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Subject: Amreican Idol 2009

Posted by: weykool - [2842717] Mon, Dec 15, 2008, 18:12

Looks like AI has been reading our boards.
I suggested this during a prior season:

The network will confirm its plans in an upcoming press conference, but the likely changes include fewer audition episodes and more Hollywood-round episodes. The show will try to emphasize talented performers and decrease the focus on less talented attention-seekers.

The memo suggests that the shift away from crash-and-burn auditions will benefit from semifinalist rounds featuring the top 36 contestants instead of 24. In addition, the "wild card" round will return, which gives eliminated contestants a chance to come back into the competition for one of the top finalist spots.

Some crash and burn auditions are fine but they need to be showing 2 good auditions for every bad one.
In the past it seems like it has been 75% bad 25% good.
It will be good to share in the journey of the the eventual contestants from the beginning.

Fairplay
ID: 35040522
Wed, Jan 14, 2009, 15:09

Outside of Weykool mispelling the word "American", I suppose this is the site to use for all things Idol this year.

How can one not mention the Bikini Babe with the attitude? My gawd.....I thought this was a family show. LOL

I loved Kara's retort to her though. And yes, Kara's got pipes!!!! Bikini Babe has chance....let me make this clear....absolutely NO CHANCE of advancing past the Hollywood rounds.

Brother Blind Guy was pretty cool. Can America see (pun intended) past his unfortunate misgiving and allow him to actually make a serious run this year? Can't wait to actually hear him with the piano as well.

JeffG
Leader
ID: 01584348
Wed, Jan 14, 2009, 16:06

Only watched the first hour of AI last night, DVR'd the rest. I am not a big fan of the audition shows because the bad auditions get old after a while. I read above and in other publications where the focus was going to be on the talented contestants and keep the train wreck auditions to a minimum, but yesterday followed past seasons formula with too many bad acts. I like when the performance shows start.

Kara seems real sharp. A good addition to freshen things up. Four judges could get a little busy during the performance shows, and I hope the producers keep their banter and interchanges with each other and with Seacrest to a minimum.

Fairplay
ID: 35040522
Wed, Jan 14, 2009, 16:16

Oh, I almost forgot...why was Ryan Seacrest trying to high-five the blind guy??? LOL

jedman
ID: 552262217
Mon, Jan 19, 2009, 16:41

So far it seems exactly the same to me.

weykool
ID: 2842717
Wed, Jan 21, 2009, 16:04

I think last season they started showing more of the decent singers to the point that it was almost 50-50.
This season seems about the same this season.
Like it or not there are people out there that watch just for the bad singers...probably the Jerry Springer effect.
If I can find someone more pathetic than me then I must not be pathetic.

What I am hoping for is a significant increase in the time allocated to Hollywood week.
In the past we get snippets of performances but we have no clear understanding that the judges made all the right decisions.
Maybe we got the 24 best singers and maybe we didnt.
Hard to tell when we dont get to see half of the contestants sing.

Hydra
ID: 29050166
Wed, Jan 21, 2009, 16:30

I know there were some changes made and I believe that included a longer than usual Hollywood round.

From Wikipedia,
"In season eight, the semifinals will return to the basic form of the first three seasons. There will be thirty-six semifinalists who are then divided into three semifinal groups. The three finalists with the highest number of America's votes, one male, one female and the next top vote getter, will advance to the finals. The Wildcard round will also return with the judges choosing four previously eliminated contestants to advance to the finals."

Also, one of my pet peeves this year is that Simon has now the equivalent of two votes, not one. I believe his contract stated that in case of ties, he has the power to say yea or nay.
So this means, naturally, that all three of the other judges have to agree in order to veto any of Simon's votes.

TB
ID: 9116716
Wed, Jan 21, 2009, 18:24

I've watched all of the shows so far and there has been less of the crash and burns. I fast forward through some of terrible singers though, so maybe it just seems that way for me. =)

They've allowed some marginal talent to go to Hollywood. There have been some good singers, but I can't imagine many of the ones we've seen actually being on the show.

ChicagoTRS
ID: 4110481415
Thu, Jan 22, 2009, 17:16

I think they have allowed some of the bigger personalities go to Hollywood if they were at least ok singers (bikini girl, backflip guy, few others). Just because of the expanded coverage of Hollywood...they want some bigger personalities that will keep things interesting.

Texas Flood
ID: 100151217
Mon, Jan 26, 2009, 18:04

It's all pretty much crap right now. It's hard to tell who's good-
who's bad. I'm not sure what the fourth judge brings to the show,
not much IMHO. Once they get to Hollywood things will get a little
better.

JeffG
Leader
ID: 01584348
Wed, Feb 11, 2009, 09:05

Based on what we have seen to date, it seems like there more guys who stand out compared to the girls. I like Danny (widowed guy) and Scott (visually impared guy) is a nice story, but it is so early.

Vote For the Worst may have found this season's poster children in Tatiana, or Nick aka "Norman Gentle", or maybe even drama guy Nathaniel.

The last several seasons it was top-24 split into men and women until it was pared down by 4 a week and merging at the top 12.

This season they are going back to the top 36 concept from the first three seasons of the series. The contestants will be broken up into three groups of 12 each performing one of the next three weeks with three from each group advancing - The top male and female, and the next top vote getter. Of those who do not advance from these groups, there will then be an invitational wildcard round with three more coming out of that show, which will get us to our final 12.

ChicagoTRS
ID: 4110481415
Wed, Feb 11, 2009, 10:36

I think there are a few very talented...should be an interesting season.

Lil Rounds seems like a standout...her name alone is incredible...plus she has some pipes. At this point her humble attitude is a plus and will play well with America.

Adam Lambert the goth looking dude...seems like a star...but may be a bit too confident.

Danny Gokey and Jamar Rogers the Milwaukee pair both seemed solid.

I do agree the guys are standing out so far...which at this point is a bit unusual.

wazaaap_guy
ID: 11053617
Wed, Feb 11, 2009, 23:29

My favorites so far are Anoop Desai, Adam Lambert, Jasmine Murray, Scott McIntyre, Lil Rounds, and Danny Gokey. And also Casey Carlson, Joanna Pacitti, Kendall Beard, and Anne Marie Boskovich... but for different reasons. Anoop is my personal favorite, but I might be biased because I'm Indian. Nevertheless, the kid is sick.

I was pretty surprised Jamar Rogers didn't make it... he was definitely good enough to make top 36 IMO.

I thought it was pretty obvious that both Matt Breitzke and Michael Sarver would make it through... I just thought it would result in a final 37 instead of 36.

Lastly, any way we can make a fantasy game out of this?

weykool
Leader
ID: 41750315
Thu, Feb 12, 2009, 00:09

Lastly, any way we can make a fantasy game out of this?

TD did an American Idol contest last season and it was very fun.
Havent seen him on recently but I hope he is around to get it going again.

ChicagoTRS
ID: 4110481415
Thu, Feb 12, 2009, 10:17

One thing that came out of the final 36 is the vote for the worst crowd is going to have a lot of candidates. Nick/Norman Mitchell, Tatiana Nicole Del Toro, Alex Wagner-Trugman...uggh. I really did not understand the Jamar Rogers dismissal when they kept some of the ones they kept. How the heck does Norman make it?...Now I hope he wins it all.

Every time I see Anoop Desai I can't help but think of Kumar from Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle...not just the Indian connection...just the whole attitude and the fact he is talented.

weykool
ID: 2842717
Thu, Feb 12, 2009, 16:29

Anoop is my personal favorite, but I might be biased because I'm Indian. Nevertheless, the kid is sick.
I am not Indian but I like Anoop and he should do very well with a name like Anoop. (say it out loud a couple of times)

I only started watching AI during season 3 (Fantasia) after they had the final 12.
Can anyone who was watching from the beggining shed any light on if the final 12 is better using the old vs new format?

I have been less than impressed with the so-called "expanded coverage".
I dont feel like we got to see enough of the process and way too much of the drama during the group song episode.

Texas Flood
ID: 100151217
Fri, Feb 13, 2009, 08:27

The Sanjaya factor this season will be either the crybaby dude or
the emotional plump chick with the dark hair. Idol built the whole
pre season around these two along with bikini girl. Neither has
any talent but they add drama and the love to hate factor. Its one
of the things that really pisses me off about Idol. I can't believe
they let Danny Gokey's friend go and kept these two moron's.

I wouldn't be surprised to see both or at least one of them in the
top 10.

JeffG
Leader
ID: 01584348
Fri, Feb 13, 2009, 09:35

Can anyone who was watching from the beggining shed any light on if the final 12 is better using the old vs new format?

I'm sure the best 12 for the most part will still rise to the top. The one advantage I'm sure Fox sees to returning to picking the top-3 from three different groups of 12, then inviting back some wild cards of their choosing for a second chance, as opposed to weeding out 2 a week from 12, 10, and 8 separately for both males and females - is that it is tougher for the "Sanjaya types" to crash the final 12 because they can't just avoid finish out of the bottom of the voting, but have to crack the top of the voting. So now you have three groups of 'top 3s' plus 3 more from those who the judges/producers like that do not make this first cut and are hand picked for the wild card show.

IIRC, Season Two runner up Clay Aiken did not qualify initially in his preliminary group of 12, but then broke through as a wild card to make the final 12.

Of course the down side of this approach is some of the more unique artists who have niche followings and add a little musical diversity to the show (like Amanda Overmeyer from last season for example, or a Bucky Covington type), may not make it into the final 12 this way.

One other thing I have been noticing with this season's audition and Hollywood shows is that I think the final 36 has all got more airtime than prior final 24 have previously been getting. I remember a few recent years some contestants mentioning upon getting knocked out that it was tough competing for votes in the first week with others who "were already introduced to America". Perhaps that is why the auditions and Hollywood shows featured more time on those who ultimately advanced.

[ I spend way too much time thinking about this show ]

TB
ID: 9116716
Sat, Feb 14, 2009, 03:02

wazaaap_guy
ID: 11053617
Tue, Feb 17, 2009, 23:23

Predictions?
Seems like Danny and Alexis are shoo-ins.
I think the third one has to come from Anoop, Ricky, and Michael. I think Anoop and Michael have the edge on Ricky because they were showcased in the auditions and Hollywood week while Ricky was not. But Ricky was great tonight, and arguably the 2nd best male singer. If forced to choose, I'm sticking with my boy Anoop to make it through.

Tough grouping for the guys tonight. We all knew Danny and Anoop were great coming in, and Michael and Stephen were pretty good as well. I thought Brent did a decent job also, and the other contestants probably were aware of how good Ricky was already. Talk about stiff competition.

Too late now to start a fantasy contest? Maybe something involving predicting who makes it through to begin with?

weykool
Leader
ID: 41750315
Wed, Feb 18, 2009, 08:47

I was very disappointed with Anoop and Alexis.
I thought Danny gokey and Ricky Brady were the best.

Very suprised by the performance of Tatiana.
Based on her singing last night it would not be out of line if she was top 3.
Her problems are that she wants it too bad and the incessant crying and begging is a complete turnoff.
Doesnt matter how well she sings she has no chance of winning.
She might make it in with the help of VFTW but not last long with zero likability.

ChicagoTRS
ID: 3218189
Wed, Feb 18, 2009, 10:23

WG...I agree with your analysis mostly...I thought Ricky was definitely #2 on the night but he is going to have a tough time making it through...he has a lot going against him...leading off the night and the fact this is the first we have seen of him. His best shot may be to move forward as a wildcard.

The one thing about this new format is I really think it helps the VFTW crowd as they only need to get their horse in the top 3...with the girls being generally weak it gives them a really good shot if they focus on Tatiana. Tatiana was ok tonight but top 3 with that performance? It was respectable but far from spectacular. Pretty much everything about her is still very annoying and she is obviously a loon and this type exposure will only feed her craziness. All of the other girls minus Alexis were dreadful.

wazaaap_guy
ID: 11053617
Wed, Feb 18, 2009, 22:42

Danny and Alexis in as expected. Is there any way Danny doesn't make top 3 or so? He reminds me of Jamie Gold for some reason... probably the glasses and the facial expressions. He would have really been like Jamie if he called out who was going to make it through tonight. Too bad Anoop didn't make it... I think hes straight up better than Michael. Oh well, here's to hoping he makes it via the wild card sing-off... no question the judges will select him to compete in it.

My predictions for next week:
Best Male: Adam Lambert
Best Female: Jasmine Murray
Next most: Nick Mitchell or Kai Kalama

And my predictions for round three off the top of my head:
Best Male: Scott McIntyre
Best Female: Lil Rounds
Next Most: Jorge Nunez

TB
ID: 9116716
Thu, Feb 26, 2009, 03:13

I don't think I like the format this season. While it does remove most of the singers who weren't going to win, one subpar performance or even just one okay performance while others have a great performance ends your trip very quickly. For contestants like Matt Giraud tonight, who had a terrible performance but has a great voice, or Anoop Desai and Stevie Wright from week one I'd like to see more than just one week of performance from them. Would any of them win? I dunno, but they certainly could have made a top 20 from 24 and been able to give more than one television performance to win voters. For Ricky Braddy, we never got to see him during Hollywood. He did a great job last week and I have to believe if he got as much exposure as Michael Sarver did he might still be on the show.

In so far:
Michael Sarver
Danny Gokey
Alexis Grace

Who I predict to be in after this week:
Adam Lambert
Megan Corkrey
Mishavonna Henson
On the bubble - Allison Iraheta
If you go by the judges, then probably replace Allison and Mishavonna but Allison was strange and had to have turned off quite a few voters.

I don't know how the wildcard thing is going to go. If the judges just pick them then I expect to see Matt Giraud make it back to the show unless it turns out being mostly a bunch of white folks who make it this week and next. Then we probably see a bit of ethnic diversity re-added.

My wild cards so far:
Allison Iraheta/Mishavonna Henson - whoever doesn't get in from this week
Anoop Desai
Matt Giraud (based on hollywood)

We could still have a contest if anyone wants to join in. Here is how it will work for tomorrow's finals and forward:
Pick the three you think are staying in and pick the ones you think are leaving.
40 points for the ones staying if you are right and -20 if you are wrong.
20 points for the ones going home if you are right and -20 if you are wrong.
0 points for anyone not picked as safe or going home.
After someone tells me how wildcard works we can score it. If they actually have a competition we can keep the scoring the same as above, but if it is just announced by the judges then we can score if differently and have an early cutoff for people to post to avoid any media leaks.

Once we get to the top 12 we can use rules like last season, with a few scoring changes:
After each episode you make the following picks:
1) Who was the best singer.
2) Who is going home for the week.
3) Who is safe.

Scoring:
1) If your best singer for the week stays you win 20 points and if they go home you lose 40 points.
2) For each correct safe vote you get 10 points and for each incorrect safe vote you lose 10 points.
3) If the person you pick to go home for the week goes home you get 40 points. If they are safe you lose 10 points.
Bonus points - for each different contestant you pick as your best singer of the week who doesn't get voted off, you get an additional 10 points.

Let me know about the scoring and anything we should add or change.

For this week my contest picks are:
Staying: Adam Lambert, Megan Corkrey, and Allison Iraheta
Going home: Everyone else except Mishavonna Henson

TB
ID: 9116716
Thu, Feb 26, 2009, 03:17

If we get enough people who want to participate in a fun contest I'll start a contest thread, but for this week let's go ahead and post in this thread to keep it simple and gauge interest.

ChicagoTRS
ID: 3218189
Thu, Feb 26, 2009, 10:28

Missed the second hour performances this week...sort of a bad idea to think they can compete with Lost. The first hour was just awful.

It would seem that most of the talented singers that performed poorly will get a second chance in the wildcard show so at least they will get two moments in the spotlight and a second chance to sing.

weykool
ID: 2842717
Thu, Feb 26, 2009, 11:19

Severly disappointed last night.
If you had to pick a top 6 from the first 24 I would have 5 and maybe 6 from the first week.

My guess is Adam Lambert will make it but a little less screaming would be nice.
Allison should be in but by far not the best Heart performance by an AI contestant.
I didnt realize that you could buy a hair color called maroon.
The Megan wiggle is very annoying.
The problem with singing Bette Davis Eyes is that most of who are old enough to remember hearing it on the radio all know that half the song doesnt have actual words.
You have two choices....sing it just like Carnes or sing words that none of us have ever heard.
I thought Mishovanna deserves a top 3 based on last nights performance.

TB:
I believe the judges select the singers who will perform for the final 3 slots and it is up to our votes on who gets in.
As for the contest perhaps we should wait until the top 12 to start it?
We already missed week 1 and we are not sure of how many will be in the wild card round.

In the event we get enough interest before the results tonight:
Staying: Adam Lambert, Mishavonna Henson, and Allison Iraheta
Going home: Everyone else except Megan Corkrey

ChicagoTRS
ID: 3218189
Thu, Feb 26, 2009, 11:27

I do have to admit I found Normund Gentle was pretty hilarious last night. With how awful everyone else was I would not be surprised if he sneaks through...if the VFTW has any effect.

If anything he has made a name for himself and is memorable...his character is sort of a SNL version of an AI contestant. He is probably suited for an SNL sort of career path.

Texas Flood
ID: 341411417
Thu, Feb 26, 2009, 11:40

Just a horrible show last night. Anyone else find that band lacking
compared to previous shows?

I was really put off by Adam Lambert and Satisfaction. Way too
cabaret for my taste. How can anyone choose a Mick Jager song
or Michael Jackson for that matter. Hell why not cover Ozzy!

TB
ID: 9116716
Thu, Feb 26, 2009, 22:43

I liked Lambert's performance and the way he sang it. I will be surprised if he isn't top 3-4 and would be less surprised if he won it all. First big surprise for the season, for me, was Kris Allen making it in. I really didn't think he was better than average and listening again tonight didn't change my mind.

Okay, looks like no competition until at least the top 12. I do hope we get to see Mishavonna and Megan again.

donavan
ID: 1518179
Sun, Mar 01, 2009, 00:24

Loved Lambert's rendition and I believe he is probably a lock for at least the final four. Can't see how anybody will not vote for Gokey as well.

I haven't liked much of the arrangements of the songs either. Nor have I liked hardly anything about Ms. Abdul. It is far past her time to go home.

weykool
Leader
ID: 41750315
Sun, Mar 01, 2009, 14:58

Nor have I liked hardly anything about Ms. Abdul. It is far past her time to go home.

How can you say that?
I thought her insightful "blub, blub, blub" was very accurate and helpful.

donavan
ID: 1518179
Sun, Mar 01, 2009, 17:25

LOL.....My point exactly!

Bronson
ID: 37258322
Wed, Mar 04, 2009, 00:05

Enjoyed Idol tonight. Lil Rounds was simply amazing. She'll definitely go on to the Top 12.
I liked a number of the males but I think that most people have compassion for the blind dude and will advance him. Besides, he has serious skills and I can't wait to see his talent while using his piano as well.

The other finalist is really up to grabs. A case could be made for Kristen or Ju'not or Jorge but I'll give it up for Kristen at this time. I love her voice and being eye candy doesn't hurt either. Having said that I believe the judges will certainly pick Jorge as one of their three wild cards.

ChicagoTRS
ID: 3218189
Wed, Mar 04, 2009, 09:07

Well after seeing the 36 I have Lil Rounds, Gokey, and Lambert as my odds on favorites...and I will make Rounds the favorite to win...she seems to have everything going for her: good story, humble, spectacular singer, consistent.

I am not really amazed by the blind guy...granted it is a nice story and he seems like a good enough guy but I really do not see a spectacular singer. He will probably advance though.

I liked Ju'not tonight...I thought it was a good performance...he has a shot to sneak into the 3rd slot.

JeffG
Leader
ID: 01584348
Wed, Mar 04, 2009, 09:53

Based on what we've seen this season until right now the winner will likely be Lil and Danny. In addition to talent, both have marketability. However, sometimes peaking too early can hurt. I'm sure I did not have Cook on the radar and thought Brooke or Archie would have been the winner this time last season.

I'd say on the male side, the one out of Ju'Not, Jorge, or Scott that do not get in tonight, one will be a likely WC along with Anoop, with possible consideration given to Braddy. (Sorry Norman and Nate). On the female side, Lil of course sails through tonight. Tatyana (ugh) is likely the WC and possibly Kristin or Felicia from last night or get consideration.

weykool
Leader
ID: 41750315
Thu, Mar 05, 2009, 09:30

Just when you thought AI was going to be a Tatiana free zone.........

Johnny Sue
ID: 31219410
Tue, Mar 10, 2009, 23:48

Might as well say it now....

THE WINNER OF AMERICAN IDOL SEASON 8 ISSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS.....

[marquee] ADAM LAMBERT!!![/marquee]

ChicagoTRS
ID: 3218189
Wed, Mar 11, 2009, 09:36

I thought is was a pretty solid opening round of the real competition...only one dreadful performance...Anoop. I also hated the blond tattoo girls performance but it was more the song than her singing.

I think it is a 3 horse race...Lambert...Gokey...Rounds...all three of them seem better than some of the past winners...all seem commercial.

Lambert could front a rock band immediately...he has incredible pipes.

Guru
ID: 330592710
Wed, Mar 11, 2009, 12:13

I don't get Megan. I thought she was weak in the preliminaries, and thought she was clearly the worst last night. Her voice is no good, and her stage presence is clumsy. I also thought Anoop was weak last night, but dialidol.com measured him to be above the median in popularity. Based on their results, Jorge is in the most trouble, but the bottom 8 are all statistically comparable.

I wonder what the change in voting-off process will be (that they alluded to at the end of the show)? My guess is that they'll allow the judges to give immunity to one of the lowest vote-getters if they think it's someone who should stay on.

ChicagoTRS
ID: 3218189
Wed, Mar 11, 2009, 12:38

I agree the change has something to do with giving the judges more power. Saving one of the bottom tier people seems reasonable...but I would hope that they would only have that option until we are down to 5 or 6 contestants...would be too powerful if we are down to 4 and the judges can give one person immunity...would basically nullify america's vote.

I forgot about Jorge...he is another that is not long for the competition and was sub par last night. I missed Megan in the preliminaries...her performance last night was just weird...it was hard to judge. I do know one thing...she is nice to look at and that may help her.

IMO there is such a clear separation from the top 3 vs everyone else that I do not really think anything matters until we get to that point. The judges having some kind of influence probably guarantees we get those 3 into the finals.

The one guy I worry about is Scott...there is no doubt he is a great story...genuine good guy but at some point he is not as talented a singer. Just making the final 13 has probably given him enough recognition to make a solid career for himself. I could see America keeping him alive in the competition for awhile.

Texas Flood
ID: 17210916
Wed, Mar 11, 2009, 17:44

and thats the problem with Lambert. He's a front man with no
band. Having a great voice is no requirement for fronting a rock
band.

anyway Lambert was the best last night but there are twelve weeks
to go.

JeffG
ID: 47112621
Wed, Mar 11, 2009, 19:04

Since Simon made mention that the public will not like the change, I am guessing that the phone voting still determines the bottom 3, but the judges select the contestant going home. We'll find out for sure later tonight.

I agree that the top 3 are pretty much locks and the battle up until the final weeks seems to be who will end up fourth. Scott likely does have a following, as does Alexis and the oil rig guy. Anoop seemed to have alot of buzz too, but now he needs to survive tonight and then redeem himself to regain his base.

My guess for tonights departees is Cris and Allison

TB
ID: 2121280
Wed, Mar 11, 2009, 20:06

I love Megan's voice. I don't think there are many songs she can sing in this competition that will allow her to showcase her ability, especially on Michael Jackson week, but she has a unique sound I dig.

Last night was pretty good overall. The only two singers I didn't care for were Scott and Jorge, but I'm sure both are safe. I like Lambert and he could front a 90's hair band if we still had any around kicking out new songs and missing a front man. I don't see him winning unless he can show a side that really tones it down a bit, but I will root for him.

If we were having a contest I would say:
Best:
Alexis Grace (not my best but for the contest I would pick her)

Going home:
Megan Joy
Michael Sarver

Safe:
Danny Gokey
Adam Lambert
Allison Iraheta
Jasmine Murray
Kris Allen
Lil Rounds
Matt Giraud
Anoop Desai
Scott MacIntyre

Not Safe:
Jorge Nuñez

Electroman
ID: 47928246
Wed, Mar 11, 2009, 21:55

Kelly Clarkson needs to whiten her teeth. They are terribly yellow for someone who can afford it.

weykool
Leader
ID: 41750315
Wed, Mar 11, 2009, 22:00

Safe: Adam Lambert
Going home: Anoop and Chris Allen.

Not safe: Jorge and Scott
Safe: All the rest.

JeffG
Leader
ID: 01584348
Thu, Mar 12, 2009, 15:12

The new rule is not horrible: The judges can save one outsted contestant, but it has to be unamimous and it can't be used after they are down to five, and the week following to catch up, two will get eliminated. The show in justifying this brought up as examples some past shocker outsters of Daughtry, Hudson, and Micheal Johns.

I expect that judges will NOT use this option in the early weeks of the performance portion of the competition, and this year's big three should sail until the final 5 easily.

Maybe everyone in the US should agree not vote for Lambert one week just to flush it out like the hidden immunity idol on Survivor ;)

Johnny Sue
ID: 31219410
Fri, Mar 13, 2009, 01:06

47...LOL Love that Survivor reference!

I'm neither for nor against this rule at this time. Having the contestant sing while the judges rule on whether to save them or not, is akin to cruel and unusual punishment though , isn't it?

Certainly, the producers already know who the bottom two/three are. Unless they are afraid of one of the judges (hint..her initials are PAULA ABDUL) disclosing too early about whom America dislikes the most, then the judges can already dicuss and form an opinion BEFORE the show actually is shown live.

Now, having said that, I don't get the purpose of why it's only good 'til 5 are left. The judges have opinions like everybody else (although I must admit they can be skewed from time to time) but they should be weighed on more heavily than Mr. and Miss Couch Potato who have NO VESTED INTEREST in the Idol contestants; however, I do have to wonder---what are the producers and PTB's afraid of??? Vote for the worst.com will actually cause millions of us to all have collective brain locks?? LOL

Texas Flood
ID: 17210916
Fri, Mar 13, 2009, 08:50

Seems to me a rule should have been made that the judges could
eliminate anyone at their own discretion. Megan should have been
eliminated after her "Caw Caw" performance, but the vote for the
worst crowd is pushing her agenda and therefore she live on.

ChicagoTRS
ID: 3218189
Fri, Mar 13, 2009, 10:17

I doubt we see the judges power come into play unless there is a really unexpected elimination. The fact that it is only good until there are 5 left...limits its power as I think after this is when mistakes are typically made. Though there have been some surprise vote outs ~5-6...Jennifer Hudson...

It seems likely that even if the judges save someone they would be first on the chopping block the following week...so I do not think it will matter.

weykool
ID: 2842717
Fri, Mar 13, 2009, 11:02

Maybe everyone in the US should agree not vote for Lambert one week just to flush it out like the hidden immunity idol on Survivor ;)

I think we should not vote for Lil Rounds one week to flush out the immunity idol and then not vote for Adam the next.

I believe jennifer Hudson finished 10th while Daughtry finished 3rd.
So it may or may not have any usefulness.
Not sure they would have used it to save Hudson at that time.

Johnny Sue
ID: 31219410
Fri, Mar 13, 2009, 12:15

In the year Fantasia won, Jennifer Hudson actually finished 7th behind the immortal likes of Jasmine Trias (remember her?)and red-headed John Stevens. Ugh! Remember the week that Jennifer Hudson was in the bottom three with Fantasia and LaToya London??? It think that's what A.I. is trying to avoid now.

Chris Daughtry finished 4th in season 5 when the unthinkable happened----Taylor Hicks actually won. Another ugh!

TB
ID: 2121280
Tue, Mar 17, 2009, 22:47

Country week isn't my favorite week, but overall I thought it was a great week. Very good performances from just about everyone.

Great:
Adam Lambert - One of my favorite idol performances ever. I'm sure a lot of people hated it, but I rewound and watched it again. This guy has mad skills.

Kris Allen - First time I've listened to him sing and thought he could sell records. Nice vocals.

Anoop Desai - I love the song and he sang it well. I'm not a big fan, but he did a bang up job tonight.

Good:
Alexis Grace - Solid vocals and unlike the judges I don't need dirty ever week.

Lil Rounds - She got roughed up a little by the judges but I enjoyed solid vocals without taking the song over the top.

Danny Gokey and Matt Giraud - Both had good performances. I can't gush about either like the judges do, but I like listening to both sing.

Allison Iraheta - I didn't care for the song, but she sang it well and seemed less strange than previous nights. I like the rocker vibe to her tone.

Okay:
Michael Sarver - I do like Garth and he did a good job with the song, but when grading on a curve it drops him down to the bottom three. He wasn't doing himself any favors talking back after his performance.

Megan Joy - I do dig her voice and have the hots for her, but she is also for sure bottom three and won't be around much longer.

Not Okay:
Scott MacIntyre - Only singer tonight I thought about fast forwarding through his performance. I won't label him as bad, but he was very average with bland vocals. I'm picking him to go home.

Ref
Donor
ID: 539581218
Wed, Mar 18, 2009, 00:46

I thought Lambert' song was horrible. He's a good signer and I think he will go far, but I agreed with Simon on this one.

Gokey is my favorite and has been since I saw him but I hated the first half of it. Finally agree with Kara on something.

Kris probably was the ebst of the night.

Anoop...about time. I liked him in the beginning and hadn't liked him lately...until today.

Alexis: didn't like her at all. I think she's in trouble. Didn't like Dirty Diana last week either.

Lil (short for Lilly right? wtf is Simon on?): I thought she was fine. Pretty tough to go out of your comfort zone to a totally foreign area--but she did ok.

Allison: I liked her. Don't love the song, but she did it pretty well.

Sarver: Thought he did a nice job too. It's only a matter of time before he leaves--but he shouldn't leave this week. He's actually improving as time goes on IMM.

Megan: Well I like her distictive tone a la Katy Perryish--but can't stand her quirky movements when she sings. She also has little range. She won't be around much longer. Wasn't a big fan of the song tonight. It wasn't horrible though.

Scott: I haven't liked the past two weeks. I know he's getting the sympathy vote and he has a nice voice--hell I find myself rooting for him--but he needs to turn it up a notch quickly. I think he will be ok though for now.

Matt is getting better and better too. I wasn't a huge fan of the song, but he did a great job.

If it were up to me, I think Megan, Alexis and Scott would be bottom three with Alexis going home. But Scott won't be there with America's vote. Country fans sure aren't voting for Lambert and neither will many solely voting on weekly performance. But he has enough support. Maybe Sarver?

TB
ID: 2121280
Wed, Mar 18, 2009, 19:28

Dial idol showing Megan Joy Corkrey, Allison Iraheta, and Alexis Grace as the bottom three with Alexis the likely one to get voted off. Surprising for me, but not Ref. Not much idol chatter in here this year to get a better consensus of what others think and the idol boards are gone.

weykool
Leader
ID: 41750315
Wed, Mar 18, 2009, 21:26

"Going down, down, down in flames of fire".
Reminded me of the movie Music and Lyrics when the pop star took the pop song and put it to oriental music.
Pretty bad.
Its still early and he should have enough mindless fans who will vote for him because of last weeks hype.

TB
ID: 2121280
Sat, Mar 21, 2009, 00:24

That is harsh. I don't consider myself mindless and yet he is the only one I see star potential from in this group. All are good singers, but there are millions of good singers in the world who don't do it for a living. Everyone at my office hates him and every forum I've searched has only two types of people; those who love him and those who hate him. No middle ground.

I won't turn it around and suggest those who hate him are mindless, but I will say we all have our preferences and enjoy different styles of music. I seriously doubt he wins because Gokey appears to be the top vote getter weekly, much like Taylor Hicks. Still, it will be interesting to see who cranks out album sales when it's all said and done.

S
ID: 372461715
Sat, Mar 21, 2009, 11:05

I with ya TB.....Adam is the only superstar-type material in this field. Many have good to great voices but it takes a whole lot more than that in order to stand out and make a solid name/career for oneself. I hope he wins it all.

Texas Flood
ID: 17210916
Sun, Mar 22, 2009, 08:59

Problem with Adam he's a faux rocker without a band. He's got a
pretty good voice but he's no Axel Rose.

sarge33rd
ID: 262512216
Sun, Mar 22, 2009, 19:03

I'm not so sure Adam is a "faux" rocker. And his rendition of "Ring of Fire", was IMHO OUTSTANDING! Paula had it spot on, when she called it Led Zeppelinesque.

He records that one, and I'll buy it straight away.

Ref
Donor
ID: 539581218
Mon, Mar 23, 2009, 02:25

Well it has been recorded. Go to Itunes and plop down your $.99. ;)

Amazing that my opinion was actually close to America's this early. Was gonna be pissed if the judges used their one save of the season on Alexis. Still Allison is better than Megan--who may have gotten some sympathy votes wither he bout with the flu.

Just because I didn't like Lambert's song last week, doesn't mean I don't like him.

weykool
ID: 2842717
Mon, Mar 23, 2009, 11:00

TB:
My apologies if you took offense to my comment.
I wasnt really referring to anyone here as most people who post here are for the most part very fair.
On a couple of other sites I visited they were ready to give Lambert the title after week 1.
While clearly he was the worst for week 2 he still has to be one of the favorites.
We all have our different tastes in music but Sarge......using Paula to bolster you opinion?
Whenever I find myself agreeing with Paula I have to rewind the tape and make sure my opinion is valid.

ChicagoTRS
ID: 3218189
Mon, Mar 23, 2009, 11:14

RJ also liked Lambert last week. I tend to agree with his opinion of the performance...it was current...felt very today compared the normal AI performance.

Guru
ID: 330592710
Mon, Mar 23, 2009, 11:37

I actually thought Lambert was "clearly the best" in week 2.

He is the type of performer who may be in need of the judges' save at some point, however.

Texas Flood
ID: 17210916
Tue, Mar 24, 2009, 09:27

Adam Lambert and Robert Plant/Led Zepplin should never be used
in the same sentence. Clearly Paula is on crack!

That said, Lambert is the odds on favorite to win the competition.

sarge33rd
ID: 59236266
Thu, Mar 26, 2009, 08:37

understand your sentiment WK re Paula. However, she had it right i=on that one.

Guru, I agree entirely with your thoughts re Lambert and the potential to need to be "save. I was concerned with what he might do with Motown last night. Not once he got started though. He was, once again, head and shoulders above the rest of the field.

My prediction final 2: Adam, Allison (though it would not surprise me to see Lil get voted that far. Most over rated contestant IMHO, since the show began.)

ChicagoTRS
ID: 591302518
Thu, Mar 26, 2009, 09:05

I thought last night was really good...IMO opinion this season is just strong. I think there are multiple contestants that have a possible future in the industry.

Last night Lambert was outstanding...I think even his detractors had to appreciate that performance. That song/rendition could hit the charts immediately if released.

Just below him was Allison...she brought it last night. I thought she was really good. Hopefully that wakes america up a bit...she should not be flirting with the bottom...she is an awesome singer.

Third I would put Matt Giraud. I have not liked him much up until this point but I think he was really good last night and it was a good song choice for him.

Next group is Gokey, Rounds, Kris Allen...they were all solid. Gokey and Rounds were definitely early favorites but I think they are now being overshadowed and almost seem average...they need to bring more to the party if they want to regain their places among the top of the standings.

Next group...Sawyer and Anoop...they were average...they should be safe this week but they are not long for the competition.

Bottom...Megan and Scott...I thought both were awful.

ChicagoTRS
ID: 591302518
Thu, Mar 26, 2009, 09:07

Sawyer = Sarver (Lost on the mind...I hate when Idol goes up against Lost)...maybe you can put him in the bottom also...I did not really pay attention to his performance...tuned to Lost.

Texas Flood
ID: 17210916
Thu, Mar 26, 2009, 09:31

Sarver didn't do himself any favors last night. Megan will get the
Vote for the Wrost votes, and it would appear that Sarver is the
odd man out.

Lambert was very good last night and even got a standing ovation
from Smokey. It was a nice transformation from the fake rock gear
to retro shark skin suit. He really reminds me of a young Elvis.

sarge33rd
ID: 59236266
Thu, Mar 26, 2009, 09:35

Sarver, Meagan and Scott...are your next 3 to go home. In what order? *shrug*

Ref
Donor
ID: 539581218
Thu, Mar 26, 2009, 12:16

I am not sure Adam has a LOT of detractors. Just because many didn't like his take on "Ring of Fire" didn't mean he didn't sing it well. He and Danny have been my favorites since the show started.

Last night was a great show for the most part. My opinion of this week only goes like this:

Top tier: Adam, Anoop, Allison, Kris
2nd Tier: Matt, Danny
3rd tier: Lil
4th tier: Michael
Bottom: Megan, Scott

If it was up to me, Megan would go home this week. Scott will prob still get the sympathy vote for another couple weeks. My guess is that Michael goes home this week.

Biggest surprise for me was Anoop. Matt did a very nice job too, but I just felt he could have went lower register even more. Danny wasn't as good as normal and wtf would you not do what Smokey told you to do? I think he was so worried about taking a breath that he didn't do it. Allison brought it too, but I expected that more from her than Anoop. Lil blew it. She wasn't bad but like someone said--this was HER week and she didn't come close.

I doubt if Anoop brings it like this every week. There is only one female left that has a chance and she will probably come in 5th.

If I had to give a power rating thus far in the competition, I'd prob go:
1. Adam
2. Danny
3. Matt
4. Kris
5. Allison
6. Anoop
7. Lil
8. Michael
9. Scott
10. Megan

Ref
Donor
ID: 539581218
Fri, Mar 27, 2009, 00:00

Crazy that Matt was in the final two. But Scott was in the final three. Megan wasn't even in the bottom three. With 35M votes how does vote for the worst claim victory? They can't be that influential...can they? And why was there even a question of saving Michael?

TB
ID: 2121280
Fri, Mar 27, 2009, 01:06

The question on saving him was pure drama. No way was it going to happen for any of the bottom three. They will be saving that in case Adam gets an early boot. I have to think he's the show's favorite.

Megan appears to have a lot of fans when I check other message boards. I still don't think it will be enough and we see her go home the next couple of weeks. Scott was horrible and should be gone soon as well.

Ref
Donor
ID: 539581218
Sat, Mar 28, 2009, 10:34

I went on youtube and listened to Smokey then listened to Adam. Just incredible.

Donavan
ID: 422523014
Wed, Apr 01, 2009, 22:13

In the words of the Big Dawg, Adam is dope! LOL

Seriously, what's up with all the lip-synching of late? The Idols group songs used to involve live singing until this year, IIRC.

And is it true that Ruben and other performers are "pre-recorded"? If so, why?

TB
ID: 2121280
Thu, Apr 02, 2009, 01:43

Wow, funny you say that because I thought it looked a little fake a couple weeks ago and then again last week or the week before but then figured I must be crazy because this is idol. I have to admit that the group songs have sounded better this year than in any year past so it makes sense. How crazy would it be if they had a sound issue and then everyone was just up there looking embarrassed?

This week happens every season and I die just a little bit inside when it happens. I hate to see the hot one go home even though they always go a bit farther in the competition than they should have.

;)

weykool
ID: 2842717
Thu, Apr 02, 2009, 10:49

I had mixed feelings on Megan going home.
There were times when she was singing that you had this feeling that her voice was different enough that she could find a niche and have a decent music career.
Then there were times (in the same song) that it was borderline annoying.
Maybe it was the dancing.
For some reason last night was reminded of Elaine from Seinfeld.

One thing is for certain...there has never been an Idol winner who dissed the, judges particularly Simon, and didnt try to take something positive from the criticism and improve their performances.
Humility goes a long way an garnering votes from America and too much attitude can be a big turnoff.

sarge33rd
ID: 32322118
Thu, Apr 02, 2009, 12:28

At this point, Megan was outclassed by the other contestants. I think she knew it, and fully realized her run was over. Time to just say fvck it and have some fun before the flight home.

I look for either Scott or Anoop, to the next one out, with the other following a week later.

Ref
Donor
ID: 539581218
Thu, Apr 02, 2009, 13:14

[75 and 76] After being called out AI admitted that the group sings were all pre-recorded and that they sing along to thier pre-recordings during the group sings only due to some kind of mumbo-jumbo crap.

Also several bands have come in and had their performances rcorded. Pretty obvious. SOme don't even have judges there. Some have been before the show or after the Tues night show. I heard Jennifer Hudson recorded a performance a couple weeks ago. Wondering when they are going to air it. Figured it would be during Motown week.

CHEEEEEEEEEEEESSYYYYYYYY!!! (esp the lim synching. BS is what it is). This is supposed to be a LIVE SINGING SHOW. Don't give me the lip synching or recorded crap where they can have another take if they screw up.

Megan was horrid. She thought her VFTW and other radio and media people trying to get the worst singer through would carry her. It did for awhile.

Only Allison would have possibly been saved--though I don't see it. As much as I like Allison, she's not a finalist.

My opinion on performances this week only:

Top Tier: Kris, Danny, Adam
2nd Tier: Scott, Allison, Matt
3rd Tier: Megan, Anoop, Lil

Matt wasn't the greatest--but I stilld idn't think he was as bad as the judges said--though I agree with a lot of their comments. Lil has seemed to have lost it. I liked Matt better. Scott was his best ever--though still wasn't in the same league with the top three.

Danny and Kris were great. But Adam was the show-stopper. He might not even be as technically good as the other two, I don't know. But he puts on a show every week and like Kara, I cna't wait to see what he's going to to each week.

Here are my updated Overall Power Rankings:

1. Adam
2. Danny
3. Kris
4. Matt
5. Allison
6. Anoop
7. Lil
8. Scott

sarge33rd
ID: 32322118
Thu, Apr 02, 2009, 13:21

I've got Allison in the nr 3 spot. Move Kris and Matt down one to insert her at 3, and we agree.

ChicagoTRS
ID: 3218189
Thu, Apr 02, 2009, 14:15

My power rankings:

1. Adam

3. Danny
4. Allison
5. Kris
6. Lil
7. Matt
8. Anoop
9. Scott

I give Adam the 1st and 2nd spot since at this point I see no one even in the same ballpark.

Texas Flood
ID: 17210916
Sat, Apr 04, 2009, 10:03

Why hasn't Adam been discovered prior to this season? He
seems to be a polished professional, and its obvious he's had
some extensive past experience.

What kind of artist will he be? Balladeer, Screaming Rocker,
Funkmaster, or something else. He seems pretty versatile to
me.

Danny, Kris Matt are just David Cook re-incarnated. Anoop,
Scott Allison have no chance. Lil just may be able to slip in at
some point. She has the voice, but seems a little confused at the
moment. I think the judges have been a little harsh on her.

sarge33rd
ID: 30356715
Tue, Apr 07, 2009, 21:13

bumping Allison into the 2 spot behind Adam. Danny was a bit weak again tonight and Allison nailed it I thought. But Lambert, was absolutely phenomenal.

3 way race in my minds eye. Well, a 2 way race for the nr 2 spot and a run away win for Adam.

Lil best come out of her shell, or the 'soul' vote won't get her much further.

Anoop, is little more than an also ran in my view. Not gonna win it by any stretch, but not horrid either.

Kris may have sung his last hurrah tonight. I agreed entirely with Simon's critique. His only hope, is that Scott is the one to go home, cause if it aint Scott, it'll be Kris.

Donavan
ID: 422523014
Tue, Apr 07, 2009, 22:44

No doubt Adam is head and shoulders above the rest. It's not even close, IMHO. I think the only thing that may stop Adam from his coronation is the anti-gay crowd or if his smugness reappears.

I still think Danny has a lot of supporters out there and he should finish second.

1. Adam
2. Danny
3. Allison
4. Anoop
5. Matt
6. Kris
7. Lil
8. Scott

I liked how the song Scott sang---The Search Is Over---had a double entendre. The search for the Idol winner is over (Adam, in a landslide) and the personal search for worst of the week (Scott).

TB
ID: 2121280
Wed, Apr 08, 2009, 02:58

Scott was the total package tonight; horrible song, horrible arrangement, horrid singing, awkward stage presence with wacky guitar play, and he backed talked the judges a bit. It is his week to go.

Adam and Allison were both hot.

Anoop sounded good. I like him better when he isn't playing the nerd gone frat boy gone Bobby Brown impersonator.

Danny, Kris, and Matt all had bad spots in their songs where they were flat, a bit pitchy if you will.

Lil goes home next week if she doesn't wow us. She's not quite showing the range I thought she had and is just oversinging the big notes.

Adam, Allison, and Kris are the three that really get this competition with their song choices and arrangements.

ChicagoTRS
ID: 3218189
Wed, Apr 08, 2009, 10:34

I liked both Adam and Allison last night...and in the end I think they may be the only two that have the chops and uniqueness to really make it in the business. They were far and away the best.

I am not sure how far Allison will actually get as the judges are right that she has 0 personality...she is 100% awkward every time she opens her mouth...but I actually kind of like that about her...she seems more real. She is 16 she should be somewhat awkward.

Power rankings:
1) Adam
2) Allison
3) Danny
4) Kris/Anoop/Lil/Matt (all bleh/average)
8) Scott (awful)

Skidazl
ID: 280401016
Wed, Apr 08, 2009, 12:22

Anybody else notice how Adam always sings in the second half of the show? Seems the show wants to make sure he isn't forgotten by going first...

Ref
Donor
ID: 539581218
Wed, Apr 08, 2009, 13:00

[87] I noticed that too. It's supposed to be random draw...

My opinion on last night's songs by tier

Tier 1: Adam, Danny, Matt, Allison
Tier2: Anoop, Kris
Tier 3: Lil, Scott

I didn't enjoy Danny's song, but he nailed it. Let's face it. It's the Adam show and everyone else is just a contestant to make it to the finals.

I think the Bottom 3 is Anoop, Lil and Scott and Scott needs to go home.

My updated Power Rankings

TW LW Name
1. 1. Adam
2. 2. Danny
3. 5. Allison
4. 3. Kris
5. 4. Matt
6. 6. Anoop
7. 7. Lil
8. 8. Scott

I still like the top 5 a lot to battle for 2nd place. The sooner the other three go home, the better.

ChicagoTRS
ID: 3218189
Wed, Apr 08, 2009, 16:30

Anyone else getting tired of all of the grab-assing the judges are doing this season? I appreciate a little joking around/banter but at some points this season it has been very distracting and has put a few of the contestants in uncomfortable spots.

Maybe it is the addition of Kara? Why did we need a 4th judge...it seems to me they were setting her up as an eventual replacement for Abdul but personally I think Paula has been a bit better this year and Kara adds little to nothing to the judging process.

Skidazl
ID: 280401016
Wed, Apr 08, 2009, 18:54

I totally agree TRS, I'm definitely not a Paula Abdul fan, but i am even less of a Kara Dioguardi fan...

Ref
Donor
ID: 539581218
Wed, Apr 08, 2009, 20:29

Kara thnks she knows it all and vies for attention. Paula is....well Paula.

TB
ID: 2121280
Wed, Apr 08, 2009, 23:53

I've always liked Paula, but admit she's annoyed me when she's appeared to be stoned and made nonsensical comments. This season the majority of her comments have been spot on with actual value. Simon's tried to put her down a couple times about not making sense, but for a judge on a singing competition you'd think he'd pick up on some of the jargon.

Some of Kara's comments are good feedback and other times she's been more like Paula from the last two years. "I don't stand up often..." and she's stood up half the shows for someone. "I have 5 words for you" and she says like a dozen.

Overall I kinda like the change with four judges but I am very tired of the grab-ass games Paula and Simon play. The judges, like the contestants, have their good weeks and bad weeks. I fast forward when its a trainwreck.

Kara - Taking Chances

Donavan
ID: 422523014
Thu, Apr 09, 2009, 07:12

If the producers were sick of the grab-ass games, they could simply let Randy sit by Simon. : > )

Since they're apparently ok with it, and since we certainly don't see everything that goes on with those two (thank God!), then I guess it's a non-issue for them. However, I know I'd feel a whole better if Simon showed a lot more professionalism than having his now eight-year long schoolboy itch being scratched by Ms. Abdul whenever he felt the need.

Texas Flood
ID: 17210916
Thu, Apr 09, 2009, 08:02

It's all part of the schtick.

I really enjoyed the Frankie Avalon appearance last night. It might
be my age, but who the hell was that rap dude taking a terrible
song and making it worse.

Ref
Donor
ID: 539581218
Thu, Apr 09, 2009, 09:58

I was irritated by teh very thought of saving Scott last night. America got everything right last night. The judge's save should only be used if Adam or perhaps Danny or perhaps the top 4 in their minds right now. Using your one save just to use it defeats the purpose. Amazing that the ladies wanted to use it to save him.

It seemed like thegroup sing was live last night. Finally! I don't like these pre-recorded songs like Flo Rida did last night either. Do it live or don't do it. How is Right Round #1?!?! I do like "Low" but again it was T-Pain's hook that made that so big.

sarge33rd
ID: 30356715
Thu, Apr 09, 2009, 12:54

Adam, Danny and Allison...are the only 3 contestants I could see using the save on. Outside of those 3, let them walk.

weykool
ID: 2842717
Thu, Apr 09, 2009, 13:37

Adam, Danny and Allison...are the only 3 contestants I could see using the save on. Outside of those 3, let them walk.
I agree.
Using the save for Scott would have been a disgrace.
Just because you have the power of the save doesnt mean you need to use it.
How stupid would the judges feel if they used it on Scott and the next week Adam or Danny was one of the two contestants sent home?

The fact that Scott is blind and has been able to overcome his handicap and was rightfully voted into the top 12 is a great story.
But he is not good enough to be the next American Idol.

The judges need to decide beforehand who they would save and need to stop letting the contestant painfully twist in the wind while their fate is determined.
It is awkward and cruel.
The decision should be based on the regular performances and shouldnt come down to "singing for your AI life".

sarge33rd
ID: 30356715
Thu, Apr 09, 2009, 13:49

Paula and Kara wanted to save Scott, purely an emotional desire on their part. Nothing what-so-ever to do with talent and/or the ocntestants ability to potentially win the thing. I REALLY like the idea of the save, and Simon said when it was first publicly introduced that it would require the judges to be unanimous. Once he stated that it was 2-2, that finished it. No save.

Texas Flood
ID: 17210916
Fri, Apr 10, 2009, 08:10

I really didn't think that Scott should have been in the top ten in
the first place. Based on talent alone its questionable that he even
should have made it to Hollywood. Compelling story, great guy
but hardly a great talent.

To use the save on him would have been silly.

100

Donavan
ID: 422523014
Fri, Apr 10, 2009, 09:58

I concur.

My problem is the way that Simon has apparently wayyyyyyyyyy too much power on Idol. In the tryouts, his vote counted as two; here, it's apparent that he doesn't really consider the other judges' opinions as pertinent. If he wants somebody gone, it doesn't matter what everybody else wants.

What would be interesting is what would have happened if it 3-1 against Simon. Would he had caved? I don't think he would have.

There simply has to be a better way to do this. Seacrest should go down the judges table and one-by-one, starting with Dawg, ask if they want that contestant saved. Once somebody says no, that's it. None of this charade of a fireside chat. It's embarrassing.

101

weykool
ID: 2842717
Fri, Apr 10, 2009, 11:17

On America's home videos everyone in the audience has a decide to vote for the 10K winner.
How hard would it be to give the judges a device where they could vote save or no save?

102

Ref
Donor
ID: 539581218
Fri, Apr 10, 2009, 16:52

[100] My sentiments exactly.

103

Ref
Donor
ID: 539581218
Wed, Apr 15, 2009, 00:00

My opinion on this week's songs by tier:

Tier 1: Adam, Anoop
Tier 2: Kris, Danny, Allison
Tier 3: Lil, Matt

The only song I really didnt like was Lil. It's her week to go home. I think Anoop saved himself with his song. It was really really good. He needs to stick to balads. I didnt think Allison was as good as the two judges thought. I do like her and it was good--just not great. Also disagree with Simon about Adam. I thought it was really good. Another showstopper. Matt alternates great and just avg to bad each week. Maybe he's trying too hard. He can sing for sure--but his lack of consistecy should land him in the bootom three this week. I thought Kris did pretty well--but it was short and generally unknown. Danny can flat out sing--again not great--but overall good.

I think the Bottom 3 is Anoop, Lil and Matt and Lil needs to go home.

My Power Rankings are unchanged from last week--though Anoop is a lot closer to Matt. If Lil goes home then it should come down to whoever sings better next week to see who goes home between Anoop and Matt (in a perfect world).

TW LW Name
1. 1. Adam
2. 2. Danny
3. 3. Allison
4. 4. Kris
5. 5. Matt
6. 6. Anoop
7. 7. Lil

104

Ref
Donor
ID: 539581218
Thu, Apr 16, 2009, 01:08

Well America got the bottom 3 right and for the week, the bottom two right. But when Lil stayed the judges used their save. I disagree with it but am not irked like I would be if they saved Lil. Now what if Lil does great with say Gloria Gaynor and say Danny and Allison go home next week? Worse, what if Adam is in the bottom 2?

105

weykool
ID: 2842717
Thu, Apr 16, 2009, 11:16

Using the save for Matt was a complete joke.
The best use of the save this season would have been to not use the save.
Use only in case of EXTREME emergency.
This is like calling 911 because Burger King messed up your order.

106

Texas Flood
ID: 17210916
Thu, Apr 16, 2009, 11:29

Yup, I agree. He'll be gone next week anyway along with one
other. My guess, its Lil.

Does it really matter? Adam has already won the competition.

107

Texas Flood
ID: 17210916
Thu, Apr 16, 2009, 11:36

One other comment. Next week is Disco week. WTF is that?
Could there possibly be a worse theme? How is disco even
relevant to anything in today's music or in any music for that
matter.

108

Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Apr 16, 2009, 12:16

Looking forward to seeing what Adam does with disco....

109

Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Apr 16, 2009, 12:56

BTW, the most likely rationale for last night's save...

In Simon's words, the judges were simply "trying to be relevant."

110

Ref
Donor
ID: 539581218
Thu, Apr 16, 2009, 15:10

[105] LOL! Good analogy.

I like Matt, but I like the top 6 (not counting Lil). Does that mean a save should be uses? Nope. I knoew Simon was full of himself, but he really is more full of himself than I ever imagined. Albeit, he was pressured into using the save. If one of my top 4 go home next week, I'm not gonna be happy.

Matt, Anoop or Lil have no chance to be in the finals IMM. I still like Danny the best to join Adam but agree that Allison or even Kris could get there if things go well. So using the save on anyone else is just plain dumb. [109] stated it perfectly.

111

TB
ID: 2121280
Sat, Apr 18, 2009, 03:17

Yep, dumb to use a save just because you can. I really hope somebody who wasn't bottom three goes home next week just so the judges can feel really dumb with their decision. Danny or Adam would be perfect. I hope Adam sticks around, but it would be real crazy to see him go home.

112

Ref
Donor
ID: 539581218
Sat, Apr 18, 2009, 10:56

I think Allison is more suspect actually. She's been in the bottom three and the judges even agree that her personality has hurt her votes. The girls like Kris and Danny. Adam is the overall favorite. Anoop and Lil may get some votes along racial lines. If Matt, Anoop and Lil do well next week, Allison could be gone unless she does really well. I don't see it happening just sending one home--but two? Who knows?

113

sarge33rd
ID: 03311913
Sun, Apr 19, 2009, 14:33

agreed ref. Using the save when they did, puts Allison in jeopardy. Wrongly so IMHO, as I have her, Danny and Adam, as the best 3 in the competition.

114

TB
ID: 2121280
Sun, Apr 19, 2009, 23:32

My top three, the ones I personally like, are Adam, Allison, and Kris.

115

Donavan
ID: 422523014
Tue, Apr 21, 2009, 21:22

Wasn't a big fan of Disco week but most of the performers were ok. For the week:

1. Kris
2. Adam
3. Allison
4. Danny
5. Matt
6. Anoop
7. Lil

Overall,
1. Adam
2. Allison
3. Kris
4. Danny
5. Matt
6. Anoop
7. Lil

Time for Lil and Anoop to hit the road.

116

Bond, James Bond
Sustainer
ID: 04352469
Tue, Apr 21, 2009, 22:41

Tonight's report card:

Lil...D
Kris....A-
Danny (Jessie Raphael)....C-
Allison.....B
Adam.......B+
Matt.......C+
Anoop......B

I think Lil is in huge trouble and will certainly be sent home. Her best weeks were actually during the auditions. Go figure.

Anoop and Matt have an equal chance of being bounced as well. I think the judge's save last week will actually help Matt out here. Anoop will be bounced.

117

Bond, James Bond
Sustainer
ID: 04352469
Tue, Apr 21, 2009, 23:05

Other Idol thoughts from tonight....

It's about time that they actually got through a show ON TIME! Getting rid of the contestant intros and the "mentor" (their word, not mine)helped big-time. I hated last week when all the judges weren't allowed to comment. If they're not there to comment on ALL the contestants, what good are they? (Not that Paula is any good, cuz she ain't.) Getting rid of her pronto would be a vast improvement.

Also, can someone explain the mad love that the judges have for Danny? I am sooooooooo tired of seeing him. He has not improved one iota. And now we find out he has perfect pitch? Ugh! It would be so cool if he gets bounced along with Lil.

Anybody think of that Sanjaya girl whenever we saw "the pool of Abdul"? LOL

Do the judges really have to spend precious seconds discussing buying women's underwear? Really? I swear...Simon is so juvenile at times. He seems the type that makes it so impossible to carry a normal conversation with. His mannerisms and unprofessional conduct aside, he usually is "spot on" with his comments but sometimes his behavior is so outlandish, it ends up overwhelming anything he says.

118

Ref
Donor
ID: 539581218
Wed, Apr 22, 2009, 00:34

As much as I hate to say it, SImon at times says exactly what I'm thinking--even when it's opposed to what the others are saying.

Danny's arangement today seemd a little all over the place--chaotic if you will--but the man can sing. I really like him. Kris has a great voice as well. In fact, I htink he may have ebn moved a smidge ahead of Allison IMM. Kris was by far the best IMM. Adam did a nice job but I didn't love it like some of his past performances. Wasn't as good as Kris tonight. I thought Allison was good--but ot great. I like her sound. I am just not sure she does enough with it yet. Matt was ok. He sang it well but I don't like the song choice. I hated Lil's song eyt agian. She needs to be gone. I didn't care for ANoop either. I was shocked to hear Kara saying how great he was tonight. I didn't care for it--esp when it got fast.

Here is how I saw it for the week:

1. Kris
2. Adam
3. Danny
4. Allison
5. Matt
6. Anoop
7. Lil

Overall,
1. Adam
2. Danny
3. Kris
4. Allison
5. Matt
6. Anoop
7. Lil

I think Lil and Anoop need to go. As long as Lil doesn't stay or one of the top 4 don't go home, I'm fine. Which only means Matt is the only other one to go w/o irking me. But I tell ya, Allison is not safe IMM.

119

sarge33rd
ID: 313252314
Thu, Apr 23, 2009, 15:32

Gonna get interesting now. I'n 'in' the new place now but TV wont be here for prolly another week yet, so I didn.t see this week and may miss next as well. That said, I think the 2 weakest links got sent home, so America 'got it right'. Now, if Matt goes next week, it will get REALLY interesting.

120

TB
ID: 2121280
Thu, Apr 23, 2009, 18:23

This season seems like the voters and even all of us agree much more. Down to the top five I think we know it's all about popularity from this point. Matt and Allison are probably the next two to go based on times in the bottom three. Kris is stil a wild card because we've never seen him in the bottom three, so he could be a finals guy and maybe even win it. I wouldn't mind seeing Kris and Adam in the Finals.

121

Ref
Donor
ID: 539581218
Sat, Apr 25, 2009, 13:43

I htought Anoop did much better on his swan song than he did Tuesday night. If he had done that well Tues, Allison may have eben heading home afterall. I think America got it right though. I bet the judges were holidng their collective breath though when Allison was in bottom two.

122

sarge33rd
ID: 33582719
Mon, Apr 27, 2009, 21:03

I'd hope they were kicking themselves when Allison was in the bottom 2.

123

Donavan
ID: 30344226
Tue, Apr 28, 2009, 21:19

Kris....B
Allison....B-
Matt......B-
Danny......B+
Adam.....A-

No outstanding performances but no junk ones either. Pretty solid, as expected, 1 through 5.

I suspect Allison is in huge trouble though. Doesn't seem to have the fan base as Adam, Danny nor Kris. Probably isn't as well liked as Matt.

Final Four will be all guys IMHO.

124

TB
ID: 2121280
Wed, Apr 29, 2009, 02:55

I thought I was in Bizzaro Simon World after the first three contestants. I disagreed with him on all three. This is a solid top five. I thought Matt was the worst and didn't care for Kris as much as Kara did, but more than Simon did. I thought Danny sounded great tonight. Been a while since I really cared for his singing.

I'll guess that Matt goes home and Allison survives one more week.

125

JeffG
Leader
ID: 01584348
Wed, Apr 29, 2009, 09:05

I thought they all did good, but Matt sounded a little out classed last night. Simon seemed to just be contrary with his comments on the first few acts. After Matt goes, none of the other contestants would surprise me pairing up in the finals with Adam.

Allison being the only female left may get a bump from Lil voters.

Anyone else notice how Adam's performance seems much more 'produced' in terms of lighting and background graphics than the other contestants every week. I'm not sure "Feeling Good" is a Rat Pack era standard, but Adam always delivers. Although this week's theme wasn't for me, I definitely like when the performers do current or more up tempo rock or pop type songs, this would have probably been a good week for Lil or Anoop if they advanced.

126

sarge33rd
ID: 42357299
Wed, Apr 29, 2009, 10:57

after all the various comments form the judges early on, about the contestants being "current" and/or "relevant"...can someone explain to me the themes for the past two weeks? WTF does disco and/or rat-pack, have to do with either being current or relevant?????

127

Ref
Donor
ID: 539581218
Wed, Apr 29, 2009, 10:57

I thought all five did a good job. TBH, there were part of all five I didn't care for. For instance, I thought Kris and Danny got covered up by the music a little. Not their fault. Adam wasn't as good this week. Just overdid it and it didn't work as well IMM. Allison had parts that bored me--same for Matt. That being said, it wold be hard to argue anyone else's order. I think the judges differences will be the same as Americas. I don't think anyone helped or hurt their cause and that means that Allison and Matt shld be in the bottom two again. But, people tend to vote more for someone they think is in trouble (Allsion based on Simon's remarks) so that could spell doom for Matt.

My order for last night would be:
1. Danny
2. Kris
3. Adam
4. Allison
5. Matt

Overall:
1. Adam
2. Danny
3. Kris
4. Allison
5. Matt

128

ChicagoTRS
ID: 3218189
Wed, Apr 29, 2009, 12:03

For whatever reason I thought Matt was awful...was pitchy and "outclassed" is a good term...I was totally surprised Simon gave him so much praise...I was totally the opposite of Simon last night and generally I agree with him.

I rated them last night:
1) Kris
2) Adam
3) Allison
4) Danny
.
5) Matt

I could easily swap Danny and Allison...was not really in love with Danny's performance...and I had a hard time understanding the lyrics in Allison's performance. I am also soooo tired of hearing...Allison is 16/17...also am tired of them crushing her that she is not likable. She is definitely awkward whenever she speaks but who cares...this is a singing competition not a competition to take Seacrest's job.

My overall:
1) Adam
2) Kris
3) Allison
4) Danny
5) Matt

129

weykool
ID: 2842717
Wed, Apr 29, 2009, 12:46

I thought I was in Bizzaro Simon World after the first three contestants.

I have had this feeling the whole season.
Ever since Adam butchered Ring of Fire I have not cared for him and have been less than impressed.
Each week I am expecting some critical remarks and all we get are standing ovations.
I feel like I am the only person watching and wondering why the emperor is walking down the streeet naked and everyone is commenting on how wonderful his clothes are.
It has gotten to the point that if Adam walked out on stage and said "I like to watch TV" the place would go wild we would elect him the next president.

In all honesty Adam has the worst singing voice of all of the contestants.
Now before everyone starts to flame me I am going to issue a challenge.
Go back and listen to all of his performances on Youtube.
Listen to him actually singing and not screaming or resorting to falsetto.
His last note last night was pure screaming.
Last night was the first time he actually sang for longer than 5 seconds and it was dreadful.

Simon's comments to Allison were pure stupidity.
Lets see...
You are 16 years old and singing aginast other contestants who are much older and should have an advantage in the poise/confidence department.
You have been in the bottom 3 it seems like every week.
Every week you have judges who are nitpicking and trying to make themselves relevant and come up with the most contradictory advice imaginable.
In the face of all that you give an outstanding performance (best of the night IMO) and the best Simon can come up with is "You lack confidence"?
I normally agree with Simon the most but this season he is truly in bizzarro world.

130

Ref
Donor
ID: 539581218
Wed, Apr 29, 2009, 14:34

[128] I actually think Danny has the best voice in the entire competition. But he doesn't bring it every week or have the show-stopping abilities as others. But he could still win it. I predicted he'd win it when I first heard him audition. Adam really didn't introduce himself to the world until the top 12 competition.

Allison doesn't enunciate well at all. I like her--as I do the other 4--but I think it's a 3 person race now and her and Matt are trailing the "pack."

131

sarge33rd
ID: 42357299
Wed, Apr 29, 2009, 15:05

1st--Adam didn't butcher "Ring of Fire". I can't recall who it was, but Randy mentioned the following week, that probably not many people knew that Adam's rendition was from so-and-sos version of the song. At any rate, I found that performance, along with his "Tracks of my Tears"; to have been probably the two best performances on AI ever.

Simon, is on record as stating that he feels that Adam and Danny are the two who should be the final two. So I hold little doubt, that his coments will be geared toward 'influencing' the voting in that direction. (or at least attempting to.)

132

ChicagoTRS
ID: 3218189
Wed, Apr 29, 2009, 17:11

I would rate Adam's best as:
1) Mad World
2) Tracks of my Tears
3) Ring of Fire

#131 Ring of Fire...Simon ripped Adam...Randy came to his defense saying it was current and a great rendition. I do not think anyone has ever done that rendition of Ring of Fire. It was a bit odd when he first sang it but I downloaded it and actually love it now that I have listened to it a dozen times.

Mad World was the song that was a take on the Gary Jules version of the same song...Jules sang Mad World for the movie Donnie Darko. I think Adam's Mad World is easily one of the best songs I have ever heard on AI.

I disagree on Adam not being able to sing...I would consider the "screams" singing...and the falsetto is sort of his natural voice...comparable to Freddie Mercury. But then again I am sort of a metal head so I like a lot of screaming. I do agree the last note/scream of his song last night was a bit over the top...but he is staying true to himself...he is all about the theatrics.

133

sarge33rd
ID: 42357299
Wed, Apr 29, 2009, 18:38

I don't think it has been recorded in that version either. But Randy named someone as being the one who derived that particular arrangement, I just can't recall who it was he named.

134

Ref
Donor
ID: 539581218
Thu, Apr 30, 2009, 00:23

Dang. Adam almost went home tonight.

135

weykool
ID: 292442910
Thu, Apr 30, 2009, 09:02

Now I am getting worried.
The order last night was the same as I would have ranked them.
First time all season America has agreed with me.
Maybe there is hope and sanity after all.

136

Ref
Donor
ID: 539581218
Thu, Apr 30, 2009, 09:16

Simon may have saved Allison by saying you're in trouble. From now on, any of them have the potential to go home. They better be on their game each song.

137

Texas Flood
ID: 17210916
Thu, Apr 30, 2009, 09:46

I was stunned that Adam was in the bottom two. Sometimes its
not about singing. It's also about personality, looks and
popularity.

138

Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Apr 30, 2009, 10:16

Did they actually say that Adam was in the bottom two? They said that he was in the bottom three, and then they simply said that Kris was safe - but I don't think Ryan ever explicitly referred to Matt and Adam as "the bottom two".

Sometimes they say it, and sometimes not - and I don't think it's accidental. My guess is that Adam might have finished 3rd, and Idol decided to make it look like he was in the bottom two - either for shock value, or to try to rally his supporters for the next weeks.

139

ChicagoTRS
ID: 3218189
Thu, Apr 30, 2009, 10:39

I do think AI games the voting a bit...Adam tasting the bottom three is probably a good thing for him in upcoming weeks...tends to rally supporters. As we have seen in the past this is a dangerous time for favorites as people tend to get complacent and figure their favorite will get through and throw their votes to someone they think may be in trouble.

140

sarge33rd
ID: 42357299
Thu, Apr 30, 2009, 11:21

I think we have the right "final 4". From here on out, it's one bad outing and buh-bye.

141

sarge33rd
ID: 39456519
Tue, May 05, 2009, 21:01

Adam was S-U-P-E-R-B

Danny showed guts with his song choice, but it was out of his range let alone his comfort zone.

Kris I thought made a bad choice with a Beatles tune and then did only 'fair' in his delivery.

Allison did a Joplin tune and did it well; but I doubt she can offset the 16 yr old female votes for Kris.

142

Little George
ID: 2242329
Tue, May 05, 2009, 21:24

Loved the duets especially Adam and Allison.

Personally, I'd love to see Danny go home but I suspect Kris will be sent instead.

143

Texas Flood
ID: 17210916
Tue, May 05, 2009, 21:34

Adam-Allison tune best of show.

Tough for me to get into faux rock. It would have been kind of
cool to have Slash actually play on a couple of tonight's tunes,
but I guess that would have up staged the actual singers.

I thought Kris was the weakest performer tonight. Best was
Adam followed closely by Allison. Danny should be safe but you
never know.

Instead of voting for the contestants why not go by the most
paid for downloads over a 5 day span?

144

TB
ID: 2121280
Tue, May 05, 2009, 23:30

What happened to the Idol gives back this season? Did they scrap it or did I miss a week?

I liked both duets. I though Kris sounded really good at the beginning of Renegade and Danny was weak, then during the song both were weak when solo, but when they sang together they sounded good.

Allison rocked the house solo and duet tonight. Adam was good in both. Kris and Danny both looked uncomfortable and there were parts that were really bad, especially Danny. I think Slash knew going in that the final note was horrible for Danny, but Slash likes Allison and Adam (rockers) so probably got a chuckle out of it.

145

Little George
ID: 2242329
Tue, May 05, 2009, 23:50

They scrapped Idol Gives Back until next year. Supposedly with the economy the way it is, the PTB's felt that it would work best every other year. So you can look forward to it in 2010.

Who was the lady that fell down "Ryan's staircase"? I think it was Debbie, the stage manager but I'm not sure.

146

Ref
Donor
ID: 539581218
Wed, May 06, 2009, 00:57

It seems that people get a little biased on the people they like and dislike. I try and be objective--but I'm no different probably.

Adam needed this themed week. He hasn't been as great recently and hit the bottom 2 last week. I knew Adam would rip it up and he certainly did. Amazing.

I thought this might be what Allison needed to save her--but I didn't like her song. I actually agreed wih the judges.

The duets were pretty good too. I thought Danny really showed up Kris in that. Danny has a full voice and Kris, while very good, jsut couldn't measure up IMM. WIth that in mind, I really thought Adam would really make Allison go home when they sang together--but to my surprise he didn't. Their duet didn't have much substance--but it was very good.

Danny picked a great song--but no so much fo rhim. Still--he was rocking it until the end. He's not gonna be happy with that last note when he watches it back. Take that screaming part away and he was very good. But that screaming is part of the song and you can't simply discount it.

I totally disagree with the judges on Kris. I liked his song. Of course he doesn't dance aorund and put on a show--but it's The Beatles--he's not going to go smash his guitar or anything. He wasn't spectacular but he didn't stink.

So here's what I think about the vote...I htink Adam's rendition, along with the fact he was in bottom two, will propel him to a landside highest vote tally this week. I think Danny will be 2nd highest vote. Now, here's where it gets tricky...like Simon said, with Allison's duet performance--that coule be enough for her to get past Kris. Again, a perfect time for this theme for her. Just not sure it's enough. I think it will be really close either way.

My ratings:
1. Adam
2. Danny
3a. Kris
3b. Allison

This has been the best season ever. If I had to send someone home, I'd go with Allison simply because I've liked Kris a smidge better overall. Allison will probably be better after Idol though.

147

Texas Flood
ID: 17210916
Wed, May 06, 2009, 07:34

If you go back and listen to the great frontmen of Rock and Metal
you'll discover Adam is rather ordinary. I found it painful to listen
to his rendition "Whole Lotta Love", and his back up band was
horrible. Pure Cheese.

I'm not saying that Adam is not very good, just a little over rated
IMO.

148

ChicagoTRS
ID: 3218189
Wed, May 06, 2009, 12:23

TF...I sort of agree...that there have been a lot of great front men in rock/metal history and Adam does not necessarily stand out in comparison.

One thing we need to take into account is that American Idol is live performances. It is much different than a studio recording. I have seen many of the great rock/metal acts live and generally they are not near as polished when you hear them live compared to their studio efforts. I think his studio efforts will be that much better than his live performance and he will compare favorably with other great singer of this genre.

149

weykool
ID: 4694122
Wed, May 06, 2009, 13:34

Not a big fan of Adam but obviously he was in his element.
As good as all of the gushing from the judges?
No.
But it was a solid performance and win or lose he will put on an entertaining show for his fans.

My sentimental favorite is Allison and I thought she did very well.
My guess is she will finish 3rd.

My favorite to win the competition is Gokey but he was a lot worse than the judges gave him credit for.
Not his genre obviously but the song was way too big for him....the last note...if you can call it that, was Adamesqe.

Kris was once again the worst and should be going home tonight.

150

Ref
Donor
ID: 539581218
Wed, May 06, 2009, 16:30

[149] Did you think Kris was bad or just the worst last night...or both?

I'd be surprised if it wasn't Kris and Allison in the final two. I wouldn't be surprised with either of them going home.

151

sarge33rd
ID: 2043621
Wed, May 06, 2009, 22:03

America got it wrong IMHO. Danny was the worst of the night, Kris close behind him....but Allsion should not have been the one going home.

That said, Daughtry was on tonight, and obviously his going home at this stage had no detrimental impact on his career. I doubt it will with Allison either.

152

Little George
ID: 2242329
Wed, May 06, 2009, 23:29

Yeah, I would have loved to seen Danny go home but I can't say I'm surprised with the outcome. Allison can really, really sing and I think she's going to have a fantastic career if she stays with it.

Adam and Danny have been favored since the beginning to be in the finals but I'm liking Kris' dark horse tendencies. Hopefully it'll be a Adam-Kris finale.

153

Ref
Donor
ID: 539581218
Fri, May 08, 2009, 11:56

I think it is bad that AI didn't (doesn't) name the actual lowest votes. However, I htink since Ryan repeated that it's in random order more than once that it might have been different than their norm. Still, give vote totals or at least placings. I have to beleive Kris and Allison were the bottom two. The voting has gone pretty much how I've predicted this season. Now that's scary.

154

ChicagoTRS
ID: 3218189
Fri, May 08, 2009, 12:04

dialidol has had it pretty much definitively Adam/Danny 1-2 for most of the votes and generally they are pretty accurate. (they claim 97% accuracy)

It will be an upset if it is not Adam vs Danny in the finals.

Seemed like an easy season to predict...a lot of us had those two as favorites as early as Hollywood.

155

JeffG
Leader
ID: 01584348
Fri, May 08, 2009, 12:19

It is a hidden power the Idols producers have when they decide whether to reveal the bottom, or do it "random". Folks in the bottom 3 that survive usually have a bump in call volume the following week. Adam did last week. Matt did after the save. Anoop did for a while. By putting Danny in that position artificially and clearing Chris through without drama, I get the feeling they want Danny to get that bump.

156

Ref
Donor
ID: 539581218
Fri, May 08, 2009, 13:14

Btw, does Paula think she did herself any favors by lipsynching? Idol is supposed to be live--yet there have been lipsycnhing and recorded shows all season. Just be upfront about the recorded shows--but I'd rather not even have a "singer" or group event if it's not going to be done live.

157

Ref
Donor
ID: 539581218
Wed, May 13, 2009, 09:53

They were all good last night. My guess--as it has been since the beginning--is that will be an Adam/Danny final. Nothing would surprise me though tbh.

158

JeffG
Leader
ID: 01584348
Wed, May 13, 2009, 13:12

By the way, the interaction between the judges is getting childish and annoying. Maybe it is time for complete new panel as the show does not ride on the popularity of any judge, but of the contestants and the music.

Anyone of the three can be voted out tonight. Anyone of the three can win it next week. If the audience is really split three ways, maybe Adam would be at disadvantage next week if he makes it to the finals, if Kris voters jump in to favor Danny next week (or vice versa).

The only reason I would think Adam deserves the title is because he put forth a top performance of the night every single week.

At this point, all three (plus Allison) will likely get record deals.

I thought all three contestants choice songs last night were much better performances than the judge's choice songs.

159

Skidazl
ID: 280401016
Wed, May 13, 2009, 13:36

Am I the only one who hated Adam's version of 'One'?

160

weykool
ID: 4694122
Wed, May 13, 2009, 14:44

Am I the only one who hated Adam's version of 'One'?

No.
It actually started out pretty good and I was very surprised that he actually sang for the first time this season.
Then he went into his screaming and ruined the entire performance.
I think Randy said it best when he said in reference to Danny's 2nd song...."You really, really, really can sing".
An obvious contrast to the performance just prior.

My guess is it will be Adam and Danny.
My only fear is an Adam win could spawn a bunch of screamers in future season and ruin the entire show.

161

Little M
ID: 129492211
Wed, May 13, 2009, 17:42

I should start by saying that I rarely watch entire episodes of American Idol and usually just watch a couple of minutes while flipping around during commercials, so when I watched the whole thing last night I was confused about a few things.

1) Did Simon say that he helped Adam with his arrangement of one? Did Randy say that he didn't think that he was allowed to give Kris advice? The show has been going on for years, shouldn't they all know the rules by now, or is there one set of rules for the Chosen One and another set for the rest. On this theme, wasn't there some controversy with Ruben a few seasons ago where he was given help by the judges after rehersals?

2) Am I the only one who hated Adam's version of 'One'?
I agree with weykool on this. It started off good, then he went into the high pitched screaming and it was horrible. I couldn't believe all of the judges fawning over him. I was sure at least one of them would say something negative. I did like his version of Cryin' though.

162

Skidazl
ID: 280401016
Wed, May 13, 2009, 18:38

The worst part was Simon pushing the votes toward Adam with his final comments. Talk about bias.

163

Little M
ID: 129492211
Wed, May 13, 2009, 19:16

I could sort of understand Simon's comments after the previous three judges' had made it appear that Adam was already through to the finals. He was just reminding everyone that the voters will decide who goes through and if Adam's supporters sit on their hands, he might be out.

But I agree that it did seem a bit unseemly.

164

Ref
Donor
ID: 539581218
Wed, May 13, 2009, 23:36

I disagree that Adam has been the best every single week--but he clearly has been the best throughout the show IMM.

Congrats to Kris. I like him. He has a great voice. Doubt he wins--but you just never know. His looks get a lot of the teenage vote which is probably the biggest group of the voting.

I did not love Adam's version of "One." His screaming is superfluos at times. But it wasn't bad either. I was afraid when he was doing the Anthem in San Diego he was going to belt out one of his screams. Glad he didn't. Crying was really good. I thought when he said Aerosmith he might do Dream On and show Danny how that scream should go. That would have been a little tense.

Simon has always tried to swing voter's opinions. I am so tired of the infighting across the panel. They all drive me bonkers. As bad as Simon is at times--at least he says stuff at times that I'm thinking when it's totally opposite what the others have said. Kara totally grates on me though. It's like the new kid trying so hard to not only fit in but competing to be the star. It's not about the judges.

165

Texas Flood
ID: 17210916
Thu, May 14, 2009, 08:41

I must be getting old. Who in the hell was that girl singing about
Las Vegas while wearing an Elvis costume.

166

sarge33rd
ID: 194561411
Thu, May 14, 2009, 12:58

something Perry.....

When she got done, I thought of something Simon has said after many a try-out performance: "What the hell was that?"

FWIW, I think America got it right. I'm no longer so sure Adam "should" win it. Kris has REALLY grown on me over the past several weeks.

167

weykool
ID: 4694122
Thu, May 14, 2009, 13:23

Sarge:

The correct Simon quote is "What the bloody hell was that?"

I was obviously not happy with the outcome last night.
Not a big Kris or Adam fan.
The only good news is I wont need to waste any time voting.

168

Captain Charisma
ID: 13433923
Tue, May 19, 2009, 22:41

Alright...Season 8 is all but over. Who do you think deserves to win this year?

My vote is for Adam.

169

JeffG
Leader
ID: 01584348
Wed, May 20, 2009, 08:58

Kris did a great job last night, but I still think Adam will win (But then again I thought Archuletta would win last year). An informal poll of my 10 year old daughter's softball team ("Who are you voting for?") last night (pre-show) was 8-5 in favor of Adam, but the ones who said they were hoping Kris wins all took the anti-Adam route to get there.

Maybe if you add the anti-Adam folks to the mainstream Kris voters and former Danny supporters it could go Kris' way.

170

Ref
Donor
ID: 539581218
Wed, May 20, 2009, 09:07

I thought Kris' first song was outstanding--but Adam's first song was very good too.

I thought the 2nd song choices were poor for both. Both old R&B songs to a rocker and a pop/rocker. In true Adam form he basically took a lot of the blues out of it and made it more of a rock song. He did a good job--I just didn't like the song done that way. I also thought Kris did a nice job and I thought he did sort of make it his own. If anyone tells me I sound like Marvin, I'd say THANK YOU! But he didn't sound anything like him. I thought Kris was better than he was getting credit for and Adam, while very very good, wasn't as good as he was getting credit for.

3rd song should be throw out. What a horrible song. I really hope this is not the winner's first single as it will flop. The song blows--no matter who sings it. Too many words for the phrasing I guess. The beginning of that song, Kris could sing better and the 2nd part Adam could sing better. What a joke. Go figure that Kara helped write it. I would love if she'd be removed from the show. She didn't add anything to it. She just grates on me for some reason.

So throwing the 3rd song out completely, I thought the first song was about equal. Maybe Kris gets the tiebreak. The second song was performed better by Adam. So based on last night, I think Adam was slightly better. However, when you look at the entire body of work on the season, Adam clearly brought it more often and in grand fashion. I don't konw who will win (and at this point to them it really doesn't matter as they both will get deals) but if it were up to me, I'd say Adam. It wouldn't be shocked if Kris won with all those young girls who are more likely to text/call in as much as possible.

171

weykool
ID: 4694122
Wed, May 20, 2009, 11:15

The song that both finalist sing is always the first single released.
And yes....both versions sucked.

Best song of the night:

Carrie Underwood's closing number.
Talk about putting the two finalist to shame.
Total blunder by AI to upstage your finalists on what should have been their shining moment.
Perhaps Adam or Kris can become better singers in time with the right training and coaching but for now the bar that Underwood is setting is the standard and wont be easily attained.

172

TB
ID: 2121280
Wed, May 20, 2009, 12:39

My DVR cut off just as she started to sing. Is it really that hard for producers to keep a show on schedule? I got plenty of warning for tonight so have it set to record 30 minutes past.

I like both guys and think they can both go on to great careers. I get the feeling Kris will not only have a great singing career, but seems like the type that will go on to write and produce music for other singers. Adam will record some great songs and some horrible songs. I'm hoping for more of the former.

As far as last night goes, I thought Adam had a better evening. 1st song was excellant for both, but I still lean towards Adam's version of Mad World. 2nd round, Adam got a much better song to showcase his talent. Kris did a good job changing it up just a little and sounded good, but pretty limited with that choice. 3rd song wasn't very good by either. Adam had some parts I liked and some I didn't. Kris didn't have any part to it that I enjoyed.

I just checked dial-idol and the vote looks awfully close.

173

weykool
ID: 4694122
Wed, May 20, 2009, 14:52

TB...I think the show was scheduled to end 2 mins after the hour.
At least that was what was listed by my cable company on the info screen

174

Ref
Donor
ID: 539581218
Wed, May 20, 2009, 15:17

171: I was thinking the same thing. Carrie can even sing non-country outrageously well.

175

Guru
ID: 330592710
Wed, May 20, 2009, 17:26

While I think Adam was better, I expect Kris to win - at least, if last week's vote was as close as they suggested. I would think that a large majority of Danny's votes would go to Kris - especially since a lot of Danny's votes were probably as much "anti-Adam" as they were "for Danny".

I don't think anyone would vote for Adam as an "anti-Kris" vote. But I do think there would be a lot of "anti-Adam" votes. And Kris seems like a very likable guy - without any of Adam's excesses. Furthermore, I doubt if last night's performances had much impact on last night's voting. I don't think either singer did anything to take votes from the other, or to lose votes to the other.

I agree with the comments on the last song. Both had a fairly full arrangement. Adam was able to power through it, but Kris was overpowered, I thought. Not a good arrangement for either, but worse for Kris than for Adam.

176

Texas Flood
ID: 17210916
Wed, May 20, 2009, 23:29

Really enjoyed the duet as both Kris and Adam fronted Queen.
Adam would be a great replacement for Freddy Mercury.

I was pretty surprised that Kris won, but I think that he simply
appealed to a wider range of music fans. I also think a lot of
people got tired of hearing how great Adam was week after week
and decided to vote for the underdog.

All in all a great season, and I'm sure there are going to be several
careers launched because of this years competition.

177

Tree
ID: 41371322
Wed, May 20, 2009, 23:56

i didnt watch this year. but i saw clips, and told everyone who would listen, that Adam wouldn't win...he was the best performer, but the best performer never wins.

178

TB
ID: 2121280
Thu, May 21, 2009, 00:11

Really enjoyed the duet as both Kris and Adam fronted Queen.
Adam would be a great replacement for Freddy Mercury.

I was coming on to say the same thing. And OMG, KISS on my American Idol!?! Great finale. After I finished watching it, I went back and watched a lot of the performances again. KISS, Queen, Rod Stewart, Cyndi Lauper, Carlos Santana, David Cook (great tribute song to his brother), Black Eyed Peas, Lionel Ritchie, Keith Urban, Queen Latifah, Jason Mraz, and we even got some Steve Martin, oh and some Kara outsinging "new boobs" Bikini Girl. I've watched quite a few Kara vids on youtube and so already knew she was a great singer but it was nice to see her get a chance to get up on stage and have fun. I didn't care for her much at the start of the season but after watching a bunch of her vids, I like her and hope she sticks around.

I feel a little bad for Adam because he really did shine all season long, but on the bright side his first single won't be the finals song. I did think it sounded a little better tonight when Kris sang it. Danny sounded great tonight with Lionel and Allison has convinced me that she can sing a duet with anyone. Really enjoyable show for me to watch tonight.

179

Ref
Donor
ID: 539581218
Thu, May 21, 2009, 00:15

but the best performer never wins.

You ever get a chance to see Clarkson or Underwood by any chance?

Adam can sign wherever he wants now. Only the winner is contractually obligated to do record deal under AI's terms. They do have a concert tour with AI, but that's it. That being said, most of the acts signed with them originally anyhow.

180

Tree
ID: 41371322
Thu, May 21, 2009, 01:05

kelly clarkson was not the best singer. Tamyra Gray was. and i LOVE Kelly Clarkson.

and while Bo Bice does give Carrie a run for her money, i think that may have been one of the weakest seasons of AI. i mean, Scott Savol???

181

TB
ID: 2121280
Thu, May 21, 2009, 01:41

David Cook was the best singer and performer last season and he won. Melinda Doolittle was the best singer from season 6, but Jordin Sparks was the better performer (Blake was terrible). Daughtry was the best singer from season five, but Hicks was a heck of a performer. On the flip side, while Clarkson was the best singer from season 1, Justin Guarini was the favorite and the best performer. Good to see he finally lost all the make-up. He looks like a dude again.

182

Captain Charisma
ID: 13433923
Thu, May 21, 2009, 07:46

Kudos to team Kris and their legion of fans. The trifecta of Kris-Adam-Danny brought us some really authentic nice guys who happen to sing reasonably well. I think the judges, as well as America, should be commended for a fine season.

Lots of interesting groups last night. Idol really goes all out to bring in some names don't they? I wonder which talent is left to bring in.

(For the record, while I appreciate a good joke as anybody, what they did to Bikini Girl last night was really humiliating and cruel IMHO. She had no idea that Kara was going to upstage her and then Kara's going to act like they're best buds...um, no thanks. A running joke is fine but I think they took it too far.)

Having Norman Gentle, Jerry Lewis Lite, or whatever his real name added some much needed comic relief. He was good for the show and I loved his departure. Gotta say though, I was hoping for another Black, Stiller, Downey classic moment. They were hilarious last year.

Tatiana's spiel was unique. Of course, it was staged but apparently not everybody thought so (see, face of Reuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuben for example). Seriously, when she started into Whitney's song for the 400th time (or so), I really, really was hoping that we see the real Whitney Houston performing on Idol for the first time.

FWIW, sometime in the finale, shouldn't the powers-that-be give some love to past Idol winners? Either a montage of their respective highlights or having them perform together would be a nice and worthy touch.

Found a nice little article for those of you wondering why Adam lost. Check this out.

183

Ref
Donor
ID: 539581218
Thu, May 21, 2009, 16:38

182: That article is pretty spot on IMO.

Adam was on the cover of Entertainment Weekly and the article on him was more about that he kept dancing around his sexuality. That he wouldn't admit it. It talked about how refreshing it would be for him to be openly gay before the end of AI. I just couldn't believe that's what the article focused on. But I get it though. Even though it shouldn't matter--it obviously does to a lot of people still.

184

weykool
ID: 4694122
Thu, May 21, 2009, 19:23

I actually thought most of the article was complete rubbish.

1. Blame the judges.
There is some truth to this but very little.
Carrie Underwood went on to win Idol even though Simon declared she would sell more records than any other idol in the history of the show.
Being the front runner can hurt you if the contestant can live up to the hype.

2. But you should especially blame Kara DioGuardi. Blame the loss on one song? Rediculous.

3. Did we mention that Adam is a rock god?
Once again those who didnt care for Adam might have been been motivated to vote against him with these kinds of comments but the vast majority of the votes are from the die hard fans vote FOR there favorite.

4. The Christian factor.
Complete bunk. If this were true the why wasnt Danny in the finals? I was unaware that Kris had said anything about his religion until it was talked about on various shows the last week.

5. The gay factor.
Give me a break. Once again people vote FOR their guy not against the other guy. I for one didnt vote because I didnt care for either.

6. The youth vote.
Now this point has merit.
Kids that can text 500 times a minute are a powerful voting block.
However, in this case I think Adam had his share of young admirers so the difference in the vote would have been minimal.

7. In the end, Adam was the better singer, but Kris might have been the more unique artist, despite what the judges said.
Better singer? Not hardy.
Better screamer> Yes.
Better performer? Yes.
Snger? NO.

I think the article is trying to project the authors perspective on everyone else with little if any basis in fact.

185

Tree
ID: 41371322
Fri, May 22, 2009, 19:43

you wanna know what Adam lost?

here's why...

Over 100 million votes were cast -- and 38 million votes were from winner Kris Allen's home state of Arkansas. The only problem with that is the population of Arkansas is only 2.8 million!

38 percent of the votes from one state - and a tiny one at that. wow.

186

Texas Flood
ID: 17210916
Fri, May 22, 2009, 20:53

I think I mentioned this once before. An interesting way to vote
would be by the number of paid internet downloads. If someone
wants to vote a hundred times then let em pay a hundred bucks.

187

TB
ID: 2121280
Fri, May 22, 2009, 22:22

People have been downloading the computer thing for a long time. It's how dial-idol tracks their info and I'm sure many other people have been able to program a speed dialer.

I haven't called for any contestant in a long time. Do you have to push a confirmation button? If they made it a random button to confirm your vote for every call they could render the computer speed-dialers pretty useless. BUT, they wouldn't be able to brag about 100 million votes either and all those votes must look great to advertisers.

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Subject: Amreican Idol 2009