American Idol Season 8

[Drake]

Originally Posted by Easy Mac

My wife and I had the same conversation

My wife and I did, too. That's awesome.

Originally Posted by MJ4H

Was that comcast commerical completely awesome or was it just me?

My 14 y.o. used the word "mesmerizing". I'm half convinced they could spin that song into a radio single and it would be #1 for 26 sold weeks.

[Mustang]

Originally Posted by Raiders Army

Jorge looks like Calibos from Clash of the Titans.

*L*

I said that to my wife last night.

As for Kelley, looks like she has been hittin' the thin mints with me. Although, probably by the case.

[rjolley]

Originally Posted by MJ4H

Was that comcast commerical completely awesome or was it just me?

It was just you. I turn every time I see it. Edit: Ok, maybe it's just me.

Originally Posted by Raiders Army

Jorge looks like Calibos from Clash of the Titans.

lol True. True.

[Solecismic]

Do they expect it to go unnoticed that two of the four examples they gave of someone leaving "too early," Daughtry and Gray, could not be saved by this new rule because they left in the round of 4?

So, a couple of extra weeks of marginal performers warrants this?

Jennifer Hudson is perhaps the only one ever who deserved a save at that point, and maybe that's only because she later won awards - I don't remember how good she was in the Round of 7 she was voted off in, only than that AI 3 is generally considered the worst season.

Let's think about others that could have had an extra week or two: Kellie Pickler, Constantine Maroulis, Sanjaya (for all the whining, he was out at 7, like Hudson).

And for that, they basically want to extend this giant middle finger to millions of voters at the end of each and every voting episode - who cares what you say, if we disagree, it doesn't matter anyway.

[Raiders Army]

Originally Posted by Easy Mac

Is Kelly clarkson preggers, because her ass is huge.

That's the same thing I said about Lil's ass tonight (we watched last night's episode right before the results show). At least Lil has the excuse she was pregnant, what three times?

[Mustang]

For people that live in cities or states that have had Idol contestants, was there alot of news coverage on them?

In Milwaukee, don't think you can go 10 minutes without not hearing about him. Just curious if it was common or if it is because we really have nothing else up here.]

They are covering where to buy 'Gokey Merchandise' right now on TV.

[Lathum]

My wife made an excellent point.

She thinks maybe they inserted the one time save rule because of all the confusion with the 866-IDOLS-13 number stuff.

That being said, I hated how they had to blow through the second half of the contestants because the judges blabbed through the first half. I am not a fan of the 4 judge panel.

[Eaglesfan27]

Originally Posted by Easy Mac

Is Kelly clarkson preggers, because her ass is huge.

My wife asked me the same thing. I think she has just put some weight back on.

[Drake]

Yeah, like a couple of midgets surgically attached to each thigh and a chubby wallaby in her control top.

[Pumpy Tudors]

didnt see the show last night but kelly clarkson is my kind of women

[Arles]

Originally Posted by Solecismic

Do they expect it to go unnoticed that two of the four examples they gave of someone leaving "too early," Daughtry and Gray, could not be saved by this new rule because they left in the round of 4?

So, a couple of extra weeks of marginal performers warrants this?

Jennifer Hudson is perhaps the only one ever who deserved a save at that point, and maybe that's only because she later won awards - I don't remember how good she was in the Round of 7 she was voted off in, only than that AI 3 is generally considered the worst season.

Let's think about others that could have had an extra week or two: Kellie Pickler, Constantine Maroulis, Sanjaya (for all the whining, he was out at 7, like Hudson).

And for that, they basically want to extend this giant middle finger to millions of voters at the end of each and every voting episode - who cares what you say, if we disagree, it doesn't matter anyway.

I think the problem is the extremely top heavy pool this season (and no that's not a slip about Paula). If Adam or Danny gets voted off early, the show is basically over. In past seasons you had a handful of "potential" winners down the stretch. We're at 11 now - and it seems 7+ have no chance. Unless we get a hail mary from Allison or Megan (seems doubtful), there aren't many options. So, I don't know that this season could withstand a "Daughtry-esque" exit by Danny if he craps the bed one week.

[Solecismic]

We've only seen them sing two or three times. The favorites are still new, and could still change. Last year at this point, Carly Smithson was still getting the rave edit and Amanda Overmyer was getting as much attention as anyone.

The judges control a lot with their reactions. They can create stars, as can the producers with the back-story features. Right now, they're adjusting to having tried to create one with Anoop, now they have to tear him down because he's a one-trick pony. They will find another.

In the meantime, Danny, Adam and Lil aren't going anywhere. And even if one goes, is using the save worth the cost of this nasty little new feature at the end of every show where they get to kick sand in the face of the person just voted off the island?

[ISiddiqui]

I like the whole veto thing. Actually I'd prefer the viewers vote for the bottom 3 and then the judges cut someone. Who cares if it is "kicking sand", the controversy would create higher viewership.

[Crim]

Originally Posted by Raiders Army

Jorge looks like Calibos from Clash of the Titans.

rofl

[Lathum]

I wonder if Jorge was the first ever contestant shorter the Seacrest?

[adubroff]

Tonight was more Jesus take the Remote than Jesus take the Wheel. I thought Anoop was the best of all. Matt was good as well. Kris reached a season high for me, but that's not a tremendous standard.

I thought Lil Rounds was better than given credit for. I think there's a high expectation there for her and she is getting graded on a curve. Even when she hits the levels we're expecting the judges will give her middling praise and then the next week when she's back below she'll be off the show, while three or four performers who probably aren't her equal in talent or performance live on.

I didn't think Alexis was as bad as they seemed to think either. It was credible country for me...I'm hoping she's back to dirty it up next week. I have a feeling that a 21 yr old woman offering to dirty it up if you send a text message has about a zero percent chance of being voted off.

The one guy who I'd vote off is Adam. Last week I thought maybe he got it. This week, it's clear he doesn't know there's a line ...he just happened by lucky chance to be below the "over the top" line last week and this week he was way over it. I think he just jumps as high as he can and aimlessly, and if it's over the line, so be it. I'd vote him off but I think there's no chance of him going. I think he's good ratings and the judges want to see him go elsewhere.

I didn't love Megan but get why they did.

I'm not sure who will actually go....but I know who I'd like to see go.

[Ksyrup]

I'm in Scottsdale tonight, so I guess I get the 3-hour delay. Show's about to start. From what I've read, I'm very interested in hearing Adam's song. I love the guy, but he's incredibly wrong for AI. I can't see him winning because they've got no way to market him to the general public. I'll probably say this every week, but he really needs to join a theatrical metal band. If he hooked up with a credible band, I'd probably really dig it.

[Ksyrup]

Well, WTF, I guess prime time starts at 7pm here? Damn, I missed the first hour. Oh well.

[Solecismic]

We're witnessing the rapid transformation of American Idol before our very tired eyes. First, a final 13 far more shaped by the judges than in years past. And second, a final 13 far more conscious of what has worked and what hasn't in past competitions.

Grand Ole Opry week struck tonight. In the past, there were plenty of guffaws and duds as screamers tried to sound twangy and dreamers took on straight country ballads that did not suit their voices in the slightest.

Randy Travis became the first stunt judge of Idol 8. For the most part, he played his role straight, but when faced with the uncloseted Adam Lambert and his black nail polish and extraordinarily unusual version of a Johnny Cash song, well, it was pure comedy.

Overall, it was a decent week, even if you're not a country fan. Maybe a bit of vindication for the changes in the process, though I'm still really hating the new save rule - not something Martin Brodeur could do much with.

On to the Solecismic Rankings for the Round of 11:

1. Matt Giraud. Matt was in the pimp spot tonight, and did what lead-off performer Michael Sarver could not: he went for a more authentic country sound, threw in a little of his bluesy tone, and didn't sound like a cliche in the slightest. I think he'll get a large boost from country fans, who are always hungry for new young talent. Score of 89.

2. Adam Lambert. If Bob Fosse were alive today, he'd know just how to choreograph Adam's unique talent. His song today would have fit in perfectly with Fosse's style. Adam was showing off a little today, but he was controlled, even when he was mocking the entire country genre. I'm not certain the voters will stay behind Adam much longer, and I am certain an album based on this type of performance would fail. But it was a memorable and quality performance. Score of 88.

3. Danny Gokey. In terms of understanding and interpreting a song, Danny is far ahead of his peers. Country requires solid story-telling skills, and Danny did that very well tonight, then broke into a chorus that showed both command and range. He does not have the greatest voice, and I don't think he'll improve much as the season progresses, but he is definitely the favorite right now. Score of 83.

4. Megan Joy Corkrey. Again, I wish for more consistency in Megan's performances. I think she knows exactly what she wants to do with her voice, but it's only there in every other bar. She came up with a very cabaret arrangement of a Patsy Cline song. Not suited for the theme at all, but strangely memorable. I think she almost threw up during the final round-up, which would have been a great touch. Can we please have a Bjork week before she's voted off? Score of 79.

5. Anoop Desai. Anoop lost the frat boy grand-standing, showed a nice tone, but stayed safely in the high range. I like this version of Anoop a lot better than anything we've seen since Hollywood Week. Score of 78.

6. Lil Rounds. The difference from 4-6 here is negligible. I'd be happy with any re-ordering, I probably put Ms. Joy fourth because she's gorgeous. Lil stopped the screaming tonight, and I thought she was a lot better than the judges did. Like almost everyone tonight, she struggled with her low range. She also ended the song on a very bad note, and her enunciation was terrible - made her sound illiterate. But it was a nice, understated performance with a strong chorus. I think there's more to her, and the judges will fall back in love soon enough. Score of 77.

7. Kris Allen. Technically, Kris was nice and professional, maybe a little boyish. He wasn't emotionally connected to the song in the slightest - even his wife wasn't near tears. I want to like this ballad specialist, but for the life of me, I can't remember anything he's sung for more than the time it takes to write up these columns. Score of 75.

8. Allison Iraheta. Allison, being the rocker, will have more trouble with difficult themes. Simon called a lot of her performance toneless, and I see that, though it was more likely a struggle with low notes caused by starting the song in the wrong register. I'm still very impressed with her maturity and control over her voice. If anything, I'd say she sounded over-age for this competition, instead of being the youngest remaining competitor by five years. Score of 70.

9. Alexis Grace. A huge drop from 8 to 9 tonight. I simply don't understand all the Alexis love. Yes, she'd be very pretty if she didn't make a mess out of her hair. But aside from an ability to scream, what's there to like? We've had this already. Ramiele Malubay from last season was also under five feet tall, and had a surprising ability to scream. Didn't make the result any more bearable on the ears. Alexis did an excruciating high riff in the middle of the song, and the rest was emotionless, repetitive and dull. Score of 56.

10. Michael Sarver. Michael went pure country, and ended up sounding like the fast-talker on those old Federal Express commercials. It was low-energy, despite his whooping. It was dull. And his constant sassing of the judges made him sound like a teenager, instead of one of the older competitors. He really needs an ass-kicking from his friends on the oil rig. Score of 54.

11. Scott MacIntyre. His bizarre voice modulation changes are a constant distraction. They did prevent this performance from being a total bore, but the result was more comedy than country. This definitely has a place on the soundtrack of every B-movie ever made about bicycling. Score of 45.

Expected Bottom 3: Scott MacIntyre, Michael Sarver, Allison Iraheta.

Who Shoud Go: Scott.

Who Will Go: Scott.

[lordscarlet]

OK, I'll try to remember most of my thoughts. As soon as they said Michael was doing Ain't Goin' Down 'til the Sun Comes up I knew it was going to be a disaster, and I was right. Worst of the night. Lil deserved all the criticism she got. Megan should have just stood up there and sung the song, without the odd gyrations. I can't judge Adam's "interpretation" very well because, as a lover of cover songs and changing styles, I was just completely offended by the changes he made. I suppose his singing may have been quality, but I just can't judge it. However, as a country and Garth Brooks fan, I still definitely prefered it to Sarver. I'm also glad Anoop had a solid performance.

[MJ4H]

Great: Danny, Anoop, Kris
Good: Allison, Lil, Matt
Bad: Adam, Alexis, Scott
Terrible: Michael, Megan

a few quick comments: Danny is really far out in front right now. Anoop and Kris both surprised the hell out of me and actually separated themselves from everyone else quite easily.

Adam was brave, but no. Just no. There is no way that plays with this audience. I understand what he was going for, but he doesn't just cross the line, he attacks it with a flamethrower.

Alexis could easily have turned her performance into a good one by learning how to phrase. She breathed after every 2 notes, repeatedly, several times she was gasping for breath which causes tension and this all leads to several other problems (contributes to pitch and control issues). The rest of the things the judges commented on would've been applicable only after fixing her phrasing issues which are simple to fix and would improve her performance by a mile.

Michael and Megan were atrocious and need to go. Now. Megan was sick so I'm willing to cut her some slack, but yikes. There was nothing good about that performance.

[Mustang]

I liked Adam's song tonight. Pretty much because it seemed like it was one big "f-you, what the hell you want me to do, I'm never going to sing another country song in my life...."

Megan's breasts looked like a couple of cantelopes dropped into a sack.

[sabotai]

I TiVo'ed it, but it's country week? Ugh. I hate country music and country week is always by far my least favorite week. I can't thing of a single reason to actually sit down and watch it now.

Originally Posted by Mustang

Megan's breasts looked like a couple of cantelopes dropped into a sack.

Fine, I'll watch it.

[Alan T]

I hated Adam . I'd liked him each night until last night. During his performance the only thing my wife and I could talk about was how bad it was. I hope he doesn't get voted off because he had been probably 2nd or 3rd best up until last night. That was just a disaster.

Scott needs to go home, every night he just does not bring much at all.

We both felt Danny was the best easily, and I think he has turned into my favorite now to win it all. He is outstanding night after night and doesn't need any gimmick to be the best of the group.

[GrantDawg]

Adam's song sucked sucked sucked. Did I mention it sucked? Adam didn't make a joke of country (which you can if you wish. But not doing Cash), he made a joke of himself.

[Ajaxab]

Did Scott give away more info about song choices last night in dropping the "I lost a lot of hat picks this week" line? Depending on the extent of this hat picking, it really makes the judge's constant references to song choice pretty much irrelevant.

[lordscarlet]

Originally Posted by GrantDawg

Adam's song sucked sucked sucked. Did I mention it sucked? Adam didn't make a joke of country (which you can if you wish. But not doing Cash), he made a joke of himself.

I think that sums it up pretty nicely.

[Eaglesfan27]

Originally Posted by Ajaxab

Did Scott give away more info about song choices last night in dropping the "I lost a lot of hat picks this week" line? Depending on the extent of this hat picking, it really makes the judge's constant references to song choice pretty much irrelevant.

Definitely. As a result, I think he'll go tonight which would convince me that the recent allegations of producers fixing the results are true as I still believe his voting block is strong.

As far as the performances last night, I almost completely agree with Jim's rankings except I'd drop Danny down to about the 5th or 6th slot and move everyone else up 1 slot. I thought the 1st half of his song, his control was very poor.

I think Michael is going tonight.

[RedKingGold]

Originally Posted by Solecismic

This definitely has a place on the soundtrack of every B-movie ever made about bicycling.

OK, that was pretty damn funny.

[Ksyrup]

OK, so I finally got to see Adam's performance from last night, and I really enjoyed it. Of course, I also enjoyed it the first time I saw it, too, during Rockstar:Supernova:



Not sure if Dilana's version is totally authentic - I'm sure she borrowed it from someone else - but I knew that was familiar. His vocals were so stellar, though. Dude, you NEED to get off this show and find a band!

[Solecismic]

Originally Posted by Ajaxab

Did Scott give away more info about song choices last night in dropping the "I lost a lot of hat picks this week" line? Depending on the extent of this hat picking, it really makes the judge's constant references to song choice pretty much irrelevant.

You know, Idol contestants are known for being a little mean at times. Perhaps Scott isn't really losing all those hat picks. Wouldn't put it past them to take advantage of his disability.

"Oh, sorry, Scott, lost again. Rough luck you're having here."

I've read several times that song selection is very limited. It's probably not as bad as the worst reports, but definitely not as free as the judges imply each week.

Next week: Songs from The Knack.

[Ksyrup]

Speaking of Rockstar, that's one element of the show that I really liked - they only had as many songs as contestants to choose from, and we got to see the battles for the songs play out in front of the cameras. It kinda sucked when someone got screwed with a song they didn't want, but at least you knew it was mostly genuine and not completely driven by some behind-the-scenes BS to put certain contestants at a disadvantage. If AI was at all interested in ramping up the drama and showing behind the scenes stuff (like they said they were going to - have we seen much of a difference in coverage this year?), this would be prime territory for them to mine. But of course, they can't, because song choice appears to be one of the many subtle ways they influence who stays and who goes.

[Ajaxab]

Originally Posted by Solecismic

You know, Idol contestants are known for being a little mean at times. Perhaps Scott isn't really losing all those hat picks. Wouldn't put it past them to take advantage of his disability.

"Oh, sorry, Scott, lost again. Rough luck you're having here."

Yes. The much meaner, behind-the-scenes equivalent of Ryan's high five after Scott's first audition.

And Ksyrup. You're making me realize how much I miss Rock Star. It got a bit corny in season 2, but it really was great tv and as good a reality music show as you're going to see. The performances were always interesting and the backup band makes all other backup bands (yes I'm talking to you AI and Dancing with the Stars) look horrible by comparison.

[Thomkal]

I think they really must have been choosing from a very small song list this week. I mean you have all of country to pick from basically, and there's two Garth Brooks songs, two Martina McBride songs, and two Carrie Underwood songs. I really wish they would stop letting them sing former Idols songs-they just can't compare with the original for the most part including tonight's two Carrie songs.

I have to say I'm disappointed with Michael's song choice and performance. He was really the only true potential country artist of the group, and should have been in the last spot of the night with a performance we would have stood up and taken notice of. Instead he went for "party boy country artist" with a Garth Brooks song that you can't understand the words for most of it, and has very little range. And in the first spot of the evening in addition meaning it even more forgettable by the end of the show. He's probably gone and that's too bad. He or Megan are the likely ones to go this week I think.

But the judges may be forced to use their save because a couple of their favorites could be in danger tonight too. Lil was not good and clearly not comfortable with country, Adam is a love him/hate him kinda guy, (I kinda liked it bizarre as it was to hear Ring of Fire sung that way), and Scott was pretty bland.

Anoop and Kris were probably my favorites tonight, Allison for the girls. Danny was a major disappointment for me-singing a Carrie Underwood song he really struggled to get through. I hope Megan goes over Michael tonight, yeah yeah she's sick, but I just cannot see her winning this thing with these quirky song choices/performances.

[Easy Mac]

Anoop, Kris and Matt areceasily my three favorites.

The only ring of fire Adam has dealt with is the anal herpes he got when he was in his 20's. He would totally be great in Jesus Christ Superstar, but he is worthless on AI.

[Easy Mac]

Wow, Alexis's singing was quite tense. One of the few times I felt bad for a voted off contestant. This was probably the only instance in the next few weeks where the judges save will be in doubt when the person is singing. I totally wouldhave broken down.

[Mustang]

It's like gladiator combat now.

SING! Sing for my amusement and I will determine your fate.

Ohhh.. sorry, thumbs down. Kill her!

[Danny]

I don't care for Alexis much, so I don't mind seeing her go. I don't watch the results shows though, so I didn't see her get emotional.

[Thomkal]

well pretty soon they are going to be down to all guys with both Allison and Alexis being in the Bottom 3. I thought there was an outside chance they would save her because there's so few girls left, but they really are going to save it for someone they think has a chance to win, and her chances weren't that great. They really should put her on the tour now for making her sing like that. And Megan not in the bottom 3, I just don't get it.

And was that a giant spider in Carrie Underwood's hair? who on earth told her that would look good?

[JPhillips]

Originally Posted by Easy Mac

Anoop, Kris and Matt areceasily my three favorites.

The only ring of fire Adam has dealt with is the anal herpes he got when he was in his 20's. He would totally be great in Jesus Christ Superstar, but he is worthless on AI.

Wow. Didn't see that coming from you.

[Solecismic]

Carrie's spider looked ridiculous, but she is maturing as a singer, and she was already damned good when she was on Idol.

Still hating the save rule. Seemed a little cruel again tonight, and it's more an annoyance than anything else. I almost wish they had gotten it out of the way, though I don't think all that much of Alexis.

[Mustang]

Carrie could tie a dead rat in her hair and it wouldn't affect me.

[Lathum]

I was shocked about the results.

I thought Michael Sarver was going, and I thought the way they made him think he was safe just to put him in the bottom 3 was total BS.

[Lathum]

Originally Posted by Mustang

Carrie couldhave a dead rat in her vag and it wouldn't affect me.

fixed

[IrishHand]

This week's theme is Motown.

http://www.freep.com/article/2009031...gends+Thursday

[Ksyrup]

Well damn...I didn't realize Kurt Russell could sing that well.

[EagleFan]

I guess we learned that math is not Kara's strong suit.

"I have six words for you.... One of the best performances of the night..." (by my math that's 8)

[EagleFan]

Oh, what was with the "Megan Joy" thing? They stopped using her last name?

[rowech]

Originally Posted by EagleFan

Oh, what was with the "Megan Joy" thing? They stopped using her last name?

Name of her ex-husband so she dropped it. Of course, there's a Megan Joy who's an adult film star.

[sabotai]

Not only should Michael be kicked off the show, he should be thrown in jail for raping the corpse of David Ruffin on national TV.