A mark of a great teacher and a true master of their trade is someone who can inspire and train their students to reach a higher level than they, themselves do. Because of Manilow's wonderful work with the Idols, most of them would now knock him off the show as far is singing ability goes.
He reminded our generation and taught younger performers and listeners what it is to love music and to really touch someones soul with a song.
As far as the performances, Kelly was a hoot...the next Suzanne Somers, only with singing? Mandesa is great, Taylor reminds me of Eddie Money in concert (now there's a must-see show), and Paris is just adorable when she does dress-up like that.
I'd love to see Stevie Nicks in the judges seat, and working with them. She's really nice on stage, and a wonderful talent.
The difference is Suzanne was an act and had very good comedic timing. Kelly is just, well Kelly.
Pat Benatar
Blondie
Cher
Celine Dion
Grace Slick
Patty Smyth
Belinda Carlisle
Cindy Lauper
Olivia Newton John
Bette Midler
Dolly Parton
Dave Matthews
Marie Osmond
Donny Osmond
Stevie Nicks
...and in the total druggie/train-wreck category we have:
Courtney Love
Whitney Houston
Liza Minelli
Ozzy
Anna Nicole Smith
...and in the "No qualfications, but very entertaining category:"
Rush Limbaugh
Glenn Beck
Kathy Griffin
Jesse Jackson
James Carville
Bill Clinton
retrokitten, you were nominated, but I don't know in which category you wish to be included. Hopefully you're not a train wreck nominee!!!
Did I miss anyone? (Please ping me with suggestions so I don't have to search the thread. Thanks.)
He certainly knows how to "sell" a song, doesn't he.
I love the way he works with the Idol contestants, to show them that it's not enough for them to feel the song themselves -- they have to be able to project the message and make the audience feel it, too.
We had a design teacher in college, a real tough nut, who drove that point home, over and over.
STevie Nicks! She would be great. :)