November 9, 2011 
Since today is my birthday, I decided to treat myself to a new name change for this weekly blog topic about The X Factor.
It’s hard to know who is singing on this show or being assisted to sing. So, it just seems right and good to simply discuss the performance aspects of this competition.
I don’t know why Simon Cowell and his team want to take such a dramatic step backwards by not allowing some of the singers to showcase their actual voices.
Is this what he means when he says a singer has The X Factor? That they look like stars on a well-produced stage and from nifty camera angles?
Simply from my perspective, singers from, dare I say it, American Idol, have proven time and again what The X Factor truly is.
People like Kelly Clarkson, Clay Aiken, David Archuleta, David Cook, Jason Castro, Taylor Hicks, Adam Lambert, Katharine McPhee – the list is endless – evolved and captured the audiences during their time on American Idol.
And five million dollars is an awful lot of money to pour into a “manufactured artist”. I want the real deal, not one that has been processed and filtered through many electronic channels.
Yes, I know, many of you are screaming that many of today’s stars have risen to enormous fame via a similar process. I just don’t happen to agree with it.
Anyway, the show must go on. It’s a bit of a guilty pleasure for me. I love watching some of these singers pretending to be something they’re not.
Enjoy the show everyone! And saunter by the comments section and add your thoughts.
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happy birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i think you will find that this year for you will be calmer than this past one…
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Happy Birthday, Rosanne! Are you doing anything special tonight, or just staying home to watch this darn show? I’m going to record it and watch the Country Music Awards instead. Both Scotty and Lauren are singing, so I’m looking forward to that. You are so right about many previous A.I. contestants having the X-Factor. I really feel Simon made a mistake bringing the X-Factor to America, and as we have found out, it’s not better than Idol as Simon has been saying.
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Thank you Bee and Anita. I had a great day and evening and now am settling in to watch that darn show, X Factor. My grandchildren just brought such a smile to my face. Now, let’s see if this show can do the same! Ha!
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Ha! is right, Rosanne!!
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Happy Birthday BTW did you hear Adam Lambert sing with Queen? It was awesome.
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i really liked leroy. he kind of turned me on tonight. 🙂 and i liked astro despite the fact that he is full of himself, he IS good. i do appreciate his work ethic. i liked drew but yes, she did sound like she always has, i agreed with j.r., oops, is it j.r., all of a sudden i’ve forgotten his name?. very interesting negative comment by paula about drew’s dress and simon saying she designed it. and that’s as far as we’ve gone, i’m just checking in.
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Happy birthday Rosanne!
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No I haven’t Aubry. Another thing to add to my “to do” list with pleasure.
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Happy birthday, Roseanne– I’d love to hear your perspective on Adam Lambert’s powerhouse performance at the EMAs last Sunday. He stepped into some mighty legendary shoes in a very public way, performing as frontman for Queen.
P.S. I am underwhelmed by the X-Factor singers, though little Rachel Crowe blew it up pretty good tonight.
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Happy Birthday Roseanne! Just wanted to post the Happy Birthday to you. I refuse to watch anything with Simon in it. So haven’t seen a single performance. Actually quit watching after Season 7 of AI. Found my favorite singer on that show. BTW have you got the DVD of David Archuleta with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir? If not I would love to send one to you. Let me know. It would be my pleasure to get one for you.
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Random thoughts on tonite’s show:
The loud screams and hooting from the audience during both the performances and judge comments is quite annoying. Can’t imagine why the producers think this is a good idea. Idol sensibly tells the audience to keep quiet during the performance.
The only authentic thing about Lakoda Rayne is their sincere desire to pretend to be country singers.
Leroy gave his best vocal so far, but I find him boring as a performer.
Astro’s song writing and performing skills are impressive. I wish I could appreciate this kind of thing more. Rapping is clearly an acquired taste.
I like the tone of Marcus’ voice. I would have preferred to see him just stand still and give us a pure, simple vocal without all the manic moves and dancing.
The Stereo Hogzz have a probem. They are not edgy enough to appeal to fans of urban male acts. And for viewers who prefer safe, white-bread music, they also may have little appeal. It was odd to see them performing with a bunch of backup singers. I thought the whole point of a 5 person group is that back-up singers are already built-in.
I think Josh has the best voice of any male in the competition, but he could use a make-over. Simon is a big fan of teeth whitening and reportedly offered to pay for all the contestants to get it. Josh apparently turned it down. Not sure how smart that was. He would probably say he wants to preserve his “authenticity” by retaining his rather rumpled appearance.
Chris Rene was better this week, but I was still somewhat disappointed with him. Marcus is a better singer and Astro is a better rapper. I not sure how well Chris fits into this competition.
It was distracting that Stacy’s wig was set so far back on her head. I kept looking at her forehead and barely noticed her singing. What I did notice of the performance was not particularly impressive, just more of the same Stacy we heard before.
Drew and Melanie sounded great as always but they also are starting to be a bit predictable.
Most impressive to me this week: Rachel
Least impressive: Stacy and Stereo Hoggz
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I watched the CMA Awards tonight, and I must say, of all the new male Country singers, Scotty is by far the best. Actually I feel he has one of the best male Country voices, period! I’ve just grown to love his singing. His voice is beautiful and rich, and Scotty’s album really showcases that very well!
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Happy Birthday Rosanne,
I hope you had a wonderful day!
When I began to read your intro piece, I thought that you had written it after the show. Good stuff. The “performance package” is about all there is to rate on this show. I guess the script called for the horse race to tighten and for everyone to raise there game.
I hope someone tells Drew to back off on channeling Sinead O’Connor before she blows it. A little bit of the lilt goes a long way. She seemed to have more X-Factor in her before the star maker maxhinery got hold of her. I listened to a few of the iTunes samples the other day and found hers to be almost unlistenable mostly due to an excessively heavy drum track and partially due to her over doing her shtick, and I like the girl. (Note to Simon; there are some very good musicians in the US that could use a job. Electronically generated percussion tracks always sound bad.
Anita,
I enjoyed Vince Gill’s part of the Glen Campbell tribute. He’s not a new guy but he has the best voice in Nashville for my money. I also enjoined Martina’s performance. Well, I don’t know if enjoyed the right word for that particular song; it’s very touching and I’m sure it’s comforting to a lot of people. Scotty was good but I only saw Lauren presenting. I didn’t get to see the whole show.
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Gene,
Oh my goodness! Vince Gill made me cry, his voice sounded so beautiful! He’s one of Country’s finest for sure. I’m happy you enjoyed it as much as I did! Lauren didn’t sing last night.
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I too watched the CMA’s. Great singing talent. (Altho Taylor’s lack of breath control and pitch has always driven me nuts.) Over-production at X Factor has turned me off from the show. Those advisors and producers would do well to go back and re watch Idol performances such as David Archuleta’s “Love Me Tender”. His songs were perfect examples of understatement, skill and sincerity. His live performances are even more thrilling.
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Gene,
I think you are right about Vince being the best of the best! Did you hear Taylor Swift perform? Her lastest is a lovely song, and sounded sounded nice, but she’s certainly not one of the best singers in the business. I’ve gotten tired of she and Carrie snatching up most of the awards every year, even though I really like both of them, and think Carrie has such an incredible voice. I was happy to see Miranda Lambert win Female Vocalist instead of Taylor. But of course, Taylor won for Entertainer Of The Year. Darn it!
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Have a veryyy happy birthday!
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Anita,
I guess that explains why I didn’t see Lauren sing. My grand kids were here (making me smile too MCL) and I didn’t get to see the first half, or maybe more of the show.
Vince has that effect on me sometimes too. His song “Go Rest High” that he wrote and performed at his brother’s funeral rips my heart out. It’s beyond my comprehension how singers are able to perform songs that are so emotionally charged like that. Glen Campbell was a class act in his day as well bringing all of those great Jim Webb songs to life. Like Brad and Keith today, he was also and excellent guitarist. His most enjoyable performances for me were on his music variety show, “The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour” when he and his long time sideman and star in his own right, the late John Hartford, would sit around picking and grinning. Hartford wrote Glen’s hit “Gentle on My Mind,” but I liked his own version better.
I couldn’t help but recall the unfortunate shot of Faith Hill “expressing her displeasure” at another young female new comer that was running away with all of the awards that night several years back as that same young woman welcomed her back after a five year absence from the CMA stage. There was a lot of irony in that moment. Faith’s performance looked like she hadn’t been on ANY stage in five years. I think a country song might have been appropriate for the occasion.
I didn’t see Taylor perform last night. The latest song I recall hearing from her is “Mean” but I don’t like the whole sentiment of that song. I’m mixed about Taylor Swift. Although singing in its purest form isn’t on her long list of accomplishments, she does get it right sometimes. She serves her target audience very well and she carries Big Machine Records on her narrow little shoulders. Their stable includes one of the best female country vocalists to come down the pike, Trisha Yearwood, but if it weren’t for Taylor and Garth, she would starve. The thing I like most about Taylor is the way she maintains an honorable lifestyle in order to be a good influence on her young fans. For that alone she has my support. I saw Lauren Alaina expressing similar sentiments about keeping herself and her work little girl friendly.
I like Miranda a lot. She so down home. I got tickled every time she stood up and started tugging at the top of her dress up with no self awareness at all. As she headed to the stage I got my wife’s attention and said “listen, this will be good”. She has that dropped on her head kind of sense of humor that comes out in her remarks and in her song writing. Her live performance can run the gamut from great to pretty iffy though. I have followed her from the time she was a contestant on another singing reality competition show that I believe was called “Country Star.” She came in third. I had her “Revolution” album probably a year before it began to receive any notice. I loved “House That Built Me” from the first time I heard but I figured it would be one of those songs that only a dozen other people besides me would ever hear. I was a little off on my prediction. I’m glad it took off and became the mega hit it deserved to be. Apparently it strikes the same chord with many people that it does with me. “Greyhound Bound for Nowhere” is another good one, but I find her whole albums are very listenable in a time when the concept of an album as a “whole” is lost to the business of selling individual tracks.
Did you see Sara Evans? I tuned in too late to see her.
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Gene,
Yes, I did hear Sara Evans, but I can’t seem to remember the name of the song. She sounded beautiful though, and I really enjoyed it.You’d think I’d remember it then, but anyhoo…..lol! Thanks for giving me a bit of history about Glen Campbell. I used to hear all those Tribute songs sung in his honor on the radio alot when I was a kid. They’re such beautiful songs. I remember Glen being a mighty fine guitarist.
I also love the fact that Taylor has always kept her songs and her stage performances to be appropriate for a large part of her audience, which is young girls. She’s got a very likable and sweet personality about her. I really admire those things . I wish though that she didn’t think she needs a boyfriend all the time.. I’m sure she could find other things to write about other than the latest guy she broke up with. She should just learn to be her own woman without a man for awhile. Did you watch “In The Spotlight With Robin Roberts” Tuesday night? It was wonderful. Scotty and Lauren were two of them on the show. Lauren stress how important it is to her that her songs are appropriate for even young girls to hear, because that is a majority of her fanbase. I really enjoy both Lauren’s and Scotty’s albums very much. I also remember when Faith Hill would look disgruntled that Carrie won again. Yes, there was some irony with Carrie introducing Faith back to the stage after 5 years. Apparently Faith’s song “Come Home” is a cover. Why after all these uyears doesn’t she come out with an original as her new single?
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Gemzone – I would definitely love the DVD. I downloaded the CD and plan to write a review very soon. It is just so wonderful.
Thank you so much for sending me one. Just email me at masterclasslady@hotmail.com and I can give you my address.
Thanks again
Rosanne
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Just came across this info…Piers Morgan leaves AGT
http://tv.msn.com/reality-tv/piers-morgan-leaving-americas-got-talent/story/
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Anita,
Thanks for the report on Sara. I have a hard time remembering the song titles so don’t feel bad. I don’t think she has anything newer than “A Little Bit Stronger” so that was likely it. “What That Drink Cost Me” is a good song from the same album. Sara is married to one of our states past football heroes, Jay Barker. I’m not sure if they live here or not.
I did see the Robin Robert special. Scotty answer was funny when she ask him what the secret to his success was (something like that anyway) and he said, “well, I don’t have any tattoos and you won’t find any mug shots of me on the internet, I’m just normal. The kid at his school said “he went to Hollywood as Scotty and he came back as Scotty, unchanged.” I was glad to hear Lauren’s remarks to Robin. I haven’t heard her take that position before. I don’t recall which ones off hand but it seems like some of her songs on Idol were a little too adult themed for her age. The previews weren’t out for her album the last time I tried to listen them but Scotty’s were available and he should have three or four hits from his first CD. “The Old King James” is good.
Did you find Jennifer Nettles’ answer about feeling responsible for drawing the audience members to the concert where they were killed a bit lawyerly or did you think she was sincere? “Responsible? No. Connected? Yes.”
It’s interesting that Faith’s song is a cover. I haven’t heard it before. Actually I have become a fan of good covers and think that every new artist should have two or three well chosen covers on their first album to help root them in the past and show the direction they will take. Besides, there is so much good music lying around getting dusty that there is no reason to launce mediocre new songs when you could do one of these. It’s also a good way for me to hear songs that I like without getting tired of the originals. Did you think that she looked awkward and uncomfortable on the stage?
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Vonnie,
That’s pretty surprising if it is his real reason for leaving. I don’t know how his fairs but CNN talk shows have horrible ratings as a rule.
Old Business:
Yeah, JR should win DWTS. He has a remarkably positive personality and I can’t believe how good he dances. Karina’s stock rose quite a bit for me because of the way she has worked so well with JR. Rickey has been the growth story of the season. She gets better each week, but Derek does provide a good bit of cover for his partners. That’s a delicate art though; too much work by the pro and the contestant looks like they aren’t doing anything. That has been the model for a lot of the female pro / male contestant teams in the past. He stood there while she flitted all around him. JR does holds up his end of the stick, as did my favorite from last season, the delightful Jennifer. You really should reconsider her for the role of Ginger.
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Louise,
There is more than one of you too? Or is that Two? You and Karianne have the basis for a pretty good little choral group, maybe even a choir! No wonder your writing is so concise, you have twice the work to do. I don’t know how Karianne ever keeps up. 🙂
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Gene W,
Wasn’t Piers somehow mixed up in the Bernie Madoff thing?
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I don’t know Vonnie.
Did you get to see Scotty last night on the Robin Roberts’ special or the CMA awards?
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Vonnie,
I didn’t hear anything about Piers and Bernie Maddof, but he has been accused of being involved in the Rupert Murdoch phone-hacking scandal when he was the editor of a British tabloid.
Gene,
There has been louise and Louise. And once there was another Louise who posted something a little outrageous and it made Vonnie think I was indulging too much and a little tipsy!!! If she ever appears again, I may come out of hiding and start using my “real” name! 🙂
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Louise,
I remember “another Louise” and I kind-a sort-a remember “Outrageous Louise” but it’s “real name Louise” that gave me a little bit of a Carrie Underwood (“I Don’t Even Know My Real Name”) moment.
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Gene,
Scotty’s song “That Old King James” is so very beauiful! Another one of his I love is “Back On The Ground”. It’s about stopping home to visit his mom, and was more interested in getting up to date with what’s new with her than talking about himself, over freshly made pecan pie and coffee. It’s sooo sweet, lol! That song has actually brough tears to my eyes a couple times. Another highlight is “Write Your Number On My Hand”. Jennifer Nettles came across as sincere to me when answering Robin. What a horrible tragedy that was. I remember watching the stage collapse on the internet for the first time, and found it too much for me. I can’t imagine what it was like for the people who were actually there at the time it happened. I’m very happy Sugarland went back to Indiana to put on a free concert for those who were there that night. I do think Faith looked a little awkward on stage. That’s alright. It’s been a while for her. I’m very happy she’s back on the scene. I love David Archuleta’s covers so much. Every song he touches sounds better than the original. He’s really something. But, I think he sings too many covers in his concerts. I wish he would get choose three at the most, and then sing some of those songs of his own that he’s never performed before. I know some of my fellow David fans don’t feel that same was I do about that, but that’s ok. I do love his covers though.
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Gene W,
I did get to see Scotty sing last night on the CMA’s and have Robin’s thing taped and hopefully will get a chance to watch it ove the week-end!
I love that kids style…he is so calm, and just sings his little heart out…he will be up there next year accepting awards!!! 😉
Louise,
Maybe that’s what I’m thinking of with Piers…maybe AGT gave him the ole boot!!!
LOL…I did think you were having happy hour a little early that day!
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malden, interesting that josh didn’t accept teeth whitening. i’ve found it interesting that he hasn’t been ‘remade’. he is my favorite. i was so surprised to see how low he was in the ratings you ‘sent in’ last week. i hope you do that again.
rachael was really cute…not as much ‘redone’ as the last couple times. and that voice was amazing. cute that she said *she* picked the song. 🙂 interesting that she was adopted. i always find family stories like that very interesting. like steve jobs eventually meeting his real parents, but being raised by ‘salt of the earth’ adoptive parents, the adoptive father working on cars. the birth dad said ‘steve jobs came into my restaurant today’, not knowing that steve jobs was his son! wow!!
so, where did rachael get that talent. i love that she’s ‘always been happy’.
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I just found out it was your birthday (by email), but I now remember your birthday is near my Granddaughter’s. I hope you had a very special day, Roseanne. I’d like to share a little story with you and what I did with my Granddaughter.
First we went out to eat, and then made our way to the Target Store. We got the Advent Calendar Legos and headed for the CDs. While looking at the Christmas CDs, I saw the Justin Bieber’s Christmas album. *L* wanted to make sure it had “Little Drummer Boy”. That’s her favorite Christmas song. It does.
*L* couldn’t wait to get home to play the new album. She put on “Little Drummer Boy.” The song started off so pretty, and then all of a sudden, Justin started to Rap. I said, “Oh no, it’s a Rap song!” *L* laughed at the look on my face. Then I started laughing. Oh, my mouth hurt so bad as I have had oral surgery. But she loves the album.
Be forewarned everyone.
P.S. Can you believe Willow Smith sold 2 million copies of her first album. Oh, my goodness…
P.P.S. Taylor Swift is so pretty, but does she really have a lovely voice?
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Vonnie put the link to Adam singing with Queen at the EMA (Europe Music Awards) on the “The X Factor Lip Synching Competition.” I had mentioned how wonderful Adam sounded but I don’t know how to do links.
We thought the CMA’s was wonderful! Carrie and Brad did a great job, but the highlight of the evening was the moving tribute to Glenn Campbell. I got a bit misty-eyed. I agree with Gene!!
Carrie is truly a super star!
Quote: I refuse to watch anything with Simon in it.
Gemstone, I dislike Simon so much. My hubby laughs because I make all these comments about this ego-driven man. However, there is some geniune talent on The X-Factor.
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i got to thinking how steve cuts everyone off in the end so they get the show done in time, and yet…all that repeat and repeat and repeat in the beginning of the show????
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MCL sent you an e-mail would love to send you the DVD. Let me know.
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Rosanne,
Scotty, Lauren, and Kellie Pickler taped an upcoming show on Thursday called “CMA Country Christmas”. It will air Dec. 1st. MJ has a video of Scotty singing “First Noel”. Scotty does a lovely job with it. Although, for me, no one can sing it quite as beautifully as David A. does. I’m thrilled David has his Christmas Tour coming up soon!
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Oh thank you Anita! I must set my TV to record it! I think Christmas in Rockefeller Center is the same night – not sure though. But I don’t want to miss either.
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Gemzone – I didn’t receive your email. Did you send it to masterclasslady@hotmail.com. ?
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You’re welcome, Rosanne! There’s sure are lots of great things to watch during December! The official dates for David’s Christmas tour were just posted on his official website. I’m not going to be able to attend one. Are you planning on going?
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E-mailed you again.
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Gemzone – I sent you an email under the account you registered with for MasterclassLady.Com
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If Howard Stern walks in as a Judge on AGT…I walk out as a viewer!!!
http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/television/howard-stern-america-talent-shock-jock-talks-replace-piers-morgan-nbc-talent-show-article-1.976888
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Vonnie,
I’m with yoiu on that one. I think Howard Stern is so disgusting!!
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e-mailed you on your g-mail account. Has been ordered!!! Looking forward to the review!!!
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Thank you so much. I can’t wait to sit back and enjoy this beautiful DVD!!!
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Anita,
Yes he is…I remember back in the 80’s when he dj’d from DC as the Grease Man, he was horrible then, I really will not watch that show if he is on it!
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Howard Stern is a man who has no class, no finesse. He would be like a joke judge for me.
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Kariann,
I agree…not sure what this show is thinking, but I’m sure they would lose alot of viewers!
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I am really saddened by this news of Howard Stern as a possible AGT judge. The balance between Piers, Sharon and Howie was perfection. Now, it will be a joke.
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I’m with you 100% about not watching AGT if Howard Stern is a judge. I find him completely disgusting!!!!!
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Bean/Josh – you are a newbie here!! Thank you for the birthday wish and stop by again. 🙂
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Dear MCL . . . Happy belated birthday to you. Sorry I missed that earlier.
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