American Idol 4/10

[schuh]

Queen night wasn't the disaster I thought it would be ... Queen is my era and I never was a big fan of theirs, although I do know every word to Bohemian Rhapsody. I just think most Queen songs are really unique to their style.

The only performance I would watch again was Taylor's. "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" is tired, but he changed it enough to make it entertaining.

I agreed with Simon about Chris D. -- he has a heck of a voice and sang the song well, but the song itself was unpleasant. Really, if a band has never performed a song live, why would you choose to sing that song? I'm sure he didn't want to do karaoke, but did he have to be so obscure about his choice?

Did they announce what's coming up next week? If so I missed it.

Any predictions as to who's out? My guess is Ace. Second choice might be Paris.

[Pony]

I agree with you this was not a disaster show! It wasn't fantastic, but still good. Taylor made me smile. I adore him and Chris. They were my favorites with Katherine and Bucky following. I don't know why I like Bucky. I don't think he is a great singer, but I love the sound of his voice. I think Elliot is a great singer, but I don't like the sound of his voice. :rolleyes: Anyways, I'm thinking the bottom three will be Ace, Paris (although I thought she did pretty good), and hmmmmmmm I'm hoping for Kellie. I hope Ace goes home.

Michelle

[fci5767]

What was with the scary makeup (Kellie and Kathryn) and the horrible lighting (Kellie.) I couldn't bear to look at Kellie, she looked absolutely creepy. Simon was right.

[gertdog]

Okay, what is up with the white strobe light during Chris's performance nearly EVERY week? Grr. And I agree with Simon as well- not an enjoyable song at all.

I actually liked Taylor's performance for once! I also enjoyed Elliott and hope he isn't in the bottom 3 again this week. And I thought Bucky did pretty well (waiting for Eva to weigh in since she said it was a favorite song of hers ;) ).

The judges seemed to like Katherine's performance but I thought her vocal sounded really off. Loud but not good.

I thought Ace was terrible, Paris was forgettable and Kellie just really annoys me with what seems like an effort to make at least one naive comment per week. I hope Ace is the one to go this week.

[Laura]

I agree, I didn't like Chris' song at all. I listened to a bit of it on iTunes this afternoon and didn't like Queen's version of it either. Kellie's makeup and lighting were horrible; I think even Simon might be getting tired of how clueless she is. I thought Taylor was great! Elliot was okay, and I really like him, but he was doing something with his vocals in the beginning of the song that just didn't fit the song for me.

Bottom three: Paris, Bucky, and Ace. I really wouldn't mind if it was anyone of these three.

[schuh]

I don't know why I like Bucky. I don't think he is a great singer, but I love the sound of his voice.

Michelle

Michelle,

I know what you mean. Intellectually I know Bucky doesn't have anywhere near the best voice in the competition, but his voice is pleasant to listen to. He does a good job of picking songs that fit his voice and personality -- they aren't overly challenging but that's ok. And he's got the "aw shucks" Southern thing going on but he isn't stupid.

In fact, I'm not a country fan but I'd probably consider buying a CD that he recorded.

I expected the Queen night to be his downfall but I thought he did a good job with "Fat Bottomed Girls."

Tracy

[aggie94]

Okay, here's my rundown:

Bucky - I take back my disappointment. He did surprisingly well with the song and gave it the Southern rock sound it deserved, versus the twangy country feel I was afraid he would do. I didn't love it, and I think Chris could have done a much better job with it, but it was much better than I thought it would be.

Ace - YUCK. Bad song choice, bad performance, BAD leather pants. :eek:

Kellie - There are no words. I'm one of the ones that Simon mentioned who thought it was truly hideous. And what was with her outfit? Does she think she's Lita Ford?? And her "stupid blonde" routine is getting way old. She needs to go home. NOW.

Chris - He rocks. Love him, love him, love him. And apparently the song is not THAT obscure. When he announced he was singing "Innuendo," DH commented, "Oooh, good choice for him." Um, you KNOW it??? And he's no huge Queen fan. I would have preferred him to sing something better known, but he did a great job with what sounded like a very difficult song to sing.

Katharine - I didn't love it. I agree with Stephanie that it was just loud, not necessarily great.

Elliot - Great job. I really enjoyed it.

Taylor - Did I call it or what? ;) Loved him. He was definitely back in his element tonight. Great song choice for him.

Paris - Did they have to make her look all skanky? Good grief, she's 16. :rolleyes: I liked her song choice, and I think she sang it well. She was easily the best among the girls.

My bottom three this week are Kellie, Ace, and Katharine. With Kellie (god willing) going home.

[MiMo]

Kellie - There are no words. I'm one of the ones that Simon mentioned who thought it was truly hideous. And what was with her outfit? Does she think she's Lita Ford?? And her "stupid blonde" routine is getting way old. She needs to go home. NOW.


Okay, I haven't watched American Idol at all this year. However, my television was on Fox as I was making dinner which led into the beginning of American Idol, so I decided to watch it for the first time this season.

Is Kellie this stupid every week? When she asked Simon about his "on paper" remark with a clueless gleam in her eyes, I couldn't believe she made reference to how she couldn't understand his "sayings" and accent. DUH!!! Is she just young and naive? Or is she an idiot? Why does America like her? Is it just a bunch of puberty-thriving boys voting for her? She just seemed like such an airhead and made me want to make sure tomorrow and from now on my television isn't on to watch her or AI again this season. Maybe it was just an off-night for the contestants. I'm a big Queen fan, too, so you just can't compare any of the vocals or performances of the AI contestants to that of Freddie Mercury. Again...DUH!!! :rolleyes: :D

[MrsReber]

Help! My cable box is on the fritz. Has been for the past couple of weeks. It only allows us to watch certain channels. Unfortunately, I was uanble to watch AI last night.

So can someone tell me who sang which song? I'm a Queen fan, too, and I was really curious to see this! Stupid cable box. Of course, it's working fine now. :mad:

[gertdog]

Hi Susan!

Sandy posted this list on last week's thread:

•Ace Young, We Will Rock You: "I urbanized the verses a little, just by riding on (the notes). I put a little R&B soul on it. When we were done, they said, 'That sounds like a record.' "

•Bucky Covington, Fat Bottomed Girls: "Yes, we all love the fat-bottomed girls."

•Chris Daughtry, Innuendo: "It's a relatively unknown song. It just had a mixture of a dark feel and a positive message. And I just found out they've never performed this live."

•Elliott Yamin, Somebody to Love: "I was drawn to the passionate emotion of the song. I heard a lot of soul in it."

•Katharine McPhee, Who Wants to Live Forever: "How could (this) not be fun? We're working with so many different legends."

•Kellie Pickler, Bohemian Rhapsody: "We only have 1 minute and 30 seconds, and the song is really long. Having to cut so many pieces is really hard to memorize, because I'm not singing the song as it's originally played."

•Paris Bennett, The Show Must Go On: "Being with the band was a big experience to me, never being with a rock band before. I was able to pick a song that fits me, that's still rocky."

•Taylor Hicks, Crazy Little Thing Called Love: "You listen to a Queen song, it's really melodic and very powerful, and the dynamics (are) really cool."

[MrsReber]

Thanks, Stephanie! I was hoping someone would do Somebody to Love. I was hoping that no one would attempt Bohemian Rhapsody. I can't imagine anyone doing that song justice.

[Kristilyn1]

I certainly don't think Kellie is a star in terms of her voice, it's nice--but not good enough to win. But why does her being so naive make people so mad? She can't HELP it.

Don't understand the animosity. So she doesn't understand things, the whole thing about not understanding common things is you HAVE NO IDEA WHICH ONES YOU SHOULD KNOW. I think she's a good sport about it. I think a lot of teenagers especially would have no idea what the term "on paper" means. Give the girl a break.

Kristi

[gertdog]

Kristi- it's because I don't think she really is that naive- I think it's an act she puts on because she thinks it's appealing. At first I did think she was just clueless, sheltered, whatever, but I've since changed my opinion (and that's all it is, of course, just an opinion).

[SandyM]

Kristi- it's because I don't think she really is that naive- I think it's an act she puts on because she thinks it's appealing. At first I did think she was just clueless, sheltered, whatever, but I've since changed my opinion (and that's all it is, of course, just an opinion).

I agree, Steph. I think it's an act and that she's playing it for all it's worth. And yes, I think the votes are coming from teenaged boys and girls. Honestly, I think she has an okay singing voice - if she'd just hush, perhaps we wouldn't be so vocal about her. ;) Paris is 16 and she certainly doesn't feel the need to act incredibly vacuous.

Ace really needs to stop being all dreamy and googly-eyed. Really.

I was pleasantly surprised by Bucky's performance. He's not been my favorite throughout the competition, but I thought he rose up last night.

I thought Taylor and Chris were both pretty good. I did not like one performance from any of the females.

If I could have a bottom 4, it would be Kellie, Paris, Kathryn, and Ace.

[funnybone]

Ace really needs to go this week!

[Pony]

Michelle,

I know what you mean. Intellectually I know Bucky doesn't have anywhere near the best voice in the competition, but his voice is pleasant to listen to. He does a good job of picking songs that fit his voice and personality -- they aren't overly challenging but that's ok. And he's got the "aw shucks" Southern thing going on but he isn't stupid.

In fact, I'm not a country fan but I'd probably consider buying a CD that he recorded.

I expected the Queen night to be his downfall but I thought he did a good job with "Fat Bottomed Girls."

Tracy

Exactly what I was thinking!

I'm excited to see the results show. (yes, excited, I need a life :p ;) ). I have missed the last two.

[stacy7272]

I didn't like Ace's performance but I actually liked hearing his voice sound like a man's whose testes have actually decended. Wow, so he doesn't always have to sound like a wuss.

I had to giggle when Queen told Elliott he should be passionate. Um - he doesn't do passionate, he just sings. Everyone keeps telling him to up the emotion but he just can't seem to do it.

[PAMMELA]

I certainly don't think Kellie is a star in terms of her voice, it's nice--but not good enough to win. But why does her being so naive make people so mad? She can't HELP it.

Don't understand the animosity. So she doesn't understand things, the whole thing about not understanding common things is you HAVE NO IDEA WHICH ONES YOU SHOULD KNOW. I think she's a good sport about it. I think a lot of teenagers especially would have no idea what the term "on paper" means. Give the girl a break.

Kristi


I agree. I don't think it's an act. Why would anyone CHOOSE to act that way? Especially when everyone seems so annoyed by it.

[Terri_A]

Oh my...I intentionally waited to post my comments, just to see what others thought. I might be hard on them since I love Queen so much, but here's my take on each ---

Bucky - Although he was flat a fair amount of the song, I thought he "performed" well ( Did anyone else notice that Bucky said "Freddie Mercury ain't no one you want to jump up behind" and Ryan the idiot replied "You can say that again!" - Blatent reference to Freddie's sexual preference?

Ace --Please make it stop!!!! I want him gone and to never resurface again.

Chris - I know the song and thought it was a bad choice. He could've really rocked out a lot of Queen's songs. I will say that I liked the eyeliner - shocking coming from me, but true.

Elliott - Fair, but not impressive. Was a really good Karaoke version though! I like his voice, but his inability to step outside his little box makes me nuts. I don't like singers whose songs all sound the same and I think his would.

Katherine - Again, please make it stop. I feel about her the way many of you feel about Kellie. She makes me nuts. She needs to go perform on Broadway, but not be the next American Idol.

Kellie - I thought she sang the song really well. And I LOVED that jacket!!!! The lighting was bad and I am getting tired of the dumb blonde thing, but I'm not certain she's faking it.

Paris - Little girl in mommy's clothes. It's time to let her go. I don't think she did horrible, but not great either.

Taylor - I love this guy's spirit. He's not the best singer, but definitely the most entertaining performer in the bunch. He did a great job with Crazy Little Thing Called Love and I think he'll still be here next week.

My bottom 3 are Ace, Paris and either Bucky or Katherine

Tonight should be interesting.

Someone asked if the theme for next week was announced...it's usually announced on the results show, so we should hear tonight.

[Laura]

Call me cynical about Kellie, but I am guessing she has worked this little naive girl routine to her advantage in the past. And unless you have some kind of learning disablity, I think you can help it. My kids are 14 and 16 and they are constantly rolling their eyes at her. To me, it's the whole "Jessica Simpson, Chicken of the Sea" routine times 10.

I was reading an interview about Kevin Covais (I know, I need a life) and AI approached him about the whole chicken little thing, asked him if he was okay with it. I wouldn't be surprised if AI has done the same thing with Kellie. Heck, if we are talking about it here after every show, you know there are people probably watching just to see what she is going to say next.

[PAMMELA]

Could be either way with Kellie, although she comes from a very small town and lives with Grandpa. I wouldn't be surprised if she's never had Calamari or SAL-mon before! Anyway, I like her, so it doesn't bother me at all.

[gertdog]

I was reading an interview about Kevin Covais (I know, I need a life) and AI approached him about the whole chicken little thing, asked him if he was okay with it. I wouldn't be surprised if AI has done the same thing with Kellie. Heck, if we are talking about it here after every show, you know there are people probably watching just to see what she is going to say next.

It wouldn't surprise me either- I was just thinking last night that they're almost feeding her these lines as a specific opportunity to show off her naivety. They're making her into a character. I'm certainly not saying she's secretly brilliant and playing totally dumb, but I think she and the producers are making a point of her being "naive Kellie."

[schuh]

Pathetic as I am, I was mulling over American Idol today as I was getting my hair done. Anyway, I've never been a fan of Katherine but I've had a hard time putting a finger on why. It has finally come to me.

She always looks like she's singing at the Miss America pagent. She's a beautiful gal and always sings with a lovely smile on her face. There's rarely any range of emotion for the song.

My all-time least favorite of her performances was when she sang "Respect." She smiled and bounced all over the stage, and all the judges told her how great her performance was. It annoyed the heck out of me because "Respect" is a song about ATTITUDE. It's almost angry.

Last night she made some progress as she didn't stand there grinning, but I just didn't feel it. I'm ready to see her go.

So I'm making her the third person I predict will be in the bottom three. Ace, Paris and Katherine. And I think Ace is gone.

And you're right -- they do announce the following week's theme at the results show, not the performance show. My mistake.

[Terrytx]

I really liked Kellie last night-love the song and thought she did a good job with it. Okay, maybe she is a "dumb blonde", but I agree that they seem to play off it. My fav is Chris. Bottom 3 for me this week-Katherine, Paris and Ace.

[NewMrsG]

We started our 6-week birthing class on Tuesday nights this week (sadly, we considered trying for another night because of this show - how sad is that??). So we're taping it and planning to watch just before the results show on Wednesdays.

I was reading the comments, though, and now I just can't wait to see Taylor! And may fast-forward through Ace ... who should have gone 2 weeks ago.

[schuh]

So clearly I'm not great at predicting the bottom three...
I won't ruin it for the West Coast people but I'm disappointed with the result. I didn't think this person would win it, but I would have liked a few others to go first.
Rod Stewart week should be fun!

[SandyM]

So clearly I'm not great at predicting the bottom three...
I won't ruin it for the West Coast people but I'm disappointed with the result. I didn't think this person would win it, but I would have liked a few others to go first.

Ditto on all counts. I only caught the last few minutes - scenes of Paris crying (no idea what happened there), the person that got kicked off being called to the stage, him singing again, and then seeing the bottom 3.

I was shocked, really.

[Melman]

I thought the bottom three could have been anyone in the bottom row. I wasn't surprised at all with those standing on the stage in anticipation this week. I thought it would have been one other person before the one who left this week...but I don't think ANY of the people on the bottom row should last more than three more weeks. Coincidence? Nah. Though one of the folks on the top row drive me crazy, I think all four will/should make it to the last 4 weeks.

[gertdog]

Ditto on all counts. I only caught the last few minutes - scenes of Paris crying (no idea what happened there), the person that got kicked off being called to the stage, him singing again, and then seeing the bottom 3.

I was shocked, really.

Double ditto. I only tuned in for a few minutes and was very disappointed! Oh, America, what are you thinking? :p

[lindrusso]

I only caught the last few minutes - scenes of Paris crying (no idea what happened there)

Nothing happened - Paris ALWAYS cries! :) She sobs every single show, no matter who leaves. Personally I'm beginning to think they are really tears of relief, not of empathy. ;)

I haven't been keeping up on these threads, but you were shocked?

I wasn't shocked tonight, especially after Mandisa got booted - now THAT was shocking. Well, maybe not shocking considering America is voting and has made the same mistake in the past (LaToya comes to mind), but certainly she should have made it to the top 3. Well, certainly IMO. :)

No one left drives me nuts the way Scott did last year or the way Kevin was starting to this year (nice can only get you so far in a singing competition), so it's much easier to watch. Only.....Mandisa should be there, darn it.

[Ostrlisa]

I think the teenaged girl (and/or the "vote for the worst") contingent made the difference this week...

I think Mandisa has an amazing instrument, but something happened to her when they got out of the preliminaries. Don't know if she was getting bad advice, or not listening to good advice, but in all of her songs she stayed too much in her weak lower register (and off-pitch to boot), and the high notes at the end couldn't save the performance. She just seemed uncomfortable and I think the people who vote lost interest. On her potential, she deserves to still be in it, but hopefully she made some good contacts by getting as far as she did.

[imloulou]

No one left drives me nuts the way Scott did last year or the way Kevin was starting to this year (nice can only get you so far in a singing competition), so it's much easier to watch. Only.....Mandisa should be there, darn it.

I agree about Mandisa...I think that the "Vote for the Worst" has really messed with it (Kellie still being there and Mandisa not)

But I do have someone that is driving me BANANAS! I just cannot stand to watch ACE...I know...harsh words for someone I do not know...I am sure he is a nice guy but HE DRIVES ME NUTS performance-wise!!! There are those who get up and sing there hearts out and there are those that get up and act how they think we want them to act and that overpowers their singing because they cannot pull it off...it comes off fake. Tonight he seemed to be SQUEEZING tears out of his eyeballs when they played his family video...just because others were crying...ARGHHHH...

I swear I am not mean spirited. I actually usually stick up for the underdogs. And I feel horrible posting all this negativity :eek:


BUT...

Ace just has to go (OK...I guess I am over feeling horrible :D ) oh, and my 8 year old daughter says she wants him to stay...she says, "It (american idol) would not be as funny if he is gone" LOL :D. So of course I tell her, "Well...there is always Kellie"

Anyway,
I love Chris and Taylor Elliott and Bucky but I wont go further in case anyone has not seen the show.

[imloulou]

I think the teenaged girl (and/or the "vote for the worst") contingent made the difference this week...


Ostrlisa...I did not see your post before I posted. I agree about the teenaged and younger girls (Ace) and Vote for the Worst (Kellie) have really messed with this. This truly is a reality show at it's greatest :D

We will see...

[schuh]

Nothing happened - Paris ALWAYS cries! :) She sobs every single show, no matter who leaves. Personally I'm beginning to think they are really tears of relief, not of empathy. ;)

I haven't been keeping up on these threads, but you were shocked?

I wasn't shocked tonight, especially after Mandisa got booted - now THAT was shocking. Well, maybe not shocking considering America is voting and has made the same mistake in the past (LaToya comes to mind), but certainly she should have made it to the top 3. Well, certainly IMO. :)

No one left drives me nuts the way Scott did last year or the way Kevin was starting to this year (nice can only get you so far in a singing competition), so it's much easier to watch. Only.....Mandisa should be there, darn it.

I agree with you on all counts.

Once Kevin was gone (I think he was believing his own publicity way too much), I found this group to be likeable. Ace and Paris now bug me the most, but nearly as much as Scott did last year.

Mandisa leaving was shocking. Tonight's person wasn't shocking but it was disappointing.

[aggie94]

I'm disappointed. I don't think he would have won by any means, but he did not deserve to go home yet, especially after a good performance last night. Ace should have been the one to go tonight.

[SandyM]

Okay, perhaps "shocked" was the wrong word to use. Disappointed is more like it - because as I've mentioned before, there are a few other people who deserved to go (IMO) more than he did. He wasn't my favorite performer, but he wasn't my least favorite either - not by a long shot.

And for the record, I feel the same way about Mandisa. I agree with what Ostrlisa posted - she did great until the 2nd week of the final 12. When the 50's show was on, I pretty much thought she had it locked. Then - poof.

[Terri_A]

Of the remaining contestants here's the order I think they should go home...

1 - Ace ( he should have gone this week! )
2 - Paris
3 - Kellie
4 - Elliott
5 - Katherine
6 - Taylor
7 - Chris

I think Katherine, Elliot and Taylor are all interchangeable based on their perfomances each week.

I'm looking forward to seeing what Rod Stewart songs they sing...any bets on who takes "If you think I'm sexy"?

[Melman]

I'm looking forward to seeing what Rod Stewart songs they sing...any bets on who takes "If you think I'm sexy"?

That's a scary thought. :eek: I can see Kellie being all made up with heavy makeup to do it. I have to admit, I can't see that song with a country twang to it.

I can see Taylor dancing around the stage to it. :D

I can see Paris made up to look like a 16-year-old hooker to sing it.

It should be a highly entertaining evening!

[Beth H]

Bucky actually had grown on me as a performer - I initially thought he didn't really belong in the Top 12, but I grew to like him over the weeks. I don't think he would have been the "American Idol," but he certainly had a very positive and happy outlook and demeanor each week, and he chose songs that suited him.

Ace needs to go - I guess the teenage girl vote is keeping him alive each week.

[Pony]

I'm looking forward to seeing what Rod Stewart songs they sing...any bets on who takes "If you think I'm sexy"?

I would rather see Kellie sing it then Ace. :p I could see him singing it w/o a shirt on and leather pants :eek: . If Ace sings it I will hide under my covers as it will be so painful!

Everyone was crying last night, it was a little sappy.

I'm sad to see Bucky go.

Terri, I agree with your ranking!

[MISSINDI]

I don't think he would have won, but I was sorry to see Bucky go too -- what a great spirit.

I really liked Elliott's performance, and then Chris, Taylor and Katharine, though not necessarily in that order.

Ace's appeal is waning for me. I thought it was really cheesy (for lack of a better word) when he showed his scar while singing the word on one of his previous performances, and I think his appeal started to decline then for me.

Paris -- I liked her so much in the beginning. She does have a good voice, but I don't like the ever-changing hair/clothes/persona to fit her mood. I think, in the beginning, when they're trying to establish themselves and introduce their persona to you, it would help to stick with one persona, you know?

So sweet how they all got choked up with the emotional family videos...

[NewMrsG]

We watched both the performance and results show last night - actually a fun way to do it to see both at once.

This was the first time that I didn't think Bucky or Ace were awful. And it was probably my least favorite performance from Chris.

I liked Taylor and Elliot the most - and was really shocked to see Elliot in the bottom 3. He was really flustered when Ryan asked him to sing - I felt badly for him.

And was anyone else disturbed by Paris's appearance? Isn't she like 15 or so?

[aggie94]

I forgot to mention how little I am looking forward to next week's theme. I despise Rod Stewart. There is maybe only one or two of his songs that I find even tolerable, and the rest I hate. :o

[Terri_A]

I forgot to mention how little I am looking forward to next week's theme. I despise Rod Stewart. There is maybe only one or two of his songs that I find even tolerable, and the rest I hate. :o

BLASPHEMY!!!! :eek:

My mom feels the same way, but ever since I heard his Unplugged album - I'm in love! :p

[Laura]

I forgot to mention how little I am looking forward to next week's theme. I despise Rod Stewart. There is maybe only one or two of his songs that I find even tolerable, and the rest I hate. :o

I am not a big Rod Stewart fan, but I think Taylor will do very well. Actually, I think Bucky would have done quite well too. I can't see any of the women doing well, but I have been surprised before.

[Beth H]

I forgot to mention how little I am looking forward to next week's theme. I despise Rod Stewart. There is maybe only one or two of his songs that I find even tolerable, and the rest I hate.

Maybe they'll include some of The Faces' stuff? Because that would be great - I really could hear Taylor singing "When I was Younger."

But, it probably will be his cheesy 70s and 80s crap.

[schuh]

Rod Stewart's Unplugged album is almost constantly included in my CD rotation. I absolutely love it. I'm looking forward to next week. I think his songs are much more adaptable to a variety of styles than Queen was. I predict an entertaining night.

For laughs, here's what I predict each will sing:
Ace: "Tonight's The Night"
Taylor: "Hot Legs"
Elliott: "Broken Arrow"
Kathryn: "The Motown Song"
Kellie: "So Far Away"
Paris: "People Get Ready"
Chris D: "Stay With Me"

[zackaboo]

Bucky actually had grown on me as a performer - I initially thought he didn't really belong in the Top 12, but I grew to like him over the weeks. I don't think he would have been the "American Idol," but he certainly had a very positive and happy outlook and demeanor each week, and he chose songs that suited him.



I agree exactly with what you said. I really enjoyed Bucky. He was always so positive and upbeat, especially in the face of the rather harsh criticiam that he frequently seemed to receive - especially from Simon. He just seems like a good guy and I will miss seeing him perform every week. Considering country music is not a top genre for American Idol, he should be proud of how far he went.

I also have to agree with those who are not looking forward to Rod Stewart week. :rolleyes:

Regardless of how I feel about the way each of the remaining performers looks, dresses or acts on stage, I think they are all extremely talented in their own right and at this point I am sad to see just about anyone go home. While it may be mindless entertainment for us viewers, for the performers, this is probably a once in a lifetime opportunity and it must be heart-breaking when it comes to an end.

[newcook]

It amazes me how different people's tastes can be. Taylor drives me nuts. I think he should have gone last night. The one I like the best is Elliot. My sister likes Ace the best, and she thinks he should win it all because she thinks he is the only one who sings in the currently popular style. I didn't like Kellie at first because I'm convinced her naivete is all an act, but she is starting to grow on me because she is doing well in almost every performance. Paris was also driving me a bit crazy but I did like her last performance. So the ones I like the most are Elliot, Chris and Katherine. The ones I have in the bottom three are Taylor, Bucky (not because I don't like him, but I just don't think he is good enough), and Ace.

[funnybone]

It amazes me how different people's tastes can be. Taylor drives me nuts.

I liked him druing auditions, but that one week where he bopped around stage with those white shoes really turned me off as well. I knew he wouldn't go last night, it really was Ace's turn, but he needs to leave fast, IMHO. I sure hope he doesn't make it to the final two.

[Kathy B]

The one I like the best is Elliot.


ME TOO!

.....the ones I like the most are Elliot, Chris and Katherine.

ME TOO! :D

[foodfiend]

Usually by this time, there are a few performances that absolutely blow me away (like Bo Bice's version "Spinning Wheel" or whatever it's called or Ruben singing "Breaking up is hard to do") but so far, nothing has caught my attention. Unfortunately I missed the week that Mandisa really rocked. This year doesn't have the oomph from last year. Don't know what exactly is missing.

Edited to say that I think they're going to be singing the oldies, not the rocker songs of Rod Stewart.

[Jazzmatazz49]

I think all the themes have sucked. From Stevie Wonder to Queen to Rod Stewart. Why do they pick artists who are really the only ones who can do their own songs justice? I think they should stick to genres, like blues, rock or country. Or maybe decades. But forget trying to do unique artists' songs. It just doesn't work.

[NewMrsG]

I think all the themes have sucked. From Stevie Wonder to Queen to Rod Stewart. Why do they pick artists who are really the only ones who can do their own songs justice? I think they should stick to genres, like blues, rock or country. Or maybe decades. But forget trying to do unique artists' songs. It just doesn't work.

I agree! I was thinking about this with the Queen episode - it seems like the contestants get a lot of flak for not doing something different with their songs, but it was clear that Queen members were pretty resistant to it at the same time. Sticking with just one artist makes this tougher for them.

[Melman]

I think I accidentally stumbled into the reasoning behind which artists are featured. Amazingly enough, Kenny Rogers has/had a new CD coming out. So does/did Barry Manilow. Both of those CDs were released right around the time they were on the show.

Both Shakira and Queen had CDs released in the fall...but I think Shakira had a new release of one of her songs recently. I think Rod Stewart's last CD was released around the October timeframe, right around the time of Shakira's and Queen's. I'm not completely certain of the timing of any of these CDs, but they ALL have had recent activity.

I'm convinced there's a reason for their madness....this can't be pure coincidence.

[schuh]

I think I accidentally stumbled into the reasoning behind which artists are featured. Amazingly enough, Kenny Rogers has/had a new CD coming out. So does/did Barry Manilow. Both of those CDs were released right around the time they were on the show.


You are absolutely right -- it's a publicity/sales stunt.

I read somewhere that whenever an Idol contestant does a song on the show, there's an immediate increase in purchases and downloads of that song. So having an artist on the show is a no-brainer for record companies.

I think it worked to the contestants' benefit with someone like Barry Manilow, who really seemed to try to bring out the best in the contestants and help them with their arrangements. I think I remember him saying things like, "I wasn't sure if that song would work that way, but when he did it I liked it." I was a big Barry Manilow fan in my youth but haven't listened to him in decades. I'm not sure I'll be listening to him, but my respect for him as a musician grew after watching the show.

But it was clear that Queen wasn't up for that at all. I don't like Ace, but I did feel some sympathy for him during the clip they showed. If a band/artist is going to be on the show, they should expect their songs to be altered and arranged to bring out the strengths of the contestants.

[funnybone]

I heard that AI wanted Prince to come on the show, but because he is extremely shy around people, he didn't want to have to talk to the contestants. AI basically told him no way then. It would have been interesting to see him there (even though I really am not a big fan of his).

[luckylori]

I forgot to mention how little I am looking forward to next week's theme. I despise Rod Stewart. There is maybe only one or two of his songs that I find even tolerable, and the rest I hate. :o

I can't even come up with one or two. The only saving grace here is I believe they're doing standards, and not his songs. Let's hope, anyway. And pray that Rod himself does not sing.

[schuh]

I heard that it's standards, too. I'm totally bummed.