Year of the Young

Dear Contestants,

It is funny how the tides shift year to year. I remember the year they made the age limit higher--so older people could audition. After that, it seemed the top 12 was heavily filled with people in their late 20s. I even remember Simon commenting that the older people basically had much more emotion in their singing than the  younger people.

In those years, we had some young singers in the top 12. The comments always seemed to focus around how good they were for their age. Yes, they were great singers, but their singing ability seemed more impressive once you found out how old they were.

This year, they made the age requirement lower--meaning that 15 year olds could now audition. I remember during auditions being struck by how many good singers there were who were young. It seems to be the year of the young people.

These kids have basically been watching American Idol their entire lives--at least most of what they can remember in life. Some of them have been planning on this moment since they were 6. They have remarkable stage presence. And they are good--and not just good for their age, but good. Our three teenagers are also three of the frontrunners.

And what about the rest of the group? The "old" ones? All but two range from 20-22. The other two are 26. We have a year of young people. Young people who are are just plain good.

Here are Scotty (17), Lauren (16), and Thia (16)

 

Year of the Young

Results Show

Dear Top 13,

Results night seemed to go rather quickly. The group number...okay, group number is often painful and quite amusing--especially in the beginning--because people aren't good at mouthing it. On the up side, I do enjoy listening to the voices together to kind of get my head straight about who really is good and who really isn't. And, I must say, Stefano sounded off key even when recorded, so either my ears are prejudice against him, or he is so off they can't manually tweak the pitch.

Then we have Diddy Dirty Money--is that your name now? Okay, I just did some quick "research." So last night I was kind of just shaking my head in amazement because in a world where bloggers are afraid to switch from "blogger" to "wordpress" (or vice versa) because they could lose a following, you (Sean Combs) have been known as so many names I can't keep them straight. Puff Daddy. Sean Puffy Combs. P. Diddy. Diddy. Puff. Puffy. You have so many names that if someone is referring to an artist and acting like I should know who it is and there is a "P" or a "D" in the name, I just default to you and nod like I know what is going on.

Side bar, off my side bar, did you know that "P. Diddy" went to "Diddy" because "the P. was getting between him and his fans"? I am so glad he did that because I have felt immensely closer to him ever since that annoying P. was dropped. Maybe I should drop something to get closer to people....maybe the "V"--I could go by alerie instead. That would help with children. V is a hard one for kids.

Anyway, (must note sarcasm was heavily used in above paragraph), another side bar, did you know that, um, Sean Combs was born in 1969? He is a lot older than I realized.

So, back to not the point of this post, but apparently Dirty Money is the name of a group you are currently apart of. I was thinking it was just some other name change. That's what I get for not watching "entertainment" shows at all. I sit in ignorance. Now I am glad we have that all cleared up, because one more name change would have been excessive, you know?

Back to the show.

Our bottom three end up being:

Karen, Ashthon, and Haley:

 If you remember my bottom three (which was really a bottom four), Ashton and Karen were in it, with Ashthon being my lowest.

Haley was in the middle of the pack for me. Initially, I was kind of surprised she was in the bottom, and I actually still am over Stefano, however, she probably doesn't have a solid fanbase yet since she is singing such different stuff every week. Last night, she spoke some words that lead me to believe she will be gone soon. I don't know exactly, but something about "I like to mix it up" or "I like to sing different things"--something along those lines.

Not good. Okay to sing songs from different genres if you tweak them to fit your genre, but not okay to never pick a genre. Most people have a style of music they like, and if you can't be classified, you won't last no matter how good you are in this competition. Look at Matt Giraurd. So, if Haley doesn't "pick a lane" as the judges said last night, she will be gone soon--especially with so many people who obviously fit in a genre this season.

In the end, we say good-bye to Ashthon, which I don't think was a surprise for even her.

Without seeing performances, I am thinking Karen is soon, Haley might be, and I hope Stefano is soon. We shall see what next week brings.

Results Show

Top 13 Week: Top Performances

For those of you who don't watch American Idol (ahem, Serra), I thought I would provide you with video of the best from last night.

Pia



Casey



Lauren



James



Thia

Top 13 Week: Top Performances

Top 13 Perform

Dear Top 13,

I have to say it was a good night. This actually did surprise me. I thought with your lack of on-air performing prior to top 13, we would have a few disastrous weeks. But really, 12 of the 13 of you did a good job, and most of you did a really good job.

Lauren

You are really good at singing country. This was not your most amazing performance, but a good performance. I enjoyed it better than the original. Of course I voted for you! But it won't be something I ever buy off of iTunes. You are definitely on my list of top five contestants overall.






Casey

How completely perfect of you to sing a Joe Cocker song! I don't think that anyone can argue against you being the best singer technically in this season. You can do amazing things that few singers are ever able to realize. You have undeniable talent. My husband is calling you the winner of the season. This is definitely possible, though I must say will be harder to pull off than it might have been in a season without two stand-out country singers. You are also in my top five best contestants overall. I voted for you. And I would definitely consider buying that performance from iTunes.

Ashthon

I am sad for you because I know you are better than that. You were completely off-pitch. The last two times you sang, you have really buckled under the pressure, which is too bad. It is moments like that I miss Simon on the show, though I mostly just wish they would bring Ben Folds to come judge American Idol because he has the ability to be honest, constructive, and nice all a the same time.



Paul

I didn't love it, Paul. You know I am a fan. You are definitely on my list for best five people this season overall (I had better count this list off; it is filling up fast). I don't think it was a great song to showcase your voice.






Pia

I would have to be an idiot to not include you in my top five best contestants overall (which, in case you are counting, is now up to four people). That. Was. Amazing. Wow. Just wow. I voted for you and I would definitely buy that from iTunes.






James

That was a really good performance and I liked it. You are not in my personal top five, but I wouldn't blame anyone who has you in theirs. I would even consider buying that from iTunes.







Haley

You did a good job. I think you sounded better than the original. There is no doubt you are talented. I think the thing that is holding me back from letting you contend for a top five spot for me is that you just aren't emotionally connected to the song. Your mind is in it more than your heart, and I can tell. The funny thing is that might not matter so much on the radio, but when you are on TV, it matters a lot.




Jacob

It is no secret you are not my favorite, but I do give you props when you deserve it. You did not deserve it last night. The melody changes didn't sit right with me. I think you were in the bottom two last night.







Thia

You really are quite good and you did sound a lot like MJ last night. And Adel--I totally agreed with Randy on that. For whatever reason, I don't have  you in my top 5, but you are my number 6. There is definitely a possibility you will swing into the five, especially if you keep vibing Adel.





Stefano

I am just not that thrilled with you. And right now, I can't even remember what you sang.








Karen

Here is the shocking, cold truth. I actually fell asleep during your song. Really. I have never done that in my American Idol history, which started with auditions back in season one. Not even when I was pregnant. Not a good sign.






Scotty

Not a perfect performance. There were some pitch issues and you hesitated sometimes--bringing some weakness to your song. But you are in my overall top five best for the season and I definitely think you did well enough to make it through. Just work through these jitters before things get really stiff. I voted for you, but wouldn't buy that performance on iTunes.




Naima

That totally shocked me! First, nice dancing. That was cool to see. You don't see dancing like that from Idol contestants. The singing wasn't perfect. I have to wonder how that will be received. I never would have pegged you for that kind of artist based on what you have sung in the past, so it will be interesting to see what your core fan base thinks and if this brings new people to your core. I would advice you to pick a genre you want to do and stick with it, because the wishy-washy never win.



So...my bottom three based on last night:

1. Ashthon
2. James
3. Karen or Stefano. I know that is lame cheating, but that is what I am doing.

My top three based on last night:

1. Pia
2. Casey
3. Thia or Lauren. Again, I know, lame cheating, but my blog, so my rules. James really could be there, too.

The rest:

1. Scotty
2. Haley
3. Naima
4. Paul

Top 13 Perform

Dear Top 13 (Results Show)

Dear Top 13,

All in all, I am really happy! It is a great group of top 13 and I think it is easy to say the overall best top 12/13 in history. There is no one who is really bad that leaves us all wondering how on earth he/she got there.

Guys, four of the five I thought should be there are. The fifth is someone I knew would be there even if I didn't like it. Then we have a six (cough, Stefano) that I am reserving an opinion for until I see more.

Girls, there is only one girl missing who I really think should have been there. That is Kendra. I really think she should be there over Ashthon.

In the end, you are all good. It makes me curious who vote for the worst is gunning for...

They don't know. They were shooting for Rachel and Brett. I am glad to see they were not able to influence. It makes me wonder if that is why they did this top 24 the way they did and knock out half...

Dear Top 13 (Results Show)

Dear Top 12 Girls

Dear Ladies,

Wow! What an overall great night! The sad thing is that based only on last night, 7 of you more than deserve to make top 12, and if you pull in past performances, that number goes up. In other words, some great people are going to not make it. 

Ta-Tynisa

That was not good. Really not good. I know you are better than that, but with all of the other talent and with the small amount of face time you got before last night, I am pretty confident you will go home tonight.

Naima

Really good performance. I don't think there is anything negative that can be said about it, so great job!

Kendra

I liked it and I really like you.

Rachel

Here is the thing. You sing well, but there is something missing for me. I think in the shadows of the really stand-out performances last night, you will have been lost.

Karen

My husband thought it was funny that they quoted you as saying this competition needed...something about Latin flair or something like that, and then you sang the slow, American ballad. You did throw Spanish in there...but I think it would have been fun to see the Latin flavor you want to show. Overall, good performance, but not a stand-out among the many great performances, so it will probably depend on how solid the Latin vote was behind you.

Lauren T

I love your rich voice.

Ashthon

You are a great singer. I didn't like the song.

Julie

Oh, Julie. You had one of the worst performances of the night. I really like you. I don't know how many votes will be based on last night vs. past experience. For your sake, I hope past experience plays a role.

Haley

You sounded good, which is a compliment since you sang Alicia Keys. My problem with the performance was that it was so theatrical. It seemed so forced and fake--not you.

Thia

REally good performance. Solid, flawless. 

Lauren A

Love you and loved the performance. 

Pia

Somehow, I didn't pay attention to you until last night. That was a really, really good performance and I would agree the best of the night.

So, who do I think will be the top 6?

Lauren A., Pia, Kendra

I think Thia has a great chance at that, too.

I would also say Naima and Haley.

Bottom Two:

Ta-Tynisa and Rachel. I don't think either of you have a shot.

Three that were "eh" for me

Karen, Ashthon, and Julie--however, I would not be shocked to see any of those three in the top 6.

Dear Top 12 Girls

Dear Top 12 Guys...

Dear Top 12 Guys,

A pretty good night overall! Most of you did really well. Nothing was good enough that I will be buying it off of iTunes, though. But for a first night, lots of goodness going on. 

I must say that I am kind of tired of American Idol changing things up every.single.year at the top 24 stage. Let's find something that works and stick with it.

And let me also say that cutting half of the guys the first week is NOT something that works. I much preferred it back in the day when we cut down to the top 12 more slowly. You can't judge a contestant by one song. Some of these people are being really heard for the first time. Also, some have had a lot of back-story shared while others have had basically none.

Anyway, on to my thoughts from last night.

Clint

I am going to be honest here. I just don't like you because of how you treated JC during group night. That was low. I have never been enamored with your voice, either. However, you did do really well last night.

Jovany

You are a good singer. You hit things nicely. But this isn't state solo and ensemble competition--it is a competition to find someone who can command the charts. That wasn't chart-commanding style. I agreed with Randy on this.

Jordan

Oh Jordan. What happened there? I am not sure why you chose that song. I am hoping you got talked into it by producers (though I do think that is lame). I am not sure why you sang it when you emphatically stated that was not you. I think it is possible you blew it with that. Which just brings me back to not cutting 6 people in one night.

Tim

I really like you Tim. The performance was not a standout and I don't think it really showed you. I am interested to see exactly who you are, so I hope you come through, but there are so many standouts I don't know that there is room for someone who also didn't stand out--especially without a ton of camera time up to this point.

Brett

You did well and you are so quirky. 

James

Not my style, but you did really well and I would be shocked if you didn't make it to the top 12. And I think you deserve to be there.

Robbie

You have a great voice and did well. The song was a bit rushed for my tastes. But with all of the great guys there are, I am not sure if you will come through to the top 12 or not. You sing well, but you also sing very boy band-ish. Of course, that might bode well for you considering the number of young teenage girls who sit on their phones dialing all night long.

Scotty

You are without question my favorite guy. I am excited to have a country singer--a really good country singer--in the mix again. I voted for you! 

Stefano

I don't know what the judges and audience were hearing, because for me, it was so pitchy, it was painful. I was closing my eyes and turning my head. It seem more notes were off than on. 

Paul

Paul, I so enjoy you. You are my number two guy. I made sure to vote for you. I am a bit concerned because the more Indie style singers did not pull through during this stage of the competition. Or, I should say, voters did not pull through. I am really, really hoping you make top 12. You definitely deserve it so far as talent goes. 

Jacob

I am going to go ahead and admit that I am probably one of maybe 5-10 people in the country who does not love you. I am not seeing what the judges are seeing. You did really well last night, yes, but I usually find you far too over the top for me. However, I am positive you will be in the top 12 because if America doesn't put you there, the judges will.

Casey

Wow. So far as musical talent goes, you top the list of all of the contestants--not just the guys. You have amazing skills. I would put you number three in the guys for me. I do wish you had sung more, screamed less last night. I am pretty confident you will be top 12.

So, who do I think will be top 6 guys?

Without question, James, Scottie, Casey, and Jacob. I am really pulling for Paul.

My "I don't think so's" are Jordan and Stefano.

My people I could easily see go either way are Clint, Jovany (but you are on the line of no), Tim, Brett, and Robbie.

My personal ranking if I were the sole choser?

Top 5: Scotty, Paul, Casey, Tim, James

Bottom 4: Stefano, Clint, Jovany, Jordan

Middle 3: Brett, Robbie, Jacob--hard call which of these I would put into top 6.

Dear Top 12 Guys...

New Judges

Image Source

Dear Judges (namely Jennifer and Steven),

To be perfectly honest, I had written this season off before it even began. I mean, I planned to watch the show to see what I thought, but I was not planning on liking it. No Simon? Not interested. Especially after watching NBCs the Sing-Off--I loved that and decided it could fill my American Idol void.

I typically know the date of the first American Idol episode as soon as it is scheduled. While I knew it was usually the end of January, I had no idea what day the first episode was this year, and didn't care enough to look it up.

Wednesday morning, a friend of mine called.

"I forgot what we think of American Idol this year?"

"Well," I replied, "I think I will watch the first episode, but I am not planning on liking it. I figure I owe it a shot at least."

He then went on to inform me that the first episode was that day. Wow. That is when I realized how disinterested I was. Nevertheless, the DVR was set.

Thursday morning this same friend and his wife stopped by.

"Well, what did you think?"

"Of what?" I inquired.

Oh! American Idol!

I hadn't had a chance to watch it yet. 

That night, I watched it (that would be last night). I then immediately followed it up with the second episode.

Let me tell you, judges, I loved it! I didn't expect to like it, much less love it. No offense to Simon, he made the show great, but the show doesn't need Simon. And you know what? It is kind of refreshing not to have him there. I learned from watching the Sing-Off that judges can be honest AND nice at the same time, something Paula and Simon failed to demonstrate in all of their years on Idol.

So what did I love about it?

For one, I love that the new judges (that is you Jennifer, and you, Steven), are successful performers. This brings in a couple of key elements. One is that they know what it takes to have real success--and not from the management side (maybe you do), but from the performer side.

What else does you being successful do? It ensures that you are confident. You aren't trying to prove anything (cough, cough, Kara). You aren't trying to impress anyone. You might not even care much if Idol doesn't last long for you, I don't know. 

The point is you are interested in the people singing in front of you and not worried about how you look to the viewing public. You don't need to prove you can contribute like Ellen did. You didn't have to prove you had the credibility to comment like Paula did. You didn't have to prove you had the knowledge that Kara did. I mean, you are famous enough that Jennifer Lopez has commercials popping up during the show--you have endorsements, you are famous, you have money, people love you, and you know it.

Another reason I loved it is that it was fun. I loved that the you would sing along (another benefit to you being singers). How great is it to have someone judging your singing be able to sing themselves? It was a lighter atmosphere with fun spontenaeity. Jennifer and Steven, you were so nice! It was great to see niceness. Hopefully you can help Randy swing back to his former nicer self before Simon corrupted him back to middle school days of laughing at people.

Finally, I loved that you were able to look at the talent and past everything else. One woman walked in with a questionable outfit and sang a terrible song. She asked to do another song, and you listened. She was good. Then you told her to lose the gimmicks and believe in her voice. You looked beyond drab clothing to see the potential star behind it all. You didn't tell someone no because they were overweight. You are able to see potential. That was refreshing.

In short, I fully enjoyed the first two episodes and am very excited to see where this season leads!

Sincerely,

New Judges