Once again tonight the guys of American Idol seemed to miss the mark. While I loved most of the performances, it just seemed that all of them (with one notable exception) lacked something - either charisma, energy, confidence, or talent. I was happy to note that overall Randy and Paula seemed to let Simon finish his sentences, though the crowd was another matter.
The banter between Ryan Seacrest and the judges focused on the musical chairs from last night. The judges said they may end up switching places with Ryan tonight. Simon Cowell told Ryan that at least their lines weren't written for them. Ryan snapped back that Simon was oh so original all the time.
First up was Taylor Hicks performing the Commodores song "Easy." It was easy to predict that the judges wouldn't like it, though I figured they'd come up with the "not the song to show off your vocal ability." I was a little off, they came up with the standard "song choice" objection. Get some new lines guys! I don't like Taylor overly much, but I love his passion when he performs. Randy Jackson loves his enthusiasm too, but said he had some pitch problems. Paula Abdul didn't like the song choice. Simon went on about some bubble or something, I didn't pay too much attention. Afterwards Ryan asked Taylor why he picked that song. Taylor said that Lionel Richie was one of the greatest songwriters. His first concert was actually Lionel Richie and Tina Turner.
For Elliott Yamin's performance, I tried something new. While he sang "I'm In the Mood for Love" I closed my eyes, so I wouldn't be distracted by his ugliness (sorry folks, Elliott ain't winning no beauty pageant). He was actually really good. Randy gave him a standing ovation. Paula told him he was brilliant and she didn't know what he was going to do to top that. Simon was happy to see he had grown in confidence. He told him the only issue he had was that you can't win the competition singing a song like that.
Ace Young explained that his beanie in his back pocket is always there, as it's a comfort thing. I really like looking at Ace, he's definitely pretty, but his performance of "If You're Not the One" was terrible. It pains me to say it - but Ace is in danger of heading for my bottom 3. Randy and Paula liked it though, and got ticked at Simon when he said it wasn't that good. Simon said Ace struggled with the song, and Ace will be disappointed when he hears it back.
Gedeon McKinney sang "Change is Gonna Come" and sang it very well. It was a fairly good performance from him. Randy said it started shaky, but Gedeon ended it amazing. Paula went on about how unique and different Gedeon is. Simon told him he was a funny little thing, and that he does that type of music brilliantly. Of course all of them told Paris yesterday that her song was "too old" but Gedeon was different and unique in his choice. Whatever.
After Kevin Covais, jokingly, talked about being a sex symbol now, I must confess I wasn't able to pay too much attention to his performance of "I Heard It Through The Grapevine." He was stiff though, from what I remember, and I didn't like it overly much. Randy enjoyed it because Kevin is funny and cool. Paula loves watching his parents. Simon likes him, but says the reality is that if he heard that on the radio he'd turn it off. Ryan then told Kevin he found Kevin's Hollywood body double - Chicken Little.
Jose "Sway" Penala had a shaky start with "Overjoyed." It got a little better toward the middle and ended nicely, but it wasn't all that good. Randy didn't think he did as good as last week, but as Randy pointed out, it's hard to do a Stevie Wonder song and make it your own. Paula felt like Sway was disconnected. Simon told him that was pure karaoke, with no originality.
Will Makar performed Kenny Rogers song "Lady" nicely. I was a bit peeved that the judges didn't tell him either that the song was too old for him, though the judges weren't fond of it. Randy told him that at this point in the show you need to do something amazing, and Will didn't do that. Paula likes his tone, but told him it was too safe and bland. Simon told him that his target audience of 11 year old girls will love the performance. Ryan asked Randy what advice he could give Will. Randy told Will to loosen up, at which point Ryan started pulling Will's shirt out. Simon told Will to get offstage quickly, leaving Will laughing and blushing.
I finally figured out who Bucky Covington's lookalike is - Bucky is Bill Engvall's little brother. His performance of "The Thunder Rolls" was good, but a bit wooden for me. Randy told him it was a great song choice. Paula said he hit every note nicely. Simon told Bucky he likes him because he's a sincere guy, who he doesn't think is playing them. But Simon feels that Bucky comes across as the support act, rather than as the major attraction.
Crooner David Radford said in his clip that he used his mother's car phone charger as a belt during his audition. He sang "The Way You Look Tonight" very well. If he stays in the competition, I hope he starts to sing some more current material, or his crooner thing will get old, even if I like him better than Jon Stevens. Randy found himself bored, listening to the band instead. Paula told David he's performed better, like he didn't connect with the band tonight. Simon told him he needs more charisma and confidence.
If tonight's performance was any indication, Chris Daughtry may very well be the next American Idol. He just keeps getting better and better. His performance of "Hemorrhage" was just completely awesome. Randy just went on and on about how great it was. Paula told him that was one of his magic moments. Simon told Chris that his performance was the only one that would stand up in the real world.
My rankings are as follows:
Great:
Chris
Elliott
Good:
David
Will
Bucky
Gedeon
Taylor
Bad:
Sway
Kevin
Ace
Yes, that's right my boy Ace is firmly in my bottom, actually I think he had the worst performance (vocally), though Kevin is close behind for his very stiff performance.
As for who will go home, who knows. I think that Bucky and David are in danger, due to lack of "wow" and lack of exposure. By no means will Ace go home. It's just not possible for that boy to be tossed out yet. He's too cute!
I thought the bottom three were Bucky, David, and Kevin.
Ace may have not been the best, but he picked a good song that was at least current sounding. It is getting old hearing these others sing Stevie Wonder songs and older ones like Heard it throrough the Grapevine. Those are bland and have ben sung to death already, none of these singers can make them eny better no matter how great they are.
Anyway if i had to pick two to leave it would be Bucky and Kevin, I don't see either ever doing an album and that is what this show is about, so it is an easy choice.
I think will be eliminted tommorow is david and kevin.
I don't think ace will be eliminated because he is handsome and has a good voice.And I don't think bucky
will be eliminated because he picked a good song choice.
Remember World Idol where the Norwegian beat the favourite Kelly Clarkson singing 'Beautiful Day'.He was so darn good despite his really ugly hobo face (uglier than Elliot).So don't worry Elliot,keep up the excellent singing and u are still in with a shot to being the 'Most Unsightly AI' after 5 series.
the next time you watch idol close your eyes while contestants are singing it makes a big difference
you really notice when the are offkey, imagine your listening to the radio and you realize that most of the performers are not that good
curlio - one of ur better critiques. virtually spot on.
taylor - hmmm. i want to like him more than i do at present. i thought he was going to be one of my top favorites. i too appreciate his passion. would like to see him throw down a 'dirty' little back water number and really slam a shine on.
elliot - mf can sing! i am with u on the eye closing part though actually he really did look better last night. was it the shave or the confidence or the 'longer' hair? does he have a fan base that is growing fast enough to keep him in the game for the duration? i would like to see that happen.
ace - on one hand his singing did keep him in my bottom three though on another hand i actually really like him for the first time. i thought he was real during his conversation w/ryan at his side and that made him attractive and connectable (if that make any sense).
gedeon - startled the heck out of me. i thought he was good. something i did not imagine saying before watching the downloads this morning.
kevin - this kid is adorable and absolutely lovable to boot. obviously he is not sticking around for the duration so i have decided just to enjoy the ride right along w/him.
sway - ouch. i would have to put him on the 'this could be ur week to go home' list.
will - ur right he really did fall into the good category with his performance. solid good. i would like to see him grab a spot.
bucky - now here is innocent southern charm that is buyable! i trust that he is who he presents himself as till the cows come home. i like this guy and i think he pulled his game up this week. was it enough? i hope so. i would like to see what he brings next week.
david - tough one. did not like it though i can see the merits of his talent. unless he gets heaps of support from his teen fanbase surely he is 'one to watch' for going home this week.
chris - sex on a stick! then again back in the day live was one of my favs as well. i alone...would like to see him sing that song! at least this week it does not feel like a stretch to say that he could very well end up being the next american idol.
"Lady", lionel's simple but genius song is easly to sing but not easy to sing well. The kid was terrific! And, he put his on mark on it. Very difficult! I don't think even C*** A*** could do it.
Will
edit: Will - 2006-03-02 14:56:18 GMT - used ugly word,
I hope Kevin stays in at least one more week. He did the right thing last night. He knows he can't go much farther in te show, so he is just out to have some fun. I actually enjoyed his performance.
Taylor - Enough with the Ray Charles, Joe Cockerisms. And what was up with the "Woo"s after every other line? He is starting to bug me.
Elliot - He has a face only a mother could love. I want to know her story now. Anyway, Elliot sounded great. Great control. Great diction. Great, great, great.
Ace - Wrong song choice. He did not sound confident as he screeched through that high note. Unlike hottie Becky, the pretty boy will survive another week.
Gedeon - This guy is from another era. It sounded like he was channeling Sam Cooke. This guy is a great performer, but would not have a radio audience as only blue hairs, not teens, listen to Sam Cooke these days.
Kevin - He has turned into a joke. Randy and Paula need to stop coddling and encouraging the boy. Too bad he followed Gedeon by singing a Marvin Gaye song and showed who can handle that material and who cannot.
Sway - Elliot sang Stevie Wonder and got major praise; this joker did not. He had no confidence and was boring. Next.
Will - Another snooze fest. Was this kid trying to woo the middle-aged ladies? Isn't his fan-base teenage girls? Sing something current!
Bucky - My fiancee thought he outsang Garth Brooks. I thought the song was well done, but did not show off any range until the very end, which still was not much.
David - This is a good-looking fellow who makes the worst facial contortions as he sings. His performance was very staged and that is not his true singing voice in my opinion. I can sound like Dean Martin while singing a Dean Martin tune, but if I sang a regular song, I would sound like me.
Chris - I would buy his album tomorrow. This guy is a true singer. I wait with glee to see what song he does for Disco Week!
Sway should be going home tonight. I hope Kevin follows him. Get rid of Will and David next week.
Will said: I don't think even Clay Akin could do it.
Will
NO NO NO! We do not mention that name here! He is to be referred to as "He who must not be named" or "You know who" or "Season 2's Runner-up" NEVER EVER EVER by name. The only good thing is that you misspelled it, and "his" fans won't be able to find us. THEY ARE EVIL PEOPLE and we DO NOT WANT THEM HERE!
Although Ace didn't do his best performance last night he did a great job the first night so I doubt that it is time to send him home. He can sing and of course is absolutely georgeous, nice, and very family oriented and that shows. I think for sure Sway will go and I'm not certain about the next choice. They guys just weren't that great last night except for Elliott and Chris. Both men equally are great. Too early to call either of them a winner yet but it is for sure they have great possiblities of a great shot at being the next American Idol. As much as I didn't like Taylor in the beginning, I am liking him now. I always liked the song that he sang last night and I personally didn't think it was that bad, not bad enough to go off. I think he brings alot to this season with all of his energy and just his passion for singing. I am hoping he makes it to the top 12 and I think he will. Can't wait for tonight!!
I realized that if I wait to post this post, I would be too late because Curlio would have posted the result show – so I am doing something very new, I am writing this as I watch! Look Ma, I am multitasking! Let me share something me dad said about Simon and Ryan – they should kiss first and then marry – they are like bickering teenagers! Simon would so hate me dad! I think slash fans would love me dad though!
On with the show…
Taylor Hicks – Seriously how old is this guy? Ok, I love his tone, although I can live without his ticks like movements! He was one of my early favourites but his ticks are driving me nuts! Not one of the best, but it was alright! I loved Simon’s critique – he was actually delivering a constructive criticism! Taylor is from Alabama? Is he going to sing Sweet Home Alabama? He is many fans so I would not worry about Bottom Three!
Elliot Yamin – You know he has Middle-East features; I can so see him as an extra in Ten Commandments! His ears are distracting! He is awesome! I don’t think he is ugly – Curlio, only you can get away with that mention! LOL! Anyway I don’t think he is ugly but he is no Prince Charming either – so I see your point, but flawless singer! What a voice! Loved Elliot’s mum! One of my favourites tonight! I am loving Simon – I never thought I’d say that! I love Elliot – very humble and sweet!
Ace Young – Oh God! Such a terrible mistake! What an awful song selection – I am sorry I do not like the original to begin with, but I never thought anyone can make it even more gruesome but I was wrong this was actually terrible! What was with that high pitch? Ace honey, I am glad you are good looking because that song would have murdered you faster than you murdered that song! Paula and Randy loved his falsetto – I hated it! Oh man if one listens to Simon with an open mind – he actually makes the most sense! Ace – NO! Don’t blame the health – you are better than that! Brenna got Ace’s beanie! Such a sweet parting gift!
Gedeon McKinney – Wow! I mean really, Wow! That was good! I never really thought I would like him, but I am glad to say he proved me wrong! Ok his smile makes me a little uneasy, but I will like it eventually! He has a good voice – don’t y’all agree? Oh Paula – Decades? That’s pushing it! Simon being nice – well now! I must say Simon and I would get along just fine!
Kevin Covais – I love him! Loved his interview – very sincere and sweet! I mean even I think I would go Cho Chweet if I meet him in person! He is really cute – my mum and gal already went “Aw” three times! Loved his performance and he has a decent voice! I want this guy in Top 6! I am agreeing with Paula that I love his rents – his dad is awesome because usually one just sees mums with sons but this is great! Hey, I was the first one to state on this site that he resembles Chicken Little! Yeah I admit it was not an original observation – that came from Curlio – Ross Perot! LOL! Anyway so now American Idol chaps are using that? Since I love animated movies, I demand that this guy be in the Top 6 then!
Sway – Oy! Ok, I did not care for this one! He is an excellent imitator, not a great singer! I mean it’s like you listen hint of Mr. Wonder, but then you realize it’s not him! I think the guys at American Idol want to keep him around, hence they were force feeding that he is not feeling well! I never liked his performance last week, and I did not care for this one either – I think I found my first guy slated for elimination!
Will Makar – Seth Cohen’s doppelganger! Ok my gal passed out! Just my luck – I already am finding to get used to her Benjamin McKenzie crush – which turned to Adam Brody obsession and now added to that list is Will Makar – the singing Seth Cohen! Liked him – good tone! Oy, that’s what Paula said! Well the kid has strong support of the ladies in this room! Hey Ryan - lure the young one off the camera – I don’t want to see half a show! If you know what I mean! Loved your laughter Will! I think I will go with the ladies and see you in Top 6!
Bucky Covington – Oh wow! I am glad he was not eliminated – he has a wonderful voice – Hey Bucky baby – You better sing Country Rock! My gal thinks that he should shave off his moustache and he might give Ace a run in looks department! I like him – Simon – I agree he is sincere! I don’t think he is second hand or whatever Simon just said!
David Radford – I am a little surprised no one finds him cute! Ok, my gal does! Ok, I love this song – Mr Tony Bennett’s version is my all time favourite! My gal is almost in ecstasy, this is her favourite genre! I found out something – on my laptop I have almost 7 K songs – most of the mp3 belong to my gal and the other night I just put the list on shuffle and I heard a crooner version of Crazy Little Thing Called Love – to my surprise! The crooner – Michael Bublé! I think David’s idol is Michael! Well, I am sorry I did not agree with the judges – he was not that bad but at this rate he just might leave, if not this week, next week! The thing is I like him – I even liked him in the first week – he is sweet!
Chris Daughtry – Oh Man! Awesome! Best Performance of the evening! Shave – please shave! Fantastic voice! I think Paula is on something! Ok, its official I love Simon! I absolutely loved his voice, performance etc, etc! Now, see this is where Curlio and my waves meet! But this new way of reporting is more candid – I think I should do this for American Idol! Its fun!
I don’t want to name Top – Bottom – so many have ventured that – so let that prevail! I thought the guys were better than gals this week!
The Core Of Man's Spirit Comes From New Experiences!
Sprout, finally someone else who thinks Paula is on something! I called my friend when the show started and said "Is she drunk?". If I was Simon I'd move Randy to the middle permanently. Let Simon finish a thought, I usually agree with Simon, he's trying to evaluate if the music is sellable or not.
I can ONLY tolerate Taylor Hicks with my eyes closed, or my stomach turns. Does he have a physical problem or is he trying to dance? Elliot was great, but grow your hair longer! Ace I'm tired of your pretty boy aren't I hot stares at the camera, be yourself, if you can. Gedeon is also great listening to, but not watching, it's the smile. Please let Kevin go, cute can only get ya so far. Sway, forgetable. Will Makar was good. I liked Bucky...Maybe a name change would help? How many grown men ya know named Bucky? David needs to go, you can't croon every song and win. Chris Daughtry, I agree with Sprout, SHAVE. His singing was great, nailed the preformance!
1. Elliot (This guy sounded like a pro)
2. Chris (Did Vin Deisel and Carson Daly have a love child?)
3. Gedeon (For being in another world.)
4. Ace (Unlike Constantine, this is a good performer.)
5. Sway (For singing the song cleanly)
Bottom 3
1. Kevin (Kind of a joke honestly.)
2. David (Simon said exactly what I was thinking. Needs a lot of work. )
3. Will Makar (Isn't this guy on the OC?)
Sprout said: Elliot Yamin – You know he has Middle-East features; I can so see him as an extra in Ten Commandments! His ears are distracting! He is awesome! I don’t think he is ugly – Curlio, only you can get away with that mention! LOL! Anyway I don’t think he is ugly but he is no Prince Charming either
Everytime I see Elliot I have to think of one of the Austin Powers movies with the "Mole"... where Austin points at a guy and keeps saying "MOLE!"...
Sprout said: Bucky Covington – Oh wow! I am glad he was not eliminated – he has a wonderful voice – Hey Bucky baby – You better sing Country Rock! My gal thinks that he should shave off his moustache and he might give Ace a run in looks department! I like him – Simon – I agree he is sincere! I don’t think he is second hand or whatever Simon just said!
He certainly was better this week than last week, just when he smiles it seems to me that he completely loses his intelligence ( if he has any at all already.) I think he's not intelligent enough to be not sincere.. which in a way is a compliment... and not in a different way..
Paris says Kevin Covais reminds her of "Chicken Little", but I think he looks like "Pig Pen" (from the Peanuts comics and TV cartoons), but without dust cloud.
curlio said: [...]
NO NO NO! We do not mention that name here! He is to be referred to as "He who must not be named" or "You know who" or "Season 2's Runner-up" NEVER EVER EVER by name. The only good thing is that you misspelled it, and "his" fans won't be able to find us. THEY ARE EVIL PEOPLE and we DO NOT WANT THEM HERE!
Curlio, please explain this to me. I really don't understand what you mean by not mentioning 'you know whos" name. I'm guessing you really don't like him.
[...]
NO NO NO! We do not mention that name here! He is to be referred to as "He who must not be named" or "You know who" or "Season 2's Runner-up" NEVER EVER EVER by name. The only good thing is that you misspelled it, and "his" fans won't be able to find us. THEY ARE EVIL PEOPLE and we DO NOT WANT THEM HERE!
Bad Will! Bad! Go stand in the corner!
Well at least by mis-spelling he who would remain nameless you had to know it was me for sure!
Your disdane for the above mentioned entity was before I got on board, so forgive my faux paus!
Will:o
edit: dusty - 2006-03-02 15:12:18 GMT - fix quote tag
Once again tonight the guys of American Idol seemed to miss the mark. While I loved most of the performances, it just seemed that all of them (with one notable exception) lacked something - either charisma, energy, confidence, or talent. I was happy to note that overall Randy and Paula seemed to let Simon finish his sentences, though the crowd was another matter.
The banter between Ryan Seacrest and the judges focused on the musical chairs from last night. The judges said they may end up switching places with Ryan tonight. Simon Cowell told Ryan that at least their lines weren't written for them. Ryan snapped back that Simon was oh so original all the time.
First up was Taylor Hicks performing the Commodores song "Easy." It was easy to predict that the judges wouldn't like it, though I figured they'd come up with the "not the song to show off your vocal ability." I was a little off, they came up with the standard "song choice" objection. Get some new lines guys! I don't like Taylor overly much, but I love his passion when he performs. Randy Jackson loves his enthusiasm too, but said he had some pitch problems. Paula Abdul didn't like the song choice. Simon went on about some bubble or something, I didn't pay too much attention. Afterwards Ryan asked Taylor why he picked that song. Taylor said that Lionel Richie was one of the greatest songwriters. His first concert was actually Lionel Richie and Tina Turner.
For Elliott Yamin's performance, I tried something new. While he sang "I'm In the Mood for Love" I closed my eyes, so I wouldn't be distracted by his ugliness (sorry folks, Elliott ain't winning no beauty pageant). He was actually really good. Randy gave him a standing ovation. Paula told him he was brilliant and she didn't know what he was going to do to top that. Simon was happy to see he had grown in confidence. He told him the only issue he had was that you can't win the competition singing a song like that.
Ace Young explained that his beanie in his back pocket is always there, as it's a comfort thing. I really like looking at Ace, he's definitely pretty, but his performance of "If You're Not the One" was terrible. It pains me to say it - but Ace is in danger of heading for my bottom 3. Randy and Paula liked it though, and got ticked at Simon when he said it wasn't that good. Simon said Ace struggled with the song, and Ace will be disappointed when he hears it back.
Gedeon McKinney sang "Change is Gonna Come" and sang it very well. It was a fairly good performance from him. Randy said it started shaky, but Gedeon ended it amazing. Paula went on about how unique and different Gedeon is. Simon told him he was a funny little thing, and that he does that type of music brilliantly. Of course all of them told Paris yesterday that her song was "too old" but Gedeon was different and unique in his choice. Whatever.
After Kevin Covais, jokingly, talked about being a sex symbol now, I must confess I wasn't able to pay too much attention to his performance of "I Heard It Through The Grapevine." He was stiff though, from what I remember, and I didn't like it overly much. Randy enjoyed it because Kevin is funny and cool. Paula loves watching his parents. Simon likes him, but says the reality is that if he heard that on the radio he'd turn it off. Ryan then told Kevin he found Kevin's Hollywood body double - Chicken Little.
Jose "Sway" Penala had a shaky start with "Overjoyed." It got a little better toward the middle and ended nicely, but it wasn't all that good. Randy didn't think he did as good as last week, but as Randy pointed out, it's hard to do a Stevie Wonder song and make it your own. Paula felt like Sway was disconnected. Simon told him that was pure karaoke, with no originality.
Will Makar performed Kenny Rogers song "Lady" nicely. I was a bit peeved that the judges didn't tell him either that the song was too old for him, though the judges weren't fond of it. Randy told him that at this point in the show you need to do something amazing, and Will didn't do that. Paula likes his tone, but told him it was too safe and bland. Simon told him that his target audience of 11 year old girls will love the performance. Ryan asked Randy what advice he could give Will. Randy told Will to loosen up, at which point Ryan started pulling Will's shirt out. Simon told Will to get offstage quickly, leaving Will laughing and blushing.
I finally figured out who Bucky Covington's lookalike is - Bucky is Bill Engvall's little brother. His performance of "The Thunder Rolls" was good, but a bit wooden for me. Randy told him it was a great song choice. Paula said he hit every note nicely. Simon told Bucky he likes him because he's a sincere guy, who he doesn't think is playing them. But Simon feels that Bucky comes across as the support act, rather than as the major attraction.
Crooner David Radford said in his clip that he used his mother's car phone charger as a belt during his audition. He sang "The Way You Look Tonight" very well. If he stays in the competition, I hope he starts to sing some more current material, or his crooner thing will get old, even if I like him better than Jon Stevens. Randy found himself bored, listening to the band instead. Paula told David he's performed better, like he didn't connect with the band tonight. Simon told him he needs more charisma and confidence.
If tonight's performance was any indication, Chris Daughtry may very well be the next American Idol. He just keeps getting better and better. His performance of "Hemorrhage" was just completely awesome. Randy just went on and on about how great it was. Paula told him that was one of his magic moments. Simon told Chris that his performance was the only one that would stand up in the real world.
Will
