American Idol: Season 10 PART III

[TLSnell1981]

Lauren says, sorry guys....Haley has the best voice.

http://www.tvguide.com/News/American-Idol-Backstage-1032981.aspx

"But she looked really annoyed. "Yeah, man," she says, nodding. "Come on, everybody else gets good feedback, and they really let me have it. I got a little upset because that song is downright inspiring and emotional. So that hit me to the heart.* Got me a little bit."

Then Reinhart shrugs, resigned. "Hey, it's a show, we do what we can and I'm staying strong here."* Lauren Alaina jumps in to defend her friend. "I wasn't a happy camper about [what the judges said]," she says. "That made me a little ill because Haley — I'm sorry guys [meaning James and Scotty] — Haley has the best voice on this show.""

 

[snapppyd]

I think lots of people don't care for Haley. Everyone has that right.

Every year there is the LOVED one, the HATED one and the ones in the middle. It's an AI tradition.

I have differed MANY times with the majority, doesn't matter to me. Different strokes for different strokes. We all have our druthers and everyone has the right to vent them.

I had to leave the thread last year because of all the "Lee" adoration. I found him boring and his stage presence just horrid. Also because there was really NO ONE to adore in the bunch. It was the first year I did not watch the finale.

Unfortunately it looks like I'll be missing this one, too. I've loved my many years of being a AI fan but the past 2 years have really lost me. The judges are unimaginative and they're so OBVIOUSLY reading the producer notes it's embarrassing. The "talent" is middle of the road at VERY best. I'm either so-so or purely disgusted.

And the fact that it feels more like "Nashville Idol" ... come on, I feel like most of you would if the final four consisted of two Gospel singers.

I think everyone BUT me would've bailed by now, VOCALLY.

It's pitiful, really. I feel like JLo and Steve Tyler have sold out, they joined to promote themselves and their videos/books, and Randy... words escape me.

Simon, on the other hand, is somewhere rolling in his millions and cracking up!

So Robin, in a nutshell, are you "moving along" with me??

 

[ckay87]

I don't see Scotty or Haley as any less a performer than James. I actually think Scotty's and Haley's performances are more genuine than James'. The hand in the air with the pyro in the background at the end of every James performance is getting kind of tiring.

I agree with you. He seems like a fine person and all, but as far as being a rock star....he seems more like a parody of a rock star. Very cookie cutter. Steven Tyler he is not! Like others, he'll do fine if someone writes some nice songs for him. Did he do his own music before Idol? Is he a real musician?

 

[damo]

Allison Iraheta's comments pretty much agree with my own:


Guest Blogger and 'American Idol' Alum Allison Iraheta: 'The Judges Owe Haley An Apology'
Season 8's fourth place finisher offers her advice for making it over the hump and into the Top 3: Have no fear.

Allison Iraheta knows what it's like to be the baby of the Top 13. During American Idol's season 8, she was the gritty version of Lauren Alaina, putting her all vocal might into rock week, where she delivered the unforgettable "Cry Baby" and a rousing duet of "Slow Ride" with Adam Lambert. Sadly, it also marked the week she went home.

Now, on the two-year anniversary of her own elimination, and with a stellar debut album, 2009's Just Like You, under her belt, the Los Angeles-bred rocker grabs hold of some perspective while breaking down season 10's last four standing.

First of all, I think this season is great. It was genius to have Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler as judges and to bring some change to the show. And the contestants are awesome! They’re super-talented and you can tell they all get along -- they’re not just there to compete, they want to have fun, take it all in and learn from each other. It’s not all about the contest.

But the top four is also when everybody is super stressed out, and it’s hard to think about yourself as an artist because you’re also thinking about the fans, what the people want, what the judges are going to say, and you’re so close to the Top 3.

James Durbin ("Don't Stop Believin'," Journey): With James, as far as song choice is concerned, it was hard for me to hear it because we had to sing “Don’t Stop Believin’” on the season 8 tour so many times – it was a group number. And to hear Adam Lambert sing that same song night after night… well, it’s hard not to compare the two. What I want to see out of James is something truly different -- what makes James, James? Because we have an Adam and he’s amazing. I’m a fan, don’t get me wrong, but we’ve seen this already.

Haley Reinhart ("Earth Song," Michael Jackson): I loved this performance. It was so Haley -- she wasn’t trying to be anyone else. I think it’s whack how hard the judges were on her. Like, were they looking for something current? If you do that, then they compare you to the original artist and you lose anyway. This song clearly meant a lot to her, and if that’s the case, you have to do what you feel. I don’t know if the judges aren’t getting who she is as an artist, but I loved Steven Tyler jumping in and defending Haley. He knows what it is to sing with feeling.

Scotty McCreery ("Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)," Alan Jackson): He’s in it to win it, dog. Obviously, the kind of country Scotty does is real country and he’s been doing that from the beginning. I’m sure there are people who would criticize Scotty for being a “one-trick pony,” but he is giving 100% of himself in his performances. He’s unique. You can hear his voice and instantly know it’s him -- I love that. This was a great performance.

Lauren Alaina ("Anyway," Martina McBride): First of all, Lauren looked beautiful. As for the voice? Her tone is crazy and her range is amazing. I think she just needs to get dirty and step outside of that box. Try something different every week and go for it. Something’s holding her back -- I see a very gorgeous girl singing beautiful notes but she needs to just let loose and be the girl she really is. The same thing happened to me during my season. I was so afraid and I held back a lot. I regret that. I wish I knew what I know now.

Haley Reinhart (“I (Who Have Nothing),” Ben E. King): Once again, Haley is doing what she does best: not trying. Her voice is amazing. And I think what Lady Gaga said about bringing the drama, worked. You have that opportunity to do crazy stuff on stage, just do it! And she looked comfortable and kept it real the whole time. Haley deserved the standing ovation and I think the judges owe her an apology. I think she’ll make it through. I hope she does. I’m such a huge fan.

Scotty McCreery (“Young Blood,” The Coasters): What Lauren is missing is what Scotty has. He looked like was having so much fun, and he was smart by picking a slow song for his first number and an uptempo number for the second -- it showed how comfortable he was on the big stage. The producers help with direction, but it’s up to the contestants to change it or follow it. I think Scotty is definitely going through -- he’s cute, he can sing, he’s never been in the bottom 3, girls love him -- he’s Scotty the Body.

Lauren Alaina ("Trouble," Elvis Presley): Lauren was more pageant than evil on her second song, but I think she just needs to be herself. She’s feisty and she has great vocals, but Lauren was a little rough on this song. She needs to know her range and what she’s capable of. I didn’t know back then, and thank god for Idol which helped me know who I was, but it was only in the last year that I figured it out. Lauren just needs to believe in her talent. I don’t think she knows how good she is.

James Durbin ("Love Potion No. 9," The Clovers): Maybe it’s just me, but I think James sounds nasally sometimes. Look, he’s dope, but I still want to see what makes him different. I want to just close my eyes and hear James.

Of course, the other star of the night was Lady Gaga, who is incredible. I think they are some lucky punks to be getting direction from Gaga. She came up being who she is as an artist and really set an example. And her advice was on the money – everything she told them, from Scotty getting his hand off of the mic to Haley with the drama. What a great opportunity to take in what the commercial music scene is all about. She is the perfect guide. Lady Gaga is amazing.

I so want one of the girls to win, but after Pia Toscano was eliminated, who knows. I mean Pia? For real? She was amazing. Unfortunately, I think Lauren might be in trouble this week. Because people love Scotty, Haley just killed it and I doubt James will be in the bottom 2 because the girls are all about him. I just don’t think America sees how amazing Haley is, but hopefully she’ll be back next week for another round and they’ll be reminded again.

 

[snapppyd]

Countdown to you know who bragging about working with Journey...

And *barf* if I hear "you are IN IT TO WIN IT" again, well............

 

[graygables]

Pain meds didn't help the Haley-itis.

I hope America is starting to see the arrogance we've seen all along. Don't backtalk the judges, chica. She does NOT hide her snottiness well anymore. I understand different strokes for different folks and just like someone might not like Haley's sound, others might not like Scottie's. I get it. BUT, I still don't believe she belongs in the top 3 simply based on attitude. I've never watched the show before, so missed the Simon days, but have caught him here and there. I think she needs to face someone like that (and the audience needs to shut up when the judges are talking, it's called "constructive criticism", they aren't trying to be mean). Well, except for Big Lips and he offers NO VALUE at all to that panel. None. Zip. Zilch.

 

[damo]

As tiring as Haley's tude, or her growling lyrics...

As tiring as Scotty's country-fried singing, his creepy mugging or bizarre mic holding...

I can go on and on about each idol. They all have their "thing" and for some people it is endearing, while to others it is an annoyance.

Make-a da world go 'round.

Yup, that's why I always say that "I feel" or "I think". No one can categorically state that one is better than the other. It is all opinion.

 

[rapriebe]

Can Haley go home tonight? Please, oh please, please, PLEASE?! Didn't enjoy either of her songs, or her attitude when the judges were speaking to her. I think she should have gone home long ago. I do not want her in the final.

Loved Lauren, more the first song than the second. Martina McBride is DH's favorite female singer, and even he said Lauren did great with that song.

Love Scotty, but didn't care too much for either of his songs last night.

Enjoyed both of James' performances. And I'm hoping for James, Lauren and Scotty in the final and would be happy with any of the three winning. All three will do well in their careers, and I will definitely buy CD's of Lauren and Scotty, not too sure about James' because of the screaming. I would buy his if he tones that down, or eliminates it altogether.

Boy, I could have written this verbatium. I feel exactly the same way especially your thoughts about Haley. She reminds me of a spoiled brat, backtalking the judges She acts like everyone is beneath her and she is the greatest thing - well Haley, you SUCK!!!! I wish I could have reached through the TV and just smacked her.

 

[snapppyd]

I guess we should all be moving along now

I hope it's Haley's turn to move along tonight

 

[phorsenuf]

So does anyone know the answer to my question I posted earlier?

 

[damo]

So does anyone know the answer to my question I posted earlier?

I remember in the past that contestants have said they can do anything they want. They just have to ask. I would imagine the James' extras are there because he asks for them.

 

[CharliNye]

Honestly, I love that Haley got upset. Absolutely love it. The judges have been an inconsistent mess with these contestants, and if the rumors I'm hearing elsewhere are true: The producers have their pre-appointed final three and the judges aren't supposed to "mess" with them, no matter HOW bad they sound. And I think it's backfiring. Too many leaks to the public about this deal are getting out, and the idol bloggers are fighting back.

When almost every music critic/idol blogger/celebrity out there is crying "foul" with JLo and Randy for how they've been treating Haley, then you know there's a bigger issue at hand.

These kids are put through the wringer with this contest. And so much of it IS manipulated. Even some of the voting. Now in walks Haley-who even I couldn't STAND when she first started, but now love- who is the ONE performer who is consistently growing week by week, actually taking the advice. She's gaining supporters left and right. And when you've got tons of celebrities out there online telling their fans to vote for you, you're good. Now sure not every song is perfect(I don't think Earthsong was that great, but she sung it with feeling-which if you remember is what Jacob & James sang with last week , and poorly. But still gained the love of the judges), but I can count at LEAST 5 of her performances this season being memorable and not a single Lauren one. I like Lauren, I do. But I don't think she's giving her all and I think she can't handle this.

James I liked at the beginning but now it's becoming ever so clear that he is all about the show and less substance. That's why all of his songs come with pyrotechnics and him running around the stage dramatically. Sorry, but for the past three weeks at LEAST, he's sounded way out of tune and downright awful on some of his songs. YET, they tell him it's HIS contest to lose. WHAT??? Sorry, say that again?

Those who say Haley isn't marketable right now HAVE to be kidding me. Right now there's Adele, Duffy, Amy Winehouse- all with similar jazz/blues backgrounds. Look at Adele, my god her album hasn't left the top of the charts in two months. Haley does have a similar vocal quality, especially with the right song. SHE is the most mainstream out of all those kids.

Lauren can't even sing a song with the word "evil" in it. Come on.

Oh, and Ryan Seacrest tweeted that tonight's going to be interesting. Which could mean someone we DON'T expect, will get booted. My guess? James. I read about five other idol bloggers/big entertainment sites, and the big topic is that everyone thinks she deserved to get mad finally. And that people who haven't voted all season powervoted for her.

The other rumor is that the Vote for the Worst people let down their guard and decided to powervote for her because they don't want to see her go, for real. So don't be surprised if she's in the top two tonight.

 

[FINFAN]

Honestly, I love that Haley got upset. Absolutely love it. The judges have been an inconsistent mess with these contestants, and if the rumors I'm hearing elsewhere are true: The producers have their pre-appointed final three and the judges aren't supposed to "mess" with them, no matter HOW bad they sound. And I think it's backfiring. Too many leaks to the public about this deal are getting out, and the idol bloggers are fighting back.

When almost every music critic/idol blogger/celebrity out there is crying "foul" with JLo and Randy for how they've been treating Haley, then you know there's a bigger issue at hand.

These kids are put through the wringer with this contest. And so much of it IS manipulated. Even some of the voting. Now in walks Haley-who even I couldn't STAND when she first started, but now love- who is the ONE performer who is consistently growing week by week, actually taking the advice. She's gaining supporters left and right. And when you've got tons of celebrities out there online telling their fans to vote for you, you're good. Now sure not every song is perfect(I don't think Earthsong was that great, but she sung it with feeling-which if you remember is what Jacob & James sang with last week , and poorly. But still gained the love of the judges), but I can count at LEAST 5 of her performances this season being memorable and not a single Lauren one. I like Lauren, I do. But I don't think she's giving her all and I think she can't handle this.

James I liked at the beginning but now it's becoming ever so clear that he is all about the show and less substance. That's why all of his songs come with pyrotechnics and him running around the stage dramatically. Sorry, but for the past three weeks at LEAST, he's sounded way out of tune and downright awful on some of his songs. YET, they tell him it's HIS contest to lose. WHAT??? Sorry, say that again?

Those who say Haley isn't marketable right now HAVE to be kidding me. Right now there's Adele, Duffy, Amy Winehouse- all with similar jazz/blues backgrounds. Look at Adele, my god her album hasn't left the top of the charts in two months. Haley does have a similar vocal quality, especially with the right song. SHE is the most mainstream out of all those kids.

Lauren can't even sing a song with the word "evil" in it. Come on.

Oh, and Ryan Seacrest tweeted that tonight's going to be interesting. Which could mean someone we DON'T expect, will get booted. My guess? James. I read about five other idol bloggers/big entertainment sites, and the big topic is that everyone thinks she deserved to get mad finally. And that people who haven't voted all season powervoted for her.

The other rumor is that the Vote for the Worst people let down their guard and decided to powervote for her because they don't want to see her go, for real. So don't be surprised if she's in the top two tonight.

while I can't stand her, you are more than likely right except for the comparison to Adele(you heard Haleys rendition, right?) Duffy, Amy Winehouse..even on her most drugged up day can probably pull it together better than Haley. Mainstream no, wanna-be, yes. Again, noe of thoe singers drown their songs in a predictable growl that takes all melodic talent right out of it. The growl is more of an accent in a song, not the main thing. Haley has not pushed herself into upper registers as the others have tried. She is convinced she knows it all. Honestly, it'll serve her right to win, lol...then she is stuck with the Idol contract limitations and the others can be a bit more creative in their careers. Maybe Haley should try James technique of hiding behind the smoke and flames, anything to help dilute that voice. The judges, Randy specifically have been trying to tell Haley to go bluesy...she has yet to choose a song that may show whatever this amazing talent she supposedly has off. Pretty bad if she ids getting votes out f controversy and sympathy over everything but her voice. but hey, that's American Idol!

 

[RyMickey]

I cannot for the life of me figure out what Haley is all bent about. Has she never watched this show? She should try singing in front of Simon. She should be on her knees thanking God that she doesn't have to and then proceed to shut her trap.

I think if they would actually criticize everyone like they should, it wouldn't bother her. The fact that everyone else gets a free pass but she is the only one that is called out, it really confusing and annoying.

Damo's got it right. If Simon were there, Hayley wouldn't be the only one being consistently criticized. I think the issue those of us who are "rooting for Hayley" have is that she seems to be the only one week in and week out getting bad or lukewarm responses. You can't tell me that Jacob's rendition of "No Air" last week was worthy of Randy stating that he sung it better than Jordin Sparks. Really?

If Simon were still around, he probably would be throwing some harsh critiques at Hayley, but he would've done the same to all of the contestants. Randy, J. Lo, and Steven shot themselves in the foot this season by not criticizing as harshly as in years past. When you don't give critiques and say everyone's genius, it makes any criticism you dole out that much harsher.

Honestly, I love that Haley got upset. Absolutely love it. The judges have been an inconsistent mess with these contestants, and if the rumors I'm hearing elsewhere are true: The producers have their pre-appointed final three and the judges aren't supposed to "mess" with them, no matter HOW bad they sound. And I think it's backfiring. Too many leaks to the public about this deal are getting out, and the idol bloggers are fighting back.

These kids are put through the wringer with this contest. And so much of it IS manipulated. Even some of the voting. Now in walks Haley-who even I couldn't STAND when she first started, but now love- who is the ONE performer who is consistently growing week by week, actually taking the advice. She's gaining supporters left and right. And when you've got tons of celebrities out there online telling their fans to vote for you, you're good. Now sure not every song is perfect(I don't think Earthsong was that great, but she sung it with feeling-which if you remember is what Jacob & James sang with last week , and poorly. But still gained the love of the judges), but I can count at LEAST 5 of her performances this season being memorable and not a single Lauren one. I like Lauren, I do. But I don't think she's giving her all and I think she can't handle this.

I couldn't agree more. I REALLY didn't like Hayley at the beginning. Then five weeks ago or so, I felt like there was a real improvement and, like you say, she has grown into her own with each progressive week.

James I liked at the beginning but now it's becoming ever so clear that he is all about the show and less substance. That's why all of his songs come with pyrotechnics and him running around the stage dramatically. Sorry, but for the past three weeks at LEAST, he's sounded way out of tune and downright awful on some of his songs. YET, they tell him it's HIS contest to lose. WHAT??? Sorry, say that again?

Once again, right on point.

 

[CharliNye]

while I can't stand her, you are more than likely right except for the comparison to Adele(you heard Haleys rendition, right?) Duffy, Amy Winehouse..even on her most drugged up day can probably pull it together better than Haley. Mainstream no, wanna-be, yes. Again, noe of thoe singers drown their songs in a predictable growl that takes all melodic talent right out of it. The growl is more of an accent in a song, not the main thing. Haley has not pushed herself into upper registers as the others have tried. She is convinced she knows it all. Honestly, it'll serve her right to win, lol...then she is stuck with the Idol contract limitations and the others can be a bit more creative in their careers. Maybe Haley should try James technique of hiding behind the smoke and flames, anything to help dilute that voice. The judges, Randy specifically have been trying to tell Haley to go bluesy...she has yet to choose a song that may show whatever this amazing talent she supposedly has off. Pretty bad if she ids getting votes out f controversy and sympathy over everything but her voice. but hey, that's American Idol!

I'm sorry, I think you misunderstood me. I didn't make what I was saying clear enough.

It's not that she's getting sympathy votes and she's not good. It's that a good majority of Idol viewers were turned off by last year, and the judge changes this year and just didn't care enough to vote all year. EVEN if they liked what a contestant has done. I read it over and over this season on the entertainment sites I go to that cover the show: "Oh I really liked Paul(or Stefano, or Casey, or Naima) but I just didn't vote.".

Now a good majority of them who have been liking Haley but could just care less about the voting process took to their phones/texting last night because they realized that a really good singer was getting thrown under the bus, and no one else was being criticized for their (numerous) missteps. Frankly, the the silent viewing audience got slapped in the face last night and woke up, and decided to do something.

It's not that she has a bad voice. Listen to her iTunes songs, they're MUCH better. Oh and one girl I read on twitter was there last night, she said it was INSANE in the audience after Randy railed against Haley. She left the stage crying, holding onto Lauren. And the audience was not happy with them for it.

Another bit: According to one reporter, Haley has sold more COMBINED iTunes songs then any other contestant this year.

She's gaining fans.

 

[beattyfamily]

Another bit: According to one reporter, Haley has sold more COMBINED iTunes songs then any other contestant this year.

She's gaining fans.

My hubby has loved her from the start and has bought every one of her songs except those from last night....yet.

 

[Robinrs]

Those who say Haley isn't marketable right now HAVE to be kidding me. Right now there's Adele, Duffy, Amy Winehouse- all with similar jazz/blues backgrounds. Look at Adele, my god her album hasn't left the top of the charts in two months. Haley does have a similar vocal quality, especially with the right song. SHE is the most mainstream out of all those kids.

Lauren can't even sing a song with the word "evil" in it. Come on.

Oh, and Ryan Seacrest tweeted that tonight's going to be interesting. Which could mean someone we DON'T expect, will get booted. My guess? James. I read about five other idol bloggers/big entertainment sites, and the big topic is that everyone thinks she deserved to get mad finally. And that people who haven't voted all season powervoted for her. The other rumor is that the Vote for the Worst people let down their guard and decided to powervote for her because they don't want to see her go, for real. So don't be surprised if she's in the top two tonight.

I voted only TWICE the entire year and I VOTED FOR HER!!

I'm not an uber fan it was just a vote AGAINST the others. I cannot stand the rest of them.

 

[Robinrs]

So Robin, in a nutshell, are you "moving along" with me??

I might, depends on who leaves tonight. I'm not hanging on for cornpone....

 

[Robinrs]

love those JUDGES!!!

 

[Jennasis]

It's the same story every year. Some hack who doesn't deserve to be this far into the competition is near the end and the fans on both sides are crying foul. If she/he gets booted then "it was this HUGE conspiracy and the producers have had it rigged from day one!". If she/he stays and someone else popular gets booted then "She/he''s only there because their 5 fans power voted for ever", OR "the producers were afraid of ticking off the fans/VFTW".

The real debate is which one of the 4 is the "hack"?

How about we just watch and see what happens. It's JUST a tv show right? Ultimately the ones who should have a prosperous career will even if they don't win (Daughtry, Jennifer Hudson, Clay Aiken, etc) and some will fall into their rightful obscurity. Even winning doesn't guarantee success (Lee Dewyze, Kris Allen, Taylor Hicks etc)