FTA-TV American Idol 2012

[The Old Dark Navy's]

I would buy something of Elise, if its original rock chick stuff. Love her edge.

I prefer raw not plastic as I feel the others are, just my opinion.

I agree but I feel that a lot of the US mainstream music scene lacks real grunt and character. Sounds funny when they have so many huge successes but percentage wise they have a lot of artists you couldn't tell apart if you heard them on the radio.

Then again, I was brought up on diet of Aussie pub rock so I always look for contestants that have the ability to rock out. Entertain me FFS. Week after week of beautiful runs to a ballad by the numbers, really does grind you down. I feel that way about country too. Really appreciate an up tempo country arrangement but just mix it up. Scottie McCreery had me tearing my hair out last year. I liked Alaina but only because she attempted Aerosmith's 'I don't want to miss a thing' early on, and changed her tempo more often. James was a favourite of course.

No surprise that I liked Lee and Crystal the year before, and really got into the rock opera stylings of Adam Lambert prior to that, in comparison to the softer so called indie rock of Kris Allen.

I talk about what I would buy when the truth is that I wouldn't hardly any of it, but for the sake of comparison, some I'd be more likely to buy than others.

It's not all rock though. I really like Megan Joy 3 years back. Very whimsical folksy style and so so different. I might be clouded by the fact she was an extremely attractive woman though, so in that way, I'm probably no better than the teenage girl voters I so despise.

 

[Cruyff14]

at the result show.... WTF

too many teen girls voting for looks over talent. Very disappointing.

Next week they sing two songs each. Loved that they finally went for a current theme. I thought it was a really good show. Hopefully the theme is similar next week.

Hollie and Phillip need to go next

Nah, Hollie and Skylar.

Phillip is awesome. Just chose the wrong song tonight, have liked him every week since this performance. Should bounce back next week I think.

 

[Sons_of_a_Gun]

I gotta say i'm not a big one for conspiracy theories, but the more and more i think about i think that maybe it was rigged the other night, Elise and Joshua have both been in the bottom 3 so it doesn't surprise but Jessica hasn't even looked like going out. Pia was massive publicity for AI last year and i would say that this would have been pretty big news in America as well. As i said, i'm not sitting back on my rocking chair saying that Obama is behind it, but it's a pretty smart move to make by AI (if it's legal)
Save to be used by top 5, boost Jessica's votes for a little while at least and big time publicity stunt.

 

[aussie1st]

Thought it was a bit too obvious the way the groups were being laid out then got a massive shock when actual final 3 group was picked. Figured Elise was gone once they went to the final 2.

Nigel did some major scrambling after Mr Tyler spoiled the save was being used (pretty obvious it would have been used anyway) by having the judges interrupt the saving song.

 

[CF]

Performance Show - The Top 7 (Again)

My take on the nights performances:

1 Joshua Ledet ("A Change Is Gonna Come" by Sam Cooke) sung it restrained and really pulled off his one of his wow performances.

2. Phillip Phillips ("You Got It Bad" by Usher) A very cool performance although I think the work of the band and the arrangement made it easy for him.

3. Skylar Laine ("Born This Way" by Lady Gaga) - I thought she really rocked this one out and sang the hell out of it.

4. Jessica Sanchez ("Falling" by Alicia Keys) - sung it beautifully but this song is so overdone in contests like this that it gets a bit boring to be honest. But that voice is amazing no doubt.

5. Elise Testone ("No One" by Alicia Keys) - A nice restrained performance showing off her beautiful vibrato and that delicious huskiness on the bottom of the notes. She went a little flat in the chorus and not all of her ad-libs hit their mark, but when she focused and let the notes swell, it was gorgeous. Except that horrible orange dress she had on that made her look fat!

6. Hollie Cavanagh ("Rolling in the Deep" by Adele) someone had to break out an Adele song. Considering it's such a big, bold song, her pitch was remarkably solid, and the unaccompanied opening paired with the understated final note helped give her a couple of stand-out moments that really illustrated the clarity of her tone. Probably her best performance of the competition so far.

7. Phillip Phillips - ("In The Midnight Hour" by Wilson Pickett) - This bluesy, graveled number fit comfortably into Phillip's wheelhouse and so with all its twitches and growls it was solid without being special.


8. Colton Dixon ("Bad Romance" by Lady Gaga) He has the look, the image and the voice. It was solid without being special.

9. Skylar Laine ("Heard it Through the Grapevine" by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles) Interesting arrangement and she was solid as she always is. She's a natural country singer but my only problem is she sounds like 100 other female country singers.

10. Jessica Sanchez ("Try a Little Tenderness" by Otis Redding) - Jessica went back to her overdone Beyoncé/Jennifer Hudson runs, which are my least favorite part of her vocals. Her choruses, while rushed, had a great grit and gravel that really made you feel her passion for the song.

11. Elise Testone ("Let's Get it On" by Marvin Gaye) - probably not the right song to sing in 90seconds to try and make a moment. But contrary to what the judges thought, I found it sultry and understated in parts, and enjoyed the scatting and beautiful runs she pulled out towards the end of the song.

12. Colton Dixon ("September" by Earth, Wind and Fire) - Again poor song choice. A shockingly weak opening; it seemed out of key and shaky, which is unusual for him. He got into his groove more once he hit the chorus and could start utilizing his upper register. But the song just fell flat and never recovered.

13. Joshua Ledet ("I Believe" by Fantasia) - Joshua's first song left me a little cold this week, since it skewed a little towards the OTT-Jacob-Lusk end of the spectrum. A terrible song with stupid lyrics and superficial meaning oversung to the hilt.

14. Hollie Cavanagh ("Son of A Preacher Man" by Dusty Springfield) - A few of Hollie's bad habits crept in with her second song, since she's not great at walking and maintaining her tone at the same time. Just really didn't believe her performance and thought she was pitchy in parts as well.

Bottom 3 for me were Hollie, Elise, & Colton.

Overall performer of the night taking into account both performances is Phillip.

 

[Sons_of_a_Gun]

Review......

1. Phillip Phillips (You Got It Bad & In The Midnight Hour)
Song 1 was very good, much better than he has been in recent weeks and song 2 was solid although i think he took the whole screamy thing over the top. Still a standout on a very solid night.

2. Jessica Sanchez (Fallin' & Try A Little Tenderness)
Song 1 was solid but not her very best, Song 2 was pretty awesome, Still clearly the best singer there, but that doesn't always win you these shows. I thought the judges comments were absolute rubbish after he second song, i think they were just saying it because she got eliminated last week. I still think she has had better weeks, hence why she is not No.1, but still my most entertaining.

3. Skylar Laine (Born This Way & Heard It Through The Grapevine)
I Hate Country, I think Skylar was pretty awesome. Will go a long way in this competition due to the massive country audience (see American Idol Season 10) But she was really good tonight.

4. Hollie Cavanough (Rolling In The Deep & Son Of A Preacher Man)
Very impressed with Hollie tonight, I actually thought her version of RITD was nearly my pick for song of the night. She was awesome. Song 2 was still pretty decent, (didn't rate it as badly as you CF) thought it was good. Probably her best week i reckon. P.S. Go Liverpool

5. Joshua Ledet (I Believe & A Change Is Gonna Come)
I have been a big fan of Joshua's for the whole series, and wouldn't be disappointed if he wins (although i dont think he can). But i thought he was just ok tonight. Song 2 was very good but i didn't like song 1 at all. The judge love is making me a bit sick, but i can see why, i think it's a strategy on there part, I think they think Jessica will be okay, but Joshua could be in trouble with multiple bottom 3's

6. Elise Testone (No One & Lets Get It On)
A little disappointed in her tonight, I think she has gotta stop really over singing and playing with the notes which is why i wasn't a massive fan of song 1. Although i think she copped it a bit unfairly after song 2, cause she was pretty good i thought, but once again, trying to show of her tricks rather than just belting the song. Hope she stays.

7. Colton Dixon (Bad Romance & September)
I'm just gonna put it out there, Over-Rated! In my opinion i don't think he has the talent of the other 6 singers in the competition, which is a shame because i generally like the rock singers the most. It's not to say i don't like some of his performances (Piano Man was brilliant) but he is definitely getting through on the little girlie votes. I sorta hope he goes this week. I think he could be big in the U.S of A, but i dont think he is outstanding or anything, cause if he was, he would have made the finals last year.

Anybody else fast forward through Steven Tyler talking? Makes absolutely no sense at all, Like Mark Holden was in Aus Idol. J'lo's unreal to look at but is just nice to everyone, Randy's opinion is definitely most valid.

My call for bottom 3 is Elise, Hollie and Joshua, Elise will go.

 

[jonesy86]

Anybody else fast forward through Steven Tyler talking? Makes absolutely no sense at all, Like Mark Holden was in Aus Idol. J'lo's unreal to look at but is just nice to everyone, Randy's opinion is definitely most valid.

JLo can just sit there and say nothing and she would be a great addition to the show

I don't think I looked at her face once last night, her top was mesmerising.

 

[CF]

elimination show top 7 (take 2)

Bottom 3 - Hollie, Elise, Colton. (which I picked not bad eh?)


Eliminated - Colton Dixon

I was surprised given Coltons previous performances he was eliminated even though I did think his performances this week were more style over substance. Maybe a lesson he needs to learn when he puts image above the actual music he comes off as being a phoney. That lost him his girl vote this week.

Anyway AI goes on and now we will see the more talented singers under some real pressure.

 

[Cruyff14]

Hollie will go next week.

 

[The Old Dark Navy's]

First round - Queen

1. Elise - I Want It All
She had a Stevie Nicks like aura up there. Has the look, stature and presence to command attention without barely moving. I love Elise and she was awesome here. I felt there might have been one or two forced moments but not sure. Had another annoyed moment with the judges because whoever follows the obligatory Standing O for Joshua, gets made to look second rate by their toned down enthusiasm. One of her best performances Randy? She has had some great ones previously, so where was her Standing O?

2. Skylar - The Show Must Go On
Really hard for me not to hear Mercury in my head and compare. A little dull in the verse for me but extremely strong in the chorus. Really hit some notes there. She showed me more versatility than I gave her credit for and she gets points because it is not her genre.

3. Joshua - Crazy Little Thing Called Love
Not sure of the song choice. If someone could have taken on Somebody to Love for instance and killed it, it was Joshua. It was a good performance and injecting soul into rock worked well (in a Jimmy Barnes kind of way) but it didn't ring my bells. Sure the judges stood up again (although J-Lo wasn't going to) but they are pumping his tyres every week whether he is a standout or not. He is the chosen one. I am almost rebelling against this Joshua love now. Then J-Lo names Skylar her round 1 winner after talking up Joshua.

4. Jessica - Bohemian Rhapsody
Not really a song you can carve up too much so she loses points for song selection. Disagreed with the judges. In the first part, I didn't feel it as much although the notes were flawless.
In the second part, I was happy to see she can rock out a bit. Certainly distances herself from Pia in that regard. First time I have seen hope for her in terms of crossing genres.

5. Phillip - Fat Bottomed Girls
Opening was good, start of verse a little laboured, would have liked to see those notes clipped a little. He actually had the voice for this song but changed it to his style ever so slightly. He Phillipsed it and he doesn't care. Again, it was rock and I love it but I agree with Randy, it was good but not great.

6. Hollie - Save Me
Safe song choice but not a well known song to appeal to voters and did not extend her at all. Very low level of difficulty and it will not do her any favours as one of the outsiders.

Round 2 - own choice

1. Jessica - Dance With My Father
Brilliant. Like the tone and emotion. Better than Jacob's version last year. Amazing for her age.

2. Joshua - Ready For Love
I like this better because it was not oversung. Far better when he is understated. Flawless vocals. Again, a standing O. Not sure why nobody else gets them. Is he really that far above everybody else that he is the only one that deserves a standing ovation for every song he sings?

3. Hollie - The Climb
Another competent job. Ballad by the numbers. Really nailed her big notes here. Got a standing O but that might be an encouragement ovation.

4. Elise - Bold As Love
Don't know the song. Hendrix apparently. I liked the wordy storytelling of the song. Very eclectic performance. She sang well, it was different. I love her but not sure what to think of the song choice. I hated the fact that Joshua can sing well and go on all sorts of runs and stuff but gets talked up but when someone like Elise sings a busy song, they look for excuses to talk her down. She's getting crucified out there.

5. Skylar - Tattoos On This Town
She is as talented a country singer as the show has had in my opinion. She does blend a little into the background with some of her song choices though. This one was okay but she raised the bar with some killer notes. Will be a country star without a doubt.

6. Phillip - The Stone
He's the most original artist there, and he is a true singer/songwriter and I would love for him to go all the way. I don't know that song either so again not sure what to think. J-Lo said it was a little obscure and Steven said, it was off the wall.

Overall

1. Jessica
2. Joshua
3. Elise
4. Skylar
5. Hollie
6. Phillip

Bottom 3

Elise, Hollie, Joshua - was going to put Phillip instead of Joshua here but feel that Joshua has gone bottom 3 a couple of times and while Phillip was not great this week, I think he will get the teenage girl vote almost exclusively this week. I'm just pre-empting voting trends.

Going home

Unfortunately and undeservedly .... Elise. It's going to suck.

 

[TheStinger]

TODN - It's funny you saying you don't know Bold As Love, because it is the only one that I know out of all the own choice songs. Maybe I am showing my age and my love of Hendrix.

 

[The Old Dark Navy's]

TODN - It's funny you saying you don't know Bold As Love, because it is the only one that I know out of all the own choice songs. Maybe I am showing my age and my love of Hendrix.

Was not exposed to Hendrix growing up and never sought it out when I was older. Just exposed to whatever live performance they might have shown on MTV or Rage from time to time. I didn't really know most of the own choice songs by the way.

Knowing the song though, you would be in a good position to judge the vocal. How did you see it?

 

[TheStinger]

Was not exposed to Hendrix growing up and never sought it out when I was older. Just exposed to whatever live performance they might have shown on MTV or Rage from time to time. I didn't really know most of the own choice songs by the way.

Knowing the song though, you would be in a good position to judge the vocal. How did you see it?

Comparing her vocal to Jimi's would be stupid, because he had a very distinctive vocal style. So hard to copy. She did her own thing with it and I think it started a little badly, but picked it up in the middle and really brought it home. I think she did a really good job with what is a fairly difficult song to pull off well.

 

[CF]

Just got around to watching the performances. The quality of this group is just phenomenal to be honest. How cool to see the old "Queens" up there playing too.

I wont go through every song in this review but just to say I really liked Joshua and Jessica's performances and couldn't really separate them for 1st place. Although Jessica's rendition of Bohemian Rhapsody was contrived, phoney, and lacked any real punch. Bad song choice there. But her second song blitzed the whole night even outdoing Joshua's two great performances in one hit.

Nice to hear Elise singing rock again and I liked both her performances but she is more to my taste in music even though I don't think her appeal is as wide to the AI audience.

Skylar is such an entertainer and while her voice isn't in the "Jessica" stratosphere it is good enough for her country fans.

Hollie is really coming back strong at the moment. Her second performance was great.

Phillip had an off night for me. His rendition of fat bottom girls was reminiscent of a washing machine. The Dave Matthews thing was OK but not to my taste.

Bottom 3 could be Hollie, Phillip, Elise

As to who goes well it's a toss of the coin between Hollie & Elise in my opinion. Phillip should be OK as he will get all the teen girl vote now.

 

[lihei]

Elise gone? Hooray!!!

 

[CF]

Elise gone? Hooray!!!

Hardly Hooray Bad luck for Elise I just think her vocal stylings were probably never going to carry her all the way with this audience. If this was a show like Rock Star then she could win that.

Hopefully we will hear from her in the future.

 

[TheStinger]

Hardly Hooray Bad luck for Elise I just think her vocal stylings were probably never going to carry her all the way with this audience. If this was a show like Rock Star then she could win that.

Hopefully we will hear from her in the future.

It would seem nowadays you either have to be a really cute guy or a country artist to win. So many teenage girls and country fans are voting it would seem.

 

[stanga]

if stefano can get a record deal , and release a single then im gunna give it a crack , i hate the filler that that they have in the show and the group stuff . its so cringe worthy and kinda embarrasing for them i reckon.
Skylar to win over Dave Matthews

 

[djrossie16]

Haven't really watched this season at all. Tuned in for a bit tonight was wowed by Joshua's Temptations performance. Most of the songs were actually pretty good. Well it was 60s night lol Zombies (one of my favorite bands), Boxtops, Tina and Ike and Righteous Brothers Phil Spector would be sitting in his cell proud as punch.
Was loling and not sure if they were joking or not the singers never hearing of the Bee Gees To Love Somebody and the RBs You've Lost that Loving Feeling. JLo never heard of the Boxtops the Letter was no surprise. Some of these people need an education in good music.

edit: okay just give the title to this Joshua guy he never hear of the song but he slayed it.

 

[CF]

Top 5 performance Show

1. Joshua - I thought overall he won the night with two really controlled flawless performances. He seems to have reigned in the vocal gymnastics a bit which I think is better for him in this competition. This guy is one of the best ever seen on Idol I have to agree with the judges there.

2. Skylar Laine - I have to put her second tonight because both her performances were exceptional. I like it better when she rocks up her country as when she sings straight country music I find she sounds like 100 other country singers. But when she rocks it up a little she really achieves her true self. The Dusty Springfield song was awesome.

3. Jessica Sanchez - I Just had trouble connecting with her performances emotionally tonight even though as per usual her singing was flawless. It was ironic they were worried about turning "You are so Beautiful" into elevator music when I thought once the violins came in that was exactly what happened. Still so young and put some more life experience on top of that voice and she could become one of the biggest Divas in the world today. Future huge star probably the first real one from Idol.

4. Hollie - I think the best night I have heard her ever. River Deep was good but didn't blow me away as I don't think her voice is that suited to it. But her second song was one of the performances of the night. It would be nice to hear her push her voice above that top note she always does.

5. Phillip - I have a problem when Phillip doesn't sing the melody as it sound really bad to me. His second song was good without being great. Overall not a great night and deserves to go home.

Bottom 3: Jessica, Hollie, Phillip.

I think Phillip deserves to go because last week he was sub par and this week he was just par, but he probably wont. Poor Hollie will finally get her ticket to ride!

 

[Cruyff14]

Having Little Stevie on it was great for me personally being the masssive Springsteen fan I am.

Thought it was the best show of the season so far.

I absolutely loved how they got Jessica to slow down Proud Mary, was brilliant I thought.

Joshua again flawless, absolutely outstanding.

Skylar's rise continues.

Holly did well but Phillip's fanbase will probably get him through.

 

[The Old Dark Navy's]

I'm probably gonna cop some for this and am definitely swimming upstream based on comments so far. Let me preface this by saying they are all really talented so any criticism is nitpicking to the extreme. Very hard to rate a lot of almost flawless vocals.

Round 1 - 60's

1. Jessica - Proud Mary

Liked the sultry bit she had going. Really liked the way she has evolved the last couple of weeks. Shown me something I wasn't sure she had. It's an open comp for me with only Phillip left that partially matches my tastes. She has elevated herself in my mind, though I know she has always been one of the favourites. Randy was a dick here. That was a great change up for her.

2. Joshua - Ain't Too Proud To Beg

Did Jimmy and Steve build this up too much beforehand? It was good with a really good tone but didn't blow me away. I dunno. He's the judges favourite to the detriment of the others. I'm probably unfair but the Joshua love just pisses me off. From here on in, please ignore my opinion as it is clear I just like what I like and have nothing to contribute to any judgment of singing talent. Mind you, I am an consumer so in that sense my vote counts. I still had him second here though so it is not an all consuming bias.

3. Skylar - Fortunate Son

Love this song so was interesting to see how it went going slightly more country. Hard not to compare it to CCR in terms of presence so I have to check myself. In terms of vocals, it was good. In terms of performance, she was entertaining. As a Skylar country version alone, it was good. Just not sure you can do that to a CCR song like that and make a success of it. I think she could have dropped the intensity and made it something better.

4. Hollie - River Deep Mountain High

A little lifeless in parts to me. Just lacks that special moment consistently. Can sometimes be a paint by numbers ballad singer.

5. Phillip - The Letter

I think the melody and arrangement in the chorus is the most appealing part of that song, not the lyric. So I was a little disappointed that he Phillipsed the wrong part. Good vocal and he stayed true but barely recognised it.

2nd Round - Brits - This round was far better all around for me. In fact, everybody but Skylar did better IMO. Then I do like a CCR song.

1. Jessica - You Are So Beautiful

Love this song so was interested to see how she did. That was exquisite. That was almost an Adam Lambert 'Mad World' moment for mine. What a high note. Didn't get the elevator music vibe at all.

2. Phillip - Time Of The Season

Again, a little understated but this time mixed with some melody. Loved the vibe. That was a real sleeper and it was absolutely brilliant. Bugger the lack of excitement from the judges, really hit the spot for me. He rarely does melody so it gave me a kick to see him do it.

3. Hollie - Bleeding Love

Really liked this. Think she did an awesome job. My only criticism is I find her more technical but lacking in that believability a little. Very very good vocal though and I like the song.

4. Joshua - To Love Somebody

Love the Bee Gees and his voice suits their music. I closed my eyes this time and tried to forget the Joshua love. I like his voice in the purest form but hate his runs. Really busted it out in the middle section and showcased his voice but I resisted judging him on one or two tricks. Thought he oversung again towards the end. Another standing O from the judges. I might just be ruined for the rest of this series because I am seriously not getting this over the top thing. I wish he could be understated and show some tenderness. He is good but the judges are trying to end this competition now and ruin the others. Probably could have been as high as 2 but I rated 2-4 quite evenly.

5. Skylar - You Don't Have To Say You Love Me

I think she used her country grunt voice when she should have hit some high notes, especially at the end. It started out nice but went away a bit for mine. I do like that country grunt voice by the way, in fact it is her most redeeming feature, but time and place is all important.

Duets/Trios

Phillip/Joshua - You've Lost That Loving Feeling

I liked the understated Phillip. Felt that Joshua lost the melody at times, probably because he didn't know the song as he said. Joshua was far more in his element hitting the backup high notes. Phillip showed plenty of personality there. Starting to realise he is just a fun, quirky guy. Points to Phillip on that one.

Jessica/Hollie/Skylar - You're Love Keeps Lifting Me Higher

Jessica's high notes were lovely and Hollie's were almost as good. Hollie the most solid of the three throughout the song. Skylar's twang stood out in this company, but not in a good way.

I'll give that to Hollie first, then Jessica then Skylar

Overall

Jessica
Joshua
Hollie
Phillip
Skylar

Bottom 3. Hardly matters when there is only 5 left. Hollie is probably going home.


CF, I see that you rate the talent of those that are left in general so I was wondering if you see the gap and potential that the judges see? Is it really Joshua >>>>>>>>>>>>>> Jessica > Skylar >>>> Phillip > Hollie in terms of talent as they are telling us?

In terms of performance, Skylar wins out hands down. In terms of singer/songwriter/musician, Phillip wins uncontested. In terms of potential and pure voice, then Joshua and Jessica are around the same mark for mine. That leaves Hollie without a winning category, as a solid singer.

 

[The Old Dark Navy's]

Having Little Stevie on it was great for me personally being the masssive Springsteen fan I am.

Yeah, it was awesome.

My wife ... god bless her ignorant little soul ... was watching this elsewhere. Sent me a text .... wow Bruce Springsteen has put on a lot of weight. Had to explain that was Little Stevie and the boss is still in great shape. My own passion for Springsteen doesn't really have a sounding board in my house.

I've recanted my Phillip/Bruce comparison of some weeks ago by the way. He definitely had some of the body language mannerisms of Bruce but really didn't end up demonstrating the rock chops I thought he promised early.

 

[Cruyff14]

Yeah, it was awesome.

My wife ... god bless her ignorant little soul ... was watching this elsewhere. Sent me a text .... wow Bruce Springsteen has put on a lot of weight. Had to explain that was Little Stevie and the boss is still in great shape. My own passion for Springsteen doesn't really have a sounding board in my house.

I've recanted my Phillip/Bruce comparison of some weeks ago by the way. He definitely had some of the body language mannerisms of Bruce but really didn't end up demonstrating the rock chops I thought he promised early.

haha. Stevie and Jimmy get on so well, was good to see them carry on like kids. When I saw he was going to be on the show I was hoping fro Springsteen week but it wasn't to be!

You should check out my thread in the music forum

 

[The Old Dark Navy's]

I've checked that thread out and could probably do my own list but kudos to you for finding the time. I was a Born In The USA tour convert and then went back to discover all the earlier stuff. Still easily the best concert I have ever seen. His stamina and storytelling are legendary.