My views on last night... Everyone ready?

[MusicLover]

I come from a solid musical background, and here's what I think. Last night was a strange night for most of the contestants simply because it was "Country Night." These contestants come from all different backgrounds and all different musical styles. Taking that into consideration, country music may not be their strong point. Having said that, I grew up on all things music and I know every single song that has been sung up to this point. Based on the original songs sung last night:

Taylor - It was technically a weak performance. He didn't do the song justice; he just seems so out of his element when he's not doing his version of the "Funky Chicken."

Mandisa - Her rendition of Shania Twain literally hurt my ears last night. Seriously, I was cringing. Normally a strong voice, she has too much "Soul" in her voice to pull off a Shania song smoothly.

Elliott - He did a decent version of Garth Brooks, but once again, his voice is not a "country" voice. He has too much Vibratto in his chords. Simply okay.

Paris - She did an alright job. The little girl with the big voice messed up by choosing a LeAnn Rymes song, purely because LeAnn's lower vocal strength is not matched by Paris. On the higher end of the song, Paris excelled. Best word: odd.

Ace - I know I'm going to piss off some of the "Ace-is soooooo-HOT!" fanclub members, but he was really weak. He tried to pull off an endearing Keith Urban love ballad, but he was trying to be so sweet and soft and so gosh-darn sexy that he kept hitting flats and sharps, if he even hit the note at all. Some notes he hit, then they dropped off. Not his best by far.

Kellie - Well, if any of them deserved to be sing "Fancy", it was definately Kellie. The line in the song "Well, I mighta been born just plain white trash..." was priceless considering the things going through the rumor mill these days. Yes, she's cute, she may be upping the dumb-southern-redneck-blonde act, and Idol may in fact be marketing Kellie on this, but at least she was in her element last night. Too bad she didn't pull it off as well in song as she does any other time.

Chris - He doesn't need to be on this show at all. Turn on your radios, people. You hear the rock bands: Seether, Bush, Maroon 5, Creed, Nikelback.... That's where Chris needs to be. Last night only affirmed this. He sang a Keith Urban song that was totally opposite his normal "Rocker"-esque song. And, having had that particular song played at my wedding last year, I was unequivically impressed that he performed it so great, and didn't change the song. Go, Chris. He's the only one that has maintained a constant level of talent throughout, no matter what type of music he sings.

Katherine - I'm glad to see her having fun, though I personally never liked that particular Faith Hill song. Yet, she sang it well. She sings everything well, and has technically the strongest voice, the most versatile voice (From Christina to Faith), and the best range. And she doesn't seem to be "stretching" her voice like many of the others. It honestly seems to come naturally to her. Good singing, bad song.

Buckey - If ANYONE could pull off Gary Allen, it was he! They sound so vocally similar. Buckey may not come with all the bells and whistles or even the "look," but at least he chose a song that he knew he could pull off. Bravo.

In closing, I think this forum is awesome. I love to be able to share my views without all the bitching and moaning that I may say something negative about someone's favorite "But He's So CUUUTTTEEEEEE!!" :argue:

Ashley, South Carolina, USA

[AbsentElement]

Very good analysis on all points. I have to disagree on one point regarding Paris. I think LeAnn Rimes' How do I Live? was actually a great choice for her. However, you make a point about the lower range. This is something that can be compensated for by simply adjusting the key up a step or half-step as needed. I think hers was a good performance, good selection, but needed just a tweek on the key during arrangement.

And for me, Kellie gave her best techincal vocal performance so far this season. Although she did look 'mechanical',on stage, as if her movements are unnatural or forced and not timed well. She did look fantastic though! :)

Glad you like the forum and we're glad to have you as a member!

[realitybytes]

i also have a solid musical background. and i agree with everything you wrote. and as much as i really wanted taylor to stay in it for the long haul, i think he may have blown it last night with his incredibly weak rendition of john denver's country road. you're right about chris. i don't understand why he's not already recording platinum albums.

[Son of Simon]

Brilliant analysis. I don't necessarily agree with everything you said, but it was all well defended and explained. Wonderful!

[X1TX]

So, musiclover, who do you think should have left last night?

[cjohns]

I come from a solid musical background, and here's what I think. Last night was a strange night for most of the contestants simply because it was "Country Night." These contestants come from all different backgrounds and all different musical styles. Taking that into consideration, country music may not be their strong point. Having said that, I grew up on all things music and I know every single song that has been sung up to this point. Based on the original songs sung last night:

Taylor - It was technically a weak performance. He didn't do the song justice; he just seems so out of his element when he's not doing his version of the "Funky Chicken."

Mandisa - Her rendition of Shania Twain literally hurt my ears last night. Seriously, I was cringing. Normally a strong voice, she has too much "Soul" in her voice to pull off a Shania song smoothly.

Elliott - He did a decent version of Garth Brooks, but once again, his voice is not a "country" voice. He has too much Vibratto in his chords. Simply okay.

Paris - She did an alright job. The little girl with the big voice messed up by choosing a LeAnn Rymes song, purely because LeAnn's lower vocal strength is not matched by Paris. On the higher end of the song, Paris excelled. Best word: odd.

Ace - I know I'm going to piss off some of the "Ace-is soooooo-HOT!" fanclub members, but he was really weak. He tried to pull off an endearing Keith Urban love ballad, but he was trying to be so sweet and soft and so gosh-darn sexy that he kept hitting flats and sharps, if he even hit the note at all. Some notes he hit, then they dropped off. Not his best by far.

Kellie - Well, if any of them deserved to be sing "Fancy", it was definately Kellie. The line in the song "Well, I mighta been born just plain white trash..." was priceless considering the things going through the rumor mill these days. Yes, she's cute, she may be upping the dumb-southern-redneck-blonde act, and Idol may in fact be marketing Kellie on this, but at least she was in her element last night. Too bad she didn't pull it off as well in song as she does any other time.

Chris - He doesn't need to be on this show at all. Turn on your radios, people. You hear the rock bands: Seether, Bush, Maroon 5, Creed, Nikelback.... That's where Chris needs to be. Last night only affirmed this. He sang a Keith Urban song that was totally opposite his normal "Rocker"-esque song. And, having had that particular song played at my wedding last year, I was unequivically impressed that he performed it so great, and didn't change the song. Go, Chris. He's the only one that has maintained a constant level of talent throughout, no matter what type of music he sings.

Katherine - I'm glad to see her having fun, though I personally never liked that particular Faith Hill song. Yet, she sang it well. She sings everything well, and has technically the strongest voice, the most versatile voice (From Christina to Faith), and the best range. And she doesn't seem to be "stretching" her voice like many of the others. It honestly seems to come naturally to her. Good singing, bad song.

Buckey - If ANYONE could pull off Gary Allen, it was he! They sound so vocally similar. Buckey may not come with all the bells and whistles or even the "look," but at least he chose a song that he knew he could pull off. Bravo.

In closing, I think this forum is awesome. I love to be able to share my views without all the bitching and moaning that I may say something negative about someone's favorite "But He's So CUUUTTTEEEEEE!!" :argue:

Ashley, South Carolina, USA
Don't completely agree with your opinions/judgment but enjoyed your input. Would be interested in knowing who you think will be the final 3.

[MusicLover]

Don't completely agree with your opinions/judgment but enjoyed your input. Would be interested in knowing who you think will be the final 3.

Not personally MY top three, but based on who AI is promoting, I'd say Chris, Kellie, and Taylor. Simon seems to think so , too. If I had to say MY top three? Chris, Katharine, Elliott. Winner: Chris. I'd bet money on Chris, and I've said that from episode #1. He shouldn't even be on this show. He should be on the radio. Randy has said that already. :awink:

[FalseIdol]

Randy has said that already. :awink:

Actually, I believe it was Simon.

Chris is a solid performer, but nothing particularly special. You can hear someone just like him a dozen times a day fronting for some band on VH1.

Kellie has got the Loretta Lynn/Dolly Parton po'girl country rountine down flat but most likely won't win this competition. But it wouldn't surprise me if she goes on to have a career longer than any of this year's current contestants particulary if she sticks to her country roots (no matter how dyed they may be).

Elliot. Poor Elliot. Great voice. But zero looks and even less personality. The kind of guy you marvel at when he's singing in the church choir or at a Sunday social. Not the type of performer you would lay out $300 for to see in Vegas.

Paris. Charming as all get out, powerful voice but can you really see her selling record albums? Someone dubbed her the black Shirley Temple. Makes you wonder if once she grows up she'll still be so adorable.

Bucky. The male Kellie Pickler, although I think his dumbness is for real. All that's left for this kid is for someone to punch his ticket back to Toadsuck, Arkansas or whatever hillbilly burg he came from.

Ace. A favorite of pre-adolescents and frustrated housewives all across America this adrogynous 'boy toy' doesn't have the voice to match his looks. Consequently, it's just a matter of time before he's back home in West Hollywood or Fire Island watching the show on TV with his....err pals.

Katherine. Sexy, sultry, self-assured with a huge dose of what Simon refers to as the "IT" factor. Most technically proficient singer left in the contest. It would be a mistake to take her lightly.

Taylor. The most refreshingly unique performer in this year's crowd. A combination of Michael Bolton, Mike McDonald and Joe Cocker. One of the few performers who sings like he means it.

My top four:
Taylor
Katherine
Chris
Kellie

The other four are just hoping to survive until May.

[Watcher]

To a small extent, I guess the network can influence or "push" certain contestants a little but that's all they can do.
If they think they can change the minds of a massive voting TV audience, they are clearly out of their minds. Television networks are in this for the money.
Basically, they don't really care who wins so long as the cash register rings non-stop for the duration of the the contest. Of course, the judges have their personal favourites. Maybe even the producer or the executive producer.
But will they really try and influence America in her choice for Season Five's winner. I doubt it very much.
America is one country where nothing can be buried for long. If the TV head honchos even attempt to try and chart the course of the Idol winner, this show will grind to a halt in no time. That is like burning cash. Which TV producer is foolish enough to think of such a thing.
The winner of this season's American Idol will have to produce something that resonates with the warm, beating heart of the general American viewing audience.
It may happen one week at the end of this month or even sometime next month. One contestant will come across as the real genuine article which will prompt people in general to say "ah.....I like this one". "This individual has the X-Factor that makes me really want to put his/her name up there in the lights".
There's little point in engaging in some small time character assassination which may or may not turn out to be true. Contestants need to battle it out among themselves. Let their voices be the ultimate standard that rings loudly with that respected title of American Idol.
This is afterall the American Idol contest. The basis of which is a great voice which millions have adjudged to be unbeatable this season. Will looks count? Perhaps. To a minor degree maybe but in the final analysis, it won't really matter.
If the country picks the wrong person to wear the crown, it will soon show in his debut album. Almost all of us will know a great singer when we hear one.
Character is important. We all wish that an excellent singer has the kind of character that we all like. In Hollywood as it is elsewhere, there are great performers with doubtful characters. In the end, a good voice can carry you only that far. Any further, you will need something else and it's not found in the TV network or centre stage of a singing contest.
But that's not what we are here to discuss. We are here to argue like ladies and gentlemen who deserves to wear that American Idol crown. The voting trends have see-sawed these couple of weeks. It's a bit hard to tell.
I guess we shall have to wait a little longer.

http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/nst/blogs/fillips

[Jwatrlily]

I for one was not sorry to see Mandisa go. At the beginning of this thing I was sure she would be the last female standing and she blew me away. However for the last 3 weeks she has not sang and performed up to her standard for me. Last week when she did the gospel tune, she didn't sing it, she screamed and yelled it and this week, there was just something wrong about Mandesa doing Shania Twain music. Just so wrong!!

Free country right? And free forum? Well, here goes.

The one I like the least is probably going to walk off with this thing and that is Chris.

Didn't like Bo last season and don't like Chris this season.

Wanna like Katherine but she "feels" cold and detached from the public. Sorta "prima donna-ish."

Paris sickened me with her Beyonce attempt. She lost me a while back anyway. Don't wanna see no 16 year old shakin her booty on national tv trying to be a sexy something she is not.

Elliot has a great voice and "may" get a recording contract from someone. Someone out there could slick that boy up.

Ace is at the bottom of my list on anything. Cute smile but hate the hair. Something about him don't click with me.

Kellie is cute, but too cute don't ya think? My opinion? She lacks maturity.

Bucky gets my vote every week because he just deserves it. That kid is about as honest as you can get. He's one of those, "what you see it what you damned well are gonna get." I like that in people. With some work, he could be a real good country singer. He deserves a chance. You don't get more ordinary then this guy and it's refreshing.

Taylor also gets my vote. Every week. Can you vote for more then one? Remember the Clay/Reuben fiasco when the votes were rigged? Well, Taylor has so much soul in his soul he shouldn't even be around some people. I'm old enough to be his Mom but I just wanna pack him up and take him home!

So far the ones voted off have been a-ok with me.

~ Jwatrlily ~

[cloie4me]

I for one was not sorry to see Mandesa go. At the beginning of this thing I was sure she would be the last female standing and she blew me away. However for the last 3 weeks she has not sang and performed up to her standard for me. Last week when she did the gospel tune, she didn't sing it, she screamed and yelled it and this week, there was just something wrong about Mandesa doing Shania Twain music. Just so wrong!!

Free country right? And free forum? Well, here goes.

The one I like the least is probably going to walk off with this thing and that is Chris.

Didn't like Bo last season and don't like Chris this season.

Wanna like Katherine but she "feels" cold and detached from the public. Sorta "prima donna-ish."

Paris sickened me with her Beyonce attempt. She lost me a while back anyway. Don't wanna see no 16 year old shakin her booty on national tv trying to be a sexy something she is not.

Elliot has a great voice and "may" get a recording contract from someone. Someone out there could slick that boy up.

Ace is at the bottom of my list on anything. Cute smile but hate the hair. Something aobut him don't click with me.

Kelly is cute, but too cute don't ya think?

Bucky gets my vote every week because he just deserves it. That kid is about as honest as you can get. He's one of those, "what you see it what you damned well are gonna get." I like that in people. With some work, he could be a real good country singer. He deserves a chance.

Taylor also gets my vote. Every week. Can you vote for more then one? Remember the Clay/Reuben fiasco when the votes were rigged? Well, Taylor has so much soul in his soul he shouldn't even be around some people. I'm old enough to be his Mom but I just wanna pack him up and take him home!

So far the ones voted off have been a-ok with me.

~ Jwatrlily ~

I like your take, dont agree with everything, but enjoyed your opinion.

PS I cant help but like bucky too.

[AIdolfan]

Chris is a solid performer, but nothing particularly special. You can hear someone just like him a dozen times a day fronting for some band on VH1.

Is that an oxymoron? I mean if you can hear him on VH1 a dozen times a day, doesn't that make him special?

musiclover, I really enjoyed reading your criticisms. While I'm not musically talented in any way, I know what I like. As much as we can criticize the idols, one would have to admit they all are good in their own genre. It's that personality that will set them all apart.

Chris might well win. In a way, I hope he does, in another way, I hope he doesn't. He will have a long career, no matter what. Being tied to a contract may not be the best thing for him. He is my favorite though.

I do like Bucky though and I sure don't mistake his southern accent for lack of brains. He's got a cute personality and I am enjoying him more each week. I sure hope he can hold up to Queen!