Originally Posted By Labuda Excellent post, Lisa. I agree wholeheartedly *except* for the fact that I honestly did completely dig Lee's cover of "Beautiful Day" whereas I just flat-out did not enjoy Crystal's final song. Lee just seemed timid the way he's always seemed to me. I still want to see the boy without a shirt on, BUT it's Crystal I want to listen to and Crystal whose music I will likely consistently buy. She's just AMAZING.
Originally Posted By amazedncal2 >>>Lee got the Ford Focus and Crystal got well any other kinda car.<<< Lisann, you crack me up!! You are so right in your analogies. Simon was on the Ellen Show yesterday (before the airing of Idol) and he said that he thought Lee would win. I thought that was pretty unfair. Just skewing the votes like they've been doing all season. Last night I think Crystal handed it right back to him. I thought the "good luck" speech by Crystal, while well intended came off really awkward.
Originally Posted By Labuda Yeah, Crystal came across as a total suckup with that speech. But, it also seemed like just one more little advantage for Crystal as the contestant who went last. Also, am I the only one who noticed that when they started showing the #s at the end of the show that Lee wasn't even onstage?
Originally Posted By Lisann22 I liked Beautiful Day too. Crystal just completely dominated. Yes, I think Lee appeared nervous, overwhelmed and timid but dang. He peaked last week, Crystal this week. I believe they are both going to do very well. I too, will buy Crystal's album probably without hearing it first. Lee's I'll listen too before deciding - that's kind of how I grade them. But dang if Idol didn't seem extremely obvious in how they set this up this year. But in the end again, I just wanna hear some good music.
Originally Posted By SFH Is it possible the judges/producers have been trying to make this a real contest at the finale instead of a foregone conclusion? Definitely. It is a TELEVISION SHOW. Just think of the Bachelor/Bachelorette series (or especially less fancy matchmaking series). Why is there such a bad track record for the couples lasting? Because it is a TELEVISION SHOW first and foremost. The people making the show don't really go out and find 25 people they think are compatible with and desirable to the star. Most of those people are aspiring actors/performers/models, and the ones cast are the ones who the producers think will make the season interesting to watch. And since most of them are seeking fame themselves, on the Bachelor, it is clear that the goal for most is NOT to get picked in the finale, but to ALMOST make it, garnering enough fans on the production team and in the audience so that THEY are the star next season. Now, it is different with American Idol because the companies involved want to sell as much music (and tour tickets) as possible. They want as many of their performers to end up having a fan base as possible, so AI will never portray the top 10/12 as jerks or villains, unless one of them sues. "I'm watching right now and I'm bored to death. I don't know, maybe it's just me, but this just ain't working for me." Most shows, no matter how good or how we enjoyed them at one time, get old... even if the quality doesn't slip. It is definitely time to shake things up at American Idol - starting with the panel of judges.
Originally Posted By Dabob2 <It didn't even seem fair. Lee's songs sucked and Crystal's were form fitted.> Lisann, I loved the analogies, but remember that Lee and Crystal got to pick 2 of their 3 songs last night themselves (first song and third song). The only one that was picked FOR Lee ("Everybody Hurts") was the one that probably suited him best, though he needed to imbue it with much more oomph to make it work, and he didn't inject any oomph, really, until the last song. Crystal was terrific last night. I think she should have chosen "People Get Ready" over "Bobby McGee," because that was her best previous performance ("Long as I Can See The Light" was close), but no matter. She was killer on the last two songs especially - I was not familiar with the third one either but I loved it. She can take her voice from gutsy/throaty to sweet and clear in nothing flat. She's genuine, she's earthy, she positively inhabits the blues, and of course she's wonderfully talented. Love her. Having said that, I think the vote will be close. I like Lee, and a lot of people do, and the judges have been pimping him and winning fans for him assiduously for the past month - which is undoubtedly why Simon said he thought he would win. A lot of people won't base their votes on last night alone, but on the whole season. That's perfectly valid, though I'd still give the season as a whole to Crystal as well, easily. She never had worse than an "only good" night, whereas Lee had a downright bad one not too long ago with "Kiss From a Rose." And her high points were higher than Lee's as well, IMO. But Lee is good, and comes across as very "guy next door" and will get lots of votes. Even though Crystal blew Lee away last night, it wouldn't shock me if Lee won tonight. I hope Crystal does, obviously.
Originally Posted By Lisann22 Ah, I didn't hear that last night. I thought Idol provided them with the last song of the night. Not that they had a choice. Tending to a sick mama so I wasn't paying close attention. Thanks for the clarification. That's a bit perplexing as Lee has done a great job of finding himself the right songs week after week. Either way, I think the right two were in the finals. ;>
Originally Posted By vbdad55 for the first time I can remember ( ever likely) the two I thought should be in the finals from the 20 atually ended up there.. I give a slight nod to Lee but couuld live with either decision. Crystal - a slightly less talented Joss Stone Lee needs to get past shyness
Originally Posted By Lisann22 Nooooooooooo! In my humble opinion she's way better than Joss Stone. No there is someone I had high expectations for and she's turned into a one trick pony. I see American Idol brings us all back to LP. Good to see you vbdad55 and Inspector too.
Originally Posted By danyoung >Anyhow, am I correct in thinking this is the first year the final song/potential single for the two finalists is different?< I think you're correct about that, and I couldn't be happier! The song that they've always made both finalists sing has always been a syrupy mushy feel good song with lots of strings and happy thoughts and just made me wanna ralph! This year they sang the song that will be their first single if they win, which I think is a terrific way to do it. And I also think Crystal kicked some major bootie. I've always been a big Lee fan, but Crystal smoked him on the finale. And to Rsey, Crystal looked just flat out beautiful on that last song, teeth, hair and all!!!
Originally Posted By vbdad55 great to hear from you too Lisann... I really like Joss a lot -- the issue to me is her best stuff not always heard - watch this and let me know what you think. Her and Jeff Beck have done a few numbers together - I wish they'd do an album of material but I agree she is best at blues - and should stick to it more <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7ECdYboOVA" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...CdYboOVA</a>
Originally Posted By Lisann22 I've seen that vbdad55, that is my disappointment, I wish she'd have stuck to blues and heavy R&B. She tried to go very mainstream and for me it has fallen flat. I watched her career very closely when she first hit the scene and Betty Wright was producing her.
Originally Posted By Lisann22 Was it me or were the guest professionals mostly AWFUL? Whew. I know I know don't say nothing yet.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 the 'show' was great with Alice Cooper- but he sounded awful-- now I saw him not long ago and he sounded really good- so I wonder how the sound was mixed on stage -- same with Janet Jackson, they had her mic way too quiet-- and I hope the Gibbs still sound better than that-- which is why I wonder about the sound
Originally Posted By quincytoo The professional guests were awful...... I shed a tear but it didn't go as I had hoped....that said, they both should do well......I think the runner up will have a longer career then the winner.
Originally Posted By Inspector 57 UGH!!! Tonight's episode was SO wrong!!! I am totally, TOTALLY upset by this show!... Why didn't John Oates get ONE SINGLE face shot?!?!
Originally Posted By trekkeruss I didn't really watch the show, because every time I looked, it looked bad.
