Idol Chatter - The Top Nine

[Sir_Galahad]

I did not recognize any of the songs tonight save for the one done by Syesha so I am not going to offer any reviews on the songs. All I have to say is "Shut up, Paula!"

Ramielle will be leaving tomorrow.

[T_Bone0806]

Well, the last two weeks have seen the most entertaining contestants (in my mind, anyway) sent home, upping the "dull" quotient considerably. America loves its Vanilla.

Dolly Parton night wasn't quite the disaster i expected. No real complete train wrecks, not even Kristy Lee! Of course, the theme WAS in KL's wheelhouse...

1-Michael "It's All Wrong But It's All Right". THIS is the kind of style he should be singing more of. At his audition he nailed the soulful vibe, and he finally revisits the genre. His last two weeks have put him on the comeback trail. He made a dull song interesting. A

2-David A. "Smoky Mountain Memories". And David made an interesting song kinda dull. Technically flawless, but I found it lacking a bit in feeling. I must say, the lift to the high note near the end was brilliant. A

3-Jason "Travellin' Thru". Nice song choice. Fit him like a glove. Easygoing and pleasant on the ears. I enjoyed this performance. A-

4-Carly "Here You Come Again". Like David A., technically proficient but a bit robotic. I didn't care for the arrangement..it didn't improve on the original. She was lacking a little power in her upper range tonight. A-

5-Brooke "Jolene". Good song choice for her. I thought she did fine. B+

6-Kristy Lee "Coat of Many Colors". Well, this is her niche, and it resulted in her best non-"Amazing Grace" performance. Still, she remains a marginally-talented slab of blah. A couple of bum notes, but less than usual. She was competent tonight..I'll give her a break. B

7-Syesha "I Will Always Love You'. Alright, who didn't see THIS song choice coming from a mile away. I oughta dock her a grade just for being so predictable. I admit it, I detest the Whitney version. Make that DETEST. I will give Syesha credit for easing up on the histrionics for the "Whitney" part of the arrangement. it wasn't overly impressive, but at least it didn't make me want to jab hot pokers into my eardrums the way Whitney does when she sings it. Well, except maybe that sustained note Syesha hit. She held it nice and long..unfortunately, slightly offkey as well. Nice job on the "Dolly" part, though. B-

8-David C. "Little Sparrow". I was NOT impressed with the falsetto (or "false", as Randy put it and Paula blindly mimicked) as the judges were. I found it shrill and pitchy. Weak opening, weak ending, decent in the middle. B-

9-Ramiele "Do I Ever Cross Your Mind?". Started off good, nice and playful, then went downhill from there. The vocal run at the end was painful. She has about run her course. C+

Who should go: I still think Kristy Lee is the weakest of this group.

Who will go: But Ramielle is sinking to her level. It'll either be her or Syesha, who America does not seem to like even when she sings well (like last week).

Standings:

Carly 65 pts.
David A. 64 pts.
Jason and David C. 60 pts.
Michael 58 pts.
Syesha 57 pts.
Brooke 51 pts.
Ramielle 48 pts.
Kristy Lee 31 pts.

[KillerTomato]

I have little to add to what TBone said, with a couple of exceptions.

FULL DISCLOSURE: I abhor C&W. False emotion coupled with twang and facile lyrics equals boredom to me. There are a couple of exceptions, which I've mentioned before (Lyle Lovett has the twang but none of the false emotion and his lyrics are most definitely NOT facile, f'rinstance), but in general, I think Dolly Parton fits all three.

That said, I agree with most of TBone's assessment; it wasn't horrible. But I stand even more convinced that either the judges and public are so taken with David A's looks, or I have a tin ear (which is definitely possible). When he's not nasally, he's just plain whiny. There were maybe 4 notes in the whole song that I said "OK, that's at least on key..." And it really sounded like he was rushing ahead of the band the whole song. I maintain that in 5 years or so he might have a damn fine voice, but right now, I just don't get it, or him.

Carly, on the other hand, was so affected in her delivery, I had to look away from the screen...there's something to be said for enunciation, but she takes it to the extreme.

And while I was less than thrilled with David C.'s falsetto (my hatred for falsetto is well documented), I didn't hate his version of "Little Sparrow" (a song that is a perfect example of what I mean when I say "facile lyrics"). Not my favorite of the night (a tie between Michael(!) and Brooke), but not awful.

[Snaxx]

Tend to agree that Ramielle is on the chopping block. Had some hopes it would be KLC when I noticed there were no really bad performances, but no way does she get bumped off on Country week. Maybe next week. Jason finally stepped it up, off week for David C but still serious contender, liked Brooke again. My votes went Brooke (a bunch) and a few Michael, Carly, David C and finally Syesha (seeking Ramielle or KLC exit)






.

[PlacentiaSoccerMom]

That said, I agree with most of TBone's assessment; it wasn't horrible. But I stand even more convinced that either the judges and public are so taken with David A's looks, or I have a tin ear (which is definitely possible). When he's not nasally, he's just plain whiny. There were maybe 4 notes in the whole song that I said "OK, that's at least on key..." And it really sounded like he was rushing ahead of the band the whole song. I maintain that in 5 years or so he might have a damn fine voice, but right now, I just don't get it, or him.

I don't get the love of David A either. I have read that teenaged girls love him, but my girls can't stand him, they prefer Jason, Michael or David C.

[fantine33]

I have little to add to what TBone said, with a couple of exceptions.

FULL DISCLOSURE: I abhor C&W. False emotion coupled with twang and facile lyrics equals boredom to me. There are a couple of exceptions, which I've mentioned before (Lyle Lovett has the twang but none of the false emotion and his lyrics are most definitely NOT facile, f'rinstance), but in general, I think Dolly Parton fits all three.

Dude, don't be putting Dolly on blast. She's an OG. I love her!

[Sir_Galahad]

I have little to add to what TBone said, with a couple of exceptions.

That said, I agree with most of TBone's assessment; it wasn't horrible. But I stand even more convinced that either the judges and public are so taken with David A's looks, or I have a tin ear (which is definitely possible). When he's not nasally, he's just plain whiny. There were maybe 4 notes in the whole song that I said "OK, that's at least on key..." And it really sounded like he was rushing ahead of the band the whole song. I maintain that in 5 years or so he might have a damn fine voice, but right now, I just don't get it, or him.

I liken people's musical tastes to those of the tongue. I can't stand liver but Lady G likes it and I like peas but she can't stand them. The same is true for peoples' musical tastes and what they hear. When I listen to David A I hear a pureness in his voice that is not present, for me at least, with any other of the contestants. KT finds his voice nasal and whiny and I don't hear that. The same is probably true for a number of the other contestants. I have read that a number of you really like Jason's voice. I find it similar to Arlo Guthrie's or, better, Jim Croce's. Now, you may not hear that but I do. It just hits my ears differently.

And I may not be as pitch-perfect as some of you but I catch the off-notes on the songs I recognize. Even on the songs I don't recognize I can identify notes that shouldn't be there.

Even though I personally prefer David Cook's or Carly's style of music I would be very surprised if David A. did not win this year. I think he has everything a record company would be looking for including "moldability." Carly or David C. are already set in their styles and, although they would do well, they don't have that other factor, IMO. But, I could be wrong.

[peacock2121]

Well, the last two weeks have seen the most entertaining contestants (in my mind, anyway) sent home, upping the "dull" quotient considerably. America loves its Vanilla.

I like vanilla.


1-Michael "It's All Wrong But It's All Right". THIS is the kind of style he should be singing more of. At his audition he nailed the soulful vibe, and he finally revisits the genre. His last two weeks have put him on the comeback trail. He made a dull song interesting.

I loved the blues in his voice. I was not panting at the end of his song, nor did I daydream through it.

2-David A. "Smoky Mountain Memories". And David made an interesting song kinda dull. Technically flawless, but I found it lacking a bit in feeling. I must say, the lift to the high note near the end was brilliant.

I still hear him inhale throughout everything he sings. It makes me crazy. I also think he was emotionless during this performance.

3-Jason "Travellin' Thru". Nice song choice. Fit him like a glove. Easygoing and pleasant on the ears. I enjoyed this performance.

It was fine. just like he always is - milktoast and fine.

4-Carly "Here You Come Again". Like David A., technically proficient but a bit robotic. I didn't care for the arrangement..it didn't improve on the original. She was lacking a little power in her upper range tonight.

I did not love this version. I also think there is truth to what Simon said - she needs a better dresser if she is going to been seen as a star.

5-Brooke "Jolene". Good song choice for her. I thought she did fine.

I thought she wasn't home - like the porch light was on but no one was home - all of the previous performances, I got her - even if I didn't like it - I got her - this time, nope.

6-Kristy Lee "Coat of Many Colors". Well, this is her niche, and it resulted in her best non-"Amazing Grace" performance. Still, she remains a marginally-talented slab of blah. A couple of bum notes, but less than usual. She was competent tonight..I'll give her a break.

She should have stayed sitting the whole time - she got up and started doing that dance she does and lost the whole spirit of the song. She ain't no Carrie Underwood - heck..... she ain't even Kelly Pickler. And - I like Country.

7-Syesha "I Will Always Love You'. Alright, who didn't see THIS song choice coming from a mile away. I oughta dock her a grade just for being so predictable. I admit it, I detest the Whitney version. Make that DETEST. I will give Syesha credit for easing up on the histrionics for the "Whitney" part of the arrangement. it wasn't overly impressive, but at least it didn't make me want to jab hot pokers into my eardrums the way Whitney does when she sings it. Well, except maybe that sustained note Syesha hit. She held it nice and long..unfortunately, slightly offkey as well. Nice job on the "Dolly" part, though.

I loved it, loved it, loved it. Of course....what do I know?

8-David C. "Little Sparrow". I was NOT impressed with the falsetto (or "false", as Randy put it and Paula blindly mimicked) as the judges were. I found it shrill and pitchy. Weak opening, weak ending, decent in the middle.

I am glad he got his haircut. the end

9-Ramiele "Do I Ever Cross Your Mind?". Started off good, nice and playful, then went downhill from there. The vocal run at the end was painful. She has about run her course.

I had to tape the first 30 minutes of the show. I watched the last 30 minutes live and then watch the first 30 minutes on tape. All I have to say is.... I heard 15 seconds of this crap and fast forwarded the rest. I couldn't even get it up to daydream during her performance

I will be happy to see eithe Ramiele or Kristy Lee go.

I think it will be Ramiele.

[kusch]

Ramiele should be going home.

I am really kinda starting to like Brooke. I know she won't survive but one or two more weeks but she is growning on me.

I still do not get David C. At all. Yuck.

I read something that said David A's dad is one of the worst stage dads around. Wonder if we will hear or see more of that?

I thought Sayesha was pretty good last night. Still, you just can't sing a Whitney (and a couple of others) song and expect the judges to like it.

[minimetoo26]

It's come to the point where I make my judgments as to whether or not I like a contestant. I give them time before I decide I don't want them around, but I'll decide quickly when I really do like them.


1-Michael "It's All Wrong But It's All Right". Jude Law called--he wants his ascot back. This was the type of song he should have been singing all along. It would have been so deliciously trainwrecky for David A to sing this instead. All the value was in the performance.

2-David A. "Smoky Mountain Memories". Excellently pageanty. I hate the jacket over t-shirt look on him. The jacket swallows him up.

3-Jason "Travellin' Thru". Jason could die on stage (literally) and I would still call in the hopes it would bring him back the following week. He's just too much fun. A good song that suited him and his lack of vocal power. Didn't showcase the prettiness so much, but a good job.

4-Carly "Here You Come Again". Gah. What to do with her? The hair looked good, the eye makeup makes her eyes even beadier than they are, the shirt ended at the widest part of her body, which happened to be encased in flaming red pants (liar liar pants on fire!) Just bad visuals there. Good vocals on an even more boring rendition of a not-so-great song.

5-Brooke "Jolene". Decent song choice, but not well-executed. She has about a five-note range and the song has about seven notes. The hair was good. But when the judges talk? Shut. Up. They do not need your permission to criticize you! I'm starting to intensely dislike her, which is sad.

6-Kristy Lee "Coat of Many Colors". Man, this chick is either boring or bad. This time, it was boring. It's better to be memorably bad. But whatever pact she made with Satan keeps her around.

7-Syesha "I Will Always Love You'. She just ain't my thing. She sings well, but I would just never buy her records or see her concerts, so it's as if she doesn't exist. She looked the second-prettiest she's ever looked, but What. Ever.

8-David C. "Little Sparrow". Okay, the haircut looked crappy, but it was just so exponentially LESS crappy than the roadkill look he had been sporting, he looked good! Like Tom Petty--the guy looks better with age, but he'd have to live to be 183 before he'd be called good-looking. Fix the Chin Issues, and we'd have a winner! I could actually look at him, and he was pretty good. Way to exceed my expectations, boy!

9-Ramiele "Do I Ever Cross Your Mind?". Ramiele was cute and playful and her voice didn't go bye-bye, but she will. She exceeded my expectations by not making me fall asleep, which is not a good sign.


I think it's the end of the line for Ramiele. She should have captured the Jasmine Trias voting bloc, but she wasn't cute enough or something. And the Kristy Lee and Syesha fans know they have to vote since those two have been in the bottom more than once, and I can't remember Ramiele ever not being safe.

[astrnomr]

I'm another one with a general dislike for country music. I can name only two Dolly Parton songs off the top of my head -- "9 to 5" (which was a pop hit) and "Islands in the Stream" (which was a duet with Kenny Rogers). I didn't have high hopes for last night.

Brooke -- I wasn't wild about the song choice. I thought it was worse than her previous performances, almost like she's been going steadily downhill since "You're So Vain". I tuned out most of this performance.

David Cook -- Another week, another look. This time, a haircut and a goatee. Another rearrangement of a song, this time of his own doing, apparently. He also ditched the electric guitar for an acoustic guitar. Overall, I liked it, but not as much as "Hello" and "Billie Jean".

Ramiele -- Once again, her performance can be summed up in one word: BORING. Paula thought she connected with the audience. Connected what, a defibrillator? That's what they're all going to need if she stays another week.

Jason -- Yet another week of his goofy smile singing a goofy song. Country music doesn't suit him, although I still don't know what genre does suit him. He has yet to impress me.

Carly -- Solid, but still not spectacular. She's a powerful singer, but I don't think country songs suit her. Still, I think she'll easily survive to next week, but I keep waiting for her to do something that really blows me away. And doesn't she own a single blouse or dress with sleeves? We get it, Carly -- you have a big old tattoo on your right arm. Do you have to wave it in our faces every week?

David A -- Eh. He's good (but not thrilling) when he sings sad ballads, but he sucks when he has to sing anything else. When they get to singing twice or three times in a night, that's when he'll go down.

Kristy -- As Randy pointed out, this week's theme is right in her wheelhouse. However, I think she only got a single, not a home run. I thought she stumbled on the first few notes (or maybe that's just the way the song is). Also, I noticed that she likes to sing barefoot. I thought she might have done this in previous weeks, too.

Syesha -- Hey, it's a song I recognize... but that's not a good thing. American Idol Rule #1, right up there with "Never get involved in a land war in Asia", is "Never, ever sing a Whitney Houston song." (Or Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, or George Michael.) You won't compare favorably. I thought she did a very nice job, but the judges ripped her to shreds for singing the second half of the song like Whitney. FWIW, I like the flattened hair a LOT better than the frizzed-out afro.

Michael -- I didn't think country music would suit him, and I didn't quite understand the ascot. However, I thought it was a great performance. When they showed him doing "Bohemian Rhapsody" in the Hollywood rounds, I thought he would be a major contender this season. This might finally be the breakout performance he needed.

Bottom Three:
I found it very hard to pick just three from this lackluster week.
Brooke -- Led off and had a forgettable performance
Jason -- I'm still unimpressed. Every week is the same -- same goofy smile, same emotionless singing, same bland results.
Ramiele -- She's an emotionless parrot, capable or reproducing nice notes without understanding the meaning of any of them. Her time is running out.

The Boot:
Ramiele. She can't survive much longer with one boring, forgettable performance after another.

[PlacentiaSoccerMom]

David Cook had to go to the hospital after the show last night. He is under a lot of stress, because his brother has cancer and had a relapse and his blood pressure apparently was really high.

http://www.tmz.com/2008/04/02/idol-cont ... goes-home/

[peacock2121]

David Cook had to go to the hospital after the show last night. He is under a lot of stress, because his brother has cancer and had a relapse and his blood pressure apparently was really high.

http://www.tmz.com/2008/04/02/idol-cont ... goes-home/

The medics wanted him to leave before the show was over and he declined.

Hello!?!?

[PlacentiaSoccerMom]

David Cook had to go to the hospital after the show last night. He is under a lot of stress, because his brother has cancer and had a relapse and his blood pressure apparently was really high.

http://www.tmz.com/2008/04/02/idol-cont ... goes-home/

The medics wanted him to leave before the show was over and he declined.

Hello!?!?

If he didn't perform, he would automatically have to leave the show.

[peacock2121]

David Cook had to go to the hospital after the show last night. He is under a lot of stress, because his brother has cancer and had a relapse and his blood pressure apparently was really high.

http://www.tmz.com/2008/04/02/idol-cont ... goes-home/

The medics wanted him to leave before the show was over and he declined.

Hello!?!?

If he didn't perform, he would automatically have to leave the show.

Except that he had already performed.

[PlacentiaSoccerMom]

The medics wanted him to leave before the show was over and he declined.

Hello!?!?

If he didn't perform, he would automatically have to leave the show.

Except that he had already performed.

I'm very sorry, I misread what you wrote. I had read somewhere that they wanted him to leave before the show even started and he declined to do it. I mixed up what I thought you said and what I read someplace else.

[starfish1113]

My rankings from last night:

1. Michael - halfway through his song, I was already enthralled
2. David C. - I've drunk the Kool-Aid. I think I"m rooting for him to win it all.
3. David A. - Gotta give the boy props. I don't want him to win but he was spectacular. And, my 9-years olds love him!
4. Carly - My other favorite. Too slow paced but, as Tracey said last night, it makes the song much more interesting when a performer puts there own take on a song rather than just doing an imitation.
5. Brooke - I want to like Brooke more than I do. She just doesn't have the vocal range of the other performers.
6. Jason - He was okay last night, but he always seems like he's mailing it in to me.
7. Syesha - It was OK, but as somebody else said, it was poor compared to Whitney.
8. Kristy Lee - Imitation (fair)
9. Ramielle - Imitation (poor)

Ramielle has displaced Kristy Lee as my least favorite, although it is clear to me that these are the only two who absolutely positively cannot win this thing and should go as soon as possible.