Picture Credit: AmericanIdol.Com
Okay. These performance themes are really random this season. Color me confused.
This week, the Top 8 will be performing their original audition songs. That’s cute, but I am starting to miss the structured themes of past seasons.
I understand that these generic themes allow the singers to reinforce their distinct artistry and genre preferences but I loved looking forward to specific theme nights, such as the Big Band theme and Songs from the (insert artist) Songbook. These structured themes encouraged the singers to stretch and explore music outside their personal songbook.
With this audition song theme, it makes me wonder if (a) the producers chose it because they were trying to save money on royalty fees for new songs and/or (b) the singers were not proving to be “ready for prime time”.
I suspect it is a blend of both. The ratings are struggling and, except for Jena, Alex and Caleb, so are the singers.
Also, would it be too much to expand the performance time to at least 2 minutes? If The Voice can do this, why not American Idol?
The longer time frame makes for a very satisfying performance. More complete. It allows the singer to ease into the song and more effectively display their vocal ability.
Oh well, that is my rant – for now. I am back from vacation, so Vocal Masterclass articles will resume.
The Top 8 Performance Show begins at 8:00 PM on Fox on Wednesday, April 2nd, followed by the Results Show on Thursday, April 3rd at 9:00 PM.
What say you readers? Are you enjoying these themes? Do you think the performance time should be increased?
Share your thoughts in the comments section.
I swear I thought this week’s theme was an April Fool’s joke when I heard about it!
Some of the theme’s in past years were pretty awful, but pretending to have themes when you really aren’t is NOT an improvement. There has to be a reasonable middle ground, where the contestants are stretched, but not blindsided!
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I so agree ReReader. This is ridiculous. However, I suspect that it may have to do with $$$$ and the realization that these singers cannot handle the pressure of this show.
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Maybe this is an opportunity for contestants to sing an original song … if they did one in the auditions. WARNING: Conspiracy theory ahead. I think they planned on Jessica Meuse to be a lot stronger. It could be they want her to do her original “Blue Eyed Lie” to propel her back to contender status. Did anyone else in this group do an original?
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Here is a link to song spoilers tonight, and also, there are duets! I love duets. Sometimes magic happens.
http://www.mjsbigblog.com/american-idol-xiii-top-8-audition-song-spoilers.htm
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“I suspect that it may have to do with $$$$ and the realization that these singers cannot handle the pressure of this show.”
At least they are sure they knew how to sing these songs… 😉
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I hope they haven’t matched weak singers together for the duets.
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Actually, I enjoyed tonight’s performances more than earlier weeks’ performances. Alex sang an original song too, I think.
I was quite surprised by Dexter. I thought he did a nice job with his song tonight. I honestly did not hear CJ because he was cut off by a special report by FOX news. And, although I thought most were better, no one blew me away, so I don’t have a favorite of the night.
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Yes, Alex sang a song of his own, too–I thought it was much the better of the two originals, and I think you can see real progress in his performance skills, he’s really pushing himself on that side. He still needs vocal training, and if he’s as smart as he seems to be, he’ll get it once the show is over. His duet worked well, too.
I was actually more impressed by Harry Connick Jr. more than any of the performers last night–I just love that he keeps trying to find new ways to give the same advice, in the hopes that if he finally puts it in a way they’ll understand it they’ll apply it! Very specific suggestions, too, pinpointing each performer’s weak (and/or strong) points. He’s a good teacher, Harry is.
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I definitely agree about Harry’s comments. He is definitely much more helpful than any judges who have been on Idol since the very beginning.
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Harry was on fire last evening. Brilliant comments and critiques. So helpful in a way that the singers can fully appreciate and understand. I was so impressed.
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Harry is breathing new life into this show. And I think he raises the bar for the other judges, too.
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i too, did not hear cj because fox had to break in and tell us about another shooting. 😦 i was so concerned that cj wouldn’t get as many votes and had the chance of going home because people didn’t hear him. and idol didn’t have the review of the singing in the end like they usually do. anyway, i am comfortable with the results. and i loved hearing daughtry.
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