April 3, 2013 
Picture Courtesy Of AmericanIdol.Com
So, do ya feel like being spoiled? Well, do ya?
Thanks to The Idolpad, they have just provided us with a telling glimpse into what lies ahead for us this evening.
And, some of it ain’t pretty! Nuh, uh!
A couple of performances have yet to be announced, but keep refreshing the Idolpad link for updates.
I think Janelle’s song is very strong and Candice can sing pretty much anything. In fact, I am sure all the ladies will do just fine.
But, seriously – We Are The Champions for Lazaro and You Give Love A Bad Name for Burnell? I thought the former was sort of a ballad but whatever. What’s the point in having a “no ballad” rule in place, just to see it broken? I can see both guys struggling with these choices but they may surprise us.
Also, Amber’s song is a power ballad as well. I couldn’t see her performing an upbeat rock song, anyway. Not her style.
So, here is the list via Idolpad:
Solo Performances:
Amber Holcomb – “What About Love” by Heart.
Angela Miller (with piano) – “Bring Me To Life” by Evanescence featuring Paul McCoy
Burnell Taylor – “You Give Love A Bad Name” by Bon Jovi
Candice Glover – “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” by The Rolling Stones
Janelle Arthur – “You May Be Right” by Billy Joel
Kree Harrison – “Piece Of My Heart” by Janis Joplin
Lazaro Arbos – “We Are The Champions” by Queen
Duo/Trio Performances:
Amber Holcomb, Janelle Arthur, & Kree Harrison – TBD
Angela Miller & Lazaro Arbos – “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” by Queen
Burnell Taylor & Candice Glover – “The Letter” by The Box Tops
What do you think?
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There are some songs that are SO iconic and classic that they just should not be attempted. Two shining examples of this principle are “I Want to Know What Love Is” (last season attempted by Elise Testone, whom I actually like a whole lot, but that was not a good song choice for her) and “What About Love” (NO, AMBER!!!!). I just don’t see it happening but perhaps I will be pleasantly surprised. And after seeing K.D. Lang in person two years ago at Spoleto (Charleston’s big arts festival in May) I think “Hallelujah” should be put on that list as well. It just cannot ever be better than what I heard that night.
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I think Burnell is toast! He isn’t likely to spin he song to suit him like Blake Lewis.
Laz will stink and will be voted through anyway?
I wonder if Kree’s original song was approved and then yanked. If so she isn’t a fav and the wheels on the bus go round and round, round and round. They are positioning her for a fall.
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Aubry – too funny. We shall see soon enough.
Darlene – I agree. I am so sick of the same songs over and over and over and over. How many different ways can you spin a song? This is what I love about the voice. The songs being cleared for telecast are different. Either Idol doesn’t want to spend the $$$ on new songs or else they have lost their creative momentum. (Sigh)
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MCL, many former AI contestants have said that the Idol catalog of songs is very limited. I believe it, because it makes no sense for contestants to sing the same songs year after year. So besides a limited catalog of songs, Idol has also lost its momentum. They did not put together a complementary, intriguing judging panel. Niki is just rude and crude, Keith milk toast, Mariah vapid, Randy same ole tired cliche remarks. Idol is all about manipulation IMO. They try to manipulate not only contestants but also viewers. It has backfired on them 8 years in a row. This year
they manipulated even more so. :p Only guitar player is a girl. *grins*
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Rosanne & Aubrey
You guys are sick of the same old songs. Every year not only do we get the same songs, we get the same levels of talents, the same styles.
We have gotten different judges. I’m good with that, because it makes me no matter about them any way. I look at the show for its entertaining edge and the talent on tis seasons stage, in my opinion, is just alright.
As far the winner, I think its pretty clear it’ll be one of the ladies. I don’t think its scam or anything. I just think the predominantly female audience is shooting for a female this year. And I’m pretty it’ll be one of the country singers. And Lazaro/Sanjia ? … while Sanjia was not the last man standing and I don’t think Lazaro will be either. If he stays beyond Brunnell. thats;be be pretty sad. He was the least talented of all the guys there and he is the least committed
A lot of people don’t like Brunells voice. I thinks its because it’s a type of voice they are not use to hearing. He hits his notes. The spirit that transfers when he sings is incredible in my opinion. They says he has a rasp, but even the rasp thats there is not the typical rasp heard from most who have.
Do I think he will win? No. Do I think hes the next big super star ? No. I just think he has a unique voice. In my opinion there is no one one the stage that will reach super star status. Good Singers, but not great. There have only been a few winners from Idol who have reached super status anyway. A career in music. Yes. I think everyone up there except Lazaro has a shot at that. In the real world though, nobody becomes a super star because people feel sorry for them. And thats whats going on with Lazaro.
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I think the Voice is showing everyone how it’s done. Idol has been trying to make some cosmetic changes that don’t really deal with the real problems. They need to have a larger catalogue of songs from which the contestants can choose. Some of these songs have been sung literally to death! They need judges who are caring, invested, critical without being cruel and just some basic class! Yes, I am looking at you Nikki!
I cannot even imagine Lazaro singing that Queen song. If that isn’t a trainwreck in the making, I don’t know what is! I thought it was no ballads, but with so little to choose from I guess it was inevitable.
I think the Voice has better judges, better songs and a better overall format. Idol is looking very much like a tired show that is long past its better days.
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Thanks everyone. Tonight’s show should be very entertaining – and not in a good way. In a funny way.
I am surprised Ryan Seacrest hasn’t walked off the show. He looked thoroughly disgusted when Devin wasn’t saved last week thanks to Nicki and her attitude. Maybe she needs a soother and a blanket to calm her down because she is behaving like a spoiled, out of control child. Or maybe a time-out! Horrible stuff.
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Angie’s song isn’t even close to this category. I think she may be the next “real” contestant to go home. They will give her the “Angie’s back” routine tonight because she will make this song another over wrought, overly dramatic performance at the piano, just like she and Barry Manilow usually do. I think she is approaching the end of the trail though. Paring her with Lazaro could be Idol tracing the outline of a target on her back. She could get the surprise elimination tomorrow, and then the save. The next week two are cut: Lazaro and Burnell. Then she goes home next. A contestant like Lazaro or Sanjaya is used to help eliminate the mushy middle contestants by taking votes from them. The judges over praise them or play them up or pitty them enough that they draw enough votes to stay in the competition and draw the wishy – washy voter away from the weakest person competing on merit. There is no hope of them winning. I have zero respect for a contestant who will allow themselves to be used like that or to stand and let the judges punish fellow competitors for their mistake. Nicki should have chewed Lazaro for repeatedly coming to the stage unprepared.
I like Burnell’s voice. His tone isn’t unique to me though. I think he sounds like Stevie Wonder. He is severely lacking as an entertainer and isn’t really growing in my view.
I think that a label could make money with Janelle. I don’t see her reaching superstar status like Carrie Underwood but I think she can make a good living for herself at a level between Kellie Pickler and Scotty boy. I still think she may be the designated winner
Devin may ultimately become this year’s most successful alumni.
The judges are actors.
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Gene,
I agree and Jannelle has grown on me. Her personality, charm and charisma set her above the other Gals (IMO). She is not as strong a singer as Candce, Kree or even Amber. But she to me is most relatable, likeable and could gain steam as the season goes on.
I am not a country fan but she is the only contestant I like at this point.
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Aubry,
I thought Janelle might be the designated winner before it became obvious that Kree has a Country bent. I think that Candice is, and has been, the best singer of the bunch but she still has two contenders for the R&B vote and Janelle only has one for the country vote. Although R&B singers have had a high level of success in past Idol seasons, the more recent winners have been Country or more Indie oriented. The winners usually don’t receive any criticism from the judges, even when they deserve it and the themes seem to work better for them than some of the others. Kree seems to fit those two criteria more than Janelle. Janelle had me worried until two weeks ago because I’ve heard her sing before and even her two auditions were better than what she had delivered on the show, but with her last two performances she has shown the ability to choose songs that are right for her, show her artistry in arranging well known songs and making them her own and had two beautiful vocal performances. It’s always a good sign when a contestant is drawing fans, like you, from musical taste and genres other than that of the contestant. I’m sure you remember how many people started all of their sentences praising Scotty with “I don’t like Country music but…” This could be another year with a Country one and two, although I don’t see Kree as limited to Country at all. Like you, she is the only one who I have even considered buying a download from this season.
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Gene, Scotty won pillar to post due to his charm and personality. I think Phillip slowly gained fans and everyone thought that Jessica would win. But it was Phillip who gained fans from the voted off contestants and who had wow performances.
Kree and Candice are the best vocalists but both lack personality and charm. The best singers rarely if ever win Idol. It takes more. They need to appeal to the viewer as being sweet, humble, charming etc. I think Jimmy wants Amber as she is a total pop-package but she lacks personality. Of course any of those 3 can begin to show personality and charm etc and win over voters. But as of now today, it is Jannelle who makes me smile and has me rooting for her. I was mad when they said Kree blew her away. I did not hear it that way at all. I felt it was a lovely duet. Yes Kree had the stronger voice but it was the duality of the voices the sweet with the strong that made that performance memorable.
Bloggers and the Idol PTB always seem to think louder and bigger voices are better and well that is just not how the voters hear it or vote.
Curtis and Joshua made my ears bleed and mute was my best friend. I couldn’t hit mute fast enough. I just really do not like that over wrought singing style. Nor to I enjoy riffs and runs thrown in everywhere just because a singer can. I would rather
be moved, made to feel, smile etc. When a singer can accomplish that, I take notice.
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***best singers rarely if ever win Idol. It takes more. ***
Absolutely. That’s why I think Candice will probably come in third. Third or fourth is where they have dismised the heavy lifters in past years and I believe that is her faith. I like Amber but if she is to be another throw away pop singer, I’m not interested. I do enjoy her performances though.
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Case in point, I am a rock fan. Loved Daughtry, AI 7 felt I would like Cook and Johns. Ended up loving Castro and Archie. Just bought tickets to see Jason in concert again. Is his voice perfect? Nope not by a long mile. But he moves me (often to tears) when he sings. Very simple delivery, no frills, no runs, just a pretty tone and the ability to emote.
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Gene, I am not sold on Amber’s voice. I personally do not hear anything Unique about it or in it. I can’t even remember the name of the girl that was voted out at 9th that Lovine adored and he signed her and put lots of marketing into her and zip, nadda, nowhere. Candice reminds me of Jennifer Hudson and Melinda Dolittle. Great Voice but not enough sparkle to win. Kree also has a voice and her voice is unique but she doesn’t emote when not singing. She is kinda blah. I would love for her to show some spunk and charm.
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Hey Gene
I think I’m with you as far as where Candace will come in. She is the best singer to me. Idol fans however have not favored R&B for a number of years now and every year the R&B fans grow smaller and smaller because there’s very little left for them. In the mean time the country music lovers continue to latch on. Cree , I;m sure will win this. Certainly not my favorite , nor do I at all think she is the best singer. But it looks like the larger Idol audience sees it differently.
Two of the people I liked best are already gone and nnce Brunnell is gone and Candace, I’ll be gone to.
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There is no question for me that Amber has the best pure voice in this group of immensely talented females. However, we all know that it can be subjective. I think her performances have shown a maturity, a depth of feeling, an ability to tell a story with her voice, that is absolutely exceptional. She can sing incredibly difficult songs and make it look easy. I think she has enough personality for me. When you have a great voice, personality is not the most important thing. A singer does need to try and make a connection with the audience. They need to reach out and touch them. Amber has done that with her heartfelt vocals.
I am not really concerned with analyzing who will win and why. I have kind of let that go. I know that there are specific things that determine the winner. I am watching this season just to hear the voices. I think Angie is probably my least favorite female of this group. I don’t like her affected style of singing. I also don’t think that she knows what works for her voice. I don’t know what will happen to her this season and how long she will stay in the competition. I just know that for me, I am not getting any connection.
I think that Janelle has stepped it big time with her last two performances. I don’t care that she’s country. I think her voice has a unique sound and there is real artistry and intelligence in her interpretations of songs. What she did with that Supremes song, was simply genius. She seems to have dreamed of this for a long time and put some thought into what she wants to do as an artist. My sense is that she is gaining momentum, but no way am I making any predictions when it comes to this show!
Candace has a great vocal instrument, but r&b singers don’t usually fare that well in this competition. She seems to have real confidence and stage presence along with some powerful vocals. I like her voice better than Kree at this point in time. I didn’t even realize that Kree was country. Maybe it’s because of the theme the last few weeks, but I just didn’t get country from her. Keep in mind that I have only just started to watch this show starting with top nine. I don’t love her voice, but recognize the talent.
This could be quite a competitive journey with such powerhouse female singers. I still believe that Burnell needed to wait another year or two to be on the show. I don’t think he’s quite ready now.
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Mindy – I love your analysis and you are generally spot on. I think that Angie’s youth may be working against her. I think she is a very trained musician and needs to believe that she doesn’t have to think or worry about it anymore. The technique will work – she just needs to pour herself into the song and think of nothing else.
P.S. Did you sense that Keith does not favor her? I did.
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I was reading an article in the current issue of the New Yorker about the teaching relationship between a piano student and his teacher while I watched the show. It is the April 8th issue by Jeremy Denk and I would recommend it to everyone here. You can probably read it on-line. It isn’t so much a technical piece as it about understanding how and what it means to play the music in front of you and how you, as a pianist, have to understand it to play the music as it was intended to be played. It translates to all forms of music. (You’ll laugh at the description of students and teachers when you compare it to the relationship between AI contestants and the judges.)
What does that have to do with AI? There is a great quote by the teacher. “To show love for someone but not to feel that love, that is the work of Mephistopheles.” (not of Cats fame!) The show was about Rock and Roll. One of the judges said it best – Rock and Roll is attitude. My instinct for all the songs was that if they lowered the volume, the songs all became Department Store overhead music in a bad sense. (Occasionally I hear great songs in the store! Heard Chris Rea just the other day!) There was no attitude, no love for the nastiness of the genre. They didn’t feel the rhythm and they didn’t want to spit in people’s faces. They needed 60 minutes of Joan Jett singing I Love R&R. Instead they got the AI Mephistopheles, showing great singing but not to be in love with it.
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Aubry,
Pia Tascono. She has been cloned and is currently on DWTS dancing with Andy Dick. She looks exceptionly good in a leather cat suit, BTW. Seriously, Pia has a very strong fan club and has worked pretty steadily since Idol. Who ever was over seeing her recording career led her down the path of drum machines and synthisisers to make throw away dance music and I’m not sure if her album was ever released. She does a very good National Anthem though.
I agee, and have said that Candice, at least as far as her Idol journey goes, is exactly like Melinda Doolittle. I hadn’t thought of J HUD, but yeah, her too. She will carry the show with outstanding performances and judges reviews and then suddenly she won’t be good enough and she will go home. Melinda would be hard to market to a mass audiance but her first album was a very solid piece of work.
the winner is a forgone conclusion and it is the job of every member of the staff to sell them to us, and most of all, keep us watching. Nigel has said that he dozen are who wins and from the perspective of creating the next big star he is telling the truth. His job is to make his show a viable product. The record company will try to create a star.
Karl,
I would like to hear Burnell do some early Delta Blues. BGWG, you might say. There is a younger guy from Mississippi named Chris Thomas King that does old school Blues like Hard Times Killing Floor Blues And really breaths new life in to the rots of American music.
Don’t go anywhere K man, my predictions are usually wrong!
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MCL,
I think Keith loves Angie. He is trying to get across the point to her that I was making above. Lose yourself in the song. She hasn’t done it yet and if – if – she does it, watch out. I basically see Siobhan Magnus in Angie. Theatre geek, overly dramatic, same kind of song endings, similar presentation. I laughed at Angie’s entrance to Shop Around. It was identical to Siobhan’s on Think. Must be something in the Massachusetts water.
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Don – I don’t see the theatrics at all. Boy, this singing thing is so subjective. I think this she is just groomed well – very refined with almost a classical sound to her voice.
Oh well, viva la difference!!
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Rosanne
What does Lazaro need to do to hit his notes. He almost is always struggling with his notes?
In my opinion he has no business being on that stage. If he is one the best America has, we;e in trouble.
Gene
I’ve been pretty good throughout the years of forecasting the winners early off on and this time I think you’re right. For certain 3 will be in the top 5. Cree., Candace and Jenelle. Who will be there with the I’m not sure. If Lazaro makes it to the top 5, then this show really has become a big joke and is a show soley for the little ones.
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BrotherKarl – it’s all laid out in my VM articles. He needs training and, more specifically learn how to use his diaphragm. Hs training is so green. They should never have selected him for this Top 10. He is in over is head. I feel sorry for him.
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Learning his lyrics would be a great start.
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MCL,
I think that Keith hit the nail on the head with Angie. That is what has been bothering me about her. She needs to just let go and feel the words of the song and forget about how she looks or how to move or how to pose. It’s hard to get a sense of who Keith likes, because he seems to try to say something nice about everyone. I sensed less enthusiasm from him, so that could be a clue! He’s the kind of judge that doesn’t seem to want to make it too obvious who he really likes and who he isn’t as enthusiastic about in this competition.
I think you are exactly right about Angie! She obviously has the vocals, but just has to let go of focusing on singing notes. This seems to be a common problem with technically trained singers. I think we have discussed it in the past.
Thanks so much for your kind words. I came late to this season and am going to try my best to just stay in the moment and enjoy the singing. I am so tempted to hit the mute button when Nikki starts talking! I knew it would be a challenge when I realized that she was one of the judges.
I don’t know that the judges are ever going to provide constructive criticism on this show. They do it so well on the Voice. Instead of just cheerleading those they like or throwing those they don’t like under the bus, I want the judges to keep it real. Give these young people some real advice that they can use to improve their vocals and performance. Give them a bit of guidance. Nobody on this show is perfect! We know that the greatest and most legendary singers always tried to be even better. They worked hard to improve, even though they were successful and at the peak of their careers.
These young people should be able to learn from the judges. Give them tips about performing, make them aware of some things they can adjust or tweak to sound even better. However, I don’t see that happening on Idol. The judges have done it on the Voice. That’s why I kind of miss the guest mentors. They didn’t have an agenda. They just wanted to help each contestant to realize their potential. That’s what I really enjoyed.
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MCL, Angies voice is beautiful. In New England she is a hero. But I agree with Keith and Don and Mindy on her. She lessens the power of her performances with facial expressions that do not match the lyrics and smiling during sad lyrics, staring into the camera to much. This is often the initial problem with Musical Theater contestants. For the stage you need BIG FACES, Exaggerated expressions for the entire audience to see them. Now for television these exaggerated expressions translate as FAKE. Not sincere. It is my sincere hope that Angie watches her performances as figures this out. It may keep her from going deep.
According to dial (busy) looks like we may have a shocker. Laz unfortunately isn’t in B3. Boo.
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Keith loves Angie. He wept openly after one of her performances and less so after another and has given her high praise. He has given her and other contestants good advice this season and as much as virtually everyone dislikes her, give the devil her due, Nicki has offered good advice in some cases this year. Randy has also upped his game but Miriah has been a disappointment.
My view is that Angie doesn’t want anyone’s advice. She smiles and nods her head and does the same thing next week. I think she is doing exactly the same thing that Colton Dixon did and that is using Idol to broaden her fan base for her Career launch in the Christian music field. No problem with that, but it explains her song choices and the fact that she isn’t interested in modifying her style to meet current pop trends. She has already succeeded in reaching her goal and if there is a surprise elimination my guess is that it will be Angie.
Even so, she would do well to learn to connect to her lyrics but her current dramatic style is pretty much on par in her chosen genre.
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For me, the fact that Nikki has at times given good advice does not in any way compensate for the rudeness, the blathering on and talking too much while saying nothing, that is far too much a part of her critiques. I think a judge needs to put aside their own ego and focus on the performer. Nikki can’t seem to do that. Even when she is talking to them, somehow it seems to be all about her.
I think Keith is doing a good job. Some on other blog sites have criticized him for being too nice, but I think he calls it as he sees it. He just doesn’t feel the need to be mean-spirited about it. I think he was trying to help Angie. Aubry articulated it very well. She has this theatrical style that doesn’t translate well on tv. Her facial expressions don’t match the lyrics of the song. That is what has been bothering me about her and Keith is the one who hit on it. I don’t know anything about her musical career aspirations. She has a technically strong voice and when the song is right for her, then it comes together. I think all singers have to learn how to tell a story with their voice. No matter what genre of music, that’s what it’s all about.
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Most Idol polls have Angie ranked #1 or #2 behind Kree after last nights performances. But bloggers and fans while they state they like Angie’s voice her
facial expressions bug them and the nasty ones say she is fake, forced etc. I do not think she is fake at all. I just think she is used to performing on stage and has developed the bigger than life faces. Some say she is pageanty or too pageanty. Smiles too much at the wrong times.
Sadly if she doesn’t listen it is going to cost her votes.
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