S14.E14: Showcase #2

[Tara Ariano]

Showcases continue with hopefuls performing. Also: The Top 24 is revealed.

[KR Vermont]

The vocal appeal of Shi and Shannon is lost on me. Totally.

Good to see a few 29-year-olds in the mix. :)

eta: was a bit surprised only a relative few went over and thanked the judges with a hug/handshake

Edited February 20, 2015 by KR Vermont

[Mya Stone]

I'm a huge dork and started to tear up when Katherine Winston made it through. She's from the next town over from me and her best friend was in my anatomy class last year. (I am much, much older.)

She is so sweet and humble and amazing. I hope good things happen for her!

[BogoGog24]

I read the spoilers a long time ago but I was disappointed Emily Brooke was cut. I want to hear her HOB in full.

Good for Savion and Sarina. They're not my faves but I always enjoy seeing returning contestants make it.

Why did they only make Maddie and Rachel sing but not Riley/Ricky or Jelly/Shi? Stupid.

Maddy Hudson has the worst taste in lipstick. The black was horrid enough but that gray was even worse.

I am beginning to like Joey. She actually has an amazing, recordable tone but she pronounces her words strange sometimes. I like kiwis!

I don't like Shi (accidentally just wrote Shit lol) but her performance was far better than the little we saw of Jelly.

Sarina was good vocally but that jumper thing she was wearing aged her significantly. These people need stylists ASAP.

Am I the only one who actually hates Quentin's style? That grey thing he was wearing looked like a coat made of dust bunnies.

Qassim's mother needs to stop with all the TMI. I don't need to know your son is a virgin or that you are on menopause.

Disappointed Hunter did not make it. I already knew ahead of time so I made sure not to get too attached but it's still a disappointment. Many are outraged.

Katherine Winston shows a lot of emotional depth for her age.

Overall a solid top 24 with the usual fodder and robbed contestants. I'm excited for the live shows.

[Sunnyside]

Top 24

IMO

1) Michael Simeon, 21 (borderline overrated, needs originality)

2) Loren Lott, 22 (Wrong song choice at House of Blues!)

3) Adam Ezegelian, 21 (put through just to hold the rocker genre slot til voted off, but likable)

4) Lovey James, 17 (pageant girl, borderline forgettable)

5) Adanna Duru, 18 (good performer but hope consistent with vocals)

6) Maddie Walker, 16 (won sing off over Rachel, wait what??)

7) Clark Beckham, 22 (sang Georgia on my mind pretty good but who doesn't?)

8) Daniel Seavey, 15 (cute in a Howdy Doody way, but needs to mature to emote lyrics)

9) Tyanna Jones, 16 (one of best female vocals, just needs a touch of make up or at least lip gloss)

10) Rayvon Owen, 23 (nice voice but borderline boring or forgettable)

11) Shannon Berthiaume, 17 (needs stage and vocal coaching quick)

12) Jax, 18 (nice voice but too many fake stage antics)

13). Joey Cook, 23 (like but has one strike left for forgetting lyrics)

14). Katherine Winston, 18 (good voice, deserved to go through)

15). Alexis Gomez, 22 (cute but likely to be inconsistent)

16). Quentin Alexander, 21 (cool, but get rid of the nose ring please)

17). Savion Wright, 22 (hope he gets far but should watch the I'm entitled because I came back attitude; just ask 4th-try-Sarina)

18). Mark Andrew, 29 (one of best recording and performing vocal style)

19). Trevor Douglas, 16 (buddy Holly look alike nerd, but likable)

20). Nick Fradiani, 29 (appealing, hope he gets far)

21). Sarina-joi Crowe, 19 (needs styling, but very likable yet forgettable)

22). Qaasim Middleton, 18 (almost as entertaining as his mother)

23). Riley Bria, 18 (glad he got through)

24). Shi Scott, 19 (sigh, borderline overrated)

[radiochik]

Ugh. Emily was a favorite of mine since we saw her at the end of the first audition show. She acted her age, which I liked. I assume if this show is back next year and she doesn't screw up, we'll see her make it a la Savion Glover.

Agreed about Sarina's HOB outfit. That white genie jumper did her no favors. I like to see how these kids look after the AI stylists get to them though. And kudos to her for going thru this 4 years in a row.

I was sad to see Jaq go. Also, why put the 2 country kids together for their fate as the last 2 boys but Jelly and Shi were told separately as the last 2 girls? That said, I loved Shi's HOB performance. It seemed way different than what we've seen from her so far which I thought was a good move. Jelly has the best attitude of almost anyone they turned down. She was just happy to be there. She has talent but Idol just doesn't know what to do with bigger women. It's a shame because she has talent.

Someone needs to tell that Maddy girl to lay off the lipstick. I get she thinks she's making a statement but it's so distracting even when she sings. That deep burgundy/ red in auditions and blue tonite. I was hoping she'd make it just to give Idol's makeup people a go at her. Maybe next year.

Edited February 20, 2015 by radiochik

[LotusFlower]

I don't like it when people rejected by the show say "there's always next year". I give this show a year at best before it's cancelled.

I've been saying something similar for a couple of weeks now. I've noticed the judges haven't said "we don't think you're ready, but try again next year" at all, even once, and they used to say it a lot. Especially during the cut to the final 24 - cuz it's the last time the judges make the decision, so it's the hardest cut for them. I'm convinced it's the final season, and the judges know it (or at the very least we're told it was likely the last year).

[Guest]

I heard it once tonight, them telling someone to come back next year.  I'm not so sure it's nearing the end.  SNL just celebrated 40 years on tv.  

 

It was odd several people hugged or shook hands with them tonight when it seemed like last night the people were clearly told not to go near them.  I wonder if they were worried about time initially but had a little at the end so didn't bother with the strict rules to file them through quickly.  

 

I was sad to see Jaq go, and I thought Ricky(?) who was up against Riley sounded damn good at HOB.  

[Rick Kitchen]

 

Am I the only one who actually hates Quentin's style? That grey thing he was wearing looked like a coat made of dust bunnies.

Qassim's mother needs to stop with all the TMI. I don't need to know your son is a virgin or that you are on menopause.

 

I wondered if he killed an ostrich for that coat.  Qassim's mother is a fount of information we don't need to know.

 

So Mark Andrew (Carlos Santana's nephew) was on The Voice and actually got picked.

 

I was commenting on how many People of Color are on this show this year and how it will probably come down to Trevor and Daniel.  :D

[LotusFlower]

I heard it once tonight, them telling someone to come back next year.  I'm not so sure it's nearing the end.  SNL just celebrated 40 years on tv.  

J. Lo actually said to a young contestant that "we hope to see you again." It stood out to me because it was the closest any of the judges got to saying the usual "try again next year," as well as the only time this entire season. They never said "come back" during the city by city auditions, and during Hollywood week, I noticed they said things like "you're really talented, keep working on it, good luck to you..." things like that a lot, but agaiin, no "try again next year." That has to mean something.

I also think comparing it to SNL is like apples and oranges. AI is a really expensive show to produce.

[Prairie Fire]

I wouldn't be surprised if there's an alternate reason behind them no longer saying "come back next year". This show always likes to wring as much drama from the proceedings as possible. Maybe they realized they can up the drama if they aren't reminding the contestants (and us) that a rejectee can always come back next time.

 

They definitely favored the younger contestants. Assuming the age list above is accurate, 14 of the 24 are teenagers. And Mark Andrew and Nick Fradiani are 6 years older than everyone else.

[Rick Kitchen]

Santana's nephew is adam lasher. He's the one that looked/sounded like jimmy fallon. He was already sent packing.

I must say Jennifer Lopez is really getting on my nerves with her constant head bopping, her whole-body bouncing, and her her stank face during performances.

 

Thanks.  Sorry I got that wrong.  But Mark Andrew was the one who was on The View.

[PhD-Purgatory15]

Mark Andrew was on the Voice. I believe he made Shakira's team two or three seasons ago, but was "montaged" losing one of her battle rounds.

 

Let's all take a second and pour one out for Hannah M., Josh Sanders, Katelyn Schoelen, and Monica Mendoza who managed to make and then get eliminated at the top 48 w/out a single second of themselves singing on tv to take with them as a lovely parting gift. Even Rachael Hallack who got screwed on the sing off can at least show people visual evidence of herself at the HOB.

 

Still bitter about Hunter and Jaq. Wanted both but knew the math didn't look good (also managed to go in unspoiled with the exceptions of Shi, Adam E. and Daniel). Even more so that we didn't hear either of their performances at the HOB. I'd easily substitute each of them in and take out Lovey and Joey (as well as switch Emily B. for Alexis and get rid of Loren Lott for Jelly or Nalani). Minus Qaasim who was a little bit of a surprise even though I couldn't really think of anybody to replace him with beyond Cody from last night, the guys went about as status quo as you could possibly get. I think on the guys side I'll ride w/ Quentin.....songs from Vance Joy and Fleet Foxes......more please.

 

Overall it just feels like the overwhelming majority of this top 24 have very low ceilings. It's hard to see where the out-of-left field amazing performances are going to come from with this group. Maybe Tyanna and possibly Shannon could surprise in a good way....

Edited February 20, 2015 by PhD-Purgatory15

[niklj]

I read the spoilers a long time ago but I was disappointed Emily Brooke was cut. I want to hear her HOB in full.

 

They uploaded the full-length HOB performances on YouTube/VEVO: https://www.youtube.com/user/VEVO/videos

 

Sarina Joi was amazing tonight. However, some of the drama was pretty boring (bland WGWG 1 vs bland WGWG 2, who cares?)

 

LET'S GET TO THE LIVE ROUNDS, ALREADY!

[viajero]

I thought Sarina-Joi had the performance of the night.  I hadn't really noticed her much before now, but will be paying attention in the next rounds.

 

I liked Alexis Gomez's performance as well - except the part where she broke into Spanish.  I have no problems with contestants doing Spanglish versions of songs, but if they are going to do so, then they ought to make sure that the lyrics in Spanish rhyme, make sense, and aren't sung in a horrendous offputting American accent.  I would normally say that she ought to not have listened to J-Lo´s advise on this one, except I guess it worked since she got through.

 

Katherine Winston, Savion White and Quentin Alexander were pretty good as well.

 

I was particularly disappointed to see Maddy Hudson go home (ugly lipstick and all), but it looked like the nerves really got the best of her as she was not good this week.  And what happened to Jaq?  Did they even show her?

 

That said, I loved Shi's HOB performance. It seemed way different than what we've seen from her so far which I thought was a good move.

 

Surprisingly, I did too; particularly after watching the full performance on Vevo. She had the crowd and the judges really going at the end there with that back and forth with the band. Not that Jelly didn’t deserve to go through as well.

[BogoGog24]

It's pretty sad when the oldest girl in the competition (Joey) is only 23. Yet there are 2 guys that are at the highest age limit of 29. SMH

 

I thought Ricky sounded like and has always sounded like he was trying to do a poor imitation of Scotty McCreery. He even looks kind of like he's trying to imitate him. Riley is clearly much more talented and commercial. 

[MRMO]

Whatever happened to the girl who auditioned with the banjo and sang the Patsy Montana song, "I Want To Be A Cowboy's Sweetheart?" She and Harry did a Beverly Hillbillies bit. If she's still around I haven't recognized her.

 

Also...With all the people auditioning isn't it unfair to have people repeating year after year until they make it through?

[kechara]

Shi- why?  Fodder?  She looks like what's her name from Flashdance. Maybe that's it.

[camille787]

When they sent Cody home, they lost me. I would expect Jennifer to say no to him, but Harry and Keith? It's just business...I know....I know. Actually, when you think of it, the best thing they could do for the real artists that audition, is to send them home. The best thing for their careers is to stay far away from the whole franchise.

[Guest]

I also think comparing it to SNL is like apples and oranges. AI is a really expensive show to produce.

 

Good point.  I think airtime late on Saturday is a lot cheaper than prime time fall slots, plus they have no music licensing fees.  

 

I think the ploy of having popular auditioners deferred to next season was one of Nigel Lithgow's ideas, since they do it on SYTYCD.  Maybe the new management at Idol thought it was better to not have that feel of re-harvesting the same crop every year, in part?  

 

THANK YOU for the info below.  I've been dying to figure out where I've seen him before.  

Mark Andrew was on the Voice. I believe he made Shakira's team two or three seasons ago, but was "montaged" losing one of her battle rounds.

 

Edited February 20, 2015 by Guest

[Qoass]

I had assumed that the judges weren't saying as much about future seasons not because the show may not come back but because they, personally, may not come back.

[The Real Chon]

That last matchup that put Shi into the competition had to have been rigged. There's no way she was better than the other performer.

[Shades of Red]

I think the ploy of having popular auditioners deferred to next season was one of Nigel Lithgow's ideas, since they do it on SYTYCD.  Maybe the new management at Idol thought it was better to not have that feel of re-harvesting the same crop every year, in part?  

Interesting point.   At some point if you get enough returnees you might be able to have a complete line up of previous contestants and no one new.  I also wonder if at some point someone hasn't made it through who has in previous years and some drama has occurred there which hasn't made for "good television"?

 

It's seems nit picky and maybe my hearing is going but it seems to me that several of the top 24 have no idea how to clearly form words while singing so they can be understood.  Yes I'm older and have heard singers over the years that have made me question what the lyrics to some songs are, but it seems as if it's becoming more and more of a thing to do.  It's annoying and frustrating.  How am I supposed to know if you can connect to your lyrics if I can't understand them?  I can't connect to them either if I have no idea what they are.  This isn't a show where "it has a beat and you can dance to it" will cut it.  (Yes, I'm that old).

[Sparkling Beth]

 

Am I the only one who actually hates Quentin's style? That grey thing he was wearing looked like a coat made of dust bunnies.

I immediately flashed back to a line from the movie "About A Boy," when the little boy Marcus is trying to get Hugh Grant's character Will together with his mother, and the three of them are at a restaurant.  Marcus says in a voiceover, "I had her put on that nice hairy jumper [sweater] and the earrings she got from her friend that went to Zimbabwe" apparently thinking she looked irresistable, while Will is thinking, "She appeared to be wearing some sort of yeti costume."

[MrsMoltisanti]

I tuned in right at the part with the girl Maddie talking and being told she was cut, and all I could think of was "Did she kiss an ashtray? Her lips are grey!"  Maybe I'm old.  I just don't get it.  I also thought maybe Harry would give her a lecture like he did to the young girl last year.  Perhaps I was bored and rewriting in my head.  I wonder if Randy Jackson is watching and helping them in his living room.  Sing better baby.  That's it.  Choose a good song. 

[cinsays]

    Ugh..........could we please swap Hollywood Anderson for that dreadful Qaasim Middleton? Is that really what we want to promote as singing talent? 

   And do we think Joey will be able to master the art of remembering lyrics throughout the season? Yes, she's quirky and has her own style, but if she can't remember songs she picks out, will she be able to remember something she has to learn quickly? 

   What about Riley over the other guy?  Really?  Yeah, he's like Keith somewhat, but that's about it.

   Unfortunately, Jelly is probably too stout to get the viewer votes, but she has more singing talent that Shi, in my opinion.

   I vote for Tyanna or Katherine for the win!

[Qoass]

Say what you will about Maddie's lipstick but at least I know which one she is which is more than I can say for much of the top 24.

 

For all my love of diversity on reality television, I hate to admit my favorites so far are mostly WGWG and the one I love to hate is not.

[proserpina65]

I'm glad Riley, Shannon, Savion and (surprisingly, because I didn't initially care for him) Quentin made it.  I'm also fine with Adam and Mark both making it.  Still not digging Shi, but maybe she'll grow on me.  I'm pretty meh on Katherine, and wouldn't have put Alexis Gomez or Qaasim through; neither's singing seems all that to me, and although at least Qaasim can perform, he annoys me.

 

And again, I'm calling it now: Nick Fradiani as the next WGWG AI winner.  Unless Riley Bria takes it instead.  I'd be happy enough either way because I really liked both of them, but I would prefer Nick.

 

(edited to note that I like the raspiness in Katherine's voice, but not what she did to poor Rhiannon.)

Edited February 20, 2015 by proserpina65

[JMarie99]

The judges seemed to be more interested in putting through singers of different "types" than they were in putting through the most talented.  That's why they had to eliminate either Rachel or Maddie the other night, and either Ricky or Riley last night (although at least they didn't put the boys through the charade of a "sing-off" like they did the girls, when it was obvious they had already made up their minds).  In my opinion all four of those singers were more talented than some of the ones they put through, and I don't even care for country music.  But apparently they were too similar to each other.  On the other hand, Shi, Qaasim and Joey Cook each have their own "lane" as the judges put it, so they get to go through even if they are inconsistent (Shi), forget words (Joey), or are just plain annoying (Qaasim - IMO).  It seems to me that they let go quite a few good singers in the interests of variety.  I understand their thinking, but I just don't like it.

[BogoGog24]

The thing is that none of those pairings are even similar. Rachel had a raspier tone than Maddie and was more like Miranda Lambert, whereas Maddie has a purer tone and is more like Carrie. Riley is like a Hunter Hayes type and Ricky is more traditional like Scotty. I don't see at all how Jelly and Shi are alike.

[goodbyeglittergirl]

I like Joey, but I don't think she'll last much longer because she seems to get so stressed out about everything and it's not even live yet. She hasn't seen pressure yet and she's already crumbled a couple of times. It's a shame, because I enjoy that kind of voice.

 

Jax. Of course you don't use a last name. Of course. 

 

I was sad but unsurprised that Hollywood didn't make it through. 

 

Count me among those who think the lack of "try again next year" points toward the very cloudy future of AI. 

[Ketzel]

I'd like to propose that AI automatically disqualifies any contestant who says anything that amounts to "I don't want to/I'm not ready to go home yet!" I have no idea how much screen time is taken up each season with contestants doing talking heads to tell us that they don't want to go home, but it's a whole lot. And they all say it as if the fact that they don't want to go home should be a revelation to us and the judges!

 

Hey, I'm prepared to have the entire viewing audience sign an agreement to faithfully believe (unless specifically told otherwise by the contestant him or herself) that no one wants to be eliminated. So can everyone on the show shut up about it now? Please?

Edited February 21, 2015 by Ketzel

[queenanne]

I'm also irritated they bussed Jaq, the vaudevillian grandparents were a good hook.  Bleh.

[Packerbrewerbadger]

I was so glad when Harry told JLo to keep throwing Keith and him under a bus because I had thought the exact same thing! He tried to joke about it but I'm thinking he and Keith weren't thrilled. JLo lives in her own little world....

[areca]

I think Shi is the real-life version of Rachel Berry. Or a good actor. She makes me want to smack her upside the noggin but the girl who said 'I dunno you guys!!' to the judges questions in The Chair, was pretty adorable.

Edited February 21, 2015 by areca

[Lonesome Rhodes]

The two biggest takeaways for me were 1)  They really, really, really and assiduously avoided offering next year as a salve to the rejects, and 2)  They are all about being young.

 

The three who got through whom I would not have chosen were Shi, Katherine and Riley.  There were no great injustices as far as I could tell this year, though.  

 

I am very happy to not have to avoid spoilers now.  If I had to put my chips on one square, they would go on Savion.  The overall depth is clearly greater with the guys this season.  The one who I can see sneaking into the final is Qaasim.  If he has the guts to handle this process, his charm will take him a very long way.

[Josette]

 

Whatever happened to the girl who auditioned with the banjo

 

Her name is Ellen Petersen.  Branson native, MSU grad sent home on 'American Idol'

[WhineandCheez]

I just watched Shi's complete performance to make sure I wasn't being too hard on her. I wasn't she was pretty awful.  But AI is going to say NO to that face, that hair, and those legs? No way.

 

I think the older guy Mark is cannon fodder.  Not sure how he got though in terms of AIs marketability factor.

 

Riley Brio is adorbs.  Hes basically Keith minus 25 years, in terms of style and looks.

[Oholibamah]

I've always assumed that when they go from 48 to 24 they basically choose their Top 12 by including 14 real candidates with 10 cannon fodder.

The sad thing for me is that the ones I don't think are even remotely ready for this (Maddie, Daniel) or think are all schtick with not enough talent (Adam, Mark, Riley) are probably destined for the finals.

My ideal Top 12 has Quentin, Rayvon, Savion, Qaasim, Clark and Nick for the guys and Tyanna, Jax, Katherine, Adannah, Shannon and Sarina for the girls. Unfortunately that would probably be seen as "boring", and I think hell would freeze over before 7 black singers end up in the finals. But fingers crossed.

[Foghorn Leghorn]

Shi is so painfully thin all I can think is eating disorder!

[BogoGog24]

Shi is a model, so that probably explains her figure. But some people are also just naturally thin, I'm one of them, and I find it really insulting when people imply because someone is naturally skinny that they have an eating disorder. She is thin but doesn't look unhealthy or anorexic to me. 

 

As for ratings/will the show be cancelled, go take a good look at MJs. Idol is reportedly the second most popular show on the network, behind Empire. They are still pulling in around 8-10 million viewers per episode. I read elsewhere it doesn't matter how Idol stacks up against other singing shows, it only matters how they are doing on the network itself, and they are doing good numbers still. What remains to be seen is the sponsors. Ford is not as involved as they were in the past, Coke dropped out. The hard part will be getting good sponsors, I guess. But the show looks far from being cancelled.

[jsm1125]

I've always assumed that when they go from 48 to 24 they basically choose their Top 12 by including 14 real candidates with 10 cannon fodder.

The sad thing for me is that the ones I don't think are even remotely ready for this (Maddie, Daniel) or think are all schtick with not enough talent (Adam, Mark, Riley) are probably destined for the finals.

My ideal Top 12 has Quentin, Rayvon, Savion, Qaasim, Clark and Nick for the guys and Tyanna, Jax, Katherine, Adannah, Shannon and Sarina for the girls. Unfortunately that would probably be seen as "boring", and I think hell would freeze over before 7 black singers end up in the finals. But fingers crossed.

I agree with this fantasy top 12, though I wouldn't mind seeing Trevor sneak in there as well. I think he's essentially a lock for the tour as it is.

Edited February 21, 2015 by jsm1125

[BogoGog24]

My ideal top 12:

 

Girls:

Tyanna

Joey

Jax

Shannon

Alexis

Maddie or Katherine

 

Boys:

Clark

Nick

Riley

Savion

Rayvon

Trevor

Edited February 21, 2015 by BogoGog24

[PamelaMaeSnap]

Love love love Tyanna, Katherine and Joey. And while I haven't heard much (anything?) of Adanna, I thought her "Man's World" was pretty amazing.

 

On the guy's side, I have been Team Savion since his first audition last year so am emotionally invested in him already. There are several other guys I like but for now I'll hold off until after the next round before I get even more invested in anyone.

 

That said, I'm predicting a final two of Jax and Daniel. 

[Amy Beth]

Mark Andrew was on the Voice. I believe he made Shakira's team two or three seasons ago, but was "montaged" losing one of her battle rounds.

.

Besides Mark, Adanna was on S3 on Team Adam and lost her battle.

Adam Lasher had a Blind Audition in S2 that was montaged in a group of no chairs turned.

Shi also had an unsuccessful audition in S3, but it didn't get aired at all.

[PhD-Purgatory15]

Didn't know about Shi's failed Voice audition, thats interesting. Adanna got that Voice chair turn at 15. She was the co-youngest person on any team that season.

 

With the general track record of how country fans vote, I'd be mildly surprised if Maddie, Alexis and Riley don't all make the top 12.

 

Reasonably pleased if the top 6 girls end up including Sarina-Joi (based on what they've shown us so far....she should win or at least be top 3), Tyanna (although if I start getting a Majesty Rose vibe from her, I'm out), Shannon (one of only a few who I could see legitimately getting better w/ "reps" to borrow a sports term and hopefully some quality mentoring from Scott Borcheta), Jax, Alexis, and Katherine.

 

Top 6 guys can be Rayvon (but will he be memorable enough?), Savion, Nick (can he follow in PP and Lee DeWyze's footsteps to victory?), Clark (however IMO, he reads as a little smug/cocky...not sure how that might effect his prospects with voters), Quentin, and either Riley or Trevor. Which I already know is never going to happen in a million years because Daniel. And probably Adam E. too.

Edited February 22, 2015 by PhD-Purgatory15

[BogoGog24]

I think voters are savvy enough this year not to make Daniel the Sanjaya/Tim Urban/Lazaro of the season. Do the tweens even watch anymore? The large majority I've seen here, IDF, etc. wants Daniel out in the first week. He shouldn't have even made it past the audition, at this point he would be taking a spot from someone who deserves it more. Eliminating him early would actually be better because he could come back (if it's still on). If he makes top 10 he wouldn't win and he can't come back.

Almost all of these contestants, maybe barring Shannon and Daniel, have actually auditioned for Idol in the past or other shows. This was Rayvon's 5th try for Idol. Michael Simeon had auditioned last year I believe as did Maddie Walker, and of course Savion. Lovey tried out for a lot of shows I believe. If you go to MJs you can find THR's report on all of them.

[Oholibamah]

I think voters are savvy enough this year not to make Daniel the Sanjaya/Tim Urban/Lazaro of the season. Do the tweens even watch anymore? The large majority I've seen here, IDF, etc. wants Daniel out in the first week. He shouldn't have even made it past the audition, at this point he would be taking a spot from someone who deserves it more. Eliminating him early would actually be better because he could come back (if it's still on). If he makes top 10 he wouldn't win and he can't come back.

 

The problem is the disconnect between casual viewers/voters and the hardcore type that post on webforums, visit WNTS, and approach the show more intellectually. Sadly I can envision a reality where a bunch of mom-types throw Daniel enough votes this week to get him a slot over somebody more deserving.

 

What gives me faith is the fate of Eben in S11 and S13 achieving the co-best F4 in Idol history (shared with S5) despite TPTB's insistence on trying to make Sam happen. So I will remain cautiously optimistic that Daniel isn't going to snatch a spot from one of my favorites (Rayvon, Savion and Quentin). Fingers crossed!

[bluepiano]

Saw a video recently on YouTube of Harry when he was a mentor, telling everyone to stick to the melody, don't throw in superfluous runs, singing is about communicating the meaning of the lyrics etc. So what happened?  You had Clark screaming the words of "Georgia" and conveying not a drop of the song's sense of wistful longing. You had Shia singing the word "Higher" like it has five syllables. You have some of the most affected, gimmicky singing I've heard on Idol in years, and Harry seems to be fine with all of it. I guess it doesn't take long being a judge on this show before you just stop caring.

 

I feel like many of the Top 24 are actors playing singers in a movie or a Broadway show, rather than being real singers. It's all about theatrics and image. I know this show isn't called "The Voice," but they do still talk about finding America's best undiscovered singers. But when you're running around the stage and doing slides, like you're James Brown instead of some 16 year old kid who can't even sing in key while standing still, and the judges go nuts, what kind of message does that send?

 

They tipped their hand early with who was going to be Top 24 by the amount of air time given all the most affected, image driven performers, like Shia and Qasim Middleton. (Wait, is he in the Top 24 or is it his overbearing stage mother? And I believe someone posted that he was an actor on some kid sit-com, so like I said, people playing singers.) So between those two and Jax and Daniel and a slew of 16 year olds, it's more clear than ever that Idol is about finding America's Next Favorite Fantasy Boyfriend/Girlfriend than about music.

 

Out of the 24 there are maybe five, six tops, who impressed me as being serious about music. I mean, music for the sake of music. Not music as the most convenient avenue to becoming a "star."

Edited February 23, 2015 by bluepiano

[Qoass]

 

Shi is a model.

 

Actually, her caption now identifies her as an artist. (snerk)