American Idol 2010!

[Sabine]

Anyone watching? What did you think of the girls? What do you think of Ellen as a judge?

I think Simon kinda jinxed it by saying it was the "girls'' year"...I liked a lot of the performances, but none were that "wow." The only one I thought was really bad was the girl who sang "I want to hold your hand."

As for Ellen, I think she was funny during Hollywood week, but last night it just became obvious that other than an enjoyment of music, she doesn''t really know anything about it or the industry, which should be qualifications for a judge of a singing competition. And the beginning part with the fake Simon flirtation was just stupid and pointless.

 

[cellentani]

Date: 2/24/2010 9:09:09 AM
Author:Sabine
Anyone watching? What did you think of the girls? What do you think of Ellen as a judge?

I think Simon kinda jinxed it by saying it was the ''girls'' year''...I liked a lot of the performances, but none were that ''wow.'' The only one I thought was really bad was the girl who sang ''I want to hold your hand.''

As for Ellen, I think she was funny during Hollywood week, but last night it just became obvious that other than an enjoyment of music, she doesn''t really know anything about it or the industry, which should be qualifications for a judge of a singing competition. And the beginning part with the fake Simon flirtation was just stupid and pointless.

I agree - I don''t know which was worse though, the singing or her outfit. DH thought it looked like a cheap nurse costume from the Halloween store. My favorite was Bowersox (harmonica girl), but I wish she hadn''t sung a tired Alanis Morissette song.

I was surprised to like Ellen, and while she may not be able to offer technical comments like the other 3 already provide, she''s witty and her comments aren''t self-indulgent. After so many years of a barely lucid Paula, I''ll take Ellen any day. I do know what you mean though - her comments to the contestants did start to sound the same after awhile.

 

[somethingshiny]

I thought they were all pretty bad. There were much better singers that were eliminated at the Hollywood level.

 

[junebug17]

I thought most of them did a decent job, but nobody really wowed me, and I was a little disappointed after hearing Simon go on about how strong the women are this year. I think they are capable of doing much better. Maybe it was nerves, or poor song choice, or a combination of the two. Or maybe my expectations are just too high! I think my favorite is the girl who sang the Chris Isaac song. And I agree that the girl who did I Want to Hold your Hand gave the weakest performance.

I like Ellen as a judge, although I thought it was good that she started offering more opinions towards the end.

 

[Lilac]

I didn't really like any of them. I think there were so many men and women in Hollywood week that were sent home that were much better than the people then ended up picking for the top 24. I'm hoping to be more excited about the guys tonight because the girls really didn't "wow" me at all.

ETA: I like Ellen. She's funny and I was so sick of Paula the last few years. I never expected Ellen to offer technical pointers or anything, but I like when she offers her opinion and I like the humor. We'll see how it goes from here, but so far I like her.

 

[Iowa Lizzy]

Well, I''m rooting for Katelyn (the curly blonde). Mainly b/c she''s from Iowa, but I do like her voice also. That Crystal Bowersox girl may be talented but she needs to do something about those teeth! Ugh, she''s a walking advertisement for quitting smoking and daily brushing/flossing.

Ellen is okay. I always found myself on pins and needles when Paula was judging. It was like you didn''t know if she was going to be able to put together a full coherent sentence. I get kind of a jealous vibe from Kara sometimes when she''s judging the female contestants.

I''m thinking of inventing a drinking game where you take a shot every time Randy says "Dawg" "Yo" or "Pitchy." I think it would be nice if he could elaborate on the contestants "pitchyness." Okay Randy, how was it pitchy? Was it sharp? Flat? Both? Neither? Just.Pitchy?

I''m excited for the guys tonight! That tall blonde guy, Casey James, can sing to me any time he wants. Oh yum. I think he''ll go far in this competition.

 

[NYCsparkle]

i''m not loving anyone yet....maybe next week. i was expecting some wow performances because of how simon was raving about the girls...eehh

 

[Iowa Lizzy]

I was pretty disappointed with the guys tonight. With the exception of a few, *cough* Casey *cough cough*

 

[junebug17]

Date: 2/24/2010 10:25:25 PM
Author: Travel Goddess
I was pretty disappointed with the guys tonight. With the exception of a few, *cough* Casey *cough cough*

I agree Travel Goddess, I was hoping for better performances too...and I am in complete agreement about Casey...omg...

 

[miraclesrule]

I haven''t watched the guys yet, because I have to DVR the show. The commercials and blathering by Seacrest and crew annoy me. I just want to get to the singing.

There were four girls that stood out for me last night, but I forgot to write their names down. The first girl, the blonde curly haired girl, Harmonica chick and another beautiful dark skinned girl. If they make it to next week, I will pick my faves to go to the final. I like to guess the top 4 by the time they get to the top 20. I''m usually correct. I wasn''t correct last season. I didn''t see Kris at all. That''s why I guess I stick with my day job.

 

[Dreamer_D]

So far, everyone is lame except lovely blond man! Swoony McSwoon! And he sings. I see him as a big country star.

 

[miraclesrule]

Ugh, the guys were awful. So disappointing. I sure hope they improve next week. Eye Candy boy was fun to watch and listen too. So was the young country singer. But what happened to the last dude who did the wicked good Paula Abdul song. What a buzzkill his performance was. There is another guy who I think will improve next week. The amount of poor song choices always baffles me.

I always feel bad that I agree so often with Simon.

 

[Sabine]

Okay, I guess I''m in the minority here, but I don''t find Casey attractive at all! He''s not a bad singer though, I just don''t get the sex appeal.

I actually really liked the last guy who sang and was surprised the judges didn''t like it.

Anyone else think the judges are being really harsh this year, especially on night one? Maybe it''s a sign that American Idol is on its way out...I feel like the judges expect the contestants to get better and better each year, so they raise the bar, but the singers are still doing this for the first time (for most of them anyway) and need time to get used to it.

I bet if we watched the first week of earlier seasons, it wouldn''t have been much better. And I also feel like the harsh judging really affects public opinion as well.

 

[junebug17]

Sabine, I know what you mean, I even mentioned in one of my posts that maybe my expectations are too high...this is such a new experience for them, some of them haven''t even really performed that much in front of people, and they are so young, maybe it''s asking too much to expect them to sound like seasoned professionals right off the bat? I do notice they generally improve over time, if they last. But, that said, usually there''s at least one or two that blow me away and I think "wow, he/she''s really good!" and I just haven''t felt that yet. I actually got that feeling more during Hollywood week, so maybe alot of them were just really nervous.

You know what I think is interesting? The judges picked this crew, and now they are so negative about most of them! I felt bad for Tim Urban (the guy who had some trouble with the high notes). They really gave him a hard time, and honestly, I didn''t think he was THAT bad!

 

[dragonfly411]

Date: 2/25/2010 9:49:53 AM
Author: Sabine
Okay, I guess I''m in the minority here, but I don''t find Casey attractive at all! He''s not a bad singer though, I just don''t get the sex appeal.


I actually really liked the last guy who sang and was surprised the judges didn''t like it.


Anyone else think the judges are being really harsh this year, especially on night one? Maybe it''s a sign that American Idol is on its way out...I feel like the judges expect the contestants to get better and better each year, so they raise the bar, but the singers are still doing this for the first time (for most of them anyway) and need time to get used to it.


I bet if we watched the first week of earlier seasons, it wouldn''t have been much better. And I also feel like the harsh judging really affects public opinion as well.

I''m in the minority with you... he looks sloppy to me.


I was disappointed with the judges last night. I thought the first performance was excellent... and I thought Andrew Garcia did a pretty good job. I really don''t like the guy who sang "American Woman" or the young asian man who..... hello..... I''m here for money???? WTF

 

[charbie]

I too have yet to be wowed by anyone! I like crystal bowersox (ohio represent!) And it appears that they did fix her teeth a bit...24 and teeth like that? She had to be a penicillin baby. I like the 16 yr old girl with the big smile and dark sin who plays the guitar...cannot remember her name! She didn''t do well this weekm but I loved her during the audutiions. Once they work out the kinks, I''m sure people will get more comfortable and someone will start to shine a bit.

 

[Lilac]

Date: 2/25/2010 10:27:43 AM
Author: dragonfly411

Date: 2/25/2010 9:49:53 AM

Author: Sabine

Okay, I guess I''m in the minority here, but I don''t find Casey attractive at all! He''s not a bad singer though, I just don''t get the sex appeal.

I actually really liked the last guy who sang and was surprised the judges didn''t like it.

Anyone else think the judges are being really harsh this year, especially on night one? Maybe it''s a sign that American Idol is on its way out...I feel like the judges expect the contestants to get better and better each year, so they raise the bar, but the singers are still doing this for the first time (for most of them anyway) and need time to get used to it.

I bet if we watched the first week of earlier seasons, it wouldn''t have been much better. And I also feel like the harsh judging really affects public opinion as well.

I''m in the minority with you... he looks sloppy to me.

I was disappointed with the judges last night. I thought the first performance was excellent... and I thought Andrew Garcia did a pretty good job. I really don''t like the guy who sang ''American Woman'' or the young asian man who..... hello..... I''m here for money???? WTF

I don''t find Casey attractive either. Maybe if he chopped off the hair, but I just find him to look messy now. I do like his voice though. I like Michael Lynche (not a fan of his song choice last night, but I''ve loved his voice since I heard him sing the first time) and Andrew Garcia (the last one - again, didn''t like the song because I thought it sounded very weird slow, but I''m really interested to see what he does with other songs).

Overall, I''m very underwhelmed with the contestants this season. I hope next week people choose better songs, because this week just was not very good for anyone.

 

[Hera]

I love Ellen but after a while of her stammering to find her words, coupled with repeating her comments twice in the critique, I had to fast forward past her most of the time. I though her banana analogy was cute though.
I do get Casey''s sex appeal.
I was disappointed also with the dude who did the Paula Abdul song. Hopefully, he''ll improve next week.

 

[decodelighted]

Date: 2/24/2010 4:55:33 PM
Author: Travel Goddess
That Crystal Bowersox girl may be talented but she needs to do something about those teeth! Ugh, she's a walking advertisement for quitting smoking and daily brushing/flossing.

Eliot Yamin? Ring a bell? Anyway - she probably WILL get her teeth fixed as soon as she banks some dough. Might she be without dental insurance & extra cash, ya think? To get a hollywood type perfect smile she needs dental implants and veneers that could top 10K. I'll cut her some slack and concentrate on her talent.

Re: This year's crop

Andrew Garcia has been my fave but he really didn't sound good last night. Hopefully it was just nerves & he'll be "back" soon. The stuff he does on Youtube etc is PHENOM. I love listening to him. Simon was right on the money about him having a perfect RECORDING voice. Unique. Addictive. I keep wanting to hear more and we've barely met!

Thought overall the girls were much better than the guys. But wasn't a fan of many of the song selections of either sex. Why are they trying to sound so OOOOOLLLLLDDDDD. This is AMERICAN IDOL not STAR SEARCH. Gah, if I EVER have to hear that God Bless The Child again I'll vom. That's totes SHOWTIME AT THE APOLLO for goddsakes. Blerg.

I know they told already told Katy she could win -- but she was meh. Amazing voice, meh song/performance.

Did like Crystal (but not her song), Long-haired shirtless dude (his song was okay, SEXAY!). Still holding out hope Janelle gets it together. Her Hollywood Week performance of Estelle's American Boy was one of the best there. And she has Katherine McPhee looks. She could sneak up like Kris Allen if she gets it together.

We'll see.

 

[Diamond*Dana]

I am not really wowed by any of the girls yet, but I am sure that they will get better in the weeks to come.

Ah Casey...he is hot, and he has a nice voice to boot!

I am enjoying Ellen on the show, but I am a big Ellen fan to begin with. I love that she adds humor to the show.

 

[Brown.Eyed.Girl]

Who''s watching this week?? I''m watching last night''s Tivoed ep and going to start the girls'' ep after this. I am really loving Lee Dewyze''s voice. My favorites were Andrew, Michael and Casey all along (and I thought Michael was really great this week) but Lee''s voice...man I love it!

And I really don''t care for David Archuleta and that whole brand of teenyboppers but I really like the young kid this season - he''s just so adorable. Honestly, I prefer the guys WAY more than the girls.

 

[Brown.Eyed.Girl]

Date: 2/25/2010 4:01:07 PM
Author: decodelighted

Date: 2/24/2010 4:55:33 PM

Author: Travel Goddess

That Crystal Bowersox girl may be talented but she needs to do something about those teeth! Ugh, she''s a walking advertisement for quitting smoking and daily brushing/flossing.

Eliot Yamin? Ring a bell? Anyway - she probably WILL get her teeth fixed as soon as she banks some dough. Might she be without dental insurance & extra cash, ya think? To get a hollywood type perfect smile she needs dental implants and veneers that could top 10K. I''ll cut her some slack and concentrate on her talent.


Re: This year''s crop


Andrew Garcia has been my fave but he really didn''t sound good last night. Hopefully it was just nerves & he''ll be ''back'' soon. The stuff he does on Youtube etc is PHENOM. I love listening to him. Simon was right on the money about him having a perfect RECORDING voice. Unique. Addictive. I keep wanting to hear more and we''ve barely met!


Thought overall the girls were much better than the guys. But wasn''t a fan of many of the song selections of either sex. Why are they trying to sound so OOOOOLLLLLDDDDD. This is AMERICAN IDOL not STAR SEARCH. Gah, if I EVER have to hear that God Bless The Child again I''ll vom. That''s totes SHOWTIME AT THE APOLLO for goddsakes. Blerg.


I know they told already told Katy she could win -- but she was meh. Amazing voice, meh song/performance.


Did like Crystal (but not her song), Long-haired shirtless dude (his song was okay, SEXAY!). Still holding out hope Janelle gets it together. Her Hollywood Week performance of Estelle''s American Boy was one of the best there. And she has Katherine McPhee looks. She could sneak up like Kris Allen if she gets it together.


We''ll see.

Oh I never did care for Elliot Yamin. I couldn''t stand to look at him while he was singing, and his singing honestly bored me. That was a terrible season. I didn''t think Taylor should''ve won but I really didn''t want Katharine to win. And Elliot was boring. I think this was the same season as Chris Daughtry and Mandisa, and I loved those two.

 

[decodelighted]

I only brought up Eliot because he had a similar teeth issue (as Crystal does). After the competition was over he got a) money and b) a new set of choppers. I try not to judge on those issues when it comes to a talent competition like this because a lot of these artists are struggling while they try to make it. People who are lucky enough to have rich parents aren''t always the most *talented*. KnowwhatImean?

 

[iheartscience]

B.E.G.-how dare you diss Elliot! My mom loves him so much! Pretty sure she''s seen him at least twice in concert and she drove about an hour away to see him in person when he did his whole "return to hometown" thing before the final. She just loves him for some reason! But yeah, his chompers were jacked up...poor guy.

I''ve only watched AI a few times this season (I get sick of all the build up so I wait until it''s closer to the top 24) but so far I am not impressed. I''m wondering if they''re really not as good or if I''m just over the show. The same thing happened to me with So You Think You Can Dance...no one blew my mind the last couple of seasons!

I love Andrew Garcia but he needs to step it up and do something as awesome as the Paula Abdul thing! None of the girls have grown on me yet but it usually takes me a few weeks to pick a fave.

 

[Brown.Eyed.Girl]

Date: 3/3/2010 11:37:21 PM
Author: decodelighted
I only brought up Eliot because he had a similar teeth issue (as Crystal does). After the competition was over he got a) money and b) a new set of choppers. I try not to judge on those issues when it comes to a talent competition like this because a lot of these artists are struggling while they try to make it. People who are lucky enough to have rich parents aren''t always the most *talented*. KnowwhatImean?

Oh well it wasn''t because of his teeth that I didn''t like him (though the teeth were bad!) but because his singing and style bored me

 

[Brown.Eyed.Girl]

Date: 3/3/2010 11:53:17 PM
Author: thing2of2
B.E.G.-how dare you diss Elliot! My mom loves him so much! Pretty sure she''s seen him at least twice in concert and she drove about an hour away to see him in person when he did his whole ''return to hometown'' thing before the final. She just loves him for some reason! But yeah, his chompers were jacked up...poor guy.


I''ve only watched AI a few times this season (I get sick of all the build up so I wait until it''s closer to the top 24) but so far I am not impressed. I''m wondering if they''re really not as good or if I''m just over the show. The same thing happened to me with So You Think You Can Dance...no one blew my mind the last couple of seasons!


I love Andrew Garcia but he needs to step it up and do something as awesome as the Paula Abdul thing! None of the girls have grown on me yet but it usually takes me a few weeks to pick a fave.

Hahahaha aww, I love it when parents become super invested in these shows

My best friend''s parents are HUGE Survivor fans - they are really really excited that I actually know a couple castaways (though alas, none of the million-dollar winners, lol).

I know what you mean though. There were a couple each season until recently that I just liked right from the beginning (Carrie, Chris Daughtry, etc.) but lately....

Andrew''s Straight Up was inspired. The judges were right though - super high bar to set from the beginning. I didn''t watch last season though (was that the David Cook season?) - everyone just seemed so awful.

 

[decodelighted]

This week I liked:

Carol Brady*
Egghead Latino*
Crystal Dreadersox
Feather Earrings
Kelly Clarkson CrazyEyes
The Glassblowing Girl

(*nicknames from Gawker's funny, apt Idol coverage)

Though I kinda like the soulpatch Rocker dude Simon licked up last night -- that song made me want to punch him in the face repeatedly.

Please will someone sing that Lady Antebellum song "Need You Now" -- I can't get that out of my head lately. LOVE the chick in that group's voice. It breaks like hearts. And makes me weep.

 

[monarch64]

Date: 3/3/2010 11:37:21 PM
Author: decodelighted
I only brought up Eliot because he had a similar teeth issue (as Crystal does). After the competition was over he got a) money and b) a new set of choppers. I try not to judge on those issues when it comes to a talent competition like this because a lot of these artists are struggling while they try to make it. People who are lucky enough to have rich parents aren''t always the most *talented*. KnowwhatImean?

Awww mannnn....poor Eliot Y''s teeth (and Bucky''s--memba him?) will always be their AI legacy. In fact, I dealt with similar issues with my own teefers and I remember reading the comments about both of those peeps here on an AI thread that season. Shortly thereafter, I spent ~$20k overhauling my mouth. I did happen to have parents who were able to provide me with good dental and orthodontic care when I was young, but the timing was never right and little circumstances such as college tuition and transportation provision ended up being priorities over my smile. I had pretty much made my decision to do something about my teeth years before discovering PS, but the Eliot season pushed me to take action. I now have a *gorgeous* natural smile after the help of a bit of oral surgery and braces. Quite happy. Veneers are not always the answer. I hope Eliot''s issues were repaired from the crux of the matter rather than having some veneers slapped on. Mine were covered by health insurance (due to bite issues) halfway...and the rest I paid for out of pocket. ''Tis an expensive undertaking, and I hope the public is able to realize that not everyone is financially capable of remedy-ing their orthodontic issues. Many take for granted that braces are just auto-installed at age 10/11/12/what have you. Thanks Deco for noting that it is important to overlook the mouthpiece sometimes and just listen to the beautiful sounds coming out of it instead.

 

[Sabine]

Am I the only one who likes poor mullet boy? Don''t know what it is about him (definitely not the mullet) but I''m pulling for him. Love his voice! I''m also a fan of Lee and Mike and Andrew for the guys.

I think the girls did great except for Lacy, the girl with long blond hair who sang Lean on Me, and poor Haeley Vaughn. That girl just isn''t that good. I haven''t picked a favorite girl yet because I like so many of them.

I say this every year, but I would be much more inclined to vote if we could vote for who we want to get kicked OFF the show instead of who we want to stay on.

Ellen is growing on me. I like her much more when she makes silly jokes than when she''s trying to be silly (like the snuggie joke last night).

 

[Lilac]

I really *love* Michael Lynche. I like Andrew Garcia. Aaron Kelly is kind of cute in a little kid way (almost like David Archuleta, but I think Archuleta had a better voice). I want him to stay on for a while because I enjoy his voice, but I don''t want him to win. Andrew needs to do better though, because he hasn''t lived up to the hype from Hollywood week when he was amazing.

I don''t really love any of the girls. I liked Didi Benami, but she has picked bad songs the last two weeks. Hopefully she''ll get better (unless she leaves tonight). I can''t stay Lilly Scott or Siobhan Magnus (I guess I''m in the minority here, but they just really irritate me). I think the thing with the girls is that a bunch of them have good voices, but either their personalities bother me or I just don''t think their voices are good enough for them to win.

I really like Ellen and I find I agree with her often - I also like that she brings some humor to the show. Kara is starting to annoy me because the way she talks and moves her head is almost b*tchy - I can''t explain it well, but DH pointed it out first and now I totally see it every single time she talks. Simon looks bored all the time.

I''m enjoying this season a lot less than usual though (with the exception of Ellen because I like her). The only contestant I *really* like is Mike so I guess since I don''t care about anyone else it''s hard to get as into it as I usually do.