On Amanda: like many, she reminds me of Joplin–only I’m thinking she’s missing the head tone during most performances. When the judge’s told her that she needs to mix it up with a ballad or two, she didn’t seem to understand that not all ballads are saccharine. I felt like screaming “Bobby McGee!” Joplinesque, yes, but impassioned and sensitive. Maybe it’s Amanda’s dedication to image/age that blinds her to this?

Chikese: blew me away with that performance. I love the tone of his voice, his energy and his attitude.

Kristy Lee actually said on stage that she “really liked” the arrangement. You can work on technique and you can be taught to “perform”, but you can’t teach taste. To me, this is her greatest draw back.

Wasn’t surprised to see David H. go. He was far too hyper on stage to ever do his best.

I do wish Ramielle was a little older/more experienced; she has such a beautiful voice. I hope she lasts long enough to choose her own songs—that’s where I think she’ll shine.

Looking forward to your next review!

Glad to hear that Taylor is doing so well. Something tells me that he will be on Idol in the future - maybe not this year- but it will happen. He does serve a wonderful purpose in the music business.

I was wondering what was going on with David A. Does he have asthma or a palate issue? Love the kid and most of his singing, but it is a bit jarring with the breathing thing.

Chikezie was great last week - I was having flashbacks of Taylor. Speaking of Taylor, I too wish AI had supported him, but he is doing quite well without them. Made a few millions with his tour and is working on his 2nd post-AI album. He has a DVD coming out soon from the Warfield concert playing his git, piano and of course harmonica. Good stuff. Anyway, I hope Chikeze will continue in that vein, he is quite the performer.

I like David C - a real rocker, not a poseur. I also like Brooke, Amanda (Joplinesque), Michael, Carly and Ramiele when she is “on.” Hope she will conquer her nerves.

P.S. I am distressed to say that I am channeling Simon on the critiques. Scares me LOL.

As much as I love Daughtry and am glad he got the support of Clive Davis and the record company, it does frustrate me that Taylor and many others have not gotten the same level of support.

I think that the music industry is much too slow to realize that nurturing smaller artists can be beneficial and profitable. It’s a shame that they let former AI artists go so easily just because they don’t have multi-platinum numbers.

I like the fact that you take artistry into consideration (and I’ve seen you do it)! I love your reviews and have learned a lot from them. Keep em coming!