American Idle.

[Son of Simon]

Hello Idol Faithful.

So here it is, we're down to our Elite 8. Many more weeks of singing and competing! Many more weeks of Randy, Paul, and Simon! Many more weeks of Simon being interrupted, of Seacrest recycling fashion jokes...of Paula reporting to the stage affected by one susbtance or another. Many more weeks of that irritating dog-pound that should have died with Arsenio Hall's career, many more weeks of...

Arrgh. You get the picture. Well, after last week, I firmly believe we have the worst show behind us (unless they do "polka" week...but even then that would be interesting...), yet I can't help but bemoan the complete lack of passion in this week's show. Kenny Rogers comes out and tells us that we should be left with some sort of emotion after each performance, but the emotion from me was nearly the same, every single time.

That emotion was apathy.

I'll be the first to admit I don't like country music, so I'm likely biased here. I feel that as a whole, country music doesn't have much to offer vocally other than scoops and dips and twangs, and the real challenge for the contestants is to keep some semblance of their identities while singing songs that most can't relate to, nor showcase any of their vocal abilities.

Without any breakout performances, I realize I hate the show without this element. There isn't one performance I can point to this week and say "Yeah, I'd love to hear that again." Not one. There isn't one performance I'd flag and say, "Here, watch AI because you get to see this level of talent each week."

I didn't get to watch the previous week's performances, but I was told Elliot gave a memorable performance, yet overall the show was bad. Is the whole AI show getting burned out? Are all of the contestants in "Idle" because one or two of them feel the winner is a foregone conclusion?

Are there other people like me who may skip the Tuesday show if they announce it's "Instructional Music Theme Song" week and have the special guest be the Gecko from Geico?

I'll post my thoughts on the status of the "Elite 8" later today.

[X1TX]

I'm no major C&W fan either, but it is a popular and viable musical genre. It was really up to the contestants to add their vocal talent to 'juice it up'. I do agree that there was no 'stand out' performance, but there were a couple truly bad ones (and IMO, the worst offenders are still in it). The category this time was a gift to Kellie and Bucky, so I can see why they made it past this round (though I didn't think Bucky did very well at all given that this should have been his strong show).

Perhaps the contestants do believe it is a foregone conclusion. Didn't Simon give an interview and say who he thought the final 3 would be? Didn't read that. Anyone know who he picked?

[laraine]

If we thought country week was poor, I get the feeling that for the majority, next week will be a total train wreck. I can't imagine any female being able to carry off a Queen song..

[MusicLover]

You are truly a trip! I think this:

1. Kellie is upping the "dumb-blonde-redneck" act, but she's adorable in her ignorance. She may win based purely on that aspect, which is sad because her singing is mediocre.

2. Chris doesn't even need to be on this show at all. Turn on your radios, people. You hear the rock bands: Seether, Bush, Maroon 5, Creed, Nikelback.... Chris needs to be right there with them.

3. Ace may win... and to me, that is scary because it wouldn't be on his vocals... It would be because of the "Ace-is-sooooooo-HOT!" fan club. Come on, America, HE JUST IS NOT THAT CUTE! He and Ryan would make a cute couple, though. :p

4. Katherine can sing, but someone seriously needs to teach her about public image, and a few lessons on stage presence wouldn't hurt. She comes off as stand-offish, but I think she may be just shy. Whatever it may be, the girl has some serious pipes on her, and it would be great to see her voice and her personality be equal.

5. Where is the Taylor everyone fell in love with the first 8 weeks??? He's tamed down, lost his charisma, lost his endearing rendition of the "Funky Chicken," and it feels like he's lost his passion for the music he sings. This confounds me.

Unforutnately, I feel this rounds out the top 5. Not that the others don't deserve to be "analyzed," but I think that they may not be controversial enough to get the popular vote. I wish people would remember that this was intended as a singing competition.

Case in point - SEASON 1: Kelly Clarkson won! Pretty girl, way-amazing voice. Fast forward a few years... she's still putting out #1 hits, winning awards left and right. She has refused to stay restricted within Hollywood standards. She publicly said she was happy with her body (The media was calling her 'chunky,' 'chubby,' you get the point), she still weighs 135 pounds, and has been amazingly successful. Breathtaking voice with a pretty face to match.

[AbsentElement]

You're right Son of Simon, I'm definitely beginning to feel the "so what" factor with most performances. I enjoyed Katharine and Chris more than the others, but I've seen both of them perform way better. For me, Kellie did okay (she looked really hot though), maybe even her best vocals thus far, but I'm not sure she's where she should have been, considering it was country week.

I find myself watching Bucky and Elliot more closely each week to see if I notice any improvements, and I usually do notice some, but I still question if they have what it takes (and a large enough fan base) to win it.

We're down to final 8 now. All of these folks should have left no doubt in our minds by now that they are real contenders to win. Three or four weeks ago, I really thought to myself, "Wow, we have an incredible group this season!" Boy, has that changed. :confused:

[X1TX]

Three or four weeks ago, I really thought to myself, "Wow, we have an incredible group this season!" Boy, has that changed. :confused:

BINGO! Some with talent have left because there are a few with a "they're sooo hot" vote that keep hanging on and getting votes. Though Mandisa wasn't at the top of her game, there were other performances that were far worse. But, they were attractive and 'hot', so we're stuck having to listen to them again and again.

[MusicLover]

BINGO! Some with talent have left because there are a few with a "they're sooo hot" vote that keep hanging on and getting votes. Though Mandisa wasn't at the top of her game, there were other performances that were far worse. But, they were attractive and 'hot', so we're stuck having to listen to them again and again.

X1TX, you could not be more correct! This is getting to be more of a beauty contest than a singing contest. I'm really tired of having to listen to Ace's weak singing, and NO, I don't think he is anywhere near "SOOOOO HOTTTT!"

I'm really getting annoyed. Kinda makes me not even watch, but I'm rooting for a couple of them so I really want to see if the talent is going to prevail over the "Pageant." :mad:

[RushDog]

I think they should have Bluegrass week. Just to see if they can sing through their nose. They can have Ralph Stanley as their vocal coach.

[AbsentElement]

I think they should have Bluegrass week. Just to see if they can sing through their nose. They can have Ralph Stanley as their vocal coach.
I kinda liked Frank's idea of underwater week.

[ms_suzyq_2u]

I'm no major C&W fan either, but it is a popular and viable musical genre. It was really up to the contestants to add their vocal talent to 'juice it up'. I do agree that there was no 'stand out' performance, but there were a couple truly bad ones (and IMO, the worst offenders are still in it). The category this time was a gift to Kellie and Bucky, so I can see why they made it past this round (though I didn't think Bucky did very well at all given that this should have been his strong show).

Perhaps the contestants do believe it is a foregone conclusion. Didn't Simon give an interview and say who he thought the final 3 would be? Didn't read that. Anyone know who he picked?

His picks were: Taylor, Chris and Kellie

[ms_suzyq_2u]

X1TX, you could not be more correct! This is getting to be more of a beauty contest than a singing contest. I'm really tired of having to listen to Ace's weak singing, and NO, I don't think he is anywhere near "SOOOOO HOTTTT!"

I'm really getting annoyed. Kinda makes me not even watch, but I'm rooting for a couple of them so I really want to see if the talent is going to prevail over the "Pageant." :mad:

Won't everyone be shocked when Ace comes out of the closet after AI5 is over...?

[graciespeaks]

Won't everyone be shocked when Ace comes out of the closet after AI5 is over...?
you all are right on , Katharine is only getting those votes because shes HOT!
I am Tired of this being a beauty contest!

P.S. Do you see how foolish you all sound!!!!!!!!!!

[FalseIdol]

Won't everyone be shocked when Ace comes out of the closet after AI5 is over...?

Out of the closet??? When did he ever go INTO the closet???

At least the week when AI does showtunes he can help the other contestants with their song selections. :D

[Miss Lolita]

Won't everyone be shocked when Ace comes out of the closet after AI5 is over...?

what ever makes you think that he is gay????

[FalseIdol]

Gee I dunno, the little hankies hanging out of his back pocket kinda did the trick for me. I'm guessing he has a doily on the dashboard of his car, which is most likely a pink Thunderbird.

[AbsentElement]

Something about the way he looks into my eyes through my tv when he's performing... hehe. Just kiddin'. I think that's what Ryan was trying to clear up yesterday when he said "And by the way ladies, he's officially single."

[Miss Lolita]

Gee I dunno, the little hankies hanging out of his back pocket kinda did the trick for me. I'm guessing he has a doily on the dashboard of his car, which is most likely a pink Thunderbird.

oh you are TOO funny - NOT!!!

[Skate]

Um, that isn't a hanky he has in his back pocket whenever you see him. It's a beanie.

What's worse - a guy perceived as gay by some or one who can't tell the difference between a hanky & a beanie?

[FalseIdol]

I'm assuming that's a rhetorical question because let me be the first to say I don't know the difference between a souffle and a quiche either---and I'd rather be known as dunce when it comes to fashion and cooking than have a guy like ACE (aka George Michaels) thinking I might like to meet him in a public restroom sometime.

Look, if Ace is a little light in the loafers it's okay with me.

[RushDog]

If it's going to be a beauty contest, let's go all out and have the girls sing in bathing suits. Especially now that Mandisa's gone. Maybe it was that rainbow t-shirt Ace was wearing a few weeks back that gave him away. Maybe he'll dress this week like Freddie used to back in his early days. You know, the make-up, black fingernail polish, and bodysuits.

[Skate]

He may be, he may not be...whatever. Besides, it's really difficult to tell these days - an effeminate guy may not be gay & a manly man may not be straight (trust me, I've had personal encounters). But what does it matter?

And yes, maybe I'm just fashion conscious but I'd rather have people think of me as lesbian (which has happened, so I'm kind of numb to it) than be sartorially clueless. To each his own.

[X1TX]

So if he sings "Killer Queen" whild dressed in a Freddie Mercury body suit I guess we'll have a clearer picture at that point???? :eek:

[ms_suzyq_2u]

I made the comment because I have a feeling he is. He's way too pretty to NOT be gay. He's very soft-spoken and a very sensitive guy. Any guy I have ever met who held all those qualities was gay. And don't give me the line about how just because a guy is sensitive doesn't make him gay - I know that. If you look at all of his mannerisms, collectively, it makes sense.

I have absolutely NOTHING against gays - I just think he should not act like he's a sex symbol to all the ladies. Although...he could be acting that way to the guys and I have things all mixed up. In that case...nevermind.

[Miss Lolita]

I made the comment because I have a feeling he is. He's way too pretty to NOT be gay. He's very soft-spoken and a very sensitive guy. Any guy I have ever met who held all those qualities was gay. And don't give me the line about how just because a guy is sensitive doesn't make him gay - I know that. If you look at all of his mannerisms, collectively, it makes sense.

I have absolutely NOTHING against gays - I just think he should not act like he's a sex symbol to all the ladies. Although...he could be acting that way to the guys and I have things all mixed up. In that case...nevermind.

I think you are totally off base...but I'm curious......give me an example of what you think all his mannerisms collectively signify

[cloie4me]

I made the comment because I have a feeling he is. He's way too pretty to NOT be gay. He's very soft-spoken and a very sensitive guy. Any guy I have ever met who held all those qualities was gay. And don't give me the line about how just because a guy is sensitive doesn't make him gay - I know that. If you look at all of his mannerisms, collectively, it makes sense.

I have absolutely NOTHING against gays - I just think he should not act like he's a sex symbol to all the ladies. Although...he could be acting that way to the guys and I have things all mixed up. In that case...nevermind.

OMG..........................ARE YOU TELLING ME THAT MY HUSBAND IS GAY? You just listed all of his qualities. HELP, HELP, HELP

THAT'S CRAZY

[FalseIdol]

...give me an example of what you think all his mannerisms collectively signify

...that Ace has a real shot at being the construction worker in any Village People revival band.

[sydneylovesace]

Falseidol can give no one any real example of such because they do not exist!
Ace has no "tones nor undertones" of homosexuality!
But Even if he was, should he or anyone else be slammed on some website for it!
Ace is straight, but Falseidol you clearly have issues.

[sydneylovesace]

OMG..........................ARE YOU TELLING ME THAT MY HUSBAND IS GAY? You just listed all of his qualities. HELP, HELP, HELP

THAT'S CRAZY
Cloie, You are right it's crazy! People make such comments just to bash or hurt a contestants run on AI.
I do not think for a moment Ace is gay, and he can sing his booty off!!!!!!!

[FalseIdol]

I do not think for a moment Ace is gay

I agree. He's probably gay all of the time.

[ms_suzyq_2u]

Whoa! Whoa people! Why is everyone getting so defensive? Is being gay bad to you? It certainly isn't to me!

What is wrong with me expressing my OPINION?

I think everyone needs to lighten up and not get so defensive! Compared to a couple of the other contestants on AI5, Ace is slightly above average. The one plus he has is that he is a good looking guy. I understand there are attributes about each contestant that make people vote the way they do - I'm just saying there are going to be a lot of people who consistantly vote for Ace because he is sexy. If he announced tomorrow that he is gay, would you all still vote for him or pick the contestant who sounds much better?

[Helen]

Let us not forget Paris. No one has wowed me on the shows so far, I sure wish that Gideon was still on, he had the voice. Any news on where he is and if he got any calls after leaving?

[Miss Lolita]

Whoa! Whoa people! Why is everyone getting so defensive? Is being gay bad to you? It certainly isn't to me!

What is wrong with me expressing my OPINION?

I think everyone needs to lighten up and not get so defensive! Compared to a couple of the other contestants on AI5, Ace is slightly above average. The one plus he has is that he is a good looking guy. I understand there are attributes about each contestant that make people vote the way they do - I'm just saying there are going to be a lot of people who consistantly vote for Ace because he is sexy. If he announced tomorrow that he is gay, would you all still vote for him or pick the contestant who sounds much better?

Whether he is gay or not doesn't really matter, i would still vote my a** off for him because i think he's got an incredible amount of talent

[RushDog]

Maybe Ace should've sang "Rhinestone Cowboy" last week, but changed the title to "Brokeback Cowboy". Seriously, we don't know enough about Ace to assume he's gay. He hasn't come across to me as being gay. Of course, I'm not exactly an expert on the subject.

[FalseIdol]

Personally I could care less if he IS gay. I'm just thankful that within the month he will be history.

[ms_suzyq_2u]

Yes, I don't think Ace will be around too much longer.

I just don't know what I'm going to do if I can't see Ace lovingly look at me with so much passion through my tv screen every Tuesday night...(smothered in sarcasm)

[FalseIdol]

I just don't know what I'm going to do if I can't see Ace lovingly look at me with so much passion through my tv screen every Tuesday night...(smothered in sarcasm)

LOL. Is Showtime still running that show "Queer as Folks"?

[ms_suzyq_2u]

LOL. Is Showtime still running that show "Queer as Folks"?

Now, now.....no gay bashing here.

I just think it's funny how so many women try to justify their infatuation with him by saying he sings good. If we all were to turn away from the tv and just listen to his voice, he would have been voted off a few weeks ago.

Hey - it's a free world to vote for whomever you consider the best for whatever reason you want. I just won't be won over by a pretty face and a mediocre voice.

[grania]

Here's my reasoning....this year, a lot of the favorites.....Kelli, Taylor, Paris, Chris, Kathy, also have strong negatives of people who would never vote for them. As people get picked off, one can't help but wonder where those votes are going to go. Who will Mandisa's fans vote for, if anyone?

If these fans of singers who are dropped really feel negative vibes toward the front runners, could someone like Bucky get their votes? It's tempting.

I still have Taylor (yeahhhh!), Eliot, Paris to vote for. Otherwise, Bucky will get my vote, if he's still around.

[Helen]

I hope that Bucky does exceptionally well this week. Before Kevin left, I was hoping Bucky would go before him, but since that did not happen, and he does okey, I will vote for Bucky. I go from week to week on how they all perform their songs and that is mostly how I vote. Personality too is a lot!! And God see's the heart of the person and we do not have to condone but should not judge. I also like Taylor and hope he comes around and maybe Paris, we will see after Tuesdays show.

[RushDog]

LOL. Is Showtime still running that show "Queer as Folks"?


I think Queer as Ace has a nice ring to it.

[Son of Simon]

Folks- let's be careful that our comments don't cross from questioning a contestant's sexual preferences to outright descrimination against a group in particular.

To answer this question:

Who will Mandisa's fans vote for, if anyone?

I feel Paris will get the lion's share of these votes (they are similar vocally), and Katharine will get a share as well (for the vocal connoiseur's out there).