American Idol 2006--Live Thread (Part II)

FOX ^ | 3-25-06

[silent_jonny]

still for Tammy

[RMDupree]

Tuesdays at 8pm EST are the performances. Wednesday night at 8:30pm EST is the results show (elimination).

Sometimes they stretch Wednesdays into an hour though, but it'll be a half hour most times.

Be sure to join us in here, Nita!

[Nita Nupress]

Thanks! I keep catching the tail end of the shows, but it's not enough to keep track of who is who. Except I did catch that guy "Ace." I saw enough to be unimpressed, particularly with his attitude. Can't put my finger on it, but I just didn't like him.

Surely the other ones are better than him. Maybe next week.

[Nita Nupress]

Oh, and has Paula fallen out of her chair yet? That's what I REALLY want to see.

[RMDupree]

It's getting close! She gets drunker as the season goes on.

[conservativebabe]

Same to you jonny!!!

[SirLinksalot]

GET A LOAD OF THIS SITE :

http://my.opera.com/Truth%20%20Is/blog/show.dml/219586


In view of the fact that there are seven competitors left, I started to review who was left.

Chris Daughtry- In my opinion Chris will not win Idol Title, just because he will not step up his game or song nor will he take any risks. We have from the beginning gotten the same performances from Chris a lot of noise and very limited talent in my opinion. Chris can sing, but as many fans acknowledge there is nothing special about his talent and his performances. Chris provedthat when American Idol had the Queen theme. Rock is Chris's thing, the very music that he refuses to compromise, according the judges he stays true to himself! The Queen Theme night, was Chris’s night to shine and he blew it according to Simon Cowell and many others! In my opinion it was not so much that he blew it, it just told me that Chris is limited in his talent and singing ability. Queen Theme night should have transferred Chris to a contender for Idol Title; it did the opposite, it left people thinking, “What was that all about”? moreover, scratching their head. The fact is that the viewers expected more from Chris and did not get it.

Ace Young- Ace has great talent, but for some reason he holds himself back and he to limits himself to a certain type of music. A pet peeve of mine is when any competitor takes a certain category of music and tries to entwine it in a new category. Frankly, there is no way that anyone can take a Queen Classic hit and turn it into a pop song! It just doesn’t’ work. This did not work for Ace anymore then it worked when Chris took a Stevie Wonder song and tried to rock it out! Simply Ace may have the looks, and the talent, but he is not top vocal over others in the competition.

Kellie Pickler- this little lass is fast becoming very annoying to many Americans. (The net is not the only source to get the consensus of American Idol voters). I think at the beginning people felt sorry for Kellie (which is what she wanted). One minute she is asking us to feel empathy and sorry for her. The next moment she is asking us to see how cute she is and isn’t she just adorable, the next moment she is acting like a gal that has been around the block more then we originally thought. Vocally her talent is minimal. Seriously if you mention Kellie many respond with “Oh her” or “that thing”. There is no question that Kellie is an attractive girl, however “beauty is only skin deep”. Carrie Underwood is a beautiful young women.However, Carrie was humble and graceful, Kellie is not and that makes a big difference in the eyes of the voters.

Katherine McPhee- Katherine in my opinion has the ability to cause an upset of who will win Idol title. Katherine can blow, however she stumbles here and there! Obviously, Katherine is beautiful looking women this coupled with her powerful singing pipes can cause an upset on who will win. What Katherine needs to do is continue taking risks, but going with her natural talent in singing and not try to mimic the original artist. Then she will make it her own based on her natural vocals! Katherine is also humble. She can take America by storm if she sets out to do it!

Paris Bennett- There is no question, no doubt, that Paris
has a powerful voice and talent as well as she is an attractive young lady! Paris can blow people away. However, Paris has not always chosen the right song that is suitable for her. I often think that Paris experiments with different song choices and there not always the correct choice. Paris has the star quality and can also cause an upset on who will win idol title. Her performances coupled with her chameleon character of always looking different and unique, could very well land her idol title.

Elliott Yemin- Elliott has grown on many people; he sort of snuck in the backdoor and has become popular with many people. The popularity is due to the fact we all have witnessed Elliott growing and improving as each week goes by. Elliott has a very rick, powerful, convincing vocal. Even though he has been in the bottom three twice, he has in my opinion been almost perfect in his song selection and vocals. He has made some errors here and there but nothing to send him home at this point. I think that Elliott will be in the final three and he can also cause an upset in who wins idol title.

Taylor Hicks- I saved the best for last. In my opinion Taylor Hicks has from the beginning, been the best talent, in terms of singing and performances. Here is the big difference in the Taylor’s performances and why he is above the rest. When Taylor sings, he has a soothing, rich voice. Most importantly when Taylor sings he is convincing. For example, if he should sing “A change is going to come” he convinces people that a change will come. I like to refer to Taylor as the Soul Man; there is soul in every fibre and cell of his body. Simon can try and insult Taylor all he wants. The fact is I think Taylor will win this competition! If you mention Taylor Hicks, more people then not, will all say “I love to see this guy perform”. Many people look forward to hearing him perform. While others may like other competitors, the biggest consensus is that Taylor should win this competition. He is not afraid to take risks and he is not afraid to change back to what the fans love about him best in his peformances.

My favourites are Taylor, Elliott, Paris and Katherine! However, from the beginning of this season, I have enjoyed Taylor’s performances the most. At this point in the competition, I have to say that my full support is going with Taylor Hicks! He has the vocals, he is powerful, he is entertaining, and he is an excellent performer. He gets you involved, Taylor has people dancing, smiling, clapping their hands and stomping their feet. Taylor Hicks is my absolute favourite to win Idol title! He has been the most consistent in his performances.

[SirLinksalot]

Remember Lindsay Cardinale ? The good looking smokey voiced singer from Louisiana last season ?

Latest from her...

---

http://www.beaversonidol.com/articles/lindseycardinalelivingthedream.html

Living the Dream: Lindsey Cardinale Releases CD

Two old high school classmates tried to ruin Lindsey Cardinale's homecoming with harsh signs.

But it didn't stop the 12th place finisher of last season's American Idol from putting on a show for her hometown fans at the Louisiana Strawberry Festival this past weekend.

"It bothers me that someone would do that," Lindsey, a spokeswoman for Bill Hood Automotive, told the crowd. "But if I can face Simon Cowell, I can deal with anything."

Hundreds of fans stood and cheered the 21-year-old Ponchatoula, La. resident, who won over the judges for her "smoky, sexy voice," as she rebutted the negative messages and belted out contemporary and classic country tunes. The scene proved to be much different from last year when a strict American Idol contract prevented her from singing and limited her to playing drums at the annual gathering.

Some children near the stage handed Lindsey beads, flowers and notes, while others gave the singer handshakes, high-fives and hugs.

Highlighting Lindsey's performance at the event were stirring renditions of Sara Evans' Cheatin', Sugarland's (Just Might) Make Me Believe and two Merle Haggard hits. She concluded the 45-minute set with her two original cuts, Nothin' Like a Dream and Drive. Lindsey recorded the two songs in Nashville on August 28 - the day Hurricane Katrina devastated south Louisiana and the Gulf coast.

"That was my escape from the storm," said Lindsey, as she encouraged fans to keep faith in Louisiana's recovery from one of the nation's largest natural disasters.

After the show, Lindsey signed autographs and took photographs with her many devoted fans.

The event also marked one of the first chances to buy Lindsey's self-titled maxi-single, which includes her two original tunes. While the actual CDs are only available at Lindsey's performances, the recording will soon be available through Lindsey's website. The tunes can also be heard on her My Space page.

The two songs are also spinning on the Idol Waves online radio station, which can be heard by clicking here. Nothin' Like a Dream entered the station's Top 12 at No. 11 this week.

This summer, Lindsey will be recording her first full-length CD in Nashville. Though she won't reveal what label she's working with, she did say a Grammy Award winner will produce the album.

Until the CD is released sometime in 2007, Lindsey's fans will have the two maxi-single songs to listen to. Here's a breakdown of each tune:


NOTHIN' LIKE A DREAM

Penned by Lonnie Ratliff, Lindsey's ballad tells the story of two Louisiana friends who once dreamed of becoming stars. One girl has gone on to become a celebrity singer and the other has gotten married and become a good wife, but both realize there are advantages and disadvantages with each role. While each wants to be like the other, neither is likely to change her lifestyle.

"Sometimes I can't help but envy you it seems/And knowing you the way I do/ I bet that's a two-way street/And the truth is neither one of us would ever trade their place."

The singer realizes it takes time, effort and some setbacks to eventually become a star. Though it can be depressing, the singer finds her life worth living when fans cheer for her.

"When the footlights from the stage blind your view/You can't always see their face, but you give your heart and soul on faith/And when they give it back to you/There's nothin' like a dream coming true."


DRIVE

In vast contrast to the seriousness of Nothin' Like a Dream, this fun, up-tempo tune co-penned by country music superstar Gretchen Wilson and Kim Tribble gives Lindsey a chance to show off her attitude. Highlighted by stretched notes in the verses, the tune tells the story of a woman who meets a man in a nightclub while playing pool.

The woman has gotten "tired of this barstool" and wants to go for a drive with the man, who has gotten fired from his job. Since both are having bad days, the woman believes fooling around could be an escape.

"Lighten up, make your move/I'm in the mood ... /For fast ride in a pickup truck/A case of beer in case we get stuck/Hank Jr. on the radio singing Country Boy Can Survive/On a dirt road across the county line/Outrunning the law and his blue lights/And baby if you're good/I'll let you drive."

For those who analyze lyrics and look for a deeper meaning than what's on the surface, the last lines in Drive suggest something more. That's up to you to decipher. Think about it.

[Hetty_Fauxvert]

Katherine is also humble.

Huh?? My dear Sir Linksalot, what are you smokin'?! LOL!

But I agree with many of your other comments, including your comments on Chris, alas. I think he has an interesting and pleasant voice, and I really like to see him perform, but his choice for his Queen song was problematic, to say the least. That really was his chance to "own" the competition, and he just plain blew it.

[Hetty_Fauxvert]

Oops, sorry, I thought you wrote that review since it wasn't clearly attributed to the site you referenced. My bad.

[SirLinksalot]

How would Simon judge these stars had they came before him as unknowns ?

USE YOUR IMAGINATION AND FEEL FREE TO ADD TO IT.

---

SIMON: Are you drunk?
ELVIS: Why, no sir.
SIMON: Well it was an utter mess. I know talent when I see it, and you DEFINITELY have NO talent. You shouldn't even BE in this competition! It was weird. It was ridiculous. I hated it.
ELVIS: Uh, yes sir. Thank you veruh much. (And a star is NOT born).

---

Simon judging Bob Dylan...

I didn't understand a single word you said. It was an utter and complete mess. You sounded like your mouth was wired shut and you were drunk while singing karaoke on a cruise ship in Japan.

---

Simon judging Prince:


Prince enters room wearing a purple velvet suit, ruffled shirt, shoes with four inch heels, hair curled and gelled and proceeds to sing, alternating husky with falsetto:

Simon: That was absolutely the most horrendous thing I have EVER heard. Nails on a chalkboard sound more appealing! And you look like a flamboyant hair dresser who has escaped from a Mike Meyers movie. NEXT!!!

---

Tina Turner comes in at sits at the piano.

SIMON: That is the WORST outfit I've ever seen on this show...it looks like you've borrowed your clothes from the hooker hanging around the corner outside the studio. And, I'm sorry, this competition is about the SINGING...why do you insist on hopping around all over the place. The next American Idol is about the complete package...and I think you should just go home.

(Another star is not born)

---

Freddie Mercury walks in shirtless with a cape wearing tight pants. plays a little piano, sings

Simon: That was atrocious. Look, Freddie, I know you can sing 5 octaves but THAT sounded like my neighbors cat when I backed out of my driveway this morning and ran the poor little puss over. Do you honestly think you can sell records with that? Look, I thought you were something unique but that was just pop-school. Really all you did was sing the same bar over and over. No one's going to buy that!

---

Simon judging Gene Simmons of KISS as they walk in in makeup and platforms

Simon: Well, if the makeup and horrendous shoes weren't bad enough, you had to go and screech like a dying dog.

Another star is NOT born...

---

Simon judges a contestent named Clay Aiken.

'I prefer you with my eyes closed.'

'Horrible.'

'You were ugly in the beginning...'

Three years, one triple platimum CD, Christmas CD which sold 1 million in six weeks, five successful tours, a TV special, best selling book later, he's one of the most beloved contestents ever to come from AI.

---

Simon judges Mick Jagger

Mick Jagger
Simon: I'm sorry, I just don't like your lips, they really bother me. You look like a starved junkyard dog and it really is hideous the way you jump about the stage.
And so another one bites the dust!!!!

[CajunConservative]

That's great! The sad thing is this is really true!

[CajunConservative]

HE NOW WANTS PARIS TO WIN !! IF SHE WINS, SHE'LL BE THE YOUNGEST WINNER EVER IN IDOL HISTORY.

I saw that. Simon has simply JUMPED THE SHARK! His pimping is so obvious it's not even funny.

* About Taylor Hicks's "stage theatrics", "It's ungainly, all over the place. It's funny...I'm not disputing the guy can sing, but it's all a bit stupid."

I think Paula was right in that Simon can't dance and is uncomfortable with any man that can. I also think he's really suffering from a Napoleon complex.

SIMON, This is America, we aren't uptight stiff upper lipped Brits. We love to dance to the music. If it's too stupid to you go back to the UK and create the popbots you love. WE ARE TIRED OF THE CRAP!!! You gave us Il Divo and the Spice Girls. They absolutely SUCK!

[Pure Country]

I don't see how Chris can even talk after singing (yelling) like he does. His vocal cords must be steel-belted. I think his sound is getting more and more annoying every week. I liked him at first, but enough is enough. He needs to expand his repetroire or go back to being a service manager. Most of the time I can't tell if he is on key or just bellering. Obviously I am not a rock fan........I'm sure it shows.

[FreedomForce]

Alice Cooper walks in.

SIMON: What's with the make-up and why are you holding a chicken? Sorry, no animal acts.

---

SIMON: Well, Tanya(Tucker), that song was entirely inappropriate for your age. And you sound like you have a bit of a cold. Better luck next year.

---

SIMON: Jimi, Jimi, Jimi. Not much of a voice and your playing just sounds like random noise. Perhaps you'd do better if you turned your guitar right side up.

---

SIMON: Just appalling. You actually consider that singing, Bill(Monroe)? Dogs for miles around have perked up their ears and are, I fear, heading this way.

---

[grania]

That is the funniest, most true bit of humor I've read about anything for AGES !!!

Truth is, just about anyone who achieves greatness has individuality and passion.

(ping me if you write any more commentary)

[Fawn]

LOL! Happy Easter to you too....ya BIG peep

[Wyatt's Torch]

Perhaps you'd do better if you turned your guitar right side up.

LMAO!!!!!!!

[Wyatt's Torch]

Solid post. Glad I could help out...:-) Taylor is an enigma to the entire AI machine. I get visions of the robot from lost in space waving his arms bellowing, "It does not compute! It does not compute!"

[Netizen]

This is so true! It should be sent to FOX, all three of the judges independantly, Seacrest, and Lithgow.

[StrictTime]

Happy Easter to you, too, S_J! And to everyone on the thread, as well.