Offical American Idol Discussion Thread

[disneyjunkie]

Originally posted by mum4jenn
While I certainly do NOT condone not having a high school diploma(it really drives me crazy) there are MANY MANY famous people in Hollywood and other businesses that do not have their high school diploma.

I also do NOT condone having a child out of wedlock but at least she kept her child and did not have an abortion nor did she throw the child in the trash.She goes to church and is bring up her child that way also so it can't be all bad.

While I would have preferred that Latoya been the winner Fantasia got the votes. I liked Diana but with the bad notes she hit there was no way she was going to be able to pull it off in the end(no matter whose fault it was as to why she hit the bad notes). So far I have been pleased with the way she handles herself in the public.

At the show Wednesday night I enjoyed the song where all the top winners along with Diana and Fantasia sang. Later on there was one sore spot with me with Fantasia...she and Diana were singing a song together and Fantasia threw her arm out and covered up Dianas face. That was rude.I do wish though that she would not turn almost everything she sings into one of those "foot stompin" gospel songs with all the extra "yaaa yaaas " in there. I realize that is the way "her people"do things in their church but every song does not need it.

What do you mean by "her people"?

I happen to love all the "foot stompin" and the extra yaaa yaaas. Since she won, I guess one can say there were MANY Americans that felt the same way.

 

[jin diesel]

Originally posted by jjskribs
I just wonder if Fantasia is really the one raising her child. She has been away for three months now while she was involved in American Idol and she will be on the road all summer with the tour. Her daughter will obviously be well provided for financially but at what price. How much of her mother is she going to see in the next few years? Sometimes we have to put our own dreams on hold to do what's best for our children..... money isn't always what's best.

Her family, including her daughter have been in LA the whole time. AI is not like jury duty, they're not sequestered!!!

She was asked who will care for her daughter while she is on tour and she said her mother would. I am sure she'll bring them along with her whenever she can. Her daughter isn't even in school yet, so she can do that.

I actually think a woman who is capable of achieving success and realizing her goals regardless as to her obstacles is a much better mother/role model for her daughter than one who gives everything up and absorbs herself in her child's life with no outside interests, goals, desires or dreams.

I actually applaud her for doing it all AND securing a future for her daughter at the same time!

Why can't anybody be happy for this girl?

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

I don't think she is undeserving...I just can't look at her as an "idol". That may change depending on how she handles herself from this point on. Not trying to criticize -- that's just how I feel about it.

If AI continues, they need some new judges. Randy, Paula, and Simon all basically give the same critique everytime but just word it differently. I don't think they can find ways to "freshen" things up anymore. All three of them act like they're bored to death throughout most of the proceedings. To me, the show has lost it's magic.

 

[Nancy]

I don't care one way or the other who ended up winning this time. But she said she had already been offered record contracts and turned them down because the money wasn't good enough. If she really wanted to sing and be a star at her age she could have signed a lesser deal and worked her way into it. I don't care that she didn't finish school or that she has a child and is not married. But please she is only 19...how hard did she have to work to get where she is? (Ok maybe she's had a tough life and we haven't heard about it yet, I'll be good and give her her due!)

I would have felt the same way about Diana..she is only 16, sure she's been doing shows and pagents, but I don't think she's had it too hard either. (Did you see that house she lives in????)

I would like to know who paid for the families to stay there all the time, or fly back and forth? I know the under 18 group had a parent with them in the house, but the others must have stayed in hotels...or in apartments. I don't know about you, but I could never put my job on hold for that long or afford to stay that long...heck I couldn't even afford to fly back and forth even 1 time!

I am sure the comment about "her people" was in reference to whatever church she belongs to...because I don't think we know that.

 

[Disfan1]

Originally posted by mum4jenn
Later on there was one sore spot with me with Fantasia...she and Diana were singing a song together and Fantasia threw her arm out and covered up Dianas face. That was rude.

I was wondering if anyone else noticed that! Fantasia also turned her back to Diana a couple of times during the duet whenever Diana would turn towards her. I wonder if Diana & Fantasia did not get along or if Fantasia just got caught up in her "loosey-goosey" dancing??

 

[jin diesel]

Originally posted by Nancy
I don't care one way or the other who ended up winning this time. But she said she had already been offered record contracts and turned them down because the money wasn't good enough. If she really wanted to sing and be a star at her age she could have signed a lesser deal and worked her way into it. I don't care that she didn't finish school or that she has a child and is not married. But please she is only 19...how hard did she have to work to get where she is? (Ok maybe she's had a tough life and we haven't heard about it yet, I'll be good and give her her due!)

I don't know Fantasia or anything about her personal life. But as far as record contracts go - big name stars like Prince, Mariah Carey, George Micheal, Madonna, etc. have been railroaded by their record labels many times. And these people are ESTABLISHED! Maybe she is just being smart and looking out for herself to be sure she gets her due and the amount of creative control she wants/needs. They could have offered her a small flat fee and no royalties or copyrights. We don't know the details!! I've turned down job offers from companies whose benefits package and/or salaries were not what I needed at the time. There's nothing wrong with making smart choices!! And I can't imagine being pregnant at 17 or 18 was "easy" on her or her life...

I would have felt the same way about Diana..she is only 16, sure she's been doing shows and pagents, but I don't think she's had it too hard either. (Did you see that house she lives in????)

I agree. Diana has been in pageants - which is not cheap!! And her grandparents live near San Jose (where I'm at) - in Cupertino. You don't live in Cupertino if you're poor!! LOL!! My guess is Diana has never bought an outfit at Target.

I would like to know who paid for the families to stay there all the time, or fly back and forth? I know the under 18 group had a parent with them in the house, but the others must have stayed in hotels...or in apartments. I don't know about you, but I could never put my job on hold for that long or afford to stay that long...heck I couldn't even afford to fly back and forth even 1 time!

Probably FOX. Look at all the ca$h they dished out for "The Swan"!!! If they can afford millions in plastic surgery - they can afford to put those parents up in a hotel.

 

[Nancy]

I said I was going to be good from now on and give her her due....or should I say "props" like they do on Idol!

 

[J.Cooper]

Wow. Didn't know Fantasia doesn't have her HS diploma. Probably didn't finish High School because she was pregnant.
I do know Fantasia doesn't have her drivers license. Ford presented her with a brand new Ford Focus. She said she has to get her driver's license.

Tamarya's voice was very shaky while singing the National Anthem. I think she was very nervous. The group rendition sounded terrible. I hope they work on this. Camille just can't sing! Didn't care for the Brady Bunch outfits either. Especially Camille's she had on a yellow skirt with white pants. Hopefully next year's contestants will be better. I still wish Latoya would've won! Hope she gets a record contract.

 

[Disfan1]

I just saw an old promo for Cartoon Network and it was....Diana DiGarmo!!! She looked like she was about 8 or 9. No singing, just video of her on a set talking about how much she liked cartoons especially Josie & the Pussycats because they all sing and she sings too!! Did anyone else see this about an hour or so ago? West Coast folks may still be able to catch it!

 

[iNTeNSeBLue98]

DD asked if I thought it looked like her (Diana). I don't think she realized it was her. I didn't see the spot long enough to make a determination.

 

[Disfan1]

I didn't get a good look either since I didn't pay attention until she said her name. It looked a bit like her when she smiled, though. I wonder if they will show it again or if there is a link on the Cartoon Network website for that video?

 

[Yzma and Kronk]

Originally posted by Disfan1
I just saw an old promo for Cartoon Network and it was....Diana DiGarmo!!! She looked like she was about 8 or 9. No singing, just video of her on a set talking about how much she liked cartoons especially Josie & the Pussycats because they all sing and she sings too!! Did anyone else see this about an hour or so ago? West Coast folks may still be able to catch it!

I was her. I read about it in the AJC (Atlanta paper) If I can remember, she was asked to do the show after one of her appearances. Remember Cartoon Network is here in ATL.

As far as the house she lives in......I'm not sure those are fair comments.
Housing here in ATL is really affordable, especially out in the suburbs like Snellville. You get quite a bit of house for your dollar here.

My opinion about Fantasia's win.......I think it was great, and it now gives her the ability to make something of her life (I hope....) However, I'm not comfortable with the fact that she has become a huge role model for thousands of young people, when she is another unwed, young single mother. Oh well!

 

[Robinrs]

If she can reflect on a girl who is already in this position that you don't have to give up on your dreams, then I think she'll be an awesome role model. I doubt seriously that young girls will think "gee, let ME become a single mother so I can be an American Idol!!".... come on, I'm sure they've seen enough of it in their own worlds and Fantasia is not something strange to them. To excel despite the odds IS unusual though, and it's amazing to see, for once.

By the way, that "her people" remark was classic! Her people comprise of 11% of the American population so I guess a lot of "other" people voted for her, too. Man, this place can be UGLY!

 

[mum4jenn]

The "her people" comment was not meant to be taken that only black people voted for her. It was meant to be that all her songs turn into a "black church" type of song. And no I haven't been in a "black church" and I only base that observation on what the local media show when they do stories on people in the churches and from what my black friends tell me about the way they sing and worship. I have heard people of all colors saying the same thing that she needs to do some different sounds (her own color also) I do not care who voted for her. Fantasia and Randy also used the term "her people". I do not have a problem with the gospel songs but I just wish she would sing a variety of ways instead of making virtually every song into that type.The very first time she performed the song Summertime(I think that was the name) I got chills and the hairs on my arms and neck stood up. I was crying right along with her and it was at that time I knew she would be in the final two. I just thought it would be her and LaToya. I am NOT saying never sing the gospel songs because that is where her background is from but I am just saying "Sing a Variety"

Do NOT turn this into a black/white issue. If it had been up to me the top 4 would have been Latoya,Fantasia,Jennifer and George. I just want the winner to sing a variety and not get into the "every song sounds the same rut"

 

[Robinrs]

Thanks for the clarification, mum4jenn. I saw it the way I've grown accustomed to hearing it.

 

[mmausse]

I have been looking for a thread on Fantasia Barrino winning and, to be honest, only read the last couple of pages.

First, let me explain to there is no confusion, I am a caucasian female, 42, post grad education., and not a particularly religious person.

I watched AI 3rd season from the beginning. I said from Day 1 - Fantasia would win. She was exciting, she was honest (& the latter is important as the business she is entering is filled with corruption.) I pray that she will be able to maintain her integrity and her connection with God.

I have watched her rendition of the "LaToya" song (sorry drew a blank on the title). It struck a chord in my heart, despite her shoe breaking. She sang with all her heart and, more importantly, all her soul. Simon was right, Diana hasn't climbed mountains nor swam lakes - her voice doesn't share the experiences. It is quite possible that Fantasia is an "old" soul because she, too, is young. But God she and her voice are powerful instruments.

I voted for her NOT for her color - it doesn't matter. It NEVER should. I like the way she sings and how she sings. Remember how she sang Porgy and Bess's "Summertime". My God - that was an AWESOME performance!

 

[gometros]

Originally posted by Nancy
But please she is only 19...how hard did she have to work to get where she is? (Ok maybe she's had a tough life and we haven't heard about it yet, I'll be good and give her her due!)

That's exactly my point. I know that raising a child isn't easy, but life is full of choices and it was her choice to put herself in a position to have the child and it was her choice to leave school. I have more respect for a person who works hard at pursuing a musical career through education. Fantasia is very fortunate to be naturally gifted, but where is the work coming from? Talk to me about a kid who studied for years and then had to wait tables before getting a break, not spend a few hours on a line for a chance at instant celbrity. Sorry, but you have a long way to go to prove to me that she worked hard to get where she is.

 

[Robinrs]

No argument there, name one teenager or young person who doesn't think they've already been through the trenches of life.... no one really knows until they've been through it.

What I remind myself is how I thought at that age. Remember we are always the oldest we've ever been at the age we are.

None of us know either one of these girls or what their finances or lives are like so we can only guess or "assume" and you know what THAT means. Right now Georgia is celebrating Diana for a job well done and Fantasia will reap the rewards of being the American Idol. Both will benefit and it will be on their obituaries no matter WHAT we think about them or their lives.

God bless them both.

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

Well said Robinrs! AI3 is over and done with -- time to get on with our lives and save all that criticism for AI4.

 

[AllyandJack]

I did an Amazon search for both Fantasia and Diana....did anyone notice that BOTH of them recorded "I Believe" and Diana also recorded "Dream", but Fantasia just did two of the songs she performed??

Does anyone know what's going on? I'm happy though, I loved Diana singing "I Believe" - it just seems a little.....odd.