American Idol 8 - Top 11 - Grand Ole Opry week 3/17-3/18/09

[JasonR]

Get ready for a week of crankier than usual Simon, who will slam even decent performances because he hates country music.

Could be a very rough week for Adam Lambert, Anoop and maybe Allison also. Also, I don't see Scott giving a very credible country performance. Then again, I haven't thought he's done anything particularly well to date.

What do you think, guys? Who has potential to do well with this theme? Who do you think is screwed?

[JasonR]

Jesus, could this board be any more dead? If there's anyone out there who cares, I'm definitely thinking this is the strongest group top to bottom. The people who are bottom of the pack this year would have been good enough to make the top 4 or 5 in past seasons.

Best to worst:

1. Matt: His performance was the only one I felt the need to rewind and watch again. I don't know if his lack of matinee idol looks will hold him back, but on talent alone I think this guy deserves to go very far.

2.-3. Chris and Anoop - I'm giving these guys a tie for second. I can see a lot of the housewife/cougar vote moving from Danny to Chris.

4. Allison - this girl is really unique, and she's amazingly consistent every week. She doesn't strike me as a type-A workaholic, so maybe she just that talented.

5. Megan - She surprised me more this week than Anoop. Loved her performance, even before the judges did her a solid by letting everyone know how sick she was. When she picks the right song, and does that jazz/blues Norah Jones/Edie Brickell thing it just works. And she is really, really, really HOT, which helps.

6. Danny - he did well, but I put him below the others because that song he sang makes me gag. I felt like I was watching a live telecast from a megachurch.

7. Alexis - A solid performance, but on a night when so many others wowed the crowd she was just middle of the pack this week. The judges clearly want to turn Alexis into "Dirrrty"-era Xtina and I think after the underwhelming response this week she be out on stage next week wearing only stank and body paint.

8. Lil - Oh, Lil, don't try too hard to follow the theme if it isn't you. I agree with Simon she looked uncomfortable and the performance was boring.

9. Adam - I was RFLMAO though the whole thing. It was like he was doing an SNL parody of himself. But at least I remember it.

10. Michael - Lackluster performance, but he's a better performer than Scott. He deserves one more week, but that's about it.

11. Scott - at least someone mercifully flattened his hair out this week. Boring and forgettable. He's like Archuleta with less soul, if that's possible.

So, anyone out there? What did you all think? Bueller?

[RachWho?]

Adam Lambert does the patented Constantine Maroulis eye f*ck. He is a bigger poseur than Constantine. The fact that anyone can stand him, let alone likes him, is one of the wonders of the world to me.

I pretty much think you are spot on in your analysis, Jason. And if you want to see Danny preaching from a megachurch, I think those exact videos are available of him online. Bleh.

Anoop has my heart.

[Pegster]

If Johnny Cash were alive, he would be dragging Adam Lambert out back and opening a can of whoopass on him. Blech.

Megan annoys me for some reason. Her voice is like nails on a chalkboard, and I am unaffected by her hotness.

Blind guy needs to get off of my teevee already.

Oil Rigger guy can follow blind guy next week.

Anoop is my fella. I know he won't win, but I just heart him. He used the word impetus on American Idol. Love.

When they teased Gokey singing a Carrie Underwood, I texted my friend, "If he sings Jesus Take the Wheel I'm gonna hurl." He did, and ushered in the second coming of my dinner. Thanks.

[JustJesse]

I just finished watching the couple of performances I didn't get to see last night, and I think I am pretty much in agreement with you as well. I HATED the version of Ring of Fire that Adam did. AWFUL!!!

I thought Matt was the best guy of the night and Allison the best girl. Anoop was much better this week as well. I'm looking forward to seeing Carrie Underwood tonight dueting with Randy Travis. His song that she recently covered is so pretty.

[TinkerbellAPixie]

I don't watch American Idol - I try every single season, honestly I do, but I just can't stick with it. But I DO read your posts Jason - so not sure if that counts for much.

When they get down to fewer contestants I'll give it another try.

[BRaps]

I agree that this a very talented group. I really didn't hate any of the performances and country week is typically brutal. I have no idea who will go home tonight. I wish it would be Megan Joy or Megan Joy Corkrey or whatever she calls herself. She is gorgeous and I like the tone of her voice, but the way she pronounces words with that weird accent and that stupid flappy dance make her annoying. Her song choice this week and the judges sympathy for her having the flu could save her though. Maybe Oil Rig will go since he did sing first and was just average. I just hope Allison is safe!

I really hated Adam when the show started but I am surprised to say that he is growing on me. Maybe because he is the only person who could possibly take down Hokey and his smug smile. Anoop was awesome, by far my favorite of the night. He has a great voice! Why has he been wasting it on dumb songs like My Prerogative? Kris and Matt were excellent too. How awkward was that when Kara said there's nothing small about Matt?! Ew.

[TheVoiceOfReason]

Here’s my take on the songtestants, in no particular order.

I so hoped that one of the judges would hit Adam with a, "If Johnny Cash were alive he would **insert various infliction of bodily harm here**."
Unique/avant-garde/current notwithstanding, that performance was sacrilegious.

HOW MANY FRICKIN' PAIRS OF GLASSES DOES DANNY OWN FOR CRYIN’ OUT LOUD??? I’m sorry, but that distracts me for some reason. I liked him in the beginning but his singing is getting a bit boring. I just don’t get tingly with him.

Kris bores me, too, but I think he just hasn’t warmed to the whole process yet. Once he hits one of those performances where people roll back the DVR to rewatch it, I think he’ll wake up and smell the coffee. For now, he’s good in a “Wow, so who’s the wedding singer?” kind of way.

Allison is awesome, and she's still young enough to do that shoulder-squinch thingie when she's nervous in the interview. Adorable. I'm going to like her, I think. She's definitely one to watch. The girl rocks without trying to be the token Rocker Chick.

I always think I'm going to dig Megan's quirkiness but then she goes slightly beyond quirky into strange. I don't know. Maybe she's finding her groove and it will get smoother. There is an Edie Brickell vibe there and I seriously want to see her do well. She’s different—in a good way.

I've liked Matt from the beginning and I happen to think he is the most true to himself. Out of all the contestants, he’s the one I’d most want to see live. I could see him in a really cool club on Sixth Street in Austin or as a big recording artist. Either way, he’s going to be solid.

I loved Anoop's performance and ran it back to listen again. He does well when he remains inside his groove, which he certainly did tonight. Sadly, AI loves to take someone out of their element by giving them a crazy assignment and then rip them for choosing the wrong song or not fitting the genre. I predict that will be Anoop's downfall.

I agree that Alexis is trying too hard to be the Dirrrty Gurrrl. Something about her rings false. I hope she comes out all gamine-like next week and shows us that side of her. She’s a good singer.

Lil should have put Simon in his place when he kept calling her ‘Little’. That was exceedingly rude. My daughter pointed out that Lil is short for Lillian, not Little. “Ya know, like the Rugrats, Mom. Phil and Lil. Remember?” Lil didn’t shine tonight but I think she’ll be back next week to redeem herself.

Michael has gone from being a good ol’ boy to trying too hard and THIS was the week where he really could have garnered some solid supporters. He needs to keep it simple. I want him to do well because it would suck to return to being a roughneck after the whole AI process. Plus, I love me a big man.

It irks me that Scott is still there. He's mediocre at best. Why are Americans so willing to pat themselves on the back for being altruistic instead of realistic? He’ll continue to be there week after week until he gives such an embarrassingly horrendous performance that folks will have no choice but to put him out of his misery. And I swear there’s a mean girl and/or bitchy gay on that Glam Squad. You know they’re just snickering backstage because they sent him out there with that hair.

While I’m at it: Does anyone else find Kara as annoying as I do? I FF through every one of her critiques. I just find her totally irrelevant. Why is she there?

Also, WHAT WAS THE DANG DEAL with Paula sucking/smelling on Simon’s forearm last night?

Funny tidbit of info? I went to see Randy Travis in his 1986-87 heyday at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo even though I dislike country music. It was a gift for a friend's birthday. Randy looks pretty much the same with that Gladys’ Beauty Shop hairdo. And you know he wanted to bitch-slap Adam for jacking with a Johnny Cash classic. I could tell.

What are your thoughts? Who is your favorite? Who needs to be put on skates and rolled on outta there?

[JasonR]

Lil should have put Simon in his place when he kept calling her ‘Little’. That was exceedingly rude. My daughter pointed out that Lil is short for Lillian, not Little. “Ya know, like the Rugrats, Mom. Phil and Lil. Remember?” Lil didn’t shine tonight but I think she’ll be back next week to redeem herself.

Good point. I'll give Simon the benefit of the doubt and say he probably was thinking not Lil as in Lillian but Lil as in 'Lil, like 'Lil Kim or 'Lil Bow Wow. Wouldn't surprise me if he apologizes tonight after realizing how it came across.

While I’m at it: Does anyone else find Kara as annoying as I do? I FF through every one of her critiques. I just find her totally irrelevant. Why is she there?

Also, WHAT WAS THE DANG DEAL with Paula sucking/smelling on Simon’s forearm last night?

I don't know if it's Kara or if 4 is just too many damn judges. Other than when it's Simon, whoever goes 4th really has nothing new to say by that point. They should make a rule that each contestant gets a critique from Simon and 2 of the 3others.

As for the Paula/Simon's arm thing, I have no f-ing idea what was going on there.

Randy Travis seems like a good guy. Some mentors actually seem to understand the show and actually care about helping the contestants. He seems like one of them.

[TheVoiceOfReason]

I'll give Simon the benefit of the doubt and say he probably was thinking not Lil as in Lillian but Lil as in 'Lil, like 'Lil Kim or 'Lil Bow Wow.

Even so...Simon seems to have lost his mojo or something. Nowadays he seems to say snarky stuff just for the sake of living up to the image. I liked him better when he was mean but honest.


Randy Travis seems like a good guy. Some mentors actually seem to understand the show and actually care about helping the contestants. He seems like one of them.

Yeah, but he still looks like gets his hair did at Gladys' House of Bee-yoo-tee.

[lennonwhore]

I just finally watched last night.s episode. I read your posts Jason, most of the time you say what I was thinking. With the exception of Megan, who I don.t think can sing and her little girl twisting and faces is just off putting. I.ll give the girl credit, she.s working the male audience for the vote.

Besides that I don.t really have too much more to say that differs from what you already wrote (but about ten times better than I could.ve).

[itchy]

To be quite honest, it doesn't really matter to me if Megan is the best singer of the bunch or not. Two guesses why? (Hint: it's not the tattoo arm.)

I mean, none of these people are singers I'd listen to in 'real life' anyway, since I don't tend to listen to bland soulless commercial pop all that much. Or least, not since I was eight years old. Which was a long time ago. Sigh.

I continue to hate the Church Lady. He just strikes me as such a poser. And let's be honest here, the guy only sings one way (same as Lil Rounds) --he's just waiting for the parts where he gets to sing REALLY LOUD and be a flashy show off. But he just can't pull it off because for one, he's just too homely to be flashy, for two, his performances are empty emotionless shells, or at best simply faked emotion, and for another, he's just not that great a singer. He'd be fine on a cruise ship. Although he's already found the perfect home for his sort of douchebaggy singing, pretending he's a black gospel guy for his white McChurch.

At least I started to enjoy Hambert with this show -- I really liked how he just trashed the whole "let's put on a theme show party" aspect of Idol and just went ahead and did his thing (based on someone else's version, although he did admit to that) and basically tanked his chances of winning by more or less forcing middle America to admit that, yes, he really is...that way.

Lil Rounds is an inarticulate mess. An idiot when she speaks. And another one of those singers who confuse shouting for singing. Although I suppose that's not her fault -- it seems like the only way to get the judges' favor is by going for the big showy notes at the end of a song.

Alexis is just too boring. She sings all right, not great, but she's got the personality and charm of a dish towel. Which is why Megan has to stay in the competition. Two more guesses?

That Kris guy looked like a dwarf standing next to the other people...

And the rest...well, Anoop's kind of funny, but he's another one who's utterly lacking in star quality. The oil rig guy should not be there, does not deserve to be there (there were far far better singers than him), and should go before any of them. Even before the blind guy, who at least can play piano. I think his singing's fine, in an Art Garfunkle sort of way.

Did I miss anyone? Oh, the gum's guy. He shouldn't be there either. Not that he's a bad singer, more like, he's a pretty good singer, but this show is not going to help him make the music he wants to make. And he doesn't have the star quality for this kind of thing either.

Oh yeah, I keep forgetting the young one. Sure, she can sing, but she's way too young, what she's doing just isn't believable. And she's weirdly lacking in any kind of sex appeal. Which is not a good thing when you're onstage.

[here4beer]

I'm definitely thinking this is the strongest group top to bottom. The people who are bottom of the pack this year would have been good enough to make the top 4 or 5 in past seasons.


I totally agree with you there, Jason. Every "mentor" always says "THIS IS THE BEST GROUP EVER!" when they come, but when Randy Travis said it on Tuesday, I was surprised to find myself agreeing, rather than laughing. There's not a Sanjaya or HaleyHo or Kristy what'sherface in the bunch this year. Wow. (Well, except for Blind Guy, but apparently he gets a pass for being handicapped. Surely, though, that can't last too long, since he's clearly the weakest of this top 10 IMO.)

While I’m at it: Does anyone else find Kara as annoying as I do? I FF through every one of her critiques. I just find her totally irrelevant.


Me. She adds nothing except more time to the show, which = more advertising $$$. That's the only guess I have as to why she's there.

With the exception of Megan, ....I.ll give the girl credit, she.s working the male audience for the vote.

I found her boobs extremely distracting, and I couldn't really listen to her without wondering why I was so fascinated with her breasts. (for anyone who doesn't know, I'm a girl. And not gay.) This obviously worked in her favor, haha. She can work this for at least a few more weeks, I'm guessing.

[JasonR]

Was kinda shocked about Alexis, until they made her sing again and it was way worse than the first time. I definitely thought she would have gone another month at least.

[JustJesse]

I mean, none of these people are singers I'd listen to in 'real life' anyway, since I don't tend to listen to bland soulless commercial pop all that much. Or least, not since I was eight years old.

Why in the world do you watch the show then? Clearly from your post you like none of the people on the show, except for Meagan, who falls right into the category of commercial pop. Why waste three hours a week on something that you clearly can't stand? Kinda sad really....

[here4beer]

*grabs popcorn and waits for itchy*



JR- I, too, was shocked that Alexis went home. If she wouldn't have cracked on so many notes, she probably would have been saved, but the poor thing boned it. Oh, well...

[JasonR]

Why in the world do you watch the show then? Clearly from your post you like none of the people on the show, except for Meagan, who falls right into the category of commercial pop. Why waste three hours a week on something that you clearly can't stand? Kinda sad really....

That's a little harsh Jesse. I think a lot of people watch the show for entertainment value even though they'd never buy any of these people's music, the same way people can watch "The Bachelor" or "The Apprentice" and despise everyone involved.

I'm a big fan of the show but other than a couple Kelly Clarkson songs I've never bought any Idol contestants' music. I may enjoy some performances in the context of the show, but I'm not running out to go see the tour or buy CDs. However I must say I'm tempted to download Matt G.'s performance from this week. It was damn good, certainly worth .99 cents to hear it again, imho.

[itchy]

Why in the world do you watch the show then? Clearly from your post you like none of the people on the show, except for Meagan, who falls right into the category of commercial pop. Why waste three hours a week on something that you clearly can't stand? Kinda sad really....

It's more like 45 minutes or so, since I don't have to deal with commercials and I just fast-forward through most of the singing bits, since they suck so much.

I like freak shows. This is America's Freak Show at its finest.

Dunno, is that happy enough for you? No? Care to tell me who I should be then? Why waste your time insulting people you don't know? Kind of sad, really...

[Pegster]

I don't think JustJesse was being insulting, just asking. I perused your previous post and you did seem to pretty much hate everyone, so it was a justifiable question and not sad at all IMO.

Pegster
President
Team JustJesse!

[itchy]

Sorry, but I don't think there should be a place for personal insults here. I consider attacks like that unjustified and a sign of a weak character. It's not like I said anything nasty about or to justjesse to merit this kind of treatment.

There's really no reason why he/she/it couldn't have voiced his/her/its 'question' without the 'kind of sad' bit.

Besides, a big part of what Tvgasm is about is having fun watching (and making fun of) people we hate on television.

And there are plenty of forums for people who take the American Idol 'experience' seriously.

But please do let the rest of us know what you think we should and should not be allowed to post.

[here4beer]

Sorry, but I don't think there should be a place for personal insults here. I consider attacks like that unjustified and a sign of a weak character.

Is it just me?

lol

[itchy]

Is it just me?

lol

Nope. Lots of people know how to use the bold function. [wink]

We're not going to start playing dogpile-on-the-rabbit, are we? [wink wink]

[JustJesse]

Sorry, but I don't think there should be a place for personal insults here. I consider attacks like that unjustified and a sign of a weak character. It's not like I said anything nasty about or to justjesse to merit this kind of treatment.

There's really no reason why he/she/it couldn't have voiced his/her/its 'question' without the 'kind of sad' bit.

I didn't respond to your post with the intention of insulting you. I'm sorry that you took it that way. I read your take on the show and it appeared to me that you didn't like any of it, nor any of the people involved, except for one, who in my opinion, falls into the category you said you aren't interested in. I suppose "kind of sad" was the wrong choice of words. I just don't understand why someone would waste time on a show, if all they want to do is pick fun at it. But, to each his own I guess. From now on, I'll keep my thoughts on your posts to myself. Perhaps you can clear one last thing up for me though. You don't think there should be a place for personal insults here, and I completely agree with you. How though, is your comment of "he/she/it" not an insult? I'd love to see what your take is on that...

[angiemarie]

Ooooh, the AI thread was the last place I would expect things to get all hot and bothered. (Maybe because I don't watch the show?)

Anyways, as a moderator I feel it's my duty to say insult the show not each other. I hear Paula Abdul is ripe for picking.

[Cherie]

I guess she told y'all!:D

I don't know. I don't see this as the best season at all. I'm not excited or in love with any of them. Megan is just horrible. I do like Allison, even though she looks like a little troll doll. Somehow I find that cute. Gokey,Anoop =boring. Scott is just...wow...not good at all. What happened? He seemed to be able to sing in the auditions. Lil just shouts.

And whoever said Kara basically sux is dead on. Does she have a word quota or something? She rambles on and on and never really says a thing. Make her go away please. Lambert is creepy and goofy and screechy as hell.

So to sum up...this season kinda sux for me.

[itchy]

I think Scott's just in the wrong element...he's just not prepared for this, and I'm guessing it gets pretty hectic backstage (they probably get yelled at most of the day)-- not too mention how annoying it must be back at the mansion with all these people (betcha the Church Lady is a real hoot to shack up with).

Bad enough for the ones who can see-- look how Alexis fell apart -- but it must be even harder for him. So I put some of his suckiness down to nerves (although most of it is just because he really not all that talented...he'd be great to have at family gatherings though)

[reloc8]

Reason--you are spot on in your recap/thoughts IMHO.

Just have a question that maybe someone can explain. How does this judges save work? I don't get how 4 judges can decide. Not even mentioning it is while watching a perfomance to save someone they just saw the previous day performing the same song after they lost a national popularity contest. When there were three judges, I get it. It will always be unanimous or two against one-giving a majority voting to stay or go. However 4 creates the tie factor how is that resolved? Call me stupid, but I dont get it! Ok, that's enough of calling me stupid, now just answer my question! Thanks!

Thought Lambert was way over the top and very creepy, but the more I watch it on You Tube, the more drawn to it I become. Help!

[blazergirl]

Reason--you are spot on in your recap/thoughts IMHO.

Just have a question that maybe someone can explain. How does this judges save work? I don't get how 4 judges can decide. Not even mentioning it is while watching a perfomance to save someone they just saw the previous day performing the same song after they lost a national popularity contest. When there were three judges, I get it. It will always be unanimous or two against one-giving a majority voting to stay or go. However 4 creates the tie factor how is that resolved? Call me stupid, but I dont get it! Ok, that's enough of calling me stupid, now just answer my question! Thanks!


From what I understand, it has to be a unanimous decision to save the person. It is basically a way to prevent something like when Jennifer Hudson went home. She was in the bottom 3 with Fantasia and LaToya and there were obviously not as talented singers making it through. They have also made a big deal about how it would prevent situations like Daughtry going home, although the save is only good through the top 5 and he was elimanted in the top 4. Plus I don't think either Daughtry or Jennifer Hudson are exactly crying about how things turned out at this point.

[reloc8]

Thanks Blazergirl, didn't realize it had to be unanimous. That makes more sense. I hear ya, doubt neither Jennifer Hudson nor Chris Daughtry are exacly broken up over the early send-offs.