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

[tarmand]

Okay, here we go. First of all to those who are so disgruntled that their favorite got booted. I can relate. I was so sad the week Bucky was sent home. I really enjoyed his performances (even thought I knew he would never win) and was upset that I wouldn't get to see him each week. But it was no one's fault that he went home - it was America's vote. People voted (or didn't vote) and that's what made the decision. For a few weeks, I was convinced that AI was fixed since the judges seemed to be trying to sway the vote with their comments, but now that Chris is gone, I'm convinced it's not fixed at all.

Of all of the people who are so angry that they will never watch again, how many of you stayed on the phone for the entire 2 hours voting for Chris? That would have helped. I think that some people assumed he was okay and didn't vote and that others have grown tired of him and lost interest.

I have to agree with whoever said Chris has gotten cocky. When I watched his "Bad Day" montage, I suddenly realized that he changed from the sweet guy who came onto the show professing his love for his wife and step-children to the "everybody loves me and I'm going to win - by the way, here's what type of underwear I wear" cocky guy who let the fame go to his head a bit. I can't tell you how disgusted I'd be with my "loving" husband if he went on national television telling his "fans" about his underwear. I really felt bad for his wife at that point. So, in the beginning, I was a huge Chris fan, but I kind of lost it somewhere along the way.

 

[spb999]

But...here goes...I kind of would like an Elliott upset. Not because I care for his singing so much (he's got a lovely voice...just not a style I care for)...but because he WANTS it so bad. And he probably needs it more than anyone else.

I agree I was telling a friend yesterday that out of all of them, Elliott is probably the one that needs it the most to have his shot at success..

 

[Jeafl]

Wow, do all of you that are complaining about Taylor singing last night REALLY think that wasn't totally scripted? Do you really think it was just a coincidence that Ryan would stop by Rebecca Romain (sp?) who just happens to star in a huge Blockbuster movie coming out in the near future and she just out of the blue made a request to have Taylor sing the song that just about gave Simon a migraine on Tuesday? Please, Taylor was told to do that and had to do it whether he wanted to or not.

Thank you!! I thought I was the only one who thought it was scripted. What a coincidence that the microphone pack just happened to be sitting on the stairs in the audience where Taylor started his song out! I think the producers know that Taylor has it locked up and have started promoting him already.

 

[Buzz2001]

Stop saying that Kat gets all the male votes already! :lol: I'm a 35 year old female mother and I prefer Kat's voice over all 3 men. So you're saying that men are voting for Kat because of her looks and body? Maybe so. But don't tell me that women didn't get all hot and bothered by Chris! I think that I'm a little offended!

On her fansite, the age break down is as follows

1. How old are you?

• Under 13 (435) 5%
• 13-18 (1731) 18%
• 19-25 (2479) 26%
• 26-35 (2271) 24%
• Over 35 (2651) 28%

 

[DBarber600]

As for Taylor getting a chance to sing again last night, THAT was odd. Nobody else got a chance to sing again (except the one getting the axe). It was definitely a scripted moment, but WHY would the producers want to let Taylor sing again?? I haven't figured it out.

I don't get it either ... it was definitely scripted because Taylor ran up to the top of the steps where his equipment was waiting for him. I just don't get the point of it. Not to mention that it is not fair to the other remaining contestants. I hope it doesn't end up coming back on Taylor - it was not his decision to perform and he has to do it no matter how he feels about it.

I think Chris was becoming stale, but Kat should have gone. SHE FORGOT THE WORDS!!! They should be automatically kicked off for that junk. It is ridiculous at this point of the game for anyone to be forgetting lyrics. It is really unproffessional. I know the contestants aren't proffessionals, but she has been trained, and I want to know that you care enough about your audience to learn your song.

No matter how you fell about Elliot, he earned his place in the final 3. Chris and Kat lacked spark and preparedness and Elliot snuck up on them. I'm glad America recognized the hard work and voted him through. But, his votes equalled Taylor's so ... back off E, LOL!

 

[tarmand]

SHE FORGOT THE WORDS!!! They should be automatically kicked off for that junk. It is ridiculous at this point of the game for anyone to be forgetting lyrics. It is really unproffessional. I know the contestants aren't proffessionals, but she has been trained, and I want to know that you care enough about your audience to learn your song.

.

You know, I agree, but I can remember some of Elvis' later performances when he was in a drug induced state that he forgot the words to his own songs. So, maybe Elvis fans were used to that and were more forgiving.

 

[DBarber600]

.

You know, I agree, but I can remember some of Elvis' later performances when he was in a drug induced state that he forgot the words to his own songs. So, maybe Elvis fans were used to that and were more forgiving.

That's funny because I almost added in about how I paid $65 to see Loretta Lynn and got the same treatment. She mucked up "Coal Miner's Daughter" (doesn't everyone know the words to that), took off 45 minutes into the show, and her twins entertained us for the other 45.

 

[corie161]

I think those of you who are saying that AI is not about talent are a little self righteous to think that only singers YOU enjoy represent talent. I didn't enjoy Paris one little bit, but I can admit that she has talent. I get really annoyed with people who think that only their opinions count and that everyone else is wrong if they don't agree with them. There are three very talented performers still on this show and only time will tell who will truly succeed in the music business and who will not. I wish the best for them all.

. This contest represents TASTE as much as it does TALENT. I think all of the top 10 had Talent, but it's really a matter of your taste on who you choose to vote for. I have not voted much this year because my main music of choice is country. I think all of the top 4 were so even that any of them had the potential to win, each brings something different to the table.

 

[Dodie]

Just a quick note to remind everyone that this happens every year when we get down to the final 4 or 5. One person everyone thinks will at least be in the final 2 gets voted off, leaving behind someone who is apparently less talented and the audience is shocked.

Season 1: Tamyra Gray went before Nikki (don't remember her last name)

Season 2: There was a lot of vocal complaining when Josh Gracin stuck around until 4th place (although I was and am a fan of his - personally - and he's done well in country music)

Season 3: [Admittedly the weakest season.] Jasmine (the girl from Hawaii) was around until 3rd place since Latoya London was voted off in 4th.

Season 4: A lot of people were shocked when Constantine was voted off before Scott Savol.

I wonder what it is that causes this? Fans get too complacent? By the time their pick gets this popular, people are sure they're safe and don't vote? Maybe that crazy Vote for the Worst thing (or whatever it's called) actually has an impact? I don't know. It's just obvious that it's a trend.

I liked Chris, but think he's better off. Of course, he's still locked into a contract, but maybe it won't be as limiting as it would have been if he'd actually won.

Elliott or Taylor would be okay for me. Katharine just needs to go now.

 

[lucyblondecat]

I thought Chris not only looked shocked, I thought he also looked mad. And I can’t say I blame him. He’s not my favorite, but he was by far the most consistent week after week. He never had a really bad night like all of the others.

 

[lucyblondecat]

I think those of you who are saying that AI is not about talent are a little self righteous to think that only singers YOU enjoy represent talent. I didn't enjoy Paris one little bit, but I can admit that she has talent. I get really annoyed with people who think that only their opinions count and that everyone else is wrong if they don't agree with them. There are three very talented performers still on this show and only time will tell who will truly succeed in the music business and who will not. I wish the best for them all.

Smartest thing anyone has said on this thread so far.

Its anyone's game to win at this point....these are not 3 schleps up there, but 3 very talented performers. We all have our favorites, but its ridiculous to say any of these 3 (and I'd go as far as to say the top 12) are lacking talent.

 

[lbgraves]

This is really a watershed moment for AI. I think they've lost the rock audience, permanently now.

If the majority of the AI audience was rock then Chris wouldn't have gone home last night (and Bo would have won last year). There was a big difference between the top 2 & the bottom 2 in number of votes.

 

[Planogirl]

I was unhappy as can be with the outcome last year but in retrospect, it was really just sour grapes on my part. Bo doing as well as he did probably did more damage to his career than helped it even if he did get a lot of exposure. AI is just lousy for rockers and I think that they need to think carefully before they commit to the show.

Chris was better than a few that are left IMO but the voting public doesn't agree. I did notice that many people were splitting their votes so maybe it's better to get behind one contestant? I don't know but it does seem to really be helping Elliott.

 

[SC Minnie]

I was disappointed to say the least that Chris was voted off but if that is how the publich voted then so be it. Actually he will probably have a better career in his genre without the AI title. JMO

But.. Katharine should have gone last night. She had 2 very weak weeks in a row plus she forgot the words for heavens sake. I think she has a great voice but like others have said she doesn't come across as actually paying attention to the words that she is singing and that bothers me.

I am glad though that Elliot made it into the top 3. He does have a good voice but this week it dawned on my that all of the songs he sings no matter what genre all sound the same. They are arranged in a bluesy style.

 

[stevenpensacola]

Did anyone else catch the lyrics Kat sang during the group song....?

"This time the girl is gonna stay..." while surrounded by the guys...

hmmmm were they trying to tell us something...?.....spooookkkyyyy

 

[ckay87]

Career-wise this was probably the perfect place for Chris to get off the bus.

It was just hard to watch my DS cry himself to sleep last night

I swear to you I will not watch this show ever again. This is my first and last full season BECAUSE: I cannot get this emotionally invested in people I do not know! I cannot live and breath for Tuesdays at 8, and then lose sleep til Wednesday night is over. This is too much!!!!!

 

[Buzz2001]

Career-wise this was probably the perfect place for Chris to get off the bus.

From an MSNBC article...

"Daughtry consistently has been the best musical act, week in and week out, since the competition began. In fact, after he covered Fuel’s “Hemorrhage” early in the competition, the band reportedly floated the idea of him taking over as their lead singer."

"Daughtry instead may have the opportunity to take over as the lead vocalist for Fuel, Creed, or any of the other one-syllable rock bands out there that are missing a singer, since he won’t be locked into the contract given to the “Idol” winner."

FULL ARTICLE

 

[Planogirl]

I swear to you I will not watch this show ever again. This is my first and last full season BECAUSE: I cannot get this emotionally invested in people I do not know! I cannot live and breath for Tuesdays at 8, and then lose sleep til Wednesday night is over. This is too much!!!!!

That happened to me in the past. I forced myself to stay unemotional about the show this year and actually I've enjoyed it much more. I had a few favorites (now gone) but it was easier to see them leave this year.

Seriously, it's really more fun like this IMO. I can just listen and enjoy without all of the worry.

 

[phisigprincess]

Now here's a question. Take yourself out of our happy American Idol land and how well do you think Taylor or Elliott will do in the "real world"? Neither of them have done anything truly contemporary yet. I think they both have very good voices, but where do they stand with Joe Schmo who has never seen an episode of Idol? I feel like they don't have a "niche" like past contestants - Carrie, Josh Gracin in country, Fantasia in R&B, Ruben in gospel, and Kelly was really the only one who fulfilled the actual goal of an American Idol - to transcend the title and have unstoppable success. I just worry that it's going to be hard to find a place for them in the current radio scene. Chris could go to alt rock, Kellie to country, and Kat can be molded into a mini-Kelly (because you KNOW they won't let her do her own thing!)... but where do Taylor and Elliott fit in??? Any thoughts??

 

[lbgraves]

I think that they had Taylor do that song last night to drive Simon crazy! ROFL! Did you see him just standing there? Everyone else in the place was up dancing & clapping and he just stood looking over his shoulder.