No American Idol season 10 thread yet?

[Lathum]

Is this a microcosm of how America feels?

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

I thought it was actually an improvement. Nice to have three judges who have good knowledge of the industry. Pretty good chemistry.

I did nearly fall over laughing after Tyler's comment concerning the length of a 16 year old girl's dress. I thought Randy was going to leave the room.

[saldana]

apparently no one but you watched it.

[Ksyrup]

I've been posting a bunch of items about the changes to the show in the other thread and hadn't bothered to create a new one.

We taped it, but had softball and basketball practices last night so couldn't watch it. And I've had a real difficult time watching 2 hour shows over the past year or so, so I don't know how well I'll be able to keep up with it. All the spoilers have been out there for weeks/months, and I haven't bothered with them. That's usually my favorite thing about this show.

I did see a number of people comment on FB that they hardly ever watch the show but are watching because of Steven Tyler.

[Mustang]

It is recorded, however.. I'm not sure if I will even bother. Really returns suggest that they are going for a really young singer ala Bieber which I really have no interest in.

[Ksyrup]

I still can't fathom how anyone my age, or close to my age, would watch this show for the music, or care what the final marketable product turns out to be. Who cares if they find the new Bieber? By the time this show hits its wind-down, it's well past the climax anyway. I hate to sound like Dayton Moore here, but it's The Process. :p

This year they are going to allow original music, which will only ramp up the snarky entertainment value (I hope). I'm going to find the process of them consciously trying to create/promote these people as true "artists" to be fascinating, knowing full well that they are only looking for the hottest fad to sell the most (optimistically, hundreds of thousands) CDs/downloads.

[tyketime]

After the last couple of disappointing seasons, I have personally given up on the show. But the rest of my family was looking forward to it. Mrs Tyke got up and left the room after the first hour complaining about how bad it was. After it was over, my older son complained for 10 minutes about why he didn't like it either. I'm interested to see how the reviews and ratings for this goes. My guess - Decent ratings to begin with, but downhill after that. Love him or Hate him - Simon was a significant part of the show. Not sure it will return to the ratings beast it once was.

[Ksyrup]

Simon's shtick got old/stale pretty quick. And it's hard to imagine him being any less disinterested in the show than he was last year. I'm kinda surprised he didn't get called out for it last year. He just didn't care about anything and didn't really care if it was obvious in his demeanor/comments.

I just think the show's getting to that point where we've seen it all, and the entire purpose for the show - to make the producers/affiliated companies tons of money out of the process - has taken a major hit in the 10 years since the show started. No one's selling albums anymore. In fact, the record for lowest-selling #1 album on the BB chart has been set in consecutive weeks this week and last by Taylor Swift and Cake. Cake sold 44K records and is #1 this week.

Add it all up, and we're probably a ratings cliff dive from one or two final seasons where they cast a toddler as the 4th judge before they cancel it.

[lordscarlet]

It recorded. I'll watch it eventually.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Saw this review/recap of the first episode. Pretty much what I thought of it. Thought Tyler made it a lot of fun, and I'm not even a Tyler fan.

'American Idol' Episode 1 Recap: Steven Tyler Steals--And Maybe Saves--The Show - Reality Rocks (http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/realityrocks/417570/american-idol-episode-1-recap-steven-tyler-stealsand-maybe-savesthe-show/)

So, how did they do? Well, Steven had me at "hello"--or more specifically, he had me the first time he let a curse word slip during the show's cold open. And the second time. And the third. And that was just, like, the first 10 minutes. There were more bleeps going on than in an episode of "The Osbournes." It sounded like Morse code up in there. I always believed this lady-looking dude would be 24-karat TV gold (seriously, how did it take him this long to go the reality route?), and now that I've seen him deliver, I officially predict that Kid Rock, Joe Perry, and any other anti-"Idol" Tyler haters will soon be swallowing their words. I'm sure even Simon would be impressed with a Tyler zinger like "Did you eat a lot of paint-chips as child?"

Really, if Steven can keep up his rock 'n' roll circus act--which so far involves liberal use of bizarre mixed metaphors; plenty of flirting, even with 16-year-olds, that makes Simon's interaction with Bikini Girl look positively chaste; and randomly accompanying contestants with shrill Aerosmithian backup vocals--"American Idol" will do for him what VH1 and MTV did for his fellow rockers Bret Michaels and Ozzy Osbourne. He'll have a whole new career on his hands. Forget who wins this year: The star of "American Idol" Season 10 will be Steven Tyler.

[Ksyrup]

I'm still trying to understand how Joe Perry can get away with such open disdain for what Tyler is doing, when 3-4 years ago, HE was up on the AI stage playing guitar for Sanjaya's destruction of You Really Got Me. I mean, if we're going to put these guys on a continuum of shitting all over their rock legacy by being associated with AI, doesn't Joe Perry win (or lose) that battle hands down?!

[Solecismic]

I had a tough time watching, ended up slogging through it, but regretted it. I deleted the rest of the preview shows from my TiVo queue and plan to start again for Hollywood Week.

There was no tension. At the same time, there were more borderline tryouts. One complaint of past seasons is that there were too many fake tryouts, just so we could hear Simon's zingers or get Paula to make a face and still try to be kind. So I was glad they reduced that.

But the hook, then, would be to see how the debate over Hollywood invitations works. We didn't get that. What we saw is how the bottom 30 or 40 Hollywood participants auditioned. What we didn't see is any real debate - the competent singers we were shown made it through unanimously. The OK singers with personality or a trendy appearance we were shown made it through unanimously.

What did we lose? The pretense that the judges actually select the Hollywood Week participants. Or the pretense that what we see on television is actually part of that process.

They've always implied that the judges see all 100,000 auditions. Kind of like Santa Claus visiting every chimney in the world. Obviously, that's not practical or possible. So we know there's a large team of producers screening the auditions.

The old paradigm was that the judges were the gatekeepers, and occasionally the producers would send them a William Hung or a Bikini Girl for laughs. We could even assume that Simon was the one who did the choosing, and sometimes Randy or Paula or Kara would take a chance on someone. There was sometimes tension in those discussions. Seeing a close "no" on someone who actually could sing was a fairly interesting part of the process.

Now, what we have is apparently an attempt to show that Steven Tyler has a personality. Which doesn't surprise me. You can't have the success he's had without being fairly intelligent and out there.

He's a little hard to look at - resembles Jocelyn Wildenstein far too closely. At one point, he said a fairly competent young girl had no stage presence and I was interested in knowing why. But he backed off and she went through unanimously anyway. It was the only moment of tension during the entire two hours (1:15 thanks to TiVo).

It was Simon's show. The entire production, fake pieces and real pieces, was tailored to what Simon brought, like him or hate him. I guess it's now Tyler's show (we know at this point what Randy Jackson's strengths are, and he's a team player, not the quarterback) and that doesn't really fit the American Idol concept. The show changed, that's for certain. I don't think it changed enough to work with Tyler.

Once we get to the finals, I think the show will struggle. The judging takes up about half of the non-commercial part of American Idol. That judging was all buildup to Simon's thumbs up or thumbs down. Simon was mailing it in the last couple of years, so I understand why he had to go. I think the show went with him. I'll watch, but I think Idol has lost what made it interesting - a decent blend of gravitas and showmanship.

[Ksyrup]

Interesting. One of the reasons why it might seem like there is no judging going on is that they reportedly took like 320+ people to Hollywood. I think that's close to double what they usually take (170-190 or so?). I don't know if they did that purposely to make the judging less difficult for the new judges' transition, if they wanted mroe people to expand Hollywood, or what. But that's a crapload of mediocre singers who typically get the Simon NO.

[Lathum]

But that's a crapload of mediocre singers who typically get the Simon NO.

This was what I took from the show the most. The girl who idolized JLo and the kid with the huge nose among others never get through with Kara or Simeon there.

[Rizon]

After the last couple of disappointing seasons, I have personally given up on the show. But the rest of my family was looking forward to it. Mrs Tyke got up and left the room after the first hour complaining about how bad it was. After it was over, my older son complained for 10 minutes about why he didn't like it either. I'm interested to see how the reviews and ratings for this goes. My guess - Decent ratings to begin with, but downhill after that. Love him or Hate him - Simon was a significant part of the show. Not sure it will return to the ratings beast it once was.

I watched seasons 3, 4, 5 and 7. 7 was especially brutal, I didn't like it much. I tried to watch some of 8 but it was worse, for me. Haven't watched it since.

[Rizon]

I think I just miss McPhee ... mmmmmm ...

[Rizon]

fap fap fap fap

[Rizon]

Ok I'm done here.

[Ksyrup]

NEW YORK – Initial ratings show interest is down in "American Idol" and its new team of judges.

The Nielson Co. says 26.2 million people saw the two-hour season premiere Wednesday night of television's most popular show. That's down 13 percent from the 29.9 million people who saw last year's season debut.

Nielsen said Thursday it was an even steeper ratings drop of 18 percent among the youthful audience the Fox network desires....

[Mustang]

Given that many probably turned in out of curiousity it will probably be even steeper next episode unless they did something spectacular to hold the audience.

[Ksyrup]

Watched all 3 hours last night and mostly enjoyed it. I definitely agree that the judging thing was all but gone - the only tension was in getting JLo comfortable with saying no - but what's really more important to the show this early on is showcasing people/stories. I mean, yes, the judging stuff is important, but I don't think giving a marginal person 3 yes votes this year means any less or more than if Simon said no to that same person last year and the other 2 said yes. In the big picture, that marginal person is probably a day 1 Hollywood cut anyway. And for whatever reason, they aren't cutting marginal people at this early stage this year, so it seems like there weren't any iffy votes/judging to be done. At least so far.

The one thing that constantly pisses me off about this show is how they continue to disingenuously frame the judging as if 10,000 people are outside waiting to see the 3 judges. When the initial auditions occurred, not only were the judges not there, but they hadn't even been chosen yet! That pisses me off every year they do that. And then to top it off this year, they make fun of people who wanted to see Ellen. Well guess what, I think she may still have been officially a judge when some of the auditions still occurred. So putting those people on TV and acting as if they were clueless seemed like pretty poor taste - especially when combined with the lie of how the auditions actually happened.

[MikeVic]

I haven't watched this since season two or so, but have seen a bit this year. I like Steven Tyler, and I like that they seem to be showing less of the obviously fake singers that just did the audition to get on TV.

One interesting thing from last night, they showed the family of one of the auditions watching a screen with Seacrest. Then Seacrest gets them to go beside the door and act surprised. Do they do this for every audition and this i the first time they've shown it?

Also, that mother of the girl that was born with a defect (last audition I think) is smoking. Pretty face, nice body, OK voice. Looked like she had a really nice ass.

[Ksyrup]

I hope they are choosy about which 15/16 year olds they let go too far, first because I'd hate to see someone who would be better for this show a few years later waste that one opportunity by going on at such an early age, and second because there were several of those kids who were so shaky with their voices/performances that they would get eaten alive on the Idol stage.

I can only handle so many Aaron Kelly/Katie Stevens types.

[Autumn]

Also, that mother of the girl that was born with a defect (last audition I think) is smoking. Pretty face, nice body, OK voice. Looked like she had a really nice ass.

I'll supply the pics this time, Mike. But consider this a warning.

http://3391.voxcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Paris-Tannin-American-Idol-Audition-01-2011-01-20.jpg

http://www.rickey.org/?p=56211

[Sun Tzu]

I really hope I can come into this thread in the next 3-4 months and not hear bitching from Ksyrup about how the show has somehow wronged him.

I take the show for what it's worth...one to two hours of mindless entertainment. Anyone with half a brain, or over the age of 14, hopefully realizes this also. I mean, the judges are Steven Tyler and hoodrat Jenny from the block for crying out loud. The show doesn't take itself seriously, so why should you?

[MJ4H]

Jenny looked hot for the first time I've seen last night. I mean, she is obviously a pretty girl, but I've never seen her do it up just right enough to get me to say "wow" until last night.

[Ksyrup]

I really hope I can come into this thread in the next 3-4 months and not hear bitching from Ksyrup about how the show has somehow wronged him.

I take the show for what it's worth...one to two hours of mindless entertainment. Anyone with half a brain, or over the age of 14, hopefully realizes this also. I mean, the judges are Steven Tyler and hoodrat Jenny from the block for crying out loud. The show doesn't take itself seriously, so why should you?

Wha?

I don't care about anything that happens on the show, other than calling them out for not being straight-up and making fun of bad singers/perfomers (which os the entertainment value of the show for me). I don't even remember who won last year. I'm not sure how the show could wrong me. I'm basically done watching by the top 8 or so.

[MikeVic]

I'll supply the pics this time, Mike. But consider this a warning.

http://3391.voxcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Paris-Tannin-American-Idol-Audition-01-2011-01-20.jpg

http://www.rickey.org/?p=56211

Thank you thank you, I forgot her name. Look at that pretty face!

[Rizon]

I really hope I can come into this thread in the next 3-4 months and not hear bitching from Ksyrup about how the show has somehow wronged him.

I take the show for what it's worth...one to two hours of mindless entertainment. Anyone with half a brain, or over the age of 14, hopefully realizes this also. I mean, the judges are Steven Tyler and hoodrat Jenny from the block for crying out loud. The show doesn't take itself seriously, so why should you?

Jerk.

Sincerely,

13 Year Olds

[Pumpy Tudors]

I only watched last night because they held the auditions in New Orleans. I had forgotten that they do the initial auditions well ahead of the final ones in front of the judges. I have to admit that I was confused when they showed thousands of people gathering in the New Orleans Arena, but the auditions in front of the judges were held at the Riverwalk, which is 5-10 minutes away depending on traffic. That messed with my brain.

I was hoping that they would show more talented singers who were actually from New Orleans, but I guess that's just because I think it would've been cool. Out of all the ones who got put through to Hollywood, I only remember three being from the New Orleans area. They were the woman with the special needs child, the dude who took his shirt off for J-Lo, and then the 15-year-old boy who had a decent voice but sounded like he was about to pass out any second. The others were from Baton Rouge or LaPlace or Florida or whatever. Doesn't really mean anything, but I was hoping they'd show the real local talent if they'd actually found some.

[wade moore]

I think I'm with a lot of people in this thread.

I have only watched episode 1 - but I didn't mind the judges.. might have even preferred them in some ways.

But, we're seeing what the bigger problem is with Idol.

The talent just isn't there. I saw no one in the first episode that warranted any consideration of being in the top 20. Not even close.

[Sun Tzu]

Wha?

I don't care about anything that happens on the show, other than calling them out for not being straight-up and making fun of bad singers/perfomers (which os the entertainment value of the show for me). I don't even remember who won last year. I'm not sure how the show could wrong me. I'm basically done watching by the top 8 or so.

Well, I don't mean literally wronged you. I meant it in the sense that throughout the thread you seemed hellbent on ripping the show a new one. I get that you don't like the show...I got that you don't even care about the show...that was obvious in the first one of your posts. But, I just don't think you need to tell us ten times, or continue to tell us as the season progresses. That's all.

[lordscarlet]

I could be wrong, but I believe most of the Idol fans on the board appreciate Ksyrup's contributions to the thread.

[Drake]

An observation:

While watching AI this week, my 12 year old son said, "The new judges are just playing the parts of the old judges (i.e., Simon and Paula)." It turned into an interesting conversation about whether Tyler and Lopez were being authentically themselves, imitating/being influenced by the expectations set for the people they were replacing, or if the producer is intentionally picking judges who would naturally "fit" the role dynamics that Simon and Paula created.

In essence, this season exposed him to the notion that this might not be a real competition with true input from the judges, but rather the judges existing solely to create or to be part of the drama -- that is, they're not outside of the competitive drama, but an inherent part of it. Which is, I think, something we've all known from the beginning, but the show was smart enough to not let us *really* know it. It was the tension of suspecting it to be true while also believing in the competition that made the show interesting...not unlike professional wrestling, when you think about it. Are the outcomes of WWE matches scripted? Is it all really narrative and the matches are fixed?

Big questions for a 12 year old. What if I can't believe that the "reality" in "reality television" is true? The fact that he's asking these questions based on judge swaps says to me that AI has consequently failed in the creation of drama. It's exposed the man behind the curtain, failed to get us to suspend disbelief and realize that we're maybe not watching an honest competition, but a scripted narrative.

That said, I actually really enjoyed Tyler in the first episode. He's just so over the top and interesting. I wanted to hear his comments because his personality just seemed so electric. In many ways, he made me think of David Lee Roth (with the exception that I don't really like DLR, but when I hear him talk, he's incredibly smart, savvy and always has interesting things to say -- to the extent that it's clear that "rock star" is a role he plays. He understands that a "rock star" has to behave in certain outrageous ways and he manipulates that role and its expectations to his advantage.)

Bottom line for me here is that if we didn't know Tyler was a replacement for Simon (that is, he didn't have that baggage), I think he'd be inherently watchable as a judge. Just too much charisma not to be. It's hard to take your eyes/ears off of him. He has yet to prove if his opinions will be as reliable and insightful as Simon's were (a "voice of reason") in the identification of marketable talent, but he's interesting enough that I'm willing to give him a chance to prove himself.

He's also revealed enough about himself that I think he would drive me insane in very short order if he was my neighbor or (god forbid) a member of my family. I'd much prefer to observe him once or twice a week from a safe distance than have to deal with him on a daily basis. ;)

[Eaglesfan27]

I could be wrong, but I believe most of the Idol fans on the board appreciate Ksyrup's contributions to the thread.

Yep.

[Sun Tzu]

Well, my post wasn't a blanket disdain for Ksyrup in this thread...I didn't ask Ksyrup to stop posting/contributing, rather, I asked him to stop saying "I hate this, I hate that, this is stupid, this is fake, so so phony, waste of time, man behind the curtain" over and over. Other than those specific comments, I agree with you, I appreciate his insight.

[Drake]

I appreciate Ksyrup's manly chest hair. It's soft like the fur on a puppy's belly.

[Ksyrup]

Maybe I'm just noticing this because he's on Idol, maybe it's just a coincidence, or maybe I'm on to something, but I've noticed a sharp increase in the number of Aerosmith songs I've heard on both satelliteand terrestrial radio in the past 2 weeks. Reason I have noticed is my daughter had no clue who he was, so every time I've heard an Aerosmith song on the radio, I've made a point to tell her, "This is Aerosmith." That's happened like 5 or 6 times with different songs every time in the past 2 weeks. I don't recall hearing Aerosmith as much as AC/DC before now.

Oh, and none of the songs was Walk This Way, either!

[Sun Tzu]

Train kept rollin...

[Ksyrup]

The money train.

[Matthean]

Maybe I'm just noticing this because he's on Idol, maybe it's just a coincidence, or maybe I'm on to something, but I've noticed a sharp increase in the number of Aerosmith songs I've heard on both satelliteand terrestrial radio in the past 2 weeks. Reason I have noticed is my daughter had no clue who he was, so every time I've heard an Aerosmith song on the radio, I've made a point to tell her, "This is Aerosmith." That's happened like 5 or 6 times with different songs every time in the past 2 weeks. I don't recall hearing Aerosmith as much as AC/DC before now.

Oh, and none of the songs was Walk This Way, either!

Also see Bret Michaels.

[MJ4H]

Absolutely bawled my head off at the end of Idol tonight.

[Lathum]

I've done a complete 180 on Steven Tyler in the last 2 weeks.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Absolutely bawled my head off at the end of Idol tonight.

Amazing to see how well that guy handled that life-changing situation. Obviously hope he does well, though I'm not sure that he's good enough to make it through to the top 24.

[Sun Tzu]

I got a bit teary myself, but my Wife dove past the crying threshold head first. She also made a good point that I thought I'd share on here. His wife is going to get special care from someone, some specialist out there, for the benign reason that they were showcased on AI. If nothing else, AI is good for taking care of some people who truly need a break in life.

[Eaglesfan27]

I've done a complete 180 on Steven Tyler in the last 2 weeks.

Amazing to see how well that guy handled that life-changing situation. Obviously hope he does well, though I'm not sure that he's good enough to make it through to the top 24.

Steven Tyler has quickly grown on me. I like him much better than I thought I would.

That story had me teary eyed as well. Amazing how well he appears to have handled that situation. I don't think he is good enough to advance much further, but I hope I am wrong.

[Ksyrup]

I always thought people knew Steven Tyler was a pretty funny dude. I guess all the Aerosmith hate overrides that? He's like a more personable/less egotistical version of Gene Simmons.

Haven't seen last night's ep yet, but I had enough tears in my eyes from the ESPN.com story about the kid who died in the OK St plane crash yesterday.

[Pumpy Tudors]

I only watched the first half hour of last night's show, so all I really learned about Steven Tyler is that he endorses the fucking of ducks, apparently.

[law90026]

My wife and I both think Steven Tyler is a good (not yet great) judge. He's funny, a tad lecherous but he seems genuinely sincere.

J-Lo is ... not entirely sure what she is yet but I have to say she is looking HOT!!

[RainMaker]

This show is real good for putting Lopez back on the hot map. I had completely forgotten just how smoking hot she is. HD is very kind to her.

[wade moore]

The Wednesday night episode did a number in my house as well at the end.

I've started to REALLY like this panel. Certainly a lot more than last year's panel, certainly more than the original panel towards the end...

J-Lo is a million times better than Paula ever was. Tyler is way more "real" than Simon was.

I think this could actually be a good show. Some decent talent has shown up too (although a lot of mediocre talent as well).

I don't know if it will show up in the ratings though.

[Lathum]

Seacrest needs to get more credit for the stuff he does in exit interviews, he is hysterical with some of these people in a subtle way.

[Eaglesfan27]

Lauren Alaina is the first one I've seen who I think is easy Top 10 material and has a legit shot at winning it.

[wade moore]

Lauren Alaina is the first one I've seen who I think is easy Top 10 material and has a legit shot at winning it.

I think the Randy Travis sound-alike kid has a shot at the top 10 if he's able to be dynamic. However, that's a big if I think.

[Ksyrup]

So apparently the producers are going to start tonight's show with an apology for Tyler's behavior. They can't be serious, can they? What did he do - say fuck a duck and stare at a 16 year old's dress length?

[Ksyrup]

OK, so apparently the apology was a joke. Nice job by AI to put that out there and confuse everyone, because I saw it reported on 4 or 5 blogs/sites, and not one could tell whether they were serious or not.

I didn't realize last night was only 1 hour. I hate it when they change things up every week.

[MikeVic]

I haven't watched this since the first episode (I don't normally watch this show, so that's not unusual or indicative of what I think about the judges)... but is that Paris girl still on?

[Ksyrup]

Don't know/remember who that is. We're still in the audition stage, so no one has been brought back or shown repeatedly yet. Frankly, I don't remember anyone, even from last night's show.

[MikeVic]

Don't know/remember who that is. We're still in the audition stage, so no one has been brought back or shown repeatedly yet. Frankly, I don't remember anyone, even from last night's show.

Ok, thanks. If it's still auditions then yeah she wouldn't be back yet. This was Paris:

http://3391.voxcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Paris-Tannin-American-Idol-Audition-01-2011-01-20.jpg

[Lathum]

Each person that auditions I find myself wondering what Simon would say about them

[Thomkal]

I thought last night's episode was almost a waste of time as they focussed way more on the bad singers than the good-including that ridiculous "Black Tornado" at the end. I think they only showed two good singers (well three with the brothers I guess).

[Ksyrup]

Each person that auditions I find myself wondering what Simon would say about them

I don't. I grew sick of Simon - especially the last couple of years, where he clearly looked like he was bored and didn't give a shit anymore. the new judges have breathed a little life into it, as they are really trying. The set-ups in the auditions, as far as who says yes, who says no, and then who has the deciding vote, are transparent, but I've enjoyed it so far. Simon became a disinterested caracicture of himself. Between that and his ongoing homophobic repartee with Ryan during the live shows, I'm kinda glad he's gone.

[Ksyrup]

I thought last night's episode was almost a waste of time as they focussed way more on the bad singers than the good-including that ridiculous "Black Tornado" at the end. I think they only showed two good singers (well three with the brothers I guess).

Yeah, last night was weird. I guess that's what you get when you have auditions in a city like LA - anyone worth anything has either already tried out or has a career, but the city is full of people trying to break into the business any way they can. They should have just canned last night's ep and gone straight to the last audition ep, which is next Wednesday.

[Mota]

I don't. I grew sick of Simon - especially the last couple of years, where he clearly looked like he was bored and didn't give a shit anymore. the new judges have breathed a little life into it, as they are really trying. The set-ups in the auditions, as far as who says yes, who says no, and then who has the deciding vote, are transparent, but I've enjoyed it so far. Simon became a disinterested caracicture of himself. Between that and his ongoing homophobic repartee with Ryan during the live shows, I'm kinda glad he's gone.

I agree 100%. He had such a narrow idea of what he thought was a star, and he was definitely disinterested in the process the last few seasons. He barely even remembered the contestants' names, considering how much he was getting paid to judge, you think he'd do a little homework.

I really think the judges are a lot better this year.

[Ksyrup]

Pretty interesting stuff:



Fake Seacrest, coded golden tickets, and other American Idol audition secrets (http://www.realityblurred.com/realitytv/archives/american_idol_10/2011_Feb_09_audition_secrets)

February 9, 2011, 9:31 AM <?xml:namespace prefix = fb ns = "http://www.facebook.com/2008/fbml" /><fb:like class=" fb_edge_widget_with_comment fb_iframe_widget" href="http://www.realityblurred.com/realitytv/archives/american_idol_10/2011_Feb_09_audition_secrets" layout="button_count" show_faces="false" action="like"></fb:like>

Late last July, a woman identified only as “Maria Saint” auditioned for American Idol 10 in New Orleans, and she has blogged the experience. It’s the most-detailed account of the audition process I’ve ever seen, and while most of it consists of specifics about things we’ve heard before, there are some fascinating revelations, from a fake Ryan Seacrest’s exit interviews to the fact that the contestants are coded from the very start of the auditions so producers will know how to treat them: as a great singer, an okay singer, or a bad singer who will be featured for that very reason.

Most readers of my writing and fans of the show, never mind those who just pay close attention to the audition episodes, are aware that the audition process is not at all what it looks like on TV. It spans multiple days and stages (http://www.operationsports.com/realitytv/archives/american_idol_9/2010_Jan_20_audition_secrets), and involves more people screening contestants than just the judges—who weren’t even hired when auditions started last summer. Maria Saint wrote about the start of her experience last summer, but didn’t resume until the auditions started airing, writing, “I was so saddened and discouraged by this entire experience that I was unable to bring myself to think about it until I was forced to do so this week.”

Her account reveals that, after the first audition—on day two, groups of four sing in front of producers on the floor of the stadium or arena that is hosting the cattle call—contestants receive a golden ticket (i.e. piece of paper) that includes the name of the producers who auditioned them, notes about the audition (which camera operators use to identify people to get their stories in the crowd), and codes that tell an auditioner everything they need to know about how well they’ll do in the auditions:
“The first mark is a letter, either an N, a K, or a Y. The Y means that you are a good singer, a yes, and will likely make it all the way to the final round if you play your cards right. K I call Keeper, and it is also a mark of a good singer. K’s are not as impressive as Y’s but is good nonetheless, and anything good is good, right? N’s are another story. N’s are no’s and it basically means you are bad. You’re not a bad person and you may not even be a bad singer but in the idol world you are a bad singer to them and that’s what you’re going to be made to be. Take my advice carefully: if you’re an N and you want to see the process and you’re okay with the fact that you may be humiliated and that’s alright with you, then by all means, take the chance-of-a-lifetime experience. You might even be able to change the judges minds later on down the line. But, I promise you, if you are marked as an N, they already have their minds made up about you and it will not change.”
Maria Saint has images of those coded golden tickets (https://picasaweb.google.com/105600856780392268105/TellingItLikeItIs?authkey=Gv1sRgCPH55cHr_9j-MA&feat=embedwebsite#), including her own. After detailing the audition process, she reveals that, after being rejected by executive producer Ken Warwick while auditioning on the exact same set the judges will use, “there was an exit interview, just like you’d have if you were actually in the judges round of the show.” But instead of Ryan Seacrest, “you were asked questions by this production person (I called him fake Seacrest) or the camera men, but fake Seacrest was never seen on camera,” and the producers lied and “said it was yet another way to screen test us and see how awesome we looked on camera.”

In other words, the show gathers footage of auditions that are not in front of the judges or Ryan Seacrest but has the ability to edit them to make it look like those people sang in front of the judges (combined with reaction shots from the judges) and then said something to Seacrest, when in fact, none of that happened.

Maria Saint’s account of her New Orleans American Idol audition also details the song that producers had everyone learn later in the process, which is how they construct the montage of people mangling one song. Big surprise that people mangle a song they’ve just learned! Interestingly, she says producers lied about what this was for: “We were told that the reason we were given this song to learn is that if we made it to the actual show and were given one or two days to learn a song choice they would want to be assured that we could do it.” I’m pretty sure it was to tape us all singing it to make that ridiculous compilation of people singing the same song privately, some good, and some bad —- but we won’t know for sure until the show airs.

Days one and two: wristbands/tickets, cattle call (http://truedat504.blogspot.com/2010/07/truth-about-american-idol-auditions.html)
Days three and four: callbacks (http://truedat504.blogspot.com/2010/08/truth-about-american-idol-auditions.html), producer audition (http://truedat504.blogspot.com/2011/01/truth-about-american-idol-auditions.html)
Lead up to executive producer auditions: part one (http://truedat504.blogspot.com/2011/01/truth-about-american-idol-auditions_20.html) and part two (http://truedat504.blogspot.com/2011/01/truth-about-american-idol-auditions_6405.html)
executive producer audition (http://truedat504.blogspot.com/2011/01/truth-about-american-idol-auditions_6261.html)
exit interviews with fake Ryan Seacrest (http://truedat504.blogspot.com/2011/01/truth-about-american-idol-auditions_7221.html)
personal reactions to the process (http://truedat504.blogspot.com/2011/01/truth-about-american-idol-auditions_3365.html)
frequently asked questions about her audition (http://truedat504.blogspot.com/2011/01/faqs.html)
Golden Ticket images (http://truedat504.blogspot.com/2011/01/golden-tickets.html)

[Matthean]

Not really AI news, but the winner of X Factor gets a 5 million dollar contract. I have to say they have way more faith in their possible winner than I do.

[CrimsonFox]

How would you describe the new judges compared to the old? Any significant personality differences?

[MJ4H]

Better.

[Ksyrup]

I've enjoyed the audition process with the new judges. Real test wil be when they get to the live shows, though.

[CrimsonFox]

Yeah I've always felt that the live performance shows were just boring. The HOllywood week is always my favorite.

[Ksyrup]

It's boring because the music is terrible and 75% of the people on the stage don't really deserve to be there. Hopefully the lack of mentors and restrictive theme weeks this year will help the contestants perform to their strengths, instead of pushing them completely out of their comfort zones to the point of embarrassing quite a few of them. Of course, those limitations just serve to prove the point that most of these people really aren't cut out for stardom anyway.

[Ksyrup]

Ok, thanks. If it's still auditions then yeah she wouldn't be back yet. This was Paris:

http://3391.voxcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Paris-Tannin-American-Idol-Audition-01-2011-01-20.jpg

having finally gotten around to looking through the spoiiled top 40, um...I have bad news for you.

[tyketime]

Ok, thanks. If it's still auditions then yeah she wouldn't be back yet. This was Paris:

http://3391.voxcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Paris-Tannin-American-Idol-Audition-01-2011-01-20.jpg

I like Paris in the Springtime...

[MikeVic]

having finally gotten around to looking through the spoiiled top 40, um...I have bad news for you.


Damn, really? Ok, thanks for posting about her.

[Ksyrup]

Remember this kid from Louisiana?

http://www.joesplaceblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Jacee-Badeaux-300x200.gif

Check out his name!

Jacee Chipcoon Badeaux

[law90026]

How would you describe the new judges compared to the old? Any significant personality differences?

Steven Tyler is a lot of fun. He generally makes sense when he talks, he is compassionate at times and he's funniest when he's being sleazy.

J-Lo is quite bland. She doesn't really add much except being hot to look at. Haven't seen her been a diva yet, which I thought would have been more interesting. She seems quite serious about her role though.

Randy is Randy but he's a little meaner this year. I think he's trying to be the "Simon".

Overall I think they aren't too bad. Definitely better than last season when it was really a mess with a disinterested Simon, an Ellen that was really out of place and a Kara that was trying way too hard.

[Ksyrup]

JLo has been pretty non-existent for the most part. Steven is the clear winner here. He seems to not only really care about what's going on, but he naturally knows when to interject and voice an opinion, whereas JLo seems tentative and not really sure of herself and never takes charge in judging. I guess that's what they want - another Paula type, with Steven's more fun/raucous personality replacing the mean Brit, and "Randy being Randy."

Don't want to give anything away, so... They are HEAVILY pimping nearly every person who is rumored to get through to the top 40. Last night's Hollywood ep, aside from the few stories that had mostly bad endings, nearly every one of the people they focused on (except for the couples) are rumored to have made it through. Definitely seems like they are trying to get as much exposure to the "personal side" of each of the eventual contestants than ever before.

[wade moore]

KSyrup - is your spoiler related to cuts, or something else? The only spoilers I don't want to read are those that tell who gets cut/not cut.

[Eaglesfan27]

KSyrup - is your spoiler related to cuts, or something else? The only spoilers I don't want to read are those that tell who gets cut/not cut.

I looked at it and it is related to cuts.

[Ksyrup]

Yeah, sorry. This part of the show is only interesting to me if I know the background, so while I delayed looking at the spoilers way longer than usual, once they go to Hollywood week that's really all I care about is who is going to make it.

[Ksyrup]

Although, in the two spoilers I've posted, I only mention 1 person by name.

[Eaglesfan27]

Yeah, I don't think you gave away much Ksyrup. I expected them to do what you posted.

[Ksyrup]

That boyfriend who didn't make it really got uncomfortable when he wouldn't let it go. When your GF is hustling up the stairs to be as far away from you as possible, you know you've gone from "cute story" to "uncomfortable" pretty quickly. And his comment to Ryan about being on the show so long none of this affects him was kinda...I don't know. Is he supposed to cry for someone he doesn't know getting cut the first day?

Oh, and that Jersey Bitch chick...I can't believe they let her through. Her voice is decent, but she performed that like William Shatner on acid. WAY overdone. I guess she'll be good for some drama and/or be up for the villain role in the group performances. I guess we need someone to actively root against.

[Ksyrup]

I do have one other spoiler thing I'm interested in discussing (a specific person), and we'll certainly have some time to do so once the top 40 is set, but, well, I can't wait. :)

I just realized that Chris Medina, the guy with the fiance who was in that wreck, is on the top 40 list. It's like they felt like they needed to one-up the Danny Gokey situation or something. IMO, this guy's going to have an unfair advantage. Not only will he get a ton of votes just based on his situation, but now he's got a roadmap to know exactly what not to do, given the backlash Gokey got for some of the stuff he did in repeatedly evoking his dead wife's name. The only thing that could hurt him is if AI insists on bringing her to the show and showing her very time, etc. That's about the only thing they couldn't do with Gokoey. But I don't see anyway, short of completely and repeatedly shitting all over the stage, that he doesn't make the top 5, but I guess we'll see.

[wade moore]

That boyfriend who didn't make it really got uncomfortable when he wouldn't let it go. When your GF is hustling up the stairs to be as far away from you as possible, you know you've gone from "cute story" to "uncomfortable" pretty quickly. And his comment to Ryan about being on the show so long none of this affects him was kinda...I don't know. Is he supposed to cry for someone he doesn't know getting cut the first day?

Well, let's be honest. The moment they hit my TV screen on audition day I was SURE they were going to be a "make fun of them because they're so awkward/weird" audition.

Then, surprisingly enough, they could sing.

But, they were still VERY strange.

No surprise to me that the kid blew his audition and then went all crazy. That's exactly the kind of people I expected them to be.

[Ksyrup]

I know they're young and everything, but it's hard to believe that someone close to them didn't prepare them for what was the obvious set-up - breaking them apart and the emotional torment/drama that follows for the camera. Or maybe they were just really, really surprised/shocked that it happened on day 1.

[Thomkal]

I'm wondering if cowboy John Wayne (what ever his last name is) made it to the next round? They showed him very briefly towards the end in a group that seemed to indicate he didn't make it. I thought he was a given for the top 40 given his looks, voice, name, and story.

[Ksyrup]

Yes, he made it through the first round.

[Ksyrup]

Speaking of the country singers, that other kid (Scotty) - I freaking hate his voice. HATE HATE HATE IT. That kind of vocal style is one of the main reasons I cannot listen to country music. It's just as bad of an affectation as all those unnecessary runs that the R&B singers do. Words can't express how much I hate listening to that kid sing. I left the room last night to get a drink (I didn't need one, but I went and got one anyway) just so I wouldn't have to listen it. Just freaking sing the song - we know you're country, you don't need to sound like a mule to prove it.

[Thomkal]

Yes, he made it through the first round.

Thanks!

[wade moore]

Speaking of the country singers, that other kid (Scotty) - I freaking hate his voice. HATE HATE HATE IT. That kind of vocal style is one of the main reasons I cannot listen to country music. It's just as bad of an affectation as all those unnecessary runs that the R&B singers do. Words can't express how much I hate listening to that kid sing. I left the room last night to get a drink (I didn't need one, but I went and got one anyway) just so I wouldn't have to listen it. Just freaking sing the song - we know you're country, you don't need to sound like a mule to prove it.

And for the flip side, I think he's awesome. But, I love Randy Travis, etc as well.

That being said, I don't think he'll do well in a competition like this because he'll be a "one-trick pony". Even the new format this year I don't think helps that.

[CrimsonFox]

Okay I watched one of the audition eps and must say it is an interesting dynamic. It's like the show is no longer a cartoon. Paula was SUCH a cratoon character (and pretty bad judge) that it's sooooo different now. Randy himself seems to have stopped his cartoon act. I always liked Simon despite his obvious schtick, in fact I liked him getting annoyed at how bad people were. He really was the only credible one there. But now with him gone it seems Randy is more serious about the judging. I like Tyler getting annoyed at people's badness, but it's in a different way. Don't know about Lopez yet. She just seems to be eye candy at the moment.

[Ksyrup]

As for Paula, her dancing show did so poorly that I doubt it will come back, so if Simon wants to reunite, my bet is it will happen.

[wade moore]

As for Paula, her dancing show did so poorly that I doubt it will come back, so if Simon wants to reunite, my bet is it will happen.

That show was AWFUL.

I am a BIG SYTYCD fan, so I thought another "real" dancing show (DWTS isn't a "real" dancing show) would be great.

It was beyond TERRIBLE. I watched one episode that was partway through the season, so they had gotten rid of some people already, and there wasn't a single dancer that would even make it to Vegas in SYTYCD.

[Ksyrup]

I didn't see a split second of it. But apparently 9 and 10 year old kids won, which makes sense since Paula's involved.

[Ksyrup]

Ok, thanks. If it's still auditions then yeah she wouldn't be back yet. This was Paris:

http://3391.voxcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Paris-Tannin-American-Idol-Audition-01-2011-01-20.jpg

Well, that was a spectacular flameout. I knew she wasn't going far, but I didn't think she'd go out that easily.

[wade moore]

Well, that was a spectacular flameout. I knew she wasn't going far, but I didn't think she'd go out that easily.

Yeah, she wasn't good at all.

Consider me very underwhelmed by the talent so far. I haven't watched the last 15 minutes yet (couldn't make it that long, will watch tonight) which they hype as being amazing, but just really unimpressed so far.

[Ksyrup]

I cannot believe that stupid blonde gave up any serious chance she had at going further on the show to work with that fatass Jersey bitch. I mean, I know these people are mostly really young, but at some point you have to take a step back and see the big picture while this is happening. There's been enough seasons of this show to understand the game. And pretty much everyone knew that working with the Queen Bitch was an almost instant ticket home. She had no shot of moving on. Why would you give up a group to work with her? If that was my kid, I would hafve slapped her silly after the show.

I wonder what they would have done if she didn't find an idiot and was all by herself? I assume they would have forced her on one of the threesomes - man, her with the broken-up couple and that other chick would have been pretty horrifyingly awesome, I think.

[wade moore]

I cannot believe that stupid blonde gave up any serious chance she had at going further on the show to work with that fatass Jersey bitch. I mean, I know these people are mostly really young, but at some point you have to take a step back and see the big picture while this is happening. There's been enough seasons of this show to understand the game. And pretty much everyone knew that working with the Queen Bitch was an almost instant ticket home. She had no shot of moving on. Why would you give up a group to work with her? If that was my kid, I would hafve slapped her silly after the show.

I wonder what they would have done if she didn't find an idiot and was all by herself? I assume they would have forced her on one of the threesomes - man, her with the broken-up couple and that other chick would have been pretty horrifyingly awesome, I think.

Oh, and since you said the word "mom" it triggered for me...

IMO, they absolutely have to put a stop to the mom's helping. Completely and utterly unacceptable in my opinion.

[Ksyrup]

Yeah, she wasn't good at all.

Consider me very underwhelmed by the talent so far. I haven't watched the last 15 minutes yet (couldn't make it that long, will watch tonight) which they hype as being amazing, but just really unimpressed so far.

I can't really say I've noticed it being any worse or better than any other season. There are a couple of people who seem to stand out, a bunch who can sing but seem likely to wilt under the big stage lights, and some drama/demographics fodder.

Trying not to say too much here, and they haven't even whittled the top 40 down to the 20 who are going to make the show yet, so I may be totally off on this observation at this early a stage, but...

Biggest thing I'm seeing is they are setting up some potential personal conflicts and bad guys. I may be totally wrong, and by the time we get to the top 12/13/whatever number they land on, all of those people may be washed from the show, but I'm guessing that part of the changes they are making to this show have to do with trying to set it up to not be the automatic lovefest among contestants that it's been on nearly every season. I think they are going to be rolling cameras where they are living to capture some of those moments, too. All of this leads me to believe they are trying to create some drama/conflict among the contestants.

But I could be wrong. And it may be that no matter how hard they try, the contestants resist it. But with what I saw last night, there will be some history there to plant the seed of tension/conflict between some of the people who make it through.

[GrantDawg]

Well, that was a spectacular flameout. I knew she wasn't going far, but I didn't think she'd go out that easily.


She wasn't any worse than others that have been in the top 10, heck top 6, in previuos seasons, she was beyond the pale hot in my opinon. There was just something eye-catching about her that gave her an opportunity to really be special, but she this may have short-circiuted it.

[Ksyrup]

So Nigel had a press conference/call today and he confirmed that 60 people go to Vegas, 20 were cut, last night they filmed the "Green Mile" episode, and (this is where the rumors start since he wouldn't confirm) there apparently will be a top 24, with the first week's theme being Songs from the Contestants' Musical Idols. Song had to be picked last night. So, I'm sure there will be a ton of spoilers in the next few days about how is in the top 24 and what songs they'll be singing in the first week.

[CrimsonFox]

That group that kicked out that one kid is not going to be voted for by people.

[Ksyrup]

Eh, I t hink the only one who would get shit for it is Junebug (the dork who wears all the stupid glasses). The one chick was upset about it at the time it happened and just didn't have a strong enough personality to stop it, the country guy came off as sympathetic after the fact, and I don't even remember the other person. Junebug not only was the one whose idea it appeared to be, but he kinda laughed about it when the judges brought it up. He'd take the shit from fans.

[GrantDawg]

Eh, I t hink the only one who would get shit for it is Junebug (the dork who wears all the stupid glasses). The one chick was upset about it at the time it happened and just didn't have a strong enough personality to stop it, the country guy came off as sympathetic after the fact, and I don't even remember the other person. Junebug not only was the one whose idea it appeared to be, but he kinda laughed about it when the judges brought it up. He'd take the shit from fans.


This.

[CrimsonFox]

Eh, I t hink the only one who would get shit for it is Junebug (the dork who wears all the stupid glasses). The one chick was upset about it at the time it happened and just didn't have a strong enough personality to stop it, the country guy came off as sympathetic after the fact, and I don't even remember the other person. Junebug not only was the one whose idea it appeared to be, but he kinda laughed about it when the judges brought it up. He'd take the shit from fans.


LOL! Ksyrup that's awesome! Where'd you come up with the name junebug?? :) LOL I'd have to agree with you., I don't remember anyone else but him.

[CrimsonFox]

I cannot believe that stupid blonde gave up any serious chance she had at going further on the show to work with that fatass Jersey bitch. I mean, I know these people are mostly really young, but at some point you have to take a step back and see the big picture while this is happening. There's been enough seasons of this show to understand the game. And pretty much everyone knew that working with the Queen Bitch was an almost instant ticket home. She had no shot of moving on. Why would you give up a group to work with her? If that was my kid, I would hafve slapped her silly after the show.



You are assuming that blond was any good at all herself. And she wasn't. She was terrible. Worse than the Jersey chick actually. THe thing is I expected the two of them to TOTALLY Diva Out and just kill the song! (in a good way). You know, like Frenchie Davis and Kimberly Locke did Season 2 with "Band of Gold". They had the right attitude. Just couldn't hit the notes.

I've sung for years and one thing's for sure. You sound like shit when you haven't slept. ANd you can't remember things like words.

[Ksyrup]

Junebug is that dude's nickname. His middle name is Jun.

[CrimsonFox]

LOL Oh I see now. I thought you made that up.

Anyone else think the final room was bogus. It had hyper blond surfer dude (who tanked on his final performance), the "I quit" girl (also tanked), the low singin cowboy that low sings the same song all the time (forgot his words and just screwed up). Why did they put them through? Based on prior stuff cause that's not what thy're supposed to do yet. That comes next with the green mile show. just sayin

[GrantDawg]

LOL Oh I see now. I thought you made that up.

Anyone else think the final room was bogus. It had hyper blond surfer dude (who tanked on his final performance), the "I quit" girl (also tanked), the low singin cowboy that low sings the same song all the time (forgot his words and just screwed up). Why did they put them through? Based on prior stuff cause that's not what thy're supposed to do yet. That comes next with the green mile show. just sayin


It isn't the first time at all that they have done that. As tough even Simon was on the people who forgot their lyrics and such, they put people through that messed up this point before based on what they (or more likely the producers) thought of them. I was just surprised they cut my red-haired girl of the four-some partners. I thought she was very good, and quite cute.

[law90026]

Not really impressed by the talent of the show so far despite the constant hype that "its the best talent in 10 years!".

Did anyone think those kids (with their moms) were preparing for this event since they were tiny tots? Kinda freaky.

[kurtism]

Tangential, but Paul F. Tompkins' recaps are absolute must-reads.

American Idol -- TV Episode Recaps & News (http://nymag.com/tv/american-idol/)

[CrimsonFox]

Not really impressed by the talent of the show so far despite the constant hype that "its the best talent in 10 years!".




They say that every year. ;)

[Ksyrup]

Last-minute changes to the show schedule. Apparently the Las Vegas/Beatles episode is only going to be 1 hour tomorrow instead of 2, and the "Green Mile" episode is also being cut back to 1 hour on Thursday, so that they can stretch it out for 2 additional hours into next week, too! JLo breaks down while cutting one of the contestants, so apparently that's where Thursday will end. And then they'll stretch the rest of the show out for 2 more episodes next week, instead of starting the live show next week..

EDIT: I was wrong - the semifinal performances are taped this Friday and next Monday, so when they air is irrelevant to the contestants' preparation. Apparently they will be cutting from 24 to 10 in one week and adding back a few wild cards at the same time.

Also, these arern't really spoilers but interesting bits of info that I'm almost certain the show never hinted at - Casey (upright bass man) and Julie (from Columbia) were prom dates, and Pia, Rachel and Karen all graduated from the same high school class.

[Ksyrup]

I guess I misunderstood - they are cramming 1 hour of Beatles and 3 hours of Green Mile into today and tomorrow. So it's 4 hours, and then performances start next week (taped Friday and Monday).

Oh, and here's a spoiler about something that happened today:

Casey Abrams was rushed to the hospital with severe stomach pains not too long ago while rehearsing

[Mustang]

Not really impressed by the talent of the show so far despite the constant hype that "its the best talent in 10 years!".


Despite saying I wasn't going to watch, I've broken down and started to. Yes, I know.. I have no backbone or willpower. Eh.. what can you do when the sweet Siren song of Sanjaya lures you into the rocks.

I will give them credit, does seem like they are at least attempting to go with better singers over stories and/or quirky people. Medina would have been a shoe in last year for the top 5.

[Ksyrup]

So I thought the Beatles/Vegas challenge was a brilliant idea by Nigel or whoever. basically, they ran it like a mini live show, complete with set changes, couch interviews, and judge feedback. It was obvious they did this to (a) get a feel for how each of the contestants handled the stage under faux-live show conditions, and - probably most importantly - (b) gave JLo and Steven Tyler an opportunity to get some practice/experience doing the judging thing in a situation that was very similar to what they will be going through on the live shows.

So, 2 hours of the rest of the Green Mile tonight (I miss the elevator ride) and then taped "live" shows of the top 12 guys on Tuesday for 2 hours, the top 12 girls on Wednesday for 2 hours, and then I assume a 1-hour top 10 reveal where they choose an unknown number of wild cards to add back in.

Apparently the Chris Medina vote-off was planned all along (not that he necessarily knew anything about it) because they are releasing - tonight - an original song written for him called What Are Words (I assume a not-so-subtle song about his relationshhip with his fiance) and then he'll perform it live on Jay Leno Friday night. And I bet all of this came together in the 7 or 8 days since he was eliminated. Uh...right.

[Mustang]

I'm a cynic. I don't think Lopez was really crying.

[Ksyrup]

As bad an actress as she is, what really gave it away was Randy and Steven's lame attempts to act like what occurred was spontaneous.

[Solecismic]

Apparently the Chris Medina vote-off was planned all along (not that he necessarily knew anything about it) because they are releasing - tonight - an original song written for him called What Are Words (I assume a not-so-subtle song about his relationshhip with his fiance) and then he'll perform it live on Jay Leno Friday night. And I bet all of this came together in the 7 or 8 days since he was eliminated. Uh...right.


I know people eat this stuff up, but Idol still depends on buzz from the media. The more we know the on air tryouts are mostly fake, the less people report about the tryouts. I think they know the show is nearing its end and want to milk every last penny out of it.

Medina wasn't good enough - they probably constructed this story during the tryout phase. It's too bad they're willing to burn J-Lo on this, but I guess she's getting enough money that she doesn't mind playing along - or is so incapable of the judging part that she's glad to have some lines fed to her.

Oh, well, it's less intrusive than the blind guy who couldn't sing reaching the final seven.

[Mustang]

Oh, well, it's less intrusive than the blind guy who couldn't sing reaching the final seven.

He got a nice consolation prize

http://img2.timeinc.net/people/i/2011/news/110228/scott-macintyre-240.jpg

[Ksyrup]

It's too bad they're willing to burn J-Lo on this, but I guess she's getting enough money that she doesn't mind playing along - or is so incapable of the judging part that she's glad to have some lines fed to her.

I'm sure she'll get over it...


Jennifer Lopez World Premiere Video During Idol
Platinum-selling recording artist and American Idol judge Jennifer Lopez will world premiere the music video for her new hit single, “On The Floor (feat. Pitbull),” during American Idol Thursday, March 3 at 8/7c on FOX.

[Ksyrup]

He got a nice consolation prize

http://img2.timeinc.net/people/i/2011/news/110228/scott-macintyre-240.jpg

I want to post something inappropriate, but I'm paralyzed by (a) trying not to be insensitive and (b) having so many directions to go with it.

[Ksyrup]

Medina wasn't good enough - they probably constructed this story during the tryout phase.

It's gotten to the point where you can easily determine the real contenders (a mix of talent, story, and demographic) from the drama/stories that prop up the show until the live shows start. Like the insane chick who got married last night - no reason she was kept so long other than they wanted her to cry and hoped for a few blow-ups/breakdowns along the way. Total fodder.

Or the jokester surfer-looking dude who performed like (and even looked a little like) Normund Gentle. Just along for the comic relief. He never had a shot, regardless of how far he made it.

But you're right - at least they aren't putting some of these sideshows into the voting competition, so that's progress, I guess.

[Ksyrup]

Oh, and one other thing - online FB voting is official. They've hinted at online voting for a couple of months and the rumor about it being through FB has been floated for a week or two, but it's now official. I'm sure FB is loving it.

[Scoobz0202]

Thank god for dvr. I had to fast foward to the end when they cut Medina. I just felt uncomfortable watching Lopez crying and those two consoling her. I dunno.

I wonder if this year will be a repeat of last year. Was so disgusted with Lilly Scott's early departure last year I couldn't finish. The previous year if I recall it was the crap that was left around. For whatever reason I get a lot of enjoyment out of the Hollywood rounds but the actual live show just pisses me off.

[MJ4H]

+1 on being disgusted with Lilly leaving.

[Solecismic]

It's unfortunate that singers like Lilly don't have much chance of going very far in a vote-until-you-drop format.

I found myself looking forward to what she'd come up with each week. I can't say that about many contestants, even some very talented ones.

Unfortunately, it's exactly this type of anticipation we'll lose under the new format, which encourages singers to remain in a "safe" zone.

I also think we need someone like Simon to spur competitors to take chances. J-Lo is pretty much Paula Redux. Randy has his role - kind of the coach who gets the best out of his players. I'm not sure what Tyler is yet. I like him, but I'm thinking he's more looking for a metal band front man than an Idol, and that he's just going to stick with his favorites.

[Ksyrup]

Interesting:


There’s no room for secrets when appearing on a reality show — especially when it’s “American Idol.” Sophia Shorai had been doing well on the hit Fox series. But what some may not know is that the 28-year-old is the daughter of a famous former fugitive.

Shorai’s mother is Sara Jane Olson, otherwise known as former Symbionese Liberation Army member Kathleen Soliah. The Symbionese Liberation Army, a radical group, was best known for kidnapping Patty Hearst in 1974.

[CrimsonFox]

Speaking of Wednesday's Beatleshow, I have never heard a worse performance on this show than "Long and Winding Road".
I have never heard a better performance than "Something".

[ntndeacon]

You gotta love the good performance of the Harrison song!

[Ksyrup]

Speaking of Wednesday's Beatleshow, I have never heard a worse performance on this show than "Long and Winding Road".


Apparently you never heard Christy lee Cook's country version of 8 Days a Week.

And that's just in the Beatles category of worst performances ever.

[Ksyrup]

On the plus side, I can't think of a single female in the top 24 that bothers me. More than a few are 'meh,' but none I actively hate. Thia Megia better lose the pageant thing, or she'll be the next Stephanie Edwards. Although, that seemed to work for Archie, so...

On the negative side, there are a few guys I'd like to punch in the throat and hope don't make it past next week.

Junebug - guy can sing, but I just don't like him. Haven't since his audition. I'm hoping the negative press he got for kicking Jacee out will bite him in the ass.

James Durbin - we don't need another Adam Lambert, especially one who can't control it as well as Adam did (and that's saying a lot). Sings in an 80s hard rock type band and brags about writing songs about whores, btw. I saw a couple of videos and its embarrassing. He's a good bet for some ridiculously entertaining performances, in a bad way. I'm kinda hoping he stays, just for that potential.

Jacob Lusk - this guy is all that is wrong with singers today. I appreciate the passion, but he looks and sounds like a clown when he sings. I thought the performance Randy called the best ever on Idol was horrendous. Better suited to evangelism than a pop music career, IMO. He's like some RuPaul/Tyler Perry character or something. Comes off as too much of an act for my taste, and ALWAYS over the top.

Squatty McCreery - as the only country singer, probably a mortal lock for the top 10. How do I hate him? Let me count the ways. I hate the way he squats when he sings, his stupid country act while performing, his one-dimensional, affected vocals, etc. He seems like a nice guy and everything, but unfortunately, he'll be doing more singing than interviewing on this show, and it's going to be hard for me to watch. His style makes me physically ill. I had to leave the room when they showed him sing last night. I'll take their word for it that the other country guy wasn't ready (since we didn't see enough to judge for ourselves), but this guy can't do anything else than parrot established country singers, as far as I can tell. Looks like a cross between Sherrif Woody and Alfred E. Neuman. Ugh.

[Matthean]

Squatty McCreery

Ok, I had to Google this just to see if that was his actual name. And no, I'm not watching this show. One season was enough.

[Ksyrup]

No, it's Scotty. I call him Squatty because he does the country singer squat while he sings.

[GrantDawg]

I am really not going to like a jump from 24 to 13 in one week. There are several performers I want to see what they'll do over a few weeks that probably won't make that first cut. Here is hoping June-bug won't.

[Ksyrup]

Yeah, I don't really get spending 3 hours highlighting every single one of the 24 and then cutting that group in half in 1 week. On one hand, I like that they are, in effect, trying to level the playing field a bit by giving them all at least a bit of face time. But still...you run the risk of people getting attached to one or two of them, and then suddenly they're gone before they really start.

[Mustang]

These wildcards.. are they going to be wildcards from the top 24 or can they bring anyone back they want?

[Ksyrup]

Just the top 24, as far as I know. I don't think they have said exactly how many they will take, but the best guess is eaach judge will get to save one person.

[GrantDawg]

Just the top 24, as far as I know. I don't think they have said exactly how many they will take, but the best guess is eaach judge will get to save one person.


That is what I have seen. It will be 13 going on after next week.

[Mustang]

Just the top 24, as far as I know. I don't think they have said exactly how many they will take, but the best guess is eaach judge will get to save one person.

Ok. I was starting to wonder if some people were cut just to see the reaction they get in twitterverse and then bring them back if the demand is there.

Not that Idol would ever do something like that.....

[Ksyrup]

Well, I was wondering why there was no update to this story. But here it is:


Casey Abrams update, and it’ not looking great for the Season 10 Top 24 contestant.

From TMZ (http://www.tmz.com/2011/02/25/casey-abrams-american-idol-finalist-hospital-stomach-pain-cbs-television-city-sick/):
Casey Abrams — who we know is one of the 24 finalists on “American Idol” — is still in the hospital and could end up dropping out of the competition today … TMZ has learned.

TMZ broke the story … Casey was rushed to the hospital Wednesday, complaining of severe stomach pains.

We’ve learned he’s still in the hospital and will receive a blood transfusion this morning.

For Casey to continue in the competition, he must participate in tonight’s taping of the top 12 males.

Sources connected with the show say it’s up to Casey to decide, but producers will let him rehearse with the band at 4:30 PM today if he’s able … and then tape the show.

It’s so touch and go, we’re told they’re discussing the possibility of Casey going to the taping and then returning to the hospital.

[CrimsonFox]

LOL! Awesome review Ksyrup! :)

I so hate Scotty. Well not personally. But he was terrible all through hollywood week but got a freepass because of his gimmmicky low voice. Now there's being unique...and being a gimmick. His final performance I actually FINALLY heard him sing. Mind you that was the first time I heard him sing. BUt he has absolutely no versatility and will get creamed on Lady Gaga week and Usher week and opera week and croon week and showtune week. Maybe he will do well if it's nothing but country week and southern rock week and blues week and such. The real pity is the entire south will vote him to the top every single week no matter how bad he is. HEre comes another Sanjjaya.

[Ksyrup]

Well, this year there are no "theme" weeks - or, at least, the themes are going to be so broad that the contestants should be able to find a song within their comfort zones. No more Barry Manilow week; it'll be decades themes or something along those lines. So that should help him.

Regarding Casey, thinking this through if he can't perform, I guess the judges could make him a wild card and at least buy him a week to recover...?

[CrimsonFox]

I think they will and SHOULD bring Chris Medina back in if Casey cannot go. EIther that or J.C.

[CrimsonFox]

What's this wildcard crap btw?

[Ksyrup]

They've had it for a couple of years. They pick a top 10 and then add back a couple of people who got eliminated.

Last thing I read, Casey was well enough to perform. Spoilers for what the boys sang should be up tonight.

[wade moore]

Different strokes I suppose.

I feel like this is one of the best 24 they've had in a LONG time, I like these judges a LOT more, and I like Scotty (although I am a country fan).

[Ksyrup]

LOL!

Durbin is going balls out - singing You've Got Another Thing Comin'! Wow. I guess I'm happy to hear some Judas Priest on American Idol...

[Ksyrup]

Different strokes I suppose.

I feel like this is one of the best 24 they've had in a LONG time, I like these judges a LOT more, and I like Scotty (although I am a country fan).

Hey, I only called out 4 of them. Out of 24, that's not too bad!

Squatty is beyond awful, though. It's that style of singing that completely ruins any chance I'd want to listen to country music. I have to stick with bands like Nickel Creek, with vocals that don't sound like forced redneck acting. I don't mind the instrumentation at all, it's the vocals and lyrics that make country music mostly terrible.

[wade moore]

Hey, I only called out 4 of them. Out of 24, that's not too bad!

Squatty is beyond awful, though. It's that style of singing that completely ruins any chance I'd want to listen to country music. I have to stick with bands like Nickel Creek, with vocals that don't sound like forced redneck acting. I don't mind the instrumentation at all, it's the vocals and lyrics that make country music mostly terrible.

Well, I'd call a lot of the stuff you listen to terrible.

:shurg:

[Thomkal]

+1 for Nickel Creek. :)

[Ksyrup]

Well, I'd call a lot of the stuff you listen to terrible.

:shurg:

I thought it goes without saying that personal preference is what it's all about. If it came across at all like it was sincere and not some redneck act, I might be able to stomach it. Obviously, there are millions of people who don't share my opinion. I thought that was fairly well established.

I only care in this instance because I'm going to have to stomach this guy for as long as he's on the show.

[Ksyrup]

+1 for Nickel Creek. :)


+1000 for normal vocal style. Doesn't ruin the authenticity of their music in the least.

[GrantDawg]

I thought it goes without saying that personal preference is what it's all about. If it came across at all like it was sincere and not some redneck act, I might be able to stomach it. Obviously, there are millions of people who don't share my opinion. I thought that was fairly well established.

I only care in this instance because I'm going to have to stomach this guy for as long as he's on the show.


For each his own, but he has what I'd call a "natural" country voice. It harkens back to what a lot of what the watered down country is now (pop with an occasional steel guitar), but has more of the Randy Travis type voice. That is more real country to me. He has a much better voice than Bucky Covington did/does, and that kid has done very well.

[Ksyrup]

It seems to me that that type of country vocal is affected, so while it might be a "true" country music voice, it's still forced. The twang, the crack in the voice at the same place in the phrase, etc. It doesn't seem natural to me, even though that vocal has been used for a long time. I just can't stand it.

[CrimsonFox]

I despise most country music because it's usually lazy, lifeless, and unoriginal. In all that crap there are stars that shine and more often than not it's the female country singers that really put soul into it I think. Granted I think the best country singer ever was a guy (not named Sue) named Johnny Cash.

[wade moore]

It seems to me that that type of country vocal is affected, so while it might be a "true" country music voice, it's still forced. The twang, the crack in the voice at the same place in the phrase, etc. It doesn't seem natural to me, even though that vocal has been used for a long time. I just can't stand it.

:shurg:

Just very funny for me from a guy that loves what is, imo, the most "fake", "forced" style of music that I can think of.

[Ksyrup]

OK, whatever. All music is fake and forced, I guess. Metal's not anymore fake and forced than the hipster wannabes all the rage these days.

I'll keep quiet about Scotty from now on. Unfortunately, I think he'll be sticking around longer than I want,

[wade moore]

OK, whatever. All music is fake and forced, I guess. Metal's not anymore fake and forced than the hipster wannabes all the rage these days.

I'll keep quiet about Scotty from now on. Unfortunately, I think he'll be sticking around longer than I want,

It's not your criticism of Scotty that bothers me, it's your indictment of Country Music as a whole as affected/fake/whatever - especially when you listen to a genre of music that does th emost to present an image, scream, etc to present this specific image - yet your criticism of country seems to be that they're doing essentially the same way.

I just get bothered by people that bash country in such a hypocritical way. If you don't like country that's fine, but to call it terrible for these reasons compared to what you may like...

[Ksyrup]

Like I said, whatever...I thought it was pretty clear that my main problem was the country music vocalists, not the music. I mean, the stuff I hear on the radio is pretty crappy music, too, but then again, so is most rock/metal on the radio. But good music is good music, no matter the style. If they sang it normally, I could stand it.

Metal is really in its own category, as far as the vocalists go. Metal vocalists aren't called singers for a reason - they are another instrument in the band, they are not typically the primary focus of the sound. Whether you consider that an image as opposed to a style, I guess it really doesn't matter. To me, the best music is purely emotional, and metal does the best job of translating anger, depression, and other dark emotions to music. So that vocal style/image is necessary to create the effect.

I'll just let it go, since the irony of discussing real music in a thread about AI just hit me. ;)

[CrimsonFox]

If they sang it normally, I could stand it.



This sentence sums it up perfectly. All this affected crap is just terrible. And the thing is they do that because they hear other artists on the radio doing that affected crap. If everyone just sang...just sang normally the way they are, it would be good.

Hell Lou Reed can't sing a note but many of his songs are just so pure and full of awesome.

[Buccaneer]

All of my favorite country songs/artists are the ones that sung without a twang. Probably makes them more crossovers than pure country, but still.

[Ksyrup]

Hey wade, aren't these bands you like?

Paul McDonald tweets, “I’m thinking about doing an Avett Brothers or Mumford & Sons tune on the show…any suggestions?”


Seems awfully presumptuous of him seeing as though he may have already performed his last song on AI (taped on Friday, airing Tuesday).

[Ksyrup]

Lee DeWyze will be performing on Thursday.

Oh all the changes they claimed they were going to make to this show and then reneged on (and the list is over a dozen at this point), the one I wish they had kept was going back to the 30 minute vote-off show.

[wade moore]

Hey wade, aren't these bands you like?

Paul McDonald tweets, “I’m thinking about doing an Avett Brothers or Mumford & Sons tune on the show…any suggestions?”


Seems awfully presumptuous of him seeing as though he may have already performed his last song on AI (taped on Friday, airing Tuesday).

I don't know these kids well enough yet to even know who this is. Before I look..

I said to my wife: "If someone does an Avetts song, they'll immediately be my favorite no matter what"

An exaggeration of course, but curious to see how that goes if he goes along.


[looking]

Oh THAT guy.

He's a potential favorite of mine anyways. If he does Avetts....

[Ksyrup]

The Kenny Loggins-looking dude. That's how I know him.

[wade moore]

Lee DeWyze will be performing on Thursday.

Oh all the changes they claimed they were going to make to this show and then reneged on (and the list is over a dozen at this point), the one I wish they had kept was going back to the 30 minute vote-off show.

Do you have info on what changes got nixed?

They're NOT doing the 30 minute vote-off? UGH.

[Ksyrup]

I don't have anything off-hand, but here's a tally of a few of the things that were promised and have been nixed, in a blog about the last-second switch to cut Vegas down to an hour and expand the Green Mile to 3 hours:


Cutting an hour may seem like a small change, and having an hour of the Las Vegas challenge is something new. But everything else we’ve seen, and that’s coming soon, is very, very familiar. That started with the auditions, which were very similar (http://www.realityblurred.com/realitytv/archives/american_idol_10/2011_Jan_20_debut), from being mean-spirited toward the delusional singers to rubbing our faces in sob stories belonging to mediocre singers.

Nigel initially said there would be no-semi final round (http://www.operationsports.com/realitytv/archives/american_idol_10/2010_Nov_17_challenges_semifinals). Later that was changed to a top 20 (http://www.operationsports.com/realitytv/archives/american_idol_10/2011_Jan_12_tca); now we’re back to a top 24, just like before. (There was also a report that we’d have a top 15 (http://www.operationsports.com/realitytv/archives/american_idol_10/2010_Dec_01_online_voting) instead of 10; that no longer seems to be the case.)

There were also supposed to be different kinds of challenges (http://www.operationsports.com/realitytv/archives/american_idol_10/2010_Nov_17_challenges_semifinals) at some point; those appear to have evaporated. And let’s not forgive Fox for reversing its decision to have half-hour results shows (http://www.operationsports.com/realitytv/archives/american_idol_10/2010_Nov_20_schedule).

[Mustang]

The Kenny Loggins-looking dude. That's how I know him.

He reminds me of the guy in Die Hard that pretended to be John's old buddy.

"Hans.. Boobie.. I'm your White Knight"

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iFL76qaS_EI/TPrzL7BRWTI/AAAAAAAACic/wOn0KiZQ-vI/s1600/2.1ellis.jpg

[MikeVic]

So... I'm going to join an office pool, but don't really know the contestants that well. Who would you guys say is a good pick for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd?

[CrimsonFox]

Lee DeWyze will be performing on Thursday.

Oh all the changes they claimed they were going to make to this show and then reneged on (and the list is over a dozen at this point), the one I wish they had kept was going back to the 30 minute vote-off show.

People watch the vote-off show?

[Ksyrup]

We record everything, so it's a matter of FFing through the commercials. Usually, we can start watching an hour show at 20 minutes past the hour and watch the entire show in 40 minutes, finishing at the top of the next hour. With AI vote-off shows, we usually start at 40 minutes past the hour and zip through the hour show in 15-20 minutes.

[CrimsonFox]

We record everything, so it's a matter of FFing through the commercials. Usually, we can start watching an hour show at 20 minutes past the hour and watch the entire show in 40 minutes, finishing at the top of the next hour. With AI vote-off shows, we usually start at 40 minutes past the hour and zip through the hour show in 15-20 minutes.

:thumbsup:

[Ksyrup]

Damn, 6 hours of Idol this week. This vote-off is TWO HOURS. OK ,so 14 people are being cut, 3 brought back, JLo's new video, and something from David Cook. Lee DeWyze got shelved to later in March.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Damn, 6 hours of Idol this week. This vote-off is TWO HOURS. OK ,so 14 people are being cut, 3 brought back, JLo's new video, and something from David Cook. Lee DeWyze got shelved to later in March.

I usually just watch the singing and delete the results show. You can sit through two hours of filler or you can catch the recap next week in 1-2 minutes and quickly figure out who's gone.

[CrimsonFox]

Damn, 6 hours of Idol this week. This vote-off is TWO HOURS. OK ,so 14 people are being cut, 3 brought back, JLo's new video, and something from David Cook. Lee DeWyze got shelved to later in March.

Wait, how many people are there now? 24? So that makes it down to 10 with 3 wildcards pulled by judges for a top 13?

2 hours yuck.

[Ksyrup]

Girls spoilers are complete. I have to say, I thought Rachel Zevita had some Siobhan weirdness to her, and with her choice of song, I think I was right. I don't know what she sounded like or if she deserves to make the top 13, but I have a feeling she won't make it through. I liked the song choice, though.

This was an interesting observation from someone at one or both of the tapings:


Oh, also, Steven Tyler CAN NOT hide his facial expressions. He immediately reacts to bad notes or boring songs, it’s hilarious. If I was a contestant, I would avoid looking at him like the plague. He was like a friggin mood ring.

[GrantDawg]

Girls spoilers are complete. I have to say, I thought Rachel Zevita had some Siobhan weirdness to her, and with her choice of song, I think I was right. I don't know what she sounded like or if she deserves to make the top 13, but I have a feeling she won't make it through. I liked the song choice, though.

This was an interesting observation from someone at one or both of the tapings:


I really like her, and hope she makes it through. I have my doubts she will as well, though.

[Scoobz0202]

I tuned in about fifteen minutes late. I caught the dock worker and then Jordan I believe. Anybody wanna fill me in on who I missed?

[Ksyrup]

You missed Junebug.

Smart move condensing the performances to 90 minutes. I guess they felt that 6 hours would have caused AI fatigue. But the show moved at a nice pace and didn't get strung out with only 3 performances every 30 minutes.

As far as the performances...

They buried Junebug up front which, combined with his evil Hollywood edit, should spell doom for his chances.

They also front-loaded the worst performances. Junebug's evil Hollywood twin Dorsey seemed to get railroaded - his comment about the song being offered to him so he sang it sounded suspiciously like he was pushed to take it by the show, even though he knew it wasn't him.

Tim was bad, as was Robbie. Not sure what the judges heard there. Jovany was what he is - fodder. I can't tell Stefano and Jovany apart, aside from the muscles.

Brett was terrible. And worst yet, he looked like a cross between a shaggy dog and John Waite. Problem is, John Waite is one of my all-time favorite singers, and Brett was anything but good. I hate to say this, but he sang a Jim Morrison song very feminine, and it didn't work at all.

Durbin is a second-rate Lambert, but I loved hearing Judas Priest on AI. And in a Circle of Idol way, the straight Adam wannabe sang a song written by a gay heavy metal singer. Love it.

Paul came off as a cross between Rod Stewart and Joe Cocker. Definitely unique. I could see that voice grating on the wrong song, though.

Jacob - 3 words. Professional. Gospel. Boring.

Casey was way too screamy, I wasn't impressed.

And last but not least...Scotty. He performed really well, but he performed it country. I couldn't stand it, but it was really good for what it was, if that makes sense. One of the best of the night. Kinda like Jacob. Really good in a niche genre that I have absolutely no interest in.

Biggest disappointment of the night was Tyler. No balls. Too many positive comments that weren't warranted. We needed a Simon Cowell reality check. Sad when Randy has to be that guy.

Oh, and was it our TV, or were the voices very distant-sounding, with the music overpowering? Some of the vocals sounded like they were echoing or we could hear reverb. I assume/hope they will make some changes since this was an all-new stage.

[Scoobz0202]

I almost wouldn't vote for Durbin for one reason and one reason only. That fucking tail.

[Lathum]

In an Idol first a contestant threatens to fart on Seacrest

[Solecismic]

I'm debating whether to write the full recaps this year. For the semifinals, I'll just throw a sentence together.

The judge stuff is hard to figure. So far, J-Lo doesn't seem all that interested in credibility. Steven Tyler is too predictable and Randy wants to be a nicer Simon, but isn't. This will throw the voting off.

Round of 24, Men:

1. Jacob Lusk. Why not? He'd be better without the falsetto, but he's got the talent. I'm sure he will annoy me to no end within a month. 94.

2. Casey Abrams. A performer with a lot of range and a sense of humor (though it would not help his chances to spray diarrhea on Seacrest, even though that would get my vote). 88.

3. Paul McDonald. Looking forward to hearing what he can do with that voice. 81.

4. James Durbin. Despite the ridiculous hair and tail, I could see him fronting a metal band given more practice. It was fun. 75.

5. Scotty McCreery. I'm not a fan of country, but it is nice to hear someone just get up there and sing well, no calculated crap. 74.

6. Clint Jun Gamboa. I thought it was good karaoke. He can lock into a singer and mimic it. What this has to do with Idol escapes me. 66.

7. Robbie Rosen. He has talent, but every phrase was affected and annoying. He lost touch with the song. 64.

8. Stefano Langone. And that was bad karaoke. 58.

9. Tim Halperin. Why bother showing up if you're going to half-ass your way through a dance piece? 50.

10. Jovany Barreto. Wake me up when he finishes. It was just a poor imitation. 48.

11. Brett Loewenstern. Comedy. Not in a good way. Part Tina Turner, part Rosie O'Donnell's fake-nice son. 45.

12. Jordan Dorsey. I've got to hand it to Jordan. He knew he was going to make a fool out of himself. Obviously, he does not want to be here. Maybe the worst performance ever on Idol. 1.

Who Should Advance: Jacob Lusk, Casey Abrams, Paul McDonald, Scotty McCreery, James Durbin.

Who Will Advance: See Above. The fans will get this right. Maybe Brett has a chance of capturing the mass-dialing teenage girls. Or maybe Stefano wasn't as bad as he seemed.

Will Anyone be Saved? I think Jacob, Casey, Paul and Scotty will be saved if the fans don't vote their way. From what the judges were saying, J-Lo might want to throw her vote to Tim, who has zero chance of advancing. Maybe Jovany has a fan there.

[Ksyrup]

In an Idol first a contestant threatens to fart on Seacrest

Idol has spent so much of the past 5 or 6 years ingraining the Simon/Ryan homoerotic angle into my brain that I honestly thought Casey was ad-libbing a "poke me in the butt" joke.

[Ksyrup]

2. Casey Abrams. A performer with a lot of range and a sense of humor (though it would not help his chances to spray diarrhea on Seacrest, even though that would get my vote). 88.


This is the only ranking I'd question. I like Casey, but I thought that performance was all over the place and more screamy than anything. He seems to be the early front-runner, but I question how his retro music style and jokester performances (which he does every time) are going to play over three months. My problem with him and Jacob is that they seem more suited to acting than singing. What Casey did last night was just growl/scream his way through an acting job.

BTW, I thought the producers went way out of their way to set up the voting the way they wanted. They buried the worst/least interesting/unfavorably edited people early, then mostly stacked the second half with the people they want to go through or who have had the most buzz from the auditions. Durbin is the only one who seems sure to go through from the first half of the show - and he was #6. I guess anything can happen, but I'd be shocked if the fans voted any of the 1st 5 through.

[Ksyrup]

Just took a sneak peek at DialIdol...

DialIdol is dangerous to put much stock in this early, but interesting that they have Casey middle of the pack bunched with Tim and Dorsey. Not at all surprised to see Junebug dead last by a pretty good margin. With those numbers, I think the only people who voted for him were family.

[wade moore]

I almost 100% agree with Jim. The only difference is while I think Jacob probably deserves to be that high, I don't like his performances at ALL. I get that it's technically sound, but I don't enjoy them.

If I could pick who got in it would be:

Casey, McDonald, Durbin, Scotty, and Stefano.

Although, I think Halperin has talent based on previous shows, he was bad last night. I wouldn't mind seeing him get through on a wild card.

[Ksyrup]

Jacob is like the male version of Melinda Doolittle, but with an even narrower/less commercial focus. If we're going to go gospel, bring back George Huff!

[Ksyrup]

A couple of items from the behind the scenes recaps...

I had ready about Dorsey's comment to the judges and mentioned it in my previous post. That didn't actually make the air: "It was offered to me, and I went along with it." Smells like a set-up to me. Diva Boy from Hollywood gets railroaded with "an offer he can't refuse." Or maybe they were just deadset on pimping an Usher song for sales and he got stuck with it as the only obvious candidate (although watching Jacob sing that would have been entertaining as hell!).

They didn't like the audience's reaction to the Tyler/Seacrest F-Bomb sequence, so they made the crowd re-shoot the laughter shot after the show had ended and the judges had left.

Jovany sang his song twice, after a camera malfunction screwed the first take.

[wade moore]

Jacob is like the male version of Melinda Doolittle, but with an even narrower/less commercial focus. If we're going to go gospel, bring back George Huff!

Exactly - and I think my opinions on Doolittle are well-documented ;).

A couple of items from the behind the scenes recaps...

I had ready about Dorsey's comment to the judges and mentioned it in my previous post. That didn't actually make the air: "It was offered to me, and I went along with it." Smells like a set-up to me. Diva Boy from Hollywood gets railroaded with "an offer he can't refuse." Or maybe they were just deadset on pimping an Usher song for sales and he got stuck with it as the only obvious candidate (although watching Jacob sing that would have been entertaining as hell!).

They didn't like the audience's reaction to the Tyler/Seacrest F-Bomb sequence, so they made the crowd re-shoot the laughter shot after the show had ended and the judges had left.

Jovany sang his song twice, after a camera malfunction screwed the first take.

I'll say this about Javony. I thought he sang that song very well. It was just completely karaoke and uninspiring.

[wade moore]

On Dorsey...

I do wonder about the song selection. It sure SEEMED like they had a lot more freedom than what we've heard in the past based on the variety of song choice.

Even if it was offered, he should have known better. I don't like the guy anyways, so no skin off my back.

[wade moore]

And last but not least...Scotty. He performed really well, but he performed it country. I couldn't stand it, but it was really good for what it was, if that makes sense. One of the best of the night. Kinda like Jacob. Really good in a niche genre that I have absolutely no interest in.

Wanted to comment on this, especially with our previous bickering.

Want to know what's funny?

I actually didn't think he was particularly good. I thought it was a SMART song choice that would get him to sail through, but I didn't think that he did that song much justice and I think he's just not so good when he avoids that low register.

I think he'd do better if he took a song like that, and moved it down, rather than trying to either a) go higher or b) mimic an already low-toned singer.

[Ksyrup]

Ha! I still hated the performance of it. The affected twang, the crooked mouth, the lean to the right, the stool, etc. It was just so cliche country that it felt ridiculous. But within those confines, since that's apparently not only accepted but expected of country artists, I thought he was good. I've never heard the song, so I don't know how he performed it. My assumption was it was paint-by-numbers identical.

As far as Dorsey...it could be anything. Maybe Iovine told him Usher really wanted him to sing it so he felt that he couldn't disrespect either Iovine or Usher by turning it down. Maybe they flat-out told him he was going to sing it. Or maybe it was suggested to him by the vocal coaches/mentors as their choice for him and he didn't feel like he could tell them no this early in the competition?

Whatever the case, he knew it was the wrong song before he ever got up on stage. I'd have fought not to blow my chance, even if it meant pissing some people off. But like I said, the conspiracy thing is foremost in my mind simply because he was one of the two "bad guy" characters the show highlighted during Hollywood Week, and they put both of them at the front of the show. Coincidence?

[Ksyrup]

I'll say this about Scotty, too - if Simon had been there, he might have accused him of sounding decades older than he is. I thinkn that would have been a first for a country singer on this show. His voice, his performance, and that song made him seem 45 years old.

[Ksyrup]

Hey, look what showed up on YouTube yesterday! I thought they forbid contestants from pimping their other stuff? I wonder if that has changed. I remember Bo Bice's band selling their album, but also recall he couldn't have anything to do with it (at least while he was on the show).

http://<IFRAME title="YouTube video player" height=390 src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/_VXR_WipWZw" frameBorder=0 width=640 allowfullscreen></IFRAME> (http://<iframe title=)

[wade moore]

I'll say this about Scotty, too - if Simon had been there, he might have accused him of sounding decades older than he is. I thinkn that would have been a first for a country singer on this show. His voice, his performance, and that song made him seem 45 years old.

Yeah, I think my issues with it involve being more "into" country and seeing more subtleties. For me, it was boring and not that vocally strong. Even with the twang, etc - I feel that good country artists (note: many country artists are not good in my book) can just flat out sing. And I think Scotty is capable of that, but not on the higher notes.

[Ksyrup]

For those who need twice the karaoke...


Singer, Christina Aguilera joins (http://mjsbigblog.com/adam-levine-and-cee-lo-green-to-join-the-voice.htm) Adam Levine and Cee Lo Green as a coach/judge on the new NBC singing competition reality show, The Voice, according to a report from EW (http://insidetv.ew.com/2011/03/02/christina-aguilera/).

“I am so excited to be part of such a wonderful project that celebrates music and the talent behind it,” Aguilera said in a statement. “To be given the opportunity to help shape new artists’ careers and mentor them to see their dreams come to fruition is a task I welcome with open arms.I am so happy to be working with fellow Grammy Award winners Adam and Cee Lo as I feel there is so much we can all bring to The Voice.”

The judges panel is made up entire of performers, rather than mixing it up with industry people the way AI does it.

The Voice premieres on Tuesday, April 26.


I don't get it. Why would you premiere with a month left of Idol? Why wouldn't you do this as a June-August/September show, where MAYBE you have a sliver of a chance of getting some ratings in between Idol and XFactor?

[wade moore]

For those who need twice the karaoke...




I don't get it. Why would you premiere with a month left of Idol? Why wouldn't you do this as a June-August/September show, where MAYBE you have a sliver of a chance of getting some ratings in between Idol and XFactor?

I don't get why you do the show period, let alone with the timing you mentioned.

I've wondered how X-Factor and AI can co-exist, let alone a 3rd show on a network that is clueless.

[Ksyrup]

This is what happened when ABC tried the same thing in 2006 (although during the summer; maybe that scared NBC):

Reportedly the most expensive summer series in the history of the ABC network,<SUP id=cite_ref-cbc_cancelled_0-0 class=reference>[1] (http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/#cite_note-cbc_cancelled-0)</SUP> its first episode, on July 18, 2006, scored the second-lowest audience ever for a premiere episode on a major U.S. broadcast network, with an estimated 3.08 million viewers – ahead of only the 1990 (http://www.operationsports.com/wiki/1990_in_television) premiere of Glory Days (http://www.operationsports.com/w/index.php?title=Glory_Days_(1990_American_TV_series)&action=edit&redlink=1) on the then-fledgling FOX (http://www.operationsports.com/wiki/Fox_Broadcasting_Company) network.<SUP id=cite_ref-1 class=reference>[2] (http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/#cite_note-1)</SUP> Subsequent episodes had even fewer viewers. The series was cancelled after two weeks (four episodes) with the final results undecided on July 27, 2006.

Syesha Mercado was on this show.

[Ksyrup]

There's a rumor that they are NOT naming the wildcards this week, but inviting all 14 rejects back for another week of performances and then having the judges name 2. That wouldn't make sense if America isn't voting, to waste an entire week. Maybe America will vote for 1 WC?

[MikeVic]

Piachu was good.

[Solecismic]

Round of 24, Women...

J-Lo is already twice as annoying as Paula ever was. At least when Paula started yapping over Simon it seemed to be genuine. J-Lo yaps because she cannot handle hearing a differing opinion. She must be a joy in person. Between her and Steven, it's like a cheerleader revival from purgatory.

The women were probably better than the men on average, but the top of the men's class is superior. There seems to be more of a formula on the ladies' side.

1. Thia Megia. She sounds like she could be Karen Carpenter some day. Amazing tone. I know she's only 15 and already has 20 years of professional singing experience. So you want to hate her. I probably will eventually. 91.

2. Pia Toscano. Of the women who tried to emulate big-voiced divas, of which there were many, she was by far the best. 83.

3. Naima Adadapo. Quickly, she's the one who I will look forward to hearing each week. Who the hell cares that Fantasia Barrino rode another version of this song all the way? 82.

4. Lauren Turner. Hate the genre, don't hate the genre singer. Sadly, very unattractive women always bow out before their time. 76.

5. Lauren Alaina. Overrated. Precious. Bland. 67.

6. Karen Rodriguez. They should start a new copycat singing show with 100 attractive women and a karaoke machine with nothing but Mariah Carey tunes. I'm not certain, but I believe this was a recording of the tenth-place singer from each of the last nine American Idols. 65.

7. Rachel Zevita. I really, really wanted to like this. She is gorgeous and quirky. But it just wasn't in tune. 63.

8. Haley Reinhart. Don't be something you're not. 62.

9. Julie Zorrilla. They usually leave one or two of these to make fun of in the semifinals. Weak and derivative. 59.

10. Kendra Chantelle. What's up with all the wanna-bes who use their middle names instead of their last names? Not a daddy's girl, I guess. Overrated, along with the other middle-name chick. 54.

11. Ashthon Jones. Not getting the love at all. It was the very definition of pitchy.

12. Ta-Tynisa Wilson. Ta Ta. 15.

Who Should Advance: Thia Megia, Pia Toscano, Naima Adadapo, Lauren Turner, Rachel Zevita (sorry, personal choice there).

Who Will Advance: Thia Megia, Pia Toscano, Lauren Alaina, Ashthon Jones, Karen Rodriguez.

Now that the save concept is more-or-less explained, I won't make a prediction on how it will be used, but I hope Naima receives one.

[Ksyrup]

The wife and I couldn't believe how weak Karen Rodriguez's voice was. Absolutely no power at all.

Lauren Alaina changed her look from Drew Barrymore circa Poison Ivy to Candace Cameron in the final year of Full House.

I HATED what Rachel Zevita did with Criminal. Or, more to the point, the arrangement she was probably forced to use. What's with jazzing up all these songs to the point that they are recognizable? And then they get called out for being to showtune-y. But she seemed to suffer from nervousness the most and was really breathy and out of tune as she did the walk around the judges. Loved that she chose that song, though. I give her major props for that, especially when we're swimming in a sea of shit R&B/sappy songs.

I said the same thing about Lauren Turner - not pretty enough. And then my wife said - I don't like her attitude or the way she carries herself. UH OH. Guys think you're ugly and women think you're a bitch. Not a good combination.

Having looked at DialIdol, l'll say this - I am completely SHOCKED at who is number one, and by a long shot (even including the boys). Even if they are off by half, she still sails in as #1 vote-getter. WTF?

I t hought Pia was competent, but not that extraordinary. If they put her 4th in the lineup, she gets half the response she got from being in the pimp spot.

[Ksyrup]

I think this means they've officially given up on ... the dude who beat Cook, DeWyze, and Bowersox.

David Cook has recorded Season 10’s boot song! It’s a cover of the INXS classic, “Don’t You Forget About Me”.

[Ksyrup]

Oh, and I meant to say - Steven Tyler is seriously pissing me off. With him and JLo, it's like they've replaced Simon with Paula AND Ellen. They offer nothing. JLo struggles with saying something bad, but Steven's worse - he doesn't look like he's even considering saying something bad, he just says how great they are regardless of the reality of it.

I'm hoping this is some attempt on the show's part to establish Randy as more than a dufus by allowing him to be the "reality check" guy, and not really what Tyler thinks, because it's inexcusable for him to tell someone like Ta-Tynisa that she was anything more than cow dung.

[wade moore]

I think this means they've officially given up on ... the dude who beat Cook, DeWyze, and Bowersox.

Not to be "that guy", but huh? DeWyze and Cook both won their season? Are you referring to something else other than who won their season?

[wade moore]

As for last night..

It showed to me again that I just tend to like male singers than women. The women (as showed last night) by-and-large do boring ballads in a karaoke way.

Who I think were the best 5:

Pia, Thia, Alaina, Hailey, Naima.

So, I think the only place that Jim and I differ greatly is Hailey. I thought she was really good personally.

Who I would like to see advance: Pia, Thia, Alaina, Hailey, Zorrilla.

I'm not sure why so much hate for Zorrillia from Jim. Yes, she was awful last night. But in the auditions/hollywood/vegas I thought she was really, REALLY good. Doesn't hurt that she's nice to look at either.

[GrantDawg]

I agree with Jim almost completely this week (first favorite thing about Idol is watching it with my wife and daughter. Second favorite thing about Idol, is reading Jim breaking it down. Third favorite thing about Idol, is reading Kysrup's inside info). Racheal really let me down. I was looking foward to her performance tonight, but that arrangement did her in. I think Zorrillia also suffered from her song choice.

Can I say again that I hate this format? Everyone roll your eyes on cue when I say this, because I am pretty surprised at saying it as well. 10 years in, we are all pretty jaded by this competetion, right? I don't remember a first night were there as few really BAD performances. There were a few iffy's, a few not greats, but usually the first few weeks you wonder how the heck any of these people got in a singing competition in the first place.

I get the feeling after tonights cut-down, I am going to feel robbed. Every year, there are one or two contestants that don't really shine until they get their feet under them the first couple of weeks in. No chance this year. Way too much interesting talent is going to disappear early, and we are going to keep some that I recognize are good, but I really could care less about, and really don't need this show as much to succeed (Jacob Lusk could walk off the show right now, sign a gospel recording contract, and print money, and most importantly not subject me to the torture I know is coming for the next 7-9 weeks at least. Thia Megia is going to make me want to put a bullet through my head or her head, I am not sure which.) On the flip, I'd love to see what Racheal would come up with for a few weeks, and see if she would really grow on stage. I want to see Julie. That is all. Please put Tim Halpren back behind a piano, and see if he still has some magic.

Anyway, once again, hate this format.

[Ksyrup]

Not to be "that guy", but huh? DeWyze and Cook both won their season? Are you referring to something else other than who won their season?

I don't even remember. I thought Cook lost to that acoustic guy whose name I can't remember. Or did he beat him? Or was he in another season? I know I've said this beefore, but I don't follow these people once the show is over. I barely remember who any of them are.

My point was - they are clearly going with the cash cow (Cook) and pretty much giving up on any commercial success for the other recent acts who either won or were the runner-ups (DeWyze, Bowersox, and that other guy - from Arkansas as I recall).

[Ksyrup]

So, I think the only place that Jim and I differ greatly is Hailey. I thought she was really good personally.

I thougfht she was channeling her inner Haley Scarnato.

[Ksyrup]

It was bugging me, so I had to look it up. Kris Allen is the no-name I couldn't remember. He beat Lambert. Cook was the year before. It's all running together. Cook and DeWyze are basically the same guy, too.

No wonder Paul McDonald seems to be the early front-runner.

[Ksyrup]

Has anyone looked at the DialIdol results? I haven't done a scientific study of the historical results, and when there are this many contestants the results are typically less reliable, but I don't ever remember seeing someone like that at #1. Especially by that wide of a margin. If she doesn't make the top 5 tonight, DI's got some 'splainin' to do.

[wade moore]

Has anyone looked at the DialIdol results? I haven't done a scientific study of the historical results, and when there are this many contestants the results are typically less reliable, but I don't ever remember seeing someone like that at #1. Especially by that wide of a margin. If she doesn't make the top 5 tonight, DI's got some 'splainin' to do.

Looking now. God I hate their website. It's SO poorly put together.

I happened upon this while trying to find the results:


<table id="table613" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><tr><td background="../images/digeopprediction_bg.jpg" width="1">
</td><td><table id="table615" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td class="diPredictionsTableText">
</td></tr><tr><td class="diPredictionsTableText">It wasn't but four minutes into the girls vote when I became suspicious of Tatynisa Wilson's prediction. It looks like a fan in New York may have been getting more busy signals than usual and because so few other people were voting for her - her prediction may be over-stated a bit. I would suspect significantly so.Julie Zorilla's score may be over-stated too but there isn't as much evidence here.
Both girls simply don't have nearly the amount of calls placed for them with DialIdol. Ashton has the third fewest calls at this moment and yet she has twice as many as Julie and three times as many as Tatynisa - more than both combined.
</td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tr></tbody></table>

So my comments on the spoiler I just put up there..

Seems that maybe it's just an anomaly based on their system. I think it's based on like % of calls that got a busy signal. So there's a lot more room for error if not many calls are made. If she really did get that many, America has lost all hope.

[wade moore]

It was bugging me, so I had to look it up. Kris Allen is the no-name I couldn't remember. He beat Lambert. Cook was the year before. It's all running together. Cook and DeWyze are basically the same guy, too.

No wonder Paul McDonald seems to be the early front-runner.

You think McDonald is like those two? I can kind of get the comparison of Cook and DeWyze, but not McDonald.

But yeah. Looking at things, Allen is the only Idol to never have their initial album go gold. I mean, I REALLY liked him on the show, but haven't even glanced at his stuff since - and I'm usually one that will.

[Ksyrup]

I was just thinking of the comparison in terms of bland-ish white guy with a guitar fronting a mainstream rock band. If you go back 5 or 6 years, Jordin Sparks is the only winner who is not a white male. Jordin and Blake Lewis are probably the most unique/oddball 1-2 combination Idol has ever had.

[Ksyrup]

On the spoiler thing:

That would make some sense. The other thing I just thought about - those results are probably going to be less reliable than usual because there's internet voting now. I haven't looked at their site to figure out whether they have some way of figuring online voting into their calculations. Just me, but I'd be 100 times more likely to vote 50 times online before I picked up the phone once. If the number of votes is staggeringly high, I'm sure we expect Ryan to tout them tonight. I wonder if they'll tell us how many online versus phone votes they got?

[Ksyrup]

OK, I'm really confused how they are able to get away with promoting themselves off-show. This is yet another Paul McDonald video, this one a duet with Kendra (I guess they're both from Nashville and knew each other). I don't know if this is pre-Idol, or post-Idol auditions but pre-live shows, or what. But given that they did the Blackbird duet in Vegas...something's a little fishy here.

Either way, it's got the Grand Magnolias stamp, but it's just him and her. How is this allowed? Wouldn't other people be doing this if they could?

http://<IFRAME title="YouTube video player" height=390 src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/NudjtfduB_k" frameBorder=0 width=640 allowfullscreen></IFRAME> (http://<iframe title=)

[wade moore]

I forgot about Kendra... wouldn't mind if she got through either...

As for the promotional stuff...

Yeah, it seems a bit odd - especially based on the "why wouldn't someone have done this before?" aspect. I was surprised enough when you said he was using twitter to talk about what song he would do next week.

[Mustang]

OK, I'm really confused how they are able to get away with promoting themselves off-show.

About time really. How do other musicians promotes themselves? By using the social network tools out there - twitter, youtube, facebook, etc to promote themselves. As long as they are doing it in the spirit of competition (promote themselves, not pay for votes, etc) then I don't have a big issue with it. I think they were trying to go this way this year anyways based on comments that I saw over the summer.

[Ksyrup]

I've heard they are allowed to have twitter accounts this year. And I know people like Chris Sligh and Bo Bice sold their old stuff while the show was going on. But as far as being allowed to post a just-released duet with another contestant...why wouldn't Junebug and Scotty get together and record something? :p

It HAS to be something old, I would guess. I can't believe this guy or his band are the first contestants to put together this kind of marketing ploy if it was allowed.

[Ksyrup]

About time really. How do other musicians promotes themselves? By using the social network tools out there - twitter, youtube, facebook, etc to promote themselves. As long as they are doing it in the spirit of competition (promote themselves, not pay for votes, etc) then I don't have a big issue with it. I think they were trying to go this way this year anyways based on comments that I saw over the summer.

The idea being that the show is responsible for giving these people an ounce of publicity, so all proceeds from that publicity should flow through the show, its producers, sponsors, etc. Maybe they are starting to loosen the rules a bit, but then I wonder if they only told Paul...

[Solecismic]

Ta-Tynisa is certainly major eye candy. What if that one viewer downloaded Dialidol's software, tracked the output during the men's show, then rigged up a filter to alter the results for Ta-Tynisa to show a lot of busy signals?

At this point, the Dialidol concept is weakening. The technology has improved to handle a higher call volume. Idol viewership is down and presumably the most avid voters are less avid.

If I were the Dialidol guy, I would go to a more scientific process. Rather than letting volunteers choose the who and when, I would have the software simply dial all the numbers in sequence for the first 20 minutes.

I agree with Jim almost completely this week (first favorite thing about Idol is watching it with my wife and daughter. Second favorite thing about Idol, is reading Jim breaking it down.

Thank you. That's very nice of you to say.

I'm not sure why so much hate for Zorrillia from Jim. Yes, she was awful last night. But in the auditions/hollywood/vegas I thought she was really, REALLY good. Doesn't hurt that she's nice to look at either.

It wasn't hate. I only watched the first audition show, and then Hollywood week I skimmed, but she seemed interchangeable with all the other dark-haired-spray-tanned-mildly-attractive semidivas. She was bad last night and her style is about as memorable as choosing between Dominos and Little Caesars on pizza night.

Rachel, however, is gorgeous and stands out with her style.

I did have trouble with Haley. Just a couple of bars in there where I thought she was faking the style. It took me right out of the performance. If she just stood up there and was herself, I think she could be outstanding. We're talking about a girl from a rich northern suburb of Chicago. She is not going to come to that style naturally.

Go to her web site and listen to the old Youtube of her singing Santeria. None of the affectation, not all that polished, but damned if she doesn't miss a single note and she still has that raspy quality to her voice.

She would be a ton better if she weren't trying to fit a mold she thinks can win Idol.

[GrantDawg]

OK, I'm really confused how they are able to get away with promoting themselves off-show. This is yet another Paul McDonald video, this one a duet with Kendra (I guess they're both from Nashville and knew each other). I don't know if this is pre-Idol, or post-Idol auditions but pre-live shows, or what. But given that they did the Blackbird duet in Vegas...something's a little fishy here.

It will be interesting if this was pre-idol, or pre-Hollywood week. They were so good on Blackbird, I told my wife they ought to consider dropping out and forming a duet right now. Maybe they have been working together for awhile, eh?

[wade moore]

It wasn't hate. I only watched the first audition show, and then Hollywood week I skimmed, but she seemed interchangeable with all the other dark-haired-spray-tanned-mildly-attractive semidivas. She was bad last night and her style is about as memorable as choosing between Dominos and Little Caesars on pizza night.

Rachel, however, is gorgeous and stands out with her style.

I did have trouble with Haley. Just a couple of bars in there where I thought she was faking the style. It took me right out of the performance. If she just stood up there and was herself, I think she could be outstanding. We're talking about a girl from a rich northern suburb of Chicago. She is not going to come to that style naturally.

Go to her web site and listen to the old Youtube of her singing Santeria. None of the affectation, not all that polished, but damned if she doesn't miss a single note and she still has that raspy quality to her voice.

She would be a ton better if she weren't trying to fit a mold she thinks can win Idol.

Fair on all of that. I thought Julie really stood out when she was behind a piano. Much like Tim H., I think it would have been smarter to stick with the piano for this stage.

As for Rachel... I was intrigued by her singing, but I'm not on board with the eye candy aspect. Different strokes obviously. FWIW, Julie is Colombian, so I'm not sure it's fair to lump her in the spray-tan crowd ;).

On Haley - I think that comes from you having a more sensitive ear than me. I'm very much not in-tune to exact pitch and other finer points with music. I just know I thought she was fun and didn't butcher any notes.

[Ksyrup]

I find Rachel attractive in a "librarian who moonlights as an S&M bar waitress" way. :)

If she had arranged/performed Criminal in the way I hoped/thought she was going to (and sung it a hell of a lot better), I thought it could have been dynamite. But if she goes home, she can only blame herself because even if the arrangement wasn't her idea, she didn't nail the vocal at all.

[Solecismic]

Fair on all of that. I thought Julie really stood out when she was behind a piano. Much like Tim H., I think it would have been smarter to stick with the piano for this stage.

FWIW, Julie is Colombian, so I'm not sure it's fair to lump her in the spray-tan crowd ;).



Oops. And I was about to say Ta-Tynisa *really* overdid the spray-tan.

Like others have said, I think they simply didn't allow instruments in this round. Maybe that's why they're going to bring back the 14 who didn't get votes next week. I'm certainly willing to give Julie another listen, but I don't have much confidence in her singing.

[Ksyrup]

Well, I don't know if they'll stick with this, but I recall reading that they DON'T want people hiding behind instruments this season - they want singers who can perform on a stage without instruments. So I don't know if they will forbid instruments altogether, but they might be severely restricted.

Or, as with most of the changes AI has said they are going to make, they might just change their mind.

[Solecismic]

I find Rachel attractive in a "librarian who moonlights as an S&M bar waitress" way. :)


I love books. And all my life, I've gone to libraries hoping to find that elusive beauty in the glasses and the tight skirt who can banter intellectually and show me the deeper recesses of the Dewey Decimal system.

No dice. Not even close.

Where did that hot librarian meme come from?

[Ksyrup]

I don't know. To me, she looks like a very small, quiet, reserved girl who would surprise you by being more "out there" than you'd think if you saw her in normal, everyday situations. The only way we've seen her is dressed up for auditions and the like.

[Ksyrup]

Also, because wasn't she the chick who sang opera several years ago? She comes off as really quiet but quirky.

[Ksyrup]

I just watched the season 6 audition. Should have seen the Fiona Apple coming,since she auditioned with Jeff Buckley.

[Scoobz0202]

Not happy that Kendra, Julie, or Rachel (like Jim, a personal fav) didn't make it. Especially Kendra.

[Ksyrup]

Only surprise for me was Karen instead of Kendra or Julie.

[Scoobz0202]

Agreed on Karen. I'm also not sold on Lauren Aliana, but I knew she would make it.

[GrantDawg]

Pissed. How the heck does Kendra not make it after that? Just proves they had made up there minds before hand.

[Ksyrup]

It's a good thing they had JLo's new video at the ready when they needed more time to talk it over!

[Thomkal]

Only big surprise for me was Karen Rodriguez getting in the Top 10. I thought that performance was pretty much a beauty paegent talent portion performance-the hair, gown, song choice, even singing two languages. And her voice just wasn't that good.

[MJ4H]

Only one that made it in I was really disappointed with is Ashton. Very harsh tone quality and off-putting attitude. Not a fan at all.

A few of my early front runners:

Lauren Alaina, Stefano, Thia, Pia.

[Solecismic]

I was going to go back and rate the performances tonight as part of the season averages. I never watch the results shows, but they get TiVoed anyway.

But it seemed fairly clear from the playback that the entire night was carefully scripted. Even got a good laugh when they pretended to deliberate about how many would have a chance to sing again, and how many would be chosen. Since this was not a voting situation, it's more Hollywood week than semifinals, and thus shouldn't be part of the ratings.

Ashthon was absolutely terrible, and you could see the judges trying to avoid critiquing her singing because they obviously knew she was through. Stefano and Robbie were pretty good. Naima and Kendra were decent as well. If I were choosing three, I would have gone with Naima, Kendra and flipped a coin between Stefano and Robbie.

The purpose of the show was more to fill out the top 13 and try and push the second-chance three on to America. That doesn't really work in practice, but I applaud their tenacity.

[CrimsonFox]

I know it's THursday and the Finalists show is over, but I JUST finished watching the Tuesday top 12 guy's show. And now I present...a stream of consciousness...

Junebug - Cliche!!! boring! Karaoke. Out of tune on hung runs. Karoake. Gimmick screams. Last Verse not a word in tune.

Randy has adopted simon's wardrobe maybe? THat black leather coat. Oh I know! He's wearing Christopher Eccleston's Dr Who costume. Yes! Better than those Def Jam T-Shirts.

Jovany - Boring. Slow. In Tune. Oh THAT song. Sleepy song. Nice holds. Safe, but nice. Clear Voice. Great Elevation.

Randy is now simon. Hmmmm...

Jordan - SUcks. RIchard Simmons.

Tim - Shakey start. Bono type of singer? Bad song. GOod Falsetto. "The Hand Wave" OMG...the one to "get the crowd goin. nice desperate move there. Find a tune.

Brett - God I wish Simon was here. He would tear him apart. Stupid moves and looks. Karaoke. When he grabbed the mike and went up he got beter but then just went nowhere with it. NO ENERGY. Chris Griffin then came to mind. "I'm SO AWKWARD!!!!!!!!!"


James - Nice pipes! Dude! C'mon!!!! (that was cool Slayed it! ENERGY!!! Climbey note solid. First heavy metal song on Idol ? TOck leap kicks! Squint + Eyebrows + forehead = Chucky? Nice tail :)

Robbie - weak. pretty. okay. FLowery. GOod vocal control. Oh THAT song. I hate that song. okay stop it. Stop doing that. Stop doing that affected crap with your face and voice. Ugh that end grin.

Yay randy says "Pitchy!" Woooooooooo.
Boy "I had fun" great answer.

Scotty - FUck tnis. Getting the notes. Getting the twang. Stop doing that face crap. Stop it. It's amateur. Lame that there are so many background singers to drown him out. GOod last note.

Randy - "You switched it up" Switch WHAT up? It's what he ALWAYS does.
Stephano - Interesting song. Heavy backup singers again. Il like this song. Never heard it. That's a good sign for the singer. Very Jack Jones type of voice! Really like this.

Paul - Wake up Maggie! I recognize that intro. WAKE UP MAGGIE? What a terrible choice. There's barely a tune to that. Is he drunk? Awkward swinggee legged scarecrow. Stand still! Gwad this sucks. Nice tilted camera. Addes to the drunk effect. THIS is a top 12 boy??

Why do they like him? ANother Taylor hicks in the making.

Jacob -
wearing a suit? cbad choice. Nice. nice voice. Really great song choice. Fits. Wonderful. Okay Great suit. Very nice--oops bad note. Still. Nice. Smooth. Oh God great ending! Best performance of the night.

Casey - HOly fuck great pipes! Great control. HOlt shit. James Brown in the hoooooooooooooooooouse! Awesome ending. love him.

[Ksyrup]

You knew Asththththton was going through for demographic/genre reasons, and because Tatatatatataynisa stunk on ice. One of them HAD to be there. I assume the bilingual thing got Karen through, because she has the weakest voice (in terms of power) of anyone in the competition, including Paul.

Thia was an obvious vote, but I really wonder what, ultimately, her market is. She's been on America's Got Talent, too, and it seems to me her greatest asset is having what you look for to win a talent competition. But a 15 year old with a mature voice and very little personality, singing ballads week after week... I don't see a star there at all. She's like Archuleta without a personality and without a built-in audience of screaming pre-teens to prop up the vote. She's good, but she hasn't shown an ounce of relevancy as an artist.

[Lathum]

Watching AI this week was like a job. 5 hours of any show is just to much to slog through

[CrimsonFox]

Watching AI this week was like a job. 5 hours of any show is just to much to slog through


Agreed. I've never watched another show where I had the DVR remote on active duty the entire time.

[Ksyrup]

Blaming the contestants for changing the mic sound? I don't know what it was, but it was definitely off last week. And the backing vocals on Ta-Tynisa's song were really bad (or she was, or both - whatever it was, the chorus with her and the backing vocals were painful).



As American Idol 10 prepares to pre-tape its first performance episode of the finals today, executive producer and band leader have responded to criticism over the live performances in interesting ways: by calling fans morons and blaming contestants for technical problems.

First, MJ’s Big Blog reported (http://mjsbigblog.com/american-idol-10-top-13-will-be-taped-on-tuesday.htm) that tomorrow night’s performance episode will be pre-taped, but points out that “the first week of ‘live’ shows have always been taped.” Nigel Lythgoe confirmed the pre-taping on Twitter (http://twitter.com/dizzyfeet/status/44472357649252352), where he got even angrier at fans who criticized that: “…we have a new Director & new judges. It has nothing to do with manipulation you morons.”

Yesterday, Nigel admitted (http://twitter.com/dizzyfeet/status/45034286872670208) that they’ve had “a tough day trying to get the sound right.” The awkward sound mix for some performances on last week’s episode has been blamed on the contestants.

New musical director Ray Chew (http://www.operationsports.com/realitytv/archives/american_idol_10/2011_Jan_03_band_plans_leader) told TV Guide (http://www.tvguide.com/News/American-Idol-Pre-1030427.aspx), “What happens, especially during a live show, is that a lot of the contestants don’t have a lot of experience when it comes to mike technique. And so they will change the level themselves. But we will make sure that we pay attention to that, because we want to make sure that America can hear them. I’m gonna go in and make sure they turn those vocals up.”

[wade moore]

The contestants' fault?

Awesome.

[CrimsonFox]

YOU MORONS?!? HAHAHAHAHAHA! Wow Nig is hitting the sauce again I think.
Or maybe "Sex" wants to audition and annoyed him again. (SYTYCD? reference)

[Ksyrup]

This should be against the law

Jacob is singing I Believe I Can Fly.

REALLY???

I don't believe I can stomach to sit through that.

[wade moore]

This should be against the law

Jacob is singing I Believe I Can Fly.

REALLY???

I don't believe I can stomach to sit through that.

well....

Again, this is why I don't like him. Isn't this what we should expect until his voted off?

[Mustang]

I realize now that my first thought of not watching because I thought this season would be a suckfest seems to be the correct one. I got sucked in for a few episodes, but I haven't even bothered watching the performances last week.