Re Katharine, misterrob, thank you. The business of the judges apologizing to her is one reason I DVR the show and watch only the recordings. From this thread, I learn what happens, then I can skip over what I don't want to see. I deliberately did not watch the judges' apology. Not only don't they owe the contestants an apology for their opinions expressed immediately after a live performace, but I think when they do that it's very unfair to the other contestants. No, not very unfair, extremely unfair and prejudicial.
If Katharine now goes on to win this contest, as far as I'm concerned her win will be tainted by the shameless plugging of her on this week's result night. We've talked on the thread about how Simon doesn't want Taylor to win because he doesn't know how to market someone like Taylor. Really, the only two contestants left who are marketable in the world of Simon Fuller, Simon Cowell and Nigel Lythgoe are Chris and Katharine. Watch for them to pimp those two as much as they can without being too obvious the next few weeks.
Only five left, and I still don't have a personal favorite. Being a female, Katharine's charms are lost on me, so I pay attention to her voice and performance skills. Zero appeal for me there. Chris has shown a warmer side to his personality in recent weeks, so I'm more receptive to him than earlier on. But I honestly believe he's nothing special musically. I keep waiting for Taylor to step it up, but so far he hasn't, and that's disappointing. Paris is not developed enough to win this thing. Elliott is the only one of the contestants who has been stepping it up every week.
What I noticed immediately was that the accent was way toned down. Still there, and probably real, but not at the extreme "hickiness" (to coin a word?) Kellie used on the show.
Also we got to see the razor quick mind in that blonde head. She's no dummy. Kellie had been very sweet, not so talkative, and charming during the interview. Dorothy asked her if she was mad about being voted off, and Kellie said no, that she was excited for the opportunities to come, etc. When the interview was concluding, Steve jokingly told Kellie to "stay mad," really meaning the reverse, that she was cute, sweet, charming, and he likes her. Kellie didn't hear him at first, so he repeated it, and like lightening she caught what his underlying message was. So she played along and said, "I am mad," then laughed. The Kellie we saw on the show would have played confused and said something loopy when Edwards told her to "stay mad."
BTW, one of the hosts asked Kellie if she was going to have some calamari now that she's off the show, and Kellie said never again.
Steve Edwards also told Kellie her life path has now changed for the better, and he wondered what she wanted to do. She said she still wants to do something in music, but she also said she'd like to try acting. If she can act, I think that's where her future may be, because I suspect she's going to get offers.
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.
Please remember that the apology came AFTER the votes were cast, not that the harsh remarks had much influence for the votes cast Tuesday night, but they might in the future.
I think Katherine has an exquisite voice, but she does not know how to use it. She consistently tries to hit the big notes that she should never ever go for. I like Paris voice, but she is just not ready yet (I do think Paris will be a Superstar in 5 yrs or so). I really liked Chris initially, but to me he is the same as Taylor, neither one of them has really gotten any better than they were initially.
Truth be told, Elliot fits the mold of past champions better than anyone else in the top 5. Every year the eventual winner has been the person who has grown the most throughout the competition, while the acknowledged front runner has not. Season 2 - Clay was anointed early, but Rueben just got better each week. Last Year - it looked like Bo would run away, but as the competition wore on it was Carrie who blossomed and grew.
This year Chris, Taylor, Kat and Paris have been head and shoulders above everyone else since the beginning -- but they are exactly the same as they were the first week. None of the 4 has changed any. Meanwhile Elliot gets better and more comfortable each week. He has benefitted the most from the guest star and coaches.