Last week, despite a valiant effort, Chicken Little had to go home. I think I actually might miss him more than none, which is hard to admit. It boils down to the fact that I'd rather see him on tour with the top ten than Bucky. Speaking of...
10. Bucky - Did you catch that he's married? There go his constituents! On a serious note....seriously, you're done.
9. Lisa - I thought she performed well in that she seemed passionate, BUT the only reason I really liked it is because it made me appreciate Kelly Clarkson that much more. Sorry Lisa.
8. Ace - SO sick of the look that he always gives the camera. And, I was more than a little skeeved out by his opening his shirt to show off a scar while giving the look; and to top it off, Paula propositioned him. Easy Paula. That didn't go over so well last time. Oh yeah, and he can't sing. Horrible performance.
7. Pickler - Suds in a Bucket? Excuse me? You could tell she wasn't into it. But there's something about her that makes her impossible to not like. Even when they ripped her up for song choice, she just kept apologizing in that southern twang. I like that she doesn't take it personally or try to justify her poor decisions. She's so cute, but in the way that I kind of feel sorry for her apparent ignorance. But is it all a lie? VFTW and her faithful country constituents will keep her around for a while.
6. Elliot - I really liked him again this week. I almost busted him into the top five, but I'm not at all convinced he can break up the to five.
TOP FIVE - still intact, but a little mixed up
For these, because they'll be around for FIVE MORE WEEKS and have rock-solid constituencies, I'll rate just this week's performance.
5. Chris - He was SCARY. The song was way too angry and might have scared away some of his tween fans. The rocker thing is definitely already old and I crossed that fine line with Simon this week. Last week he was praised for "knowing who he is." This week it was just too much.
4. Paris - Not that memorable a song. It was like she played dress-up with her mother's clothes -- too much makeup, jewelry and colorful clothing. Definitely a wannabe performance. The saving grace is that she can really command attention and dominate a stage. And I actually found myself appreciating Paula's comment on the dancing, which I guess makes me totally OLD!
3. McPHEVER - I was very surprised that the judges liked it as much as they did. They definitely see talent in her and don't want her to go home (conspiracy theories begin?). I just don't wish Christina Aguilera songs on anyone -- to hard to replicate and make memorable. As with Lisa, it just reminded me that she's not quite at that level yet.
2. Mandisa - SHACKLES! I led an energizer to this song on stage in Florida in front of 200 high schoolers! I was definitely up dancing. The girl can BLOW! I agree that it was a bit pretentious, but totally the right move.
1. Taylor - I can't put my finger on it exactly, but I just love how genuine he is. Is it bad that I could tell he had a haircut? Anyway, I look forward to him every week and I think as the petty people start to leave and older, wiser folks start to vote toward the end of the competition, he'll start to pull away.
BOTTOM THREE:
Bucky, Lisa, Ace with Bucky going home
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
AI - 12
Here we go again...
First, I'd be remiss not to point out the JPL cameo!! So funny: 1) that he was there and 2) that I recognized him after all these years...
LAST WEEK: I was pleased with results, though was just starting to like Gedeon who can sing better than at least Kevin, Bucky and Ace. No constituency. Felt bad for Ayla that she cried and still had to sing. Thought Bo Bice was horrible and looked exactly the same as last year.
THIS WEEK: There was a shocking amount of crying this week, which I normally appreciate, but it seemed excessive. Anyway, for the week's review I think from now on I'll go worst to best OVERALL not just for the week's performance:
12. Bucky - How in the WORLD did they think he did even a decent job. I couldn't stand him. I just tried to sing that song on a karoke machine and it's hard, but even I did better than him. He has no depth or range vocally.
11. Pickler - She was horrible, but her interview made up for her painful performance. She's completely cute and likable and will be around for a while.
10. Chicken Little - Definitely the JPL of the season where the only thing he has going for him is the whole sex symbol thing, and I'm already past actually laughing and to a forced chuckle when the jokes are made. While I'm still surprised at his singing, he'll be gone soon. Plus, he pissed Simon off trying to be a sexy thug. The makeup comment was funny though.
9. Ace - Pretty boy. I'm starting to lose interest in his voice. It's not the voice of a champion.
8. Melissa - I still like her voice and thought she did well.
7. Lisa - She's good and has potential. I just can't wait for her to sing a whitney song so she can go home.
6. Elliot - Nerves got to him. He still has a chance if he can control himself, figure out a way to command the stage and continue to find a personality...he's on the cusp of...
TOP FIVE!!!
5. Paris - She was great. She's spunky, always looks hip, has the attitude and stage presence all the time.
4. Mandesa - Love her. Solid every week. She'll be around for a long time.
3. Taylor - The kid's got soul! He's always unique and really takes control of whatever song he sings. He goes for it every week and always seems comfortable with the music. I look forward to themes that will push him.
2. Chris - He's solid every week. I really like him and his story (which I usually try to ignore). I only hope the rocker style doesn't get old 6 weeks from now. I also really thought he was going to throw the mic stand at the band or through the big screen there at the end! I actually got nervous about that. Also, he's got a little goat-girl in his voice.
1. McPHEVER - I've been infected. love the personality, stage presence; right on with the Kelly reference. I can't wait for HER to sing big band...or anything for that matter.
BOTTOM THREE:
Bucky, Kevin, Melissa with Bucky going home (pleeeeeeeease send Bucky home)
First, I'd be remiss not to point out the JPL cameo!! So funny: 1) that he was there and 2) that I recognized him after all these years...
LAST WEEK: I was pleased with results, though was just starting to like Gedeon who can sing better than at least Kevin, Bucky and Ace. No constituency. Felt bad for Ayla that she cried and still had to sing. Thought Bo Bice was horrible and looked exactly the same as last year.
THIS WEEK: There was a shocking amount of crying this week, which I normally appreciate, but it seemed excessive. Anyway, for the week's review I think from now on I'll go worst to best OVERALL not just for the week's performance:
12. Bucky - How in the WORLD did they think he did even a decent job. I couldn't stand him. I just tried to sing that song on a karoke machine and it's hard, but even I did better than him. He has no depth or range vocally.
11. Pickler - She was horrible, but her interview made up for her painful performance. She's completely cute and likable and will be around for a while.
10. Chicken Little - Definitely the JPL of the season where the only thing he has going for him is the whole sex symbol thing, and I'm already past actually laughing and to a forced chuckle when the jokes are made. While I'm still surprised at his singing, he'll be gone soon. Plus, he pissed Simon off trying to be a sexy thug. The makeup comment was funny though.
9. Ace - Pretty boy. I'm starting to lose interest in his voice. It's not the voice of a champion.
8. Melissa - I still like her voice and thought she did well.
7. Lisa - She's good and has potential. I just can't wait for her to sing a whitney song so she can go home.
6. Elliot - Nerves got to him. He still has a chance if he can control himself, figure out a way to command the stage and continue to find a personality...he's on the cusp of...
TOP FIVE!!!
5. Paris - She was great. She's spunky, always looks hip, has the attitude and stage presence all the time.
4. Mandesa - Love her. Solid every week. She'll be around for a long time.
3. Taylor - The kid's got soul! He's always unique and really takes control of whatever song he sings. He goes for it every week and always seems comfortable with the music. I look forward to themes that will push him.
2. Chris - He's solid every week. I really like him and his story (which I usually try to ignore). I only hope the rocker style doesn't get old 6 weeks from now. I also really thought he was going to throw the mic stand at the band or through the big screen there at the end! I actually got nervous about that. Also, he's got a little goat-girl in his voice.
1. McPHEVER - I've been infected. love the personality, stage presence; right on with the Kelly reference. I can't wait for HER to sing big band...or anything for that matter.
BOTTOM THREE:
Bucky, Kevin, Melissa with Bucky going home (pleeeeeeeease send Bucky home)
Thursday, March 09, 2006
AI - prelude to the finals
I'm proud to say that I'm a BIG fan of American Idol. I have been ever since the second season when Justin and Anne forced me to watch in order to be friends with them. Now I'm hooked and completely unapologetic. Thus, the critique begins, mostly because I can't think of anything else to regularly post on this thing...
Thoughts on this week as we prepare for the finals to begin...
Women, performance order:
1. Paris - she's great, but i think she peaked a little early. not impressive this week. It shows she can keep up with a fast, energetic song, but that's not her strength. I want to see the jazz voice that came out in her original auditions!
2. Lisa - she and Paris are the same to me right now, in that they immediately went to the top and now struggle to stay there. love her. can't wait to hear some Whitney Houston
3. Melissa - i like her voice, the lower alto range is hot.
4. Katharine McPhee - possibly my favorite. still loved her first performance of this round best. love her personality, particularly maybe two weeks ago when she apologized to the audience behind her for having to stare at her butt!
5. Kinnik - she's nice, but is past her prime
6. Ayla - i'm surprised every week at her voice. hate that she's stuck in the role of the hard working athlete who tries really hard every week and gives it 110%....yeah! It's like Jerry Rice on the danding with stars...all he could ever say -- i'm a hard worker. i gave it my best. i'm a winner. Sorry Ayla has to be forced into that role. I'm still impressed by her. And it's hilarious when she stands next to Ryan.
7. Mandisa - GREAT GREAT GREAT. loved her from the beginning. such a powerful voice. i always look forward to her.
8. Kellie - SO CUTE. sucks to have to follow Mandisa, but at least she was last. she's just adorable, and i laugh all the time at her little stage stance - feet spread, knees bent as if beginning a squat. it's like Carrie Underwood's hip shake last year. and the way she pronounced SALmon!
BOTTOM THREE:
(should be) Melissa, Kinnik, Ayla with Melissa staying
Men (can't remember the exact order):
1. Gedeon - he's growing on me, though his pre-taped pieces sound way too robotic (like steiner in our hofo video). he finally started to sound normal when talking to Ryan after the performance. he's still odd, but can sing. though i can't envision his constituency...
2. Kevin - "the sky is falling, the sky is falling." i can't stop thinking of the chicken little picture they put next to him. poor kid. i like him. he's the JPL of the year.
3. Will - eh...not impressive anymore
4. Taylor - i like this kid. his love of the music shows. plus, he reminds me of a co-worker here (welcome to the list, Peter) who is a soul/blues music fan to the core...harmonica player, the whole bit.
5. Elliott - the boy can sing. i REALLY like him. and i'm finally getting over the under bite. he'll be around for a while. agree with Simon that it wasn't as passionate, but he's right on pitch all the time.
6. Bucky - has a twin!?! That was crazy. think of the great photo shoots that could have been done with they and the O'Donohue sisters!!! oh well. He does well with the country stuff, but i don't know what to make of his constituency. has there every been a stong male country singer to pull in some odd new round of votes? they could carry him like they probably carried Carrie last yr.
7. Chris - he'll definitely get a recording contract. they love him, as they should. and surely there's a band that would want him out front. but i did agree with Simon this week that he wasn't super impressive. like Paris and Lisa, he was put at the top immediately and has to find a way to continuously stand out.
8. Ace - hot enough to overcome his average voice. he'll last a while. J, don't you know him?
BOTTOM THREE:
(should be) Kevin, Will and ?? Gideon/Bucky. With the little kids leaving.
Paula - how funny was it when she switched seats with Randy and had to come up with her own thoughts. i laugh every time she opens her mouth to say the SAME THING RANDY SAYS. I want to see clips only of what she says. I think she often says the same thing about each person from week to week.
all for now...
Thoughts on this week as we prepare for the finals to begin...
Women, performance order:
1. Paris - she's great, but i think she peaked a little early. not impressive this week. It shows she can keep up with a fast, energetic song, but that's not her strength. I want to see the jazz voice that came out in her original auditions!
2. Lisa - she and Paris are the same to me right now, in that they immediately went to the top and now struggle to stay there. love her. can't wait to hear some Whitney Houston
3. Melissa - i like her voice, the lower alto range is hot.
4. Katharine McPhee - possibly my favorite. still loved her first performance of this round best. love her personality, particularly maybe two weeks ago when she apologized to the audience behind her for having to stare at her butt!
5. Kinnik - she's nice, but is past her prime
6. Ayla - i'm surprised every week at her voice. hate that she's stuck in the role of the hard working athlete who tries really hard every week and gives it 110%....yeah! It's like Jerry Rice on the danding with stars...all he could ever say -- i'm a hard worker. i gave it my best. i'm a winner. Sorry Ayla has to be forced into that role. I'm still impressed by her. And it's hilarious when she stands next to Ryan.
7. Mandisa - GREAT GREAT GREAT. loved her from the beginning. such a powerful voice. i always look forward to her.
8. Kellie - SO CUTE. sucks to have to follow Mandisa, but at least she was last. she's just adorable, and i laugh all the time at her little stage stance - feet spread, knees bent as if beginning a squat. it's like Carrie Underwood's hip shake last year. and the way she pronounced SALmon!
BOTTOM THREE:
(should be) Melissa, Kinnik, Ayla with Melissa staying
Men (can't remember the exact order):
1. Gedeon - he's growing on me, though his pre-taped pieces sound way too robotic (like steiner in our hofo video). he finally started to sound normal when talking to Ryan after the performance. he's still odd, but can sing. though i can't envision his constituency...
2. Kevin - "the sky is falling, the sky is falling." i can't stop thinking of the chicken little picture they put next to him. poor kid. i like him. he's the JPL of the year.
3. Will - eh...not impressive anymore
4. Taylor - i like this kid. his love of the music shows. plus, he reminds me of a co-worker here (welcome to the list, Peter) who is a soul/blues music fan to the core...harmonica player, the whole bit.
5. Elliott - the boy can sing. i REALLY like him. and i'm finally getting over the under bite. he'll be around for a while. agree with Simon that it wasn't as passionate, but he's right on pitch all the time.
6. Bucky - has a twin!?! That was crazy. think of the great photo shoots that could have been done with they and the O'Donohue sisters!!! oh well. He does well with the country stuff, but i don't know what to make of his constituency. has there every been a stong male country singer to pull in some odd new round of votes? they could carry him like they probably carried Carrie last yr.
7. Chris - he'll definitely get a recording contract. they love him, as they should. and surely there's a band that would want him out front. but i did agree with Simon this week that he wasn't super impressive. like Paris and Lisa, he was put at the top immediately and has to find a way to continuously stand out.
8. Ace - hot enough to overcome his average voice. he'll last a while. J, don't you know him?
BOTTOM THREE:
(should be) Kevin, Will and ?? Gideon/Bucky. With the little kids leaving.
Paula - how funny was it when she switched seats with Randy and had to come up with her own thoughts. i laugh every time she opens her mouth to say the SAME THING RANDY SAYS. I want to see clips only of what she says. I think she often says the same thing about each person from week to week.
all for now...
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