American Idol, Season 5 **Official Discussion Thread** Part 2

[marymrg]

First I'll rate the judges:

Randy: Had a few swigs from his drink prior to the show. He was in a much better mood. I agree that there was only one really hot performance last night and it was Chris' Renegade. He gets the award for line of the night "I feel like I've had a few".

Paula: She did look really beautiful last night and seemed pretty mellow. She did not elicit any original thoughts or display any really bizarre behavior. It was just ok for me.

Simon: Did anyone see him wink at me when Ryan introduced him?
He definitely was in Chris' camp tonight but I was happy that he at least mentioned that Taylor could sing in his second song. My take for this week is that he'd like Paris to be gone so he was parsing his words carefully.

Song 1: (ranked best to worse)

Chris: When he's hot, he's hot. I love Styx, I love Chris, I love Chris doing Styx. This song alone will propel him into next week even though Renegade was popular when I was in high school - yikes I'm old! I saw them in concert - the year was 1981. Chris was 2.

Taylor: 100% Taylor from start to finish. After a few lackluster weeks, he's back and in it. Great job.

Elliott: I liked it. He has come a long way from the beginning of AI. He's definitely the dark horse of the competition.

Katharine: Started out wrong and couldn't get together with the music. Having said that though, the camera absolutely loves her. Even when she doesn't have a good performance, her voice is top notch.

Paris: It didn't work for me. She is an old soul and it is with those types of songs that she really shines.



Song 2:
Elliott - It was really well done. This is the song that should've made Paula cry.

Taylor - I give huge props to T. for taking on the Beatles. I was on the edge of my seat hoping he hit that huge note and he did.

Katharine - much better than the first. Singing on her knees? It was kind of Picklerish. I expect to see this photo next to Kellie's on Papa Deuce's signature. Fans will remember this one.

Chris - Why did you have to start yelling at me? The judges 'splained it to us though so all is forgiven.

Paris - Better than the first but I think she knows it's over.


I would be schocked if Paris doesn't go home tonight. But if not her, I wouldn't want to guess. The other's still deserve to be there.

 

[MELSMICE]

My 2 cents.............

Favorites are Katharine & Chris. Voted many times over for them both last night.

Just can not get into Taylor. He has no appeal for me or the rest of my family.

Think Elliott has a good voice, but again, does nothing for me.

I like Paris & think she has an awesome voice for a 17 yr. old. Unfortunately, I think she may be going home tonight - although I wish it was Taylor going home.

 

[RyMickey]

Anyone check out Dial Idol Results yet? The results are seemingly too close to call. Should be a nail-biter tonight...

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

I think last night was "Taylor's night". He really did shine. His song choice did not bother me in the least. Hey, if its in the rules... . Katharine on her knees was awesome. Chris was impressive as ever

 

[damo]

I read on TWOP, there was a link to a Star (yes, the tabloid) article of either this week or last week that he had a pot bust years ago. I don't read star, so I don't know how credible that information truly is. I checked on TSG (the smoking gun.com) and they usually have arrest reports, mug shots and such on celebrities. I didn't see anything on TSG.

Again, it is the Star so take it for what it is worth.

Taylor has already talked about it in an interview as one of the stupidest things he's ever done. No biggie, it had already been disclosed and charges were dismissed.

http://www.al.com/entertainment/bir...inment/1143541211107710.xml&coll=2&thispage=2

 

[MeanLaureen]

Okay, my opinions on last night whether ya want 'em or not

Our VCR died and we found much to our dismay that buying a new one is very much along the lines of finding a Chevette in running order - pretty damn hard. So we went ahead and bought a DVR. Totally cool new toy. We taped (is that the right term when using a DVR? Should I say "burned"?) the show because Taylor was singing one of my favorite just for kicks song PTFMWB and Chris was singing one of Obi-Wans favs - Renegade. We watched the DVD back on my laptop, and OH what a difference being upclose and personal to the performances makes. You can hear the problems much clearer, see their expressions when they have an "oh heck" moment and go off key. LOVE IT. Anyway, here is what I thought

Elliott - first run when I was watching the TV - didnt hate it but didn't love it. Completely forgot about you dude. Broadway is a Meh song to me, kinda campy but not in the fun way that Play That Funky Music is. On the DVD, your voice sounded a bit clearer and made me like you a tad more, but, even though your my hometown boy - there was still no "wow" factor.

Paris - That whole thing was just weird. Kiss? I can't take that song seriously from a minor dressed up in her mama's "goin' out on the weekend to the club" clothes. And the other song? Oh no you didn't use the word to get bleeped - but oh YES you did! On the DVD playback you can clearly hear the SH before the sound was taken off. Naughty little Paris! Is grandma going to wash your mouth out with soap? Isn't there a "G" rated version of the song for the radio? Shoulda sung that one kiddo. Either way, it's time for you to go home. I just can't find any love for your voice - it sounds like you are singing out of a stuffed up nose. I know she has a good voice.. just not the one for me.

Chris. *sigh* Obi-Wan, the biggest Styx Renegade fan - has given you 2 thumbs down with a teeth clench. Not good. You started out on the mellow part okay but the goat showed up by the second line. Then the music kicks in and you start screaming at me. Again. And the Bo Bice mike stand move? Bo can pull it off. You couldn't keep the mike near your mouth and your words faded out at times. Next time just go with the mike dude. And that one shot falsetto! Did Ace teach him that before he left? Either way, in the song, the falsetto lasts for a couple of words "HIGH PRICE" and then drops somewhat gradually. He just hit the HIGH and dropped right down to his normal sound - no control. Sounded like Bo had come out of nowhere and kicked him one for stealing his mike stand schtick. The second song? Huh? Why were you screaming at me again!! Simon was right - on the DVD your voice was in serious trouble at the end dude. Umm.. maybe if you didn't scream your songs. Get back on the floor and practice some more. Your diaphram is your friend. Funny thing - when they were showing the recaps at the end and had snippets of both songs back to back - I didn't even realize where the song changed with Chris - Renegade went into I Dare You with the same screaming.

Katharine - she looked so pretty last night . But oh dear - that Against All Odds was just. plain. bad. She sounded so much better with the second song. I'm not familiar with it but I thought she sounded good. But, WTH with the floor? Knees, Butts, Knees, Butts SLIDE! HUH? Big major gripe with Katharine - the only thing that bothers me about her - COMPREHEND THE LYRICS. Stop smiling during sad songs or start singing songs that are more upbeat. Just makes me nuts. If the second performance were the only one, I'd say she was safe - the first one was such a stinkfest though.. I worry

Taylor - MY MAN! Way to give Simon a MIGRAINE! LOVED LOVED LOVED Play that Funky Music White Boy! OH. MY. GOD. Perfect way to cause Simon to actually be speechless. And Something was ab-so-lu-tely beautiful. His voice was spot on tonight with both songs. And for those pitching a fit over him picking the Beatles song - if the producers thought it fit the theme - whatever - works for me. God knows they will yank songs they DON'T want or don't think will fit the theme with no problem. We power voted for Taylor last night for 2 reasons - 1) We loved the performances and 2) just the thought of him getting further knowing he's Simon's worst nightmare is priceless.

So - who should go home from last night's performance? Paris. And wash your mouth out with soap young lady!

Who will go home - Paris or possibly Katharine based on DialIdol (although it looks like Elliott and Chris are dangerously near the bottom 2 also!)

 

[phisigprincess]

Really? I thought this season has been the best since season 2 with Ruben and Clay. I really don't care who wins either. I think they will all do well.

ITA agree cheeringmom! This has been my favorite season since season 2 also.

 

[damo]

Big major gripe with Katharine - the only thing that bothers me about her - COMPREHEND THE LYRICS. Stop smiling during sad songs or start singing songs that are more upbeat. Just makes me nuts. If the second performance were the only one, I'd say she was safe - the first one was such a stinkfest though.

Taylor is guilty of this too. During his song, Easy, he smiled all the way through it. That song is about breaking up with a girlfriend. That stuff bugs me too. Although the meaning of many songs is really left up to interpretation, like Levon, some are quite clear.

if the producers thought it fit the theme - whatever - works for me

So, you're okay now with them making Taylor change songs the other week?

 

[Nancy]

Taylor has already talked about it in an interview as one of the stupidest things he's ever done. No biggie, it had already been disclosed and charges were dismissed.

http://www.al.com/entertainment/bir...inment/1143541211107710.xml&coll=2&thispage=2

I agree it really isn't a biggie, I was just surprised to hear it on a major news show last night, especially this late in the season considering his popularity.

Another thing with last night, although I didn't care all that much for Paris last night, I do think she looked really cute.

 

[cheeringmom]

Another thing with last night, although I didn't care all that much for Paris last night, I do think she looked really cute.

I thought she looked adorable in her first outfit. If I was 10 ummm no make that 20 yrs younger I would have worn that outfit in a heartbeat. and the pink(?) shoes were perfect with it!

 

[ckay87]

I wasn't the only one who caught Simon's screw up on his review of Kat's first song? He spent about a minute criticizing her, then he goes on to say "best performance of the night." And then, I think, Kat smiles and says "oh thank you."

I'm like, "I don't think that's what he meant to say." Then there was some stammering among he, Ryan, and Kat about what he meant, but they moved on. Wonder if she'll get another apology tonight. "I owe Katherine an apology. I told her it was the best performance of the night, but in was in fact the worst performance of the night." I don't know, she just can't seem to get a straight analysis from Simon at all lately.

 

[mcr5298]

I am so afraid for Katharine! Her first song was very bad. I'm not sure if the band was too loud or what. But it did not help things for people who don't like her. But her second song was GREAT! I thought that she was wonderful! Hopefully it will be enough to keep her from going home.

Chris was very good, but not great. He was definitely pushing his voice with the last song. Elliott was okay too.

Elliott was pretty good. I liked his second song better than his first. I'm just not a fan of the song "On Broadway". :dunno:

Taylor was nutty with his dancing in the first song. He does not have the best voice, but he has character.

Paris just bored me. I'm not impressed with her anymore. I liked her during auditions, but I'm done with her now.

I think that Paris and Katharine will be in the bottom. I hope that Paris goes home. And if Katharine stays, then she needs to do so much better next week.

 

[MrsMud]

I think Simon's exact words were " It was by far one of your best performances". My husband and I looked at each other like, "what?" . I guess he either meant to say "It was far FROM one of your best performances", or "It was by far one of your WORST performances". Then they show him saying "...no I didn't. I didn't say that. If I said that, then I didn't mean it". It was pretty funny actually!

 

[wvrevy]

Ok, I skipped my review last week, but I'm back again with this week's totally correct rundown of last night's performances

First Performance

Elliott - aka "The Amazing Goatboy" - EEK! Scott Savol flashbacks are not a good thing...particularly when you're remembering them with fondness in comparison. It's no secret I'm not a fan of Elliott's, but I really don't see what Simon and some others see in this guy.

Paris - aka "Prince Worshipper" - Ok, I actually thought it was a joke when someone posted the spoiler about her singing this song. It might have been better if she did it in her squeeky speaking voice instead of her full-throated singing voice. It was just "ah-ight" as it was.

Chris - aka "The Warbler" - I love the song Renegade, and thought he did it justice, if not quite as well as the original. Still, it was the best of a bad lot to this point.

Kat - aka "Hottie McHotness" - That song is impossible to sing without sounding cheesy, and it didn't help that she was off key right from the start. May have been the first time I didn't enjoy a Kat performance.

Taylor - aka "Funky White Boy" - I couldn't care less what the judges think, I love Taylor when he gets funky like this.

Easily the most fun performer on the show, and this performance was a perfect example of that.

Second Performance

Elliott - aka "The Dapper Little Bridge Troll" - Yeah...he just needs to go home. He gave the same performance he always does, and while some people think that's a good thing, it certainly isn't intended that way by me.

Paris - aka "Potty Mouth" aka

- It didn't even occur to me that she'd been censored, as I thought the cable had simply gone out for a second. Still, I think she could have a modest career singing this kind of R&B crap.

Chris - aka "The Banshee" - Ok, yeah, I do listen to this kind of music. But c'mon, man...it's a singing competition, not a screaming competition. Still, he could walk right into several bands that are popular right now and not miss a beat.

Kat - aka "Best of the Night" aka

- Wow! Talk about making a comeback from a bad first performance! Considerably better than the original in my opinion. Plus, the performance itself - aside from the singing - was seasoned and very impressive.

Taylor - aka "Cheater cheater booger eater" - Sorry folks, but the rules (not the "rules") stated that it had to be from the current Billboard charts, and the song was. Get over it. Oh, and he sang it beautifully, btw...and that from a HUGE Beatles fan.

Best song of the night: Kat's "Black Horse and Cherry Tree"
Best overall performer: Taylor

Should go home: Elliott
Will go home: Paris

As always, these are JMHO (but still completely accurate ).

 

[palmtreegirl]

Taylor - aka "Cheater cheater booger eater" - Sorry folks, but the rules (not the "rules") stated that it had to be from the current Billboard charts, and the song was. Get over it. Oh, and he sang it beautifully, btw...and that from a HUGE Beatles fan.

 

[Nancy]

Taylor - aka "Cheater cheater booger eater" - Sorry folks, but the rules (not the "rules") stated that it had to be from the current Billboard charts, and the song was. Get over it. Oh, and he sang it beautifully, btw...and that from a HUGE Beatles fan.

QUOTE]


Now that cracked me up!

 

[JBurke]

Well all my votes went for CHRIS last night

I love Renegade and I definately thought he did it justice. It was too bad he got screechy during I Dare You. If you listen to Shinedown's version, they dont really shout at all in it. He sang it much better in the recap at the end. I assume the recaps are taped during their rehersals since Chris did some moves in the recap that he didnt do on the show.
He looked HOT in the leather jacket too!

I guess I am a rocker at heart. I am 38, so I am no spring chicken in case that's what you are wondering. I am just wondering what are the ages of those that love Taylor so much? I just dont get it. He is funny and amusing, but I just dont see him as the "American Idol". He is a little too spastic for me. I would have loved to hear him sing a modern song last night-the Beattles song seemed like the wrong choice for last night.

For those of you that critize that Chris always sounds the same, I disagree. He has done plenty of rock sings, but has also done slower songs like on country night, 50s night and last week. You cannot say the same for Elliott. He sounds like a Stevie Wonder knock off every single time. I would love to see Katherine or Elliott rock it out more once in a while. At Paris tried once during Quenn night.
Just my two cents.

 

[DBarber600]

double post

 

[DBarber600]

I am just wondering what are the ages of those that love Taylor so much? I just dont get it. He is funny and amusing, but I just dont see him as the "American Idol". He is a little too spastic for me. I would have loved to hear him sing a modern song last night-the Beattles song seemed like the wrong choice for last night.

I'm 31 and I love Taylor. I have since his audition. When he walked into the room, my first impression was the same one I had for Clay - poor guy, they are going to blast him. Then he sang "Swanee River Rock" and that hooked me. Enough to google him and download the 3 songs you could find at the time.

I would assume most of Taylor's fans would answer the same way. They saw something in him at the audition and have been Taylorized ever since.

Last night was complete Taylor heaven for the Soul Patrol. When he dons his serious face for a song, you know he is feelin' the music. And when he laughs through the critique, he's had fun performing.

I don't know what else to say. It seems that either you love him or not. There seems to be no middle ground.

 

[Ranatra]

I am just wondering what are the ages of those that love Taylor so much? I just dont get it. He is funny and amusing, but I just dont see him as the "American Idol". .

I don't get it either.

I think at this point, it's nothing more than a huge popularity contest period.