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Subject: American Idol S6

Posted by: Skidazl - [189142212] Thu, Jan 18, 2007, 16:26

Just wanted to start a new one instead of having to scrool all the way down S5...

So far this season is sucking, but if I remember right, they all kind of do at this point...

The juggling kid was hilarious. what did he expect going in there?

JeffG
ID: 146591911
Thu, Jan 18, 2007, 16:47

I've never really been a fan of the audition shows. But then again, I heard that the audience was 38M for the first show of the season.

The parade of nut jobs gets a little repetitive to me after a while. I really feel through the judges must who go through two 10 hour days of this per city and are probably told to let them sing at least 30 seconds or so before cutting them off. I can't imagine how many producers it must take to screen the 10K or so that apply at each audition stop, and what their criteria is for letting people through to the judges.

Even if the audition shows only showed the good ones, or the ones who are close but just miss, that could get played out too.

I'm looking forward to the competitive performance shows after these weeks of audition shows end.

ChicagoTRS
ID: 249542719
Thu, Jan 18, 2007, 23:53

I hate the audition shows...once you have seen one show you have kind of seen them all. The only thing I like about them is trying to pick out people at this point who will be in the top 16...

Noone has really impressed me yet...maybe the young indian brother...even he is marginal.

TB
Sherpa
ID: 031811922
Fri, Jan 19, 2007, 00:10

I have to agree with TF from the last thread. I was embarrassed for some of the people who were only being exploited for laughs. It's nice to see the people who are going to make it to Hollywood, but we saw a lot more of bizarro world. 10K+ people show up and all are screened before ever making it to the real judges. I wonder what their criteria is for sending people in like the guys dressed up as Apollo Creed or the very overweight females who are tone deaf. I get that some of the more bizarre acts are attention seekers, but some of theose people are just horrible singers who don't know how bad they really are. The 16-year old kid who juggled and danced has to go back and face his classmates again. I doubt he had many friends to begin with (seemed very unstable emotionally..."I wanted to start off famous"), but he is going to be ridiculed the rest of his high school days.
I watched both shows (Minny and Seattle) back to back and there were many terrible performances; the guy who sang Unchained Melody, the "cowboy" who sang Folsom Prison Blues, the girl who roared like a lion, the female who professed she was the biggest idol fan and killed Bohemian Rhapsody and then got mad and said she had 10 years of training, the voice coach, the guy who wanted to fix the judges hair. Crazy people.

TB
Sherpa
ID: 031811922
Fri, Jan 19, 2007, 00:18

ChicagoTRS,

There was a female from Minny, not mini-Shakira, but another cutie (who had all of her teeth) that had a nice voice. I can't remember her name and I already deleted it, but I think she had longer, curly hair. She is my only pick to make the top 16 so far. I do think the brother/sister combo has a shot because it makes for an entertaining story to follow.

How about the guy that sang the Fuel song and Simon told him to come back in 15 minutes and sing an Abba song? Now that was pretty funny. The kid can get away with playing in a garage band doing covers, but it was funny that all three songs he sang sounded the same.

Texas Flood
ID: 4905267
Fri, Jan 19, 2007, 09:59

I could go to our local high schools, churches and karaoke bars and find eight singers better than those selected in Seattle.

I have paid very little attention to this show over the years and Kelly Clarkson aside I've heard very little from the other winners and runner ups. How are they doing?

Weykool
Leader
ID: 41750315
Fri, Jan 19, 2007, 10:35

#5.
Besides Clarkson...Carrie Underwood has done very well.

I have to agree.....too much of the train wrecks.
I think some of the bad ones are OK but there needs to be balance.
I want to see more of the people who are actually going to be in the competition.
They can save all the train wrecks and make a special 2 hour show for those who enjoy that stuff.
Also when it comes down to paring the ones who made it to Hollywood we dont get to see enough.

The one wreck I liked was the guy with the raspy voice who said he could do "Manilow" and then sang the same way....very funny.

TB
Sherpa
ID: 031811922
Fri, Jan 19, 2007, 15:37

That is the same guy I was talking about. He sang Fuel, then Abba, and then Manilow and they all sounded the same.

Ref
Donor
ID: 539581218
Fri, Jan 19, 2007, 15:52

I hate the train wreck shows. Those people shouldn't have even made it through the screening process. It should be more about the people made it or almost made it with an occassional train wreck thrown in. Also don't let the people who stink try to sing for 2 mins!!! Cut them off and move on. I can't stand to watch these shows live so I record it and FF through most of it.

Weykool
Leader
ID: 41750315
Wed, Jan 24, 2007, 01:23

I liked the guy who's dad was a singer.
I think the last name was Hess.
He should make it to the final 12.

Tree
ID: 1411442914
Wed, Jan 24, 2007, 08:52

his last name was Head.

his full name was Sundance Head. seriously.

his dad is Roy Head, who in 1965 had a #2 charting Billboard song called "Treat Her Right". apparently, it was a little known song called "Yesterday", but a little known band out of Liverpool, England, that kept the song from being #1.

Texas Flood
ID: 4905267
Wed, Jan 24, 2007, 08:59

Sundance Head, yeah that was the guy. Geez I'll buy the album as soon as its released. That dude can sing!

RecycledSpinalFluid
Dude
ID: 204401122
Wed, Jan 24, 2007, 11:53

If I'm not wrong, his name was displayed as "Jason 'Sundance' Head". I'll have to check the recording on that though.

Tree
ID: 1411442914
Wed, Jan 24, 2007, 11:57

it was displayed with Jason, but when he went into the room, he said his name was "Sundance. My parents were hippies..."

the telling comment was when Simon said about him "he just blew Taylor (Hicks, last year's winner) out of the water..."

Skidazl
ID: 189142212
Wed, Jan 24, 2007, 20:28

I agree, Sundance was very good, reminded me a bit of that guy from Season 4, Scott Savol. When you look at the guy you don't think he can sing, but damn can he...

I also didn't think the cheerleader guy was that bad...

TB
Sherpa
ID: 031811922
Wed, Jan 24, 2007, 21:26

I don't remember a cheerleader guy. What did he sing?

Sundance has a good voice and so did Fidel Castro. The female "back-up singer" has a very nice voice too.

The girl who was screaming at the camera to get out of her face wasn't a bad singer. Probably better than some of the ones they already let go to Hollywood. Not that she was great, but she was decent enough that they could have encouraged her to work on her range and try again next year. The judges weren't such dickheads this time, though. Maybe somebody actually reads what the public says about them on the internet.

Tree
ID: 330372422
Wed, Jan 24, 2007, 23:42

The girl who was screaming at the camera to get out of her face wasn't a bad singer.

she is going around on radio shows now claiming she never actually performed for Randy, Paula, and Simon, and instead performed for a producer, and those comments were made later by them.

that's why she was livid - because she was rejected without ever performing for the judges.

TB
Sherpa
ID: 031811922
Thu, Jan 25, 2007, 04:11

I'd heard that same story before about other people too. I wonder why they do that? Don't they get enough people to show their a$$ right there in the same room?

TB
Sherpa
ID: 031811922
Thu, Jan 25, 2007, 05:11

So I am watching the New York tryouts, day two. Sarah, with the red hat and the tall cowboy boots, who knows she can't sing but thinks she can be the American idol anyway, and who screams at the camera and is mad because the judges went out drinking the night before, is a prime example of women who I avoid in my life. If I was a therapist, I think I would be at these shows passing out cards all day.

Skidazl
ID: 189142212
Sun, Jan 28, 2007, 21:14

re 15... the cheerleader guy was the first one to sing on Tuesday night. Remember, he practically had the whole band outside and Simon came out to tell them to keep it down...

Weykool
Leader
ID: 41750315
Wed, Feb 07, 2007, 00:06

I enjoyed tonights AI (San Antonio)
Best line of the night:
"I'm going to Hollywood"
"SO!"

JeffG
ID: 146591911
Wed, Feb 07, 2007, 16:13

Here is an article that describes the audition process and what happens to the 10,000 people or so that show up.

First Person: Auditioning for 'Idol'

TB
Sherpa
ID: 031811922
Wed, Feb 14, 2007, 00:51

I am not saying she was good enough to make the final cut because we barely got to see most of the singers, but I thought Jori Steinberg (the very first girl to sing tonight) was pretty good. Honestly, I think they just wanted to shock everyone by sending the entire first group home. Too bad because she is gorgeous and has a great voice.

Really, half of them got less time (30 seconds) to make an impression than they did in their initial attempt and they were sent packing. I like the Bailey Brown girl too. She really blew it in group and that's too bad.

Nuclear Gophers
ID: 571311123
Wed, Feb 14, 2007, 07:23

I totally agree with you TB. She had a sex appeal about her.

Weykool
Leader
ID: 41750315
Wed, Feb 14, 2007, 10:05

Agree with TB.
They need far less of the bad singers and need to show us more of the first few weeks of Hollywood.
1 hour last night to cover 3 seperate auditions?
I feel cheated.
We watched your trainwreck craap now show us more of the important stories.
The first singer was far too good to be sent home on a 15 second audition.

Ref
Donor
ID: 539581218
Wed, Feb 14, 2007, 12:35

Ditto Weykool!

chode
ID: 211491619
Thu, Feb 15, 2007, 00:29

Early favorites from the final 24:

Male - Brandon Rogers
Female - Haley Scarnato

Personally like Chris Sligh and Melinda Doolittle; no love for Blake Lewis, the beatboxer.

TB
Sherpa
ID: 031811922
Wed, Feb 21, 2007, 22:21

The females did a great job this week. I know the judges gave a lot of props to Lakisha at the end, but there were 5 or 6 females that were fantastic and most of the rest were very good. I think the only two I didn't care for were Antonella and Analia. 10 seconds into the first female performance, my first thought was that she was much better than guy from yesterday.

I don't think I have any favorites this year. For the males, I liked Chris Sligh during the auditions (if that is the big white guy with the perm) and the last guy who sang, but neither impressed yesterday. For the females, I like most of them. I am indifferent on who ends up going home this week, but if there is any justice I think Sundance Head should go for the males (worst performance for the week) and Antonella for the females. Not really sure who the other two will be.

TB
Sherpa
ID: 031811922
Wed, Feb 21, 2007, 22:27

I meant to add that the judges were very annoying both nights and this new trend of crowd booing and heckling every time Simon critiques a performance has gotten old very fast. I had to fast forward through Randy after the 4th-5th singer tonight. Just couldn't listen to him anymore. I don't want to hear the word pitchy again for at least another week. The judges shouldn't always have to be bigger than the performance. I liked Randy better when he wasn't trying to be so much like Simon. Maybe he should keep it real instead of telling us he has to keep it real and dragging it on.

Tree
ID: 431292118
Wed, Feb 21, 2007, 23:19

i didnt get to watch the women tonight. as far as the men go, the best were the two Chris', and Blake. right now, Blake is the top male.

TB
Sherpa
ID: 031811922
Wed, Feb 21, 2007, 23:44

Is Blake the bee-bop guy? I got a chance to go to that guys myspace page before he had to take it down and listen to a couple of his songs. I actually didn't think he made it past hollywood when his page was still up the day before the final cuts. He has a good voice and is diverse. Was glad to see him come out and sing instead of try to mix it up. Now that you mention it, I think him and Justin Timberlake Jr. were the best two males for the week.

Bond, James Bond
ID: 141541422
Wed, Feb 21, 2007, 23:52

Seems like the ladies' have it going on seriously this year. Though I thought Chris Richardson's performance Tuesday evening was the best for the men, there were 4 or 5 ladies tonight that seriously outdid him. Melinda, Lakisha and Stephanie really shined tonight and certainly look like Top 12 material and maybe, maybe Final 3 material IMHO.

Meanwhile, this incessant bickering back and forth between Ryan and Simon has got to stop! It really drags the show down and diminishes the performances further when they continually try to show each other up like they do.

Dawg is Dawg. Let's leave him be for now.

TB
Sherpa
ID: 031811922
Thu, Feb 22, 2007, 00:32

I don't mind when Simon and Ryan do their thing. It's fake. Simon is paying the bills. I don't like that Randy just talks and talks and won't shut up. The things he says to each contestant are inconsistent. It just wasn't big enough, push yourself. That song was too big for you. Maybe it's time for new Simon sidekicks. Olivia NJ can be the new Paula minus the mood swings and Arsenio Hall can come in and do the fist pump yo yo yo stuff.

Tree
ID: 36139225
Thu, Feb 22, 2007, 06:42

Is Blake the bee-bop guy?

beat box guy?

if that's what you mean, then yea. blonde kid, tattoos, faux-hawk, but a GREAT voice.

Ref
Donor
ID: 539581218
Thu, Feb 22, 2007, 12:28

My take: I htink the judges were pretty close on some of the ladies performaces. For once, I actually think Paula was the closest *Gasp* Did I say that? Randy and Simon were closer than normal on my views. I also agree that the ladies were night and day over the men. I was preoccupied doing another project during the mens singing but heard them. I actually liked the beatbox guy the best and I think if he an incorporate his uniqueness of his beat boxing into say Justin Timberlake type of songs which actually call for some of that--he might really have a chance at the end. Not sure he has the falsetto that Timberlake has though and it could be a risk if he's not up to that challenge. Remember it's America that is voting now so it's not strictly a singing show anymore as it was to get to this point. Personality, charm, charisma, looks and singing are all involved. With not a lot of males to compete for the young ladies affection at home, it could really help him (or another guy if he can't cut it).

I liked all but a couple of the ladies' songs. Admittedly only about half were very very good, but all but a couple can do better and have good voices.

As far as who goes, for the guys, save about 4 or 5 of them and then throw some names into teh hat and pick. It's just a matter of time for them all to leave.

For the girls, I don't know there names, but the one who has a good friend who is a total bitch who didn't make it was horrid. Her name starts with an A--she is gone. She shouldn't have made the top 12 in the first place but Simon is a horn dog and has a weakness for attractive young ladies. The other one I think should leave is the one who had the long curled hair in front like they wore back in the 70s. Like I said there are 2 or 3 others that are suspect after their performances, but I'd really like to hear them again with a better song.

electroman
ID: 181372119
Thu, Feb 22, 2007, 12:51

One thing that Simon said yesterday that is completely true, is that there are far too many who have more arrogance than talent. Not his exact words, but that was the jist of it. People saying they hit the notes when they clearly didn't. They think that when they make it to the final 24, they have it made. I just remember last year, the girl from the Bronx, I believe, got kicked off, and she said to call her so they can make some money off her talent. I wonder how that is working out as she is probably working at McDonalds asking people if they want fries with that.

TB
Sherpa
ID: 031811922
Fri, Feb 23, 2007, 02:40

As expected, Sundance Head and Antonella Barba survived and will probably be around for quite a few more weeks. They are the poster children for http://www.votefortheworst.com/.

DialIdol had Amy Krebs and Paul Kim correct, but they had Nick Pedro and Alaina Alexander as the lowest vote getters.

Early predictions for next weeks eliminations unless they have a great performance and someone else flops:
Males - Nick Pedro and Jared Cotter.
Females - Alaina Alexander and Leslie Hunt

Weykool
Leader
ID: 41750315
Fri, Feb 23, 2007, 09:58

Was I the only one who thought Lakesha was good but not that good?

To say the other 23 contestants should book thier flights was out of line and not all that accurate.

I liked Stephanie, Jordin, Melinda, and Sabrina more than Lakesha.
Lakesha was loud and has a powerful voice.....but will she be able to carry a tune when she needs to actually sing?
Dont get me wrong....she was good and was certainly top 5...I just dont see her as head and shoulders above the other top 5.

Have to agree that Antonella....while nice to look at didnt deserve to be top 24.
She will need to raise the bar by at least double to make top 12.

Ref
Donor
ID: 539581218
Fri, Feb 23, 2007, 11:43

Weykool, I disagree, Lakesha is all that, but I agree that there are a few others who are in her league. When it comes down to it, Lakesha isn't a nice to look at as the others either.

Antonella was horrid. Even she was shocked that she stayed. Kim was the guy I thought should go, but I also thought Sundance shouldn't have made the top 24 either. I disagreed big time with the final person they took in both sexes. When it was down to the final two last night, the chick with the 70's curl I predicted would go was against the chick my wife predicted would go and my wife was right. Neither did well, but the chick that went had the better voice--just picked a horrible song that no one could identify with. The other guy that went, wasn't nec. the worst, but with so many so bad, it's just a matter of time until he would have left anyhow so it doesn't matter to me. I'm most pissed about Antonella staying.

TB
Sherpa
ID: 031811922
Fri, Feb 23, 2007, 13:37

I enjoyed Lakisha's performance, but do agree that she was borderline shouting. My favorite performance was Melinda (the back-up singer), but very close were Stephanie, Sabrina, and Lakisha. I was thinking last night that one of those four will have a surprise early exit because all four probably attract the same fan base so votes could be split up. I also liked Gina Glocksen and and Jordan Sparks. Gina was coming off very cocky after her performance, but you could tell she was nervous before being told to have a seat. I bet she tones down the attitude for next week.

Bond, James Bond
ID: 48113230
Fri, Feb 23, 2007, 22:40

......I bet she doesn't TB. Nothing would make me any happier than to see Gina get da boot! I can't stand her arrogant attitude but I have to agree that her voice is a tad better than some others. But still....

Meanwhile, I certainly can see Melinda winning this whole thing. In fact, I'll go ahead on record and say that she will indeed be the winner of AI6. She's everything that Gina's not and that, my friends, is a good thing! Go Melinda!

Khahan
ID: 80111523
Fri, Feb 23, 2007, 23:17

Personally, from the guys, I thought Sanjaya should have gone. His performance was one of the worst. I was absolutely blown away when, he not only didn't get eliminated, but they announced him as a top 4 vote getter.

From the girls, I was pretty much indifferent. I didn't there were really any terrible performances. Some were definitely better than others and I have no beef with the ones who got the boot.

TB
Sherpa
ID: 031811922
Sat, Feb 24, 2007, 00:22

Sanjaya was horrible, but he will make it to the top 12. He's got the 12-16 year old girl vote. I am not saying this is the greatest indicator, but he has the third most amount of posts at American Idol's forum. According to http://dialidol.com/asp/predictions/Predictions.asp he had the 2nd most votes for males.

TB
Sherpa
ID: 031811922
Tue, Feb 27, 2007, 21:56

The guys were better than last week, which wasn't hard to do. They went from horrible to okay.
Phil Stacey was just okay. I like the guy, but he didn't nail this song.
Jared Cotter was good, but didn't get a lot of love from the judges.
AJ Tabaldo was bad, but got plenty of love from the judges.
Sanjaya Malakar was horrible. Not just the song and his look, but his singing was very bad. Agreed 100% with Simon.
Chris Sligh was very good. Loved his song and voice.
Nicholas Pedro was bad. Displayed no range and I can't remember if he has any.
Blake Lewis was good. Couple rough spots in the song, but good performance. He was the most entertaining performer.
Brandon Rogers was okay. I like the song, but he should have pushed it a bit more. Bland. I can hear Cyndi Lauper stretching it.
Chris Richardson got a lot of love from the judges, but I thought his voice faded out at the end of the long run and he was just okay at best. He's pretty good, but more like a Justin Timberlake knockoff.
Sundance Head was good. Glad to see him back on his game tonight. I wonder if he can bring it every week like that. His moves need some work, lol.

Safe: Stacey, Malakar (Uggh, but teen vote), Sligh, Lewis, Richardson, and Head.
That leaves four guys in doubt. I think Cotter did good enough to stay tonight so will say Pedro and AJ are gone with Rogers on the bubble.

- Glad to see Randy Jackson reads my posts on this forum and brought his game back into play. Yo Dog, tell Paula I said "What up."

- Anyone else think Simon says things to influence the voters? I am talking about him being a bit more critical on a performer who did pretty good to get a fan base voting response?

Bond, James Bond
Donor
ID: 04352469
Wed, Feb 28, 2007, 00:39

Nice recap TB...

The guys were definitely much, much better than last week but I still find it hard to believe that any of them could be in the final three.

I mostly agree with your assessments of their performances but I do hope that the Indian dude finally gets shown the way out. With him, I'd like to see either Pedro or AJ. Makes no difference to me. Just as long as we see two of these three go home.

I think Sligh, Richardson and Lewis are probably the three best guys out there but really I don't see any of them winning this competition.

And yes there's always an anti-Simon army out there voting FOR the person he likes least. Has been that way for quite a while and probably will remain that way for the forseeable future.

I do think the judges do affect the voting and well they should. But to what extent? I don't think there's any true way of knowing.

GoatLocker
Sustainer
ID: 060151121
Wed, Feb 28, 2007, 00:39

Ditto with the guys doing much better than last week.

Disagree with TB on who I think is going.

My best guess is Sanjaya is gone for sure and then it is a toss up on the second one.
My first thought is Brandon, but I also think AJ is on the bubble.

Cliff

TB
Sherpa
ID: 031811922
Wed, Feb 28, 2007, 08:31

Bond, I was thinking last night that the three guys most likely to sell albums would be Sligh, Richardson and Lewis, but then I was hesitant to post it because I doubt I would buy an album from any of this year's group.

Cliff, if the worst singers went home every week, you are dead on and I wouldn't mind seeing you be right. Neither Malakar, Pedro, AJ or Rogers are good enough to win this show and any of the four should be going home. I just looked at dial's results, though, and it has Malakar safe in the 1-8 range (projected 2nd) and surprisingly, Chris Richardson projected as a bottom three vote getter. Time for an early upset?

Tree
ID: 29082512
Wed, Feb 28, 2007, 08:56

i've been saying from the first time we had our 12 that Chris, Chris, and Blake are the top 3 guys, with Sundance close behind. three of those four will make the final 8 overall.

TB
Sherpa
ID: 031811922
Wed, Feb 28, 2007, 14:27

I think it's safe to say that none of us thought the two that went home last week would make the top 8. I also think it's safe to say that nobody here thinks Cotter, Pedro, AJ, or Rogers will be one of the four remaining males. So that leaves 6 guys to pick from; Stacey (not going to win), Malakar (ditto-horrible), Chris Sligh (most who've posted seem to like), Blake Lewis (ditto-good), Chris Richardson, and Sundance Head. I think Sligh and Blake are locks to be two of the three remaining males. Head will probably be the third with his current fan base and VFTW crowd.

Weykool
Leader
ID: 41750315
Wed, Feb 28, 2007, 19:27

TB:
Excellent recap.
Was thinking many of the same thoughts.
The boys were much better but it would have been nearly impossible for them not to be.
When you compare the top 4 boy to the top 5 girls they are 6 through 9.
He may not go this week but I dont see Sanjaya making the final 12.

TB
Sherpa
ID: 031811922
Wed, Feb 28, 2007, 22:57

Tornado warnings here in Kansas City, MO early in the show so I didn't get to see any of Alaina (except the recap at the end) and only the last part of Lakisha. As a whole, I think the girls went from great to good this week.

Gina Glocksen - I liked her and think she did really well, but see my note at the end. Good song choice for her.
Alaina Alexander - Didn't see her performance.
Lakisha Jones - Saw the end of her performance and she sounded okay.
Antonella Barba - Much better than last week, which took her from horrible to just bad. She did hit a few nice notes, but she gets my nod for worst female of the week again.
Jordin Sparks - Started a little rough, but showed quite a bit of range mid way through and at the end. I thought she was good.
Melinda Doolittle - Great job. Beautiful voice. I like her a lot.
Stephanie Edwards - My vote for best of the week or at least tied with Melinda. She chose a tough song, vocally, and sounded very good.
Leslie Hunt - CRAZY EYES. That's her new nickname from me. Big laugh if you've seen the How I Met Your Mother episode. Didn't get to hear her voice much, she gives off crazy looks, and creeps me out a little when she is singing or talking. Bottom two for me.
Haley Scarnato - Roughed-up a little by Randy and Simon, but she was okay.
Sabrina Sloan - She didn't wow me this week like she did last week but she was good.

I was watching the weather reports after the show and decided to call in a few votes for Gina. She wasn't the best for the week, not even my top four, but I think she needs the most help to stick around a couple more weeks. I got through every time. I just keep hitting redial and never got a busy signal. Last year I tried to vote for Chris a few times and probably got through 4 times out of 20-25 attempts/redials. Either they have a lot more lines dedicated this year or things might not bode well for Gina. Just because I dig rocking to an old Heart song, doesn't mean the typical Idol fan did.

The only ones I would say are safe for the week are Melinda and Lakisha (because of huge fan bases and both deserve it) and Antonella. Uggh again, but she not only has the VFTW crowd but now all these misguided souls who feel like she is being persecuted on the internet. Poor girl.

Others that should be safe: Stephanie, Jordin, and Sabrina.
I'd like to think that Gina did well enough to stick around, but because I didn't see Alaina and because I know Antonella is going to stick around, I think it's up in the air who leaves between Gina, Alaina, and Haley. I am positive that Leslie will be going home tomorrow night for the other slot.

Bond, James Bond
Donor
ID: 04352469
Thu, Mar 01, 2007, 00:29

TB...nice recap. Believe me, you didn't miss a thing with Alaina----I can't believe she even made it into the Top 24. Absolutely wretched performance IMHO.

But Melinda certainly didn't let me down. Didn't know how a slower song would work with her but her performance was flawless. She is the front runner and will soon be crowned IDOL 6 Champ!

Also liked LaKisha, Sabrina, Stephanie and Jordin's performances. They, along with Melinda, make a very strong and deep top five.

Gina was ok; Haley was good enough to last another week; Leslie is certainly a different flavor of ice cream (as Paula alluded to) but I think she's safe 'til next week--unless all the boys who love Antonella's internet, ahem, sightings vote for her instead.

But now is the time to get rid of Alaina and Antonella! Please!

Next week, we then can let Leslie and Haley go. Sounds like a plan to me.

Ref
Donor
ID: 539581218
Thu, Mar 01, 2007, 00:53

Here's an easier recap for you. African-American women good. Caucasions not so good! I still want the same two to leave from last week. Antonella and Alaina.

TB
Sherpa
ID: 031811922
Thu, Mar 01, 2007, 01:26

Antonella isn't going anywhere for a while. She's the worst female contestant by far, but I'm guessing top 12. Until there are less contestants getting votes, her "fan base" will keep her alive. If they adopted the option to vote for someone to leave, it would be a different story.

Bond, I agree that Melinda, Lakisha, Sabrina, Stephanie and Jordin would make a great top 5, but it will never happen. I won't be very surprised if Stephanie is gone in the next two weeks. She doesn't seem to be getting the votes and her idol message board is like a dead western town. I think it's tough when several good performers are drawing the same voters.

Bond, James Bond
Donor
ID: 04352469
Thu, Mar 01, 2007, 01:40

I hadn't watched all of Idol through the years so I'm wondering when did Idol change to this "six men and six ladies" rule for their Top 12 and, more importantly, why? I know logistics play their part but is it really fair to all the contestants?

Obviously this year would be the one were there'd be maybe 9 girls and 3 guys or 8 and 4 in the Top 12, but why does Idol insist on an even 6 and 6? Seems counter-productive to me. Except of course it's probably nice having an even number gender-wise whenever they do their tours. But still...

I propose that for seasons to come they go ahead and just announce the bottom four each week for the semifinals regardless of gender. That'd shake things up.

Ref
Donor
ID: 539581218
Thu, Mar 01, 2007, 02:03

It was a year or two ago.

Problem is that it seems when someone is abot to be voted out, they get a surge in votes to save them at the expense of someone else. Antonella just can't sing, period. At least not with the songs she's chosen and not at this level. The guys were so much better this week that I was hoping she would be night and day as well, but she was the worst of the 20 left.

It's one thing to have surprises, etc. coughdaughtrycough, it's another thing to have such bad singers getting so many votes. I agree that as the numbers dwindle she won't be getting the votes from people leaving and she will eventually fall prey, but it's an absolute joke.

Simon said, America got rid of Hudson when Antonella tried to be a smartass and I'm glad he did because it's all about the voting. If you voted for who you want to leave, how many would vote against the best singer just to eliminte the competition?

Tree
ID: 592915
Thu, Mar 01, 2007, 06:38

Antonella just can't sing, period.

no, but she does look really good with no clothes on...or hardly any, at least.

GoatLocker
Sustainer
ID: 060151121
Thu, Mar 01, 2007, 08:58

Nice break down TB.
Should be Antonella and Alaina, but agree that it probably won't.
Ditto still too many opportunities for the voting public to dump the wrong bodies.

Thought Gina did good, and don't think she is in trouble this week.

Cliff

Weykool
Leader
ID: 41750315
Thu, Mar 01, 2007, 10:12

Alaina was probably the worst.
Antonella is clearly not up to the competition.
Really liked Gina....always like hearing a heart song when done well.
Lakesha was so-so and you could see that actually singing may be a problem for her.
She has a great stage presence and will sail through to the final 12 and probably final 6.
But Im not ready to hand the title to her just yet.
For me I think Melinda is the current favorite.

ukula
ID: 45245112
Thu, Mar 01, 2007, 13:54

The Antonella pictures were nice, especially the wet t-shirt ones. Damn!! I also liked the rose petal picture. C'mon guys, who cares if she not a great singer........ She definitely has a future, it may not be singing, but she'll go far with that figure.

TB
Sherpa
ID: 031811922
Thu, Mar 01, 2007, 14:30

Hustler or Playboy?

Tree
ID: 29082512
Thu, Mar 01, 2007, 14:38

she's not been in either TB. all over the web.

there are also some photos that are...well....porn...however, they apparently are not her, just a look-a-like.

TB
Sherpa
ID: 031811922
Thu, Mar 01, 2007, 14:42

I saw the pictures. Ukula said she definitely has a future and I was curious which one he thought she would choose as her future.

ukula
ID: 5823114
Thu, Mar 01, 2007, 15:03

I could easily see her as a Victoria's Secret Model - she has the look.

Did anyone else find it kind of creepy when Randy said she was drop-dead gorgeous. She's only 19 Randy, what are you, 50?

katietx
ID: 3810431417
Thu, Mar 01, 2007, 15:48

Evidently Idol doesn't have any criteria for the contestants other than they can't have been convicted of a felony? Too bad as a lot of young girls will think this is just fine.

Bond, James Bond
Donor
ID: 04352469
Fri, Mar 02, 2007, 00:59

Not too displeased with the ousting of Alaina, Leslie, AJ and Nick. Certainly I was wishing for Antonella's dismissal but next week is just as well for me.

Meanwhile, did anybody check out Kellie's Picklers? er, I mean Kellie Pickler? ;)

TB
Sherpa
ID: 031811922
Fri, Mar 02, 2007, 01:19

My son (14) tried to convince me that she had some work done. I think he approved.
I went to youtube trying to get video from last year to compare and ran across this: Bohemian Rhapsody Parody. Funny stuff and great job by that comic.

Uptown Bombers
Donor
ID: 35616416
Fri, Mar 02, 2007, 01:33

She def had work done. Seacrest even implied by asking her if she bought anything with the money from her album. When she replied shoes, he asked very coyly, "anything else?"

Weykool
Leader
ID: 41750315
Fri, Mar 02, 2007, 01:48

I thought the same thing......much bigger than I remember.
Also the hair and makeup made her look like a 48 year-old has been.
Maybe Spears could help her out with one of the new styles.

Both the female singers were clearly not ready for this competition.
Antonella and Sanjaya should be gone next week .... if there is any justice

Bond, James Bond
Donor
ID: 04352469
Sat, Mar 03, 2007, 09:14

LOL Weykool....You know and I know that there will never be total justice at AI. I'm still reeling from last year's ouster of Chris Daughtry---who is still ten times better than that grey-haired crooner Taylor Hicks.

And what about other unjustified dismissals in the past like Tamyra Gray or Frenchie Davis or LaToya London or Mandisa etc.?

Justice? At American Idol? Nope, not anywhere close. But FWIW, I don't think America will let either Antonella nor Sanjaya get anywhere near the top 4 or so. But then again who knows? Remember Diana DeGarmo? ;)

Ref
Donor
ID: 539581218
Sat, Mar 03, 2007, 20:32

LaToya London was my only miss thus far. I predicted Daughtry to get runner-up last year.

TB
Sherpa
ID: 031811922
Tue, Mar 06, 2007, 23:26

Probably the single worst night I've watched of Idol. Quick recap:

Good = Blake Lewis
Okay = Chris Sligh & Brandon Rogers
Semi-Crap = Sundance Head & Chris Richardson
Full Crap = Phil Stacey, Jared Cotter, & Sanjaya Malakar

Before tonight's performances, I would have guessed that Brandon Rogers and Jared Cotter would be the two going home based on popularity. Three horrible weeks in a row for Sanjaya might spell his doom. I'll say Malakar and Cotter go home.

Last thought: The only male I want to see make it to the top 6 is Blake.

Kevin
ID: 330592710
Wed, Mar 07, 2007, 00:07

Has anyone ever thought that the show gets all the votes in but doesn't eliminate anyone that they don't want around. Do they actually post exact totals anywhere that are 100% the actual ones. They may just be keeping Sanjaya and Antonella around for attention they are bringing to the show whether it be people who love watching Sanjaya get trashed (i.e. ME) or the obvious attention Antonella is bringing. Because I can totally understand that if Antonella and Sanjaya didn't actually receive the least votes, they might kick them off anyway because they would most likely get booed off stage during the American Idol tour. They won't likely allow people on the live tour who were consistently trashed by judges after each performance. Just a thought.

Weykool
Leader
ID: 41750315
Wed, Mar 07, 2007, 00:09

My summary:
1. Sucked
2. Sucked
3. Sucked
4. Sucked
5. Sucked
6. Sucked
7. Sucked
8. Sucked

I think Simon was being WAY too generous when he said 3 1/2.
The girls havent even performed yet, but the six who make it will aready be the top 6 out of the final 12.

Bond, James Bond
ID: 53224615
Wed, Mar 07, 2007, 00:18

UGH!

Please tell me that these are not the best eight males that Idol could find. Utterly contemptible!

Tonight's "performances" were probably the single most disappointing show that I've seen of any Idol episode. Outside of Blake and the two Chris', there is nobody left there that has even a remote chance of competing against the ladies' juggernaut.

I'm at the point now that I'm thinking that the last 6-8 performers left will all be ladies!

Let's just hope the voters get it right and finally dismiss Sanjaya. I don't really care who else goes.

Tree
ID: 29082512
Wed, Mar 07, 2007, 11:05

i said from the beginning that it would be Blake, Chris, and Chris.

i stand by that.

TB
Sherpa
ID: 031811922
Wed, Mar 07, 2007, 11:39

Chris R sucks, dude. Weak voice that relies on runs.
Chris S, on the other hand, rocks: http://www.halfpastforever.com/home.html (click on listen to album and you get small sample of each song.

I realized last night that Sundance Head is so friggin nervous when he performs that he is turning in these crappy performances.

Tree
ID: 29082512
Wed, Mar 07, 2007, 11:42

Chris R sucks, dude. Weak voice that relies on runs.

someone sucking, is not relevant. kellie pickler, carrie underwood, and justin guariani, among others, are proof of that.

i said those will be the final three guys. i stick to it.

TB
Sherpa
ID: 031811922
Wed, Mar 07, 2007, 13:20

I think everyone agrees that Chris S and Blake are the two best males and will be the final two guys. The 3rd best male doesn't really matter seeing how he won't be in the top 6 contestants and as far as talent isn't in the top 8. Haven't we already had this discussion, though?

My top 8 are:
Melinda Doolittle
Stephanie Edwards
Lakisha Jones
Blake Lewis
Chris Sligh
Jordin Sparks
Gina Glocksen
Sabrina Sloan

Not necessarily in that order and really unsure whose music I would buy.

I thought Kellie Pickler, Carrie Underwood, and Justin Guariani were all good idol "contestants". Guariani and Pickler probably prove your point, but Underwood had some amazing performances on idol and has the commercial success to back up a popular commercial fanbase. I didn't watch the show before last season so have had to watch performances on youtube or the idol flashback shows.

chode
ID: 211491619
Wed, Mar 07, 2007, 13:57

Actually Tree, since you're so keen on reminding everybody who your picks were, after the first final 24 show you said Chris R. was one of the "best" singers, not "most likely males to make the finals". Then after the first finals cut, you lumped Sundance in as "close behind".

I agree that last night's show was the single worst Idol episode ever. I thought Blake's performance was very average (but loved that none of the judges had ever heard of 311) ... then everyone else sang, and Blake sounded like gold by comparison. Agree with TB that Sligh and Brandon were the next-best two. Everyone else was horrific. Sundance is terrified of being on stage and it shows. Jared mostly talked his way through his song. Phil is quite annoying and has been bad for some time now. Sanjaya is just pathetic at this point.

Great One
Sustainer
ID: 053272014
Wed, Mar 07, 2007, 14:58

Anyone know where I can get a list of the songs they sang last night?

TB
Sherpa
ID: 031811922
Wed, Mar 07, 2007, 15:05

Blake "All Mixed Up" by 311
Sanjaya "Waiting on the World to Change" by John Mayer
Sundance "Jeremy" by Pearl Jam
Chris R "Tonight I Wanna Cry" by Keith Urban
Jared "If You Really Love Me" by Stevie Wonder
Brandon "I Just Want to Celebrate" by Rare Earth
Phil "I Need You" by LeAnn Rimes
Chris S "Wanna Be Loved" by DC Talk

chode
ID: 211491619
Wed, Mar 07, 2007, 16:19

Ok, if by "best" you wish to now say you meant "most likely to be voted on favorably by the audience" as opposed to "best performer in a signing competition", I won't bust your balls anymore. Spin it however you wish if it makes you feel better. I always enjoy your revisionist history, regardless of topic. Seeing you get pissy and start name-calling when I call you out is icing on the cake.

I'd suggest you try posting observations/commentary with respect to actual performances on the show instead of reminders to the board on who you "called" as "best" (by whatever definition), as if this were something of a predictions competition ... if I thought there was any way you would or could comply.

chode
ID: 211491619
Wed, Mar 07, 2007, 16:43

Dream if you wish, but I only call you out on this stuff because around these parts you, far and away, are the most guilty of this sort self-aggrandizing, petulant crap. I only bother responding to the posts that I find especially amusing; I'm sure you offer many more that fit the bill, which I don't comment on. If anyone else came close to spewing the dreck you do, with the frequency you do, feel free to assume I'd call them out too. If you think I'm following you and picking on you, your paranoia is not my concern. I only call 'em like I see 'em.

You've covered your tracks with your ambiguous "best" just fine. I'm always a fan of your "I never said ___" defense. Apparently you'd have people believe you meant "best" in the way I described in post 83? If that's accurate, I say OK.

"Big shot"? I have no idea what that even means.

chode
ID: 211491619
Wed, Mar 07, 2007, 17:07

I know threads get "wrecked" for you when I happen to call you out for slobbering all over yourself, and you in turn can't help but get hyper-defensive. Sucks for you.

Maybe you didn't read my previous message, but the "best" question I think has been answered (with a chuckle).

Did you even read the second paragraph of my post 83, or were you so filled with anger that you rushed to respond to me? I suggested (and suggest again) we stick to critiques of the performances instead of repeated back-patting, and enjoy discussing the show.

katietx
ID: 3810431417
Wed, Mar 07, 2007, 17:27

Guys...just delete 81-88 - absolutely no contribution to the thread.

Ref
Donor
ID: 539581218
Wed, Mar 07, 2007, 22:18

For the first time ever I actually voted tonight. My wife and I dislike Antonella so much we voted for who we thought was her competiton for the worst a bunch of times. Because we got in so much, we probably are wasting our time, but Haley, Sabrina and Stephanie are getting the votes that should be going to the best three in Melinda, Lakisha and Gina. (Finally learning their names!)

TB
Sherpa
ID: 031811922
Wed, Mar 07, 2007, 22:52

The girls outdid the guys once again.
Great: Melinda, Lakisha, and Stephanie
Good: Gina and Jordin
Okay: Sabrina & Haley
Horrible: Antonella.

Not much to say about Melinda, Lakisha, and Stephanie. All three were head and shoulders above the males. I liked what Gina tried to do, but I am a pretty huge Evanescence fan so could be overly critcial. I am a rocker, though, so she's high on my list of favorites. Jordin did a little rockin' tonight herself. Odd song choice for her. She has such a huge range I like to see her show it off and this song didn't really do that for her. Sabrina floored me the first week, but has gotten a little worse the last two weeks. More screaming than belting. Haley was very vanilla. Both were still better than all the males except for Blake and Sligh.

I think Antonella and Haley need to go and am pretty sure Haley will be one of them. I just hope we don't see Sabrina leave while Antonella gets to move on.

Ref
Donor
ID: 539581218
Wed, Mar 07, 2007, 23:31

Agree TB, but I see Sabrina leaving. She is too much alike a couple of the others who are better. Antonella and Haley should be out but simply by the voting it won't happen. Just hope that Stephanie doesn't get booted as she belongs in the top 12 for sure.

As far as the guys, I also liked Chris Richardson. Throw in the background singer and there's the four that should be in the top 12. Who cares about the other two. They will be gone with a quickness shortly.

Bond, James Bond
ID: 53224615
Thu, Mar 08, 2007, 00:14

Nice show by the ladies tonight. Especially by the W-O-M-A-N....Melinda Doolittle! The guys are so inferior to these ladies that even pathetic Antonella can sing circles around some of them. Ok, maybe I got carried away just a tad. LOL

Nevertheless, I immensely enjoyed Melinda's, LaKisha's and Stephanie's performances. They are bringing it week after week after week and yes they have the "WOW" factor that the Dawg is looking for.

I thought Sabrina was solid though not spectacular. But she's got some serious pipes and with just the right song, she can be a definite contender to the title.

As much as I really, really dislike Gina (and I really do), I thought she did fairly well tonight. Not such a big fan of a red bra underneath a gray shirt but hey, I've seen worse. ;) It saddens me to say that she does indeed belong in the top 12. But only because..........

Antonella and Haley are so gawdawful! If Idol producers tweak the voting (like I suspect them of doing), it'd be to their advantage to get rid of these wannabe singers right now. If we can get rid of those two tommorrow night along with Sanjaya and whoever else not named Chris or Blake, then I'll be one happy camper!

Weykool
Leader
ID: 41750315
Thu, Mar 08, 2007, 08:33

Based on last nights performance I liked Gina more than Stephanie.
I didnt think Antonella's performance should be classed as horiible.
I thought she did decent last night.
When you compare her with the boys she deserves to be top 12 over a couple of the guys who will make it.
Her problem is when you compare her to the top 6 girls...there is no comparison.
Other than that I agree with TB's assesment.

someone sucking, is not relevant. kellie pickler, carrie underwood, and justin guariani, among others, are proof of that.

Proof of what?
If I am not mistaken Underwood has sold the most records per year compared to any other Idol contestant including Kelly Clarkson.
Justin and Pickler have had a decent amount of success cosidering they didnt win.
Pickler was 6th.
Not sure what your point was but was a very laughable.

Tree
ID: 29082512
Thu, Mar 08, 2007, 09:11

Proof of what?
If I am not mistaken Underwood has sold the most records per year compared to any other Idol contestant including Kelly Clarkson.
Justin and Pickler have had a decent amount of success cosidering they didnt win.
Pickler was 6th.
Not sure what your point was but was a very laughable.

you made my point. someone can suck, and still be VERY popular, such as Underwood, who has some of the most awful, banal, tripe on radio.

1. Pickler is the only one you're even remotely on. relatively speaking, she's done ok, having shipped 453,918 units since her record came out over four months ago. she'll *probably* hit gold, but it's a long climb, and unless she has another break out single, platinum is out of reach.

if her sales don't double for her next record, she's done in the business.

conversely, Josh Gracin - the fourth place finisher in the second season of AI, who recorded for a pretty tiny little label, has quietly gone Gold with his debut, shipping 686,085 units.

there was almost no marketing for that record, so he's got a very bright future.

2. Guarini's sales were awful. it's been nearly four years since his *only* record came out, and he shipped 142,642 units - the vast majority in the first few weeks of the album being out. his sales were so poor, he was dropped from the label, and hasn't recorded since.

3. Clarkson's debut record shipped 2,621,238 units - double platinum. her most recent has shipped 5,679,959 units - quintuple platinum, and halfway to the rarified air of Diamond status 10,000,000 units sold.

since the RIAA started tracking sales in 1958, only 103 records have hit Diamond - topped by the 29,000,000 in sales from The Eagle's "Their Greatest Hits (1971-1975)" and rounded out by Notorious B.I.G.'s "Life After Death".

Clarkson's record already puts her in the Top 200 in sales of all-time for one record.

that's not to take away from Underwood. her debut has so far shipped 4,990,785, and she'll continue to sell for awhile. she may even eventually pass Clarkson.

we'll see how Underwood's second record does - that will be the benchmark, to see if she can keep it up, and improve on her sales - if she sees a significant drop, she won't have a long career in this business.

Weykool
Leader
ID: 41750315
Thu, Mar 08, 2007, 20:51

Underwood sucks?

LOL

Whatever dude.
The whole premise of picking an "Idol" is to get the one who will be popular and will sell a bunch of records.
I have her first album and I will be buying her second album when it comes out.
Sorry you dont get it.
Underwood will be in this business as long as she wants to.

Almost half a million copies from a contestant who finished 6th?
I call that pretty amazing,
Her personality kept her on the show for a couple extra weeks as well.

TB
Sherpa
ID: 031811922
Thu, Mar 08, 2007, 21:18

I was pretty happy to see that Stephanie and Gina made it to the top 12. I was confident that Melinda and Jordin would make it, but as Sabrina's exit showed us, anything can happen. Wasn't a huge upset that Haley stayed over her. The only really good week we saw from her was the first week.

VFTW lost both their poster children tonight in Sundance and Antonella. I was kinda surprised because I thought for sure Sanjaya was going to be leaving instead of Sundance. Over the next five weeks I expect we will be seeing Sanjaya Malakar, Brandon Rogers, Phil Stacey, Haley Scarnato, and Chris Richardson leaving.

Weykool, I don't listen to a lot of country, but I like Carrie Underwood. As far as Pickler goes, I never thought she was a great singer, but I loved her (at times) on idol. I am guessing that Elliott, Pickler, Daughtry (duh), and Kat all outsell the idol popularity contest winner Taylor Hicks. Heck, Bucky might too.

TB
Sherpa
ID: 031811922
Thu, Mar 08, 2007, 21:21

katietx re post 89 Guys...just delete 81-88 - absolutely no contribution to the thread.

While I agree that 82-88 were poop, 81 was the list of songs the guys sang per GO's request the post before. Probably just a typo by you.

Tree
ID: 41235819
Thu, Mar 08, 2007, 21:34

The whole premise of picking an "Idol" is to get the one who will be popular and will sell a bunch of records.

that is EXACTLY what i'm saying. sales do not necessarily equal talent.

I have her first album and I will be buying her second album when it comes out.

that's fine. you're entitled to that.

Sorry you dont get it.
Underwood will be in this business as long as she wants to.

that's pretty funny, considering what i do for a living.

while her accomplishment is nice, there have literally been thousands upon thousands of gold records awarded.

there have been artists who sold a LOT more records than Carrie Underwood ever will in her career, and they only last a few albums.

Almost half a million copies from a contestant who finished 6th?
I call that pretty amazing,

plenty of people have sold a half-million copies of a record who WERE NEVER ON AMERICAN IDOL.

100

Great One
ID: 201155199
Thu, Mar 08, 2007, 21:54

continuing with this little test sample... along with TB and Weykool, I also don't mind Carrie Underwood at all. By don't mind, I mean when she comes on the radio, I actually don't change the channel. Thats more than I can say about 95% of what is on the radio.

101

TB
Sherpa
ID: 031811922
Thu, Mar 08, 2007, 23:42

Sales might not equal or equate to talent, but it lends a voice to the kind of music a large chunk of people are interested in. Let's get real for a minute. Some Hearts has been on the Billboard 200 for 68 weeks, has gone quintuple platinum (halfway to the rarified air of Diamond status), and is the fastest-selling debut country album in history. Underwood was won a couple grammy's, an AMA, and eight Billboard Music Awards. I am curious who the artists are that have sold a LOT more records than Carrie Underwood that only lasted a few albums. We are talking artists who have sold over 5 million that didn't last. LOTS of them. I can't think of any, but outside of band members dying or breaking up because of egos to join other groups I don't know why artists with that kind of success didn't keep putting out albums.

I agree with your earlier post that we will have to see how her second album does, but IMO this album alone has proven that she isn't going to be a flash in the pan artist. I say that because there isn't that "one-hit wonder" factor or a gimic to her music. Lots of good songs (for country folk) and it seems likely she can duplicate her success.

I also agree that going gold isn't that big a deal these days, as compared to years ago, when we are only talking about 500,000 in sales. Sell 1 million units and then follow that up with a second album that sales a million+ units and we can start planning your entry into some hall of fame. ;)

102

Texas Flood
ID: 40342614
Fri, Mar 09, 2007, 08:00

Sanjaya making it into the top twelve is joke.

103

Tree
ID: 29082512
Fri, Mar 09, 2007, 09:13

I am curious who the artists are that have sold a LOT more records than Carrie Underwood that only lasted a few albums.

you can start with Hootie and the Blowfish.

over 10 million copies of their 1994 debut record sold. the sophomore effort? 2.35 million. then 817,000, and other than a series of greatest hits type records and a release a couple of years ago on some tiny label, the band was largely done by 1998, when they didn't even hit platinum.

four years as a major recording act, despite selling 10 million records.

Guns N'Roses is another example. you can make the argument they are still around, but that would be a false argument. still, i suppose this falls into your "egos" argument.

most of the boy bands who have sold a lot of copies have dissolved.

Jewel is another good example. she's managed to stay in the spotlight and make a career, but her sales have dwindled to the point that i don't expect her to stay on a major label much longer.

Ace of Base? what happened to them???? 10 million sold of their debut album, then they disappeared quicker than you could say "i saw the sign"...

MC Hammer? need i say anything more about him.

and those are artists who have sold over 10 million copies of a CD - or, roughly 20 times what Carrie Underwood has sold.

again - i'm not saying she won't have a solid career - but i think people are rushing to proclaim her the queen of country music or something, and i think she's got a looooong way to go.

104

Weykool
Leader
ID: 41750315
Fri, Mar 09, 2007, 09:59

20 times more than Carrie?
or Pickler.....
That would mean Carrie only sold 500,000.
You need to double check your math stat-boy.

105

Great One
Sustainer
ID: 053272014
Fri, Mar 09, 2007, 10:01

Tree, can you provide some current artists that DO have this success and longevity you are looking for? I'd say that would be a lot harder in this day and age. Pearl Jam? Ben Harper? Mary J Blige? gulp... BonJovi? :)

I'd say Underwood would be very happy and we would consider her a success if she had a solid career like Jewel.

106

Tree
ID: 29082512
Fri, Mar 09, 2007, 10:45

I'd say Underwood would be very happy and we would consider her a success if she had a solid career like Jewel.

to a certain extent, i can't argue that point. a good friend of mine is really starting to get noticed in the music business, her debut record is being re-released by Nettwerk next month, and she's on leave from her job right now touring for the next month or so.

the last part of her tour is opening for Duncan Sheik, playing guitar in his band, and singing the female lead for the part of his show that focuses on Spring Awakening, the broadway hit that he co-wrote.

she has said time and time again that if she could make a living playing and recording music, she would be pleased as punch, even if she was under the radar for all or most of her career.

perhaps that would work for Underwood. my guess is probably. perhaps not, as some people need to be in the limelight all the time (see Spears, Baldy)...

GO - you gave a good list there, although they definitely run the gamut and cover all kinds of ground.

at one point, Pearl Jam was a beast when it came to selling records. the first 3 albums sold something like a combined 20 million units. but the last couple have failed to even hit a million.

that being said, they sell a lot of live CDs, and are a HUGE touring act, and seem to have switched to a Grateful Dead sort of M.O. - a band that doesnt sell a ton of records, but makes huge amounts touring.

Ben Harper was a critical success, but really never sold a ton of records - one gold record to his credit, but he consistently sells between 150,000 and 500,000 units, so he has a certain amount of longetivity.

Bon Jovi - love them or hate them, they are definite Rock and Roll Hall of Famers one day.

Mary J Blige is a consistant Platinum artist. her records all hit a million copies sold.

as far as other artists with success and longetivity?

Shania Twain probably tops the list. she's been around 15 years, and i don't think any album of hers has failed to sell 5 million copies. she's also the perfect example of what i've been trying to say - to me, she is god awful, and her music just isn't what it pretends to be. but, a lot of people love her, so she sticks around, AND sells a ton of records.

U2 also. i mean, jeez - 20 years ago today Joshua Tree came out - TWENTY YEARS ago. they are this generation's Rolling Stones. And, my screen name came from that album, so there you go. :o)

off the top of my head, other contemporary artists that i think fit GO's criteria (leaving out legends like Billy Joel, Elton John, and Bruce Springsteen) include Alanis Morisette, Garth Brooks (despite his self-imposed "retirement), the Dixie Chicks, Kid Rock, OutKast, Mariah Carey, Green Day, Madonna, Eminem, and so on.

i do think that Justin Timberlake will join that list, and will have an awful lot of records that sell an awful lot of copies...

107

Great One
Sustainer
ID: 053272014
Fri, Mar 09, 2007, 12:41

Not sure I agree with Alanis or Kid Rock, certainly their careers have tailed off, no? (thats without any data of course, just a general feeling... of course Alanis had nowhere to go but down after a HUGE debut).

So I think we have come to following conclusion. Carrie Underwood can most appropriately be compared to Shania (albiet at the first stages of her career). If she continues along the same track upward, as well as having some longevity, then we can compare the two in another 10 years or so. If she disappears after this album, then that was that... a one-album wonder.

Regardless, she seems to have a lot more potential to be a success than any other Idol contestant thus far, no? And I think she's had a pretty good start.

108

Great One
Sustainer
ID: 053272014
Fri, Mar 09, 2007, 12:42

Has anyone on this board (or anyone they are close to) every tried out for this show?

109

Tree
ID: 29082512
Fri, Mar 09, 2007, 12:59

Carrie Underwood can most appropriately be compared to Shania (albiet at the first stages of her career). If she continues along the same track upward, as well as having some longevity, then we can compare the two in another 10 years or so. If she disappears after this album, then that was that... a one-album wonder.

lol, well, no, not really. i think to compare her to Shania, based on the sales on one album, is a mighty high comparison.

Regardless, she seems to have a lot more potential to be a success than any other Idol contestant thus far, no? And I think she's had a pretty good start.

she certainly had a good start. still, i think Kelly Clarkson has more potential. Once Clarkson took the reins off, and did her own thing - co-wrote the tracks, sang what she wanted to, etc etc, we really saw what she was capable of.

Underwood's second album will be the real test. if Clarkson had stuck with the AI people for her second record, i think her sales would have been halved, not doubled. she did her thing, and it paid off.

110

TB
Sherpa
ID: 031811922
Fri, Mar 09, 2007, 14:59

Good data in your posts, Tree. Hootie & the Blowfish is a good example of a band having a huge album and then going downhill from there, but Cracked View Mirror was actually their third album. Wikipedia says it went 16 times platinum and the follow-up album, Fairweather Johnson, went 3x Platinum followed by Musical Chairs which went platinum. They put out 7 original albums, a live album, a greatest hits album, and a b-sides album. Not counting any demos, that's 10 albums. They had 16 different songs hit top 40 charts from 1994 to 2006. While they never had the same success again as they did with Cracked View Mirror, they weren't really a flash in the pan band.

GnR - 90 million albums sold worldwide. That puts them on the list of most successful American rock bands ever. I personally only own five of their albums, but I think any artist is going to feel pretty good if they sell 90 million in their career. I agree that GnR didn't last long as a band (about 10 years, with them bickering the last five of them), but they do fall into the ego thing and artists who reformed with other bands. Velvet Revolver is mostly made of us GnR folk. Slash and Duff McKagan from the original band and Matt Sorum ( 7-year stint). Funny that they added another lead singer with a big ego in Scott Weiland.

Jewel also fits the profile of an artist who has taylored off, but I think most American Idols would love to have their first five albums all go platinum. I had to reread #106 to realize that we have a huge gap between what you and I consider successful from idol contestants. The artists you listed in that post are all great, and I mean forever-mentioned great. U2, Garth Brooks, the Dixie Chicks, Kid Rock, OutKast, Mariah Carey, Green Day, Madonna, and Eminem? Wow. Back to Jewel, 20 million albums sold, putting out music for over a decade and about to release a new album. I'd take it.

Ace of Base is that whole gimic thing, for me. They had two big hits in All That She Wants and The Sign. We went through that mini Dance-Pop faze in the US and they happened to be there with a couple catchy tunes. I really don't know too much about their success. It looks like they put out several abums after The Sign and had success in Europe. I am now having German disco flashbacks. Anyone who has traveled there knows what I am talking about. I was stationed there 87-89. Good times.

MC Hammer? need i say anything more about him. I don't think you should try, because from what I've heard you can't touch this. ;)
Seriously, who expected parachute pants to last?

We have so hijacked this thread and I think we need to start a new one for idol, but Tree I love hearing you talk about music. You should jump in and lend some opinion on the "Definitive (lol) 200 music thread. I know you've probably started too and then felt a blood vessel burst in your head.

Forum: gentPage 186Subject: American Idol S6

Forum: gent
Page 186
Subject: American Idol S6