Offical American Idol Discussion Thread

[tweety 12]

Yes, this season is nothing like last year. I love Latoya, she did excellent last night. Liked Fantasia's last song. That girl loves attention. Hey did you all catch how in the beginning she mentioned John Stevens coached her for big band night? I wonder if that was a ploy to get his fans to vote for her?

Anyways, Fantasia wasn't that bad last night. Diana didn't do it for me. She seems like she's screaming through the microphone sometimes. Didn't care for Diana's outfit last night nor Monday night. She had on that black half-top showing her belly on Monday. Last night was that blue outfit. Didn't compliment her at all! I felt George picked some good songs to match his voice. To me, it seems like Randy never likes George. We shall see who gets the boot tonight!

 

[musicalSaranader]

Originally posted by cinmell
As for Fantasia, it's no secret that I'm not a fan of hers but last night I thought she sounded horrible. I was just cringing during her entire performance. Her voice goes right thru me. Now maybe I'm but I was in total shock when the judges loved her. I couldn't believe it, I thought this would be a night they didn't think she did well at all. And Paula was crying ?? Anyways, I'd like to see Latoya win the whole thing. I'd also like to see Fantasia go tonight, although I'm sure that won't happen.

I totally agree!!

 

[cheeringmom]

Last year I was glued to the tv. I'm the only AI fan in the house and I would go into my bedroom and close the door so I wouldn't miss anything. This year, I give the baby a bath during the performances, catching bits and pieces and the kids come in and talk. This year is just not as good as last year. I find myself wandering during the program this year. Hoo hummm.

 

[elgerber]

It really bothered me too that they were allowed to take such liberties with the song choices. Especially Fantasia, neither of those songs were even close to Big Band. A Queen song from the 80's? Come on. That really bugged me.

I seem to be in the minority, but I thought that George did great last night!

One other thing that bothered me was Jasmines outfit. Everyone else pretty much dressed the part, but she was wearing jeans with chains and a shirt that let you see her yellow bra very clearly through most of the performance.

I thought Paula looked strange last night too, couldn't quite put my finger on it.

8 yr old dd watched it with us last night, and was greatly shocked when we told her that Paula can sing and I have some CD's of hers. She says "that Paula?". Dh says, she's can't sing great, but she can sing LOL.

Erika

 

[beattyfamily]

Although I will still watch for the entertainment value, I do not care who wins. I will be a bit disappointed if Fantasia wins but not enough to really vote anymore.

This year is SO beneath the last 2 years as far as quality, IMHO.

I was rooting for Kelly to the end and hanging on the edge of my seat (and voting my fingers off) and the same for Clay, even though I knew Ruben would win (judges' favorite).

This year none of the final 5 are exciting or special. I would not buy any of their CDs or want to see them in concert.

I believe either La Toya or Fantasia will win but don't really care. I may get excited enough at the end to vote and make sure that Fantasia doesn't win but I'm prepared for an upset just like last year.

I'm already wishing this year was over and can't wait to see what kinds of singers they get for next year, hopefully they'll be better quality than this year's contestants.

 

[avdeane]

Hey everyone!

Last night I really enjoyed George and LaToya's preformances the best. Jasmine, Diana and Fantasia did ok. But like many of you, Fantasia's voice bothers me and I didn't think it was right for her to sing songs not of the era either.

I really don't like the way they keep picking out LaToya and Fantasia as being the best or above the others. This really annoys me even though I think LaToya is the best singer out of the group. Last year they did that with Rueben and it made me sort of dislike him because they always put Clay down but said Rueben was great even though he sounded similiar each week. I recently listened to MP3's of all of Clay's preformances from last year on AI2 right from his first audition. All I can say is, is that he was always consistent and sounded great throughout!! Never a bad preformance!!

I personally don't think Diana is worthy of being in the top 3 and wish they wouldn't encourage the judges to say something like that. They are there to give the contestants critique on their preformances not to bash some down and make them lose their confidence because they are told the others are the best!

As far as who should go tonight, I think it should be either Diana or Jasmine to go. I enjoy Jasmine and think she has a wonderful voice but I thought she had a weaker preformance than the others. Same with Diana.

JMO!

 

[mickey4ver]

I thought maybe I was crazy, but I TOO thought to myself, those songs Fantasia sang are NOT big band era tunes. Plus, I didn't like before she came on, "did we save the best for last" comment from Ryan.

Seems they are setting the stage for her to much. I personally don't care for her, and I'm beginning to feel like others, I don't really care right now who wins, they all are getting boring.

I'm not real crazy with how the show has picked genres each week. I realize that they want to see how well they sing with different tunes etc., but it seems to me that these singers are supposed to be American Idols, which to me is a more youthful style of singing and song choices. JMHO.

I don't think a lot of people are suited to singing Gloria Estafan, or Barry Manilow or even Big Band songs (except John Stevens would have done well last night perhaps) and those were not the best choices to have them perform. Because they don't do real well with a particular genre of music does not necessarily mean they cannot sing.

 

[Luckymommyx2]

I just don't get it. I'm not a big fan of Fantasia's but anyone who is cannot convince me that her songs last night were so good that they put you in tears. Come on Paula!!
Also, I think Fantasia takes every opportunity to swing a vote her way. Every performance we have to hear about her little girl which I think has gone beyond the usual parental pride. Doesn't George or LaToya have a child too but you don't hear about it every week.
I think everyone did well last night except for that first Fantasia song. (I completely agree with the nails on chalkboard comment!) I don't think Fantasia desevers to be there after tonight but it will probably be someone else.

 

[gometros]

Originally posted by musicalSaranader

Fantasia - Of course they just had to have her go last, they want her to make the "lasting impression," I guess. Her voice is like nails on a chalkboard to me, I can't stand it, it bothered me especially tonight for some reason. Her second song was okay I guess. What is Randy talking about "tone"? Her tone stinks (IMO)!

I always knew you were the smart one in the family Fox is not doing too good a job of being subtle in pushing Bobo. Not only did they have her go last, but again they brought up the kid and watch the camera work. There are little tricks cameramen do to enhace images. The tight close up on Fantasia's profile was done for a dramatic effect that they don't use on the other contestants.

Since when is Quenn "Big Band"? I am becoming more and more impressed with LaToya. Her personality really came through last night. The only place I disagree with you, Sara, is on Diana's performance. I thought she was great. Perhaps your jealous that a kid younger than you is doing so well ?

Simon was right, George played it safe. He did sound better than the last few weeks, but that's because he didn't push himself at all. And the deer in headlights look is starting to get to me.

 

[gometros]

I heard as tory on Q104.3 in New York this morning that Bob Dylan has asked AI to be a guest judge on the show next season. Then they did a hilarious spoof of what it would sound like. First they had someone doing a Randy impression, followed by a Bob Dylan sound-alike mumbling his comments, followed by SImon getting all over Dyaln for not speaking English and the audience booin in the background

 

[wendyl]

Originally posted by beattyfamily

I was rooting for Kelly to the end and hanging on the edge of my seat (and voting my fingers off) and the same for Clay, even though I knew Ruben would win (judges' favorite).

This year none of the final 5 are exciting or special.

I TOTALLY AGREE--I can remember being nervous when Kelly would sing because I wanted her to do well, and I would really enjoy hearing Clay sing even though I LOVED Ruben--I remember getting chills watching/hearing them sing in years past--but.....

This year, the only chills I get is when Fantasia sings--and they aint GOOD chills.

 

[Gwene65]

I consider myself a dabbler in Big Band.Swing music. And I have to say, most of those songs last night did not fit into that catagory. And could they not get into the part a little more? Maybe dress up some? Why on earth was Jasmine wearing jeans?!


Also-sidebar- what the heck was up with Paula last night? She looks off. Too many prescription pills maybe?

 

[avdeane]

I forgot to mention in my previous post that my husband said it looked as though Paula had been beaten and was trying to cover it up with makeup. Looking at her more closely, she did look like she had a bruise on her cheek and that it was swollen. Perhaps there is more to the story than a bad manicure infection? Inquiring minds want to know!!

 

[ShuisFan584]

Wow there was definitely something missing last night - John Stevens! The show seemed so different without him, and I just wasn't as excited to watch it. I wish he could have lasted just one more week, it would have been interesting to see what he would sing.

But anyways, about last night, I don't know what the judges were thinking when they said Diana was great! I thought she sounded horrible, and so did my mom and boyfriend, who both usually like her! Also, she's definitely not good at picking out outfits. That dress just didn't do her justice, yuck.

As much as I try to enjoy it, I just don't like the way George sings. It is just too deep and scratchy for me and it's not what I like to listen to. He seems like a nice guy and everything, but he just does not have the voice. I know a lot of people liked him in the beginning, but it is obvious that he is just not good enough. I can say one thing though, if it came down to him and Diana I would rather see him win. As much as I don't like either of their voices, I just can't stand Diana!

Latoya did excellent, just like she usually does. She's the only one who's never had a bad performance (I don't count last week for anyone because last week was just a bad genre altogether). She sounds great and IMO, she should win this competition. She has a great voice, and she's not cocky about it!

I thought Jasmine was good, not her best, but she was good. I like Jasmine, and I hope the finals is between her and Latoya. I wouldn't be surprised though, if she was in the bottom tonight.

And Fantasia...yuck yuck YUCK! I cannot stand this girl. Her voice is just so horrible, I don't know how anyone can stand to listen to that. It's so screechy! And Paula with her crying at the end, I'm sorry but that's just dumb. I could understand if she was crying because it hurt her ears so bad, but because she thought it was so great? First of all, I wouldn't cry over any song no matter how great it is. But to cry over something Fantasia sang...

Tonight's bottom 2 should be Diana and Fantasia, but it will probably be Jasmine and George.

If Fantasia made it to the final 2, I don't think she would win. There are just too many people that don't like her. So most people would be voting for the other person, even if they didn't like them that much. They'd do that just so Fantasia wouldn't win, which I think is what happened to Clay last year.

 

[Kirby]

And I have to say, most of those songs last night did not fit into that catagory. And could they not get into the part a little more?

I agree. I may not be an expert on Big Band era music but I was disappointed in all of the songs last night, even though George did sing my most favorite song in the whole world, What A Wonderful World, at least I think that is the title.

I remember in the first AI, it was so exciting especially when Kelly began getting better and better each week. She really wowed up with her Big Band selection and dressed the part too.

I agree with Simon that LaToya and Fantasia are in a separate league. Either one would fit in nicely on Broadway. But I like Fantasia better.

George makes me smile.

Oh, by the way, did anyone notice that the bandage on Paula's thumb had little rhinestones to match the outfit she was wearing?

 

[CookieGVB]

I couldn't believe last night was supposed to be Big Band night. What - because there's a band playing behind you with horns, etc., that was supposed to make it Big Band? In MHO, if it wasn't a song from the 40's, it wasn't Big Band!

Crazy Little Thing Called Love - oh puh-leeze. That was just the furthest from the genre - I'd love to know who thought that was an acceptable choice. Some of the other songs were nice, but not quite the genre either. I was expecting to hear Brian Setzer's "Stray Cat Strut" next...

LaToya, George & Diana did well, IMHO. Jasmine was kind of weak, and Fantasia just continues to annoy me.

 

[grinningghost]

ITA Cookie. Big Band night? You have to be kidding? Both songs Fantasia did were so NOT big band. As far as I'm concerned, she cheated and should be ousted right away.

I thought George did great last night. Quite a comeback from his last few performances.

Diana - well, I didn't care for her first song, but thought she did a great job with the Judy Garland song.

I actually thought Jasmine did well - but I was a little disappointed in her choice of attire. Not very big band at all. I think the outfit makes a statement, and hers was just wrong for the genre.

But hands down, Latoya was the best. I mean, she had it all. The singing was perfect, she could put out a CD of that genre stuff and I would buy it in a minute. She looked lovely, her hair was just right for the style of singing. I could go on and on. I voted for her a couple times.

 

[TINK61]

Originally posted by deadheadbelle
OMG!!! DH said the same thing! He asked me if I thought she had been punched in the face. . He's a nut by the way, but she had a TON of make-up on & her face looked puffy.

I think she was going for that "Big Band" look

 

[grinningghost]

Interesting that so many people are commenting on Paula's appearance last night. I agree, something was wrong. I thought it was a "too bright" makeup scheme. She was wearing a very pinky-red lipstick and her blush seemed too overdone too. I think they were trying to doll her up to look "Big Bandish", but they really messed her up.

On the other hand, DH commented that he thought Paula "actually looks kinda good tonight". He finds her terribly unattractive for some reason.

 

[TINK61]

I don't know what happened . . . I'm usually right up there with the best at bashing Fantasia, but after I saw her on Monday night and last night, my opinion about her has changed. She seems really sweet and genuine and just a friendly, outspoken person. I even voted for her last night, I thought she was very entertaining. and in case you're wondering, her # was the first one I was able to get through to. all the others were busy for ever. I don't know if that means something.