S19.E18: My Personal Idol/Artist Singles

[peachmangosteen]

Quote

TBA

Airs May 16th.

[DietCokeJunkie]

While I kind of figured Casey would be the one to go, everyone in the final 4 was great, and any of them would be excellent Idols. I loved Willie’s and Grace’s original songs. 

[Ms Blue Jay]

That's shocking.  I would have guessed Chayce.

[Blissfool]

I am just not into Willie's and Grace's type of music.😒

[Koalagirl]

I think if Casey would have picked a lane she would have had a better chance,but all along her style has been all over the road as far as genre.  Chayce’s, Willie’s and Grace’s voices are very distinct and identifiable but I would never have been able to pick out Casey if I heard her on the radio.

[Annber03]

I was thinking Willie would be the one to go-I liked him, myself, and was hoping he'd make it into the final three, but I wasn't sure how he played with voters. I thought it would come down to Chayce, Casey, and Grace as the final three. 

But I'm very happy he is there. He earned his spot based off that cover of that John Legend song tonight alone. Holy hell, that was good. 

Honestly, though, everyone brought their A game tonight. The duets were good (Chayce and Casey sounded particularly nice together), Chayce's original song is pretty much ready for radio right now, and Casey...I'm not surprised she picked a Billie Eilish song, but she did a great job on it. 

That said...

23 minutes ago, Koalagirl said:

I think if Casey would have picked a lane she would have had a better chance,but all along her style has been all over the road as far as genre. 

I do think this is a good point, too. One minute she's doing a Billie Eilish song, the next she's doing Motley Crue. I mean, I like that kind of variety in an artist, but yeah, for a show that wants to market someone in a particular genre, that kind of variety makes it more difficult to know how to market her. 

Also, so Grace was a year old when "A Moment Like This" came out? Thanks for making me feel old, show. 

[LexieLily]

7 minutes ago, Annber03 said:

Also, so Grace was a year old when "A Moment Like This" came out? Thanks for making me feel old, show. 

*blinks* Good Lord, and imagine how old that makes Kelly Clarkson feel! And I was starting to feel old when the annual Year You Were Born themes started getting into early-to-mid-90s music. [Hopefully that is why they stopped doing that theme].

[Diana Berry]

4 minutes ago, LexieLily said:

*blinks* Good Lord, and imagine how old that makes Kelly Clarkson feel! And I was starting to feel old when the annual Year You Were Born themes started getting into early-to-mid-90s music. [Hopefully that is why they stopped doing that theme].

I was thinking the same thing.  Poor Kelly.  It’s hard to believe.  I still think of Kelly as  kid.

great show tonight.  Grace’s song was quite catchy.  Chace’s song already #1 on the charts.  Good job.  I get the feeling he will win. 

Edited May 17, 2021 by Diana Berry

[Never Again]

Damn it.

[TheGreenKnight]

I can't lie, I'm happy Grace survived. I was so afraid it would be her that went tonight... And I suppose if Willie went, neither girl would've stood a chance against Chayce next week. At least now Grace might stand a chance.

[TeeMo]

I love Lionel Richie but wish he could just once manage to stay seated while he offers his critiques. Though I guess none of these judges ever offer much of anything that might be considered an actual critique, just slobbering praise. I don’t miss Simon’s meanness at all but a little gently delivered constructive criticism would do the contestants far more good than the tongue bathing they get every week from Katy, Luke and Lionel. 

[waving feather]

Chayce finally won me over. He may not have the best vocals out of the top 3 but it's his authenticity and comfort on stage that is very pleasing to watch for me. He just does his thing and I respect it. And I don’t have to worry about some awkward notes from him because he will not even attempt them. Lol. 

[LennieBriscoe]

My theory: Grace sang "AMLT" because she will be marketed as "the new Kelly Clarkson."

Both she and Willie are terrific, but it's Willie who moves me to tears. 

Chayce is neither here nor there to me. I mute his raspiness. Oh, and so much for not playing his guitar for that first song. 

Predictiorn: Grace. 🏆

Edited May 17, 2021 by LennieBriscoe

[xtwheeler]

Am I the other one who felt... Deeply uncomfortable with Luke Bryant's performance? 

Just me? 

Marijuana is a hell of a drug. 

[silverspoons]

Kind of predictible tonight. I thought Casey might be the most marketable, or could have the best career. Willie and Grace can sing very well but I just do not see them having some long term success.  Chayce will do fine but I find him a bit boring. The closest big city to me is Vegas. My kids will go bowling at an off strip casino. It is sad when American Idol and American's got talent winners play tehre are it is walk in and watch for $5. The people can sing great but if you can't put on a show, you are at the $5 off strip location. 

It will be Willie vs Grace unless they spilit the same vote and then my guess is Willie vs Chayce based on Willie having a big following before the show. 

[Jillybean]

Casey was and is my favorite, but I figured either she or Willie would be eliminated. Willie is a lovely singer but I have yet to see him do anything up-tempo. It's all kind of a snooze.

The duets really highlighted how vastly superior the female contestants are to their male counterparts, IMO. 

[radiochik]

I threw all my votes to Casey because I figured she was in trouble.  Oh well.  I loved her duet with Chayce.  I firmly believe Chayce will win this whole thing.  AI voters love the WGWG.  

Edited May 17, 2021 by radiochik

[thesupremediva1]

Well I truly thought Casey had this sewn up. I guess Grace and Willie might split the votes in the finale?

Whatever flaws this season had - and there were plenty - this was the finest top 4 show I can recall. Every performance was entertaining and spotless, including the duets. Finneas was awesome - that song is perfection.

I truly had no idea who would go home - no one "deserved" to. This was Casey's best night ever. Chayce is radio and tour ready. Grace and Willie should have their voices studied by science. 

I created a dossier last week about why I believed Chayce had the votes to win, and that is now even more apparent since I believe losing Caleb means Chayce likely inherits that  fan base as well. Despite being light years ahead of him in vocal talent, I believe Grace and Willie can't muster another push to beat him, especially since Chayce comes across so comfortable on stage and I'm still aware Willie and Grace are "competing."

[PhD-Purgatory15]

I'm simultaneously annoyed for Casey (she deserved a spot in the finale), happy for Casey (that she doesn't have the Winner's pressure to live up to/restrictive AI Winner's contract to navigate), and massively relieved I no longer have a reason to watch the finale.

I laughed out loud thinking that even a swag creator like Tricky Stewart couldn't even remotely make Willie sound relevant to 2021. He faired a little bit better with Grace who I guess could try to go the Kelly/Demi Lovato approach to modern pop music. Although, I still think she would probably need to catch lightning in a bottle to have any real mainstream success post-AI.

I suppose Chayce winning would be best for the AI brand. He's done country before, it wouldn't be much of a pivot for him to "go country" completely. Especially in that super raspy Chris Stapleton/Brantley Gilbert lane of Country Music. I liked his Colder Weather cover (that's a favorite song of mine) to a certain degree. But again, I feel like he mostly plateau's at an 8 or a 7. Not since one of his Hollywood songs did I think he knocked something completely out of the park.

Edited May 17, 2021 by PhD-Purgatory15

[TheGreenKnight]

There were a lot of choices that didn't make any sense to me. I know they probably had to fill two slots that were going to be Caleb's performances, but why didn't they let the contestants sing their singles in full instead of performing them for one minute, stop, and then begin another song. That was so strange. I would've rather they all performed their single in full and then the other song separately over the duets. Or they could've kept it as is and let Michael Woodward and Laine Hardy perform in those two slots rather than the duets.

[peachmangosteen]

I loved Casey and Chayce's singles. Grace's was also good. Willie's was bad.

I think Grace and Willie are amazing and I love them both but I would never seek out their music. Maybe Grace, if she goes more pop than belting diva.

Chayce is probably winning. He is the only one left that would make me actively seek out his music so I'm good with it.

[JayDub1987]

I told my wife earlier in the day yesterday that Casey was the one going home. Vocally, she just isn't as strong as the other three. It's probably due to youth and a lack of experience, but she simply gets lost in the music when she's doing rock anthems. It's not a knock on her, and I expect her to have a solid future, but of the top 4, I believe the was the fourth best. Had Caleb been on the show, I think he would have joined her in the exit last night. My personal votes were pretty straight forward. Chayce-10, Willie-9, Grace-8 and Casey-7. 

 

Chayce, Willie and Grace have been the best vocalists of the season all year and deserve their top 3. 

Truly, Willie singing hits me as a religious experience. There is something so truly genuine about him, his vocals and his God-given ability to connect. Grace's vocals are also superb. If we're being honest, (based PURELY on vocal ability) they're both better than a good portion of what's on radio today. No, they're not great entertainers, but they're superb vocalists. 

Chayce is the total package, but I hope he doesn't win based on the fact that he's my favorite this year. I don't want to see him hamstrung by the Idol victory contract when I think a country record label could do him much more good on its own than an Idol win will do. Having said that, the fact that his single is number 1 on the country charts is very telling. He's got an established fan base already while Grace and Willie will probably split the same demographic of voters. 

Finally, I'm nervous about Chayce rising to fame based on his admitted struggles with substance abuse. I'm hoping that he is surrounded by people who are willing to tell him "no" when he needs to hear it. Unfortunately, fame brings out a lot of "yes men," and that's not what someone with Chaycey's background needs. 

 

 

[escape]

Yeah, Chayce is on his way to winning.  Another WGWG.  Hardly inspiring.  But ABC, Hollywood Records don't treat their winners very well.

These days, you're really better off not winning.  Look at Michael J, who actually got more air time than Laine Hardy - who has never even released an album after 2 years.  Sam got dropped a few mos after winning.  And Maddie had lots of problems with the label.

 

[JayDub1987]

31 minutes ago, escape said:

Yeah, Chayce is on his way to winning.  Another WGWG.  Hardly inspiring.  But ABC, Hollywood Records don't treat their winners very well.

These days, you're really better off not winning.  Look at Michael J, who actually got more air time than Laine Hardy - who has never even released an album after 2 years.  Sam got dropped a few mos after winning.  And Maddie had lots of problems with the label.

 

Since he's been my favorite since the auditions, I'm hoping he doesn't win for that very reason. I don't want them to screw up his career. I don't think that winning benefits him in any way. Willie and Grace probably need the win and the contract that comes with it. Chayce can be a country superstar without a victory. Hoping for an upset. 

[TheGreenKnight]

TBH, I wouldn't buy either Chayce's or Willie's music... And I love country music. This show often has country contestants, but my favorites of those rarely win. Carrie Underwood and Laine Hardy are the only country people who've won that I liked. Bo Bice, Aaron Kelly, Kellie Pickler, and Kree Harrison were others I liked who didn't win. Casey James, Laci Kaye Booth, and Jessica Meuse weren't really country to me on the show, but put out good country albums post-show.

At least Chayce can sing, but I have zero interest in him as an artist. I do like Chris Stapleton though, who he mentioned as an inspiration, I think? If Laine couldn't become a star, I definitely don't expect it would happen for Chayce since he's more soulful than what's on the charts. I'm not giving up hope. We all thought Caleb Lee Hutchinson had it sewn up three years ago when Maddie Poppe went on to win, too. The fact that the finales aren't a one-on-one battle anymore is the only reason I believe non-WGWGs have a chance on this show now otherwise I'd be giving up, too.

Edited May 17, 2021 by TheGreenKnight

[leighdear]

I don't even understand most of what Grace is singing.  The words are just a mashup of sounds that go up & down, and the notes are not recognizable to me on any musical scale.  I would love for someone to ask her to just sing a single note, a plain old Middle C, without the roller coaster howl, vibration, gargling or shrieky yodeling.  I'm betting she cant.  It's not a "style", it's just so unpleasant to me.  

Willie is just Reuben Studdard 2.0  I simply can't see him making it through an entire, multi-song set without having physical problems.  

I've liked Chayce from the beginning and will buy his music regardless.  I don't care if he's a WGWG.  I see him as an actual concert performer, not just a 4 minute live act.

[sempervivum]

I think Chayce is pretty boring, both musically and personally, but he has a vocal style/quality that always seem to be appealing, and most importantly (imo) he's very good looking. I don't think he'd be in the finale if he looked like Caleb. Not sure how long he can milk the 'I was a teenaged drunkard' story, though. Oh, and yeah- he's going to win*

* a few weeks ago, I said Willie would win, so...

[Maya]

11 hours ago, TeeMo said:

I love Lionel Richie but wish he could just once manage to stay seated while he offers his critiques. Though I guess none of these judges ever offer much of anything that might be considered an actual critique, just slobbering praise. I don’t miss Simon’s meanness at all but a little gently delivered constructive criticism would do the contestants far more good than the tongue bathing they get every week from Katy, Luke and Lionel. 

These judges are completely useless. Were they this bad last year? I can’t remember. 

[thesupremediva1]

51 minutes ago, Maya said:

These judges are completely useless. Were they this bad last year? I can’t remember. 

Yes, they've been this bad since the show returned in 2018. There's no constructive criticism at all, let alone actual criticism that might help these kids. When they do attempt to "offer advice," it's often nebulous, non-specific babbling that does not even make sense or apply to the contestant.

I know Simon Cowell would never play in today's sensitive snowflake environment, but what these three offer is far less than even the constant pep talks we hear on The Voice. At least on that show, the judges are ALSO mentors, who invest in the contestants, so it makes a lot more sense that they don't want to be overly critical of their own proteges. No such excuse exists here.

It is possible, I believe, to find a middle ground, and actually call someone out on singing off-key or smiling through a sad song. Randy, for all his "dawgs", was keen to let someone know they were pitchy, or not bringing it, or singing the wrong types of arrangements. Harry Connick, Jr. was also able to be critical while being fair and polite. 

For most of this season, I've been unable to abide the constant, undeserved standing ovations. But last night, all of them were earned, so I'll shut my trap now. 

[PhD-Purgatory15]

Maya, they really are completely bottoming out this season aren't they? The first season, I was reasonably impressed on the feedback (and actual criticism) that this trio could offer (in a not-so-mean way). But that feels like eons ago at this point. Even the Voice judges this season have been slightly harder of a few of their contestants than Willie, Grace, & or Chayce have had it. Seriously, has Willie gotten one critique or constructive piece of feedback since his original audition? Nope. Grace has received a little, but I feel like it was coming from the weekly mentors more than its come from these three. 

[pezgirl7]

I really liked Chayce's song, 23. I've listened to it a few times on Spotify. I know he sings some songs by country artists, but I don't really consider him to be country most of the time. More like Americana. I came across this music video from his old band. He had a totally different look and sound a few years ago! Also, here's a cool performance of Where Did You Sleep Last Night by Chayce and Casey.

[waving feather]

I'm not sure what Grace was thinking with picking 'A Moment Like This'. At least Kelly sang it with some vulnerability; Grace made it more corny. Such a step back for her; she was awesome last week with "Fix You". She needs to snap out of competition mode some of the time. She's busy showing off all the notes she can sing that I can't pay attention to the storytelling. What was the nice and tactful way Chris Martin put it? "Sometimes the talent can be so big, that you can't quite connect to it" Yeah, that.

Willie is a wonderful singer but his single was the weakest of the four. Grace's was generic. Casey and Chayce got the best songs singles out of the lot. Both Casey and Chayce have good recording voices, while Grace and Willie sounded more generic in the records.

I'm glad Casey went out on a high note. She's very talented, but a bit under-cooked. She would be even more amazing in a few years.

Edited May 17, 2021 by waving feather

[leighdear]

57 minutes ago, pezgirl7 said:

I really liked Chayce's song, 23. I've listened to it a few times on Spotify. I know he sings some songs by country artists, but I don't really consider him to be country most of the time. More like Americana. I came across this music video from his old band. He had a totally different look and sound a few years ago! Also, here's a cool performance of Where Did You Sleep Last Night by Chayce and Casey.

He could take a page from The Eagles.  They started out a bit Country & segued into a more mainstream Rock.  

[TheGreenKnight]

I think the judges became less critical to follow The Voice's model. It's the same reason they don't really air many "bad" auditions anymore either. That was one of the changes they made to compete when they revived, along with ditching results shows. I think the judges still attempt to influence the show to a degree, mostly by deviating from "That was really good" reactions with "OMG THAT WAS INCREDIBLE I'M CRYING HAVE MY BABY" reactions. I think Katy is the one most likely to deviate in that way to make an impression on viewers that such-and-such contestant is the one they should vote for, that kind of thing. I believe she didn't stand for Grace one night mid-season and gave her a tepid review that scared Grace into only doing big ballads ever since. Then there was the night the judges were pretty meh towards to Arthur without being outright critical (Arthur went home), or how they were OTT in pushing Hunter.

I know I'm often a party of one, but I love this panel and think it's the best since Simon, Paula, and Randy as a combination, although it has to work in a different period on TV than the early seasons did back when people enjoyed hearing criticism without reacting in opposition to it (that often happened in the later Simon seasons, where viewers would basically vote opposite of whatever Simon thought as a way to "stick it to him," lol). I personally did not like Harry Connick, Jr. who was like Kara DioGuardi in the way he would push "artistic" contestants who couldn't sing worth a crap (I didn't like his personality either, I'll just leave it at that) and especially JLO who seemingly did her darndest to ensure no girl would win while she was on the panel. I do miss Keith Urban though, he was a sweetheart!

[ForReal]

51 minutes ago, waving feather said:

 

I'm not sure what Grace was thinking...She needs to snap out of competition mode some of time. She's busy showing off all the notes she can sing that I can't pay attention to the storytelling.

I agree -- and Grace is my favorite. I don't know that I will ever follow her music, but I think she has a beautiful voice and a wonderful personality, so I wish her all the best.

I'm glad Casey went out on a high note. She's very talented, but a bit under-cooked. She would be even more amazing in a few years.

I was really impressed by Casey's singing ability, but she's felt too young to me for awhile now -- I didn't feel she connected to the meaning in the songs. When Luke made a comment about going to an 80's theme bar, I thought, yeah, she can't go in, she's way underage.

[LexieLily]

59 minutes ago, TheGreenKnight said:

I think the judges became less critical to follow The Voice's model. It's the same reason they don't really air many "bad" auditions anymore either. That was one of the changes they made to compete when they revived, along with ditching results shows. I think the judges still attempt to influence the show to a degree, mostly by deviating from "That was really good" reactions with "OMG THAT WAS INCREDIBLE I'M CRYING HAVE MY BABY" reactions. I think Katy is the one most likely to deviate in that way to make an impression on viewers that such-and-such contestant is the one they should vote for, that kind of thing. I believe she didn't stand for Grace one night mid-season and gave her a tepid review that scared Grace into only doing big ballads ever since. Then there was the night the judges were pretty meh towards to Arthur without being outright critical (Arthur went home), or how they were OTT in pushing Hunter.

And that is all fine if that is what they are going for but, to me, this revival version and all of the changes - no results shows, no real criticism to speak of, and the mass eliminations towards the beginning which makes it hard for anyone to make any sort of connection with the audience - is making it come across like this is a completely different show than the Fox version, that both happen to have the same name and Ryan Seacrest as a host. Which, again, is fine if that is what they are going for, and in a way this version is following it's predecessor in that most of the winners disappear, heh, but it just makes me really, really miss the good days of Idol and the contestants I loved. 

Sorry if this was too much of a Debbie Downer reply, lol. 

[leocadia]

On 5/17/2021 at 10:55 AM, escape said:

These days, you're really better off not winning.  Look at Michael J, who actually got more air time than Laine Hardy - who has never even released an album after 2 years.

Have they been keeping him in a box or something?  Even after he won, it seemed like the judges were more impressed with Alejandro.  Alejandro was the one that was constantly brought up as the "shining star" example.   It seems like Laine doesn't get out much in public based on his appearance last night.

Ryan:  How does it feel to be back?

Laine:  It feels like crazy!

Ryan:  Tell us about your new single!

Laine:  I have a new single coming out.

Ryan:  Great to see you, Laine, thanks for dropping by...

Edited May 18, 2021 by leocadia
name spelling not my forte

[SnarkAttack]

Wonder if Finneas will be interested in Casey, he seemed pretty impressed with her.  I could see him writing songs for her.

I go back and watch Alejandro's audition tape once in a while.  Miss him.

[Annber03]

1 minute ago, SnarkAttack said:

Wonder if Finneas will be interested in Casey, he seemed pretty impressed with her.  I could see him writing songs for her.

I was wondering that, too. During her performance I kept imagining Billie Eilish watching from wherever and telling her brother, "You need to work with her!" 

[ljenkins782]

7 hours ago, JayDub1987 said:

I told my wife earlier in the day yesterday that Casey was the one going home. Vocally, she just isn't as strong as the other three. It's probably due to youth and a lack of experience, but she simply gets lost in the music when she's doing rock anthems. It's not a knock on her, and I expect her to have a solid future, but of the top 4, I believe the was the fourth best.

She sounds lovely on the softer songs, like the Billie Eilish song, but she definitely gets swallowed up the music on the rock songs and has absolutely no idea how to perform along with the vocals. The Motley Crue song was plain embarrassing, I had to look away from the tv because the attempt at rocking out was so embarrassing. Just listening to it, I wasn't impressed by the vocals either. I'm glad she was the one to go because I'm more interested in hearing what the other 3 will do. 

Quote

I'm not sure what Grace was thinking with picking 'A Moment Like This'. At least Kelly sang it with some vulnerability; Grace made it more corny. Such a step back for her; she was awesome last week with "Fix You". She needs to snap out of competition mode some of the time. She's busy showing off all the notes she can sing that I can't pay attention to the storytelling. What was the nice and tactful way Chris Martin put it? "Sometimes the talent can be so big, that you can't quite connect to it" Yeah, that.

It did seem like a slightly strange choice, to choose the coronation song of the inaugural season, performed by one of the show's biggest success stories. I do understand her naming Kelly as her Idol and the reasoning behind that choice, but Kelly has a lot of songs to choose from. 

I also loathed the arrangement of the song. It wasn't the most well-written melody to begin with, but it's nostalgic and familiar, so whatever they did to it took the best part away. I also didn't think she sang the arrangement particularly well and her face seemed to indicate that she knew it. I'm glad she made it through anyway, but that was far from her best performance. The duet with Willie was amazing though.

Quote

Maya, they really are completely bottoming out this season aren't they? The first season, I was reasonably impressed on the feedback (and actual criticism) that this trio could offer (in a not-so-mean way). But that feels like eons ago at this point. Even the Voice judges this season have been slightly harder of a few of their contestants than Willie, Grace, & or Chayce have had it. Seriously, has Willie gotten one critique or constructive piece of feedback since his original audition? Nope. Grace has received a little, but I feel like it was coming from the weekly mentors more than its come from these three. 

The last few episodes, it's really seemed over the top, but this last one was the worst so far. They seem to be trying to outdo each other with the most clever pun-filled way to slobber all over each and every performance. Fine if they don't want to offer actual critiques, but it definitely dilutes that feeling of having a "moment" on the show. When every performance receives the same amount of fawning, it doesn't really stand out when someone delivers a genuine knock out performance, you can't tell by the judge's comments. 

[peachmangosteen]

4 hours ago, pezgirl7 said:

I know [Chayce] sings some songs by country artists, but I don't really consider him to be country most of the time. 

Same. Way back when he put himself in country for the genre challenge I was like wait what lol. I think it was smart of him to try to appear country now though. Country fans seem to love to vote for these types of shows and with Caleb gone they now have Chayce to latch on to. I suspect Chayce will go full country in the finale, too. 

[Blissfool]

 

1 hour ago, ljenkins782 said:

It did seem like a slightly strange choice, to choose the coronation song of the inaugural season, performed by one of the show's biggest success stories. I do understand her naming Kelly as her Idol and the reasoning behind that choice, but Kelly has a lot of songs to choose from. 

I thought it was pretentious to choose that song - a coronation song.

 

[JayDub1987]

50 minutes ago, Blissfool said:

 

I thought it was pretentious to choose that song - a coronation song.

 

I think Grace gives off a bit of an "I've got this" vibe. I like her, but I think she seems to give off the vibe of someone who is simply waiting on their coronation instead of someone is fighting for it.

[waving feather]

1 hour ago, JayDub1987 said:

I think Grace gives off a bit of an "I've got this" vibe. I like her, but I think she seems to give off the vibe of someone who is simply waiting on their coronation instead of someone is fighting for it.

For me she gave the opposite vibe like she's a bit insecure so she has to over-compensate with her singing all the notes. Always "fighting" for it, so to speak. 

[xtwheeler]

10 hours ago, leighdear said:

Willie is just Reuben Studdard 2.0  I simply can't see him making it through an entire, multi-song set without having physical problems.  

I've liked Chayce from the beginning and will buy his music regardless.  I don't care if he's a WGWG.  I see him as an actual concert performer, not just a 4 minute live act.

I just cannot connect with Willie's music. He's obviously insanely talented, and has a beautiful tone to his voice. I've never heard him hit a wrong note. But it just leaves me absolutely cold. Maybe it is easier to connect with him if you have a background filled with church music, but for me -- I don't find him distinctive or memorable. He'd be a great studio singer, but I would never be able to pick out and identify his voice. I won't remember him a week after the show ends.

7 hours ago, ForReal said:

I'm not sure what Grace was thinking...She needs to snap out of competition mode some of time. She's busy showing off all the notes she can sing that I can't pay attention to the storytelling.

I agree -- and Grace is my favorite. I don't know that I will ever follow her music, but I think she has a beautiful voice and a wonderful personality, so I wish her all the best.

I'm glad Casey went out on a high note. She's very talented, but a bit under-cooked. She would be even more amazing in a few years.

I was really impressed by Casey's singing ability, but she's felt too young to me for awhile now -- I didn't feel she connected to the meaning in the songs. When Luke made a comment about going to an 80's theme bar, I thought, yeah, she can't go in, she's way underage.

Grace just has my number, somehow. I don't usually like the kid of music she is singing -- I've only watched the past 4 or 5 episodes -- but I think her voice is really unique.

If Janis Joplin and Edie Brickell had a love child, it would be Casey. She has the potential to have a good career if she really finds her lane, and really works on excellence in that lane, rather than trying to do everything. Once she really finds her lane, I think her artistry will come through more. 

Chayce. Chayse, Chayse, Chayse.  When Rolling Stone named Bob Dylan as one of the ten best singers in history, they wrote, "Bob Dylan did what very, very few singers ever do. He changed popular singing. And we have been living in a world shaped by Dylan's singing ever since. Almost no one sings like Elvis Presley anymore. Hundreds try to sing like Dylan. When Sam Cooke [ . . . ] explained that from now on, it's not going to be about how pretty the voice is. It's going to be about believing that the voice is telling the truth." I'm slightly overselling this, but Chayce has that quality too, I think. I don't care if the notes are perfect, but I'm captivated by the story he is telling and the vulnerability he shows. I would absolutely go see him live. I think he's the real deal.

[JMarie99]

8 hours ago, LexieLily said:

And that is all fine if that is what they are going for but, to me, this revival version and all of the changes - no results shows, no real criticism to speak of, and the mass eliminations towards the beginning which makes it hard for anyone to make any sort of connection with the audience - is making it come across like this is a completely different show than the Fox version, that both happen to have the same name and Ryan Seacrest as a host. Which, again, is fine if that is what they are going for, and in a way this version is following it's predecessor in that most of the winners disappear, heh, but it just makes me really, really miss the good days of Idol and the contestants I loved. 

I agree completely with all of this, and it makes me so sad. I’ve watched this show from the beginning, and when Ryan ended the final show on Fox by saying this is our last show “for now,” I was filled with so much hope - ridiculous for a person my age, I know. But I just loved the show so much! I was so excited when it came back on ABC. But it has morphed into something totally different. Of course Covid affected it last year, but this year ... I’m just not feeling it any more. Even Kieran is no longer dimming the lights. Lol. But seriously, it has changed so much, and you have articulated the reasons better than I could. I am forcing myself to finish the season but this is it for me. Time to move on. 

[JMarie99]

Of all the great songs Kelly Clarkson has done, Grace had to choose THAT one?! Corny, cheesy, trite lyrics with a mediocre melody, and dated as well. Grace has been a favorite of mine. I think she has a beautiful voice. But I was disappointed in that performance. 
Casey is not a rocker. At all. She sounded ridiculous doing that Motley Crue song. Wrong for her age, wrong for her voice, just wrong. Of the four she definitely deserved to go. 
I know this sounds terrible, and I apologize in advance, but watching Willie makes me uncomfortable. Plus he is just not current. A great voice but not Idol-worthy. 
I did not miss Caleb and his stupid hat one bit. 
I voted for Grace but I’m thinking that Chayce will win. He is more Americana than country, but he is probably picking up votes from a lot of Caleb fans. He has a current sound, and seems to feel the lyrics he is singing. I’m not a fan of the rasp but that’s just personal preference. His original song “23” was very affecting. 
I was sobbing after the performance of the Phineas song about the actor who died of Covid.  Chayce’s “23” brought a tear to my eye - the Phineas song had me literally sobbing. That last verse - omg. I’m in tears now just thinking about it. 

[waving feather]

I don't mind the judges but I really hate this AI speed version. The Voice wonders why they can't get superstars. Well, the audience hardly get to know the contestants as singers, let alone as people. Don't expect anyone to get attached to them as artists. I forgot most of them after the show now. Same with this new version of AI. Because of the old AI format, I was obsessed with David Cook for a couple of years. At least it gives the artists longer fan retention after the show.

Because of the same reason, I don't fault the judges for not giving constructive (or otherwise) criticism as much as they used to. What's the point when these people perform at the max 5 weeks live? And that is for those lucky enough to stick around. Not enough time to really make an improvement. You either come ready or you are out the door (like Cassandra did).

Edited May 18, 2021 by waving feather

[Diana Berry]

12 hours ago, leocadia said:

Have they been keeping him in a box or something?  Even after he won, it seemed like the judges were more impressed with Alessandro.  Alessandro was the one that was constantly brought up as the "shining star" example.   It seems like Laine doesn't get out much in public based on his appearance last night.

Ryan:  How does it feel to be back?

Laine:  It feels like crazy!

Ryan:  Tell us about your new single!

Laine:  I have a new single coming out.

Ryan:  Great to see you, Laine, thanks for dropping by...

I thought Laine was very uncomfortable.  No Opportunity  to let him sing.  But then again did you hear Chase has the #1 song?  Laine didn’t  have a chance on that show. 

[JayDub1987]

9 hours ago, waving feather said:

For me she gave the opposite vibe like she's a bit insecure so she has to over-compensate with her singing all the notes. Always "fighting" for it, so to speak. 

You very well could be right about her. I do like her, but I've thought for most of the competition that she comes across as someone with some superiority. I could be totally off base, that's just my perception on her. Either way, the Kelly song was a horrible choice.