American Idol 2006--Live Thread I

HOLDING a story on Brenna

Hmm, it wouldn't surprise me if she has a criminal record.

Too easy..I think others would have dug it up already..TSM would have it..

BTW...what's the format? do two of each sex get voted off this week..?

FYI...If you want on the ping list..just Freepmail silent_jonny...we have a lot of fun here..

SOURCE : http://www.foxesonidol.com/cgi-bin/ae.pl?mode=1&article=article1835.art&page=1

American Idol 5: Handicapping The Top 24

by Sting7 -- 02/21/2006

American Idol is ready to shift into gear now that the elusive Top 24 performers have been named. Some of them are looking like sure-shot winners, others will fade into oblivion. But, who? Sting7 has dusted off his crystal ball and will tell you who to watch for, and who will fall. To find out why the road may be rough for Ace and Becky (both at right), read on.

It’s no secret that the Hollywood rounds are my favorite episodes of American Idol. Sure, I chuckle along with the bad auditions, but after five or six audition cities, I’ve seen enough of that. I want to see the contenders.

This year, despite the focus on them daggum Brittenums, American Idol probably did its best job in delivering even-handed presentations of all the Top 24. We got at least a snippet of all of them performing. No LaToya Londons or Bo Bices who we scarcely saw until they were singing for our votes. Perhaps Melinda Lira’s stinging commentary on the lack of coverage for some and the wealth of coverage for others had an impact.

But this year, like every year it seems, the Top 24 looks extremely strong. Yet there are collapses – outright chokes – every year as well. Who will be who?

This year, maybe more than any other year, everyone seems to be deserving. Almost all (Brenna) seem to be nice, humble, people. Therefore, it will be HUGELY important that they continue to carry themselves as nice, humble people. As soon as someone gets a bit big for their britches, gets cocky, starts to appear smug, they will likely be toast. America doesn’t like that (Bode Miller), and probably won’t vote for it.

Case in point: Fantasia. Fantasia was always a plucky girl. She didn’t mind mixing it up with Simon, sometimes she even invited it. Then, suddenly, she found herself in the bottom three. Fantasia never had a performance that deserved a bottom three. She knew that too. But she started checking the message boards and learned that people thought she was arrogant. Cocky. She reassessed. She evaluated. She shut her mouth. She won American Idol.

Idols, if you hear me. Be careful. This season, I have a feeling every word is going to be evaluated. There will be camps like we’ve never seen. Claymates, Ruben-ites, Fantasiacs, etc. will be joined by many more.

The girls always seem to deliver, but sometimes become somehow indistinguishable. I call them the Denim Skirts. How many Denim Skirts singing prettily will you remember? Probably not many. They don’t stand out for any reason, not bad, not great, just… there. Any Denim Skirts this year? Let’s see:

Katharine McPhee – Pretty girl, pretty voice. At this point, she will probably be known as the knuckle cracker. Not exactly the rep you want. For Katharine, song choice will be key. She has a good range, as we’ve seen. Finding songs that emphasize that will be hugely important.

Mandisa – A classy young lady with a huge voice. She nailed Simon exactly as he should have been for his tacky fat jokes. I keep hearing Frenchie Davis comparisons, and I haven’t been swayed that far yet. But she definitely has a set of chops. Her challenge: avoid over-singing. Not every line needs runs. If Mandisa can settle in to the emotion of the songs she chooses, she can be devastating. She’s had a run of hard luck to draw on. Shouldn’t be a probably. Guaranteed Top 12. Could easily be top five.

Melissa McGhee – We haven’t seen much from Melissa, but what we’ve seen shows she’s quite capable. But she, more than any of the other girls, is in danger of being a Denim Skirt. She hasn’t been featured much, so it is very important that she find a way to stand out from the others. Maybe a unique song choice, take a few chances vocally, find some power note that she can just kill, very important for her. There is a long line of pretty brunettes in the Top 24, the risk of being a face in the crowd is high. I don’t like her chances.

Lisa Tucker – Lisa is an extremely accomplished teenager. But, as Simon seemed to notice, she’s also a bit fragile. Vocals are absolutely no problem for her. However, for all she’s done, Lisa seems to lack confidence. I would suggest Lisa cheat. Here’s what I mean: she’s been in maybe hundreds of talent shows, and probably won most of them. She should dig into her performing history, decide which songs she’s most at home with, and match them with the gazillion that Idol will offer her. No one says she has to sing songs for the first time in her life on the show. Go with what you know, Lisa. Let the Top 12 work itself out when you get there.

Brenna Gethers – There is the dim outlook, the grim outlook, and then there is “Shine On You Crazy Diamond” Brenna. Already distinguishing herself as the least likeable member of the Top 24, Brenna has a long road ahead of her. We may very well watch her slow destruction over the next three weeks (or less) as she sings her lungs out to no avail. That is, unless she is somehow able to undo what has been done. She could take a lesson from the Brittenums – they were the very embodiment of shame and contrition as they walked the stage to hear whether Derrell was going to be able to stay in the competition. Yes, Brenna is going to have to eat a lot of crow to get America to like her, let alone vote for her – no matter how well she sings.

Stephanie Scott – A mere slip of a girl, with surprising power. Stevie, lovely is she is, has already set herself up as something of an underdog. She’s an ingénue. It would not surprise me if she made the Top 12, as long as she remains identifiable. Let’s face it – she, Ayla Brown, and Rebecca O’Donohue all have that long brunette willowy look. If I saw pictures of all three, I don’t know if I could tell them apart. That is deadly. Stevie has to find a way to be unique, and from what I heard, she can outsing the other two easily. That is what she must do. She also seems to have a confidence issue. Stevie has got to believe, because if she doesn’t think she deserves to be there, neither will we.

Ayla Brown – Ayla has been portrayed as the girl who has everything. Senator’s daughter, basketball scholarship, and now American Idol to boot? She is nobody’s underdog. Ayla has plenty of talent, but that is what got her through the door. She has to be likeable, and I’m talking Kelly Clarkson likeable, or America may hold her good fortune against her. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not her fault she was born with a silver spoon in her mouth. America just doesn’t tend to be all that excited about rewarding the already privileged. She should downplay that. Big time. Don’t like her chances.

Becky O'Donohue – Rebecca is a gorgeous young woman. She’s downright sexy. While that will definitely get her the male vote, not sure how teenaged girls are going to feel about her. Rebecca is not girl, she is definitely a woman. In fact, I’m not even sure what she can do about it. The best she can do is sing from the very pits of her soul. Rebecca will get plenty of votes, but will she get enough? In a field full of likeable people, voters will latch on to something as a reason to vote for a contestant. Being hot is not usually a good reason for the female contestants. Carrie Underwood (much like Kellie Pickler, Heather Cox, Paris Bennett, and even Stevie Scott) had a girlish quality that is a bit more approachable. It was easy to like her, and the fact that she is beautiful is only a bonus. Rebecca, who seems like a nice enough person, doesn’t have exactly that kind of approachability, and may be wearing a Denim Skirt.

Heather Cox – Cute and vivacious as she is, her only distinguishing trait so far is that she is the blonde who isn’t Kellie Pickler. Heather definitely has it in her to establish her own personality, and she must do that. Must! There are a thousand ways to do that – smile more, with song choices, wear her hair differently, etc. if she can do that, Heather will do fine in this competition. A strong shot at Top 12.

Kellie Pickler – Definitely one to watch. She has the benefit of being pretty, strong pipes, and more importantly, she’s got a hard luck story that is downright Jerry Springer worthy. Besides that, I don’t think she has an ounce of guile in her petite body. A charismatic personality with singing skills, and Kellie could very well be the second American Idol by that name! I have no advice, she’s doing perfectly fine on her own. Keep it up.

Paris Bennett – Already the odds-on favorite to win the whole shooting match, Paris has looked a bit vulnerable in the Hollywood rounds. It’s probably the best thing that could have happened to her. When things come too easily for you (Ayla Brown), America does not feel compelled to vote for you. Paris has the air of someone who has already made it. She needed to be a bit more vulnerable. Her space in the Top 12 is assured. What happens after that is the question. My bet – easily top three.

Kinnik Sky – There was something about her voice that reminded me of Vonzell Solomon. That could be good, could be bad. If she emulates Vonzell too much, that won’t work at all. But, as much as Kinnik has changed her name, she seems determined to strike her own mark on the competition. Song choices will be the key, and she will have to take chances. Otherwise, Kinnik will be a Denim Skirt.

And then there are the boys. Historically, the haves and the have-nots are sniffed out very quickly among the males. This group of males is so diverse, its not going to be so easy to decide the haves and have-nots. And the men of American Idol are known for classic chokes (Patrick Lake, the Roman Brothers, David Brown, etc.). In that regard, I doubt this year will be different:

Bobby Bennett – We haven’t heard much from him, but he immediately has a likeability factor. I think Bobby is going to have to extend himself like he never has to make the Top 12. The male competition is stiff, and he’s going to have to be special. He’s had no coverage at all prior to the announcement of the Top 24 and being memorable is going to come down to his singing. He doesn’t have Ace’s beauty, Taylor’s oddball charm, Chris’ rock credibility, or Kevin’s underdog factor. Make it work, Bobby.

David Radford – This year’s resident crooner is really facing an uphill battle. I think the memory of John Stevens is still prevalent and the likelihood of America trusting another crooner is low. Besides that, David’s style comes about thisclose to being cheesy. America does not embrace cheese. David is like a miniature Vegas lounge lizard. Last time I checked, the kids aren’t flocking to buy albums from Johnny Monaco, live at the Morocco Lounge.

Ace Young – When you are as good-looking as Ace and I, things tend to come easy for you. Okay, as good-looking as he is. And, sadly, the pretty people come to expect that. Ace will be well-advised to avoid that. In fact, he’s going to have to work harder than everyone else. I could easily see Ace winning, but the road after the win would be very tough. He would be easily dismissed as a talentless pretty boy. But we’ve heard him sing, he’s much more than that. If Ace is willing to put in the work, be diverse, show “colors” as it were, he could go very, very far. If he’s content with singing Stevie Wonder ballads, his stay will be brief. That said, I am sure we can expect to see Ace in the Top 12.

Sway Penala – Sway has an incredible, effortless lilt to his voice. He lost points by not rehearsing his group number, but I don’t think it matters in the long run. Why? Two words: Jasmine Trias. The Philipino audience scored for Jasmine time after time after time. There is no reason why Sway wouldn’t get the same treatment. Hopefully, Sway will be able to show he has earned the devotion for more than his heritage. Lovely as Jasmine was, she definitely overstayed her welcome. Not too worried about Sway. Top 12 for sure.

Elliott Yamin – Like Robert Bennett, we didn’t see much of Elliott prior to the Top 24 announcement, but what we saw was gorgeous! Elliott is the kind of guy that guys will vote for. Girls too, depending on whether he can hit those romance buttons, which his voice is perfect for. If I were a stylist, I would insist on a better haircut (that cave-opening ‘do he had was bugging me like you wouldn’t believe), but that’s all I got for him. He has everything else he needs. Another sure Top 12 challenger.

Gedeon McKinney – He may be our male Brenna. I’m not sure how America felt about the “have to have it” speech. I know it turned Simon off. Gedeon has to tone down the “gift” stuff and be humble. He should take some lessons from George Huff who was gracious about every compliment and Kelly Clarkson who seemed surprised every time the judges liked what she did. Alas, like Brenna, I think the die has been cast. Farewell, Gedeon.

Chris Daughtry – Are you kidding me? Unique? Oh yes. Talented? For sure. He’s already got the nice guy vibe. You wonder what he’ll do next. I’m out of stuff to say, he’s not only Top 12, he’ll be Top 5.

Bucky Covington – This will be interesting. Bucky is definitely pushing the country stuff. It worked in an odd way for Josh Gracin in season two, and as big as country music is, it could work here. I definitely think that Carrie Underwood’s coziness to country music lifted her over Bo Bice. Country fans aren’t too cool to vote for American Idol, like rock fans think they are. Depending on what Bucky does, he could go a long, long way. He’s going to have to hit country-sexy though. Can he? We’ll see.

Patrick Hall – Vocally, he seems like a better-controlled Anthony Federov. Patrick may not be as pretty as Ace (and honestly, who is?), but he may have a better voice. He needs to use that as his motivation. Be better than Ace. It will push him to new heights, the kind of heights that could lead to success. He should definitely image himself in the introspective Adult Contemporary artist fashion. That may lead to clashing with Taylor Hicks a bit, but he needs to state his musical identity from the start. Song choices will also be important for him. I see him faltering.

Kevin Covais – Now that Garet the Little Cowboy is gone, Kevin has that underdog vibe all to himself. There are ways to exploit that, but it’s kind of evil. I think Kevin only needs to be himself. And sing better. I’ve never been all that impressed by him vocally. He always seems nervous. He MUST get a handle on that. If he can, he will make the Top 12. If not, he will go the way of Jesus Roman. Wherever that may be.

Taylor Hicks – He has experience. He has chops. He has charm. He is humble. He is identifiable. He just might win American Idol 5! No, I’m not crazy. I have a sense that Taylor is versatile enough to maneuver through the theme weeks (Disco week will be totally fascinating!), and make it all the way to top 3. In some ways, it’s his competition to lose. If he lets someone snatch it away (Paris, Kelly, Ace, Mandisa), it will be a shame. But I am as sure as I am sitting here that Taylor’s fortune has already been foretold, Idol or not.

Will Makar – Will has a real shot of gaining the teenaged vote, which cannot be discounted. He looks like one of them in every way. He sings like an angel which doesn’t hurt. Likeability will be a big key with him, because there are so many other guys who are more identifiable. We’ve seen he has a great sense of humor, and America loves a funny kid (as long as he’s not a smartnick). Use what you got, Will, and you will be okay. Somehow, I see him in the Top 12.

Of course, all of this is conjecture. One of my sure-shots could lay a great big egg and my crystal ball will be back in the shop. But I like the look of the Top 24 very much. It will be fascinating to see how it all works out.

I'm gonna go out on a limb and make my prediction for the first elimination on Thurs:

Girls- Kinnik Sky

Guys- Patrick Hall

Both decent, just not memorable enough.

My personal choices to leave:

Girls- Bu Bye Brenna, you obnoxious twit!

Guys- Bu Bye Gedeon, go look up humble in the dictionary!

(((American Idol Ping)))

Ladies Night!

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Was "snukie" zotted? He signed up yesterday.

Oh, boy, Jonny. Do I ever need this thread and show tonight.

WOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOO!

what's the format? do two of each sex get voted off this week..?

The way I understand it, there won't be any eliminations in the semi-finals.

Each week, the top 4 (two guys, two girls) are set aside for the Top 12. The remaining contestants will continue to perform until all slots in the Top 12 are filled.

This will avoid the devasting eliminations that Seacrest inflicted on some of the performers last year.

Hi, Wolfstar :) I took a peek at one of the threads, that was enough. It's the same bunch of idiots--they bore me anyway.

Ladies?

WOOOOHOOOO to you too :-D

Ruthy! Good to see ya :)

The girls aren't settled into bed yet, so I may vanish from time to time.

But I ~really~ wanna be here!

Good evening everyone!

I was just on this vanity thread in chat...too fuuny..

No talking about Ports!! PLEASE!!!!!!

AI has a nice new set for the semi-finals. Seacrest at the girls are up in a balcony, the stage below. And a slightly larger crowd.

Seacrest: "No more crying cowboys, no more Brittenum twins ..."

The audience boos :)