American Idol 7 Thread

[Darth Llama]

Is Castro bullet proof? WTH? How does he escape being in the bottom 2?

I'm convinced now that he is indeed. Castro could not have done a worse job and not only is he safe, he's not even in the bottom 2? There just might be enough screaming teenie boppers to push him to a win. If this week didn't kill him off, I'm not sure he can be eliminated. Castro wasn't deserving of top 10, top 4 is absolutely crazy. I don't think Brooke deserved to win either, but she's a better singer then Castro, it's unreal to me that he's still there.

 

[ActingWild]

I'm convinced now that he is indeed. Castro could not have done a worse job and not only is he safe, he's not even in the bottom 2? There just might be enough screaming teenie boppers to push him to a win. If this week didn't kill him off, I'm not sure he can be eliminated. Castro wasn't deserving of top 10, top 4 is absolutely crazy. I don't think Brooke deserved to win either, but she's a better singer then Castro, it's unreal to me that he's still there.

This is the first year I've followed AI and I've been enjoying it...until Castro gets up there. Nothing against him personally, because he seems like a good guy but he's got nothing to his voice and oozes sappiness when he sings.It's like he whisper sings to be more intimate (aka sappy) and he invariably squeaks in every song.

My opinions...not that anyone asked, or that they even matter:

Castro- The only reason he's still here is as everyone else has been saying, Teenage girl votes. I'm just waiting for him to sing "Puppy Love" and jam the phone lines with hysterically girls crying on the phone. Ugh.

Archuletta - He actually CAN sing, but he has no stage presence. I think he's a great kid, and he definitely gets the teenage girl votes as well, but unlike Castro, he does deserve votes based on his voice. However, he sounds exactly the same each week. A little off topic, but I used to do a lot of acting, and I'd see some actors who would try to be more pleading/dramatic by reaching out with their hands, in what alway looked like to me, weighing an imaginary ball. Archuletta does this EVERY TIME he sings. In a couple of years, he might have the presence, because he's certainly got the singing talent, but he's not there yet and that little "ball weighing" move comes from not connecting with the song and feeling insecure about what he's doing physically.

Syesha- I actually like her a lot. Going into the competition she was my favorite. To pull off what she did with a sore throat was clutch. However, I think Simon and Randy have it right. She's made for Broadway. She has a great presence and a great voice. She'd have a solid recording career, I'm sure, but I can't say her singing has every made me go "Wow" I need to get her CD. That said, if she's got enough acting talent she can have a very successful career on the stage.

Cook- Like I said, this is the first year I've followed AI. However, I have heard an seen the past winners. Aiken didn't win, but I saw him host SNL and was really impressed with his voice. However, none of them, have ever wowed me enough to want to run out and buy their CD. Until Cook. The guy just screams "Rockstar". He comes up with some amazing arrangements and each time he's on the stage, it just feels like your at a concert. He's absolutely at home up there and it shows, and the guy can sing (and really rock). I'm not saying he'll win, but he's the only one that regardless of what happens, I'll be waiting to purchase his CD.

 

[Zeno]

I'm convinced now that he is indeed. Castro could not have done a worse job and not only is he safe, he's not even in the bottom 2? There just might be enough screaming teenie boppers to push him to a win. If this week didn't kill him off, I'm not sure he can be eliminated. Castro wasn't deserving of top 10, top 4 is absolutely crazy. I don't think Brooke deserved to win either, but she's a better singer then Castro, it's unreal to me that he's still there.

I wasn't a huge Carly fan but she was a better singer than both Castro and Brooke and she didn't last as long. But theres always been examples of that every season.

The teenage vote has a bigger impact than I realize, its been the case almost every year but it still doesn't explain how that hack Taylor Hicks won a couple of years back. How could that spaz have won over so many votes?

 

[Gaddabout]

Ruben was my favorite but he's had a flat-lined career. He has an amazing voice. Bottom line, everyday people are horrible judges of musical talent, because pop music penalizes people with good voices. Stylists have always ruled the day. Or at least since 1960 something. Give them the pick between Ruben and Clay Aiken and they'll pick the right one (I thought they did), but the one who has appeal beyond the talent (and Aiken inexplicably does) will have the better the career (albeit a mediocre one).

David Cook is the first contestant who I think fits the whole bill.

 

[Zeno]

Chris Daughtry was probably my favorite contestant and I thoroughly enjoy his music now and he didn't win or even get to the last show. I never understood that. The only American Idol song I've ever purchased off of ITunes was him singing "Wanted Dead Or Alive".

 

[Gaddabout]

Chris Daughtry was probably my favorite contestant and I thoroughly enjoy his music now and he didn't win or even get to the last show. I never understood that. The only American Idol song I've ever purchased off of ITunes was him singing "Wanted Dead Or Alive".

Daughtry sort of proves my point and why the show is conflicted. Daughtry had a voice with the most pop appeal, but he didn't have the best voice. Not in a technical sense, anyway.

Would anyone imagine Bono, Sting, or Madonna winning American Idol? Of course not, because their voices wouldn't be able to carry the diverse type of songs Idol demands of the contestants. Yet those are probably three of the five most distinguished singers in pop music the past 30 years. Every now and then you find a Steve Perry or Chris Cornell whose singing talent is immeasurable and can still cross over and do the rock/pop with mass credibility, but those talents are very, very, very rare.

 

[Zeno]

Daughtry sort of proves my point and why the show is conflicted. Daughtry had a voice with the most pop appeal, but he didn't have the best voice. Not in a technical sense, anyway.

Would anyone imagine Bono, Sting, or Madonna winning American Idol? Of course not, because their voices wouldn't be able to carry the diverse type of songs Idol demands of the contestants. Yet those are probably three of the five most distinguished singers in pop music the past 30 years. Every now and then you find a Steve Perry or Chris Cornell whose singing talent is immeasurable and can still cross over and do the rock/pop with mass credibility, but those talents are very, very, very rare.

I know what you are saying. They are asking a lot out of these kids. it would be nice that in their "theme" weeks, they just allowed contestants to signs songs from a time period rather than from a particular genre or artist. Mariah Carey, Neil Diamond & Andrew Lloyd Weber are just difficult...and often asking too much.

Let Syesha sing broadway if that is what she is comfortable with, let David Cook sing his type of rock songs, let Castro do his best stoner/surfer guitar song etc.

The show needs to be revamped. (and get rid of Paula)

 

[Russ Smith]

I know what you are saying. They are asking a lot out of these kids. it would be nice that in their "theme" weeks, they just allowed contestants to signs songs from a time period rather than from a particular genre or artist. Mariah Carey, Neil Diamond & Andrew Lloyd Weber are just difficult...and often asking too much.

Let Syesha sing broadway if that is what she is comfortable with, let David Cook sing his type of rock songs, let Castro do his best stoner/surfer guitar song etc.

The show needs to be revamped. (and get rid of Paula)

True but of course the show has sort of become a vehicle for aging performers to go on when they have an album coming out or something else so they get marketing exposure. That seems to be the point of the theme
weeks.

I'm just waiting for Brett Michaels week except he was on Don't Forget the Lyrics last night.

IF I were revamping it the #1 thing I'd do is decide once and for all is this a show for discovering amateur singers or not? If it is stop bringing in a bunch of people with agents and albums, if it's not, be upfront about that it's a show for not yet famous singers who may or may not be amateur and who may or may not have agents who have ties to Idol.

 

[Mathew81]

I know what you are saying. They are asking a lot out of these kids. it would be nice that in their "theme" weeks, they just allowed contestants to signs songs from a time period rather than from a particular genre or artist. Mariah Carey, Neil Diamond & Andrew Lloyd Weber are just difficult...and often asking too much.

Let Syesha sing broadway if that is what she is comfortable with, let David Cook sing his type of rock songs, let Castro do his best stoner/surfer guitar song etc.

The show needs to be revamped. (and get rid of Paula)

I know what you're saying but I like that they have to do different styles. Sure it hurts some of the individuals in the competition but if they all do the same thing every week (well, Archulleta already does) the overall show would get boring.

For me, part of the entertainment is seeing how contestants adjust to a difficult genre. And when they pull it off it's awesome.

 

[MigratingOsprey]

i've pretty much lost interest - although I catch a little by default

I think cook will be succesful, even if he bugs me - just like I can appreciate daughtry, even if I think he sounds too much like nickelback for my tastes

the show is pure entertainment and winning doesn't mean that you should have a good career (same thing with being a good technical singer)

music is about more than hitting notes - it's about making that connection, relating to an emotion, etc

that's why guys like archuletta fall flat and people say he lacks stage presense, etc

he really doesn't feel his songs - he tries to pretend he does, hits the right notes and goes through the motions

however, look at the themes for popular music and were does he fit in - he can't dance, he isn't believable talking about girls, parties, etc

he can't sell emotion mainly because I don't think he's really had that much life experience

they say his appeal is to teenage girls - but at what end - is he going on tour with chris brown? - do you see him rocking with the jonas brothers? - if some antichrist put together another boy band do you see him fitting a role?

do you see adults rushing out and buying his music

sell a brand and sell an emotion - you can have a very long and very profitable career doing this - i'm a huge buffett fan and he's made a career off of lyrics that some people can relate to and a little escapism

gad is right on when he lists some of the long lasting, transdesent musicians of our time - they aren't the best technical singers, but they convey well to the audience

i could see johns having a solid career as a bluesy singer - a 70s throwback and maybe a poor mans clapton (without the virtuoso talent) - he'd never be at the top of the charts, but he could live pretty well

look at carrie underwood - she knew who she was, has a good look, a good voice and reaches her fans - be it talk about seeking guidance from jesus or heartbreak about a cheating ex it's music her fanbase can relate to and she sells it convincingly

i really don't see that with most of the contestants

 

[Gaddabout]

i could see johns having a solid career as a bluesy singer - a 70s throwback and maybe a poor mans clapton (without the virtuoso talent) - he'd never be at the top of the charts, but he could live pretty well

/begin off-topic rant

OK, I like Clapton. A lot. A lot a lot. He's a very good blues guitarist in that he's one of the few white men to capture the essence of the old blues guitarists (as opposed sterile Berklee grad technique like John Mayer).

But Clapton is not a virtuoso. Pat Metheny is a virtuoso. Joe Pass was a virtuoso. Virtuoso is a BIG WORD meaning "master of all styles." By that, I mean they play all styles with great technique AND with great emotion/passion. Clapton is very persuasive and popular as a guitarist, but he simply does not stand up to the true virtuosos on the instrument.

That word gets thrown around too much and I hope to preserve it's true meaning, because for the rarest few (once a generation in the whole world type talent) it actually does apply.

/end off-topic rant

 

[MigratingOsprey]

i do put him in that category because of how effortless he plays and he has the talent to cover all ranges - he just wisely focuses in on what he does best

but i can see that we will just have to not agree on this point

if it's any consolation, clapton was one of the worst concerts I ever went to - mainly because it all sounded too clean

 

[Gaddabout]

i do put him in that category because of how effortless he plays and he has the talent to cover all ranges - he just wisely focuses in on what he does best

but i can see that we will just have to not agree on this point

if it's any consolation, clapton was one of the worst concerts I ever went to - mainly because it all sounded too clean

I want to apologize if it felt like I was taking issue with you. I'm not at all. That word is just a hot button issue for me. Ornette Coleman would never call Clapton to record an album, but pretty much everyone on the planet has tried to get Metheny in for a session. That's the difference IMO.

I should probably leave well enough alone. I have ... music issues. LOL

 

[MigratingOsprey]

I take no offense - i too have stong opinions - usually about weird things (not that his is a weird thing) - i think i've unintentionally offended others in the past (like when my wife asked me why i didn't like david cook and i told her he reminded me of a metro emo boy with downs ..... she somehow took offense) ............. i have nothing against your presentation though

on a side note, I was checking out of walmart the other night and noticed the phil stacey album up by the registers - blowing up he is!

 

[Bob Chebat]

I think Jason goes home this week. Cook is the most all around talented one in the final four. Best voice is Archuleta, with Syesha a close second. I think Jason has survived by being the Taylor Hicks of the group. Not getting the most votes, but not getting the least either. 3 to 1 guys in ratio, and Syesha is much prettier than Jason. LOL

 

[Gaddabout]

on a side note, I was checking out of walmart the other night and noticed the phil stacey album up by the registers - blowing up he is!

I half-suspected Stacey would have some success because he has a super-secret built-in audience that is probably not so likely to vote on American Idol. A little history:

Stacey graduated from Lee College in Cleveland, Tenn., which is the official worldwide home of the Church of God, a Southern Pentacostal outfit established in the late 1800s. My father grew up in that organization and was a pastor for the CoG from 1972 until 1985. My aunt was in the Lee Singers, same as Stacey, albeit in the 70s when they were known to back-up large programs such as Billy Graham; the Lee Singers are a very exclusive group that produce many musicians for the Nashville recording scene (producers, studio musicians, recording artists, you name it). In 1988 *I* was asked to attend Lee on scholarship for the Lee Singers through a high school talent seeking program (as a drummer ... I was much more interested in North Texas State).

The Lee Singers are HUGE in the South. Lots of church folk in the Bible Belt are probably suddenly aware of Stacey, his active membership as a worship leader in his church, and his big profile thanks to American Idol. WalMart is the perfect place for his CD. If you look at the list of musicians on his CD, many of them are the who's who of Contemporary Christian Music session musicians. They also just happen to be among Nashville's best musicians, in general.

FWIW, I thought Stacey has a really good voice but was probably a little over-the-top in his Americana/Christianity to ever be a star. That, his age, and his bald head held him back a great deal.

 

[MigratingOsprey]

interesting note - can also help explain the wal-mart distribution

 

[Bob Chebat]

Tonight's show was very disappointing. Making the top 4 do 2 very short songs as opposed to one full song or extending the show is stupid.

I hope Simon was right when he told Jason he should pack his bags. If you're in the final four, YOU DON'T FORGET THE LYRICS.

Syesha is showing confidence which adds up to HOTNESS! Her voice is KILLER!

I get the impression David Cook wants to lose so he is not tied to the AI contract.

Archuleta was quite impressive. Also a killer voice and the only one who stood out tonight.

See ya Jason! Bob Marley? What were you thinking? TIMMMAY!

 

[Zeno]

I've heard farts sound better than Jason Castro. The only way he is sticking around is because he has some teenage groupies...nobody is judging him by his talent, he should have been gone long ago.

Archuleta's version of Love Me Tender was awesome. Cook's version of Teenage Wasteland was very good too.

 

[Darth Llama]

Jason Castro is absolutely terrible. It will be a crime if he moves on to the next round.

 

[Russ Smith]

I don't get Archuleta, he has a great voice but he's boring as hell to watch?

Of the final 4 Syesha and Cook are the only ones who actually come off to me as someone who could actually spend an hour on stage at a concert and keep people interested. I think with Archuleta after about 3-4 songs you'd want to walk out because it's the same thing and boring.

but obviously Jason has to go he was awful and then forgetting the words was even worse. I don't like his attitude either he's like Keanu Reeves in Bill and Ted he doesn't seem to be taking it seriously at all but maybe he just realizes he's in over his head and is ready to go?

 

[Dr. Jones]

Has there ever been a more definitive vote off in Idol history???

Casto's has worn out his welcome for sure.

Based on popularity though, Syesha could still go.

 

[Louis]

Has there ever been a more definitive vote off in Idol history???

Casto's has worn out his welcome for sure.

Based on popularity though, Syesha could still go.

My wife hasn't' voted for several weeks now. She says she is so disinterested in the show that she could care less who wins.

After Syesha's 2nd performance and she went all Hillary on us, Steph picks up the phone and says she's voting for Syesha now.

 

[Linderbee]

Syesha is showing confidence which adds up to HOTNESS! Her voice is KILLER!

Holy jeezus, that woman is hot. Her performances were the only ones that impressed me.

If Castro doesn't go this week, I may stop watching. He was AWFUL. I almost felt sorry for him. Seems like a likable guy...but both his performances were just BAD.

 

[Darth Llama]

I agree on David A. Very good singer, but he's about as entertaining as watching paint dry. It's the same thing over and over again.

Up till recently, Cook was the only one I liked, but Syesha has put herself in it for me. She used to be boring herself, and she just struck me as "more of the same," but recently she's done a lot to develop her own style and I think that's why she's still around. Syesha has broken out big time, and I think she's probably in 2nd place right now behind David Cook. Castro is by far the worst top 4 in the history of American Idol. In all honesty, just going on pure talent, he doesn't even belong in the top 10.