Sugar

Today I watched the show without actually watching the performances ( I turned my head or closed my eyes). That shit was ROUGH. Most of the singers had major pitch issues and difficulty with breathing and sustaining notes. I could barely listen to Christiana and Sharane in particular, because as soon as they hit the first chorus of their songs, it was downhill fast. Even D.R, whom I love, and who is such a professional, had a few off notes in his runs (that song choice though...wtf, Kelly). Brynne and Britton also hit some duds and sounded out of breath in parts. At first I thought that maybe it was the live show format - that it was making everyone extra nervous and throwing people off, but actually, I've been complaining about pitch issues since the blinds (which is why I tried not watching and just focusing on the singing). I think these folks are so determined to give an EMOTIONAL performance, that they end up sacrificing the actual vocal. Ditto making a song 'their own'. Sometimes, you really should stick to the melody. I would rather a singer didn't take the risk and go for the glory note, than to go for it and fall short. Chloe from last year is a great example of someone who can deliver a song without going over the top, respecting the melody and lyrics and telling the story of the song - and yet still making it sound fresh. Kyla Jade was the bright spot for sure.

....and you think 1) Alicia reads all the tweets she gets 2) She cares about the tweets she gets 3) She then refers to them to decide which of her team to keep? K. Maybe you can use your special influence to get rid of The Save and Live Voting?

YES. There were a lot of pitch problems. Almost every single singer had one (or more) during their performance. When Reid sang, I was so relieved to finally have a singer hitting the right notes. I would rather a singer have a smaller voice or performance and hit every note, than to belt and spazz and be flat. Don't go for the note if you can't reach it! I think when they get too "emotional", they lose their vocal footing. Unfortunately, the coaches praise the overwrought, writhing spasms that so many singers do now. Actually, I don't mind Rayshun's exuberance, because it fits his story. The guy almost DIED. He got a second chance at life, and it looks like he can barely contain the joy he has - like it's just bursting out of him. I, for one, find him delightful to watch. You go 'head and spread your happiness, Rayshun. I love his voice too. Agree that it's a weak season overall. Pryor was a favorite, but he's a one-way monkey. Would love to hear him do a slow jam - with dynamics, to see if he has the chops. I still like Briton a lot, and my hope for him is that he doesn't go too old-fashioned and throwback. Would love to hear him do an interpretation of Springsteen's "I'm on Fire". Jackie from Team Alicia is the absolute worst. "I'm such a rock chick, look how hard I rock - with my mom blazer and Instagram bob haircut". She has a decent voice (when she's on key), but it's not a rock voice. Just like Spensha has a nice voice, but it's not suited to country.And perhaps the most offensive, Dylan. Dude says he's a folk, singer-songwriter artist and then performs Tom Petty like he's a long lost Backstreet Boy. That was offensive. I mean, did he really lift up his shirt to show us his stomach?! How very Bon Iver of him! I mean, I love soul and blues, but I sound like Taylor Swift. Therefore, I sing mostly poppy indie shit when I do karaoke - and not BB King, because it sounds like shit. I wish people were more self-aware.

I burst out laughing when I heard his song choice and my boyfriend couldn't understand (bless his soul, he's too good for reality tv and never watched Idol) why I kept sputtering "Kristy Lee Cook!" in between tears. I'm so very relieved that there are others like me who remember the important historic and cultural moments of our time. This is why I think Blake is actually very savvy and aware - it's usually his artists who pull out the Jesus/Patriot pandering, and it's usually successful. I think that Miley took a page outta his book with Amazing Grace last year for Brooke (and it worked).

I love Dita doing "This Will Be" - probably because when I first heard what song they were doing I was very, very confused as to how they could possibly turn it out. I mean, yea, there's some swag there, but it's nowhere near the level of attitude the other club hits have. So, colour me SHOCKED when Dita pulls that magic out. Even though I was just "whelmed" by Raven's "Never Gonna Get It" at the time, I find myself thinking about it often. And I've gone back and watched it a few times, and it holds up. She commands the stage with the first note, and doesn't have to mug for attention. It's this innate slinkiness that Raven has that really makes the performance work. I also enjoyed Peppermint's 'Music' lip sync against Cynthia - I watched the seasons out of order, so I could be very wrong, but for me it was the first performance that was tongue in cheek without being overtly sexual or comedic. Unpopular opinion: I hate Manilla's MacArthur Park. I mean, Delta sucked as well , and the song is hard, but I find Manilla's mugging super cringey. I compare it to Jujubee's emotional angst during Black Velvet, and Manilla just looks fake. It's like she wasn't feeling the song, she was just performing the emotion. It started out strong, but she loses me as soon as she starts pulling faces and gritting her teeth. Her performance doesn't match the lyrics or the beat - way too intense.

I'm new to the show and not really sure where to pose this question, so please bear with me y'all. Would someone mind clarifying "tucking" for me? I tried looking it up online and found a few tutorials, so I get the mechanics, but I don't understand how some Queens (Trinity and Nina Bonina from S8 come to mind) can wear only a thong and teeny tiny patch covering the front and yet nothing shows. I've also seen some girls spread their legs during lip syncs while wearing butt floss, and it's like a Ken Doll - not even a bulge or bump. Can someone explain how they're able to achieve such a smooth and seamless surface down there? Sorry if this is in the wrong place, I'm watching an episode now and can't stop thinking about it!

Holy shit, Tiffany Haddish is incredibly annoying. I haven't seen Girls Trip or anything else she's been in, but based on what I've seen of her on the carpet and now presenting, HARD PASS. I'm watching with my best friend on the phone (who is black), and she just said "well, that set black women back about 20 years" after her shtick with Maya. YMMV, obviously.

I'm such a fan of Glen Keane, and so overjoyed that he finally has an Oscar! I had the pleasure of meeting him at an animation workshop he was conducting, and he is such a sweet, warm person and so dedicated to passing on art and illustration to new generations (if you don't know who he is, he's the genius behind some of Disney's iconic characters and movies). Really interested to see Dear Basketball now!

Ugh. I actually hope that speeches don't get political, because I don't watch for this shit. A few meaningful words that are relevant to the winner are fine (like when screenwriters talk about the importance of writing, or a first female winner talking about breaking ground in her category), but otherwise I am sick to death of all the politicking in Hollywood. We get it. Metoo, Weinstein, equal pay, POC, blah blah. I just want to watch pretty people win stuff.

Wasn't she in Bridesmaids? She looks like the mom with the horny sons who kept bitching about how gross they were. I actually miss the interviewers asking who each person is wearing. I always liked to know, so I could make a mental note to myself that if I ever make millions, I'll know which designers to hit up.

unpopular opinion: I love Margot's dress, but I hate that hair. She does it a lot, and while cute for a casual look, is too simple and flat for this setting.

Jennifer Garner looks different - way more 'va va voom' than she has recently. I think she also dropped a bunch of weight (not that she wasn't always thin, it's just that before she had a more athletic build). Whatever it is, she looks great and confident and happy. Good for her!

That's Whoppi's thing. She's always wearing kooky shoes and even has her own line of quirky socks that she designs. I get that it's not everyone's cup of tea, but she's not a Nicole Kidman or Viola Davis - you can't compare her to the women who actually try to look glam. She's more of a Bjork - just be glad she shows up wearing clothing and not random objects glued to her body! :P

I, for one, remember what Whoopi has worn to past award shows, and am grateful that she looks somewhat put together. When we could have had a giant garbage bag, pillow case, or tarp, paired with neon coloured sneakers, we instead got a gown (a Christian Siriano no less!). This is somewhat of an achievement for Whoopi.

OMG, I had forgotten about Kevin. You just completed my holy trinity of unremarkable TC winners. After watching the latest episode, where Joe spent 10 minutes talking about his mom, I feel like there's no way he's not the winner. Since he didn't have a "story arc" this entire season, this was it - the 'doing it for my mom' edit, the thing that defines his experience. I have nothing against the guy, but it makes me dislike production for trying to shove him down our throats. "See guys, he's likeable!" "he's a good winner". Barf.

YOU ARE AN AMAZING HUMAN! Seriously, thank you so much for making that - that's definitely going into my GIF rotation :) *virtual hug

Best moment by far was Stanley's reaction to Josh talking back on the runway. If anyone knows how to make GIFs, I will forever be grateful if you could capture that moment! I liked Fabio's - it was beautiful, but it was too wearable for what I like to see for AG. Anthony's bottom was PERFECT - I just wish his top was different. The paint splatters were too literal and juvenile. Also enjoyed Stanley and surprisingly, Ken. I thought Helen should have gone. Hers was awful in every way. Overall, very disappointing considering their inspiration. I mean, you could do so many amazing things with a cosmos reference!

I thought that was a little bullshitty. Gary's whiskers weren't as clean as Josh's, but they were still readable. They looked like the tiger's whiskers, and didn't really detracted from the overall appearance of the tattoo. Josh's lazy eye, however, made the whole piece suffer as a result. All I could see was the eyeball, and so any good work he did in the other areas didn't really matter. It was a tiger with a wonky eye. Overall, I found Gary's to be more aesthetically pleasing. I also thought he had a better face shape/pose. Given that Matt went home because he had a bad tattoo on the day, I think Josh should have gone based on this tattoo alone. I'm sick of the inconsistent judging criteria. Yes, Josh is the best overall artist, but if someone beats him in a challenge, then he should go. This has happened so many times in the past - a strong contestant is saved because of their portfolio. I would have loved to see Joey and Tommy as coaches, but as a non-winner, I don't think they could bring Tommy back. I think Joey is the best artist the show's ever had, so I think he'd wipe the smirk right off DJ's face (I say that as someone who likes DJ). His post-show portfolio is absolutely stunning. I like Steve ok, despite not really enjoying him on S2. I think he does the coaching role well, and is a good balance of supportive/nurturing (Anthony) and aggressive/strategic (DJ). My ideal masters in terms of talent and coaching potential would be: Joey, Shane, Ryan/DJ <DJ is more versatile, but Ryan is soooo good at black/grey>

I watch for the food, so I never really care who wins/gets bounced, but Ilan and Hosea were pretty infuriating wins. While people may not have liked Nicholas on a personality level, I think his food was always interesting and often outstanding, and he was pretty consistently on the top/praised. Jeremy was one-note, but I found him somewhat likeable. I lump a Sasto in with the likes of the Jeremy one - unremarkable as a cook, but semi-likeable as a person. Although I'm close in age to Joe, so maybe that's why he doesn't bug me. I find his enthusiasm for food shines through, and the fact that he is genuinely excited to cook and compete makes up for the occasional douchey comment. Meh. Adrienne is more likeable as a person and character, but she's been inconsistent. I find that her win wouldn't feel "earned", because she wasn't the best of the season - it'd feel more like she just cooked the best on THAT day. Also meh. I guess this season has felt a 'blah' because no one has really stood out (except for Bruce, but even then he's been inconsistent) as being solid all the way through like the Volts were, Blais, Stephanie, Kristin, Harold, etc. Either the entire cast was so good that it was hard for anyone to differentiate themselves, or they were all mediocre.

So happy to see this Spoiler! Flamm was my fave from the beginning, and I was so bummed when he left in that shitty SD quickfire. I love that he's not trying to ham it up or be some big TV personality - he's just low-key and chill. Nice change of pace from most reality tv personalities - plus his food looks delish. Anyone know why the finale is being filmed in Colorado as well? My memory of recent seasons is fuzzy, but before S10 they'd usually take a trip outside the host city. Is this because of budget reasons?

I feel like the age on this forum must run a little old with the clutching of pearls at things that "just aren't done" in fashion. It think it bears repeating that what people wear in magazines, photoshoots, album covers and movie premiers aren't what you and I are going to wear to our office party or brunch with Karen. Josh's design, while not for the everyday woman, is at least interesting and has a clear point of view and a clear customer in mind, unlike the generic cocktail dresses that some of the other designers made. I can totally see a Bella Thorne or Zendaya wearing something like that to the MTV awards, or a NYC girl wearing it to a club. Josh can be bitchy for sure, but I feel like people dismiss him because his aesthetic is so niche and specific - club kid meets drag queen meets dominatrix. As someone who can appreciate a little ho fashion, and someone more in his customer demographic, I really dig his vibe. It's fun, it's different, and it's what many would consider tacky. But people said the same about Versace and Gaultier. Actually, I really liked Anthony's black/white number, but I felt like it was crying out for a little belt - either a silver band or tiny black one to break up that white. I also really liked Stanley's, but I wish he had chosen a different, more exciting colour. Ken is continuing to surprise me - I think he's really refined his taste, but I worry that it's heading down a "safe" route. By all means, do gowns, but do them differently than everyone else. *small voice * I think Helen is a decent designer. She's a good tailor, and can create clean, wearable clothing that a lot of women would want to wear. It's not the most cutting edge, but I can totally see her stuff in some of my local boutiques. I really liked the bottom half of her dress. (she still sucks as a person though). Finally, I'm just so grateful to not have that dreadful Avon makeup studio + creepy makeup artist anymore. Not that Radial is such a step up, but those Avon products were god awful for a runway show (and did they only have like, 3 lipsticks last season?!). BIG IMPROVEMENT.

I'm with Alyssa - I didn't even notice that Ken's model was wearing a bald cap! I normally don't like gimmicks, but I have a friend with Alopecia, and I appreciate that Ken wanted to send that message without having been asked (like some weird inclusivity challenge that forced them to be diverse - hey, it could happen). It didn't detract from the look, AND it did provide some representation for women who don't have hair. I ain't mad at him. There were some stunning looks this week. Char's was probably my favorite, but Anthony, Fabio, and Ken weren't far behind. If I could pick two contestants to design my entire wardrobe, I'd probably choose Fabio and Stanley. They produce consistently beautiful, well-made clothing that make women look gorgeous. Aside from Merline, the worst looks this week were actually pretty damn good (yes, even Josh's lingerie had some redeeming qualities). I don't like Amanda as a personality, and I've never liked her clothes, so I'm happy she's gone. Very rarely do I dislike someone 'just because', but she is one. There's something about how she speaks, moves, gestures, etc. - it's all very self-aware and self-important. Like she's trying to be the quirky boho girl. I don't think she's ever made anything that made me think "huh, that's pretty". Karolina as a judge was kind of a non-entity.

It's been years since I read the book, so I'm hoping someone can provide some context. I was super confused about how Gilead decided to solve their fertility crisis. If people weren't having babies, why was sex regulated to only once per week during the ceremony? And why only between Commander and Handmaiden? You'd think that to increase the odds of conception, they'd want to do it often, and for some of the lower classes to procreate as well, so they'd have children to adopt. I know they thought sex was bad (well, that pleasure was bad), but if it meant a baby, then wouldn't logic dictate that it'd be ok to say, screw once a day to increase the odds? And seeing as how June's daughter was adopted by a high ranked family, it doesn't appear that children could ONLY be made from commander DNA - that they'd take just about anything (which is why Serena suggested that Offred sleep with Nick). So, in the book do they address WHY exactly these rules were made when they're pretty much contrary to one of Gilead's main goals, i.e. to solve infertility? Also, if the handmaids are such a precious resource, then why are the wives allowed to mistreat them? Why are the Aunts? I know our reproductive systems aren't exactly fragile, but all the constant electric shocks, slaps, falls, etc. not to mention the stress of the situation - they can't be good for any person, let alone a woman trying to conceive. It makes no sense to me that the handmaids were considered "sacred" and protected in one way (by guards, chaperones, shopping partners, etc.) but yet literally no one gave a shit if they got pushed around by the wives or Aunts. What? Why? And why did the wives have any power at all? If they were barren, and they weren't allowed to contribute to the household (or to please their husbands), then why weren't they the ones being replaced by fertile women - like the handmaidens? I just don't understand why in this hierarchy, the ones who actually had all the power (and not just in their own eyes; everyone acknowledged how valuable a resource they were), were the ones at the bottom of the totem pole. I was missing these explanations in the show, and can't remember if the book covered them. Can anyone provide some insight? My overall feeling after watching the show, was that it felt very 'plot=holey'. Like, it was all about the message, but the story wasn't airtight. I'd love for someone to correct me!

Lil'D annoys me greatly. He seems like a nice guy, but he keeps coming up with excuses, when really, the real reason he's failing to perform is that he just isn't a talented artist. You can tattoo flash art all day and still not know how to draw - which is what I think the case is here. Clients go to him to get whatever is on the wall, or whatever he can easily reference from online and that's about it. I don't think he has the technical skill OR the artistic talent to even be here. I checked out his portfolio online, and his work looks like prison tattoos - or like they were done 40 years ago (and I'm talking about the application, not the style). It really drives me nuts that having a long career means that you should be respected in this business, when to me, it just shows that if after 20 years you still can't tattoo or draw, you chose the wrong job. I don't fault Katie for being emotional. Some people just aren't cut out for the kind of bullshit that shows like Ink Master put the contestants through (no sleep, producer pressure to be nasty, staged fights, etc.) And I know that if I had someone like Josh in my face, in a stressful situation with a ton of pressure, I sure as shit would not be able to do Anthony's Zen Routine. Doesn't mean she's weak. I really liked Matt's confidence ( I didn't find him cocky, he has the goods to back it up), and I love his art. I know he may lack some technical skills, but his tattoo was not worse than Lil' Ds. In my opinion, asking Chris, "which would you rather wear?" was perfectly valid, and Chris punked out because he's a wimp. Oliver and Dave always use that criteria when deciding between two problematic tattoos, and it totally makes sense. If both have technical flaws, it comes down to - which LOOKS better, which will wear better, and which can maybe be improved/fixed. I feel like that was Matt's on all points. Also, I really think it's unfair to give artists dark-skinned canvases when everyone else has pale skin to tattoo. It's not a level playing field, because darker skin DOES have its own challenges. If anything, they should really take that into consideration and maybe go easier on critiques relating to saturation, boldness, etc., or else make everyone tattoo dark-skinned canvases. I think if Matt had lighter skin to work with, he could have made that drawing significantly better by choosing brighter, bolder colours, doing varied lines, etc. Bah, I'm just annoyed with the judging. Dave is ALWAYS the voice of reason. ALSO: Um, so I'm re-watching the earlier seasons, and wanted to see what a few of the old school artists were up to, and was shocked to learn that Clint from Season 2 had passed away! Unlike Scott Marshall's passing, I had never read anything about Clint - didn't see anything posted in the general chat thread either. Very very sad news. He was a bit abrasive, but still likeable and funny, and he really came into his skill on Tattoo Nightmares.

I thought Noah sounded fantastic on Let it Be - the only one who let their voice do all the talking. I was on Team Davon after his audition, but after that group performance he completely lost me. I love runs and melisma; I even look up youtube videos of it, but it's only effective when you pick your moments. If everything is all runs all the time, it sounds like a hot mess, even coming from a skilled singer. I was worried that Jennifer would lead him down this path rather than trying to reign him in, and well - it happened. BUT, gotta say that I was pleasantly surprised by how generous JHud was with her group sing. Definitely was counting on her pulling an Xtina and giving herself all of the good parts. I always love Blake's weirdo group sing choices, they're fun. Also made me long for Chloe to do some bluesy stuff; she sounded really good. Meh on Jon leaving. Based on absolutely nothing, I found him a little arrogant and not likeable, which is very weird because he didn't actually "do" anything to warrant that. Oh well. LOVED the Pitch Perfect video! Especially dug the first part with Keisha, Adam and Janice - gorgeous.