Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Oh man, what a bummer ending. But I loved some of those Beatles numbers. I can't wait the see the rest tomorrow night.
Originally Posted By Lisann22 I am love love loving American Idol this year. Everything is better; the judges, the talent, the changes in Hollywood week!
Originally Posted By Jim in Merced CA ^^^We are too, Lisann22. The whole show is much more positive in it's approach. I thought I was going to miss Simon. On the contrary. I've really taken a liking to Jennifer Lopez -- she seems genuinely touched by these contestants. That makes me like her. And Steven Tyler is a really cool dude. I love how he really gives the contestants his attention when they sing. Like he's trying to 'take them in.' Very funny. It's a good season. Even Seacrest doesn't bug me. Perhaps Simon Cowell was a bad seed, and caused people to hat more.
Originally Posted By Kar2oonMan I've been watching more and more this season. They've greatly toned down the auditions set up to ridicule people with ... issues. I hated that stuff, it was cruel much of the time. I really like these three judges together. They seem to care about the performers and genuinely hate to send some home. And the talent level as others have said is way up as well. There also seems to be much more of a variety of voices and singing styles -- not everyone is doing the Star Search wring-every-note-out-of-every-lyric thing.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Yep, sadly the British music industry largely sucks right now, and Cowell is the main protagonist. the judges on Idol now embrace the diversity. This is why I far prefer AI to X Factor (Simon's show in the UK, coming to America later this year). No doubt, Idol will allow a folk singer, rock singer, hip hop rapper, and country singer into the competition. X Factor will all be Bieber alikes.
Originally Posted By Lisann22 I have taken a real like to Steven Tyler, maybe not quite as much as most here but for me the stand out is Lopez. I think she will have a long career beyond just performing. To me she has shown a real eye for talent. She gives very constructive feedback in a positive way. She was a good mentor several seasons ago and it's showing in her ability to judge. Of course this is just the beginning, it's going to be fun to watch how it all unfolds each week.
Originally Posted By gadzuux I like J-Lo, but I'd like to see her tone down the hollywood glam. The past two nights she sat there looking like Veronica Lake - it's distracting and seems to rob her of some credibility. The fellow who sits next to me at work is related to Stefano Langone - the guy with all the scars after "something" tragic happened to him - they never did say what it was. Anyway, my work mate doesn't particularly like Stefano - it's his cousin's husband - and doesn't follow Idol. But he's annoyed today to find out that Stefano's in the top 24. I don't think he's got enough to win, but I'm hoping Stefano hangs around for awhile. I'd agree with the earlier posters that it's a kindler gentler Idol this year - so far - and it's a strong crop of contenders. And I haven't missed Simon and his caustic comments once. I enjoy both Steven and Jennifer, but would prefer if she didn't always look like she just stepped out of a Vogue cover shoot.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Man, I just watched the final cut, blew me away. What a real diverse group, and all my favs made it in!
Originally Posted By Labuda I think it'[s the boys'/men's title to lose this year. For me, the only girl who has the chops to win is Lauren Elena. In the male category, I could see Paul, Casey, Robbie, or Brett taking home the prize. Oh, and is it just me, or does one of the dudes kind of remind you of the cowardly lion? Dark skinned guy who has the amazing range and facial expressions who was wearing a blue shirt for the final judgment... Is it just me?
Originally Posted By gadzuux You mean the "spa concierge"? I've got some ideas about what that reeeally means ...
Originally Posted By Labuda Yes, and LOL about your ideas; I think I know where you're going. Oh, and I'm actively rooting against that jerk with the funky glasses. I'll be really happy if he doesn't make it past Tuesday.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Agreed Ann. But I think this one has to go to the guys. Lots of great choices. Most of the girls are largely forgettable.
Originally Posted By alphabetmom I do not have a favorite among the girls and the dude with big glasses does got to go,I also do not care for the voice instructed guy, very conceited person.
Originally Posted By Labuda Yeah, I'm with you, abcmom - that guy has talent but he's too conceited. And, am I correct in thinking that we ere told the top 12 won't necessarily be half & half? i.e., we may end up with 8 guys and 4 girls or whatever? If that's the case, I really think I'd only put Lauren Elena and that Julie Z. chick through from the girls for sure, and maybe throw one more in for good luck, but I'd totally stack the deck with the dudes.
Originally Posted By Dabob2 <I think it'[s the boys'/men's title to lose this year.> I was going to say this before, but I thought maybe I didn't pay enough attention to the girls, or they weren't presented as compellingly, or something... but they just aren't as distinctive as the guys this year (at least yet). They all sort of blended together for me. What's the name of the country guy with the Josh Turner/Randy Travis baritone? I don't care how far he gets in the competition; Nashville will go crazy for him.
Originally Posted By Labuda Not sure, but, yeah, I think he'll have an easy time getting a recording contract in Nashville.
Originally Posted By danyoung >Oh, and I'm actively rooting against that jerk with the funky glasses. I'll be really happy if he doesn't make it past Tuesday.< Agreed. And I also don't like the tall black dude, the music teacher. Way too much arrogance for my tastes. But again I totally flipped for Casey and his vocal and bass on the Jessica Rabbitt song Do Right. I'd really love to hear the entire song, just him and his bass. Very original, very very talented. Which means that he might last about halfway through the competition.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Lol Dan, you are right though, that was awesome. I love him and would love for him to win. Or the other bearded guy. Or the red headed Pauly Shore alike. Or the guy with Aspergers and tourets. Oh it is so good.
Originally Posted By Labuda Yeah, Casey and Paul are my two favorite4s so far of the guys, and heck, truth be told, the first time we saw Lauren perform at the auditions, I said to give that girl a recording contract NOW. I think she's the one to beat, and for me, either Casey or Paul could do it.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo I wonder how X Factor will do when it gets to the states. It is a real mixed bag.
