I'm uncomfortable with a few things this year. One is that ALL of the "help" has been powerful male singers. It seems to me Kelli was following what they said, she's the personality type that needs approval, and it has not helped her sweet, vulnerable voice, suitable for sing-a-long tunes. As far as I'm concerned she was sandbagged.
I've looked at this year's top five, and paired them with last year. It almost looks set up for types.
Chris and Bo. Bo is the chug a few, sing a few with Skynward type. Chris is more Pearl Jam. I prefer Bo...know where he's at.
Eliot and Federov. Both have excellent voices, and have benefitted to the max from AI. Here....a tie, like what they both have accomplished. It's American Dream stuff.
Vonzelle and Paris. Vonzelle's a natural and beautiful, Paris can be anyone she wants to be, and I will definitely by her Jazz CD. Advantage...Vonzelle. Paris is getting ahead of herself.
Taylor and Scott. America loves unlikely success stories. Advantage Taylor, but love the fact that Scott also makes music fun. Advantage Taylor....but add Scottie to your band!!
Katherine and Carrie. Hmmmm....Katherine, an overtrained screecher that can't choose clothes she stays in or Carrie, a sweet, talented singer that conveys a story when she sings a song. Duhhhh.....Carrie by a few light years.
Summary.....this year isn't as good at this point. This year's singers have been overcommercialized, and it's hurting the spontaneity and fun. Tayor and Eliot are fun to watch, last year all five of the top ones were.
Even my guy, who didn't enjoy Kelli's music thought there was something odd about her losing and how poorly her singing has been critiqued the past two weeks, and the fact that she was given unhelpful advice.
Thanks, grania. Your's is most interesting as well. I love reading the wide variety of opinions on this thread. I've been especially touched by your motherly concern for Kellie, although I don't think you need to worry. If she can act even to the level of the typical TV show, I believe the girl has a bright future. Too bad Hollywood doesn't know how to make really good screwball comedies anymore, because Kellie would be perfect as a 2006 version of Carol Lombarde.
Re your comment, "Summary.....this year isn't as good at this point," you and I are in the minority on this, but I agree with you. The only one of the remaining contestants I really like on a human level (vs. merely judging their talent) is Elliott. Although I doubt he'll win, I hope he makes it to the top three at least.
This is a particularly interesting observation you made: "One is that ALL of the 'help' has been powerful male singers." I think you have something there, and I will think it through. At the very least, there would be more balance to the guest coaching if they had a couple of female artists do it.