New American Idol starts tonight !!!

[LoneStarGirl]

And wow, I never thought these would be the bottom three. Mandissa is probably going home.

[mauchow]

?wHO WAS IN bottom three?

[FBPro]

Madissa
Parris
Elliott
(spoiler)

























Mandissa gone.

[Joe]

wow, dialidol finally got all 3 correct. they even had the orders right with paris at 7, elliot at 8, and mandisa at 9

[Pumpy Tudors]

Nobody commented on Kenny's performance?
Well, that guy sounded like Kenny Rogers, but I'm still not sure that he was Kenny Rogers.

[Crim]

Mandissa wasn't voted out, the producers made a decision to get her out for legal reasons before next week, when they're performing the songs of Queen. Taylor would sing "Fat Bottomed Girls" and Mandissa would sit on him furiously, killing him instantly and starting a panic in the auditorium like when Kong was busting through his chains. From what I understand, lead counsel shared a few liability suit projections with the Simons and that was all it took.


Crim

[Schmidty]

Mandissa wasn't voted out, the producers made a decision to get her out for legal reasons before next week, when they're performing the songs of Queen. Taylor would sing "Fat Bottomed Girls" and Mandissa would sit on him furiously, killing him instantly and starting a panic in the auditorium like when Kong was busting through his chains. From what I understand, lead counsel shared a few liability suit projections with the Simons and that was all it took.


Crim

Unfunny to the Nth degree.

[EagleFan]

She deserved to go after that performance. There is no way that she can do that Shania Twain song and stay. Hearing that song should bring a vision of Shania's video for it with her hot little self strutting around and not what we had to watch last night.

[EagleFan]

Oh, as as Kenny goes... what's the deal with the lip syncing?

[Joe]

Oh, as as Kenny goes... what's the deal with the lip syncing?

everyone lip syncs on american idol, i think its a rule

[She Who Must Be Obeyed]

I have found my posting restraint weakness (I watch this show via DVR, hence the delayed reaction)...

Why do they have the voted out folks sing the song that ultimately got them voted out? Why shouldn't all the contestants have their "I'll show you why I'm bad" performances ready to go. Shouldn't you leave it up to them to determine their swan song. It seems like the ultimate humiliation to put someone on stage to repeat a losing performance. Is it just me?

[sabotai]

I have found my posting restraint weakness (I watch this show via DVR, hence the delayed reaction)...

Why do they have the voted out folks sing the song that ultimately got them voted out? Why shouldn't all the contestants have their "I'll show you why I'm bad" performances ready to go. Shouldn't you leave it up to them to determine their swan song. It seems like the ultimate humiliation to put someone on stage to repeat a losing performance. Is it just me?

My initial thought would be that it's the song they've been practicing all week so it's really the only song they are prepared to sing. If they just got to pick on the spot, they (and the band) wouldn't be ready for it and would most likely lead to a few mistakes.

[Schmidty]

The voting off of Mandissa shows that America hates extremely talented large, christian, minorities.

She was one of the top 3-4 people in this "game". America is ifull of diotic, image-obsessed assholes.

Stupid show.

[Swaggs]

The voting off of Mandissa shows that America hates extremely talented large, christian, minorities.

She was one of the top 3-4 people in this "game". America is ifull of diotic, image-obsessed assholes.

Stupid show.

How many times did you vote for her?

[Chief Rum]

How many times did you vote for her?

Swaggs, Schmidty was keeping his hands too busy while watching Mandisa butcher a Shania Twain song to call.

[law90026]

I'm honestly surprised Taylor hasn't been bottom 3 yet. His performances over the past 3 weeks have been very meh. Last night was quite possibly his worst and he seems to be regressing every week.

[Schmidty]

Swaggs, Schmidty was keeping his hands too busy while watching Mandisa butcher a Shania Twain song to call.

First of all, judging a person by looking at one appearance is weak.

Second, she was still better than quite a few of others (Paris, Ace, maybe even Taylor).

Third, Shania Twain butchers herself by just existing. Are you a Celine Dion fan too?

[GrantDawg]

First of all, judging a person by looking at one appearance is weak.

Second, she was still better than quite a few of others (Paris, Ace, maybe even Taylor).

Third, Shania Twain butchers herself by just existing. Are you a Celine Dion fan too?


Like it or not, appearance helps sell albums and determine the number of fans. This is not just a singing competition, and it shouldn't be. Mandisa had no shot at winning this show, and neither does Elliot.

[Chief Rum]

First of all, judging a person by looking at one appearance is weak.

Second, she was still better than quite a few of others (Paris, Ace, maybe even Taylor).

Third, Shania Twain butchers herself by just existing. Are you a Celine Dion fan too?

Hey, what did you to do to fun Schmidty?!?

Oh wait, I forgot, no such thing... ;)

[Schmidty]

Like it or not, appearance helps sell albums and determine the number of fans. This is not just a singing competition, and it shouldn't be. Mandisa had no shot at winning this show, and neither does Elliot.

I disagree with your statement that it shouldn't be just about singing. I think it should be about singing and charisma ONLY - Two things that Mandissa has in spades. The early to mid 70's is my favorite time in music, and a lot of the genius artists from that period wouldn't have fit your criteria, but were very successful.

The fact that image is so important, is an indictment of the shallow idiocy of the fat slobs in this world today. People that are in no better shape than the Mandissas of the world, say that they aren't worthy of their attention regardless of their talent???? This shows hypocrisy, shallowness, and a real lack of a love for music. The tiny minority of intelligent stand no chance against the vast majority of drooling dipshits.

[Schmidty]

Hey, what did you to do to fun Schmidty?!?

Oh wait, I forgot, no such thing... ;)

Fun Schmidty exists.

But not on the internet.

And only to my wife.

;)

[Joe]

I'm honestly surprised Taylor hasn't been bottom 3 yet. His performances over the past 3 weeks have been very meh. Last night was quite possibly his worst and he seems to be regressing every week.

I'm not surprised. He has the biggest fan base.

[wade moore]

I disagree with your statement that it shouldn't be just about singing. I think it should be about singing and charisma ONLY - Two things that Mandissa has in spades. The early to mid 70's is my favorite time in music, and a lot of the genius artists from that period wouldn't have fit your criteria, but were very successful.

The fact that image is so important, is an indictment of the shallow idiocy of the fat slobs in this world today. People that are in no better shape than the Mandissas of the world, say that they aren't worthy of their attention regardless of their talent???? This shows hypocrisy, shallowness, and a real lack of a love for music. The tiny minority of intelligent stand no chance against the vast majority of drooling dipshits.

Mandissa had by FAR the worst performance this week imo (maybe Taylor was close), but has also had several weeks of mediocre performance. This is not an injustice. I think she has one of the best voices yes, but she has not had the best performances.

[GrantDawg]

I disagree with your statement that it shouldn't be just about singing. I think it should be about singing and charisma ONLY - Two things that Mandissa has in spades. The early to mid 70's is my favorite time in music, and a lot of the genius artists from that period wouldn't have fit your criteria, but were very successful.

The fact that image is so important, is an indictment of the shallow idiocy of the fat slobs in this world today. People that are in no better shape than the Mandissas of the world, say that they aren't worthy of their attention regardless of their talent???? This shows hypocrisy, shallowness, and a real lack of a love for music. The tiny minority of intelligent stand no chance against the vast majority of drooling dipshits.

Look, Mandisa has talent, but it was not that uncommon level of talent. She does not have a talent level that overcomes her appearance problems. There are hundreds and possibly thousands of "Mandisa's" around every record studio working as back-up singers. She seems nice enough, but she doesn't have a level of charisma that demands attention. And as others pointed out, she hasn't even performed that well in the last couple of weeks. If that is what "the tiny minority of intelligent" want, then they are not nearly as intelligent as they think.

[Swaggs]

Fun Schmidty exists.

But not on the internet.

And only to my wife.

;)

Seriously though, how many times did you vote for her?

If you (and others that kind of like her) are not compelled to call, toll free from the comfort of your home, then how likely are you to buy her CD or see her in concert? We voted for Taylor a bunch (based on his song, b/c Country Roads is a song all West Virginians love) and Bucky a couple of times because we thought he did well. Bucky's singing is kind of growing on me, even though I can barely stand to watch him.

I like Mandisa, but for the past two weeks, she has shouted her way through her songs. If I heard those two performances on the radio, I would flip through. Based on her body of work, I think she probably deserved a couple more weeks, but there are not that many contestants left, so I am not surprised to see her go now.

[Daimyo]

Mandisa has talent but it seemed like nearly every performance of her's started off very weak and then ended with a very good, huge finish. This week was the exception as the whole performance was terrible. I think America can accept a fat, unattractive idol (who won season 2?), but the margin of error is smaller and they better be great every week.

[ISiddiqui]

Mandisa was a'ight, but not that great. She hadn't been singing well and probably deserved to be in the Bottom 3, at least (with Ace). As Simon says, you have to "bring it" at this stage of the competition. She sang songs that were either too safe or ones that didn't fit her voice. She picked horrid songs and that did her in.

[Glengoyne]

I'm with the others who felt that Mandissa got a bit jobbed. She was one of the better vocalists, especially early on. I missed last week, so I don't know how she did. This week, I saw her perform, and didn't think she was one of the worst performances of the week. Taylor, who I'm sort of a fan of actually, should have taken that prize home. He was awful. One of those, "that might possibly be one of the worst AI performances at this level ever" moments.

The biggest problem I had with Mandissa's performance was her attire. Appearance counts, and when you weigh 350 pounds and have flab that flops around when you move your arms, you should cover all that shit up. The Gal who went to the final three with Clay and Ruben(sp?) is a good example. She started off looking horrible, but the people worked with her, and found outfits that complimented her form. They essentially put Mandissa in a tube top on Tuesday night. I really shouldn't be too surprised by this turn of results.

[Thomkal]

The "gal that went to the final three with Clay and Ruben" is Kimberley Locke, probably still my favorite out of all Idol contestants.

It certainly was a shocker Bottom three tonight especially when the group that beat them out was Ace, Bucky, and Katharine. I thought any of the three could go based on their performance from the night before, but thought it would be Elliott who went from the three. Mandisa started off great, but the last two or three weeks have not been that good for her. So while its surprising she's gone this soon, it wasn't totally undeserved. Still I would have put three or four before her though. (Ace, Bucky, Elliott)

[Anthony]

The voting off of Mandissa shows that America hates extremely talented large, christian, minorities.

She was one of the top 3-4 people in this "game". America is ifull of diotic, image-obsessed assholes.

Stupid show.

i certainly didn't like her. grossly fat, not large - but straight up fat to the point where when i wasn't *literally* cringing when i'd watch her perform i was simply in awe of how "much" there was of her. she was amazingly big.

her voice wasn't that spectacular that you could overlook her obvious "un-idol like" figure. if you gonna look like that as a performer your first name better be Aretha.

[Joe]

The "gal that went to the final three with Clay and Ruben" is Kimberley Locke, probably still my favorite out of all Idol contestants.


And she only got that far because she was fucking one of the producers.

[thealmighty]

And she only got that far because she was fucking one of the producers.

Paula?

[Rizon]

And she only got that far because she was eating the producers.

Yup

[Mustang]

List of songs the contestants are singing tonight (so, don't go here if you like to be surprised)

hxxp://www.usatoday.com/life/television/news/2006-04-10-idol-queen-songs_x.htm

[Joe]

wow kelly sucked. I'm surprised she didnt ask "Whats a bohemian?"

[DaddyTorgo]

Spanky McPhee coming up. I'm hoping for head-to-toe leather with a plunging neckline!

[Joe]

mama mcphee is hot

[DaddyTorgo]

i'm biased cuz this is one of my fav. queen songs...but damm i just got chills. so far so good

[DaddyTorgo]

i was ready to hate bucky tonight but i totally didn't.

totally non-scientifically...just "what i enjoyed" versus "what was good musically"

1. mcphee
2. elliot
3. bucky (!)

[Mustang]

Anyone else feel they needed to know the safe word when watching Pickler?

The safe word is banana...


We were joking at work that she word ask what a Bo-he-man Rah-so-dee was...

[GrantDawg]

Bad night. I thought my two favorites (Chris and Katharine) were awful.

[Eaglesfan27]

Bad night. I thought my two favorites (Chris and Katharine) were awful.


Wow, I thought Katharine was great. She looked very good and she generally sounded very good, I thought.

I'm not sure of the order of my top 5, but the bottom 3 are:

1. Ace - I think he will probably stick around due to his female fans, but he sounded bad.

2. Bucky - Probably will go home, but he sounded better than Ace. Too bad, he still doesn't enuciate.

3. Chris - Has a very good voice, but I didn't like the song choice at all.

[GrantDawg]

Wow, I thought Katharine was great. She looked very good and she generally sounded very good, I thought.




She was not singing. She was yelling. It was rough, rough, rough.

[Solecismic]

It was Queen night in the world of the idol, which, as you can imagine, is an opportunity to take on some of the great rock anthems of history, and look like a fool doing it.

Tonight wasn't horrible. It was a nice change for me knowing all the songs from the first couple of chords. And, as talented as Freddie Mercury was, these songs leave a lot of room for different vocal styles.

I wasn't happy with the arrangements. That's where Queen always stood out, and many of their songs were almost mini-operas. Shortening these songs to one and one-half minutes is difficult. I'm surprised I don't like opera at all, given Queen has always been one of my favorite groups.

Before anyone bites the dust, it's time for the weekly Solecismic Ido Ratings.

1. Elliott Yamin. When Elliott's on and he's confident, he has a great vocal range and he's not afraid to take on a difficult song. He wasn't perfect, but he's the one I most see being able to step into that lead role in one of these songs. With work, he could be perfect. Score of 89.

2. Kellie Pickler. I don't take off points for looking like Stevie Nicks on a heroin binge with that bizarre lighting, hair and makeup. I'll give her a lot of credit for taking the song most likely to make someone look like a hack and doing a credible job. She has a very nice tone at times, and it seems likely she'll be a star even if she doesn't win this competition. And that's something that seems possible, though she isn't the most talented singer. Score of 87.

3. Paris Bennett. She needed a big performance today, and I think she got it. Finishing in the bottom three last week obviously made her work harder this week, and out of all the performances tonight, this one was the closest to being recordable. Score of 83.

4. Chris Daughtry. I love Queen's music. Leave it to Chris to find a song I don't know, and now one I don't like. I think he did well, but it's always the same performance with Chris, and I often don't enjoy his performances though I respect his singing ability. He needs to stretch his performance range. Score of 72.

5. Katharine McPhee. She picked a home run song, and missed a lot of notes. Maybe it was the late change of songs, but she hadn't worked things out yet, and was even ahead of the band for a bit early in the song. By far her worst performance, and I think she's in a little trouble. Score of 70.

6. Bucky Covington. Bucky looks like a country bar singer, he twangs like one, and he found a Queen song that twangs a bit. But I don't think he's putting his best foot forward when he does this. I think he'd have more success if he put a little crooner into his work, because he always sounds so plain and boring when he twangs away. It was competent, but not good enough for this level of the competition. Score of 63.

7. Taylor Hicks. Oh, he's safe. He could take off his pants and fart the melodies and he'd still be safe. But there's a reason every single karaoke bar has Crazy Little Thing Called Love at the top of its playlist. Everyone can sing it. I think I would have respected him more had he played up the Elvis in this song. He didn't. He just bounced around and did a few trademark Taylor yells. It wasn't pleasant. Score of 62.

8. Ace Young. I really thought he had a chance to shine tonight. But he picked a bad song for him, clearly got on the nerves of the band members, and just did nothing on the stage. The song completely overwhelmed him. Score of 57.

Bottom Three: Ace for certain. I think Bucky's back in serious danger. And Katharine probably took a chunk out her fan base with an uneven performance.

Who's Gone: Ace.

[Cuckoo]

Put me in the camp that really enjoyed Katharine. I didn't mind Pickler or Bucky too much tonight, and overall I didn't think it was that bad of a night. Worst ones in my opinion were Ace and Paris. And if I had to pick, I'd say Paris is gone.

[Rizon]

Ace: "I wan't to make your song candyass"

Queen: "You aren't going to pussyout our music"

SERVED.

[ISiddiqui]

I actually find a lot of agreement with Jim's rankings. I thought Bucky's rendition was fun, but there are only 8 people left and a lot of people did pretty good this week. Though, I think Katherine may find herself back in the bottom 3. Put Ace in there, as usual, and round it off with a suprise of Taylor.

[Swaggs]

Am I the only one that is starting to like Bucky? I guess Southern rock is one of my favorite genres to listen to, so that may be why, but I think he kind of has an Allman Bros thing going on. I think he is going to do a lot better than people think (and probably advance further than a few favorites).

Anyway... my bottom 3:

Paris -- I just have a tough time taking her seriously on more mature songs. I think Simon nailed it a few weeks ago when he said she was sort of like a little girl playing dressup while performing.

Katherine -- She is beautiful, but I don't think she is that endearing to females, based on the glares I get from my wife when I say she looks hot. And if women are not voting for her, men are probably to apathetic to carry her through many more weeks.

Ace -- To me, he is clearly the worst vocalist left. He has looks, but he isn't really charming enough to have carved out a personality for himself yet, and I don't think he goes on. I'd pick him to go home.

[ISiddiqui]

I like Bucky, but as the field gets smaller (and I don't see him leaving this week), he gets more and more on my list of "gotta go soon". I don't see him as good as my personal Top 3, but there is a chance he gets in American Idol's Top 3.

[Mustang]

Katherine -- She is beautiful, but I don't think she is that endearing to females, based on the glares I get from my wife when I say she looks hot. And if women are not voting for her, men are probably to apathetic to carry her through many more weeks.

Sure we aren't married to the same woman? My wife pretty much dislikes her.. I think the words Rhino and Bitch were thrown around a few times.

[st.cronin]

Sure we aren't married to the same woman? My wife pretty much dislikes her.. I think the words Rhino and Bitch were thrown around a few times.

Rhino? lol Women are so strange.

[FBPro]

Put me in the camp that thinks that Bucky should have never made the trip to Hollywood and if he happened to sneak in should have been booted like 3 months ago....and Katharine, well yum.

[Solecismic]

It's the incredible shrinking Katharine. During the tryout phase of the competition, she had some meat on the bones. But I don't think she's eaten since.

If you want to get back on good graces with your wives (assuming we don't have our own "Big Love" story going on here), mention that Katharine has gone through some of the training for $cientology. She doesn't seem to be an professed $cientologist, but she might be keeping it down while there's still a chance she could win this thing.

[Ksyrup]

Rhino? lol Women are so strange.

It doesn't get any more serious than a rhino about to sing a Queen song.

[Swaggs]

It's the incredible shrinking Katharine. During the tryout phase of the competition, she had some meat on the bones. But I don't think she's eaten since.

If you want to get back on good graces with your wives (assuming we don't have our own "Big Love" story going on here), mention that Katharine has gone through some of the training for $cientology. She doesn't seem to be an professed $cientologist, but she might be keeping it down while there's still a chance she could win this thing.

My wife is a psychiatrist, so if I do that, it may go from nasty glares to out-and-out, physical violence.

[GrantDawg]

It doesn't get any more serious than a rhino about to sing a Queen song.


1,000 points.

[Mustang]

Rhino? lol Women are so strange.

Ya.. I didn't quite get that one. Just chalked it up to one of those catty woman comments. Guess I could have just called Ace a flame-ingo but, eh well...

[WVUFAN]

Good God Taylor was awful. He absolutley butchered the song, and made himself look like an idiot doing it. As poor as Ace did, if Taylor isn't voted out, there's something wrong.

Surprisingly, the one person I didn't expect to do well did the best IMO, Paris. Great job on that song.

Now I need to find me some Queen music.

[Thomkal]

Well when I heard the theme for the week, I thought this was probably the end for Bucky and Kellie and Paris would both struggle. Wrong on all three counts I think. Bucky went in the always forgettable first spot, so he could be in danger, but he found a song that fit his style, and probably had his best performance ever.

When I heard Kellie was doing Bohemian Rhaposdy I cringed. I thought that song was way above her. But I liked the "rocker" look and lighting and surprisingly she did a decent job with the song and performance. I think I should just mute her when she opens her mouth to talk rather than sing, and she might be my favorite. :) Paris too "rocked" far better than I expected from her.

I actually think this was Ace's best night, but that's not saying a lot when it comes to Ace. I think his trying to get Queen to change their arrangement for him is likely to get him sent home more than anything else.

Yeah Taylor was "dancing" and all again, but he was clearly having fun and the audience really got into his performance. Simon just can't understand why and thus discredits everything he does. I think it was a good decision to switct from "We Are the Champions" which I just couldn't picture him seeing. Now the one who should have been singing Champions was Chris. Instead he chose a song the band wouldn't even perform live, and we found out why when he sang it. Deserves to be in the Bottom Three.

It was nice to see Elliott relax for a change and just enjoy being on the stage and sing. Probably the best vocal of the night, but really needs to work on performing still. Katherine's song change (I wonder if Mandisa had originally picked that song as they showed her last week practicing with Queen) should have been a home run for her. It was a perfect choice for her more broadway type performance. But she oversang it, yelling it for the most part and off key. Very disappointing.

So my bottom three would be Katherine, Chris, and Ace. I'd put Bucky there but he really didn't do a bad job last night, and neither did Ace, but I think his interaction with Queen is going to cost him.

[Pumpy Tudors]

Am I the only one that is starting to like Bucky?
I've been cheering for Bucky in this thread since a couple of pages ago. :)

[Pumpy Tudors]

Dola

I agreed with Simon on every point he made last night except for the stuff about Pickler. I think she got a little too much praise, but that's just because she didn't completely butcher "Bohemian Rhapsody." The song was still way over her head. I thought she was just OK, but with that song (which I actually hate), I suppose OK is pretty good.

Even though I agree with Simon that Paris' performance was "weird," I thought it worked from a vocal standpoint. Paris just turns into a different creature when she's singing. It doesn't fit with her little girl speaking voice, and I think that's what makes her performances peculiar. Still, the girl can sing. When she's singing her types of songs, she's spectacular. When she's singing something way out of bounds for her, she's still very good. So I agree with Simon that it was weird, but I didn't think it was bad. As for the others:

Taylor was ridiculous. As goofy as his Ray Charles/Fred Sanford dance moves were at the beginning, at least they looked plausible for the guy. Now he's trying to jump around and kick down microphone stands (UIC moment of the season for me), and he just comes off looking spastic. Ridiculous.

Chris couldn't rise above his song. I love listening to Chris because he's really good at what he does, even if it's the same thing again and again. I actually zoned out during that song, though. It was dry and dull.

Katharine was OK, zombie Barbie doll look aside (don't confuse with Pickler - Pickles had the goth Barbie doll look). She didn't seem confident at all, though. She was really quick to compliment the lighting and the band, and I think she knew that she just didn't "bring it" last night. On its own, her performance was reasonable. Against the others last night, it wasn't good.

I thought Elliott was outstanding. His voice was really good for the song, and for the first time all season, he didn't seem invisible to me. His performance was the only one that I'll remember for being really good. Unfortunately, I'll remember Taylor's, even though I've been pouring bleach in my eyes to get the image out. Anyway, as for Elliott, he wasn't worth a standing ovation or anything, but he really connected with the song, and I like that.

And then there's Ace. I didn't really pay attention during the taped segment before his song, so I missed out on Queen pwning him. If my wife didn't delete it from TiVo, I'll watch that part this evening. Anyway, about the song, I thought it was horrid. All of the other contestants seem willing to try something that's out of their comfort zone (well, maybe not Chris, but Chris can advance on talent alone). Ace seems to want to bring his slow, whiny, kicked-in-the-balls (if he has any) style to each song he does. Note to Ace: STOP THAT. For once, he should work with his song and not try to make the song work with him. He is not strong enough to overshadow his song. STOP THAT.

No comment about my man Bucky because, well, he's my man Bucky. :)

[Buccaneer]

Same here. Everytime I point out Katherine (in the very few times she had flipped to Idol), she immediately responds by looking for a Keith Urban video on CMT or GAC.

[law90026]

It actually wasn't a bad night. Thank god, after the past 2 stinkers.

And I couldn't really fault anyone's performance so I suspect it's going to be a very close call. However, bottom 3 predictions:

Elliot (he doesn't seem to have enough of a fan base)
Bucky (he didn't do badly but he's just not good enough)
Katherine (I still don't like her voice :P)

[GrantDawg]

My wife thinks Katherine is hot, too.

[Cuckoo]

My wife thinks Katherine is hot, too.

Yep, mine too.

[Eaglesfan27]

My wife thinks Katherine is hot, too.

Mine too.

[st.cronin]

I had always assumed that most women would be happy to discover that there are fuller-bodied women that men find attractive, as opposed to somebody like Angelina Jolie. Clearly, I know nothing.

[Daimyo]

I thought Katherine was the worst. Even at the end when they played the clip of her singing I thought it sounded terrible and they usually find something good for the end. Her personality is starting to get super annoying too...

[MJ4H]

Elliott just kicked a lot more rear than he did last night and he was decent last night. That was the first time I've really though Elliott belonged since the first time I can remember him in the top 24. I thought then he was probably the best male. Haven't thought that since then, but with the performance he just gave after finding out he was in the bottom 3 tonight, I believe he belongs again. Nice job, Elliott.

[ISiddiqui]

DAMN IT! Ace is still safe!!! ARGH!!

[Pumpy Tudors]

THIS COUNTRY HAS RUINED AMERICAN IDOL! I WANT MORE BUCKY!

AMERIKKKA!!!!!!!!

[FBPro]

THIS COUNTRY HAS RUINED AMERICAN IDOL! I WANT MORE BUCKY!

AMERIKKKA!!!!!!!!
You can have him!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[MJ4H]

THIS COUNTRY HAS RUINED AMERICAN IDOL! I WANT MORE BUCKY!

AMERIKKKA!!!!!!!!

hhaha pumpy you are alright i dont care what the others say

[Swaggs]

Who got the boot?

[MJ4H]

bucky

[Joe]

whooo next week its Rod Stewart night

[GrantDawg]

whooo next week its Rod Stewart night


You know, one time they pumped Rod Stewart's stomache and found....

[Galaril]

Mine too.


Yeah mine also. And in fact, she went as far as to say if she was going to go lesbo that would be the way to go. I of course just asked to get the video rights to it:) Sleeping on couch for the forseeable future.

[Mustang]

Chris really really should have sung 'Under Pressure'

From what I read into for next week, it's not Rod Stewart songs next week.. its the Rod Stewart American songbook that he is pimpin' right now.

[CraigSca]

Just thought I'd add that my wife hates Katherine as well - something about her says "bitch" to her.

She loves that Chris guy, however, though not so much since he's turned into Eyeliner Boy 2006.

[ISiddiqui]

I'd like Chris more... if he ever sang another song. What is this, like Part 12 of the same song?

[GrantDawg]

Just thought I'd add that my wife hates Katherine as well - something about her says "bitch" to her.

She loves that Chris guy, however, though not so much since he's turned into Eyeliner Boy 2006.

That (and the facial hair) makes him even more hot to my wife.

[Schmidty]

I can't believe that Elliott was in the bottom 3. He has more talented than all of the other contestants, imo. Maybe he isn't the most "entertaining" idol, but to me, he's the best.

[DaddyTorgo]

bucky got the boot?? wow...i didn't see that coming. not that i think he's amazing or could win, but a lot more people deserved to go over him.

[Swaggs]

Chris really really should have sung 'Under Pressure'

From what I read into for next week, it's not Rod Stewart songs next week.. its the Rod Stewart American songbook that he is pimpin' right now.

I thought he (or someone) should have sang "I've Got to Break Free." It would have been perfect for Chris, but since it has been somewhat modernized by the commericals it is in, it probably would have struck a chord with more of the viewers.

[Arles]

whooo next week its Rod Stewart night
Glad to see they won't be breaking their "No special guests under 50" rule. Who's next? The Stones and Jimmy Buffet?

[Mustang]

Glad to see they won't be breaking their "No special guests under 50" rule. Who's next? The Stones and Jimmy Buffet?

Gordon Lightfoot...

Unfortunately, Taylor will pick 'Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald' and that will suck up the first 45 minutes of the show.

Seriously.. these themes are for shit. I'd almost find it more enjoyable if they had a 2 fish bowl o' songs (1 for men, 1 for women) that they just draw a few names out of post elimination and then have to pick one.

[Joe]

Glad to see they won't be breaking their "No special guests under 50" rule. Who's next? The Stones and Jimmy Buffet?

well, they tried real hard to get prince on (is he over 50 yet?), but he refused to sit down and help the kids with the songs. :)

[FBPro]

bucky got the boot?? wow...i didn't see that coming. not that i think he's amazing or could win, but a lot more people deserved to go over him.
You're kidding right? Bucky should have gone home before Hollywood......

[Thomkal]

Well have to shake my head at the bottom 3 last night. If it was based on this week alone, none of the three should have been there probably. Poor Elliott had the best performance of the night and still can't get votes, while Bucky and Ace likely had their best too. Meanwhile Chris and Katherine should have been in Bottom 3 based on this week's performances.

I was sad to see Bucky go-he's kinda grown on me since the beginning, but in reality both he and Ace are a notch below the others, and that ultimately is why they end up in the Bottom 3 so much. Hopefully it'll be Ace going next week, and then it'll be a real shootout after that.

[Logan]

Well have to shake my head at the bottom 3 last night. If it was based on this week alone, none of the three should have been there probably. Poor Elliott had the best performance of the night and still can't get votes, while Bucky and Ace likely had their best too. Meanwhile Chris and Katherine should have been in Bottom 3 based on this week's performances.

I was sad to see Bucky go-he's kinda grown on me since the beginning, but in reality both he and Ace are a notch below the others, and that ultimately is why they end up in the Bottom 3 so much. Hopefully it'll be Ace going next week, and then it'll be a real shootout after that.

Ok, I know everyone is entitled to their opinion and everything...

...but are you serious? You liked what Ace did this week? I'm sorry, but it was atrocious. When I realized he would be singing that song again last night, I muted my TV.

[Eaglesfan27]

I agree. That was a horrid performance by Ace, and we muted our television again midway through it, since it was just as bad as the Tuesday performance.

[Joe]

I like Ace, he's cute

[Logan]

I like Ace, he's cute

You should be impeached for that statement.

[Lathum]

god I hate ace, he is a one trick pony, how he didn't get booted this week is beyond me.

[FBPro]

god I hate ace, he is a one trick pony, how he didn't get booted this week is beyond me.
Because Bucky needed to go like million weeks ago...:)

[MJ4H]

Wow. Best night in awhile. Even the clear bottom 3 weren't bad by any stretch. Clear bottom 3 for me were:

Elliott, Kellie, Ace.

Those three clearly belong there, but I doubt Kellie will show her face. Elliott and Ace you can count on, though.

My rankings based on tonight only:

1. Katharine - good heavens that was awesome.
2. Paris - another jaw-dropper.
3. Taylor - first time I've gotten caught up in his schtick.
4. Chris - nice change of pace, cool song, well done.
5. Elliott - as always, sang well, but too goofy.
6. Kellie - she is pretty sometimes.
7. Ace - was one of his better efforts, but the falsetto thing is annoying.

[Easy Mac]

I somehow turned the channel right when Katharine started for the second straight week. The recaps made me happy that I missed Liberache right before her.

[Ksyrup]

I missed Chris, but saw the rest. Pickles was clearly the worst. In fact, I was surprised Simon didn't jump down her throat. He must want her to stick around. He blamed the song choice, when clearly she sung terribly, regardless of the song. She was bad, the rest were good to great.

[GrantDawg]

Best night top to bottom, but with a definite bottom. Pickler should go, but I would say Elliot probably wiil.

[Eaglesfan27]

I agree that this was one of the best nights in a very long time..



Simon predicted Kellie would make the top 3, which is why I think he softballed her.

My rankings:

Katharine - Sounded great, looked even better.

Chris - Shocked me with an excellent non-rock vocal.

Paris - Definitely picked a song that matched her voice.

Taylor - One of his best vocals in the last 4 or 5 weeks.

Elliott - Good vocal, but I also thought the personality was lacking.

Ace - It was a decent vocal, but nothing great.

Kellie - I thought she was out of tune through most of the song. She should go home based on just tonight, but I doubt she even sees the bottom 3.

My expected Bottom 3: Ace, Elliott, and Paris.

Who I think is going home: Ace.

Who should go home: Kellie (based on just tonight.)

[Cuckoo]

Yeah, I say this was easily the best night in a while. Some really good performances, and even the people I don't like that much were solid.

I was going to put my rankings, but I just realized Eaglesfan27 put the exact ones I would've chosen.

I think Kellie has enough of a fan base to keep her in despite that mess, and her willingness to admit how poor it was might actually help her. It seems a rare quality on this show.

So, that said, I'll say one of either Elliott or Ace is gone. My guess... Elliott.

[Solecismic]

Like many have noted, standards night was easy to listen to. These are songs that have held up for generations, perhaps dating back to the time when primordial ooze dominated the landscape and one-celled organisms were looking for ways to entertain each other.

Rod Stewart may be 60, but he has a good plastic surgeon, and he knows how to sneak repeated looks down Kellie Picker's shirt. I realize Idol needs to take advantage of the relatively big stars willing to use their venue to sell a few albums, but this week seemed a bit indulgent.

The Solecismic Ratings for this week reflect this indulgence. It's hard not to find a song that can show off whatever limited (or not) talent you possess. The average score here is by far the highest of the year.

1. Katharine McPhee. She picked a song that showed off her training very well. Simon was right, she made the others look amateur in comparison. When she's on, she has the talent to win. Score of 94.

2. Chris Daughtry. This was the best of a solid group of performances with very little to pick between them. His performance was the most consistent, my only complaint is that he picked a very easy song. Score of 82.

3. Elliott Yamin. It's clear he's in some trouble, as Simon seemed to target him tonight (more on that later). I liked his performance, though. Very simple, but strong in tone. If only he weren't so fragile-looking and acting, he'd be a threat to win. Score of 78.

4. Taylor Hicks. After a dreadful first half, he picked it up and gave his fans something to cheer about. He is definitely the most inconsistent performer in the competition. Score of 77.

5. Paris Bennett. This is a strong fifth, and I'm sure there's plenty of reason to like the performance. I just found it choppy and pretentious, her accent affected. Score of 76.

6. Kellie Pickler. After a terrific first few bars, she just fell apart, missing several notes and struggling with her confidence for the first time. She seems to like picking difficult songs since her Bucket of Suds developed a leak early in the competition, but she needs to work a little harder or her support will begin to erode. Score of 69.

7. Ace Young. Now that Bucky is gone, Ace stands out as the one without enough raw talent to deserve his spot on the stage. It was a boring performance, and his falsetto is becoming a cliche. Simon was killing him with faint praise, which probably means he thinks Ace is gone. Score of 55.

The Bottom Three: Ace for certain, probably Elliott and Paris as well.

Who is going: I think it's the end of the line for Ace.

Who deserves to go: Ace.

[Lathum]

Kellie is in no danger, I think ace is finally gone although Elliot may be in trouble based on the fact he lacks "star quality"

[JeeberD]

C YA Ace!

[JeeberD]

Dola-
Toldja

[LoneStarGirl]

Awww poor Ace, he was so cute.

[Joe]

I heart ace :(

[wade moore]

imo, it is a travesty that Chris was in the bottom 3.

[MJ4H]

I feel the same way about Paris.

[Eaglesfan27]

I didn't think Chris or Paris really deserved to be in the bottom 3. However, I'm more shocked that Chris was there. At least, the right person went home tonight.

[ISiddiqui]

HAHA!

Bye bye Ace!!!

[Buccaneer]

I heart ace :(

You also heart Kevin. Can you pick 'em or what?

[Ksyrup]

Look at who is left, and it's hard to be shocked that any one of them could make the bottom 3. Pickles is clearly in over her head, but will stay because of the dumb blonde thing. Elliott seems to be sliding under the radar. Paris is good, but not an "Idol." Ditto for Katherine, although she at least has a sex appeal that Paris is missing entirely (thankfully, given her age). Chris is like a better version of Marty Casey - he's got the same limited act as Marty, except this show penalizes him because he doesn't get to sing rock song every week like Rockstar. As a result, his shtick will wear thin each successive week he's unable to sing rock songs (like this week and next). And Taylor just keeps doing the same thing every week, and looks to be in no trouble.

From this point forward, I won't be surprised to see someone worthy go home early. Chris and Kat deserve to be the top two, but I wouldn't be shocked if neither of them make it.

[Buccaneer]

Look at who is left, and it's hard to be shocked that any one of them could make the bottom 3. Pickles is clearly in over her head, but will stay because of the dumb blonde thing. Elliott seems to be sliding under the radar. Paris is good, but not an "Idol." Ditto for Katherine, although she at least has a sex appeal that Paris is missing entirely (thankfully, given her age). Chris is like a better version of Marty Casey - he's got the same limited act as Marty, except this show penalizes him because he doesn't get to sing rock song every week like Rockstar. As a result, his shtick will wear thin each successive week he's unable to sing rock songs (like this week and next). And Taylor just keeps doing the same thing every week, and looks to be in no trouble.

From this point forward, I won't be surprised to see someone worthy go home early. Chris and Kat deserve to be the top two, but I wouldn't be shocked if neither of them make it.

In other words, you don't see anyone doing anything after Idol?

[Ksyrup]

In other words, you don't see anyone doing anything after Idol?

That's not the point of the show for me. I won't see anyone do anything after Idol, regardless of whether they are Kelly Clarkson, Josh Gracin, or Justin Guarini. I have absolutely no interest in what they make of these people after the show ends, just the entertainment getting there provides.

[Rizon]

YES!

[Lathum]

I don't understand how the hell Chris is in tghe bottom 3.

[GrantDawg]

Dialidol had it right. I'm starting to worry about Chris. He did a good job this week out of his comfort zone, and still was in the bottom. I hope he gets a good rebound next week.

[wade moore]

I feel the same way about Paris.

I have no problem with Paris in the bottom 3, and actually think she deserves to be the next to go home.

If this was "Jazz Idol", she'd win in a landslide, but it's not. Her voice/style just does not translate to pop at all.

[wade moore]

Look at who is left, and it's hard to be shocked that any one of them could make the bottom 3. Pickles is clearly in over her head, but will stay because of the dumb blonde thing. Elliott seems to be sliding under the radar. Paris is good, but not an "Idol." Ditto for Katherine, although she at least has a sex appeal that Paris is missing entirely (thankfully, given her age). Chris is like a better version of Marty Casey - he's got the same limited act as Marty, except this show penalizes him because he doesn't get to sing rock song every week like Rockstar. As a result, his shtick will wear thin each successive week he's unable to sing rock songs (like this week and next). And Taylor just keeps doing the same thing every week, and looks to be in no trouble.

From this point forward, I won't be surprised to see someone worthy go home early. Chris and Kat deserve to be the top two, but I wouldn't be shocked if neither of them make it.

I agree with you about who I think should be in the top 2. I think Pickles really should not make the top 3, but if she wasn't in the bottom 3 after that performance, I think she could win the whole damned thing.

[Joe]

You also heart Kevin. Can you pick 'em or what?


Kevin would've been awesome this week.

[Ksyrup]

Dialidol had it right. I'm starting to worry about Chris. He did a good job this week out of his comfort zone, and still was in the bottom. I hope he gets a good rebound next week.

I'd be more worried about Chris if he ended up in the top 2. Look at what they did to Bo. In fact, it may be too late for Chris already.

[Malificent]

Chris went first. The power of position in Idol is highly underrated. That said, I'd be surprised to see Chris in trouble next week, as his bottom 3 performance should energize his fans. Elliot and Paris on the other hand best watch out.

[Thomkal]

I think Chris was in the Bottom 3 because he wasn't rocker Chris which his fans like plus going first. I liked his performance though, had my doubts he could handle songs like that. I think he will get the majority of Ace voters though, so probably will be okay next week with Love Songs (and what a surprising musical guest!)

Honestly I feel like the Final 6 are pretty much match and mix right now any of them could win. My personal choices for Top 3 right now are Elliott, Paris, and Chris. But any of the other three could be there and I'd have no real argument against it.

[Daimyo]

If Kellie won't even make the bottom three after an attrocious performance like she had this week I can't imagine what it will take to send her home.

[Rizon]

If Kellie won't even make the bottom three after an attrocious performance like she had this week I can't imagine what it will take to send her home.

I think she's got a huge chunk of the Jesusland votes, especially after Bucky was gone, so that should keep her safe for awhile.

[wade moore]

I think she's got a huge chunk of the Jesusland votes, especially after Bucky was gone, so that should keep her safe for awhile.

I've been thinking for awhile now...

It would be hilarious if the idol winner was the same model of country singer two years in a row.

[Rizon]

I've been thinking for awhile now...

It would be hilarious if the idol winner was the same model of country singer two years in a row.

If Kellie wins, it's just asking for a Carrie/Kellie Playboy spread 15 years from now.

[thealmighty]

15 years from now.

Why wait?

[B & B]

Any ideas for who the bottom three are for next week 4/25 and who might be the frontrunner for most likely to go home?

[marshall881]

What is next week's "theme"?

[Ksyrup]

Greatest Love Songs of All-Time! I can't wait!!

[Critch]

I think she's got a huge chunk of the Jesusland votes, especially after Bucky was gone, so that should keep her safe for awhile.

Looking through the profiles on the website, they're pretty much all Southerners who mention prayer and God in their profiles, so why would the Christian vote (if there is such a thing on AI) go for the Pickler?

Pretty much the only one who doesn't mention prayer and/or God is Katherine, who is rumored to be a Scientologist. So my wife tells me, she reads all sorts of AI boards. I don't. I only watch the programme because she makes me too. Honest. :)

[Rizon]

Looking through the profiles on the website, they're pretty much all Southerners who mention prayer and God in their profiles, so why would the Christian vote (if there is such a thing on AI) go for the Pickler?

Pretty much the only one who doesn't mention prayer and/or God is Katherine, who is rumored to be a Scientologist. So my wife tells me, she reads all sorts of AI boards. I don't. I only watch the programme because she makes me too. Honest. :)

Jesusland loves country, so it's moreso for the country vote.

[B & B]

Appears that Paris is gonna be the one.

[sabotai]

Greatest Love Songs of All-Time! I can't wait!!

Awesome! I can continue to just not watch....

[sabotai]

dola,

However, Kellie's worsening could be developing into a monster of a meltdown.....I might watch in case that happens.

[Rizon]

Greatest Love Songs of All-Time! I can't wait!!

Whew, at least Ace is gone for this one.

[Mustang]

Kat looks "I'm going to beat my dick like it owes me money" hot...

[Easy Mac]

McBoobies!!!!

[LoneStarGirl]

She does look gorgeous, but I am glad Paula and Randy are letting her have the truth and aren't sugar coating it.

[ISiddiqui]

Kat finally wears something HOT! It seemed that in weeks past, she didn't realize she could show off that bod.

[Easy Mac]

I thought she under sung the song. The parts where she needed to ramp it up she didn't, but used the power notes in the less important sections, almost like her rendition was set up to avoid the Whitney comparisons.

[ISiddiqui]

Well, I guess that proves that Paula is wasted already tonight.

[Flasch186]

yamin killed that

[Mustang]

Unchained Melody coming up?

Oh god

Oh god...

[Flasch186]

not half as bad as i expected.

[ISiddiqui]

Randy says there were "pitch" problems... wow, a shock ;).

[Buccaneer]

Who's doing Unchained Melody? And what did Katherine sing?

[Buccaneer]

Also, will Chris be doing Journey?

[Flasch186]

damn Simon got rubbed out!! nice.

[ISiddiqui]

What, you wake up from your nap, Buc ;). Kelly did "Unchained Melody" and Kat did a Whitney Houston song (what was it again?)

[Mustang]

Who's doing Unchained Melody?

Pickler.

I'm sorry but, that sucked. That is just one of those songs that you look either really good or you suck. Her cutsie, I'm-such-a-ditz personality has just really gotten old.

Don't get me wrong, I'd still do her though.

[Joe]

what are the odds on Chris doing Love Hurts?

[ISiddiqui]

What is with these singers singing sad songs and smiling throughout?

[Joe]

actually... he's probably doing My Sacrifice

[Pumpy Tudors]

actually... he's probably doing My Sacrifice
Again?

[Mustang]

what are the odds on Chris doing Love Hurts?

I heard it was 'Have you Ever Really Loved A Women'

[Buccaneer]

I haven't heard a good version of Unchained Melody (even from U2), just one decent one.

[DaddyTorgo]

i didn't think mcphee was as bad as randy/paula said. certainly not bad enough to go (byebye pickler)

[ISiddiqui]

Taylor wasn't all that great... and Paula is getting drunker by the minute.

[Mustang]

i didn't think mcphee was as bad as randy/paula said. certainly not bad enough to go (byebye pickler)

Pickler won't go even though she should.

[Joe]

LOL I like how Andrea Bocelli knew that Pickler was blonde.

[ISiddiqui]

BRYAN ADAMS?!

[Joe]

Yeah... but I'd expect this from someone who lists his favorite artists as Rob Thomas and Kelly Clarkson.

[ISiddiqui]

I wonder if Paula dipped into the Everclear this week?

[Flasch186]

Chris

and

Elliot

were top twosies but I dont vote so who knows.

[Mustang]

BRYAN ADAMS?!

Other than Elliot, probably #2 song choice of the night.

Unchained Melody? Whitney? Just Once? ugh...

[MJ4H]

1. Chris
2. Elliott
3. Paris
4. Katharine
5. Taylor
6. Kellie

No comments necessary except that Kellie should've been #10 instead of #6 and Chris vs. Elliott was very close.

[ISiddiqui]

Yeah, but it makes him seem like some big poseur... though maybe he is. WHo knows?

[Easy Mac]

Top 6 for the night:
1. Chris - kicked Brian Adams ass... but he's Canadian, so that's no surprise.
2. Paris - She sounded nice. Not a huge fan, but she has one of the better voices of those left.
3. McPhee - mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm... I wanted to unwrap he yellow m&ms
4. Elliot - I just don't get the whole Elliot thing, ya-min. I dunno, I just don't think he's that good.
5. Taylor - Should change his name to Sucks, because that was horrible.
6. Pickles - If I was Bocelli, I'd use the "I'm blind, can I feel your breasts" line from Dude where's my car. Otherwise, if you weren't blind, her singing surely robbed you of your other senses. Asstrocious.

I already have an aversion to pickles, so I think it's Kelly's turn to get tossed from the barrell that is American Idol.

[Logan]

BRYAN ADAMS?!

I think he did it for the Canadian vote.

But it was still really good. He's gonna win this thing.

[Eaglesfan27]

1. Elliott - He owned that song.

2. Chris - Very good rendition.

3. Katherine - Looked AMAZING. Only sounded decent to good.

4. Paris - Oversang parts of the song.

5. Taylor - Was just ok.

6. Kellie - Mangled one of my favorite songs. She needs to go home.

[MizzouRah]

I think he did it for the Canadian vote.

But it was still really good. He's gonna win this thing.

I agree. What a perfect song and rendition of that song from Chris tonight. Wow, I Tivo'ed it just to listed to it 5-6 times. He NAILED it.

[Solecismic]

Something was amiss in the American Idol studio tonight. It's been an interesting week, with Paula's bizarre appearance on Leno and rumors flying around that she and the Seacrest are not on speaking terms. The producers joined in, screwing up the microphones on several occasions. It was rough, dog, let me tell you, it was rough.

So Randy hated everything, even though it wasn't that bad. Paula dealt with it by doubling her dose of painkillers. Brett Favre was even overheard saying, "wow, that chick can handle a lot," after the show. Simon, always afraid to praise someone after Randy pans them, just looked bewitched, bothered and bewildered.

Maybe this angst thing is intentional on the part of Fox. Who can argue with a show that essentially, with very little exception, features karaoke amidst the occasional knockout performance. Let's spice it up, put judges together who can't even stand to be in the same room.

On to the Solecismic Ratings. Overall, I thought it was a decent week, though the song arrangements were terrible as a rule. The love song genre is perfect for a group of good voices. And the four remaining good voices had good weeks.

1. Katharine McPhee. The judges just savaged her, because apparently only a coked out Whitney Houston is allowed to sing certain songs. It was the one arrangement tonight I liked better than the original. Her voice was steady and powerful, and it was a very difficult song. I didn't like the dress much - too form fitting. The Kat looks better in a different type of outfit. Score of 90.

2. Elliott Yamin. This genre is right up his alley, and he was clearly very comfortable. He did a nice job, perhaps better than Katharine, with an easier song. Score of 87.

3. Paris Bennett. Overall, I thought it was her best performance of the season. What I still don't like about her is that she's very affected, and it's obviously learned behavior from her grandmother. Someday, she'll have to learn to make this come more naturally. She did show off her considerable talent tonight. Score of 84.

4. Chris Daughtry. I thought he was very good vocally, but his tendency to want to rock out changed the mood of the song abruptly. He only has one natural speed, and didn't have a feel for the song at all. Keep in mind that anything over 80 is very, very good. Score of 82.

5. Taylor Hicks. Please just put him out of my misery now. It was a lifeless, horrible rendition. Taylor is an entertainer, and when he's not happy, we're not happy. You almost get the feeling he's decided he doesn't want to play any more, but doesn't have the decency to drop out of the competition. Score of 56.

6. Kellie Pickler. She started okay. She missed a couple of notes, and then was just brutal for about 30 seconds. Not just bad karaoke brutal, but bad high school musical theater brutal. And then she did her high note proud, and her confidence came back and she finished quite strong. The problem is, like Taylor, she's starting to stand out as not having the vocal talent of the rest of the group. Now that Ace is gone, this is more and more apparent. Score of 54.

Expected Bottom 3: This is the week Kellie finally screwed up too much. She should be joined by Paris and Elliott.

Who's going home: Paris.

Who should go home: Taylor, though I wouldn't mind if Trump fired Kellie as well.

[Cuckoo]

I'd flip Elliott and Chris and probably put Paris ahead of both but otherwise I pretty much agree almost completely with Jim. I was surprised at the judge's comments to Katharine. I thought she yelled a bit once or twice, but overall it was very well done. Pickler was horrible. Paris will leave which is really too bad given her performance. That's not a "go home" performance.

[Rizon]

Does anyone here like Whitney? She is just one artist I cannot tolerate no how, no way, EVER. It's like nails on a chalkboard music for me.

[Swaggs]

3. Paris Bennett. Overall, I thought it was her best performance of the season. What I still don't like about her is that she's very affected, and it's obviously learned behavior from her grandmother. Someday, she'll have to learn to make this come more naturally. She did show off her considerable talent tonight. Score of 84.


This sums Paris up very well for me. She is talented, but the manner in which she sings does not appeal to me.

I thought Chris, Elliott, and Kat were in their own class this week. Paris was somewhat below them, and then Taylor and Kellie were easily the worst.

I agree that Paris goes home. It will be interesting to see if Kellie is in the bottom 3.

[Ksyrup]

Taylor has been average-to-bad for several weeks now. I agree, I don't think he's into the competition anymor. He's a clear example of someone who peaked way too early, really has only one thing going for him, and is beginning to lose steam. We'll see if the voters are also losing steam for him.

[jeff061]

I got my hair cut, and the women cutting my hair said I looked like Taylor Hicks. I find out later the guy is known for his gray hair. Thanks lady ;)

/gray since 16

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Good Lord! Was I the only one that saw the wardrobe malfunction with the first girl in the yellow dress (believe her name is Katherine)? Near the end of the song, the bottom button on the dress popped loose. You could see her reach down and check it immediately, but then she kept going. As she walked toward the low-angle camera, it was quickly obvious that she was wearing white underwear. Thankfully, Tivo allowed us to re-live it several times to amuse ourselves. :)

[Critch]

1. Elliott - thought he lost control a little here and there, but still the best of a not very good night.

2. Paris - She might seem arrogant, and she's a little boring, but she wasn't bad.

3. Taylor - Been coasting for weeks and was ok on a boring song.

4. Chris - Maybe better than I'm giving him credit for, but I couldn't get over my hate for that song. For me the top 4 order is fairly interchangable.
.
.
.
big drop off
.
.
.
5. The Pickler - Horrible, butchered the song. As bad as Katherine, but at least had the self awareness to know she sucked.

6. Katherine - Horrible, skreetched her way through the song then gave the evil looks when the judges had the nerve to tell her she wasn't the best. High point was Seacrest telling her that people who had their volume turned down would have enjoyed her.

Actually the highpoint was Simon laughing at Paula's drunken tears.

[Pumpy Tudors]

I didn't enjoy Chris' performance at all. It certainly wasn't the worst of the night, but I just didn't like it. Anyway, it would suck if someone other than Pickles or Hickles goes home tonight.

I miss Bucky. :(

[Cuckoo]

Good Lord! Was I the only one that saw the wardrobe malfunction with the first girl in the yellow dress (believe her name is Katherine)? Near the end of the song, the bottom button on the dress popped loose. You could see her reach down and check it immediately, but then she kept going. As she walked toward the low-angle camera, it was quickly obvious that she was wearing white underwear. Thankfully, Tivo allowed us to re-live it several times to amuse ourselves. :)


No, I didn't see this, and I already deleted AI from my Tivo... ARGH!

[MizzouRah]

I'm just glad Ace is gone. :P

[Daimyo]

I thought Elliott was really, really good tonight... easily the best IMO. Chris was pretty good with a terrible song.

Katherine and Paris were pretty bleh to me. They were both pretty decent, but just didn't really stand out to me.

Taylor was okay, but you can tell he's out of his league in pure singing ability. Pickler was horrid.


This will be an interesting elimination night. Pickler and Taylor were pretty easily the worst of the night, but they both seem to have the biggest fanbases. Since Pickler didn't scratch the bottom three last week its hard for me to imagine her going home tonight. I imagine Taylor will be in the bottom three and he could go home, but I think its more likely he's safe another week. I'd bet on Paris (unfairly) being the one to go home tonight.

[Rizon]

No, I didn't see this, and I already deleted AI from my Tivo... ARGH!

I caught it right away, but my wife said they were just part of the built in underwear of the dress.


But on a side note, I like her McMole. Great place.

[Ksyrup]

My wife immediately noticed the "malfunction." I told her she probably planned it as the final attempt to get all the guys fawning over her but too cool to actually vote, to finally pick up the phone. I also noticed how she was stunned at the negative comments she got from the judges. She had the same facial expression as my daughter when I'm dressing her down, except Kat is mature enough not to have responded in a bitchy way.

[Buccaneer]

Do you guys think that the call-in votes will make any difference at this stage in the game?

[gstelmack]

4. Elliot - I just don't get the whole Elliot thing, ya-min. I dunno, I just don't think he's that good.

Me neither. I haven't seen much this season, a few of the auditions and then last week's Rod Stewart episode when my mom was in town. And frankly I thought Elliot sucked (last week), right down there with Pickler. Ace was just a slight notch above them both, with the other four putting on fantastic performances.

My issue with Elliot then was that he did not have a very strong voice. Whenever he hit a note that I expected him to belt out, he held back and came across as singing very weak. Was shocked to see him considered "safe" (along with Pickler), with Chris and Paris thrown into the bottom 3. Was glad that Ace went home instead of either of them, but that one showing was enough to remind me that it's a popularity contest, not a singing contest.

Maybe he was better last night (did not get a chance to watch), but following this thread I was amazed at how many people thought he did a good job last week.

Either that or I'm just not a very good judge of singing talent ;)

[Ksyrup]

I'm impressed with Elliott's voice and technical ability, but he and I have totally opposite musical tastes. I can't get into anything he has sung so far, but he's a very good singer. Frankly, I'm shocked that aguy who looks like a cross between Yoda and Eddie Munster has made it so far.

[Mustang]

Frankly, I'm shocked that aguy who looks like a cross between Yoda and Eddie Munster has made it so far.

Actually, not Yoda but, Mr. Tumnus..

[ISiddiqui]

I think Elliot is by far the best singer of the bunch. But he has no personality and has no "WOW" performances.

Then again, on another forum, we were debating how strong this group is. My opinion is that this is one of the weakest ones. Usually in AI, by this point, we have at least one singer who just knocks them out of the park week after week, and even if some don't personally like their style, appreciate their singing. In S1, Kelly Clarkson. S2, Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard... with Kimberly Locke coming on strong at the end. S3 had Fantasia. S4 had Bo Bice and Carrie Underwood.

In the beginning, it seemed Paris was going to be that person, but some lackluster performances in the Group of 12 so far. Chris has been a favorite, but he sings the same damned thing every week and people are getting bored of it. Taylor... he just doesn't have the voice. Elliot, like I said, great voice, no "blow you away" type of performacne. Same thing with Kat. Kellie is just not good enough.

It just makes it bit more boring at this stage not to have a 'sure thing' around and wondering if they can be knocked off. I also think that is why a lot of singers (like Kat) are just ok. A star can push everyone higher. Kim Locke wasn't anything special until she ramped it up at the end to try to catch Clay and Ruben (and a few weeks, I think she was right there).

[JeeberD]

Katherine's performance last night for those of you with McPheever...

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

[Mustang]

I think Elliot is by far the best singer of the bunch. But he has no personality and has no "WOW" performances.


S3 was by far the worst of the lot. John Stephens, Jon Peter Lewis, Diana Digarmo in 2nd? I was never even that enamored with Fantasia either...

Oy...

[DaddyTorgo]

classy there by Randy+Simon apologizing to McBoobies. they were way off-base and way out-of-line. singing a song by someone, even their "signature" song doesn't mean that you think you're better than them.

[Joe]

yay finally

[ISiddiqui]

Kellie goes home... AI is going to be a lot more boring the next few weeks now :(.

[MJ4H]

boring

you misspelled "tolerable"

[FBPro]

classy there by Randy+Simon apologizing to McBoobies. they were way off-base and way out-of-line. singing a song by someone, even their "signature" song doesn't mean that you think you're better than them.
Though I never let what the judges say sway me one way or the other I thought they were really off last night, especially on how they all 3 ripped Kat.

[ISiddiqui]

No... it's gonna be boring. No one left has any personality really. Yeah, they can sing, but I don't give a rats ass about any of 'em!

[Eaglesfan27]

She deserved to go. I'm glad Paris is sticking around at least another week. This show won't be boring as long as Katharine is still on :)

[Eaglesfan27]

Dola -

Just finished watching it, and I think she is the first contestant in a very long time not to sing as she exited the show.

[ISiddiqui]

She deserved to go. I'm glad Paris is sticking around at least another week. This show won't be boring as long as Katharine is still on :)

As long as she continues to wear what she did last night ;). If she goes back to what she wore earlier in the Round of 12, then it'll just be sad.

[Critch]

Just finished watching it, and I think she is the first contestant in a very long time not to sing as she exited the show.

She'd already murdered the song last night, if they'd let her loose on it again tonight it would like letting her piss on it's corpse.

[Easy Mac]

Dola -

Just finished watching it, and I think she is the first contestant in a very long time not to sing as she exited the show.

I think if she had butchered Simon's favorite song one more time, he would have killed her.

And I loved how Simon acknowledged the whole Seacrest/Paula spat.

[Solecismic]

I'm wondering if she was even capable of singing tonight. She had that look like someone who's just been through a horrible experience.

They've never had someone on Idol who was as self-critical as she was. She knew she was bad the last couple of weeks, and you could see her deflate in the middle of each song.

Apparently, the entire region around Charlotte is Pickler-crazy, and I think the pressure just got to her. She does have some talent, and she has a good personality. She could be a star on the country circuit if she learns to handle the attention, and she learns to handle herself on stage when she misses a note. At least she isn't so full of herself that she can't hear it when she misses.

[ISiddiqui]

I'm wondering if she was even capable of singing tonight. She had that look like someone who's just been through a horrible experience.

They've never had someone on Idol who was as self-critical as she was. She knew she was bad the last couple of weeks, and you could see her deflate in the middle of each song.

Apparently, the entire region around Charlotte is Pickler-crazy, and I think the pressure just got to her. She does have some talent, and she has a good personality. She could be a star on the country circuit if she learns to handle the attention, and she learns to handle herself on stage when she misses a note. At least she isn't so full of herself that she can't hear it when she misses.

Good point on the pressure thing. That made me realize that it probably wasn't "an act" as some speculated. She probably is that provincial and all the attention and pressure made her wilt because she'd never experienced anything like it before.

[Easy Mac]

Is it sad that Jim posts more in AI threads than FOF threads :p. Any thoughts on an American Idol sim... if I could catch the McPhever at 3 am I would be happy.

[ISiddiqui]

Is it sad that Jim posts more in AI threads than FOF threads :p. Any thoughts on an American Idol sim... if I could catch the McPhever at 3 am I would be happy.

Yeah, its because people don't demand anything from him on these threads ;).

[FBPro]

Is it sad that Jim posts more in AI threads than FOF threads :p. Any thoughts on an American Idol sim... if I could catch the McPhever at 3 am I would be happy.
We'd need graphics, hi-rez one's at that for this one however. :D

[Rizon]

One. Step. Closer. To. Pr0ns.

[Crim]

For what it's worth, I think Seasons 3 and 4 were horrible. Bo Bice only seemed good because he had no competition... and yet, Carrie Underwood beat him... and she wouldn't be top 6 this season. Fantasia was a terrific talent, but not really my style, and besides, she was surrounded by very poor talent for the most part.

For my money this is easily the best seaon yet in terms of depth of competition. I think with a little polish Katharine would outshine Clarkson, and I'd probably go see a Chris Daughtery concert right now, based on the music he seems to like to do.

[Ksyrup]

They've never had someone on Idol who was as self-critical as she was. She knew she was bad the last couple of weeks, and you could see her deflate in the middle of each song.

John Stevens, although he never spoke much, was that way, too. When he would continue to make it through each round, you could tell he was almost embarrassed to still be hanging around. That's probably what made me hate Chicken Little so much...he was way overmatched in this competition, yet he seemed to act like he thought he belonged. Mormon Tabernacle Munchin singing twit.

[Joe]

I don't think any season has had anything that spectacular. For the most part they are just hyped up by the show, have a decent selling first album, and then fall off the map. Kelly Clarkson being an exception.

[sabotai]

I don't think any season has had anything that spectacular. For the most part they are just hyped up by the show, have a decent selling first album, and then fall off the map. Kelly Clarkson being an exception.

Clarkson is an exception because she wised up, fired the manager the show gave her and got a good one. Since then, her career has really taken off.

[Eaglesfan27]

John Stevens, although he never spoke much, was that way, too. When he would continue to make it through each round, you could tell he was almost embarrassed to still be hanging around. That's probably what made me hate Chicken Little so much...he was way overmatched in this competition, yet he seemed to act like he thought he belonged. Mormon Tabernacle Munchin singing twit.


I was thinking the same thing. I think John was the most critical of himself, although, his talent (or lack thereof) justified his self doubt.

[Mustang]

Kelly Clarkson being an exception.

I think Underwood will do good in the long haul given the popularity of the country genre.

[Ksyrup]

I think Underwood will do good in the long haul given the popularity of the country genre.

I guess it depends on what you consider "success." Apparently that Josh Gracin guy has had a string of country #1s, but I haven't heard a peep out of him since he got voted off of AI. I would think the overall winner having a decent career solely as a genre artist would be disappointing. Kinda like how we measure overall #1 picks in the draft - good if you're a 3rd rounder, disappointing at the top of the draft.

[ISiddiqui]

I guess it depends on what you consider "success." Apparently that Josh Gracin guy has had a string of country #1s, but I haven't heard a peep out of him since he got voted off of AI. I would think the overall winner having a decent career solely as a genre artist would be disappointing. Kinda like how we measure overall #1 picks in the draft - good if you're a 3rd rounder, disappointing at the top of the draft.

Well considering the track record of other #1s on AI, being a successful genre artist may be a very good move. Though Gracin had a successful first album, I think Underwood has already 'beat' him by having an award winning first song. Though it is too early to tell.

I do have to admit that Gracin isn't bad at all as long as he doesn't have to display any range. Underwood does have far more range than Gracin, but in the country world, the women are expected to be more versitile than the men.

[Eaglesfan27]

I've actually heard Underwood's songs on non-country stations. I think she will manage to crossover much more than Gracin did. I suspect she will do quite well with future records.

[Cuckoo]

I've actually heard Underwood's songs on non-country stations. I think she will manage to crossover much more than Gracin did. I suspect she will do quite well with future records.

Agreed. My wife bought the CD, so I have to listen to it far, far more than I would prefer. Several of the songs are pure country, but she does have a bit of that pop sound in some of them as well. I know the title track (really one of the worst on the CD in a prepackaged, bubblegum-type way) is played on many pop and top hits stations.

Her CD has apparently far outsold Reuben, Clay or Fantasia and appears to be near Clarkson's first album. I think the difference will be if she does as Clarkson did (someone mentioned earlier). Getting rid of the AI label and handlers and getting on her own in the market will be the best thing for her now that her name is established. If handled by the right people, I think she can find that cross-over niche that LeAnn Rimes found for a while.

[Swaggs]

Agreed. My wife bought the CD, so I have to listen to it far, far more than I would prefer. Several of the songs are pure country, but she does have a bit of that pop sound in some of them as well. I know the title track (really one of the worst on the CD in a prepackaged, bubblegum-type way) is played on many pop and top hits stations.

Her CD has apparently far outsold Reuben, Clay or Fantasia and appears to be near Clarkson's first album. I think the difference will be if she does as Clarkson did (someone mentioned earlier). Getting rid of the AI label and handlers and getting on her own in the market will be the best thing for her now that her name is established. If handled by the right people, I think she can find that cross-over niche that LeAnn Rimes found for a while.


I am surprised to hear that she has outsold Clay Aitken. He seemed to do very well with his first album.

[FBPro]

I am surprised to hear that she has outsold Clay Aitken. He seemed to do very well with his first album.
I'm fairly sure that Cowell made a statement last year something to the effect of that she would outsell all previous AI winners before all is said and done.

[ISiddiqui]

I'm fairly sure that Cowell made a statement last year something to the effect of that she would outsell all previous AI winners before all is said and done.

Though since then Kelly Clarkson has decided she wants to go into more interesting directions (more rock-pop stuff). I think it actually may end up close between Underwood and Clarkson, though both will outsell, by FAR any of the the other AI winners so far (including whoever comes out of it this season).

[Cuckoo]

I am surprised to hear that she has outsold Clay Aitken. He seemed to do very well with his first album.

Yes, I think I read that she just recently passed him, and apparently it's still in the top 20 on the sales charts.

She's still nowhere close to Clarkson's latest, I don't think. But I agree with ISiddiqui completely; those two appear to have the best chance of longlasting careers of the Idols so far. Clarkson has already established herself as more than just an Idol contestant, I think. It remains to be seen whether Underwood can.

[Glengoyne]

I didn't get a chance to post here earlier, but I was really surprised by a few things.

-The reaction to Katherine's performance. I thought it was on the "good" side of the spectrum, though she clearly wasn't up to the task in a couple of spots. Strangely most annoying thing was her going out of her way to make sure that her leg popped out of her dress while she moved.

-The reaction to Elliot's performance. I just don't get the Elliot thing. He looks funny, for weeks sang with less confidence than I've ever seen on the show, and now gets props like "vocal masterclass". My wife is a musician and vocalist, and she doesn't get it either. He doesn't seem to have a strong enough voice to be "the best vocalist".

-The reaction to Taylor. I thought Taylor was "off" this week. He looked uncomfortable,and at one point I found myself asking if he had just had a tourrettes moment on stage. That said...I didn't find it NEAR as bad as Randy and Simon made it.

Pickler was painful, so I'm glad that she won't be returning.

Next week will be tough, as I don't think any of these remaining 5 should be "safe".

[Joe]

Yes, I think I read that she just recently passed him, and apparently it's still in the top 20 on the sales charts.

She's still nowhere close to Clarkson's latest, I don't think. But I agree with ISiddiqui completely; those two appear to have the best chance of longlasting careers of the Idols so far. Clarkson has already established herself as more than just an Idol contestant, I think. It remains to be seen whether Underwood can.

These numbers might be a little old, but here are sales numbers for the albums, listed for each person in the order they have been released.

Carrie Underwood ~ 2.7 million
Clay Aiken ~ 2.7 million, 1.2 million
Ruben Studdard ~ 1.8 million, 450 thousand
Fantasia ~ 1.7 million
Kelly Clarkson ~ 2.4 million, 5.1 million

[Buccaneer]

Fantasia sold around 1.7 million?!? I'd buy a William Hung record before hers (but really wouldn't buy anyone on the list except that I think my wife bought an Aiken CD).

[Ksyrup]

These numbers might be a little old, but here are sales numbers for the albums, listed for each person in the order they have been released.

Carrie Underwood ~ 2.7 million
Clay Aiken ~ 2.7 million, 1.2 million
Ruben Studdard ~ 1.8 million, 450 thousand
Fantasia ~ 1.7 million
Kelly Clarkson ~ 2.4 million, 5.1 million

Those numbers prove two things - people will buy anything as long as it is pushed on them enough, and... America is racist!

[Joe]

whats most amazing to me is that Aiken sold 1.2 million on a christmas album

[Joe]

here's a list of some of the also-rans

Diana DeGarmo ~ 200,000
Bo Bice ~ 590,000
John Stevens ~ 18,000
Josh Gracin ~ 645,000
Kimberly Locke ~ 209,000
Corey Clarke ~ 2,500

[Cuckoo]

Corey Clarke ~ 2,500

:D

[Ksyrup]

CHILDREN OF BODOM – "Are You Dead Yet?": 5,000

[Joe]

did I hear wrong, or did Taylor drop the f-bomb when talking to seacrest?

[Ksyrup]

I didn't hear that. But there were a couple of mic drops, once when Paris was singing and right as she started a word "sh-". At first, I thought she swore, but I assume it was the mic problem.

For a taped show, they have had way too many mic glitches this year.

[Mustang]

did I hear wrong, or did Taylor drop the f-bomb when talking to seacrest?

I'll play it back, which song, #1 or 2?

[Joe]

I'll play it back, which song, #1 or 2?

#2, when ryan asked him something about the beatles song, it sounded like he said "great, great, great, fucking great."

[Joe]

For a taped show, they have had way too many mic glitches this year.

It's live at this point in the season.

[Ksyrup]

So what's the consensus? I thought Kat was amazing (on all levels, particularly the one on her knees) on song 2, but terrible on song 1. She butchered Against All Odds from the first note. Totally wrong song for her.

Chris was very good on Renegade, and stretching on the second song.

I don't know what Taylor was thinking by picking a Beatles song, even though he was decent. He could be in trouble this week. Song 1 was more of the same he's been feeding us for weeks. The guy is showing himself to be a bar singer who can't escape the bar.

Paris was very good on song 1, and I think it must be the style of music, because I thought song 2 was terrible. Not necessarily her, just the song. that's just an awful, awful style of music I can't get into or relate to.

Elliott was Elliott - good vocals, nothing spectacular, could be gone at any moment and I wouldn't notice.

[DaddyTorgo]

i gotta think Paris + Taylor are the bottom two...then Elliott and Chris/Kat at the top. It's going to come down to Chris vs. Kat unless one of them slips up and Elliott can sneak in

[Joe]

its a tossup for me if paris or elliott goes.. they were both meh. i think katharine was shitty too, but she'll stay for obvious reasons.

[Ksyrup]

Not sure if this is true or not, but I read that every person who sang second during the week of top 5 was voted the next night in every season of Al. That would mean Paris.

[Ksyrup]

It's live at this point in the season.

When did this start? I know most of the peformance nights have been taped, with the vote-off live.

[ISiddiqui]

Kat was great on the 2nd song... and yummm on her knees. Chris' voice was going in the 2nd song, and if he sings anything other than alternative music, let me know. I like Elliot's voice and Paris has the talent, she's just gotta pick the right song. Taylor... he wouldn't be missed. He really CAN'T sing, he's just interesting.

[Joe]

When did this start? I know most of the peformance nights have been taped, with the vote-off live.

I'm pretty sure they go live at the beginning of the top 12, with the recap they show at the end taped from rehearsals.

[Bisbo]

I totally disagree about Taylor. I thought the first song was very entertaining, and the Beatles song was terrific. He'll be in the top 3 without question. It's between Paris and Elliott this week, and I think Elliott is gone.

[Mustang]

#2, when ryan asked him something about the beatles song, it sounded like he said "great, great, great, fucking great."

I played it back, I'm pretty sure he said feels great.

[Joe]

I played it back, I'm pretty sure he said feels great.

damn :(