Recaps: Finals Week 2, 3/21/2006
Itoshi
newsgroup to post their recaps, observations, and opinions of tonight's
"American Idol" broadcast.
Finals: Week 2 Performances, broadcast on 3/21/2006
PRELIMINARIES
PERFORMANCES
Mandisa - "I Don't Hurt Anymore"
Bucky Covington - "Oh Boy"
Paris Bennett - "Fever"
Chris Daughtry - "Walk the Line"
Katharine McPhee - "Come Rain, Come Shine"
Taylor Hicks - "Not Fade Away"
Lisa Tucker - "Why Do Fools Fall in Love"
Kevin Covais - "When I Fall In Love"
Elliott Yamin - "Teach Me Tonight"
Kellie Pickler - "Walkin' After Midnight"
Ace Young - "In the Still of the Night"
WRAPUP
jewahe
> This thread is offered as a convienient place for participants of this
> newsgroup to post their recaps, observations, and opinions of tonight's
> "American Idol" broadcast.
>
> Finals: Week 2 Performances, broadcast on 3/21/2006
Mandisa - "I don't hurt any more"
Voice: solid, still gets a bit shouty when she's trying to belt. I also
thought she had some very sharp moments, but she gained control by the
end.
Song choice: perfect for her.
Interpretation: perfect
Entertainment: She stole the stage.
Appearance: Much better. The dress camouflaged well.
Compared to past: Wow...great performance.
OVerall Rating - 8/10
NOte: Is saying someone has "no range" a compliment?
Bucky - "Oh, Boy"
Voice: Raspy. He seemed to go to the other extreme and get flat at
times. Still not much range.
Song choice: Surprisingly good.
Interpretation: I felt it was a bit mechnical at times, without much
emotional.
Entertainment: Still a bit mechanical
Appearance: Still the souther rocker.
Compared to past: not as good, but surprising solid.
OVerall Rating - 7/10.
Paris - "Fever"
Voice: Still needs training to hold her range. the lows were a bit too
low for her.
Song choice: Too old for her.
Interpretation: I didn't feel it from her.
Entertainment: She can command a stage.
Appearance: Better than usual.
Compared to past: Pretty good.
OVerall Rating - 8/10
Chris - "I Walk The Line"
Voice: a bit shaky at the start. Good control. Exploded into his usual
rendition.
Song choice: Interesting, but turned out well.
Interpretation: very dark, almost obsessive.
Entertainment: Ignoring the light show, he kept my attention.
Appearance: Dark rocker this week.
Compared to past: Better. He showed some range. This song would have
been much more interesting if he'd kept the tone as dark and obsessive
as it started.
OVerall Rating - 7/10
Katharine - "Come Rain or Come Shine"
Voice: Damn
Song choice: Wow
Interpretation: Wow
Entertainment: Wow
Appearance: Gawd this girl is gorgeous.
Compared to past: Wow
OVerall Rating - 25/10
I think I'm in love. Wow. Where's my phone. I've got goosebumps. Wow.
5705.
Taylor - "Not Fade Away"
Voice: NOt bad.
Song choice: Okay.
Interpretation: Okay.
Entertainment: He comes alive on stage, but he looked like he needed to
pee badly.
Appearance: They've darkened his hair a bit, but he fit the part/
Compared to past: This was okay, but I just expected more. This is the
second week I've said that.
OVerall Rating - 6/10
So that's what it's called - a whiskey tenor.
Lisa - Why Do Fools Fall In Love"
Voice: Powerful, but not remarkable.
Song choice: Okay.
Interpretation: Still mechanical.
Entertainment: Boring.
Appearance: It's 50's night, not 80's retro.
Compared to past: Better, but still not great.
OVerall Rating - 5/10.
Kevin - "When I Fall In Love"
Voice: Clear, a bit too shaky (is this the vibrato people keep talking
about). To me, all of his songs sound exactly the same. He showed more
control tonight.
Song choice: Okay.
Interpretation: This is the first time he seemed to connect to a song.
Entertainment: zilch.
Appearance: boring.
Compared to past: Better, but still not good.
OVerall Rating - 6/10
Elliot - "Teach Me Tonight"
Voice: He got such a good voice and good control, but he was nervous,
and it hurt his notes.
Song choice: Good
Interpretation: Mechanical.
Entertainment: okay.
Appearance: They've really worked him over well...
Compared to last week: He set the standard so high with his second
performance that he's having a really difficult time living up to that.
OVerall Rating - 7/10.
Kellie - "Walking After Midnight"
Voice: Too country for this song. But she brought more control to it
than I've seen
Song choice: Tolerable.
Interpretation: Mechanical (have I used that word too much tonight?)
Entertainment: Yawn.
Appearance: Youthful.
Compared to last week: Better than she has been.
OVerall Rating - 6/10
Barry didn't know Walking After Midnight?
Ace - "In The Still Of The Night"
Voice: Nasal. His voice annoys me. But I have to give him credit for
hitting the falsetto tonight.
Song choice: He doesn't have the range for it.
Interpretation: Nothing special
Entertainment: okay.
Appearance: pretty boy.
Compared to last week: Better, but I'm still not impressed.
OVerall Rating - 6/10
Worst of the night - Lisa.
Best of the Night - Katharine.
Disappointment - Taylor, Elliot.
Who should go - Kevin (for consistently weak performances).
Who will go - Lisa. She did nothing to help her cause this week.
Itoshi
>This thread is offered as a convienient place for participants of this
>newsgroup to post their recaps, observations, and opinions of tonight's
>"American Idol" broadcast.
>
>Finals: Week 2 Performances, broadcast on 3/21/2006
Once again, tonight's broadcast is two hours long.
PRELIMINARIES
Seacrest is getting the Chris Daughtry lighting treatment tonight.
Seacrest says that the revelation of the bottom three caused "commotion"
last week, but it's our fault if we didn't vote. The contestants come out
one by one and walk across the stage, waving. Elliott is wearing one of my
grandpa's suits. SITJ and RFGS. Randy and Seacrest both give Simon a
thumbs down when Seacrest says his name.
Tonight's theme is music of the 1950's. Randy says it is easier than
Stevie Wonder music. Paula predicts that the performances will be
"stellar" because they had a good instructor this week. Simon says its
easy to pick this year's final three because everyone knows who has the
most talent.
A video rolls of Barry Manilow and his album of 1950's songs. Manilow
tells the contestants to find their own style to put into the songs. He
loved working with the contestants, and we are going to love listening to
the result, Seacrest says.
PERFORMANCES
Mandisa - "I Don't Hurt Anymore"
Mandisa says she doesn't know much of Manilow. She had the idea of opening
the song soft and ending big. Barry wanted her to start big and end big.
I'm going to skip the obvious jokes. It's nice to hear her sing a melodic
song for once. The opening sounded fine, but it didn't take long for the
wailing to start, and it kept going on and on after it started. There were
a few seconds of good singing in there. I thought the last note was way
off. Her tongue is yellow. The audience loves the performance. Paula CLAS.
Randy said Mandisa set the mark. He called her "Mandiva" accidentally.
Randy sounds hoarse. Paula said her performance was flawless and she's a
thoroughbred. Simon said "it was a very sexy performance," because it
sounded like a stripper song. He said he absolutely loved it. Seacrest is
talking about her shoes, and the camera goes to her feet. Seacrest calls
her "Mandiva" twice.
[break]
SITJ = Seacrest introduces the judges.
RFGS = Randy flashes gang signs.
CLAS = claps like a seal
[return]
Bucky Covington - "Oh Boy"
Manilow said that in rehearsal, the song sounded long, and nothing was
happening, so he added a modulation. For Barry Manilow, adding modulation
to a song is automatic, like adding milk to cereal. He was right, though.
This song has nothing going for it, and Bucky isn't doing anything to
change that. I heard "thatchoo" twice. Raspy. Bleh. Randy liked the
performance and said it was a great song choice. Paula CLAS and said it
was a good solid performance. Simon said it was "nothing more than a
pointless karaoke performance." The audience groans. Simon said it was a
"so what" performance. Seacrest hollers at Bucky for him to come over to
join him for a minute. Simon, can Bucky do better? He can't do any worse,
Simon answers. Paula points out that Bucky had fun doing the song.
Paris Bennett - "Fever"
Manilow has misgivings about Paris choosing this song, but he says she has
an enormous career ahead of her. She looks good. She's pointing at me an
awful lot. Her voice sounds good. I haven't liked her performances very
much, but this one is pretty good - definitely her best so far.
Constantine is in the audience. Randy said it was great. PAWR. Simon said
this kind of song is what Paris does best. Paula CLAS. Seacrest tells
Paris she looks comfortable on stage, and she agrees.
[break]
PAWR = Paula agreed with Randy.
[return]
Seacrest and a little girl in the audience, Sammy, shill for Cingular.
This is taking a long time. Sammy likes Ace Young.
Chris Daughtry - "Walk the Line"
I don't know whether Barry Manilow can help Chris much with this song. He
sings about a half a line of the song and it sounds ridiculous. Chris is
doing - surprise - a rock rendition. His voice bottoms out trying to hit a
low note. I'm really getting soured on Chris quickly. He has a great
voice, but I can't wait for his performances to end. They all seem so
anguished and tortured. Randy said Chris knows exactly who he is and never
veers, and he likes that. PAWR and said Chris should already be touring.
Simon said it wasn't the best vocal Chris has done so far, but he did make
the song his own, and Chris refuses to compromise, and Simon likes that.
Simon slammed Bucky while critiquing Chris. The chick in the audience in
the brown shirt is hot. Seacrest addresses Constantine in the audience
now.
[break]
Tomorrow on Fox, an all-new episode of "Bones" will suck.
[return]
Katharine McPhee - "Come Rain, Come Shine"
Katharine says Simon forgot her name when he was on a talk show. The whole
time Seacrest is talking with Katharine, I'm trying to tell whether she's
wearing a bra. There's a lot of movement going on there. She says she's
going to think of a particular person while singing the song. She's
starting the performance with her back to the audience, then she does a
half turn, and finally faces forward. Cool. She looks and sounds great.
The pace of the song gives her a chance to move around both physically and
vocally. The falsetto (or head voice) note was perfect. She's doing a
great job. I think there were a few slightly-below-pitch notes at the end.
Still very good though. The verdict is still out on the bra question. The
crowd loves it. Randy said it wasn't his favorite performance of
Katharine's, but it was still really, really strong. Paula said she thinks
Katharine will be one of the contenders all the way through. Simon said
Katharine's name three times and said that tonight, she turned into a
star. It was like watching a seasoned performer. Alright, I'm quite sure
there's no bra. Seacrest talks about "double-sticked" and Katharine says
she's "feeling free," so I was right.
[break]
[return]
Taylor Hicks - "Not Fade Away"
What's the deal with Buddy Holly? He wrote the boringist, most repetitive,
pop songs ever. Manilow likes Taylor's voice. Taylor says that Manilow put
the ending of the song together for him. Taylor's hair hasn't been dyed
yet, at least not noticeably. I think this is a horrible song, so I don't
really care how well Taylor is doing it. He's crouching and stepping a
lot. Sorry, guy, I hated it. Paula CLAS. Randy said it was a simple song,
but Taylor worked it out. RFGS while Paula talked. Paula said Taylor's one
of a kind. Simon said, "sorry, but" and the audience booed. Simon said it
was a complete mess and it was "like a hideous party performance." Paula
argues, and Simon says "Paula, you're talking rubbish." Paula is really
upset that Simon doesn't dance, and Simon keeps saying, "it's a singing
competition." The judges and host are all a bit full of themselves right
now.
[break]
[return]
Lisa Tucker - "Why Do Fools Fall in Love"
Seacrest asks Lisa about being in the bottom 3 last week. She says she'll
tries to do her best. Manilow said Lisa sings this song like she's been
singing it all her life. He wants her to give a powerful entrance. I guess
she opted not to do the powerful opening, because it was weak. Did she
flub a word? Her words sound messy tonight, which is surprising for her.
There are way too many modulations in this arrangement. Her performance
was very average. Not good, not bad, very forgettable. Randy said it was a
good song choice. Performance-wise, it was "just ah-ight." Paula said some
random positive things. Simon made a snarky remark to Paula about judging
the singing or the dancing. He said it was OK, but it was like being
trapped in a high school musical, and he wants to leave.
[break]
Next week on "Prison Break," some prisoners plan their escape.
[return]
Kevin Covais - "When I Fall In Love"
Kevin says he hasn't experience true love yet, but he's looking forward to
it. Manilow says he wants it softer, more innocent, and less belty. Kevin
is sitting on the edge of the stage. That's probably good, since movement
isn't his strong suit. His voice sounds good. He's standing now. There's
another damn modulation. Curse you, Manilow! There are so many visual
negatives with Kevin, but his singing sounds OK tonight. It's not perfect
though, there are some flats and sharps. Jasmine Trias is in the audience,
with - guess what - a flower in her hair. Randy said there were some pitch
problems, but he likes Kevin. Paula said Kevin has "moxie" and people
adore him. Simon said "Kevin, I like you." It wasn't his favorite
interpretation of this song, but Simon thinks Kevin's audience will love
it. Seacrest calls Kevin "Chicken Little," and Kevin looked a little bit
like a chicken when he bobbed his head in agreement.
[break]
How many more singers are there? How much longer until this show is over?
I don't know how many more modulations (key changes) I can take.
[return]
Elliott Yamin - "Teach Me Tonight"
Elliott says that he's never been a Barry Manilow fan, but now he is. His
necktie looks ridiculous. Dude, tighten up that knot, and button your
collar. Manilow said Elliott needs to make the song more intimate; he's
singing the song too straight. A guy with Elliott's looks should at least
avoid dressing like a slob. His voice sounds great. His interpretation and
energy are pretty good also. Again, there are entirely too many
modulations (one is too many). I find no fault with Elliott's performance,
though. Lindsey Cardinale is in the audience, looking hot. Randy and Paula
both liked it. Simon said Elliott's singing was fantastic.
Kellie Pickler - "Walkin' After Midnight"
Kellie didn't know that Patsy Cline was from the 1950's until her grandpa
told her. The low notes at the beginning are inaudible. When she sang
"searching for you," she pointed at me. With that fake tan, heavy makeup,
and leg-spread squatting, it looks like she's walkin' after midnight to
earn some money. She pointed at me again. Kellie sounded better than usual
this week, but it was, like Lisa's performance, very average and
forgettable. There's something messed up with her microphone now. Kellie
brings up the "mink" remark. She thought Simon was calling her a jacket. I
missed Randy and Paula's comments amidst all this microphone and minx
confusion. Simon said it was great. Kellie spots a sign in the audience
with a pickle on it. "Look at the pickle," she tells Seacrest.
[break]
The show seems to lose all continuity and direction whenever Kellie is
either speaking, or being spoken to.
[return]
The little girl, Sammy, introduces Ace Young.
Ace Young - "In the Still of the Night"
Manilow isn't crazy about Ace doing a jazz version of this song, but he
made it his own. He said he asked Ace to use his falsetto at the end,
because it makes us melt. His voice is thin. At least he's not grabbing
and caressing himself tonight. Instead of pointing at me, he holds his
hand out to me. He did successfully hit the falsetto note at the end. This
performance didn't suck. Randy said Ace is back tonight, made the song his
own, gave him props, and flashed gang signs. That's Randy's whole
repertoire! Paula said it was Ace's sexiest, sultriest performance. Simon
said it was one of Ace's stronger performances, and he won't be in the
bottom three this week.
WRAPUP
We see recaps of the performances and phone numbers.
My favorites tonight:
1. Katharine
2. Paris
3. Elliott
That is all. I expect more.
Huronia
"jewahe" <jew...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:1142996323....@i40g2000cwc.googlegroups.com...
> Itoshi wrote:
> > This thread is offered as a convienient place for participants of this
> > newsgroup to post their recaps, observations, and opinions of tonight's
> > "American Idol" broadcast.
> >
> > Finals: Week 2 Performances, broadcast on 3/21/2006
>
> Mandisa - "I don't hurt any more"
> Voice: solid, still gets a bit shouty when she's trying to belt. I also
> thought she had some very sharp moments, but she gained control by the
> end.
> Song choice: perfect for her.
> Interpretation: perfect
> Entertainment: She stole the stage.
> Appearance: Much better. The dress camouflaged well.
> Compared to past: Wow...great performance.
> OVerall Rating - 8/10
> NOte: Is saying someone has "no range" a compliment?
I think Barry meant that she has no range endpoints -
I thought she was awesome, she just seems to sparkle.
>
> Bucky - "Oh, Boy"
> Voice: Raspy. He seemed to go to the other extreme and get flat at
> times. Still not much range.
> Song choice: Surprisingly good.
> Interpretation: I felt it was a bit mechnical at times, without much
> emotional.
> Entertainment: Still a bit mechanical
> Appearance: Still the souther rocker.
> Compared to past: not as good, but surprising solid.
> OVerall Rating - 7/10.
I thought he was great - his enthusiasm is so infectious.
>
> Paris - "Fever"
> Voice: Still needs training to hold her range. the lows were a bit too
> low for her.
> Song choice: Too old for her.
> Interpretation: I didn't feel it from her.
> Entertainment: She can command a stage.
> Appearance: Better than usual.
> Compared to past: Pretty good.
> OVerall Rating - 8/10
Yay!! Only earrings and one other piece of jewellery - I loved her hair too,
and her dress was gorgeous. She was awesome too.
>
> Chris - "I Walk The Line"
> Voice: a bit shaky at the start. Good control. Exploded into his usual
> rendition.
> Song choice: Interesting, but turned out well.
> Interpretation: very dark, almost obsessive.
> Entertainment: Ignoring the light show, he kept my attention.
> Appearance: Dark rocker this week.
> Compared to past: Better. He showed some range. This song would have
> been much more interesting if he'd kept the tone as dark and obsessive
> as it started.
> OVerall Rating - 7/10
I thought it was fantastic - I think Johnny Cash would have been touched
>
> Katharine - "Come Rain or Come Shine"
> Voice: Damn
> Song choice: Wow
> Interpretation: Wow
> Entertainment: Wow
> Appearance: Gawd this girl is gorgeous.
> Compared to past: Wow
> OVerall Rating - 25/10
> I think I'm in love. Wow. Where's my phone. I've got goosebumps. Wow.
> 5705.
She's always fantastic, and I loved her look.
>
> Taylor - "Not Fade Away"
> Voice: NOt bad.
> Song choice: Okay.
> Interpretation: Okay.
> Entertainment: He comes alive on stage, but he looked like he needed to
> pee badly.
> Appearance: They've darkened his hair a bit, but he fit the part/
> Compared to past: This was okay, but I just expected more. This is the
> second week I've said that.
> OVerall Rating - 6/10
> So that's what it's called - a whiskey tenor.
Taylor's always a hottie in my opinion -
>
> Lisa - Why Do Fools Fall In Love"
> Voice: Powerful, but not remarkable.
> Song choice: Okay.
> Interpretation: Still mechanical.
> Entertainment: Boring.
> Appearance: It's 50's night, not 80's retro.
> Compared to past: Better, but still not great.
> OVerall Rating - 5/10.
I thought it was really good, but she's no Vonzell, unfortunately
>
> Kevin - "When I Fall In Love"
> Voice: Clear, a bit too shaky (is this the vibrato people keep talking
> about). To me, all of his songs sound exactly the same. He showed more
> control tonight.
> Song choice: Okay.
> Interpretation: This is the first time he seemed to connect to a song.
> Entertainment: zilch.
> Appearance: boring.
> Compared to past: Better, but still not good.
> OVerall Rating - 6/10
Well he's got guts, and he's got a nice voice, I don't think he'll be the
one going
>
> Elliot - "Teach Me Tonight"
> Voice: He got such a good voice and good control, but he was nervous,
> and it hurt his notes.
> Song choice: Good
> Interpretation: Mechanical.
> Entertainment: okay.
> Appearance: They've really worked him over well...
> Compared to last week: He set the standard so high with his second
> performance that he's having a really difficult time living up to that.
> OVerall Rating - 7/10.
Unbelievable. I like his longer hair and the goatee he's growing.
>
> Kellie - "Walking After Midnight"
> Voice: Too country for this song. But she brought more control to it
> than I've seen
> Song choice: Tolerable.
> Interpretation: Mechanical (have I used that word too much tonight?)
> Entertainment: Yawn.
> Appearance: Youthful.
> Compared to last week: Better than she has been.
> OVerall Rating - 6/10
> Barry didn't know Walking After Midnight?
Wow- she's Back!! Too much blush on though.
>
> Ace - "In The Still Of The Night"
> Voice: Nasal. His voice annoys me. But I have to give him credit for
> hitting the falsetto tonight.
> Song choice: He doesn't have the range for it.
> Interpretation: Nothing special
> Entertainment: okay.
> Appearance: pretty boy.
> Compared to last week: Better, but I'm still not impressed.
> OVerall Rating - 6/10
Well, it's a good thing he hit and held his last note, or I think it woulda
been bye-bye.
I loved watching Barry Manilow working with the singers - he's such a
professional.
Huronia
Bob Rudd
ito...@no.spam.com says...
> Seacrest calls
> her "Mandiva" twice.
>
>
The beginning of the end.
--
I hope we can all be good neighbors online!
Jason Wuthrich
news:abKdnXiepqYMIL3Z...@speakeasy.net...
>>Finals: Week 2 Performances, broadcast on 3/21/2006
>
>
> Mandisa - "I Don't Hurt Anymore"
This to the woman Simon said wouldn't win.
> [break]
>
> PAWR = Paula agreed with Randy.
Why do I get the feeling the abbreviation for "Paula agrees with Simon"
isn't suitable for a family show? :-)
During the break, I mentioned to Mom about the strong opinions expressed by
various members of this ng (Kellie's southern charm is a fake, AI is rigged,
etc.) and she has a word for them, but she says she can't think of it.
Right now, the best she can think of is "jerks".
> [return]
>
> Seacrest and a little girl in the audience, Sammy, shill for Cingular.
> This is taking a long time. Sammy likes Ace Young.
>
> Chris Daughtry - "Walk the Line"
> ... Chris is doing - surprise - a rock rendition. ...
Now I'm worried. He's going to be written off as a one-trick pony if he
keeps this up.
> [break]
>
> Tomorrow on Fox, an all-new episode of "Bones" will suck.
Next Tuesday on Fox, a patient will die unless House helps him.
> [return]
>
> Katharine McPhee - "Come Rain, Come Shine"
I would have thought Katharine would have chosen "Fever", for obvious
reasons.
> [break]
During this break, she does that working with Barry is the best thing that
ever happened to these finalists.
> [return]
>
> Taylor Hicks - "Not Fade Away"
> ... Sorry, guy, I hated it. ... Simon said it was a complete mess and
> it was "like a hideous party performance." ...
Mom called it an Elvis impersonation.
> Lisa Tucker - "Why Do Fools Fall in Love"
> ... [Simon] said it was OK, but it was like being trapped in a
> high school musical, and he wants to leave.
She's in trouble.
At this point, AI nearly lost Mom. Don Imus, who she likes, was on Larry
King tonight.
> WRAPUP
If the votes correspond with the talent--which almost never happens on
AI--we're looking at a bottom 3 of Bucky, Lisa, and Kevin with Bucky
leaving. After I finish with Spike TV's "King of Vegas" finale, I'm going
to start placing votes. 'Til next time, America!
--
Certainty Contests:
Apprentice 5
http://gswarehouse.fortunecity.com/certainty-appr/index.html
American Idol 5
http://gswarehouse.fortunecity.com/certainty-idol/index.html
Giggles
"Jason Wuthrich" <tjwut...@verizon.netspamtrap> wrote in message
news:AO3Uf.4770$hC.3353@trnddc08...
If we are going to give our mom's reviews, then I'll share what my mom
liked. Mind you this is the first season my mom has ever watched! So this
in itself says something!
Her top three were:
1. Mandisa - I'm actually surprised because mom is more the Perry Como type.
2. Paris - Again I'm surprised.
3. Kevin.- now he's more mom's type.
Taylor, Kellie and Elliot would probably be tied for 4th place in her book.
Chris frightened her. LOL And the rest were just eh to her.
Suzanne D.
> PRELIMINARIES
Don't know if the mention of Simon's top 3 was wise. Why even bring it up?
People who haven't heard of it are now going to go seek it out, and that
could influence votes. Dumb Ryan, trying to make Simon look bad but
sabotaging some of the best singers (including my favorites Elliot and
Katharine) in the process.
> PERFORMANCES
> Mandisa - "I Don't Hurt Anymore"
I like her hair tonight! She actually started good this week, but about
halfway through the song went into shout mode as usual. She should try an
entire song holding back on the shouting--I think she would be much better.
The end was nothing BUT shouting, and quite a few bad notes in the process.
> Bucky Covington - "Oh Boy"
Good song choice MAYBE, but he did such a mediocre job at it. Lots of bad
notes, which shouldn't have been the case with such an easy song. He seemed
tired or something. He's charismatic and cute and has an adorable
personality, but this was just NOT a good vocal. Extremely forgettable.
> Paris Bennett - "Fever"
Did she actually say something about how Barry Manilow didn't think she
would be as good as she was? Does this girl's ego never stop? I can't say
anything about the Queen of Fashion this week because she actually was
wearing something that looked good. She did some weird vocal things that I
should have liked, but on Paris it just seems annoying. She came through at
the end, but it took a while.
> Chris Daughtry - "Walk the Line"
It appears that when he is NOT rocking out, his vocal ineptitude is quite
apparent. Those first softer, melodic lines were just terrible--bad notes
all over the place. He redeemed himself--at least as much as he could
considering I really hate his voice, but geez, most of this song was really
awful. That freaky vibrato bugs the hell out of me. He got an endorsement
from Constantine, which will probably help him, unless the voters are aware
of Constantine's recent step away from the rawk world and into the realm of
TV sitcoms.
> Katharine McPhee - "Come Rain, Come Shine"
Started out really good, but very boring. I was disappointed; it had
sounded so much better in the intro. She picked it up after a while, but
got a little shouty, which surprised me because she is usually so good at
wailing without shouting. She didn't quite hit her belt note at first, but
eased into it. All around, it wasn't my favorite performance from her. Her
double-sided tape conversation and near-wardrobe malfunction was kinda cute,
but I don't know if the young men are doing most of the voting, so maybe
next week she should try to appeal to a wider audience with her personality!
> Taylor Hicks - "Not Fade Away"
The big show off, singing "Mandy" as he walks in to meet Barry Manilow. He
must be taking "I'm So Fucking Wonderful" lessons from Paris. This song was
SO BORING! Oh my god, Taylor, gyrating and running in the audience does NOT
a performance make. I think this was the worst vocal of the night,
seriously. I'm not just saying this because I don't like him--he was really
bad. This guy always gets by on the boring songs by yelling and acting all
kooky while the backup does the real work, and tonight was no exception--he
did a couple of mindless off-key wails while letting the sax take over the
song. And where was that great ending they talked about in the intro?
There was no ending at all--the song just STOPPED. Just like that. It was
an awful performance of an awful song choice. I just knew Simon wouldn't
like it. Is he gonna switch Katharine and Taylor in his top 3? Oh, and
Paula? The fact that Simon may or may not be able to dance well has
absolutely no bearing on whether or not he likes a singing performance.
Sheesh. What an idiot.
> Lisa Tucker - "Why Do Fools Fall in Love"
One good thing about Lisa is that she knows her stuff. She isn't all,
"Well, I have no idea who this person is, but it was still kewl to meet
him!" She actually LIKES Stevie Wonder and Barry Manilow. This is someone
who likely lives and breathes music of all types. Anyway, here was another
disappointment after hearing the intro. Maybe they shouldn't show singing
in the intro clips, because it almost always is better than the actual
performance. They talked about placing the opening an octave higher, but
when the song came on, there she was singing right in the middle. Why tease
us with the stuff in the intros? Her performance was flawless but very
dull. Good belt at the end, but overall just sort of there. My 5-year-old
voted for her, which of course means she will be eliminated tomorrow, as he
has never voted for anyone who has NOT gotten dumped the next day. His is
the Vote of Doom. Next week I will have to convince him to vote for Taylor
or Kellie.
> Kevin Covais - "When I Fall In Love"
He ate some humble pie this week--no mention of the thexth thymbol thing,
and no dissing of Simon. Guy takes his criticism well, but we always knew
that anyway, didn't we? Okay, Kevin, DON'T SIT DOWN while you perform.
Man, I hate it when they do that. But interestingly, I thought this was a
very good performance! He had some bad notes here and there, but I was
surprised at how nice most of it was. The hand in the pocket lent a cute,
subtle innocence to his performance. And I was glad to see he didn't
attempt to go high in the end--his voice probably couldn't have handled
that, but the way he did it, it sounded very nice. I thought he'd be out
this week, but this performance might have saved him for another round.
> Elliott Yamin - "Teach Me Tonight"
Is the honesty about not liking Barry Manilow a good thing? Will people
find him arrogant, or will they find him refreshing? He had another
difficult song with weird chord changes. I am SO going to buy his album. I
love the quap he sings. He has a way of sharping that is oddly appealing to
me. He had a slight Constantine endorsement as well, when Con nodded at
some praise one of the judges was giving Elliot. Oh, and when my 5-year-old
saw Constantine, he kept bugging me about "When is Constantine going to
sing?"
There is something I am not liking about Barry Manilow. When I did theatre,
one of the worst things a director could do was give you line readings; that
is, to say, "When you read this line, say it like THIS." It was seen as
arrogant and annoying, as the actor was responsible for finding his own
motivation, and his line readings came from that, not from parroting the
director. I noticed that several times, Barry gave musical line readings.
A couple of times he'd actually say, "Sing it like THIS." I thought that
was somewhat inappropriate. Telling someone to feel the song, telling
someone to try a higher key--that's good coaching. Telling someone to sing
it the way HE thinks it should be sung--that's just annoying.
> Kellie Pickler - "Walkin' After Midnight"
The first few lines were weird--when she went to the lower notes, they were
completely silent. No sound at all. Don't know if playing the sexpot was
the right choice for this particular song. She had some bad notes toward
the end, and was nasally throughout. I really can't stand her voice. It's
a toss-up for me whether she or Taylor is the most annoying of the voices.
Ryan did his usual goading her into saying something stupid, but other than
repeating her "Look, there's a pickle!" line, she was surprisingly dull.
> Ace Young - "In the Still of the Night"
One more case of the intro disappointing me. He sounded AWESOME in the
intro clip. I was really looking forward to this. But the performance was
really bad. Off notes all over the place, weak, hesitant. I guess he was
more nervous singing in front of America than singing in front of Barry, but
what a bummer for me. I did like his belt--I don't think he's used that
before, and he should definitely do it more often--but the rest was bad.
This week's Constantineisms: Singing a classic song (In the Still of the
Night/My Funny Valentine) in a funky jazz style, the camera look, the stray
strand of hair down the side of the face.
Who SHOULD go out: Taylor or Bucky.
Who WILL go out: Bucky.
--S.
c0mpu...@hotmail.com
give her a ten for the dress even if she sounded like Rosanne Barr. I
agree she was a bit uneven at the end of the song, but overall she
sounded great. Damn, she's gorgeous.
And I agree. Definitely no bra. It was awesome.
My rankings:
Katharine - Very close with Mandisa. Equal singing performances but
the twins put her over the top;
Mandisa - Excellent. I think she'll be final 3;
Chris - very good. I wasn't wowed, but I was impressed with his
rendition. Yeah, he turns everything into rock, but he finds a way to
make it still sound good;
Paris - This is the 1st time since we 1st saw her that I thought she
sounded as good as her singing (I know that sounds contradictory);
Taylor - this low because of the song. There wasn't much there to
work with. The suit matches his hair sorta.
Lisa - Most of it sounds good, and I like her rendition. She
stretches out some of the notes too long. I think she's more talented
than everyone but Mandisa and Katherine, but for whatever reason her
songs just don't pop. Still a good performance and she should stay,
though I suspect she's in trouble;
karenftx
> This thread is offered as a convienient place for participants of this
> newsgroup to post their recaps, observations, and opinions of tonight's
> "American Idol" broadcast.
>
> Finals: Week 2 Performances, broadcast on 3/21/2006
Before I begin, I would like to say that my stepdad, who was a musician in
his younger days and knew music (jazz and blues were his favorites. Jazz
because of the pure musicality of it). Anyway, he thought Barry Manilow was
a horrible singer. Hated him. However, he always said that the man knew
music and could do some composing. This show proved Jerry right. Now on to
it.
>
> PRELIMINARIES
Ryan looks nice tonight, but the tie should have been darker. They are
introduced in order of their singing and you can tell the stylists have
gotten to some of them.
I am doing this off the top of my head, but I wanted to say that there sure
were a lot of old AI contestants in the room. And Ryan Caberra.
>
> PERFORMANCES
>
> Mandisa - "I Don't Hurt Anymore"
I have this song by Dinah Washington. She sings it with "Birth of the
Blues" as a medly in my arrangement, so I know what this should sound
like...and Mandisa does very well. I liked that she started in a highter
octive then most weeks. Very good. My son, who admitted he knew none of
these songs tonight, even liked it.
>
> Bucky Covington - "Oh Boy"
They got rid of the hair. Not bad, but not great. I wanted Bucky to do
badly this week for I have him next out on my Bragging Rights, but he didn't
do that horribly.
>
> Paris Bennett - "Fever"
Now this is the Paris I fell in love with. Very good and she looked really
cute.
>
> Chris Daughtry - "Walk the Line"
He really is a one trick pony, isn't he? The first part I thought was cool,
I will admit. Then he became Bonjovi and lost me. He's safe, but I want
showtune night or something to get him to do something, anything else.
>
> Katharine McPhee - "Come Rain, Come Shine"
She's really the prettiest one there, though she looks very heavy. My son
liked her hair. Good rendidtion, Barry sure does know what he's doing.
>
> Taylor Hicks - "Not Fade Away"
This was the most 50's performance of the night. I liked it, reminded me of
Stray Cats or something. My mom said Alan Freed would have just loved
Taylor.
Oh, and I loved when Barry called him a "whiskey tenor". Don't know what it
is, but it sounds cool.
>
> Lisa Tucker - "Why Do Fools Fall in Love"
When we heard this, my mom said she shouldn't do this and after listening I
agree. No range at all. Frankie Lymon, hell even Diana Ross went up, Lisa
just belted. Like Chris that seems all she can do. She looked like she was
going to cry, though when she was critisied. I don't that she gets a lot of
that. People talk about Paris, but I think Lisa is just as bad.
>
> Kevin Covais - "When I Fall In Love"
When she heard this, my mom said she could see Kevin in a movie musical like
State Fair or Sing Boy Sing. That he could do Dick Haymes roles, or Carlton
Carpenter (I know who they are, does anyone else?). About right. It
actually reminded me a little of Bobby Rydell in "Bye Bye Birdie". Same
feel, same vibe and not at all bad.
I also liked how Barry told the band to be hardly heard at all so we could
hear Kevin. Sorry Kevin haters, he was good.
>
> Elliott Yamin - "Teach Me Tonight"
Some rough notes, but I knew he would do good. He picks the most
challenging songs and that's why I like him. My stepdad would have loved
him.
I also liked how he admitted he disliked Barry, but is now a "fanilow".
>
> Kellie Pickler - "Walkin' After Midnight"
OK, I thought it would be bad, but it wasn't. No feeling in it at all, but
she sure does play up what she has for such a nieve country girl. Anyway,
good performance and I thank all the performance gods for the loss of her
sound when judging.
Also, the completly blank stare on her face when Ryan asked her what was new
was priceless.
>
> Ace Young - "In the Still of the Night"
I told my mom that there were tons of songs Ace could sing and he picked
this. Didn't like it and the band was REALLY LOOOUD. I mean it was loud
with Kellie also, but it was really bad with Ace. I could see Elliott
pulling this off, but Ace just didn't have the chops.
I thought the little blonde girl was cute though.
>
> WRAPUP
Well, Barry knew how to arrange for these folks tonight. Maybe they should
just hire him. I like how he said all sorts of technical, singy things like
"A" chord with something (he said what it was. I forget) and backphrase and
undertone. The band was better tonight also so thank you Barry.
Will go? Hard to say.
Should go? Lisa or Ace.
Who I want to go so I can win? Bucky.
Penelope Baker
news:abKdnXmepqZUJr3Z...@speakeasy.net...
> Chris Daughtry - "Walk the Line"
I could have sworn it was "Walk the Live"
Itoshi
wrote:
[about Chris]
>He got an endorsement
>from Constantine, which will probably help him, unless the voters are aware
>of Constantine's recent step away from the rawk world and into the realm of
>TV sitcoms. [snip]
[about Elliott]
>He had a slight Constantine endorsement as well, when Con nodded at
>some praise one of the judges was giving Elliot.
I don't think stuff like this matters one iota, when it comes down to
people placing their votes.
Suzanne D.
Just being fun.
--S.
JXStern
>
>PRELIMINARIES
>
>PERFORMANCES
>
Danger slot #1!
She BLEW THE FRIGGIN' ROOF OFF THE DUMP!
Give it to Barry Manilow, he *finally* found out how to get Mandisa's
talent to pay off in a big performance!
I'm still not sure where that leaves her in the AI competition, but
she just made her career. And I'm very happy for her!
>2 Bucky Covington - "Oh Boy"
Terrible arrangement. Bucky looked totally unconvinced by his own
performance. He's totally gonner. I say that in spite of the fact
that the judges were so nice to him, Bucky must have got a LOT of
votes last week. I think this performance will lose his base - if
anything will.
>3 Paris Bennett - "Fever"
Wrong song. No matter how well done it was, I can't see it making her
the next American Idol. Her base will stay with her because she was
cute. I think Simon is wishing she would go away.
Wouldn't y'all have rather seen any of the four older female
contestants sing this song?
>4 Chris Daughtry - "Walk the Line"
Very fifties, just like McFly in Back to the Future.
Sing just the baseline? I dunno.
Hey, I loved Cash singing "Hurt", but he sang the melody, y'know?
But it was *interesting*. I guess the kids will love it, or be scared
by it, or respect it, or something.
This is the first arrangement as violent as some that we heard on Rock
Star INXS. Simon applauded it. Now everyone will be morphing songs
to the best of their ability. Talk about your "Oh boy".
>5 Katharine McPhee - "Come Rain, Come Shine"
The BAND was totally off the hook!
Katharine's *craft* was fantastic.
The vocal chart still needs some work, and her *art* was overwhelmed
by the arrangement, I think. Missed a few notes, didn't she?
But it was a balls-to-the-wall effort, gotta respect it.
Again, was it what you want for an American Idol? Dunno. Probably
get her lots of votes. Simon liked her. Simon seems to be in the
mood for big, production numbers, "Golddiggers 2006".
>6 Taylor Hicks - "Not Fade Away"
Danger slot #6!!! Taylor, danger?? Probably not, but we'll see.
I like the suit. A team of seven has been working on his hair for a
week, and they've made some progress. But Simon was right, the
arrangement and vocal chart were the mess. It was entertaining anyway
because Taylor made it so. Weak as it was, it is my favorite Taylor
peformance to date. What will the public make of it? Probably like
it for the energy, and the suit.
>7 Lisa Tucker - "Why Do Fools Fall in Love"
Another bad arrangement. Terrible arrangment. She looked good. She
sang a bad chart competently. Following Taylor, would have been nice
if she danced or pranced more. Already weak demographically, this
won't help. Sorry Lisa, but with luck, you'll live to sing another
week courtesy of Bucky. We shall see.
>8 Kevin Covais - "When I Fall In Love"
Pretty good. Needs a bit more work all around, but pretty good.
Yeah, missed a few notes, so what, hit some good grace notes, too.
I'm tempted to throw him a couple of votes again, just because.
Problem is, after I give him one, I have to give Katharine five, and
Chris eleven, and maybe few for Lisa just for luck, and I'd then
*better* throw a bunch at Mandisa! Not even counting if any of the
last three earn more votes yet.
>9 Elliott Yamin - "Teach Me Tonight"
Tuck in the shirt, kid, you think nobody figured out how to do that
until 1967? Someone dig up the archives and explain the skinny tie.
Whatever. The singing? Small town karaoke. SFOC. I *guess* that
Elliot is surviving on his mediocrity. With decent reviews, will he
be in the bottom three? Doubt it.
>10 Kellie Pickler - "Walkin' After Midnight"
That was a pretty remarkable vocal performance she just gave while
walking around, if it wasn't lip-synched. She did look about as tired
and worn as if she'd been walking after midnight, but she hit the
notes. Her fans should like it. Should have dressed more fifties,
capri pants, high heels, Ann Margaret, lots of satin, ... maybe pile
that hair into a beehive, ... nah.
>11 Ace Young - "In the Still of the Night"
Ace does wrapup?
Capri pants, high heels, and Ace would stand out better.
This was suckamundo.
Maybe Bucky is safe after all - it *was* Ace in the bottom three last
week.
RFOC.
Paula so full of crap it sets a record.
"You're not going to be in the bottom three" sez Simon.
All I can say is, if not, then there ain't no justice.
>WRAPUP
Best:
McDisa
McFly
McPhee
Worst:
Bucky
Bucky
Bucky
Ace
Ace
Ace
Ace
Ace
also in bottom 3:
Lisa
--
The judges make it sound like they expect Bucky and Ace to survive.
"Bucky and Ace"
bleh.
I'd better go vote for Lisa.
Based on the performances, Bucky should go.
Based on demographics, a guy should go.
If Lisa goes in spite of all, ... sheesh.
--
Reading some other reviews, people think Mandisa returned to
oversinging halfway through. Yeah, somewhat, but I think she
consciously held it back a little, and it worked better in the context
of the arrangment.
J.
Idle American
>
> He
> loved working with the contestants, and we are going to love listening to
> the result, Seacrest says.
That may be true but there is no doubt he was heart broken that he didn't
get to sing Cobacabana with Bobby.
> Kellie Pickler - "Walkin' After Midnight"
> Kellie didn't know that Patsy Cline was from the 1950's until her grandpa
> told her.
Thank God she didn't sing one of those "happy doo doo" songs. (Barry's
words, not mine)
> "searching for you," she pointed at me. With that fake tan, heavy makeup,
> and leg-spread squatting, it looks like she's walkin' after midnight to
> earn some money.
Just what exactly are you implying here? I suspect it's much worse than
being called a minx or even a mink!
Kittyn
>This thread is offered as a convienient place for participants of this
>newsgroup to post their recaps, observations, and opinions of tonight's
>"American Idol" broadcast.
>
>Finals: Week 2 Performances, broadcast on 3/21/2006
>
>PRELIMINARIES
>
I actually enjoyed most of the performances this week. Even the
subpar ones were somewhat enjoyable for the most part. I don't feel
like trying to grade these performances this week, because I think a
great deal of my opinions this week are based on more than actual
vocal performances.
>PERFORMANCES
>
>Mandisa - "I Don't Hurt Anymore"
>
I think she looked the best she has so far. The dress was more suited
to her than the one last week, by far. And her hair looked very nice.
Maybe someone has been reading the newsgroups. I thought she pulled
off a very powerful performance. She probably took somewhat of a leap
in the voting this week and is very safe.
>Bucky Covington - "Oh Boy"
>
I don't think this was bad, but it was one of the weaker vocals
tonight. However, Bucky needed to do more than just be ok, so I think
he is probably in some real danger this week, especially since he was
safe last week and has been totally under the radar so far.
>Paris Bennett - "Fever"
>
I thought her vocals were fine, but something about her just seems too
polished sometimes. However, her vocals and fan base will carry her
through at least another couple of weeks I suspect.
>Chris Daughtry - "Walk the Line"
>
I don't think Chris is in any danger, but I actually think he hurt
himself more than some think this week by again not taking any real
risks. Some may say he is taking a risk by trying to re-invent a song
and accomodating it to his style. However, I think the braver thing
to do would be, at least once, take a song and try something outside
of his box. So far that has not happened. Tonight was supposed to be
about the 50's. There was nothing about Chris that said 50's. I have
loved Chris in the past and still think he could be a real contender,
but tonight was a cop out.
>Katharine McPhee - "Come Rain, Come Shine"
>
This was vocally very good, but it left me feeling cold for some
reason. I don't know what it is about Katherine. I just don't feel
her coming through in her performances. That being said, she is
probably safe for now, although I think she could conceivably be in
the bottom 3 this week as improbable as that probably sounds to some
people. I just don't know how memorable she is sometimes. And the
fact that she has never been in any sort of danger could make her more
vunerable if people just presume she is safe and are not moved enough
to vote for her each and every week regardless of how safe they think
she is.
>Taylor Hicks - "Not Fade Away"
>
I agree that this was not a great song to display vocals, but I think
Taylor was going more for the performance factor and the 50's look
this week. I think that for Taylor it was probably more important to
show he was willing to get into the mood of the theme than to try to
shine vocally this week. He has a very agressive fan base. And he
did nothing to offend them this week. I think it actually may have
helped him this week to have Simon throw him some criticism. It keeps
his fans on their toes.
>Lisa Tucker - "Why Do Fools Fall in Love"
>
I think vocally she was very good tonight, but she is starting to
stray a little too far from her roots, which is more in the Whitney
vein. However, Simon's comments towards her, combined with last
week's trip to the bottom 3, should mobilize what fan base she has to
keep her in. She might still make a trip to the bottom 3, but I think
she will probably be safe this week.
>Kevin Covais - "When I Fall In Love"
>
This was not a great performance by anyone's standards, I don't
believe. However this was anywhere nearly as bad as last week and
should give some fuel to the Kevin base. Simon's restraint in his
criticism could send Kevin to the bottom 3, especially since he has
not been there yet, but I don't think it will be enough to send him
home quite yet.
>Elliott Yamin - "Teach Me Tonight"
>
I was not as thrilled with his vocals as Simon was. I found quite a
few flat spots in his performance. I think Simon's praise did more
harm than good. Elliot does not have a huge fan base to start with
and if any of them felt he was safe after Simon's comments, it could
be enough for Elliot to take a bottom 3 walk tomorrow. Also, he was
safe last week, so that adds to the feeling that he should still be
safe. If there is going to be a shocker, this will be it. However, I
think he will end up staying with Bucky being the one to leave.
>Kellie Pickler - "Walkin' After Midnight"
>
I do not like her style of singing, but she had a decent enough
performance tonight. Compared to last week, this was a vast
improvement. Something about her seemed a bit off tonight. I am not
sure if it was just the mike problem or if she was distracted. That
being said, I have no doubt she will be safe.
>Ace Young - "In the Still of the Night"
>
Ace was not perfect, but this is the best vocal performance he has had
since the first week of the semi-finals. I think he did enough to
elevate himself back up to the middle of the pack as opposed to the
bottom. I think he will be safe without a doubt this week
>WRAPUP
Who should go: Kevin or Bucky
Who will go: Bucky (or surprise elimination, Elliot).
Tzigaane
> This thread is offered as a convienient place for participants of this
> newsgroup to post their recaps, observations, and opinions of tonight's
> "American Idol" broadcast.
>
> Finals: Week 2 Performances, broadcast on 3/21/2006
>
> PRELIMINARIES
>
> PERFORMANCES
>
> Mandisa - "I Don't Hurt Anymore"
She knows how to deliver a song and is a convincing performer. This was
a nice, sassy performance. Vocally strong except for a little minor
weakness in the low beginning parts. There's a stridence in her voice
that is starting to get to me though.
>
> Bucky Covington - "Oh Boy"
The song suited him and his voice well, but he should have picked a
higher key to get him up out of his weak low register. Pitch was all
over the place. He is just not an engaging performer. It was pleasant
but dull.
>
> Paris Bennett - "Fever"
Wow! OK then. Now *this* was a *totally* engaging performance and
really caught the mood of the song. Some of the lowest parts were a
little weak and there's something garbled in her pronunciation - it's a
little mashed potatoey or something. But wow! And I loved the dress.
>
> Chris Daughtry - "Walk the Line"
I loved what he did with this song: put it in a minor key and make it
dark and edgy. (It kind of sounded like "Twist in My Sobriety".) Totally
worked. I like the resonance in his voice in the low stuff at the
beginning, but he did completely run out of room down there.
Unfortunately when he cranks it up he loses that resonance. His voice
becomes brittle and he really loses the center of the pitch, the vibrato
gets fast and choppy. It was a weird effect, the vibrato and the strobe
lights approaching the same speed.
>
> Katharine McPhee - "Come Rain, Come Shine"
I didn't love this song but she performed it mostly well. Her
pyrotechnics didn't totally work tonight. She continues to loosen up on
stage and this was probably her best *performance* so far.
>
> Taylor Hicks - "Not Fade Away"
Great performance, but I want to hear him sing!!! Sing, Taylor, sing!
Don't do this again. Everybody else sang tonight and was vocally strong
and you have the chops to sound better than a lot of them. Come on!
>
> Lisa Tucker - "Why Do Fools Fall in Love"
What she did, she did well, but it was kind of a dull performance.
Can't say why exactly. Somehow she just doesn't fully connect.
>
> Kevin Covais - "When I Fall In Love"
Kevin has a very casual relationship with pitch and his diaphragmatic
support is inconsistent, but I'm reminded again of his potential and
what he could grow into. It was fun to watch him working with Barry and
improve so quickly.
>
> Elliott Yamin - "Teach Me Tonight"
Hmmmm. His vibrato is getting on my nerves and I'd rather hear him sing
something fast that didn't have so many long held notes so I don't have
to hear it. And I loved his voice in the first shows, but I'm liking
less and less. I found the song boring and thought the performance
lacked any kind of personality.
>
> Kellie Pickler - "Walkin' After Midnight"
This was a perfect choice for her. Great performance too. I bet as
Kellie was growing up she spent hours and hours in her room in front of
the mirror singing into her hair brush perfecting her moves for this
very opportunity. I liked this performance and didn't mind the
pitchiness and the excessively tortured vowels.
>
> Ace Young - "In the Still of the Night"
Pitchy, whiny, nasal. Blech.
>
> WRAPUP
For my money Bucky, Ace and Kevin were the worst but their
constituencies are probably strong enough to keep them in another week
at least. So I'm guessing that Lisa will be the one on the chopping block.
tzigaane
X-Factor
>On Tue, 21 Mar 2006 20:47:13 -0600, Itoshi <ito...@no.spam.com> wrote:
>Taylor Hicks - "Not Fade Away"
>What's the deal with Buddy Holly? He wrote the boringist, most repetitive,
>pop songs ever.
Actually, Buddy Holly didn't write either of the Buddy Holly songs
performed tonight.
Patrick Gleeson
Recaps: Finals Week 2, 3/21/2006
Finals: Week 2 Performances, broadcast on 3/21/2006
PRELIMINARIES
PERFORMANCES
Mandisa - "I Don't Hurt Anymore"
***Another fantastic performance! This girl can flat out SANG! Looked
very sexy and sultry. MANDIVA does it again!***
Bucky Covington - "Oh Boy"
***Following Mandy was a death sentence for this guy. While watching
him, one word just kept coming to my mind over and over.....JOKE. He
needs to go.***
Paris Bennett - "Fever"
***Blah. I can't take it anymore. If it weren't for Bucky, I'd want HER
to go next. Her vocals sound winey to me. And her saying, "Tank u, tank
u, tank u, tank u, tank u, tank u." I'm SICK of it already!***
Chris Daughtry - "Walk the Line"
***WOW! I dug it. I'm not into the "rocker" thing, but Chris has got
some chops. I do believe that he's a stronger vocalist than Bo if I can
compare "rockers." Loved this arrangement of the song and Chris made it
a masterpiece.***
Katharine McPhee - "Come Rain, Come Shine"
***The band was too loud for most of the song which drowned her vocals
out, but what I WAS able to hear it sounded great as usual. But I didn't
like the arrangement so I think it may have been a bad song choice for
her overall. But damn she really looks fine. Don't care for the giddy
personality though. When she performs, she looks and acts sophisticated
and classy (she's dropped the weird head shakes which is good), but
after she's done performing she acts giddy and dorky, even in her
interviews. She doesn't seem to have a classy personality. Goofball
bitch.***
Taylor Hicks - "Not Fade Away"
***Very disappointed. After great performances the last two weeks,
Taylor bombed tonight. Bad, bad song choice. Moving around and dancing
on stage is ok, but pick a freakin' song where you have to actually
SING!!.***
Lisa Tucker - "Why Do Fools Fall in Love"
***She sure is adorable. But another bad song choice. I just don't like
her on uptempo songs. She thrives with jazzy type ballads like she did
on her first performance in the top 24. I wish she would have done one,
but then again, the judges would have probably ripped her for not acting
her age.***
Kevin Covais - "When I Fall In Love"
***This was actually Kevin's best performance to date. He went flat
during the middle of the song but cleaned it up. I thought he did pretty
damn good! Great song choice for him and I have to admit that I was
anxious to see what he was gonna do tonight. I hope he sticks around for
a while. He DEFINITELY was better than BUCKY and PICKLER.***
Elliott Yamin - "Teach Me Tonight"
***Awesome! Great arrangement, super phrasing, didn't hear any pitch
problems and Elliott looks more confident on stage. Also, whenever
Elliott smiled he did so without showing his teeth, so someone must have
told him to do that. He looked like a whole new different Elliott and
sounded like the same ol' Elliott....FANTASTIC!***
Kellie Pickler - "Walkin' After Midnight"
***Once again, if it wasn't for BUCKY, I'd wish her a one way ticket
back to the happy travelers trailor park. The "act" is way BEYOND old.
They should have had her mic off when she was performing.***
Ace Young - "In the Still of the Night"
***Ace rebounded tonight. After last weeks terrible showing, he redeemed
himself. Marvelous performance. Very good arrangement. He convinced
Barry, and he convinced me.***
WRAPUP
I'm getting a little sick and tired of the "Simon is the villan"
schtick. He knows what he's talking about 90 % of the time. Tonight was
no exception, except for his loving of the PICKLE. That baffles me.
Favorites from best to worst.
1. MANDIVA
2. CHRIS
3. ELLIOTT
4. ACE
5. KEVIN
6. KATHARINE
7. LISA
8. TAYLOR
9. PARIS
10. PICKLE
11. BUCKY
Should go: BUCKY
Will go: LISA
Louie
>This thread is offered as a convienient place for participants of this
>newsgroup to post their recaps, observations, and opinions of tonight's
>"American Idol" broadcast.
>
>Finals: Week 2 Performances, broadcast on 3/21/2006
>
>PRELIMINARIES
>
>PERFORMANCES
>
>Mandisa - "I Don't Hurt Anymore"
Started off sexy and sultry but that shouting at the end of the song
just doesn't come off. She loses tone and quality when she blasts the
notes at the end. B
>
>Bucky Covington - "Oh Boy"
He just doesn't have the chops. Pleasant, likeable and very ordinary.
He will be in the bottom three. C-
>
>Paris Bennett - "Fever"
To much song for the annoying little girl. Every time she squeaks like
one of the Chipmunks, I want to duct tape her mouth. She's too young
to sing songs like that and too old to play Lolita. I wish she would
leave, but it is going to be Bucky or Lisa. C
>
>Chris Daughtry - "Walk the Line"
Not bad, but the start was a little shaky. He's not going home anytime
soon. A-
>
>Katharine McPhee - "Come Rain, Come Shine"
She looks fatter every time I see her and her white jazz style just
doesn't grab me. Nice voice but the whole package doesn't do it for
me. B+
>
>Taylor Hicks - "Not Fade Away"
Not a great song choice, but he makes up for it with performance
skills. He is an entertainer in spades. He will also not be going home
anytime soon. A-
>
>Lisa Tucker - "Why Do Fools Fall in Love"
Too young for this. She looks, acts and sings like a twelve year old.
She should have waited to compete for at least two years or more. C
>
>Kevin Covais - "When I Fall In Love"
A touch pitchy in spots but over all a good performance. He's got a
quick wit and he's very likeable in a nerdy kind of way. Of all the
youngsters, he's the most mature. I don't think he's going home this
week and that's okay. Bucky and Lisa were worse. C+
>
>Elliott Yamin - "Teach Me Tonight"
Good voice but he has no stage charisma. His fan base will be small
but he should hang around for another week or two. Like Lisa, he just
doesn't connect with the audience like the other performers. B-
>
>Kellie Pickler - "Walkin' After Midnight"
Her makeup is atrocious and her nasal whine of a voice is a very lousy
Tammy Wynette take-off. She is another one that I would like to see
mouth-duct-taped every time she speaks. C
>
>Ace Young - "In the Still of the Night"
Not bad, not good. He is blah mediocre on all counts. Voice okay,
looks okay but he is Mr. Bland in this competition. Kevin has more
spark than he does. A poor Constantine imitation with those soulful
puppy dog looks into the camera. C
>
>WRAPUP
Over all, the singers can all sing. I heard much less pitchy singing
than last year, and all of them pretty much stay in tune most of the
time. Bucky and Lisa will be the next two to go, but after that it is
going to get tough. There are going to be good singers leaving....I
still don't see a clear winner yet. Icky Picky has the body vote,
McPheever has the hotness vote, Kevin has the cuteness vote, Mandisa
has the diva vote, Taylor has the Clooney vote, Chris has the Bo vote,
Ace has the George Michael vote...Paris and Elliot have no particular
identity vote and should be considered vulnerable in a couple of
weeks.
--
NewsGuy.Com 30Gb $9.95 Carry Forward and On Demand Bandwidth
Bob Rudd
says...
> And the rest were just eh to her.
>
>
Louie
>On Tue, 21 Mar 2006 20:47:13 -0600, Itoshi <ito...@no.spam.com> wrote:
>
>>This thread is offered as a convienient place for participants of this
Christ! I didn't put that Newsguy add at the end....done for me and I
don't like that at all. Probably have another one at the end of this
post. Ugh. Time to switch this group to my other newserver. They will
probably do that also in time. Gloom.
callen...@yahoo.com
>
> Finals: Week 2 Performances, broadcast on 3/21/2006
>
> PRELIMINARIES
>
> PERFORMANCES
>
> Mandisa - "I Don't Hurt Anymore"
I really like Mandisa but I thought this one showcased all her
shortcomings. The last note - the glory note? - was really bad, and I
think someone else already commented that her tongue was a strange
color. It wasn't terrible, just meh.
> Bucky Covington - "Oh Boy"
I've got to admit I'm getting on the Bucky love train so I hope this
one doesn't spell the end for him. Boring, boring, boring. I would
LOVE to hear Bucky do something by the Allman Brothers - Whipping Post
comes to mind but after Bo did it anyone else will prolly pale in
comparison. Again, not terrible but boring.
> Paris Bennett - "Fever"
I think I've reached the point where I can no longer be objective about
Paris or her performance. The first part, where she was singing softer
and in her "low" range, I could barely understand what she was saying.
She improved when she got all loud and diva-ish, as usual, but who
cares? I really enjoyed it when she smugly informed America that Barry
Manilow was really surprised at how "good she could sing".
> Chris Daughtry - "Walk the Line"
Well, I must be an idiot because I liked this a lot. Someone else has
already pointed out that he was just copying Live's version of this
song but I still liked it. And he's really hot, too (but I have to
think focus on his face only, because if I look at his head all I can
think of is Jacob from TWoP calling him a walking penis).
> Katharine McPhee - "Come Rain, Come Shine"
McPhee's got the chops but she is so boring! She sang way better than
Mandisa tonight but I still liked Mandisa's performance better. What's
up with that? It's not that I can't be objective about her, she just
doesn't cause any goosebumps at all.
> Taylor Hicks - "Not Fade Away"
I love Taylor Hicks. I swear to God, if I were 10 years younger and
not married to the most wonderful man on the planet, I'd fly out to
Hollywood and stalk Taylor until he agreed to be my boyfriend. But,
this wasn't very good. Or maybe my expectations were too high? Yeah,
that's it. Still, next week I want to hear him sing "Into the Mystic"
by Van Morrison or "Life by the Drop" by SRV.
> Lisa Tucker - "Why Do Fools Fall in Love"
Poor Lisa. She really tries so hard. That's all I can say.
> Kevin Covais - "When I Fall In Love"
I'm not on the Kevin hate train but neither do I find him cute or
engaging, and I certainly don't think he's much of a singer. But
tonight wasn't as bad as it could have been.
> Elliott Yamin - "Teach Me Tonight"
Damn, is Elliott starting to look hotter or am I drunk? No, it's the
goatee; it looks good on him and his hair is growing out a bit. As
usual, Elliott nailed the vocals but I wish he would quite picking such
boring songs. Sure, they show off his range, but I can't even remember
what the song sounded like!
> Kellie Pickler - "Walkin' After Midnight"
Again, I am no longer objective about Kellie. Still, if and when I fly
out to Hollywood to kidnap Taylor and bring him home to be my love
slave, I am going to first find Kellie and grab her by her peroxided
roots and bitchslap her for even attempting to sing Patsy Cline. That
was awful, and she is such a freaking idiot, I don't even care if it's
all a performance or not. Just make her go the frik away (and screw
you, Constantine, for ensuring even more attention for this Carrie
wanna-be by trying to hook up with her).
> Ace Young - "In the Still of the Night"
Ace sucks. Still, we got to see who's voting for him.
My list, from best to worst:
Chris
Elliott
Mandisa
Bucky
Taylor (only because)
McPhee
Kevin
Lisa
Paris
Ace
Kellie
Should go home: Kellie
Will go home: Lisa or Ace
soon to choose
Great! She made me enjoy a song I'd never heard before, she looked
beautiful - I loved it!
> Bucky Covington - "Oh Boy"
Not good enough. Kind of boring. Sweet smile. I'm gonna miss him
when he leaves in the next 2-3 weeks.
> Paris Bennett - "Fever"
Okay, she sang perfectly, she looked nice. I just can't warm up to
this girl.
> Chris Daughtry - "Walk the Line"
I didn't love it, but I liked it. Agree it's not original, but don't
particularly care. He's headed for the top three.
> Katharine McPhee - "Come Rain, Come Shine"
Beautiful voice, beautiful girl, sang it pretty well, but it was tepid.
Not her best by a long way.
Taylor Hicks - "Not Fade Away"
Okay, this was my favorite performance of the night for it's sheer
entertainment value. I think he's an awesome dancer! I love this guy
so much as a performer, but I agree that some of the stuff he does
off-stage is cringeworthy (the "Mandy" thing.) What's wrong with him?
Question: did I mishear, or did Barry Manilow say that Taylor has a
"whiskey tenor"? What does that mean? Or did he say something else?
Lisa Tucker - "Why Do Fools Fall in Love"
Good singer, beautiful girl. She just cannot put her personality
across one little bit and she's going home tonight. Back to musical
theatre for her.
Kevin Covais - "When I Fall In Love"
Kind of sweet. Good song for him and a little less nasal than usual.
I expected the worst but was relieved that this was okay.
Elliott Yamin - "Teach Me Tonight"
Still my favorite voice in the competition, but I think whoever said he
is having a hard time living up to "Moody's Mood for Love" hit it right
on the money. Wow me like that again, Elliot!
Kellie Pickler - "Walkin' After Midnight"
The first time I have ever enjoyed a Pickler performance - go Kellie!
I liked her better because she did a good job singing, her face is no
longer orange, and she didn't get much chance to talk. How come when
she was singing it sounded like she was trying to pronouce the word
"search" with a French accent?
Ace Young - "In the Still of the Night"
Ace seems like a nice fellow, but there's *nothing* I like about him as
a performer, right down to the weird way his mouth twists when he
sings.
WRAPUP
Top 3: Taylor, Mandisa, Elliot
Bottom 3: Lisa, Bucky, Ace
Who should go: Ace
Who will go: Lisa
X-Factor
>This thread is offered as a convienient place for participants of this
>newsgroup to post their recaps, observations, and opinions of tonight's
>"American Idol" broadcast.
>
>Finals: Week 2 Performances, broadcast on 3/21/2006
>
>PRELIMINARIES
>
Ryan makes the introductory comments from the audience facing
backwards and there are a couple of kids there who look like
they've never seen a reporter strolling slowly among the
teeming masses who all pass this impediment with a disgusted
look on their collective face. The camera swings up and over
the audience in the TV studio which looks like a coliseum due
to the fish-eye cameras they use, but actually is only 14 rows
and about 300 people. Even Pray for the Soul of Betty could
pull in a crowd like that. But I'd love to be in that studio
one day. Last year. A young woman is holding a sign that says,
"Ace, Marry My Mom". Hmm.
Ryan informs us that when the bottom three were announced last week,
there was "commotion across the country". At this, Simon turns
around to gauge the audience reaction. The producers subtly
tell us not to put Ace or Lisa in the bottom this week by having
Ryan tell us that if we did not vote last week, we can make up
for it tonight. If we don't vote tonight, can we make up for it
next week? I wonder who they want us to kick tonight?
Let's see....
>PERFORMANCES
>
The performers stroll across the stage. Chris puts to bed the
rumors that he only has two fingers on each hand and that his
face got stuck that way by grimacing too much as a child.
Taylor comes out with twin six-shooters and a coat that could've
been part of Wild Bill Hickock's Vegas wardrobe, except for his
Richard Dawson dandy shoes. Wait, those gun barrels are just his
fingers. One on each hand. Elliott had to high-tail it out of the
mensroom to cross the stage in time, and didn't have quite enough time
to put his shirt back on. Kellie walks out and looks for the camera.
When she finds the one all lit up, she bares her teeth. Ace comes out
and, instead of waving, makes the international hand sign for yapping
too much, Bo-style.
The judges are introduced and Paula takes Ryan literally when he tell
everyone to put their hands together for them. The audience boos for
Simon, and Randy and Ryan respond with a thumbs down. In response to
a Ryan question, Randy would seem to imply that 50s melodies are
harder to sing than the melodies of other decades. But we all know
he might say the same thing if we were doing 60s or 70s or any other
decade, because "tonight's the night, dawg, come on". Paula refers to
Barry Manilow as a "masterful man" (how would she know?) Simon, who
already has been booed once tonight, and who obviously hasn't read the
script, rolls his eyes when Ryan brings up his interview this week
where he announces who the top 3 finalists will be by name, and
"promises" that Mandisa won't be up there. When asked how that
makes the others feel, Simon says, "not very good" and those few
non-caring words just put another tennis court on one of his many
vacation homes.
>Mandisa - "I Don't Hurt Anymore"
After a well-crafted puff piece on the Manilow mantle, Mandisa
is up first. Barry actually has some very concrete direction
to give to the performers. But Mandisa shows that she has
thought out her performance as well, and stands her ground
with what she wants to do. Both ways probably could have
worked equally as well.
The song didn't seem to require movement; her face animated
the performance. She looked and acted classy.
Randy is hoarse tonight. Somehow, this robs his judging of
authority and what he says is easily forgotten.
Everything went right for Mandisa. She was actually embarassed
by the rich compliments heaped upon her, which made her look
even better.
8 fanilows out of 10.
In my own unscientific callin survey, Mandisa was hard to get
through to, with 77% busy signals (the higher, presumably the better).
(+- about 75% margin or error, probably)
>Bucky Covington - "Oh Boy"
This song is a great choice for Bucky. His voice is very
plausible for this song. The only trouble with these
themes with a guest singer coaching like Stevie or Barry is
that they have to give too much away in the promo so that it can
detract from the actual stage performance, or cause expectations
which may not be realized.
The opening drum beats start with Bucky off stage so that he
almost has to run to get to center stage in time. This is
risky because it could have thrown off his start, but Bucky
doesn't miss the beat. The lower notes are lacking in presence.
The ending goes a little bit country. Bucky has an earnestness
and ease when he performs that is appealing. Mic flip at the
end to the beat.
Why does Simon keep pulling out this "if this were the first time
we've seen you" thing? He knows it's not. Simon says, "so what",
"karaoke". Ryan is getting increasingly combative with Simon.
It's getting a bit overboard. If they destroy Simon's authority
and credibility, the show won't work. And Simon has a five year
contract to go. I remember the first season where Simon seemed
to be the head judge. They're turning him into a joke.
Anyway, looks like Bucky may be the puntee.
The song worked pretty well. 7 fanilows. 33% busy signals for me.
>Paris Bennett - "Fever"
Started a little nervous, but confident. When she sings high,
it sounds like Fantasia. She put her own spin punctuation
on the song, and I think it was definitely one of her best
performances. Long-standing O' from the audience, which included
Constantine and his friend Ryan Cabrera, who, apparently is famous
for something in his own right, and was fighting back a yawn.
Randy - "out the box", "dope"
Though still "favored", I think Paris' parents had a little talk
with her because she toned down her attitude and antics this week.
She was actually well-spoken at the end with Ryan, who used the
right word "poised" to describe her tonight.
8 fanilows. 67% busy signals.
>Chris Daughtry - "Walk the Line"
Ryan's 7-year old assistant, Sammy, is adorable.
I liked the three-stage buildup of the song.
I'm not a Chris fan, BUT! This? This, dude? was the performance of
the night. To take a well-known song, arrange it to fit your own
style, and have it actually work is impressive.
Shoutout to Constantine who went from "what? leave me outta this"
to "I'm on and I can look into the camera without moving my head"
sideways glance to "the Tina Louise / whatever" to
"the Darryl Hall / why not?" all in 7 seconds. "Telegenic" is the
word. When you're hot, even your eyewear is hot. And his appearance
there was a big mean shoutout that will send ripples all the way to
the Klingon empire. Meanwhile, Ryan Cabrera was enduring another one
of what was probably a series of "Constantine Constantine
Constantine!" moments this evening, but finally smiled when he was
also acknowledged. Connie picked some glittery lint off his buddy's
coat, like he used to do for Taylor's jewfro before a performance.
Chris has run the gamut of finger-flashing tonight. First, the
full five-finger, wave, then a 2-finger salute before he sang,
ultimately giving in to a classic rawkhands "right-on" to
Constantine, then the four-finger whip because his number was x04
tonight.
9 fanilows. 67% busy signals.
>Katharine McPhee - "Come Rain, Come Shine"
This week it's Katherine who is cheapened with the Coca-Cola
ads on the screen behind her. Next year, it will play on the
big screen during the singing.
Barry wanted a 2nd hug from Katherine and who could blame him?
Simon is chewing his nicorette during Kat's performance.
Her dress is perfect for the kind of subtle theatrical movement
she did on stage. Her face is her best visible feature.
These things create a whole new level above just her voice,
which, itself, is trained and expressive. Very good job,
but I still feel like she's holding back something.
Kat's face looks like her Mom's, who was in the audience.
Simon says "tonight you turned into a star", "seasoned",
"special", "loved it".
8 fanilows. 33% busy signals.
>Taylor Hicks - "Not Fade Away"
Another big Taylor entrance, interrupting
Barry with "Mandy". What's Barry supposed to say?
"I haven't heard that one before"? I might have
expected that kind of stunt with Paris. Much of the
promo dealt with the ending of the song. Taylor
praised Barry's ending in the promo, but lost it
in the performance. I think Taylor just got scared
that a rattlesnake might jump out of the saxophone.
Anyone could have seen that this song does not showcase
vocals. Taylor ventures out to the catwalk not because
he is triumphant, and probably not because it was planned,
but because he is flailing and needs something to break up
the monotony. He's trying to be infectious, but it's not
catching. That Taylor couldn't see this coming with this
song does not bode well. His worst performance to date.
If he gradually dyes his hair, will his silver suit get
blacker? I guess we'll just have to keep voting him back
on for weeks because it may take that long to notice the
gradual darkening, if any. Aiyup.
Paula: "number one record or top 10".
Uh, no. I don't think it even charted in the top 40.
Simon (exhibiting his cigarette lighter, cause the gum
isn't working) says "a complete mess", "a hideous party
performance". Paula says Simon can't handle guys who
dance. Constantine (Nights on Broadway), Bo running
around the stage (Freebird, Remedy), Anthony (dancy songs
he did). She may be onto something there. It offends
his British reserve.
Final exchange:
Taylor: "That's what it's all about. Whoo!"
Simon : "What did he say? What did he say?"
Loopy.
6 fanilows. 100% busy signals (8/8).
>Lisa Tucker - "Why Do Fools Fall in Love"
Lisa is wearing some kind of 50s retro outfit
that she saw on Grease, which accentuates her
childlike hips. Somehow, the song choice matches,
showing a parody understanding of the decade.
And she gets the Coca-Cola adback.
Ryan: "What do you do to make sure you're not going
to be in the bottom three again this week."
Lisa: "I don't know what else to do."
This is not good.
Again, Barry's suggestion with the opening is not
followed. I don't like the "lo-ove": too mechanical.
For the last several weeks, she seems to go off-mic
or something. I think she's just too young. In a
year or two, she'll get what she's lacking now.
Randy: "aiight"
Simon is still smarting from the dancing thing and
won't let go.
5 fanilows. 67% busy signals.
>Kevin Covais - "When I Fall In Love"
Barry did Kevin a big favor by suggesting that he
sing the song more softly. It made a world of difference.
This may be the first "real" performance that Kevin has
given. Simon is actually looking at Kevin sitting on the
steps instead of watching his monitor, as he so often does.
A flat note. The ending wasn't what one might have wished
for. But, the sincerity of Kevin's performance worked,
and that's the most important thing.
The boy can snap to a different direction faster than Bruce Lee.
Jasmine Trias is the in audience. Flower is on the other
side of her head, which, I think, means something.
Simon and Kevin make a little nice tonight.
Ryan with the squinting and the wrinkles and the
Chicken Little. Valley barf.
7 fanilows. 17% busy signals (uh-oh, Kevin's in trouble)
>Elliott Yamin - "Teach Me Tonight"
Elliott looks like he just staggered out of a bar after work
the way he's dressed, and gets the Coca-Cola Classic.
Ryan makes another "old" joke and the AARP just broke a hip
rushing (a slow rush, true) to the TV set.
In trying to make his point about how he came to appreciate
Barry's "awesomeness" as a songwriter, Elliott stumbles
on his timing (not helped by Ryan's outstuck foot) and it
almost comes off bad. Awkward, but we see what he means.
I didn't know this song. If it is not well-known, this
can hurt Elliott. Like last week, not really special.
Last week had the big note at the end. This time, not.
He could have used a bit of reverb. Are they sabotaging
him? Gonna have to check that.
Lindsey Cardinale is in the audience tonight and looks the
same as last year.
Randy gives Elliott his "Vonzell" comments about song difficulty.
That's his 2nd highest praise.
Simon is mocking Paula during her "goosebumps" comments
and it's funny, especially because Paula doesn't care.
Constantine hasn't left yet, even though the camera's already
been on him twice before. This is the third time,
and why not? He's a star.
Simon is *still* harping on the singing versus dancing thing.
"Since this is a singing competition, allow me to judge on the
singing." Isn't Simon on record saying that AI is *not* just a
singing competition? Maybe he just wanted to barb Paula and
preempt Randy all in one shot. "It was fantastic.
Congratulations." Hmm, the 2nd week, Elliott sounded fantastic
through the TV, this week not. Some strange TV transmittal
gremlin going on here. Nigel yawns. Lots of yawning going
on in the audience tonight.
Instead of doing the "call-me" sign, or holding up and waving
fingers, Elliott points down to his call-in banner that he
knows will appear on TV sets at home. That's different and
unique, Paula.
Elliott has mutant pre-molars.
7 fanilows. 31% busy signals.
>Kellie Pickler - "Walkin' After Midnight"
The whole promo with Barry was about understanding what the
song is about and communicating that. Kellie completely
failed at that. "Lyrics say 'walking', so I should walk around."
"When I say 'you', I'll point at the camera." Can it get any
triter? Yes! Shoot a wink at Simon as you pass, that always
works. And it does! Simon is such a pushover. So is Randy.
Go up to the judges' table, Randy always comes through for you.
Kellie ends the song squatting to the floor (worked for Fantasia,
didn't it?) Desthpicable. "Really??" Really.
Microphone jiggling. Oh, if only it cut out completely.
Simon says "ballsy".
Ryan pitches a softball, but Kellie is unprepared.
"Anything new this week?"
"Uhm, I already said 'mink' and 'sal-mon' again. And 'pickle'. Uhm,
'eyelashes?'"
"You are the new Miss America!"
"Really??"
"No!"
"Look at the pickle."
"I know, I saw that. You pointed it out just 15 seconds ago. We have
to go now, so I can have a grownup conversation with Sammy."
6 fanilows. 83% busy signals.
>Ace Young - "In the Still of the Night"
Next up, Ace, who has his hand over his heart, but with only
two fingers out in some secret cult sign.
Ace is going to make the song "urbanize jazzy", as opposed to
"ruralized jazzy". The gesturin is rivaled only by Scott Savol's
never-to-be-forgotten "Sugar Pie Honey Bunch" in its overtity and
in-your-faceity. The half-lip thing is either an exagerated Elvis or
J. Jonah Jameson affectation, or nerve damage suffered as a child. The
pants tucked only in front is a trick learned from watching Anthony
Federov videos. And he's still rubbing his belly and making like a
butterfly with outstretched arms. The front-stretched hand is still
trembling.
The vocal is pretty good, but affected, with exhalations, and
urbanized neo-pronunciations. Something about his voice make it
seem sharp when it really may not be. He ends with the trademarked
(by someone else) falsetto butterfly wings, wraparound camera pimp
(but he hasn't learned how to lock on and reel in), and the
malingering twinkle stare. He's so urgently earnest. There's
something good in there, but it's been in the fridge a little too
long. I wouldn't trust it.
7 fanilows. 67% busy signals.
>WRAPUP
Who is safe? Mandisa, Chris, Taylor, Kellie, and probably Ace.
Who could be bottom three? Any of the others.
DialIdol has Elliott going home. If so, it's for choosing a
little-known song, and not mastering the stage.
Kevin could be in trouble, too. Katherine may be weaker this week
than one would suppose.
I would choose Lisa to be eliminated.
Jamie
"Louie" <lo...@zotmeal.com> wrote in message
news:38a2221hag7ic3bdu...@4ax.com...
> On Tue, 21 Mar 2006 20:47:13 -0600, Itoshi <ito...@no.spam.com> wrote:
>
>>Katharine McPhee - "Come Rain, Come Shine"
>
> She looks fatter every time I see her
It's the clothes they're putting her in. It seems to me that each week the
outfit is less flattering than the last.
Jamie
> This thread is offered as a convienient place for participants of this
> newsgroup to post their recaps, observations, and opinions of tonight's
> "American Idol" broadcast.
>
> Finals: Week 2 Performances, broadcast on 3/21/2006
>
> PRELIMINARIES
>
> the performance was outstanding. This dress was much more flattering than
> anything else they've put her in although I wasn't crazy about the split
> sleeves.
>
> Bucky Covington - "Oh Boy" -- zzzzzzzz, totally boring
>
> Paris Bennett - "Fever" -- Perfect outfit for the era. I thought she was
> good, but not in the same ballpark with Mandisa tonight. It got better at
> the end.
>
> Chris Daughtry - "Walk the Line" -- This was just weird for me.
>
> Katharine McPhee - "Come Rain, Come Shine" -- Another strange,
> unflattering dress for her. I thought she did a really good job on a
> difficult song that I love, but it didn't blow me away. I guess I'm just
> not seeing much emotion from her.
>
> Taylor Hicks - "Not Fade Away"-- Although this song is from my era, I
> don't know it. Taylor is one of my favorites, and this was just not good
> for him vocally (not too sure any Buddy Holly songs are challenging enough
> vocally for any of them for that matter), but it was a GREAT performance.
>
> Lisa Tucker - "Why Do Fools Fall in Love" -- Underwhelmed. She has a
> really nice voice IMO, but it seems like maybe she's more suited to
> musical theater.
>
> Kevin Covais - "When I Fall In Love" -- One of his best, IMO, but it'll be
> a travesty if he isn't out within the next two weeks
>
> Elliott Yamin - "Teach Me Tonight" -- Very, very hard song and one I've
> always loved. I thought this was the best of the guys so far. I love his
> voice. Too bad he doesn't have the whole package. I'd definitely buy his
> CD.
>
> Kellie Pickler - "Walkin' After Midnight" -- I just don't like her voice
> that much Had I not known some of the lyrics, I'd have had a hard time
> making them out, e.g.: "searchin' for you" sounded to me like "soy-chin
> fachu." It just bothers me. She's cute as a button, though.
>
> Ace Young - "In the Still of the Night" -- I discovered this morning that
> I didn't write anything down at all, so I obviously wasn't impressed or
> offended.
>
Voted for Mandisa & Elliott.
Have given up on guessing who'll be out next.
star...@yahoo.com
-- SIMON, STOP LYING TO US, YOU SLIMY BLOKE!!
and
-- PAULA, STOP WITH THE DAMN HISTRIONICS!!
Simon, if you really think Kellie and Taylor are two of the three best
performers in this thing, you are full of shit.
Mandisa - "I Don't Hurt Anymore"
Trying to add that 50's flair to her repretoire. Second best of the
night, by a distance -- didn't seem like, if she heard, that Simon's
shit affected her at all. Might've gotten her mad and had her do
better. Simon saying it's a "good stripper song"... (That could be
said about four of girls' choices...)
Bucky Covington - "Oh Boy"
"Oh Boy" is right... PU might be more accurate. Too smooth during the
start, not a good vocal, and something was just completely missing from
all that. He's bottom three this week, and probably out if they're
tossing a guy to even it back up.
Paris Bennett - "Fever"
Interesting look, song was blah. I don't know how they are pimping her
to go anywhere in this thing -- I heard a better rendition during an
audition-phase performance (a cappella) a couple years ago. It was an
"eh?" performance...
Chris Daughtry - "Walk the Line"
This is probably why they're still not pimping Chris as the American
Idol. Sounded far too "thin" at the start when it seemed like he was
trying to sound like Johnny Cash. He definitely tried to "alt-rock"
the song, and should be praised for that attempt, but that was not good
for the favorite.
Katharine McPhee - "Come Rain, Come Shine"
Best of the night. Only Mandisa can really compare. The sultry sound
she put out last night was really what I think a lot of people were
looking for in her -- made it sound easy. Might Simon have a
complication in his final three?
Taylor Hicks - "Not Fade Away"
He is what he is, Simon: A hideous party performance that makes you
remindant of your drunk uncle who you just hope doesn't grope your wife
after four beers, jumping up, and doing that. It was a Taylor Hicks
performance, and for Simon to slam Taylor's performance after naming
him one of the best three in this series means he's a liar.
Lisa Tucker - "Why Do Fools Fall in Love"
Looked like she had fun -- tried to look younger. Not good. Another
week in the bottom three and probably might have to pray to escape
again.
Kevin Covais - "When I Fall In Love"
Kevin, Kevin, Kevin...
Another week without the worst performance of the week -- I think Barry
Manilow sold him a bill of goods by asking less from him at the start.
His voice is weak enough, Barry... But he's growing into that stage
and surprising people. Scarily unsteady, but holding together.
Another week for the VFTW candidate!!
Elliott Yamin - "Teach Me Tonight"
Better look than last week. Had some pitches, but did seem to end
well. Sounds like the judges are trying to solidify his position later
on in the series, tho.
Kellie Pickler - "Walkin' After Midnight"
Anyone who thinks Kellie is here for more than her body and what Simon
might get out of her for a contract needs to look at not only this
performance but how lost she looked afterward. OMFG!! You almost
expect her to get a headset and do a strip show, a la Britney, with
some of that move-set. It's what you expect from her, in good and bad
ways.
Ace Young - "In the Still of the Night"
Too soft in the open -- seemed unsure. He just seemed wrong for a
jazzier interpretation of this. I hope Ace is gone after tonight, but
Simon's called shot seems to indicate otherwise.
Bottom three: Lisa, Bucky, and they'll probably put Kevin in just to
try to get people to hope.
Out: Bucky (60%), Lisa (40%)
Mike
Penelope Baker
news:kJ5Uf.2324$hC2....@fe05.lga...
Itoshi doesn't seem to get fun. :-(
Like all the boys here dig McPhee, and to me she's like Stepford. But I
love watching them have fun. :-)
--
Peace,
Pen
fmomoon
I'm really late on this. But here it is...
I'm not that much of a fan of Manilow, as a singer. But as a musician and
an arranger...wow! He was concrete and specific with his advice. A lot
more constructive than Paula, Simon or Randy, for that matter.
> Mandisa - "I Don't Hurt Anymore"
Loved it. Loved her.
Grade: A
> Bucky Covington - "Oh Boy"
Hated him.
Grade: D
>
> Paris Bennett - "Fever"
Very good. My favorite from her, so far.
Grade: B+
>
> Chris Daughtry - "Walk the Line"
Excellent. Loved the minor key take. He looked the part and handled the
stage well.
Grade: A
>
> Katharine McPhee - "Come Rain, Come Shine"
Good, loose rendition. More presence and good vocals.
Grade: B+
>
> Taylor Hicks - "Not Fade Away"
Bad. Well, okay, actually, but this isn't going to win him any fans.
Grade: C
>
> Lisa Tucker - "Why Do Fools Fall in Love"
Bad. Boring and bad.
Grade: C-
>
> Kevin Covais - "When I Fall In Love"
See Lisa.....
Grade: C-
>
> Elliott Yamin - "Teach Me Tonight"
Pretty good, actually. He had some nice work going on and seemed to handle.
He also listened well to Manilow's advice.
Grade: B
>
> Kellie Pickler - "Walkin' After Midnight"
Not bad. She's done a lot worse.
Grade: B
>
> Ace Young - "In the Still of the Night"
Eh.....Nothing I haven't heard before. I'm afraid that, for me, the Ace
train has left the station.
Grade: C+
>
> WRAPUP
(yes, I've seen the results, but you'll see where my results are different)
Best to worst
1. Mandisa
2. Chris
3. Paris
4. Katherine
5. Elliott
6. Kellie
7. Ace
8. Taylor
9. Lisa
10. Kevin
11. Bucky
Who should go: Kevin
Who will go: Bucky
--
Moni (fmomoon)
kemc
> newsgroup to post their recaps, observations, and opinions of tonight's
> "American Idol" broadcast.
>
> Finals: Week 2 Performances, broadcast on 3/21/2006
>
> PRELIMINARIES
>
>
> Mandisa - "I Don't Hurt Anymore"
I thought she looked gorgeous and very comfortable on-stage.
I agree with the posters who have commented that she seemed
to be shouting at times. I'd love to see her tackle a ballad.
> Bucky Covington - "Oh Boy"
My Bucky-love continues - I find him so sincere, albeit not the
best singer by any stretch. Very poor song choice - too
repetitious - the mike work was interesting, though.
> Paris Bennett - "Fever"
I think I'm biased against Paris and have lost all
objectivity.
> Chris Daughtry - "Walk the Line"
Definitely growing into a one-trick pony as far as I'm
concerned - my two teenaged daughters and my
teenaged niece thought he was absolutely wonderful.
During Canadian Idol they vote - I don't - so, I think he's
a shoo-in.
> Katharine McPhee - "Come Rain, Come Shine"
I thought her comments about her wardrobe were as
disingenuous as Kellie Pickler's comments have been.
The vocal was technically wonderful, I don't see the
emotion yet.
> Taylor Hicks - "Not Fade Away"
My personal fave, but I'm getting a bit bored - I'd like
to see more technical content.
> Lisa Tucker - "Why Do Fools Fall in Love"
meh
> Kevin Covais - "When I Fall In Love"
My pick for the Bragging Rights - thanks for the
points Kevin.
> Elliott Yamin - "Teach Me Tonight"
Definitely improving in the looks department, again,
I can admire his technical abilities but he never
seems connected emotionally.
> Kellie Pickler - "Walkin' After Midnight"
karaoke
> Ace Young - "In the Still of the Night"
I am totally at a loss to understand any of the positive
comments with respect to this performance.
Edna.