singer. Her performances have the subtlety of a polished performer.

You can see that reflected in the judging - especially with Paula, who has problems expressing herself and has taken on the public role of a cheerleader, but seems to have an unusual understanding of performance when she isn't making a fool out of herself. The judges know that Melinda is a pro, and the others aren't.

For others, the criteria might be who motivates them to want to buy albums - there was only one in the top 24, Leslie Hunt, who might want to put out albums that I'd consider buying. And I don't like jazz, so I'm not even sure of that. So that criteria doesn't work for me, but it might work for others.

Or is it star quality? Melinda doesn't have a lot of that, she just sings extraordinarily well. There are several others, including LaKisha, who probably deserve more votes.

It's hard to say what's fair and what isn't. I've come up with my own guidelines, and I feel free to bend them at times when I'm inspired.

I think Idol has only had one candidate who had everything, and that was Kelly Clarkson. I missed the first season, but it's being shown in syndication weekly right now on Idol Rewind. I'm amazed with how good she is, compared to everyone (including Melinda) in every season since.

Kelly gave Idol credibility. I'm not sure it would still be on the air today if not for her. Simon says he will quit if Sanjaya wins this season. I agree. That credibility would be permanently lost if someone who really can't perform consistently is promoted as a winner. I think Taylor winning last season was bad enough - at least he has a consistent stage presence, even though none of us will remember his name five years from now.

[MJ4H]

I would pay to see Melinda. I would not pay to see Lakisha.

As for Jim's post, I agree with pretty much everything he said. I will also add that I often have trouble remembering Taylor's name when talking to others about him/Idol last season.

[wade moore]

Kelly gave Idol credibility. I'm not sure it would still be on the air today if not for her. Simon says he will quit if Sanjaya wins this season. I agree. That credibility would be permanently lost if someone who really can't perform consistently is promoted as a winner. I think Taylor winning last season was bad enough - at least he has a consistent stage presence, even though none of us will remember his name five years from now.

I had this thought recently and meant to post it.

Simon Cowell, American Idol, Fox, Sony/BMG, everyone involved owe so much to Kelly Clarkson. If Justin G. is the winner of the first American Idol and Kelly isn't even a contestant, is it the machine that it is today? My gut tells me know.


As for the other points you make - it's definitely subjective to each person. I can see where an individual would view it as a singing competition for themselves (as you have), but I think to try and sell that the show as a whole is a singing competition I think is naive. Even Simon, etc. saying it is stupid to me - as they ALL comment on looks, stage presence, etc, etc as much, if not more, as actual singing ability. As others have said, there are contestants that make the top 24 that have no business being there on simply singing. This just is so much more than a singing competition and the idea that it's not is just silly.

Again, not to take away from an individual forming their opinion as it being about the singing quality - that's fair - but the machine that is American Idol is so much more.

[Ksyrup]

I'll believe it's a singing competition when the top 24 singers are chosen to compete. Until then, I'll believe that they want a competent singer to win, but that personality, looks, backstory, demographic appeal, overall contribution to an entertaining TV show, and an apparent ability to sell albums are all part of what goes into selecting the group of people from whom we must choose. Saying it's a singing competition and putting Sanjaya and Antonella Barba into the top 24 are just not compatible.

[Ksyrup]

The reason Kelly Clarkson was/is so good is because she is the entire package; Melinda has just a fraction of that. Just looking at the difference in the two of them demonstrates that this is not purely a singing competition.

[wade moore]

I'll believe it's a singing competition when the top 24 singers are chosen to compete. Until then, I'll believe that they want a competent singer to win, but that personality, looks, backstory, demographic appeal, overall contribution to an entertaining TV show, and an apparent ability to sell albums are all part of what goes into selecting the group of people from whom we must choose. Saying it's a singing competition and putting Sanjaya and Antonella Barba into the top 24 are just not compatible.

yes yes.

[Ksyrup]

The AI producers carefully control what we see on the show. I think there's a reason why we didn't see (or at least I don't recall seeing) Sanjaya perform before the top 24 show, outside of his audition. I think they put him through to be the lightning rod that he is. I find it hard to believe he wasn't exposed during Hollywood Week. I think they saw that he could sing, but they also saw that he had a Volatility Rating of 99 and figured that he would be useful as either a legit contestant if he got his act together, or as the buffoon he's currently portraying. Choosing him wasn't about being a great singer, but the way the show documented it, we are lead to believe that the judges/show was as mislead about him as we were. I call BS.

Basically, they're looking for a way to capitalize on a variation of the William Hung Factor, and each season I think you can point to someone who was in way over their head. Sanjaya's just elevated it to an art form.

[Ksyrup]

According to one of the spoiler sites:

"Next week’s guest coach is Tony Bennett. Not sure if the theme is Love Songs or Standards.”


Greeeeaaaaaat. :rolleyes:

[wade moore]

The AI producers carefully control what we see on the show. I think there's a reason why we didn't see (or at least I don't recall seeing) Sanjaya perform before the top 24 show, outside of his audition. I think they put him through to be the lightning rod that he is. I find it hard to believe he wasn't exposed during Hollywood Week. I think they saw that he could sing, but they also saw that he had a Volatility Rating of 99 and figured that he would be useful as either a legit contestant if he got his act together, or as the buffoon he's currently portraying. Choosing him wasn't about being a great singer, but the way the show documented it, we are lead to believe that the judges/show was as mislead about him as we were. I call BS.

Basically, they're looking for a way to capitalize on a variation of the William Hung Factor, and each season I think you can point to someone who was in way over their head. Sanjaya's just elevated it to an art form.

I will say this about Sanjaya.

If he had started the progress we have seen over the last couple of weeks in the initial 24 stage, he might actually be ok right now. In my mind, he has improved pretty substantially (relatively speaking) in the last two shows in some of his major flaws. However, he's just so far behind the curve now and was stagnant for so long.

[Ksyrup]

I don't see improvement at all. If anything, I think he's given up trying to come close to singing in-tune at the expense of coming off as "outrageous." Early on, I thought his vocals wee pretty good, but the delivery and overall performance were terrible. As I said earlier, I think he's wrong in trying to compensate for that by acting/looking like an ass - that doesn't make up for the lack of aggressiveness in his vocals.

He's certainly more entertaining now, though, in a train-wreck sense.

[wade moore]

I don't see improvement at all. If anything, I think he's given up trying to come close to singing in-tune at the expense of coming off as "outrageous." Early on, I thought his vocals wee pretty good, but the delivery and overall performance were terrible. As I said earlier, I think he's wrong in trying to compensate for that by acting/looking like an ass - that doesn't make up for the lack of aggressiveness in his vocals.

He's certainly more entertaining now, though, in a train-wreck sense.

I guess my thought is that his singing has gone down, but his performance is going up. If he did this at 24, 22, whatever.. then he could theoretically put the two together and by say 12 be a respectable performer.

[Lathum]

The way I see it is I wanna see someone win who is going to put out a solid product after the show ( like Kelly, Daughtrey). I don't think anyone can argue Melinda is the best singer in the competition, but she has no originality. Watching her the last few weeks has been a snooze fest.

The flipside is I can't wait to see Blake come out or even Gina. I would love to see what original music they put out after the competition, I just can't see Melinda doing anything interesting/ unique after the show is over. I see her either on broadway or performing in Vegas, etc...

[lordscarlet]

I think the problem with Melinda is that she's not really "competing" - in addition to being a pro, she's not being forced to choose, or willingly choosing, songs that fit the spirit of the themes in the competition. I don't care what Simon says, this is NOT a singing competition. Peter Noone was right - it's a voting competition. And I would much rather see someone like Blake win than Melinda because he "gets it" - he's 100 times more likely to be a successful AI winner in 2007 than the "technically proficient but sings songs from your mother's 8-track collection" stylings of Melinda, no matter how great a voice she has. Or heck, if I'm forced to choose between the remaining divas, Jordin wins hands down because she is much closer to what AI is supposed to be about than "Melisha" (for short).

"

Agreed. In addition there's an entertainment factor. I want an AI contestant to entertain me, not just wow me with a technically proficient voice. Melisha (I like that) does not entertain me. Part of that entertaining is to see what they do with the themes. Since what Melisha does is stretch as far away from the theme to pick another song just like the previous songs they've done, that does not entertain me.

And before people try to make the Blake/Daughtry comparison again - like it has been said, Blake takes a song from the theme and makes it his. Melisha takes a song that either really (imo) doesn't fit the theme or is on the outskirts of the theme that fits their comfort zone.

"

Would anyone here really pay to see Melisha (agreed on liking this, and I think this should be board mandate from now on) in concert?

Absolutely not.

This is a competition to see who is the "American Idol" not who is the "technically best singer." If that were the case, we'd have a bunch of opera and classically styled singers.

[Ksyrup]

If that were the case, we'd have a bunch of opera and classically styled singers.

I'm still bummed they cut the opera chick who sang Jeff Buckley at her audition.

[Bisbo]

The only thing I learned last night is that even if you lie down on the floor and stare straight up the TV screen, you couldn't get a peek of Haley's naughty bits. Pity.

[Lathum]

Chris S. is done.

no surprise here.


To me the biggest surprise is that Sanjaya wasn't at least in the bottom 3, seems we will see alot more of him.

[Thomkal]

Crap. And Double Crap for Sanjaya not being in the Bottom 3 after that performance.

[adubroff]

Chris S. is done.

no surprise here.


To me the biggest surprise is that Sanjaya wasn't at least in the bottom 3, seems we will see alot more of him.


DialIdol had him 4th...he's safe another couple weeks...

[Lathum]

This whole Sanjaya thing is turning the competition int a mockery

[Logan]

This whole Sanjaya thing is turning the competition int a mockery

I disagree, because the people who are leaving aren't capable of winning either.

[Mustang]

I disagree, because the people who are leaving aren't capable of winning either.

There is no way Idol allows him to win. If suckjaya wins, American Idol pretty much signed their death warrant. People that watch it wanting the best performer or singer to win will pretty much view the show as a joke.

[Easy Mac]

they don't already?

Hopefully this means the "hunger strike" girl will die.

[FBPro]

This whole Sanjaya thing is turning the competition int a mockery

Concur, what a joke he is.

[JeeberD]

Sad to see Sligh go, but not surprised. Guess I need to go check out K's link now...

[Logan]

There is no way Idol allows him to win. If suckjaya wins, American Idol pretty much signed their death warrant. People that watch it wanting the best performer or singer to win will pretty much view the show as a joke.

I don't think he'll make it once we get down to around 5-7 contestants. The proportion of people voting "for real" will start dwarfing those that aren't.

But if by some miracle from God he makes it into the top 2, he'll win because when the audience doubles with the people who are watching just because it's the finale (and maybe even triples if there's enough Sanjaya pub), they'll all be voting for him.

[Crim]

I agree with Logan. At the moment, while it's clear that Suckjaya is the one who should go home, there is still a pool of unworthy candidates who can be picked off without much teeth-gnashing.

The problem for me will come when a Blake or a Jordin or a (it hurts to say this because I hate him) Chris R. get booted off and the Faux-hawked One remains. Last season when Daughtery got the boot, I was pissed, to an extent that I didn't think possible. I had no idea that I carried any emotional investment in this show until he was voted off. To my mind, as a performer, vocalist, and future star, he's the one most akin to Kelly Clarkson, and seeing Taylor Sticks win made me nauseous.

[Karlifornia]

Welp....looks like I need to start watching American Idol and start voting for Sanjaya.

I usually tune out as soon as auditions are over (and I watch less of the auditions each season, as it's pretty much become a parody of itself), but I really have a strong desire to this Sanjaya win just because he seems to bum everyone out with his singing. I never hear Top 40 music except for random split-seconds when I'm flipping through channels, so Sanjaya getting a record deal wouldn't pain me.

Go Sanjaya!

[adubroff]

I agree with Logan. At the moment, while it's clear that Suckjaya is the one who should go home, there is still a pool of unworthy candidates who can be picked off without much teeth-gnashing.

The problem for me will come when a Blake or a Jordin or a (it hurts to say this because I hate him) Chris R. get booted off and the Faux-hawked One remains. Last season when Daughtery got the boot, I was pissed, to an extent that I didn't think possible. I had no idea that I carried any emotional investment in this show until he was voted off. To my mind, as a performer, vocalist, and future star, he's the one most akin to Kelly Clarkson, and seeing Taylor Sticks win made me nauseous.


I always thought he took a dive. I think he wanted to be free from the Idol chains (first place has to go to a certain record company at a given rate). I think he'd already shown himself to be a big star and winning probably would have been bad for him financially/career freedom wise.

[Ksyrup]

Daughtry is still signed with Clive Davis. Anyone in the top 12 is tied to them, at their option. That's why that Mario Vazquez kid quit right before the top 12 was announced a few years ago, because he (mistakenly) thought he would do better on his own.

[Swaggs]

Daughtry is still signed with Clive Davis. Anyone in the top 12 is tied to them, at their option. That's why that Mario Vazquez kid quit right before the top 12 was announced a few years ago, because he (mistakenly) thought he would do better on his own.


That is what they said about Vasquez, at the time, but I read that he sexually harrassed a male intern and got the boot.

This site is probably work safe, but rather than taking a chance: hxxp://www.realityblurred.com/realitytv/archives/american_idol_4/2007_Mar_15_lawyer_mario_forced_out

[kingfc22]

This whole Sanjaya thing is turning the competition int a mockery

Great. This might finally end this AI frenzy that we've gone throguh the past couple years.

[wade moore]

Again I didn't watch, who were the other 2 in the bottom 3?

[FBPro]

Phil and Haley.

[Ksyrup]

Great. This might finally end this AI frenzy that we've gone throguh the past couple years.

I don't get this attitude. I'm as big a music snob as there is (or so I've been told :p ), but the music these people make doesn't touch my life in any way, so who cares? It's entertaining TV, and if people want to spend money on music sung by people they've been force fed through a TV show, more power to them. It's not going to change my life in the least.

[rkmsuf]

How many "Idols" can you have?

I find it funny the people who are up in arms because people are voting for the kid. Big deal. That's what is great about the system. The people have spoken, he stays.

Waaaaaaa Sanjaya stays, Waaaaaaaaaaaa.

[wade moore]

How many "Idols" can you have?

I find it funny the people who are up in arms because people are voting for the kid. Big deal. That's what is great about the system. The people have spoken, he stays.

Waaaaaaa Sanjaya stays, Waaaaaaaaaaaa.

Fwiw, I am in the camp that thinks Sanjaya staying at this point is not a big deal... Like others have said, the people going now weren't going to win anyways... I'll probably start to get upset if he gets in say the top 5 (arbitrary number) against people that I think have a legitimate shot at being successful artists.

[rkmsuf]

Fwiw, I am in the camp that thinks Sanjaya staying at this point is not a big deal... Like others have said, the people going now weren't going to win anyways... I'll probably start to get upset if he gets in say the top 5 (arbitrary number) against people that I think have a legitimate shot at being successful artists.

but they'll still be successful artists

it's a show and if sanjaya enterains people so be it. personally I think it's way more interesting with him in.

and I'm a huge Blake fan. I think he's really good but I could care less if he wins or not. he'll still go on the make music.

[Ksyrup]

The difference between Gwen Stefani the person and Gwen Stefani the performer is like night and day. The minute she started singing last night, I realized why I hate her so much - her performance is nothing more than faux attitude and an affected voice that annoys the shit out of me. She's the female version of the dude from Green Day. Her voice wasn't even recognizable from how she spoke like a normal person the night before. I admit she probably wouldn't be the performer she is without all the side show stuff, but it comes at a price. Namely, she's impossible to listen to or watch. But I'd very likely enjoy a video of her casually discussing her life as she gets ready for bed...

[wade moore]

The difference between Gwen Stefani the person and Gwen Stefani the performer is like night and day. The minute she started singing last night, I realized why I hate her so much - her performance is nothing more than faux attitude and an affected voice that annoys the shit out of me. She's the female version of the dude from Green Day. Her voice wasn't even recognizable from how she spoke like a normal person the night before. I admit she probably wouldn't be the performer she is without all the side show stuff, but it comes at a price. Namely, she's impossible to listen to or watch. But I'd very likely enjoy a video of her casually discussing her life as she gets ready for bed...

w0rd.

[Ksyrup]

Oh, and I thought it was funny that she performed with a rapper named "a con." At least, that's what this guy told me his name was:

http://www.geocities.com/left_wing009/Sean_20Connery.jpe

[Pumpy Tudors]

That song that Gwen Stefani sang last night sounded like it should be the theme to some 1980s TV show. Also, she's taking this rapper Akon (whom I had never heard of) with her on tour, so he can pop out during this one song and scream "YEEAAAARRGHH!" or whatever he does? And he gets paid for this?

[rkmsuf]

That song that Gwen Stefani sang last night sounded like it should be the theme to some 1980s TV show. Also, she's taking this rapper Akon (whom I had never heard of) with her on tour, so he can pop out during this one song and scream "YEEAAAARRGHH!" or whatever he does? And he gets paid for this?

I think he crunks during some other songs.

[Pumpy Tudors]

I think he crunks during some other songs.
Am I to understand that he takes a shit on stage during Gwen Stefani's performance?

Or do I not know what "crunk" means?

[rkmsuf]

Am I to understand that he takes a shit on stage during Gwen Stefani's performance?

Or do I not know what "crunk" means?

your not down wit da crunk?

even white boy Benji was down wit da crunk on So You Think You Can Dance.

poser.

[Pumpy Tudors]

your not down wit da crunk?

even white boy Benji was down wit da crunk on So You Think You Can Dance.

poser.
I'm not really much into shitting in public.

[law90026]

If it's Akon, he's quite big right now if I recall right.

[Pumpy Tudors]

If it's Akon, he's quite big right now if I recall right.
And my dad always told me that shitting in public wouldn't get me anywhere in life.

[Ksyrup]

Akon is the chipmunk guy, if I know my hip-hop/rap (ha!). He's the dork singing like a chipmunk on that "lone-leeeeeey, I'm so lone-leeeeeeeey" song that Disney has on its radio program. I can't change the channel fast enough.

They should call him Acorn.

[Toddzilla]

Acorn?

[Ksyrup]

Acorn?

Because he sounds like a fucking chipmunk.

[Pumpy Tudors]

Wait, he raps on a Disney song? And he shits on Gwen Stefani's stage?

And he gets paid for this?

[Ksyrup]

I don't think it's a Disney song, because then he'd owe royalties to Chip n' Dale. But they play it on Radio Disney.

[MJ4H]

The difference between Gwen Stefani the person and Gwen Stefani the performer is like night and day. The minute she started singing last night, I realized why I hate her so much - her performance is nothing more than faux attitude and an affected voice that annoys the shit out of me. She's the female version of the dude from Green Day. Her voice wasn't even recognizable from how she spoke like a normal person the night before. I admit she probably wouldn't be the performer she is without all the side show stuff, but it comes at a price. Namely, she's impossible to listen to or watch. But I'd very likely enjoy a video of her casually discussing her life as she gets ready for bed...

or casually singing without the attitude and affectation.

[Toddzilla]

I don't think it's a Disney song, because then he'd owe royalties to Chip n' Dale. But they play it on Radio Disney.Laff - that's where I remember it from as well.

Doesn't he also sing the kid-friendly "Feelin' Like a Big Dog?"

[Mustang]

And he gets paid for this?

Enough to buy a new car I bet.

[Pumpy Tudors]

Enough to buy a new car I bet.
Why doesn't he just buy a used car?

[Pumpy Tudors]

My friends, you are witnessing the EXTREME EVOLUTION of this thread.

Edit: "EXTREME EVOLUTION" was my nickname in college.

[rkmsuf]

My friends, you are witnessing the EXTREME EVOLUTION of this thread.

Edit: "EXTREME EVOLUTION" was my nickname in college.

bottom line is that the stage shitter is making more than you

[Pumpy Tudors]

bottom line is that the stage shitter is making more than you
You don't know that.

[rkmsuf]

You don't know that.

I'll bet you a year's supply of crunk he does.

I'd crap on a stage to make his bank.

[Ksyrup]

Can we please step away from the Akon. Thanks.

[Pumpy Tudors]

Can we please step away from the Akon. Thanks.
Are you trying to derail this thread?

[Ksyrup]

I'm trying to find a Pumpy post that doesn't reference shitting in public. So please stop talking about Akon and Sanjaya.

[rkmsuf]

I'm trying to find a Pumpy post that doesn't reference shitting in public. So please stop talking about Akon and Sanjaya.

wait, sanjaya shits in public? vote sanjaya early and often.

[Ksyrup]

On Tuesdays at 9pm.

[JonInMiddleGA]

This may not be anything new to Idol regulars, but I thought it was interesting in a I'm-aware-of-the-show-but-have-zero-interest-in-watching-it sort of way.

http://www.myajc.com/post/idolblog/329_chris_almost_dropped_out.html
3/29: Chris didn't want to win(UPDATED)
March 29, 2007, 2:16PM EST

Here’s a small revelation Chris Sligh said during the media press conference: after his rendition of “Endless Love” was trashed a couple weeks ago, he considered dropping out. He asked the producers would he be able to stay on tour in the top 10 if he dropped out. They said no. So he stuck with it.

Ultimately, his heart wasn’t in it. He even said out right, he didn’t really want to win.

“I never came into this wanting to win it,” he told me. “I came from an indie alternative rock background. For me, I think winning ‘American Idol’ would have hurt what I was going for.” (Indeed, I think he’s taking cues from Chris Daughtry, who now readily says he’s glad he didn’t win in retrospect.) Tell me if I’m wrong but I think Chris is the first finalist to ever admit not wanting to win it.

He thought his take on the Police’s “Every Little Thing She Does is Magic” wasn’t as bad as the judges said. “I really gave my best,” he said. “I admit it wasn’t a great performance this week but it wasn’t terrible.” He added, “That’s the competitive side of me that kicks in.”

And yes, he did win the $50 bet with Phil Stacey about getting voted off (and he did get his cash.) He said he didn’t know it was still live when he said that since Brandon and Stephanie’s farewell songs got cut off before it aired.

He also said he scaled back his mockery of the show after death threats popped up on his blog following his joke with Simon about Teletubbies and Il Divo. “I got scared,” he said.

He noted that he chose songs he liked or felt would challenge him and he wasn’t trying to appease the audience or the judges. “All six songs [he sang on the show] were risks one way or another. I felt like that was ignored [by the judges.]”

And he wished singers could use instruments and would allow original songs. He also wished he could blog during the show, which the producers wouldn’t allow.

He defended Sanjaya. “People underestimate Sanjaya… He has a good voice,” Chris said. “I think he gets a bum rap.”

[Critch]

So he didn't want to win because it would harm his indie credentials, but he wants to go on the Idol finalists tour. Sounds like he realized he didn't want to win the moment he was voted off to me.

[Ksyrup]

Honestly, she'd be perfect for a symphonic metal band like Therion. They use real opera singers and such.

Just looking for some way to relate an obvious talent to something I might actually enjoy, that's all!

Hey MJ4H - do you like Sarah Brightman? Well, it turns out she's jumping on the bandwagon and doing a gothic metal album right now. Chloe's next! :p

[MJ4H]

haha. I have heard Sarah Brightman, but if I remember right her wide vibrato is quite off-putting to me. Don't you wackos lay a finger on my Chloe, though!

[Ksyrup]

Not only are ratings down this year, but voting is down quite a bit:

http://mjsbigblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/04/votetotalstop10.png





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[Rizon]

Not only are ratings down this year, but voting is down quite a bit:

http://mjsbigblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/04/votetotalstop10.png





<!-- .entry-content -->

Odd drop off at the Top 12.

[wade moore]

KS - where do those numbers come from? How official are they?

[Ksyrup]

Someone put that together based on Seacrest's announced voting each Wednesday/Thursday. I don't think there's an "official" release, other than what they announce on the show.

[Easy Mac]

Why do people keep saying Haley is getting the "sexpot" vote? She is fugly as hell.

[MJ4H]

what?

[Ksyrup]

I'm with MJ4H. The onlynegative is that she looks a little like Marie Osmond.

Simon was dead-on about her performance. She looked like she was performing in the talent portion of a beauty pageant. She must have hit 12 separate marks while prancing around the stage, and unfortunately, she looked down at nearly every one of them.

[Easy Mac]

Having not watched a second of AI this season, my thoughts for the night:
1. Jordin
2. Melinda
3. Lakisha
4. Blake
5. Haley - sideboob
6. Gina - challenged
7. Phil - nosferatu
8. Chris R - Billy Packer would say fagged out
9. Sanjaya - looks like a womanlier version of that David guy who got kicked off the Real World #2 (or was it 1 or 3, or 4, oh well)

The top 3 stood out. Blake was OK. 4-9 were pretty much interchangeable.

[Easy Mac]

what?

I said she is fugly as hell. Its like she went to a sorority induction that includes spanking on the ass with a paddle, only she kept getting smacked in the face.

[FBPro]

what?

Concur!

[MJ4H]

I said she is fugly as hell. Its like she went to a sorority induction that includes spanking on the ass with a paddle, only she kept getting smacked in the face.

I can't be hearing (reading) you correctly. It almost looks like you think Haley is unattractive. There must be some internet-interference or something.

Also Haley is hot because internet.

[FBPro]

I mean I don't think Haley is in "the McPheever class" but she is smokin' hot, honestly when she gets voted off my interest will pretty much gone for the year the other's just don't hold my interest.

[Easy Mac]

I can't be hearing (reading) you correctly. It almost looks like you think Haley is unattractive. There must be some internet-interference or something.

Also Haley is hot because internet.

She looks like unsliced bacon

[Solecismic]

Once a year the producers of American Idol feel compelled to tune in to the Oldies channel. Maybe it's some misplaced feeling of public service. Maybe it's just plain hubris. Whatever the reason, the results are never all that pretty.

I don't think the judges really understand the standards. I'm not sure I do, myself. They're from another time, when people apparently didn't mind songs that seemed to last six hours, since they travelled three days by horse and buggy to reach the lounge in the first place.

What are the proper standards for evaluating standards, anyway? Do they have anything to do with Standard Gasoline, which became Esso, or Exxon, or Exxon-Mobil, or any variation along those lines? At any rate, I'm going to pour a little gasoline on a rather weak fire tonight, as my ratings won't look much like the ones the judges would apparently experess.

1. Melinda Doolittle. Paula keeps dropping hints that she believes songs should have a beginning, a middle and an end. Unlike Haley's legs. I get it, really, I do. Every song from Melinda is a complete performance. And I think Melinda gets standards. Just sing with a pure tone, stay on key and in control. Hard to find anything wrong with it, and she's back on top after finishing three points back for the first time last week. Kinda like Florida basketball this February. Score of 95.

I want to say 2-9, the rest. But I'll try and sort them out.

2. Blake Lewis. I think he, too, understood the theme, and stuck with the most basic of lounge songs. What else do you do with standards week, anyway? It was a solid performance, nothing to write home about. Score of 78.

3. Jordin Sparks. She was the only one truly taking chances this week, and that should be rewarded. Her song has some complexity, and she did basically a nice job, but her voice was rather nasal for the first time this season. Maybe she has a cold. Score of 77.

4. Sanjaya Malakar. At this point, he could marry Bobby Brown and belt out the sweetest vocal ever heard and the judges would rough him up and kick sand in his face. He's young, but you can tell he should be this type of schlock for a living. Once he starts to truly get performance, he'll be hitting home runs with the soft stuff, because there is a nice quality about his voice that overcame a bum note here and there. It wasn't bad, and this was a truly mediocre week. Score of 74.

5. LaKisha Jones. The beginning was so badly off-key that not even her usual tricks could save her. LaKisha has an incredible talent for being able to move into a note quickly - she must have perfect pitch. With the usually bluesy stuff she sings, that cover works well. But being forced into an older song, well, I can't imagine a worse choice for her. I also have to wonder what was going on with her "choice" to abandon the pure big note at the end - that smelled like a producer setup to me. I think she's getting bad advice because the Idol people think they can't market her. Definitely her worst performance of the season by far. Score of 69.

6. Phil Stacey. Not as terrible as the judges made it out to be, but it was an odd take on a song he should have hit out of the ballpark. Here's a hint, Phil: when the judges get on your case because you sounded like you were singing at a funeral parlor, do not, whatever you do, say you were inspired by your wife. Unless your name is Scott Peterson. Score of 65.

7. Haley Scarnato. At least I know Simon and the gang were reading my comments last week. She does sound like she's singing in a pageant. I don't mind that she's shamelessly trying to get the male vote, because she is absolutely gorgeous. I think about voting for her myself for that reason alone. There are some runs of a few seconds when she actually sounds quite good, but for whatever reason she is incapable of putting together a cohesive singing performance. This one was more than a little rocky. Score of 63.

8. Chris Richardson. Okay, I did not get the judges' love on this one. Backstreet Boys meet Tony Bennett. It just didn't work for me, dawg. Not a bit. It sounded like a bad parody, which would have been fine if he was aware of it. Score of 61.

9. Gina Glocksen. Haley has an excellent sense of fashion. Gina, however, consistently tries to stuff her body into some scary-looking costumes at times. She outdid herself tonight. She looked like a sausage, and I think it strained her voice, because she sounded terrible. She over-throttled the nice control she found last week, and had quite a few pitch problems. She is in very serious danger this week. Score of 58.

Bottom three tonight: Gina, Haley and Jordin. Girls' night out.
Who should go: Sanjaya, lifetime lack of achievement.
Who will go: Gina.

[Schmidty]

I'm actually with you this week for the most part, Jim. My only changes, would be to give Blake a tie for first with Melinda (because his was just a lot more fun), and Sanjaya should be somewhere in the bottom 3.

[Lathum]

I think Gina has the rocker following. I say Haley or Phil go this week

[Vinatieri for Prez]

Melinda (and Lakisha) still BOOORRRRIIIINNNNGGGG. It's amazing how the judges say they can't critique Melinda. Yet, everyone else gets sliced (like Jordin) for not making it hip {or their own). Uh, hello. Melinda hasn't sung anything she's done so far this year sound like it was recorded before 1968.

My wife and I agree that Melinda is simply so distracting to look at that we can't even concentrate on her singing performance. For the same reason, Gina has to lose the tongue piercing, at least when she's singing Tony Bennett stuff.

[Mota]

This week, nobody wins. Kinda like country week.

The judges are constantly after "young, young young" and then give them this crap to work with. And then they complain that the passion for the music isn't there when they're forced to sing songs that they probably hate. None of these kids were even born when this stuff was popular. And most of all, none of this music is relevant in today's world, so how are we to determine who is the biggest pop star by last night's performance?

It reminds me a lot of Reuben back in Season 3... he was outstanding every week and everybody loved him, but when it was time to make a modern sounding album, he had no shred of credibility and it flopped. He could nail the 60's R & B sound like no other, but you're not going to buy a 60's R & B album because that went out of style 40 years ago!

Anyways, this week I believe that Melinda was very strong. Her song was very difficult, almost like 3 seperate songs within the main one. And she nailed all the parts. I also thought that Lakisha was very boring. Both of these girls are very popular but WILL NEVER be huge pop stars, they are too old fashion.

I felt that Haley was trying to have sex with everyone with her performance. My wife didn't appreciate that.

And I think that Blake was the strongest this week, and still my pick to be the breakout star of the show, whether he wins or not.

[Eaglesfan27]

We both agreed with Jim. We thought Sanjaya was quite good this week, and that this is his niche. Of course, we both think he should go based on his overall track record. Meanwhile, I think I need to committ Easy Mac. Haley is not quite in McPhee's zone, but she is hot.

[Ksyrup]

Yeah. Sanjaya was actually restrained and sounded somewhat decent. That was close to what we heard in his audition that made us think he was a good singer. I was surprised the judges blew him off so quickly, but maybe they didn't want to throw more gaas on the fire for his fans. If he's been getting so many votes based on awful performances, imagine how energized his fan base would be if Simon gave him even a backhanded compliment.

[Vinatieri for Prez]

Sorry, Sanjaya was terrible. Off key most of the time.

[Bisbo]

Haley's legs sure can sing. Chris R. was terrible, and I was shocked that the judges praised him so effusively. Sanjaya was bad - seems like some of you are just getting used to him. Phil is going home.

[lordscarlet]

Seriously. Another showtune from Melinda?! Can she sing something not written for broadway, already??

[Easy Mac]

We both agreed with Jim. We thought Sanjaya was quite good this week, and that this is his niche. Of course, we both think he should go based on his overall track record. Meanwhile, I think I need to committ Easy Mac. Haley is not quite in McPhee's zone, but she is hot.

She looks like Ms. Piggy crossed with Michaela from last year.

[Ksyrup]

Tony Bennett pulls out of tonight’s Idol performance (http://www.accesshollywood.com/news/ah4741.shtml):

The legendary crooner, who turned eighty a few months ago, is not well enough to put his golden pipes on the air.

According to a spokesperson for the star, he has a cold.With just hours left until tonight’s live show, producers from “American Idol” are working hard to find a stand in.

A source close to the show told Access Hollywood they are trying to get Canadian singer Michael Buble to fill in.






Good God! Michael Buble! When I went to Tampa a couple of weeks ago, someone accidentally left a Buble CD in the car and I almost wrecked trying to change the channel, then realized it was a CD and flung it out the window once I pried it from the CD player. That was some seriously awful stuff.

[Easy Mac]

Tony Bennett pulls out of tonight’s Idol performance (http://www.accesshollywood.com/news/ah4741.shtml):

The legendary crooner, who turned eighty a few months ago, is not well enough to put his golden pipes on the air.

According to a spokesperson for the star, he has a cold.With just hours left until tonight’s live show, producers from “American Idol” are working hard to find a stand in.

A source close to the show told Access Hollywood they are trying to get Canadian singer Michael Buble to fill in.




Good God! Michael Buble! When I went to Tampa a couple of weeks ago, someone accidentally left a Buble CD in the car and I almost wrecked trying to change the channel, then realized it was a CD and flung it out the window once I pried it from the CD player. That was some seriously awful stuff.

there are no accidents

[Vinatieri for Prez]

Good God! Michael Buble! When I went to Tampa a couple of weeks ago, someone accidentally left a Buble CD in the car and I almost wrecked trying to change the channel, then realized it was a CD and flung it out the window once I pried it from the CD player. That was some seriously awful stuff.

He actually lost out on the Grammy this year to Tony Bennett for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album. For whatever that's worth.

[Ksyrup]

there are no accidents

You're right. I believe it was a deliberate attempt on my life.

[Easy Mac]

WTF is Paula wearing?

[Easy Mac]

Sanjaya represent!

[Ksyrup]

As long as we're making a list of things to call you...

[Easy Mac]

Does Mike Bubbly always look and sound this intoxicated? And his singing sucks

[Ksyrup]

For the 5 steps forward Harry Connick Jr. brought this genre into the spotlight the past decade-plus, this guy is setting it back light years. Yeesh.

[Easy Mac]

Nice Bubbly, I like you for that joke alone. And I take that back, I'm pretty sure he's coked up

[Easy Mac]

Nosferatu will not be stopped!

[Easy Mac]

Haley is coming back sluttier than ever next week. More Bacon!

[sabotai]

Woohoo, another week of looking at Haley!

[Ksyrup]

That's too bad. I hope they don't make her sing again now that's she losing it on stage.

[MJ4H]

ouch

[Easy Mac]

I just want to see someone, when they get voted off, once the music starts, to just drop the mike and walk off the stage.

[FBPro]

Woohoo, another week of looking at Haley!

Oh yeah!!!!

[Ksyrup]

I just want to see someone, when they get voted off, once the music starts, to just drop the mike and walk off the stage.

That'll be Sanjaya, because he's a rebel like that.

[Lathum]

gina got screwed. This week was really out of her comfort zone/ style and she paid for it.

It really pisses me off the Melinda/Lakisha can basicly find loopholes to perform the same styles every week but Gina gets forced to sing something out of her range.

I realize there was no way she was winning but she was unique to the competition and to me it is dissapointing to see her go.

[Buccaneer]

Are you guys aware that Jim has been nailing it? Forget super hardcore football sims, this guy should be doing entertainment sims. :)

[Solecismic]

I am on a rather freakish streak this season - I'm currently leading the prediction competition on another board. Which means next week I'll probably blow it completely. J-Lo and salsa music. That's a tough read.

[Ksyrup]

I can only pray that Sanjaya comes out dressed like Charo on the Love Boat.

[EagleFan]

I can only pray that Sanjaya comes out dressed like Charo on the Love Boat.

That's a strange fetish you've got there....

[Ksyrup]

Yes, it's the "I want to be entertained since he's going to be on the show anyway" fetish.

[JeeberD]

Bye bye, Gina...

*sigh* :(

[JeeberD]

Dola-

Though she did look bad Tuesday.

[Logan]

Bye bye, Gina...

*sigh* :(

I was ecstatic, I couldn't stand how full of herself she was.

[Ksyrup]

I didn't get that vibe from her at all.

[Logan]

I think it stemmed more from the Hollywood episodes than the elimination ones. My girlfriend and I constantly got the impression that she felt she was better than everybody, which caused both of us to hate her since and be very happy when she got knocked off (well, I was extra happy that Haley stuck around).

[lordscarlet]

gina got screwed. This week was really out of her comfort zone/ style and she paid for it.

It really pisses me off the Melinda/Lakisha can basicly find loopholes to perform the same styles every week but Gina gets forced to sing something out of her range.

I realize there was no way she was winning but she was unique to the competition and to me it is dissapointing to see her go.

Melinda/Lakisha don't just find loopholes -- they are blatantly allowed to go against the theme of the week.

[RedKingGold]

I think Melinda will do fine in salsa week, but I really get the feeling that LaKisha might be exposed.

[Eaglesfan27]

Dola-

Though she did look bad Tuesday.

Yeah, I've been a fan of her look/potential look, but Tuesday was not a good day for her in either department.

[Ksyrup]

I refuse to let this go...:)

Last night, Ryan never mentioned, in combination with the groups of 3, that any of them were in the top, middle, or bottom 3 votes. He only referenced the voting at the end, when he told Gina she was going home.

I still say they screw with the order, if not the results.

[Vinatieri for Prez]

I refuse to let this go...:)

Last night, Ryan never mentioned, in combination with the groups of 3, that any of them were in the top, middle, or bottom 3 votes. He only referenced the voting at the end, when he told Gina she was going home.

I still say they screw with the order, if not the results.

Hmm, I thought I listened closely and was sure he at least said the final trio was the "bottom three." I could be wrong though.

[Vinatieri for Prez]

Melinda/Lakisha don't just find loopholes -- they are blatantly allowed to go against the theme of the week.

Yeah, I'm sure for Salsa week they will be aloud to sing Motown again for at least the 5th time.

[Ksyrup]

Hmm, I thought I listened closely and was sure he at least said the final trio was the "bottom three." I could be wrong though.

The bottom three what, though? That's the point - he never clarified that by specifically referencing the votes. They could be the bottom vote getter and, say, bottom two producer picks.

[Logan]

I refuse to let this go...:)

Let it go.

The bottom three what, though? That's the point - he never clarified that by specifically referencing the votes. They could be the bottom vote getter and, say, bottom two producer picks.

But that doesn't make any sense. It's not like Sanjaya and Melinda were up there (Sanjaya -- because it would be good for suspense, Melinda -- because any shock of having her considered "bottom 3" would spur dismayed conversation between the judges and more votes for her next week). If you were betting on Gina, Haley and Phil to all be in the bottom 3, you would probably only get slightly better than even-money. They were clearly the bottom 3 (Sanjaya excluded).

[Draft Dodger]

I refuse to let this go...:)

Last night, Ryan never mentioned, in combination with the groups of 3, that any of them were in the top, middle, or bottom 3 votes. He only referenced the voting at the end, when he told Gina she was going home.

I still say they screw with the order, if not the results.

yes he did, although you had to work for it a bit.
when they were in the 3 groups, he said (paraphrasing) that they were split into the top, middle and bottom three.

he sat the first trio (Jordan, Lakisha and Melinda) down without telling them if they were top or middle. then he moved to Chris, Blake and Sanjaya and told them (again paraphrasing) that they weren't the top 3, but they weren't the bottom 3.

[Draft Dodger]

The bottom three what, though? That's the point - he never clarified that by specifically referencing the votes. They could be the bottom vote getter and, say, bottom two producer picks.

sorry, thought you were asking a serious question. Didn't realize you were going all grassy knoll moon landing on it. carry on.

[Ksyrup]

Everyone has to have their conspiracy theory to believe in. This one's mine. :)

[kurtism]

Remember, it is good to have Haley in the "bottom" 3 (unless you are Easy Mac). I like to think that every time she is almost voted out, she decides to show a little more skin. I figure if she survives another two weeks, she'll be down to a bikini. This is a good thing (unless you are Easy Mac).

[Ksyrup]

It's AI: Strip Tease Edition

[rkmsuf]

It's AI: Strip Tease Edition

what better phil nude or lakisha nude

thanks

[Solecismic]

I think Melinda will do fine in salsa week, but I really get the feeling that LaKisha might be exposed.

No, I do not want to see LaKisha exposed. Some things are better left a secret.

[Logan]

Salsa week? Thank god Haley's still around. Get those Tivos ready.

[Schmidty]

I get the dislike for Lakisha, but not Melinda.

[Schmidty]

Oh, and I'm with Easy Mac. Haley's face is nothing at all to write home about, and I'm not a leg guy so she's not that great to me. She's not meaty enough, and she's not even remotely as top-heavy as people are making it sound.

I give her a 6.5/10 as far as hotness.

[Logan]

I get the dislike for Lakisha, but not Melinda.

We're asking to be entertained. Continually listening to the same style of song, continually sung near perfection, just isn't entertaining.

edit: add another "continually without any stage presence" to the above.

[Schmidty]

We're asking to be entertained. Continually listening to the same style of song, continually sung near perfection, just isn't entertaining.

edit: add another "continually without any stage presence" to the above.

Wow. As a singer myself, I see GREAT stage presence, and am always entertained by Melinda. What she does is awesome, and I don't even generally like the style she sings.

I think america is dead-on with their support of her. I think a lot of people don't like her simply because she's popular, and it's "cool" to be different from the crowd, even if that stance is subconcious.

[Logan]

Wow. As a singer myself, I see GREAT stage presence, and am always entertained by Melinda. What she does is awesome, and I don't even generally like the style she sings.

I think america is dead-on with their support of her. I think a lot of people don't like her simply because she's popular, and it's "cool" to be different from the crowd, even if that stance is subconcious.

Would you pay $45 for a decent seat to see her sing? If yes, that's fine as it's your opinion, but I don't think you would have much trouble getting that seat to her show.

As for your second point...couldn't disagree more, at least for me. I have no problem liking the favorites. Last season was my first, but I believe my favorite 3 were the top 3 (Chris, Katherine, Taylor, in that order). Chris for the style of music he was singing and how he seemed like a genuinely good guy, Katherine because she had a really nice voice and was a pleasure to look at when she wasn't giving bitchy looks when she didn't think the camera was on her, and Taylor because of however you want to describe his style.

Melinda bores me, plain and simple.

[Schmidty]

Melinda bores me, plain and simple.

That's cool, and I can respect that pop people like Chris "Nickleback" Daughtry, Katherine "Aguilera" McPhee bored me last season. I guess it's just different points of view. That's what makes the show interesting.

[lordscarlet]

Wow. As a singer myself, I see GREAT stage presence, and am always entertained by Melinda. What she does is awesome, and I don't even generally like the style she sings.

I think america is dead-on with their support of her. I think a lot of people don't like her simply because she's popular, and it's "cool" to be different from the crowd, even if that stance is subconcious.

My biggest problem is that showtunes are not British Invasion songs. I find it hard to believe Gwen Stefani was inspired by Donna Summers. She is not doing what this competition was made for, which is show your talents by adapting to other styles and/or adapting songs from other genres to your style. What Melinda is performing a showtune every week regardless of genre.

[Logan]

My biggest problem is that showtunes are not British Invasion songs. I find it hard to believe Gwen Stefani was inspired by Donna Summers. She is not doing what this competition was made for, which is show your talents by adapting to other styles and/or adapting songs from other genres to your style. What Melinda is performing a showtune every week regardless of genre.

I'm pretty sure this is where the Melinda detractors come from, and that's what I was working towards when I told Schmidty that it's her same style that I can't stand. As you say, the point of all these weeks is for some variety...but for some reason, they're allowing it.

[Arles]

Melinda is basically an Anita Baker/Gladys Knight type. If this was 1975, she would be a big hit. However, there is nothing "pop" about her. I think the comparisons to Ruben are dead on in that she does a nice job with her Donna Summer/showtunes/Aretha Franklin songs, but those won't sell nowadays. Just for giggles, here are the years and background for every song she's sang so far:

1939 - musical Babes In Arms
1951 - musical An American In Paris
1960 - broadway show of Oliver
1963 - Peggy Lee
1968 - Aretha Franklin
1978 - Diana Ross
1979 - Donna Summer

Call me crazy, but I don't see that as a lineup that makes record execs salivate. For all that Simon continually criticizes people on being "old fashioned" - Melinda is the epitome of an old fashioned broadway/R&B singer. I will be shocked if she ends up singing a song that was written after 1990 at any point in this competition. And, I can see how this would bore a big portion of the AI demographic (myself included).

[Ksyrup]

She is a great singer, a fairly compelling performer, and I have not a shred of interest in watching her at all, other than as a contestant on this show. And even then, it's a struggle. I can't stand the kind of music she sings, and she's never sung anything other than that on the show. Plain and simple. Maybe if she had sung an actual British Invasion song, and sung it well, I wouldn't be able to make that statement.

[Buccaneer]

Everyone has to have their conspiracy theory to believe in. This one's mine. :)

The thing is, though, that we will eventually know the truths or secrets long after everyone stops caring about this series. Everything, I mean everything, on TV is thoroughly planned and edited accordingly to maximize viewer interests and therefore, ad revenues. Idol is no exception, esp. considering the number of people involved the production and presentation of the show.

Even in the very early days of TV, like the Groucho Marx show. They filmed each contestant for one hour and then edited it down to about 30 minutes (with sponsorships plugs) before it is aired. There is too much money involved for TV to be left to chance.

[RedKingGold]

No, I do not want to see LaKisha exposed. Some things are better left a secret.

It's not my fault I like my women like I like my coffee.

Bold, black, and carried over the border by a Mexican in a burlap sack.

[adubroff]

Remember, it is good to have Haley in the "bottom" 3 (unless you are Easy Mac). I like to think that every time she is almost voted out, she decides to show a little more skin. I figure if she survives another two weeks, she'll be down to a bikini. This is a good thing (unless you are Easy Mac).


Most bikinis show less flesh than Haley on Tuesday.

[Vinatieri for Prez]

Would you pay $45 for a decent seat to see her sing? If yes, that's fine as it's your opinion, but I don't think you would have much trouble getting that seat to her show.

I'd pay maybe 2 bucks, but a hundred to see Haley from down below in row 1. ;)

[lordscarlet]

Melinda is basically an Anita Baker/Gladys Knight type. If this was 1975, she would be a big hit. However, there is nothing "pop" about her. I think the comparisons to Ruben are dead on in that she does a nice job with her Donna Summer/showtunes/Aretha Franklin songs, but those won't sell nowadays. Just for giggles, here are the years and background for every song she's sang so far:

1939 - musical Babes In Arms
1951 - musical An American In Paris
1960 - broadway show of Oliver
1963 - Peggy Lee
1968 - Aretha Franklin
1978 - Diana Ross
1979 - Donna Summer

Call me crazy, but I don't see that as a lineup that makes record execs salivate. For all that Simon continually criticizes people on being "old fashioned" - Melinda is the epitome of an old fashioned broadway/R&B singer. I will be shocked if she ends up singing a song that was written after 1990 at any point in this competition. And, I can see how this would bore a big portion of the AI demographic (myself included).

And, correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't the Diana Ross song from a musical? And a song that was written a few decades earlier?

[Ksyrup]

I'm fairly certain they have a "current charts" week or something, but I also recall that one or two people have taken advantage of that to perform songs off of reissues and greatest hits albums and the like. IIRC, within the past two years, someone did an Elvis song on current charts week...? What week was it that someone did Yesterday by the Beatles? Might have been the same thing.

[Arles]

And, correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't the Diana Ross song from a musical? And a song that was written a few decades earlier?
You are partly right. "Home" by Diana Ross (1978) was performed as the finale to "The Wiz" (updated musical adaptation of The Wizard of Oz).

So, chalk another showtune up for Melinda. I think they could have "Van Halen" week and she would look for some cover David Lee Roth did of a musical when he was solo and hyped up on coke.

[Ksyrup]

DLR turned everything he sang into a musical/show tune.

[wade moore]

I'm fairly certain they have a "current charts" week or something, but I also recall that one or two people have taken advantage of that to perform songs off of reissues and greatest hits albums and the like. IIRC, within the past two years, someone did an Elvis song on current charts week...? What week was it that someone did Yesterday by the Beatles? Might have been the same thing.

Yeah.. they can go off of like any chart imagineable if my memory serves... so they can also just go to some really obscure chart (adult contemporary R&B or something... I just made that up, no idea if it exists) and pick something in the same mold.

[lordscarlet]

DLR turned everything he sang into a musical/show tune.

Turning something into a musical is certainly different. You start with the theme and "Make it your own."

Melinda does everything that the judges criticize others for outside of singing poorly.

[Ksyrup]

I know, I'm just making a joke about DLR.

[Arles]

and it was a funny one - ;)

[MJ4H]

Turning something into a musical is certainly different. You start with the theme and "Make it your own."

Melinda does everything that the judges criticize others for outside of singing poorly.

Such as?

[Ksyrup]

Sounding and looking like she should have graduated high school with my mother.

[Arles]

Such as?
Off the top of my head:

1. "Being old fashioned" (criticisms of Haley, Gina, Jordin, Lakisha and Stephanie so far).
2. "you're in this Chris Daughtry zone right now where you're doing your own thing and it’s a little bit boring. " (Blake).
3. "Not taking chances and pushing yourself" (Chris R, Gina, Lakisha).

[Ksyrup]

Put it this way...during British Invasion week, when they all sang songs that were 40+ years old, she managed to find a song that made those songs sound like they came from the 90s by comparison.

[MJ4H]

That is hardly everything. I do agree that she could make herself a little more modern. I don't agree she doesn't "make songs her own" (AI cliches get on my nerves). What this means is not completely change the song to a new style. This means not copy-catting a previous performance of the song. Musicians call this "interpretation" rather than using an AI catch-phrase ("pitchy" anyone?). If a performer is just mimicking a previous performance, they are not interpreting the music at all. Just copying. One of the thing Melinda does best, in my opinion, is interpretation. She really does interpret the music and lyrics, and perform them her own way. Yes it is usually not in a modern style, but the style she is using isn't really relevant to the interpretation. If she were to change the style of the piece to hip-hop/R&B, then we can start talking about arrangements. Here is where Chris Sligh and Blake sometimes get taken to task for doing an arrangement of a song that is not really warranted. Arranging isn't necessarily in a new style by definition, but it sometimes is. What Blake and Chris Sligh have done in the past by taking an old standard and trying to modernize it is arranging the song in a different style. This is not what the judges mean by "make it your own" (which is a very confusing phrase and one of the reasons it gets on my nerves).

Yes, I agree that Melinda's style is not very modern and that other contestants have been criticized for this very thing. No, I don't agree Melinda does not make songs her own (she is actually by far the best on the show at unique musical interpretation--if anyone wants, I can elaborate on why I think this).

[Ksyrup]

Yes, I agree that Melinda's style is not very modern and that other contestants have been criticized for this very thing. No, I don't agree Melinda does not make songs her own (she is actually by far the best on the show at unique musical interpretation--if anyone wants, I can elaborate on why I think this).

I completely agree with this. She is by far the best performer and interpreter of any of the contestants, probably ever on the show. My issue is that she's not in the ballpark of being marketable to any relevant AI demographic. If Clay Aiken's principal fanbase was grandma's, maybe that's where Melinda's fanbase lies, too (apart from those voting for her simply becaue she's clearly the best contestant). It's both song choice and her appearance that she has skated by on. Even Lakisha has been criticized for her "style." And aside from being big and wearing some stuff that wasn't very flattering, I don't see why Melinda isn't subject to the same criticism.

Admittedly, I'm looking at the big picture here and trying to understand how she fits any definition of American Idol, because regardless of the party line that this is a "singing competition," clearly there's more to it than that, since the point of this is to establish name recognition in an artist that the people behind the show can then sell. And on that basis, she's going to be a failure. She needs to prove that she can sing and interpret relevant music. She hasn't done that yet.

[MJ4H]

Can you define "relevant music" and explain why you consider it relevant?

[Ksyrup]

Marketable. The whole point of this show is to sell as many albums as possible. Putting aside the sheep who buy every winner's album regardless of whether they actually like it or not, I don't see a demographic she appeals to that would add considerable sales to the AI crowd. Not to mention, an "idol" is someone relevant to the current generation; it's someone ahead of the curve and/or doing something different. An "idol" is not someone who bores 40 year olds.

Many of the people voting for her are doing so in the context of the competition. If I were a voter, I'd be voting for her, too. But I don't confuse that support for support of her as an artist. Who wants to hear showtunes, honestly? Maybe you would buy her album of standards and 70s R&B/disco songs because you simply like her voice and the way she interprets each song, but that's not much of a marketing plan to get Joe and Josephine Blow to buy. Hell, Chris R. is more relevant to me than she is, and I can't stand him.

[MJ4H]

That's fair. I'm not sure I agree that that is the entire point of the show, but I can certainly see that viewpoint. I think the entire point of the show is to be entertaining in and of itself. I can see your point of view on that, though.

Personally, I'd buy an album of hers in a heartbeat because I love great musicians. I agree that the relevant music issue you bring up is a concern, but I feel it is being a little blown out of proportion in this thread. I don't think it is the ultimate goal of the show, and it is certainly not a goal of mine. I do see how it is important to people, though.

[Ksyrup]

Well, I don't see myself ever buying an album from an AI contestant, so I'm not looking at it from that perspective for my own purposes, just what I think the ultimate goal of the show is. However, from the standpoint of an entertaining show, I can't say she's contributing much to that for me. I think I've said it before in this thread, but ever time she performs, I have this dual reaction - that was an incredible performance and yet so awful. It's hard for me not to divorce how she performs from what she performs. So I'm both entertained and bored/sickened by her at the same time.

[Arles]

I think to be a success, you have to have some kind of "pop" aspect to your performance. By this I mean the ability to release a song that resonates with a large demographic that cares about the show. The best contestants in this area (also factoring in talent) were Kelly, Carrie, Chris D, Bo and Katharine McPhee. Not surprisingly, these have also been the most successful after AI. The contestants that have not had this aspect are noteably Elliott Yamin, Ruben, Tamyra, Diana DeGarmo and even Taylor Hicks. Now, many would argue that the second group actually has "better singers", but they didn't amount to much because their style/performance didn't resonate. I think Lakisha and Melinda will find they are part of the latter while someone like Chris R, Blake or Jordin could make the former if they continue to improve.

[MJ4H]

I think to be a success, you have to have some kind of "pop" aspect to your performance. By this I mean the ability to release a song that resonates with a large demographic that cares about the show. The best contestants in this area (also factoring in talent) were Kelly, Carrie, Chris D, Bo and Katharine McPhee. Not surprisingly, these have also been the most successful after AI. The contestants that have not had this aspect are noteably Elliott Yamin, Ruben, Tamyra, Diana DeGarmo and even Taylor Hicks. Now, many would argue that the second group actually has "better singers", but they didn't amount to much because their style/performance didn't resonate. I think Lakisha and Melinda will find they are part of the latter while someone like Chris R, Blake or Jordin could make the former if they continue to improve.

This is a fair assessment.