Vocal Masterclass Discussion For American Idol Season 9 Top 16 Results Show

March 11, 2010 by Masterclass Lady 107 Comments

Picture Courtesy Of AmericanIdol.Com

“And now the end is near and so I face the final curtain”. Ah yes, the timeless lyrics from the very famous song “My Way” . It was also the late and great Frank Sinatra’s signature number. For some unexplained reason, these lyrics popped into my head as I began to add the blog topic for tonight’s revelatory Top 16 SemiFinal Show.

For four of these singers, it will most definitely be the “final curtain” here on American Idol, as we will soon learn the names of the Top 12 Finalists for Season 9. Each of them performed “Their Way” and, depending on your particular taste in music, it also encouraged you to send votes “Their Way”.

Somehow, this season seems very ambiguous – I can’t for the life of me get a sense of the direction that Idol is taking this season. It’s a big, gooey mess – everyone is beginning to sound the same and all the guitars are really starting to wear thin.

At this point in time, I can usually remember all the names and faces plus their songs, but, truth be told, no one has made me jump up and scream: “What a star!” Some have come close – Siobhan and Tim -but that’s it!

And, don’t even get me started about the raw technical skills that the majority of these singers are bringing to this competition. I may as well “cut and paste” the critique section of my Top 12 Vocal Masterclass articles for many of these singers, as a good number of them are pulverizing their vocal sound because of poorly ingrained vocal support.

But, after tonight’s telecast, 12 people will be jumping up and down in ecstasy and, hopefully, will continue to work closely with the vocal technicians to solidify and strengthen their vocal and artistic delivery during the Top 12 Finals.

The remaining male singers are: Aaron Kelly, Alex Lambert, Andrew Garcia, Casey James,

Lee Dewyze, Michael Lynche, Tim Urban, and Todrick Hall

The remaining female singers are: Crystal Bowersox, Didi Benami, Katelyn Epperly, Katie Stevens,

Lacey Brown, Lilly Scott, Paige Miles and Siobhan Magnus.

Eliminated Tonight are: Katelyn Epperly, Todrick Hall, Alex Lambert Lilly Scott

Season 9 Top 12 are: Didi Benami, Paige Miles Siobhan Magnus. Casey James, Lee Dewyze, Tim Urban, Aaron Kelly, Michael Lynche, Katie Stevens, Crystal Bowersox, Didi Benami, Andrew Garcia,.

American Idol, American Idol Season 9, Entertainment, Television, Vocal Masterclass Discussion, Vocal Masterclass Discussion For American Idol Season 9

About Masterclass Lady

Rosanne (Giallonardo) Simunovic began her musical career in Timmins, Ontario. She studied piano with Anne Pizzale and later, at an advanced level, with Soeur Anita Vaugeois (Sister Cecile of Les Soeurs De L’Assomption in Timmins). Her vocal and accompaniment skills were nurtured by her aunt, the late Dorothea Mascioli. When Rosanne graduated from O’Gorman High School, she moved on to the University of Toronto where she continued her piano and vocal studies while attaining a Bachelor of Arts Degree. She was hired as a piano accompanist for several musical companies, most notably, the National Ballet Of Canada. She presently holds an A.R.C.T. Teacher’s Diploma in Voice from the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. Rosanne has studied choral conducting with numerous well known Canadian Conductors, including Wayne Riddell of Montreal, Quebec and the internationally renowned Dr. Elmer Iseler. She has been a founding member of numerous community-based arts organizations: the Timmins Arts Council, later known as Arts & Culture Timmins, the Timmins Symphony Orchestra, and, the Timmins Youth Singers…as well as the TYS Alumnus choir, the Timmins Concert Singers. In 1987, she was also selected to be the conductor of the Timmins Board Of Education Choir, comprised of talented students from Grades 5 to 8. In 1988, she was elected to the Board Of Directors of the Ontario Choral Federation (now known as Choirs Ontario), where she served as Chair of the Festivals Committee for six consecutive seasons. In 1996, in honour of the Ontario Choral Federation’s 25th Anniversary, Rosanne was selected as one of 25 recipients of the OCF’s Distinguished Service Award for outstanding contribution to the choral art. The ceremony was presided by Lieutenant Governor, Hal Jackman. In November 1997, Rosanne Simunovic was selected by the Rotary Club Of Timmins to receive the prestigious Paul Harris Award for her years of dedication to the artistic development of young musical talent in Timmins. In August of 2002, Rosanne Simunovic was selected by the Board Of Directors of Choirs Ontario to serve as Conductor of both the Provincial Junior and Teen Choir Camps, now renamed in honour of the Camp Benefactors, Don and Lillian Wright. In November 2002, Rosanne was the one of the recipients of the Commemorative Medal for the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, honouring her work in the development of the arts in Timmins. Under Rosanne Simunovic’s direction, the Timmins Youth Singers and the Timmins Concert Singers have been featured in numerous choral festivals and performing opportunities outside of Timmins. In 1985, they were selected to partici

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107 Responses to “Vocal Masterclass Discussion For American Idol Season 9 Top 16 Results Show”

munkmusic March 11, 2010 at 3:28 pm

HI! i have to admit…Season 7 ruined it for me. There was so much talent on that year. Anyone of those contestants could sing circles around this years contestants. And I have to say, there will never be another David Archuleta. He is in a league all his own.

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Darlene March 11, 2010 at 3:52 pm

I have the advantage that I have not watched any previous season until the last 2 shows of last season. So I have no nostalgic memories of past seasons.I can appreciate this season on its own merits.

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Season 9 March 11, 2010 at 4:41 pm

My top 3 are Siobhan, Lilly and Crystal

Siobhan is a very good singer and is a star. Major star vibe from her and she’s memorable. I LOVE this girl.

Lilly is quirky and I like her style. She could run into some trouble though b/c her songs are not memorable and she’s starting to pull the same schtick every single week. She also leaves me feeling cold sometimes. In a nutshell, I don’t like her personality, but have to admit to the talent.

Crystal is a true artist. MCL, I know you said that you don’t connect with her but I think that’s the point. She doesn’t “feel”, but that for me is the brilliance. There’s a haunting vacant quality about her delivery. Like someone who is emotionally detached from the world, but also one who sees it clearly.

Katie has a beautiful voice, but needs some guidance. I hope she stays in it.

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Beth March 11, 2010 at 4:57 pm

Yes, this season probably has less talent than previous seasons, but I still am enjoying a handful of singers. In particular, Crystal, Siobhan, Lee, Michael, and Didi. I enjoy watching Crystal, Siobhan, and Michael’s performances because their voices are so strong and they have great stage presence. Lee and Did aren’t quite as strong vocally but both have unique voices which I love.

Lilly has her own quirkiness to her, I’m just not a fan of her vocal stylings. That’s my own personal preference. Same with Katie. She does have a great voice, but I don’t feel any emotion from her.

Even though there are less technically sound singers this year, I’m enjoying hearing unique, raw, talent of some of the singers.

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vonnie March 11, 2010 at 7:30 pm

Hi munkmusic!

Does anyone have any predictions of who may be going home? I don’t like results night, I feel bad for the one’s who go home!

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Jeanne March 11, 2010 at 8:25 pm

I’m going to post this here instead of on the men’s thread, because they don’t get any respect and most people won’t go back there.

I didn’t see the men live last night, and watched them today when I got home from work, fast forwarding through the commercial and the judges’ comments, because I wanted to post this before the results show.

You know, I think the men have gotten a bad rap. Yes, the women seemed to be head and shoulders above them at the start, but the men have all improved and the women have shown some weaknesses. We may see fewer “stars” at the outset this year, but we may also see the most growth from the most performers, too.

I glanced at some websites this morning to get a feel for how the men did, and so I had some expectations about what I would hear based on those comments. My reaction?

I was expecting to see Alex, Andrew, and Aaron totally bite the dust. But I didn’t. Does Alex need more comfort on stage? Yes, but I didn’t think he looked like a deer in the headlights, and the vocals were good. As for Andrew, I personally like his take on songs, and while I’m not the best person to judge the vocals, i don’t have a bad ear, I don’t think, and nothing glared at me and said, “This stunk, was off pitch, etc.” Yes, Aaron’s ben better, but I was expecting a train wreck.

I think all of the men were better than the worst of the women this week, and certainly better than the worst performances of some of the women still in the competition.

Maybe my ears are worse than everyone else’s, but I can’t help but wonder if the judges really do influence people on the singers who aren’t either fantastic or clearly bad. If you hear 3 or 4 judges pan a singer, how easy is it to say you liked him/her?

Or maybe I’ve just seen this enough times that I know that the singers we end up with aren’t the singers we start with, and I know that it is not always easy to predict who will improve, who will stay the same, and who will go backwards. So maybe this year I’m just kind of along for the ride.

Predictions, Vonnie? Hard to say, because the teeny bopper vote has so many choices this year. Tim, Alex, and Aaron are all competing for the same votes, and they have very different looks and sounds. This could knock one out or two, and it’s impossible to say who survives. The older teens will probably go for either Lee or Casey, and as long as Casey sticks with blues or soul and doesn’t try to be a rock star, he’ll be solid in the future. I love Todrick, and no, Mindy, he isn’t Freddie Mercury, but I do think he made the right kind of changes to “Somebody to Love” to not be compared to Freddie. I think he has a very good voice and I love to watch him perform. I say he’s safe this week, and Michael probably is, too. Which puts Andrew at risk, depending on what the teeny boppers do. I hope he makes it, but I know he may not, only because the judges have been hard on him. If they’d wanted to support him, as they have other contestants, I think he’d be safe.

For the women: Again, at this point, it’s about fan base. Later on it becomes about quality. Does Katie or Katelyn or Lacey have the greater fan base? (I’m assuming Paige is out, despite her previous performances.) They are such different types, it is hard to say. I’d like to see Lacey go, but the judges have been so hard on Katie that she must be at risk. And Katelyn has been solid but no wow the last two weeks. Do people decide she hasn’t got it to go the distance?

Too early for me to feel any certainty. However, I’ve thought about it and think that whoever goes, this has got to have been a great learning experience for them if they choose to use it as such.

Whoever makes it through, I’m feeling a lot more enthusiastic about this season than I was when we entered the final 24. I think it may be the most competitive/hard to predict season we’ve had.

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vonnie March 11, 2010 at 8:48 pm

Jeanne…I agree with your thoughts about Andrew! I’m not sure at this point what he could do that would make the judges support him! Sing “Straight up” every week???

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Mindy March 11, 2010 at 9:00 pm

Jeanne,

I don’t consider myself any more knowledgeable than anybody else here. If I mention my pitch perfect ear, it’s just a matter of some pride that I was born with that gift and can sing in tune, even though I never had a really great sound or tone to my voice. I don’t think that I am the last word on the contestants. I just give my opinions and call it as I see it.

I made a point of specifically stating that I couldn’t be objective about Todrick because of my feeling when it comes to Freddie Mercury/Queen songs. I have always felt this way and have never changed my mind. Every season someone seems determined to sing Queen and it never ends up sounding good. I don’t think Freddie’s performances can be improved upon by anyone.

Adam Lambert was the one person that I thought might do justice to Freddie, but I am glad that he didn’t do it during the competition. Even he would not measure up. For me some songs and artists are sacred and untouchable. If contestants want to go for it, more power to them. But I reserve the right to say, no thanks. Having said all this, I recorded the guys last night and played it back today for a second listen.

I closed my eyes so that I could focus only on the vocals. I think Todrick totally ruined “Somebody to Love”. I realize that he was trying to change it up and do a kind of r&b, soul version. In my sincere attempt to be objective and fair, I fought through my resistance to him performing this particular song. I did hear a very good voice. I give him credit for that. However, last week Todrick did Tina Turner and this week he did Freddie Mercury. If he makes it into the finals, I would like to see Todrick be himself. Right now, I don’t know who he wants to be as an artist. I have an open mind and can hear the appealing qualities of his voice, but no one ever won this competition trying to sound like an imitation of a great, legendary singer.

Lil Rounds is a case in point. Last season she came into the finals as one of the favorites, along with Danny Gokey. But she crashed and burned, in part because she was determined to do covers of all the great, iconic female singers. One week she was Whitney, then Celine, then Mariah, Tina Turner and Aretha Franklin. The real Lil Rounds got lost somewere along the way. I hope that Todrick shows me what he’s all about. I am all ears!

I agree that as long as Casey doesn’t try to be a rock star, then he should be okay. I liked him better after the second listen. I still don’t hear a lot of originality or uniqueness, but he has a kind of husky quality that is similar to Lee. For some reason I prefer Lee, even though he has had pitch problems. I see more potential in Lee. I will be fine with both of them getting into the finals.

I also agree that Tim, Alex and Aaron are competing for that same tween vote. I don’t see all three getting to the finals. It’s a toss-up as to which one or two will get through. I believe that Aaron needs a bit more time at 16, but there is potential. Tim did well last night, but also got the benefit of low expectations. When I listened to him again, I thought he sounded great until he got to the chorus and then he kind of lost it. Alex has a wonderful voice. I am hoping he gets to the finals.

I still like Andrew, even though he hasn’t seemed to find the song to show off his great voice. I don’t agree with Kara at all about him peaking too soon. It’s like she was saying, don’t bother, it’s already over. That’s just plain wrong. If he has a strong fan base, then they should get him into the finals. I believe he has the voice and talent to be there.

Michael stood out last night and distanced himself from the pack with that performance. I was blown away all over again. That song is incredibly difficult to sing and he did a terrific job. But I do think there is some real talent in the men and they shouldn’t be dismissed out of hand.

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Jeanne March 11, 2010 at 9:31 pm

Am about to go to bed (I am in Atlantic time, and 5 am comes early), but I’ve made it halfway through the results show. I’m sure there are other examples from previous seasons, but I just wanted to mention that Jermaine and Todrick have been two of the classiest exits I’ve seen on Idol . . .

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J March 11, 2010 at 9:46 pm

The show hasn’t aired on the West Coast yet, but looking at the update above, I am so confused and disappointed that Katelyn was eliminated in favor of letting Paige through. *sighs*

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J March 11, 2010 at 9:51 pm

I am so relieved that Andrew Garcia made it through. Based on potential, he’s still my favorite male contestant, but based on delivery, I feel largely ambivalent about the males, even though some of them are talented. I am kind of shocked that Lacey made it through. I think Alex had a lot of potential; it’s a shame he’s been eliminated so soon.

I’m furiously refreshing a different blog page right now, lol! Patience is not operating right now. =P

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Beth March 11, 2010 at 9:53 pm

I really wish Katelyn had made it through. Although she had a weaker performance this week, I would have preferred her over Lacey.

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J March 11, 2010 at 9:59 pm

Oh my GOSH. Lilly Scott was eliminated? I do not understand tonight’s results at all. Few results shows genuinely surprise me, but tonight’s results were super baffling in many ways.

I mean, my absolute favorites made it through, but I’m not so keen on some of the line-up.

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J March 11, 2010 at 10:01 pm

In conclusion, I disagree with at least three of the four eliminations, and both of the female eliminations were just WRONG.

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masterclasslady March 11, 2010 at 10:02 pm

I knew these results were going to be wacked. The entire season has been wacked thus far. Should be interesting to say the very least.

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J March 11, 2010 at 10:10 pm

MCL, I agree. This season had so much early promise, and once the semi-finals began, it just teetered off the edge. I hope some of the contestants surprise me because this season will feel very, very long, otherwise.

I don’t know why I look forward to the show so much every week. I always end up being disappointed!

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masterclasslady March 11, 2010 at 10:32 pm

J – I was hoping that the producers would get back on track after last season’s disappointment. I don’t ever think they will re-capture the collective charisma and talent of Season 7. It’s like catching lightning in a bottle twice -lousy odds.

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Erin March 11, 2010 at 10:32 pm

MCL, I know you must be extremely upset that Lilly’s gone!! I am. too!! Katie did not deserve to make it whatsoever. : (

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cookie monster March 11, 2010 at 10:41 pm

Wow – still in shock!
J I love the way you put it! “super baffling in many ways” and “not so keen on some of the line-up”. My absolute fav made it through but I wanted to hear more Lilly!! And I really liked Alex’s voice (different quality to it – wanted to hear what else he could do) but, as one reader mentioned earlier, those teen votes were split! Katelyn wasn’t strong last night but she was great at other times. Todrick…well I wasn’t too disappointed with his elimintion. Some real talent slipt through America’s fingers tonight.
And I have to really try hard not to be angry and dislike those whom I though SHOULD have been eliminated – its not their fault that they bumped true talent. Hopefully we can see some growth in these individuals.

And munkmusic I totally agree about season 7!! By far my favourite season. I’m a Cook fan personally but absolutely loved and adored Archie as well – pretty much loved all the top 10 that year. So, yes, I too must learn not to compare years and just sit back and enjoy this year, as much as I can…

MCL you told me we were in for a surprise tonight : (

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Season 9 March 11, 2010 at 10:46 pm

Oh boy. What a disaster of a season.

The only hope left for this show is Siobhan and Crystal. Siobhan is a STAR (kinda gives me an Adam Lambert vibe as far as star quality goes) and Crystal is an artist (I love her emotional detachment- it’s so natural and real).

I had Lilly in my top 3 but only because of talent and style. Truth is, she left me cold more often than not- it was something about her soul/personality. Even though I didn’t like her persona, I have to admit the talent so I’m sad to see her go.

I hope people don’t rail on Katie Stevens. She is only 16 and has enormous potential. Her voice is really quite pretty.

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Kariann1 March 11, 2010 at 11:28 pm

If I remember correctly, Lilly has had a rough life. I am truly saddened that she is gone as her talent was unique. I thought TOP 5 for sure; she was that good.

I believe if Todrick didn’t have that sam hanging over his head, he would have easily made it to the TOP 12. At least he wasn’t boring. I loved his song choice last night.

My favorites got through, but I feel such a let down tonight.

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masterclasslady March 12, 2010 at 12:15 am

Cookie Monster – yes I knew and why did I know? Because the selection of artists this season was confusing, some of the judges and their comments added to the confusion and so the voters were voting haphazardly from week to week.. Also, many viewers were changing their views from week to week re their faves and so this created voting chaos as well.

Not to flog a dead horse, but, Season 7 was so overloaded with talent in the Top 24 and one cannot help but make the comparison. I hope Season 9 starts to sparkle but, right now, it is looking mighty dismal from my end.

Erin – yes, it saddened me beyond belief to see Lilly eliminated – for many reasons-, but I was expecting it because of the DialIdol results. But Katie made it through – sweet justice. If the voters give her a chance, we may see a true star born before our eyes over the coming weeks.

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Kiyani March 12, 2010 at 12:21 am

Hi, my name is Kiyani and I have been coming to this board for years, but I have never left a post. Tonight I felt compelled to do so because of Lily Scott. I have really enjoyed reading all of your post and critiques for idol the past 3 years but I have to ask. My friends and I love Lily and a singing instructor told me she likes to use something called a “blue note”, what is that and as a singer myself why haven’t I heard of it, lol.

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J March 12, 2010 at 12:43 am

Hi, Kiyani! The “blue note” is a flatted note, often a flattened third or seventh, and is common in jazz and blues. Hopefully, this article helps! =)
http://www.answers.com/topic/blue-note

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Erin March 12, 2010 at 1:37 am

I don’t want Katie to win since she makes everything she sings sound old. Crystal SHOULD be the winner but she probably won’t be since the right people almost never win their season.

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Mindy March 12, 2010 at 2:24 am

I think a few of us said there would be some surprises tonight, but no way did I think it would come down this way. It took a while for some of my shock and disbelief to wear off. I reminded myself that this is why I usually don’t watch until the top 12 have already been selected. It was harder than I thought it would be.

I have to say that Alex leaving is the one that affected me the most. I thought it would be Lilly, especially since she was in my top four. But this young man kind of touched me in his earnest, sincere way. Someone quoted my comment that he was like ” a deer in the headlights”. That wasn’t meant to be as derogatory as it may have sounded. I really liked this guy! But I could just feel him holding back, so tense and stiff and inside himself. I wanted to see more of him. I loved the sound of his voice.

I have to say that I teared up watching his farewell performance. I even said out loud – Oh, Alex, if you had only sung like this the night before, you would still be here! I don’t know if that’s true, but this performance had the feeling, the intensity, the life that it lacked the night before. Somehow, Alex’s disappointment and sadness at not making the finals translated into a great farewell. I will miss him.

As far as Lilly and Katie, I had this weird feeling come over me as soon as they came back from commercial. It was like intuition, or some kind of sense, but I just knew that Katie was in and Lilly was out. Still, I sat there shocked when it was announced. I agree that Lilly is not for everyone’s taste, but there was something different and fresh about her that I liked. You really never know with this show. But the voting was all over the place.

Color me shocked that Paige is in the finals. I have yet to see anything from her that has impressed me. Maybe this will be her chance to start over. The same goes for Katie. I hope she can get her feet under her, find a way to do what she thinks works for her and then just say – let the judges be damned!

I am happy that Andrew is in the finals. I sincerely hope he can find the song that will work and show everyone the voice that I know is there.

I don’t think we will ever see anything like season 7 again.

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Mindy March 12, 2010 at 2:35 am

This was a night of surprises, that’s for sure! I think I am still in shock. I will miss Alex, who had so much potential and gave an incredible farewell performance. Oh, Alex, if only you had sung that way last night, maybe you would still be here.

At least Crystal and Siobhan are in the finals. That’s why I usually start watching until the finals. This was tough.

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Season 9 March 12, 2010 at 2:57 am

I think people need to cut Katie some slack. She is only 16 and I would be willing to bet that her Itunes recordings are going to be great because of her tone.

That said, as I already stated my faves are Siobhan and Crystal.

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Mindy March 12, 2010 at 4:28 am

I just reread my last post. I meant to say that I usually DON’T start watching until the finals. That way I don’t have to see these tough final cuts. It’s not easy.

So now we have our final twelve and the show can really begin! Though there were disappointments, there is still a good deal of talent in this group.

I hear that the Rolling Stones are the first theme. Good luck to the contestants. This could be tricky for some of them.

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hmmm... March 12, 2010 at 4:33 am

Just because one is 16 does not mean she needs to be cut some slack. No one gave it to the other teens in this season or in past seasons.

I like Katie’s voice! I do not know her, but she seems like a sweet person. However, if she does not deliver, well she does not get my vote.

Actually, do not vote. Just read Masterclasslady, but it bugs me when people use this line of reasoning. Age should not matter. If you can sing you can sing, if you connect you connect. She has not for me.

Good luck to the top 12!

And to Lilly, I pray you get a record deal anyway! I LOVED YA!

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IdolIsOdd March 12, 2010 at 4:41 am

Question, could we assume that Paige made it through as the black female? She was last on DialIdol, I am confused. lol

And could Lilly have been cute as to not be a threat to Crystal?

My gut reaction on why Paige made it through and Lilly didn’t!

Thoughts?

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louise March 12, 2010 at 7:10 am

Shocking, shocking, shocking!!! Just last week, I was thinking that Crystal, Siobhan, Lilly, and Katelyn were the top four females in the bunch. In my wildest dreams, I would never have predicted that Lilly Scott would be eliminated. All I can think of is that some of the people who would have been inclined to vote for Lilly and Katelyn probably voted for Crystal and Shiobhan instead.

As for the guys, I guess Andrew Garcia’s fan base is big enough to have kept him around, because he hasn’t been great lately.

It struck me as interesting that Katie and Aaron are both still in it. Every year I get a little suspicious of the voting results, and this is one of those times that makes me wonder if Idol wanted to keep two young kids in the finals to draw in young viewers and to get young people to come to the summer concerts. But enough with the conspiracy theories!

Now we just have to look ahead! And I’m looking forward to great things from Siobhan, that’s for sure.

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vonnie March 12, 2010 at 7:55 am

Okay American Idol Staff; I don’t know if any of you read here or not, but this is your train wreck and you need to fix it. Bring back all sixteen, let them sing without judges critique. Eliminate three at a time…!!!

Really America?????????? Alex, Katelyn, Lilly

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awestruck March 12, 2010 at 8:43 am

Interesting season to say the least …

Louise, one comment you made about Andrew Garcia – he made such an impression in hollywood week and has been doing the same thing, in my opinion, with his subsequent songs BUT it is not making the same impact. So far he has chosen songs sung by female artists – now I know he does his own thing with them, but it is easier to ‘make it your own’ when you are a male singer doing a female song. I’d like to see what he can do singing a song made famous by a male artist.

Opinions anyone?

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cookie monster March 12, 2010 at 8:50 am

I’ll start off by saying that I am a HUGE Lilly fan. So I was trying to figure out why she was eliminated and many posters on other sites have really put her down! They say she can’t sing, they don’t like the tone of her voice, that she’s cold, that it’s the same quirkiness week after week etc… So maybe that’s why she was cut. I guess the posters here have a better sense of artistry and taste! Ha! I hope we get to see her again. Maybe Ellen will have her on her show.
Paige last on Dialidol??? Interesting… Because posters on other sites have also expressed that she should be gone. Oh well, it is what it is. HAve a great day everyone.

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louise March 12, 2010 at 10:44 am

To TV viewers last night, the elimination show seemed much more sad than usual after it was announced that Alex was going home, but this article describes just what went on . . .

http://popwatch.ew.com/2010/03/12/american-idol-top-16-eliminations/

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masterclasslady March 12, 2010 at 10:50 am

Vonnie – I totally agree with you. The judges created this mess and now the Season will stink. To eliminate three promising artists is just a travesty!

And Cookie Monster – yes indeed , Paige was last on DialIdol but I guess TPTB decided that she was necessary so that their “Crystal win vision” is not disturbed by Katelyn or Lilly. And it would have been so if they were still in the running.

Awestruck – I am curious as well to see if Andrew Garcia can sing a song previously covered by a male. (SIGH) WHAT! A! MESS!

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J. Turner March 12, 2010 at 10:56 am

I don’t have anything new to say. Everyone else has said it, but I still have to say how disappointed I am about Lilly’s departure. I look forward to what she’s going to do every week. Maybe not with bated breath a la Adam Lambert, but she, Crystal, and Siobhan I look forward to every week. Paige was just awful. She was worse than most leads in a high school musical. I know it’s American Idol – we chooose the winners, and giving the producers a veto on the viewer’s choice sort of defeats the purpose of the method of the show. But I don’t know now … as much as everyone was protesting the judges’ save last semester, I bet a lot of people are wishing they had something like it last night.

Does anyone think something went technically wrong with the phone lines? If you take the theory that the alternative type of audience doesn’t vote, then Crystal probably wouldn’t have gotten through.

Has anyone heard any judges’ reactions, or are they not allowed to comment?

My feelings on:
Katie – talented, but I don’t find her interesting to listen to now. She needs a producer to guide her choices, but of course she can’t have that on AI.
Lacey – not a solo artist – she is more like front girl for a band like the Sundays or the Cranberries. Really like her though.
Crystal – LOFF, LOFF, LOFF her. I didn’t watch the show but some comments on the AI site said she looked pissed or sick on Thursday night.
Katelyn – had a lot of potential, but she just didn’t have the charisma and artistry … maybe it’ll develop
Alex Lambert – enjoyed listening to him and think if he had another week or two he probably would’ve lightened up and gotten some stage presence
Toddrick – didn’t light my fire. lukewarm for me.
Paige – someone who was that off tune should automatically be eliminated … they should use a tuning meter and if they’re off more than 10% of the time – splitsville – her staying is pathetic. I’ll stop watching if she stays more than 2 weeks
Michael – amazing man, voice and entertainer – what a contrast if he and Crystal made it to the final two!
Andrew Garcia – getting boring and I found it a bit painful to watch him this week … he sounded flat, a LOT.

I’m just so disappointed …

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J March 12, 2010 at 11:00 am

Hi, awestruck! I understand your point, but in the semifinals, Andrew only sang one song by a female artist (and that was the last one). The other two performances were of songs done by Fall Out Boy and James Morrison. I think Andrew was specifically trying to recreate “Straight Up” with “Genie in a Bottle,” but that song didn’t lend itself to as successful of a re-invention that way.

I think Andrew needs to connect with (1) the right songs and (2) songs that highlight the best qualities of his voice. His timbre has sounded consistent over all his semi-final performances (which is the idea), but his tonal quality has been markedly different. For me, “Genie in a Bottle” didn’t work because his tonal quality sounded “emaciated” (as MCL would say), meaning it was unfocused, lacking in resonance, and often breathy (which accounts for pitch problems too), unlike “Straight Up,” which displayed the fullness of his tone. “Sugar, We’re Going Down” was much better on that front, but now that I’ve actually listened to the original, I can understand why people thought the arrangement was odd. In “You Give Me Something,” I heard some of the breathy lack of focus too. And some of the fuller parts were accompanied by constriction.

He has a great style, but the full presence of his tonal quality hasn’t been on display since that performance. And maybe that’s what the judges are grasping at. Listening to the Hollywood performance, I think the reverb levels of his microphone were probably different than in the live show, which helps, but his tone still sounds much more focused, and the higher parts have fullness without constriction.

He has SUCH a great sound; I mean, I really, really like his sound. And he’s such a down-to-earth guy. He’s my favorite male contestant, the only one who’s had a performance that made me think, “Wow!” I just wish he’d sing in a full and focused manner, without constriction, more of the time. He is so much better than these semi-final performances, I feel.

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J March 12, 2010 at 11:16 am

It looks as though everyone’s feeling some sort of shock or outrage about the results:
http://mjsbigblog.com/american-idol-9-top-16-results-top-12-revealed-recap.htm
http://mjsbigblog.com/american-idol-9-top-12-reveal-recap-roundup.htm

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awestruck March 12, 2010 at 11:28 am

J – Thanks for that! I really appreciate it hearing your analysis. It is a wonder to me why the judges don’t (or can’t?) pick up on this and actually give specific constructive comments to these kids.

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janey March 12, 2010 at 11:48 am

hi guys! i don’t have much to add but i wanted to stop by just to say how much i love reading your comments and to leave a quick note letting you know that David Archuleta tweeted last night, “Just finished watching the Idol results show. Bummed about some of the people leaving already, but congrats to the top 12!”

it sounds like he agrees with most of your sentiments here.

btw masterclasslady, love this!!!!!

“I knew these results were going to be wacked. The entire season has been wacked thus far. Should be interesting to say the very least.”

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J March 12, 2010 at 11:51 am

awestruck — No problem! Yeah, I know what you mean because even as I hear the judges trying to give constructive criticism–and in many ways, they’ve been better–I feel that they still don’t pick up (or mention) those types of technical elements. As someone mentioned, it would really be helpful if the judging panel actually included a vocal coach or something.

*

Random thoughts to the universe: I just watched the sing-out performances, and I am even more upset. *sighs* It’s a sadness more than anything. I mean, I know this is just a television show, and this has happened time and time again. But there’s something so different about having so many talented singers eliminated the same night! And it’s not just that some random singers were eliminated on some inconsequential TV show (as some people might spin it); it’s the fact that we’re crushing these people’s dreams and making them doubt their talent and skill–when they were among the best.

After watching the results, seeing their performances, and realizing that Alex, Katelyn, and Lilly probably gave some of the best eliminated encore performances for this stage of the competition, I just have to think: How did America let go of such good singers? Not to mention that seeing Lilly’s reaction at the end of Katelyn’s performance and Siobhan’s and Katelyn’s tears during Alex’s performance was heartbreaking.

Paige – someone who was that off tune should automatically be eliminated
I know that Simon keeps telling us that Paige has so much potential, but based on delivery, Paige was by far the weakest performer on Tuesday. And I just feel that Simon’s comments added to the injustice of Katelyn’s elimination. He gave her no credit whatsoever for being one of the most consistent girls in the semi-finals.

Oy. I’m just going to keep sighing when I think of these results and how this season is going to be.

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J March 12, 2010 at 11:54 am

Oops. I meant to enclose the following line in quotes:

someone who was that off tune should automatically be eliminated

— This was originally written by J. Turner.

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J. Turner March 12, 2010 at 3:19 pm

I’m not even sure why they should be called judges. They don’t decide anything. Don’t the judges get a “say” on DYTYCD? Commentators is the most they are. Mentors? Special interest groups? Lobbyists?

I’m so sorry to be harsh about Paige, but if you’re playing in the majors you’ve got to take the beanball now and then. But seriously, I am not a talented singer. I don’t have special timbre. I don’t have a poignant break in my voice ( John Mayer), but I could’ve beat that performance.

I didn’t vote so I guess I better start.

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vonnie March 12, 2010 at 4:03 pm

Who holds American Idol accountable? Who’s to say that our votes are even being counted? We could be calling an answering machine that re-sets its-self after 100 or so “votes”. The judges and producers could be making all of the decisions. After Daughtry lost to Taylor, they made changes, no more of Taylor types on the show. Last year a guitar strumming “folk” singer stold the show. This year it is, “let’s eliminate them before they can become a problem…three of the four eliminated could and would have posed a serious problem to their dream top 3. They made it easy for America;

Look at the fodder in between…they chose their field wisley!

Random order:

Paige~Tim~Lacey~Aaron~Katie~Didi~Casey~Michael~Andrew or Lee could be top three…this should fill up 10 weeks easily.

Crystal and Siobhan top 2

A girl will win this year…!

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vonnie March 12, 2010 at 4:12 pm

Sorry…should read “stole”!

And for the record I really like Siobhan and Crystal will not be mad if either of them win…but I did really Like Alex and Katelyn too! I wanted to watch Alex grow over this season…I hope some samrt person snatches him up right away and makes an album with him!

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vonnie March 12, 2010 at 4:12 pm

OMGosh…I must stop typing..”Smart”

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Mindy March 12, 2010 at 4:37 pm

I just came back here and saw that there are two posts from me, the first one that didn’t come up last night and the second one I added. I didn’t mean to post twice, it was just the fact that I came back a few times and didn’t see my first post and thought it got lost or something. It looks strange seeing those back-to-back posts.

Louise,

I had not yet read Slezak’s recap of last night, so thanks for the link. I was sure that I saw Ellen scrambling from the stage to get back to her seat, as they came back from the break. Even without seeing all that went on during the commercial, it was obvious that there were some really distraught contestants.

I never thought that I could cry at an elimination show. It’s not like I haven’t seen this happen quite a bit over the years. But to see Alex fall apart like that, just hurt my heart. It all felt so very wrong. If anyone had told me that two of my top four wouldn’t make it, I would have thought they were out of their minds. But I forgot about the seriously flawed voting system. Maybe we shouldn’t be all that surprised when power texting tweens end up choosing people who have much weaker voices and less talent.

Slezak said that Simon put his head in his hands as soon as Andrew and Alex were brought center stage for the next elimination. He said that was the most emotion he had ever seen from Simon. I would love to know what he was thinking. Did he want both of them to stay? Did he sense that Alex was leaving? Or was it just overall disbelief? They have no one to blame but themselves. The show should have made some changes to the voting system. There should be a limit to the number of phone calls per line and something HAS to be done about this insane phenomenon of power texting. On mjsblog, someone said that the show doesn’t want to drop AT&T, so we are stuck with this craziness.

I am not a conspiracy theorist, but I may become one after last night’s results. I wonder if this will finally be the nail in the show’s coffin. The only power we have as viewers is to stop watching this trainwreck! All the things that I have always found more than slightly revolting about this show, seemed to just bubble to the surface while watching last night. The manipulation, the inconsistent and just plain BAD judging, the cruelty and the innate disrespect for the people who tune in to be entertained by unknown singers and watch a star being born.

This show has NO credibility with me anymore. I actually agree with vonnie that they should have a do-over. Have another sing-off and another vote. But would there be a difference? I don’t know.

I feel bad for all of the eliminated contestants, but I am most worried about Alex. He looked destroyed. It’s comforting to know that Ellen did her best to lift his spirits and let him know that it’s not the end of the world. The fact that she was crying herself as she left, says it all. It was too much even for her. I just had an empty, sick feeling after watching. I still have it today.

The only saving grace is that Crystal and Siobhan are still in it. But how interesting it is that the field of girls is now much weaker. Without Katelyn and Lilly, it’s pretty much Crystal and Siobhan. I hope these two girls will be okay. Both of them looked positively grief stricken and shocked. My heart goes out to them. This is beyond a travesty.

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Mindy March 12, 2010 at 5:14 pm

louise,

I guess that I am more tired than I thought or still in shock over the eliminations, because I didn’t realize that your link was to Adam Vary’s recap of the show last night. I realized it after I actually read Slezak’s recap on ew.com. Both were very good. At least we have a lot of company in our outrage.

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SR March 12, 2010 at 5:21 pm

I don’t get why people say Paige is last on DialIdol…if the margin of error is that large it’s statistically the same as being in first. That is why there’s a big 1-8. Statistically you could say she ‘tied for first’ in Dialidol…that would at least be more accurate.

And regarding Lilly getting kicked off…she made the classic mistake of singing something merely pleasant. Makes you go, “oh that’s nice”…but does it make you get out of your chair and vote…NO.

Follow the classic method…start the song off slow or quiet, then crescendo to some big money note(S) at the end (preferably with a memorable chorus). David Cook was the master at this.

For all you conspiracy theorists out there…really??? Every year it’s the same pattern…it’s better to memorable (bad or good) than to be merely pleasant.

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louise March 12, 2010 at 5:50 pm

Even though many here really liked Lilly (myself included) and we assumed she would go far in the competition, when I participated in on-line polls, Lilly was usually in the middle or near the bottom. Crystal and Shiobhan were always in the lead. From what I’ve read, some people just didn’t “get” her style, so I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised that she was voted off. And I really shouldn’t complain because I didn’t vote for anyone at all.

Hopefully Lilly will make a nice career for herself without the benefit of Idol. I hope the same can be said for Katelyn, but I think she needed more exposure on the show to help her career along.

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vonnie March 12, 2010 at 6:05 pm

For all you conspiracy theorists out there…really???

Hey SR…I would love to think that this was a conspiracy in the making, but, I know that it is a flawed voting system and until AI can fix that then we will always be at the same place…complaining!!! LOL

Mindy…I was so sad last night to see Alex leave, it broke my heart!

I said at the end of last season that I would not watch this show again…I’m now making good on that statement! I for one don’t care to watch this heartache any longer.

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louise March 12, 2010 at 6:16 pm

Do you think there is any possibility that there could still be a Wild Card round?

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awestruck March 12, 2010 at 6:42 pm

Interesting article – Michael Orland and Debra Byrd on season 9 contestants… http://content.usatoday.com/communities/idolchatter/post/2010/03/michael-orland-debra-byrd-talk-season-9-singers/1#uslPageReturn

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Jeanne March 12, 2010 at 7:19 pm

Well, you could have knocked me over with a feather when I got up this morning and learned that Lilly had been voted off!

I’ve read my favorite bloggers, The Idol Guy and the NGH Report, and they raise some good points. But on reflection, I’m not at all sure that any of it is really a surprise. Here is my take.

Michael and Andrew were pretty safe. Older voters like these guys. We relate to the second-chance stories, to parents trying to provide a better life for their kids (throw Crystal in here, too). We admire Lilly and Crystal for knocking on the door to their dreams for so many years. Yes, Andrew has been blasted by the judges for not topping “Straight Up”, but I think the voters were really less disappointed with him than the judges were. He’s running out of chances to prove that he is stellar, but he knows who he is as an artist and most of us are willing to give him another shot or two before dumping him.

Aaron, despite all the naysaying bloggers, was pretty safe, as was Katie. The tweens and teens love to have a high schooler in the mix, and if they have any amount of talent, two is not surprising. The young kids really want to believe that someone like them can win this thing. If Sanjaya, John Stephens, and Kevin Covais could get in the Top 12, how could these two, who each have more talent than those three put together, not make it in? Katie also had the advantage of a great back story and an ability to interpret old standards in a new way that appeals to the older voters, who also felt that she, like Andrew, had been treated a little unfairly by the judges. She’s running out of chances, too, but we’d like to give her another shot at it. It’s not like she hasn’t been trying to take the judges’ advice.

So on the boys’ side, that leaves three spots for the four heartthrob candidates. Lee and Casey aren’t shoe-ins for the top prize, but we see their potential and they haven’t really screwed up yet. They are eye candy for the 20-somethings and up, and it was hard to imagine them not getting in. Which leaves one spot for the teenybopper crowd, and Tim wins that contest because his looks are going to appeal to more people than Alex’s. Add to this that he finally had a decent performance and Alex was ho-hum, and the top six boys were a given.

(Yes, Mindy, I am disappointed in Alex’s departure, despite the fact that I was initially surprised that he made it through group round and then into the Top 24. I thought he had an interesting quality to his voice.)

What about Todrick? Arguably has a better voice than some of the finalists, but he was the odd man out. Just no room for him after all the “givens” were taken care of.

As for the women, Crystal has the parenting backstory as well as the strongest performing chops in the competition. I was worried about her appeal initially, but as the weeks have gone on, I sort of lost that. Katie is in as the mistreated girl next door with a load of talent, even if it has yet to sort itself out.

I believed the press when everyone said Paige was on her way out, but The Idol Guy is right, she was the last diva in the competition, we like powerhouse singers in general, she had two good performances before this week, and (I’m not trying to offend anyone here), but I wouldn’t blame anyone who voted for her because there were too many white chicks in the competition and couldn’t we have at least one minority candidate? And since she has a better voice than some of the other women, I’m okay with her being there. I understand not everyone agrees with this . . .

Didi saved herself this week. Another great backstory, pretty girl who clearly has a lovely voice but couldn’t get it together. You could almost feel everyone rooting for her, willing her to finally find her voice, which she did this week. We hope it isn’t a one-shot deal, but we want her to at least have another chance to prove it wasn’t.

Siobhan – she wasn’t going anywhere. So that leaves one spot for Katelyn, Lacey, or Lilly.

Katelyn has had two so-so performances in a row, and I think as much as we like her, we were beginning to suspect that that was what we were going to get in the future, too. The Top 12 doesn’t always have to do with demonstrated talent – we’re looking for people with potential as well. We like singers who grow and improve over the course of the show. Katelyn had a question mark there.

So why Lacey over Lilly? Yes, she had the better week, and that’s probably part of it. There is enough parity in this season that you can’t risk a bad song choice or a bad interpretation choice or so-so energy or a few false notes. It can bite you if you do.

They both know who they are as artists – or perhaps, in Lacey’s case, I mean that she knows her limitations. The last two song choices were perfect for her, and she finally got her nerves under control this week. She’s been improving steadily. Lilly, on the other hand, slipped in her song choice this week. When the judges keep harping on how you know yourself as an artist, and you agree with them, then you better wow us when you perform. Voters may have been harder on her because of this. If you know yourself so well, how, they might ask, could that trainwreck of a Patsy Cline song happen?

Okay, maybe it wasn’t quite a trainwreck, but when you are that hyped, it doesn’t have to be.

But really, I think what did Lilly in – and please don’t yell at me for this – is the likability factor. Lacey is adorable. As are Didi and Siobhan, the other quirky ones in a very quirky season. And if you look at all the final 12 singers, they are all very likable. It comes over on TV. They have great smiles (Lacey can’t stop smiling!) and have shared something about themselves that makes us care for them. Lilly is a more naturally reserved person. She doesn’t sell herself well. She is probably as likable as any of them offstage, but it’s what the camera sees that counts. And that, I think, was the nail in her coffin.

Of course, maybe everyone thought she was such a sure thing that they didn’t vote. If so, when will those voters learn????

Lilly puts me in mind of Carly Smithson and Michael Johns, both of whom were so highly touted by the judges and who left earlier than expected. They realized, a little late in the game, that how the audience feels about performers personally can be as important as whether or not you can sing. And none of the three of them generate that warm and fuzzy feeling that voters like to have about their singers.

Crystal risks this, too. I’ve been puzzling about the people who say she doesn’t seem to “feel”, which I didn’t get initially because you can’t sing like she does without feeling. But outside of the singing, she isn’t going to get warm and fuzzy, either. Since I don’t think she really wants to win the competition, that may not concern her. And she is a better performer to carry further into the competition than either Carly or Michael, which is probably far enough to get a record contract.

Bottom line is that you need two of three things to get into the Top 12: the ability to entertain (which may be singing talent or singing and something else); perceived potential to improve; and likability. Once you’re in the Top 12, you need at least two, and to get into the Top 4, you need all three. But the Top 12 is not about the best singers. You might want it to be, but It just isn’t. We’re going to spend 11 weeks with these people, and we know that, at the end of the day, only about 4 are going to have sufficient talent to (maybe) turn this into a career. It’s a reality show, and we choose people we want to spend that kind of time with.

Does anyone seriously believe that Tim or Lacey or Paige is going to win Idol? I doubt it. But they each offer something that pleases enough people to want to keep them around a few weeks more.

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J March 12, 2010 at 7:32 pm

Mindy –

Maybe we shouldn’t be all that surprised when power texting tweens end up choosing people who have much weaker voices and less talent.

The thing is that voting bloc might account for someone like Tim Urban or Aaron Kelly making the top 12, but—no disrespect to the following two ladies whatsoever—I can’t imagine anyone voting up a storm for Paige Miles or Lacey Brown. I’m honestly sincerely confused because they received little airtime, and their performances have not been on par with their other competitors.

The only thing I can think of—with Lilly in particular—is that people were complacent and didn’t vote, but I don’t know.

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Jeanne March 12, 2010 at 7:40 pm

awestruck — I think the best way to do a well-known song on AI and avoid comparison with the original artist is to do a song done by someone of the opposite sex. It usually works pretty well, because it is so unexpected.

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Fancy_ March 12, 2010 at 7:53 pm

They kept the judges “save”-in the same article Fox announced the return to top 24 format. The judges opinions are so contradictory even the viewers can’t figure out what they mean. The producers are manipulating themselves out of a job as they are so obviously neither musicians nor talent scouts. I feel sorry for (especially the young ones) the contestants who thought they were in a singing competition.

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J March 12, 2010 at 9:22 pm

Jeanne –

I believed the press when everyone said Paige was on her way out, but The Idol Guy is right, she was the last diva in the competition, we like powerhouse singers in general…

Maybe I’m picky in the way I apply the term “powerhouse singer,” but I don’t think any of the singers this year are powerhouse singers, per se. I probably distinguish between “diva” and “powerhouse singer” in my own mental way, but my favorite singer Kelly Clarkson is my favorite brand of powerhouse singer—the versatile singer who can tackle high difficult passages with power and fullness but can also sing ballads and handle soft passages gently with nuance (not to mention how easily she slips into different genres and the vocal control she has! I can go on forever…). The subtle, nuanced powerhouse singer is the type of voice I aspire to be and the type of voice I’m most drawn to. (Of course, there are powerhouse singers who aren’t subtle—and they’re still powerhouses, I wouldn’t deny that—but those aren’t the ones I’m as drawn to.) My point is that I love and identify with that type of voice in general, so I don’t throw around the label “powerhouse singer” lightly.

I can launch into a whole discussion about this (if anyone wants to read it, lol!), but there is a consistent “vocal coordination” and sound that’s characteristic of powerhouse singers. Early Whitney Houston (who was amazing) is really the archetype for that sound, and it really follows from the tradition of great soul, R&B singers (like Aretha Franklin) and gospel singers (so many, since her mother was one!). And those really were Whitney’s influences, by the way.

Anyway, there’s this certain level of technical execution and—to use layman’s terms—”lung power” I associate with “powerhouse singers” (ties into ideas of volume, support, depth of coordination, etc.), and there’s definitely a “wow” factor as well. I’m a nerd about vocal technique (as you can tell), so I can hear the difference in the difficulty of certain sounds. And there’s something consistently impressive about the vocal coordination that reaches the threshold of being powerful enough to place a singer in the “powerhouse” category. There’s also a notion of singing “high” notes that’s tied to this idea.

By that token, Paige Miles doesn’t have the full-bodied tone in her low/normal range or the right vocal coordinations in her upper range to meet the standard of a “powerhouse singer.” Her high notes are brassy, but you can tell that they’re not particularly loud, and they don’t have the fullness of the glory notes of the best powerhouse singers.

[For examples across genre of powerhouse singers, some include: the often referenced old school Mariah and Whitney along with Celine Dion, modern pop singers like Kelly Clarkson and Christina Aguilera, gospel singers like Yolanda Adams, someone like Christian singer Rachael Lampa, and even country singers in the vein of Martina McBride (who has a huge voice!). Not to mention a ton of Filipina singers, including Charice Pempengco…]

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J March 12, 2010 at 9:27 pm

For the record, Siobhan Magnus is probably the closest to being a powerhouse singer (with her fearless high note in “Think”), and I think Crystal is powerful (she just doesn’t have the desire to sing that type of music). A few other singers have potential. More on this if anyone asks… =P

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Mindy March 12, 2010 at 9:54 pm

Wow,so much to read! I hardly know where to begin.

Dearest J,

I just had a quick reply to your response to my comment about the tween texting. Even after I wrote it, I almost came back on to clarify that this obviously isn’t the only explanation for what happened last night. I think you make an excellent point that there were other factors involved. Thanks for the wise reminder!

Jeanne,

I think you made some interesting observations about the results and how is in and who is out. I still believe that part of the problem is a fundamentally flawed voting system, but I will say that it’s not enough to explain what happened last night.

I think Lily has limited appeal. I also agree that her rather cool demeanor may have played some part in her losing out to others. It is true that viewers want someone with whom they can identify, or a reason to become invested enough to pick up the phone and vote. One thing that struck me about Lily was that she seemed a bit overconfident. No one should ever think that they are a lock for anything on this show. I could sense it when I heard what she said last night. Clearly, she expected to get to the finals. But I think she blew it with her song choice. I said it before, but it bears repeating – Patsy Cline is a tough act to follow. If you are going to try to reinvent or rework one of her classic songs, then you better get it right. Lilly didn’t manage to do that. I thought her farewell performance was much better, but I still think that this was an error in judgement on her part.

She doesn’t come across as touchy feely. I do sense a certain aloofness and distance. I think it was a combination of a few different factors – her somewhat limited appeal as a jazzy, quirky singer; poor choice of song that didn’t go over well and a kind of coolness and sense of entitlement about being in the finals. I am not trying to be unkind to her. But these are things that I noticed even before she was voted off. I honestly did want to hear more from her, but never believed that she had a real shot at winning.

I thought Lilly knew herself really well, but in the end I am not sure that this is the case. As you said, if she really knew who she was, then why did she try to tackle one of the greatest female singers who ever lived? Wouldn’t she want to make her own statement? Somehow, she pulled off the Sam Cooke song, but to take on another icon was like playing with fire. I have to give you credit for making a great point. Why do Sam Cooke and Patsy Cline if you are unique, different and original?

I don’t see anything wrong with being honest about the likeability factor. It’s incredibly important in this competition. Thinking about it after the fact, there are some solid explanations as to why she didn’t make it. Some were already having a few doubts about how she would manage to appeal to a huge audience.

I actually like Crystal’s simple honesty and truth. She is who she is. I don’t think she wants to be made over in the Idol image. I might even agree that she may very well not want to win. I wonder if she would want to be handled and have to answer to pr people, deal with the press, everything that comes along with winning Idol. I think Crystal wants her singing to speak for her. She will get through based on her talent and not play any games.

I also agree about Lacey. She really played it smart this time. She does know her limitations. She picked a song that she could nail, that would show off her voice to full effect, while masking her weaknesses. It paid off with a trip to the finals.

I know why Alex didn’t make it through, but it doesn’t make me feel any better. I knew that Tim, Alex and Aaron weren’t all going to get through, but I was hoping that Alex would make it. I sensed great potential in him. If the voters want to see growth, then he would have been a great choice. I think he had much more in him that either Tim or Aaron, but it is what it is. I just hope that Ellen was able to make him realize that it’s not the end of the world, that he is young and has his whole life ahead of him, that there are other routes to success. But what tore at my heart was his farewell performance. He showed us all what he was capable of, showed that the realization of his potential was closer than we might have thought. He will be the one I will regret losing the most. It’s not that I don’t care about Lilly and Katelyn, but Alex touched me more than I realized until he was gone.

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Mindy March 12, 2010 at 10:11 pm

Dearest J,

I read your comments about powerhouse singers. I am so glad that you said that Siobhan is a good example of that, because I picked her a powerhouse singer when I first heard her. That means that, even though I am unable to articulate why I think someone is a powerhouse singer, I can recognize it when I hear it.

I don’t see Paige as a powerhouse singer at all. She hasn’t shown me anything to think she can pull off that kind of singing. But maybe when Jeanne quoted the Idol guy, she meant that this is what people see her as, even if that’s not the reality. Maybe this is the category in which people will put her. I hope not, because they will be disappointed. She will not be able to deliver that kind of singing.

I also agree with you about Crystal. That’s why I think she may well surprise people in the finals. She chooses not to use her power, but it’s there. I can hear it. If she does decide at some point to let her voice go at full throttle, it could be quite memorable.

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vonnie March 12, 2010 at 10:22 pm

louise…I am so wishing for a Wild Card round, wouldn’t that be Awesome?

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Kariann1 March 13, 2010 at 8:07 am

Mindy, thank you for your thorough explanation of why Lilly may not have gathered enough votes. It does make sense, but I still wish she had chosen another song. I wanted to hear more. I would love to see a Finale with Siobhan and Crystal, but after last night, I won’t predict anything. It was all too sad.

“I think it’s going to go back to the old days. Discovering somebody and turning them into a star is what this show is about,” he said. “I love that it’s a return to the person with no experience who was a bartender or sang in a little bar once in a while and we’re going to turn them into a star.”
– Michael Orland

Awestruck, thank you for the link! It is exciting to go back to a concept that made Jason Castro and Anthony Fedorov my favorite Idols. I love seeing great growth instead of polished professionals. I don’t want any Wild Card rounds or Judges’ Save. TPTB have too much power as far as I am concerned.

Vonnie, I do think there is a possibility that if two contestants were extremely close, Idol may decide who they would like to go on. I am very excited about the Rolling Stones theme. Who will be the mentor?

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Kariann1 March 13, 2010 at 8:14 am

Oh, did anyone read that Crystal will continue to pick out her own clothes? I was wondering in what reference that was made?

MCL, you said, “The judges created this mess and now the Season will stink.” That sounds so discouraging. I hope there will be some bright moments! I imagine the ‘pimping’ will begin in full force this coming week. I do look forward to your critiques as you write as no other. I have been reading your analysis of Idol since Season 4. (I believe that’s when your blog started?) 🙂

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Jeanne March 13, 2010 at 8:15 am

Mindy, yes to everything you said. You are so eloquent and thoughtful.

And yes, J, Mindy has it right about the powerhouse issue, although reading your explanation was fascinating and I thank you for it. I don’t think Paige is a prototypical powerhouse singer, but she is the one female singer in the competition who has come closest to attempting that kind of music. We are so accustomed to having one or two of the big-voiced women that having so many smaller voices may have sent some voters looking for variety. And perhaps they think she can deliver it and she’ll be voted off when they realize she can’t.

And yes, if Siobhan can address the problem you were speaking of in an earlier post, I think she would be a powerhouse singer. And I agree that Crystal showed hints of that capability in “Give Me One Reason”.

I agree, Mindy, that Alex was showing so much promise, and I’m glad that I came to understand why the judges kept him in when I thought he was hopelessly ill-suited to the final group. I’m going to assume that they saw some similar sort of potential in all of the Top 24. However, seeing someone’s potential doesn’t mean that the person is able to reach that potential on our timetable, and that’s part of the gamble that is American Idol. If you have an off-night, being talented isn’t necessarily going to matter. And if you aren’t accustomed to performing on national tv, it can take some time to get control of your nerves.

Watching Alex’ reaction to being cut was heartbreaking, but God always uses our failures to help us grow, and I hope that over time, Alex will be able to use his experience on AI as fertilizer for a wonderful career.

Yes, the voting system is flawed, but then, all contests are, by nature, I think, flawed. It’s this thing called human beings. Hard to make anything perfect when we’re involved. Then you put it on national television over a period of months and you have a whole lot of other drivers involved rather than finding the best singer in America. And no matter what the AI marketers may say publicly, Vonnie, that isn’t really what AI is about. It is about providing an entertaining show week after week. If you can look at it in that perspective, roll your eyes when Sanjaya makes it through another week, cry a little when Alex gets cut, and then put it behind you and look forward to next Tuesday, then it succeeds in its purpose. If it causes negative feelings that you can’t let go of, then as much as I will miss your participation on this board, perhaps it is time for you to take a break.

I will be interested, Mindy, to see how Crystal progresses in this competition and how voters respond to her. And I am especially interested in seeing how this particular group of singers handles the Rolling Stones — I’ve got to believe that at least half of them said, “Oh, my God, what on earth am I gonna sing?” when they found out . . . Or do kids this young not really have enough familiarity with the RS songbook to panic that early???? 🙂

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vonnie March 13, 2010 at 8:25 am

I told my husband that I was not going to watch Idol any more and he said, “Yeah right, you are so addicted to that show, your butt will be in that recliner come Tuesday night”…I think he knows me pretty well! I’m so torn though, watching only allows this show to continue with their present format, which I think is not working, not watching makes me grumpy so, what to do???

On the bright side of Alex, Katelyn, and Lilly going home, I still have Didi, Andrew, Lee, Crystal and Siobhan that I like!!! ALOT

kariann 1,
Rolling Stones Mentor = Mick Jagger??? Do you think he would come on the show, that would be pretty awesome for the contestants.

Andrew needs to sing – I can’t get no satisfaction! LOL

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vonnie March 13, 2010 at 8:39 am

Jeanne…Thank you! I am not a competitive person, so competitions of any kind find me hunting the fair button…My son has competed for years on a tournament circuit for karate, I’ve seen the same thing happen there as what happens on idol…we as a family would say the same thing, we just won’t keep competing, well next tournament there we were!

I guess I find being able to say I won’t watch gives me a feeling of a little control in the matter! I’m okay, life goes on – everything happens for a reason! So we go forth with the contstants who are left.

Now that’s not to say I won’t throw any fits OR vow I will not watch this show again! I don’t take this Idol thing to serious any way, it’s just fun to vent!

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louise March 13, 2010 at 8:53 am

Here’s a link to an interview with Alex and he really seems like a sweetheart!

http://blog.zap2it.com/frominsidethebox/2010/03/american-idols-alex-lambert-i-wasnt-expecting-to-go-home.html

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masterclasslady March 13, 2010 at 11:08 am

Kariann and everyone here on this site. I deeply apologize for sounding so dismal about this season of American Idol. The disappointment was overwhelming, but, after reading an article with Michael Orland and Debra Byrd, I am feeling a little more optimistic. (Thanks to awestruck for sending it along in the comments section of this topic).

Also, Ellen, for me, is the voice of reason on this show. I love her relaxed, comforting and gentle demeanor and her comments are realistically helpful. She genuinely cares for these singers – I am certain all the judges do as well – but, coming from Ellen it seems real.

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Jeanne March 13, 2010 at 11:21 am

MCL, I, too, l liked the article you refer to that awestruck posted the link to here. And I really think that is what is going to be fun about this particular season: seeing who — and perhaps being surprised by — grows as a singer and performer. Each season has its own personality, its own pluses and minuses, and that, to me, is what makes it interesting to watch. Yes, there are some years I’ve enjoyed more than others, but I’ve always found something to enjoy each year. And I think that after the last two years, where there has been some amazing talent and frontrunners, I’m kind of up for the more low-key, diamond in the rough year. One of my favorite Idol experiences is still watching Kimberly Locke, whom I desperately wanted to be voted off first after her performance of Heat Wave, grow into a great bluesy singer.

Also, I rewatched this weeks’ ladies’ show, and realized that Crystal sat down on her amp during her critique not to be different or disrespectful, but because she needed to sit. I am wondering if her health is up to the rigors of AI’s schedule???

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vonnie March 13, 2010 at 11:46 am

Jeanne…Watching Crystal, I wondered the same thing! I have family memebers with diabetes and I know for them it can really be a struggle and I’m sure with the rigors of the show knocks her off of her eating schedule!

MCL…I think we have all felt dismal about this season at one point or another, me included with my “wishy washy” tantrums!!! No need to apologize!

I also agree with you MCL about Ellen! I stated a while back that she was becoming one of my favorite judges…after Thursday night, she is now my Favorite Judge!!! She truly is the voice of reason on this show, she truly cares for these kids. I read last night that she will be having Alex on her show on Wednesday!

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jayray March 13, 2010 at 12:01 pm

I saw the Mike Orland article yesterday also and it did help make sense out of this season’s top 24 picks. Even some of the judging makes a little more sense.
I had to wonder though, why keep the viewers in the dark about going with raw talent and less experience? It was inevitable that long-time viewers would make comparisons to previous seasons. Without the kind of insider information Michael and Debra referred to in the article, the comparison results would be ugly and it is ugly right now across the Idol blogs. This season is taking a hard hit across the net and Aaron and Katie aren’t faring well on the blogs. The judges alone may not have created the mess, the whole Idol team did. I appreciate Mike and Debra’s explanation helped me a lot but I wonder if it maybe too little too late?

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J. Turner March 13, 2010 at 12:09 pm

I wish I knew how to do quote blocks:

“And regarding Lilly getting kicked off…she made the classic mistake of singing something merely pleasant. Makes you go, “oh that’s nice”…but does it make you get out of your chair and vote…NO.”

I do agree with you there and Simon did call that one.

MCL et al. – Does anyone else think the best numbers (the “wow” factor) often come from a singer doing a number from an artist of the opposite sex? Unless you are truly transcendent like some of our winners like David and Adam (I didn’t watch before Season 7), it’s much easier not to bear direct comparison to the original artist. It seems when they have a “catalogue” night like the upcoming Rolling Stones night, the same sex singers are usually in some sort of “trouble” (often according to Simon), but the opposite sex artists HAVE to change up the presentation and arrangement to make it their own. It’s morning and I’m having trouble remembering specific performances, but I’ll try.

1) Katelyn with “The Scientist.” While it didn’t have the “moment”, if a guy had sat at the piano and done that it probably would’ve sounded wannabe.

2) I think I remember in Season 7 the judges continually dissing the girls during Dolly Parton week, while the boys did much better.

3) Last season it seems there weren’t many girls left. But Lil Rounds made many mistakes doing classics from amazing female artists that bore hurtful comparisons. ie: Tina Turner, Bette Midler

4) Kris Allen: did a great job with Donna Summer

5) Tatiana del Toro flopped with Whitney Houston.

6) One of Anoop’s better performances, I think, was True Colors.

I’m not trying to present this as a thesis that is always true, but I think it should bear weight in song choice for folks who are NOT David C., David A., Allison I., Adam L., or Kris Allen.

Since I didn’t watch before Season 7, please let me know if there were any flaming disasters or “moments” from other seasons that follow this pattern.

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Jeanne March 13, 2010 at 12:21 pm

I’m not sure that the producers are to blame for not “warning” us that this group isn’t as experienced as some in previous seasons, and I don’t think it was an intentional choice on their part to come up with singers with less experience. I am willing to be that they chose the best singers they could find and that they just happened to be ones with less experience. If the viewing audience came into this season with specific expectations that they would see singers who are ready to make an album tomorrow and they are vexed that these singers aren’t, well, it’s their own expectations that have let them down, not the Idol team.

Last year there were people complaining that Adam had too much experience. That AI had strayed from its roots of giving people who would never have had a chance at a singing career the opportunity of a lifetime.

There is always someone who can find a reason to be displeased with this show. And no matter who gets voted off, there will be someone somewhere in the world who will be angry about it.

I’m getting just a teensy bit tired of people complaining because the Idol voters don’t see absolutely eye to eye them every single week . . . I think I shall follow my own advice to Vonnie and keep watching the show, but stop following the reactions on the internet.

I’ve enjoyed this site, though! Keep it up!

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vonnie March 13, 2010 at 12:52 pm

Aww Jeanne, If I promise to stop whining will you stay?

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vonnie March 13, 2010 at 3:59 pm

kariann 1,

Do you have any song choices for Rolling Stones week? I think a couple of these kids should pull off Stones week very well…Lee and Crystal I’m thinking will probably have the easiest time. Andrew and Siobhan should also have a fairly easy time of this theme as well…should be fun or it could be a major train wreck, LOL!

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Mindy March 13, 2010 at 5:45 pm

Hi All,

I have been trying to catch up on the comments since I last posted. I did want to provide one bit of information. If you go on itunes, you can see the fifty songs that the contestants are allowed to choose from the Rolling Stones catalogue of music. I went there and checked out a number of them, just giving it that little thirty second listen. So many of them are songs that I remember very well, having been a teenager when the Rolling Stones first came along. Some I had kind of forgotten. But it was a powerful reminder of the depth and range and sheer unadulterated talent that the Rolling Stones had and still have.

There should be more than enough material for the contestants. The trick is to get it right. This could well be challenging for some of them. Even if they are too young to remember the Rolling Stones from back in the day, they should be familiar with a number of these songs. They are true classics. But I do think this theme is fraught with peril. It could be a minefield. I don’t envy these young kids.

Jeanne,

Thanks for your kind words and for putting things in perspective. I did read that link with the comments from Michael Orland and Debra Bryd. I think it’s a good idea to step back, take a deep breath and realize that the world hasn’t ended. Life goes on and so does Idol. This could prove to be an exciting season as we watch to see who can grow and learn and mature right before our very eyes. I got my disappointment out of my system and am now eager to see next week’s performances, and of course, MCL’s brilliant critiques.

I am glad that Alex is going to be on Ellen’s show. That was generous and kind of her. She seemed to be really concerned and upset over him being sent home. I hope that letting Alex have his moment on her show, will help him to realize that there is a future for him. It’s not over by a long shot. I am confident that he will come to the realization that he has his whole life ahead of him and there will be many opportunities for him to follow his dream.

I am here for the duration! I am glad to see that Vonnie has reconsidered. I felt like just letting it go after the results, but when I had a day or two to think it over I knew there was no way that I would miss seeing Crystal, Siobhan, Michael, Lee and the others. We may be genuinely surprised by what happens this season.

I am concerned for Crystal’s health, as Vonnie mentioned. She will be under enormous stress as the competition progresses. Even though she has shown remarkable composure and poise, diabetes is a difficult illness to manage at times. She looked positively drained on the results show. It seemed like a combination of shock and sadness at seeing her friends get voted off. But the thing we need to remember is that it won’t get any easier. Every week these kids will lose someone with whom they have shared a bond and formed a strong friendship. It will only get harder from here on out.

I am wondering if they will have a mentor this week. It would be amazing if Mick Jagger or any member of the Rolling Stones would agree to participate. I think the mentors give the contestants so much great advice and wisdom.

I haven’t really thought about which songs would work for the contestants. It’s a little overwhelming when you first look at the list of those fifty songs. If they can pick the right song and do it in a way that works for them, then we could be in for a real treat.

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J March 13, 2010 at 6:22 pm

Oy. There are so many comments I want to reply to, but I really shouldn’t because I need to study for my finals So, I shall address one in particular now…

Jeanne — I definitely agree with you that I like the return to less experienced contestants, especially in light of all the complaints in the last couple of seasons of how “overly experienced” some of the contestants have been. It’s nice to know that the show is actually plucking good singers out of obscurity as it was originally intended to.

I think it’s one of those contradictions that viewers want unknowns with little experience, but they also want them to be somewhat polished and not in any way “painfully inexperienced.” Kelly Clarkson is a great example of this. Her pre-Idol experience was a series of slammed doors and misfortunes. She had no formal vocal training, yet, she had these amazing set of pipes. She was confident on stage and down-to-earth off stage. And yes, she displayed remarkable growth over the course of the competition and also in the years following the show, but even in the semi-final rounds with “Respect,” she was pretty darn amazing already. I think this type of contestant is the “ideal” that many people are drawn to and hope for, but in reality, it’s very difficult to find raw natural talent that is at that level of nearly polished.

I hope you decide to stay, Jeanne. I understand completely what you’re saying about the flawed voting system. I comfort myself by remembering as much in any type of competition, and I always use examples like this year’s eliminations to bolster in my mind that the best, most talented contestants don’t always win or make it as far as they should.

I completely agree with this:

There is always someone who can find a reason to be displeased with this show. And no matter who gets voted off, there will be someone somewhere in the world who will be angry about it.

And as for this:

I’m getting just a teensy bit tired of people complaining because the Idol voters don’t see absolutely eye to eye them every single week

If it encourages you at all, I understand completely what you’re saying. I think some people just need an emotional release and time to get over the outrage, sadness, and/or bundle of mixed feelings they’re going through. I know that the Idol voters don’t always see eye to eye with me, and I know that Idol voters don’t necessarily reflect popular opinion or any accurate assessment of talent. The Idol voters are simply the people who feel compelled to pick up their phones and vote, and maybe as the more pragmatic viewers increasingly feel less compelled to vote, the results will become more and more outlandish.

I do believe that everything happens for a reason (as trite and un-comforting as that may be!). I try to trust that the truly talented people will persevere despite their premature oustings, and if it’s meant to be, it will be. The voting system is skewed and flawed, yes, but the sun still rises and the sun still sets, and by the grace of God, I live another day. The world doesn’t end because of baffling American Idol results. I admit that it has been a long time since I’ve let myself get strongly worked up about any eliminations. Of course, there have been results that I disagreed with, but I’ve learned that I just have to let go of things I can’t change. And yes, it’s a shame that these things happen, but it doesn’t help for me to cling onto them. I have to move on. For other people, the process of moving on might take a little longer and involve more exaggerated outbursts of emotion… and that’s fine as well.

We’ll all be okay once we decide to be. It just takes a different amount of time for each individual person.

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vonnie March 13, 2010 at 8:21 pm

Mindy,
Thank you for the kind words! I hope you know that I am not going any where, I like to vent and whine, but I’m not going to stop watching or stop posting on this site…this site for me is; believe it or not my sanity!

Jeanne wrote…I’m getting just a teensy bit tired of people complaining because the Idol voters don’t see absolutely eye to eye them every single week . . . I think I shall follow my own advice to Vonnie and keep watching the show, but stop following the reactions on the internet.

I’m sure that I am probably one of the biggest complainers here…If you ever watch the show Reba; my personality is much like Cheyenne her stage daughter, LOL!

But I would like to explain; I don’t like to get personal on sites, however, my oldest brother is terminally ill, this coming July will be five years since his diagnosis. I can’t look at him without my heart exploding, so the silliness of this show and being able to come here and be silly and vent helps me greatly. This place is a place to come where I don’t have to be me for a while, I can take my mind off the storms that rage around me and be an Idol tyrant for a few minutes out of the day…I am so sorry if my complaining about the show makes people feel uncomfortable, but it sure beats my complaining and feeling so entirely helpless where my brother is concerned, just like I can’t control this show, I can’t control my brother’s cancer! So we all need an outlet.

I don’t take this show personal and I don’t let these kids eliminations or not winning keep me up at night, other things fill those thoughts at night.

Sorry to unload; I don’t like sympathy suckers and I don’t want to be one…just want you guys to understand that if I sound more grumpy than others or more prone to temper tantrums, you know why.

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louise March 13, 2010 at 11:46 pm

Vonnie,
I can completely relate to what you are going through–when my mother was very ill with cancer six years ago, AI helped my stress level in just having something mindless to look forward to for a couple of hours a week. I’m really sorry that you are going through such a difficult time. I’ll be thinking of you.

I think this past week was especially hard for loyal Idol followers because Alex seemed so destroyed when he learned that he was going home. In reading an interview with him afterwards (which I posted the link to above), I think he’s come to terms with it in a positive way. If only he had had some more experience singing in front of large audiences before he auditioned for Idol, his chances would probably have been better.

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Mindy March 14, 2010 at 2:30 am

Kariann,

Thanks for your kind words about my explanation for Lily’s departure. However, I would like to say that Jeanne deserves a good deal of the credit. She got me thinking with her own comments. I think she made some truly insightful and thoughtful comments about some of the issues with Lily.

I just want to give credit where credit is due. So many times when I read all the wonderful comments here, it gets me thinking and for that I am truly grateful.

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Kariann1 March 14, 2010 at 4:17 am

I think the best way to do a well-known song on AI and avoid comparison with the original artist is to do a song done by someone of the opposite sex.

Jeanne, I am in absolute agreement here, and for this reason I believe the girls will do quite well with the Rolling Stones theme. Thank you for your opinion on why Lilly left. I believe Paige was the benefactor of Haeley and Michelle’s voters.

Mindy (and all others), I may not always give proper credit where it is due, but know that I appreciate all your opinions! This really is an informative website.

They kept the judges “save”-in the same article Fox announced the return to top 24 format.

Please Fancy_ tell me this isn’t true! It was what I hated the worse last season. It wasn’t because Anoop was my favorite contestant, but rather it took away the voter’s choice. Anoop was not voted out before Matt, and it was so unfair! He got cheated out of going to Disney Land as a TOP 5 contestant.

MCL, I am also warming up to Ellen. There had to be someone supportive of the contestants. I am happy to see those without a great deal of professional experience make it so far.

Vonnie, I like, “Time is on My Side”, yes it is. 🙂 Your explanation about your brother is very similar to what I am also going through. You don’t sound grumpy to me at all. Honest!

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J March 14, 2010 at 6:20 am

This post by the LA Times is really interesting. I don’t know if I understand (or if I even understand what “indie” means after reading this), but it’s certainly interesting.

Ann Powers: Has ‘Idol’ gone too indie?
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/americanidoltracker/2010/03/ann-powers-has-idol-gone-too-indie.html

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J March 14, 2010 at 6:21 am

I meant to say: I don’t know if I *agree* …

*sighs* Late-night typos. =P

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vonnie March 14, 2010 at 1:43 pm

louise and kariann 1 ~ Thank you both very much. Life is not easy some times! It is comforting to know that I am not alone, that others has gone through the same thing and some alot worse things.

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Mindy March 14, 2010 at 4:51 pm

vonnie,

My heart goes out to you during what must be a difficult time in your life. I can’t think of anything worse. I don’t mind your emotion and passion at all. I am the same way. If you read my posts right after the shocking eliminations, then you will see that I was struggling to accept it all. I remember something that was said by our late President John Kennedy – life is unfair. I was thinking about that as I watched Alex fall to pieces right in front of our eyes. It’s okay to get mad, vent your emotions, express outrage and disgust. It’s part of the process of watching this show. We all process disappointment in our own special way.

I am so happy that you can come here and find some respite from the pain and sadness of watching your brother fight a terminal battle with this insidious disease. You contribute so much and are a shining light. Have courage and find strength in the beauty of the human voice. Music and singing has helped my get through tragedy and heartbreak in my own life.

kariann,

I love Time is on My Side! I think that would be a great choice for someone. I haven’t thought too much about who should do which song. I needed to clear my head of the anguish of the eliminations. I will go to itunes and go through the list again, with all the different contestants in mind. It’s not an easy thing to figure out which song will work for anyone. But I may come back with some thoughts after I go through the song list one more time.

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Mindy March 14, 2010 at 4:55 pm

Dearest J,

I don’t think there is anything trite about one of my favorite sayings. Yes, things do happen for a reason. There is so much wisdom and understanding in that old saying. It has helped me get through some really tough times and a lot of personal disappoint. When you feel powerless and overwhelmed, it helps to think that maybe there is a larger meaning for what is happening.

Another old saying I love is – this too shall pass. People who are close to me have said this to help me find the strength and will to get through terrible heartbreak.

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Mindy March 14, 2010 at 4:56 pm

I meant to say personal “disappointment”!

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vonnie March 14, 2010 at 9:02 pm

Mindy…Thank you, I appreciate your kind words so much!

One of the speakers at our Lent Services made this comment the other week and it didn’t come full cirlce to me till I read what you said “this too shall pass”, she said “for this, you have Jesus”! I didn’t connect that till now, for my brother, for this, I have Jesus!

And please I don’t mean to impose my beliefs on this site, but that truly was a light bulb moment for me!!!

I so appreciate everyone’s care and support!

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vonnie March 14, 2010 at 9:12 pm

Okay…I can only come up with 2 song choices. I have sat and sang the Sone’s songs trying to figure out who should sing what!

Andrew – You can’t always get what you want

Lee – Can’t you hear me knocking

Tha’s all I got!!!

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vonnie March 14, 2010 at 9:14 pm

And Unless the Stone’s have changed their name, I meant to say the STONE’S

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Mindy March 14, 2010 at 10:06 pm

I listened to the song list on itunes and came up with a few ideas. I am normally not all that good about picking out song choices for the contestants, but occasionally I do get a few ideas.

I think it was on mjsbigblog that Siobhan will sing Paint it Black. If this is true, I can say at first I wasn’t thrilled with this selection. However, some female singers have done interesting versions of this song. One of the people on mjs site said that Vanessa Carlton did the song, as well as a female singer with the weird name of Incubus Sukkubus, I think! I listened to both on youtube and can see some real possibilities for Siobhan. I don’t see her doing it in the exact same way as the Stones. I would like to see her try to change it up a bit. The one thing I don’t like about the song is that there isn’t a lot of range. But this song could let her use that powerhouse element in her voice.

I think “It’s All Over Now” might be great for either Lee or Casey. I happen to love “Ruby Tuesday” and would love to see someone do it. I also think “As Tears Go By” is a great song, “Time is on My Side” and “Fool to Cry” for either Crystal or Didi. The one song that I think has a great r&b, bluesy feel is “Heart of Stone”.

Alex said that he would have done “19th Nervous Breakdown”. That would have been a great choice for him. “Angie” might work for Tim. There are a lot of songs that would work for Andrew. At least this week we know he won’t be singing a female singer. There are just so many from which to choose.

I also liked vonnie’s choice of “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” for Andrew. Michael should have a field day with the Stones.

I think Lacey will have to be very careful with her song choice this week. Her voice won’t hold up to a number of these Stones songs. Paige may also have some problems.

I have to think more about the some of these songs. I think Crystal could do well with a number of them. This should be a great them for her. Didi also has to find a softer, kind of lilting, lovely song that will show off the great qualities in her voice.

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Mindy March 14, 2010 at 10:09 pm

Oh, more typos. In my last paragraph I meant to say that I have to think more about some of these songs.

Also, this should be a great “theme” for Crystal.

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Kariann1 March 14, 2010 at 10:16 pm

I have very few favorite TV programs which don’t involve entertainment. I wasn’t blessed with a beautiful voice like some of you, and I would love to be able to play an instrument, but my musicality is lacking! I am a pretty good dancer, though. So, American Idol is my favorite show. I also love So You Think You Can Dance, Dancing With the Stars, and Glee.

My children and friends know when to call me – during commercials! Isn’t that terrible? But I love music and it makes me feel better. 🙂

MCL, if you start watching Glee you may get hooked on it. However, due to time restraints, you might just want to catch their vocal performances on YouTube. They are very entertaining!

Thank you for bringing in some favorite sayings, dear folks. Yes, it would be nice to have an edit feature over here!

I was a young teen when the Rolling Stones first came out. I can remember the so-called competition with the Beatles. I really don’t know too much about the groups that are out now. My Grandchildren are still young, but I imagine one day they will be a source of information for me. For now, I can enjoy the experience of watching the show with them. I do edit out the commercials and sad moments while I record.

So, all of us can sit back and enjoy some good music on Tuesday! I can’t wait!

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louise March 15, 2010 at 6:47 am

Kariann,
I was in my later teens when the Stones became popular but my first love at the time was the Beatles.

I’ve always been someone who enjoys talent-type shows because I was just a wee child when my mother listened to and later watched Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts and Ted Mack’s Amateur Hour. I must be the oldest one here who can possibly remember those shows!!! Later my kids and I enjoyed Star Search. So it was a given that I would become hooked on American Idol. I also watch America’s Got Talent in the summers and have loved a few of the singers on this show too. I’ve even managed to get my husband to watch these shows with me the last couple of years. But he draws the line at Dancing with the Stars, which I enjoy too!

Mindy,
Thanks for the song suggestions for this week. Can you imagine any of them singing Satisfaction?

Vonnie,
Glad to hear that you found some comfort during this difficult period.

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vonnie March 15, 2010 at 7:57 am

I love all of the song choices so far…

I like kariann 1 “my musicality is lacking”, I play piano but, only if I have notes in front of me. I lack that “feel” of music, is that a correct way to say it. I understand what Kara is saying to the contestants when she says she wants them to feel the song, I lack that.

I ride horses, and I always tell my beginner students, who come to me thinking that they already have riding mastered…just because you can get on a horse and make it move forward, doesn’t make you a rider. There is a great difference between riding a horse and “Riding” a horse, any one can ride a horse, but doing it correctly and being an effective rider is two totally different things…so this is how I feel too about music, I can play the piano, but I can’t play the piano and play effective! Does that make sense?

Like some of the singer’s on Idol, yes they can sing, but are they being effective. My musical ear doesn’t always lend its self to be able to tell the difference. I can’t tell if a note is pitchy or not always, I can think man that sounded good and then everyone else is saying that was awful. That is why I love to come here and read MCL’s and everyone else’s take on the technical parts of singing…I love to sing, but no one loves for me to sing, LOL

Sorry to go on and on!!! I’m like Mindy too, It is hard for me to pick songs, I can pick songs that I would like to hear them sing, but they probably aren’t good choices for their voices. So’s I will leave the song picking choices to people who can connect voice to song better than me.

Not saying I won’t throw out a song here or there, just know that it’s usually only because I really like the song!!! 🙂

I really like the choices of tv shows too! I don’t watch Glee! I watch Idol and Dancing with the Stars! Tony, on Dancing is my absolute favorite!

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Mindy March 15, 2010 at 3:31 pm

Louise, I was a bit younger than you when the Beatles and Rolling Stones came along. I also loved the Beatles more. They were my absolute favorite! My sister loved the Rolling Stones. We used to get into a lot of heated arguments about who was better, but now that we are much older, I think we both agree that they were great in their own special way. The Stones were a little too raunchy and rock for me, but just listening to those fifty songs on itunes, makes me remember just how extraordinary they were. If your music can stand the test of time, then you know that you have accomplished something. That’s true of both the Beatles and the Rolling Stones.

I vaguely remember those talent shows from the fifties. I was too young to be allowed to stay up to see them, but I remember my Mom and Dad talking about it. I never saw Elvis on the Ed Sullivan Show. Way past my bedtime!

As far as “Satisfaction”, I say leave it alone. Adam Lambert did it last season and no one is going to come close to him. It’s also been kind of done to deeath. It’s such a classic song with a great beat and lyrics, but I think if anyone sings it, they may come off looking cliched.

vonnie,

I can sing, but like the analogy you made about riding, I don’t have a really good voice. Even with the technical ability that I learned from my music teacher, a woman who was truly obsessed and quite the taskmaster, I never had a great sound. I was good in a chorus or choir, but not on my own. Thank goodness I had the awareness to realize it. I have always loved singing, but now I just do it for friends and family or by myself. My upper register is pretty much gone. I would not be considered a soprano anymore. I was singing along to the great Ella Fitzgerald’s version of “Blue Moon” the other day while in my car. I have downloaded a few of her greatest songs on my custom made cd’s. I realized that I can sing in exactly the same key she is in when doing that song. Now I know that Ella isn’t a soprano, that’s for sure. So I must be an alto now. But whatever key that is, it’s the perfect one for me. I knew that I wanted to be a writer. That was my true calling. But ever since I was very little, when my parents bought me my own little record player and let me play it until I warped the records, music has played a huge part in my life.

I can’t sing off key. My ear will immediately hear it and correct the note. I kind of wish I had relative pitch. I think it would make it easier to listen to these young kids. I hear everything, although sometimes I am not sure why it doesn’t sound right. But then I come here and read MCL and know exactly what’s going on. Being off pitch at times doesn’t necessarily indicate that someone is a bad singer. I have learned from MCL that it has a lot to do with vocal technique, proper breath support, relaxing the muscles in the neck and jaw and not singing in your throat.

I have a feeling that MCL can’t wait to give her critiques about the vocal technique of some of these contestants. I can’t wait!

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Mindy March 15, 2010 at 3:49 pm

Hi All,

I am no good at posting links, but if you go to mjsbigblog, there are a few performances by Siobhan when she was in high school. One is Siobhan doing Ten Years After’s “I’d Love to Change the World”. The sound isn’t great, but mj said this might be an indication of how she will handle “Paint it Black”. But there is another link of her singing in The Pirates of Penzance! Oh my goodness! I want J to hear those operatic notes. This girl was only in high school at the time! I think she has some real surprised for us in the competition!

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Mindy March 15, 2010 at 4:15 pm

My mind has been spinning with ideas. I know that mj has her picks up for the songs each contestant should sing. She even picked one or two of mine!

But now I am thinking that someone has to do “Honky Tonk Woman”. I say Casey would be the best for that one. But I still like “It’s All Over Now” or “Emotional Rescue” for Lee.

I think mj picked “Time is on My Side” for Andrew. Vonnie, wasn’t that your pick, too? No, you picked “You Can’t Always Get What You Want”. That would be good for either Andrew, Casey or Lee.

Someone really has to sing “Fool to Cry”. It would be great for Didi or Lacey. Everyone seems to want Crystal to sing “Gimme Shelter”.

Since I can’t link, here are mjs selections cut and pasted from her blog.

Enjoy!

Aaron Kelly – “Salt of the Earth”, “Waiting on a Friend” – Aaron seems too immature to sing any of these tunes. He could put a country spin on these two.
Andrew Garcia – “Time is On My Side” – This song might survive “the treatment”
Casey James – “Honky Tonk Woman” or “It’s All Over Now” – With electric guitar or
Crystal Bowersox – “Gimme Shelter” – I’d love to hear her wail on this
Didi Benami – “She’s a Rainbow” – Spare arrangement with guitar.
Lacey Brown – “As Tears Go By”
Katie Stevens – “Wild Horses” – Because you know somebody is going to do it.
Lee Dewyze – “Jumpin Jack Flash”, “Street Fighting Man” (Or something else uptempo, Lee should use this opportunity to rock out)
Michael Lynche – “Angie” or “Tumbling Dice”
Paige Miles – “Beast of Burden”
Tim Urban – “Ruby Tuesday” – Kind of a random pick, he might do OK with something ballady.

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Darlene March 15, 2010 at 9:05 pm

Wow, so many comments & my eyes are starting to blur. I drove to Atlanta on Saturday & back yesterday (5 1/2 hours each way) to hear the amazing bass baritone Gerald Finley sing. It was well worth the drive. But I think the biggest “take-home” message here is that voting counts. I have not taken Siobhan’s staying on the show for granted nor will I tomorrow night. Thanks for all the great thoughts!!

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Kariann1 March 16, 2010 at 4:37 am

Louise, I certainly remember some of those shows. I also bet your parents watched Hit Parade and the Ed Sullivan Show.

Vonnie, I wish I could play, “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” or “C is for Cookie” on the piano.

So, there probably won’t be a mentor until the TOP 10. I understand that David Cook will be singing a Rolling Stones song. I don’t know much about the other two guest stars, although I did see Michael Jackson’s, “This Is It.” I’d rather see former Idols than some artist or group who are there just to promote their latest album. I am sure they are trying to attract a younger audience – not me!

As far as “Satisfaction”, I say leave it alone. Adam Lambert did it last season and no one is going to come close to him.

Mindy, I totally agree with you. No one will top Mick or Adam. BTW, I loved the Beatles, but the Rolling Stones made some of the best dance music ever. How wonderful you don’t sing off key. How wonderful I have little people in my life that appreciate my voice! Siobhan turned 20 yesterday; I can imagine what her voice will be like in three years. I am just hoping all goes well and this young lady is in the Finale! What a voice she has. I could see her on the Lilith Fair tour.

I love “Time is on My Side” by wanted one of the girl singers to do it.

Darlene, I hope you can provide lots of votes for Siobhan. Nothing can be taken for granted right now.

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louise March 16, 2010 at 6:29 am

Kariann . . . yes, we definitely watched Hit Parade and the Ed Sullivan Show! I saw the night when they wouldn’t show the Elvis hip movements!!! How things have changed!
Vonnie . . . I’m with you about having no musical ability except for a little piano playing–especially loved to play show music but some easy classical music too. I used to LOVE to play piano when I was a kid and I played every day but I wasn’t very good!
Mindy . . . I was a second soprano in the high school choir, but I sure wasn’t solo material!!!
Darlene . . . glad to hear that you’ll be voting for Siobhan tonight!!!!!!!

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Mindy March 16, 2010 at 2:40 pm

Louise,

I was a second soprano too. But, as with you, I was not solo material by any means. In fact, I lived in terror that I might be called on to do it.

I don’t mean to sound like I am bragging when I say that it’s impossible for me to go off pitch. It may be a gift of sorts, but God didn’t see fit to also bless me with a great voice. I am okay in a chorus, but not on my own. Anyway, my voice is nowhere near a soprano anymore. Years of sinus troubles, allergies, and age have taken their toll. That’s why I can sing along with Ella Fitzgerald now. That tells me how much lower my voice is now.

At least MCL has helped me to appreciate the vocal skills I learned from my devoted music teacher and director of our chorus. I don’t know that I ever truly appreciated the wealth of knowledge that she gave all of us. It’s so strange that I started singing when I was young, listening to records and doing a sound alike. But the real talent wasn’t there. I just loved to sing. That’s why it’s such a joy when I see greatness on Idol.

You are so lucky to have seen Elvis and those hips when it all first happened! My parents wouldn’t have let me stay up to see it. I was much too young. But of course, I have seen it many times over the years. It’s funny how tame it looks today. I always thought it was a natural extension of how Elvis felt the beat of the music. It seemed totally organic and real. As we all know so well, there was only one Elvis.

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Kariann1 March 16, 2010 at 6:34 pm

I did love Elvis…what a voice. There will never be any one quite like him.

Well, tonight we find out if Paige is well enough to sing or will she withdraw from the competition? This is an exciting night!

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vonnie March 16, 2010 at 8:04 pm

louise,

I like to play Classical music too…I want to master Canon in D! I love that song but am afraid to tackle it, it is a way bigger song than I am a player!

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