Did the guys get hotter this year and
more talented, or what? I agree with Randy's original statement -- that this is a year for the men. I know he rescinded
it later, but I still agree. I think that some of the woman are absolutely amazing, but the men overall are
just incredible this year. As far as performances go, they were way more confident than the women, by far. I
didn't see as many nerves tonight as I did last night. And the personalities are just great all around. I don't
think that there is a single guy that has a crappy personality, like some other ladies I know (hello
Brenna). I think the men totally rock this year.
But as far as individually...
Ace Young- Is it hot in here or is just Ace? Holy crap. I don't normally go for the LA pretty boys, but he's got me feeling faint. Talk about making love to the camera. I don't think I blinked during the entire performance. This guy is sexy. Doing "Father Figure" was a perfect song choice. When he sang, "I'll be your daddy," I thought, "you already are!" And that last sexy lingering look he gave to the camera was intense. He made me feel all kinds of happiness -- from the waist down. I sorta think it had an impact on my male roommate too. After that last bit, he said, "that sort of made me feel uncomfortable." Exactly what a straight man should feel from that much sexual energy radiating from our TV set. And did you see his brother? He looked just like him, but with facial hair. Where is their sexy Maxim photo spread?
Chris Daughtry- I think that Chris brought the competition to the next level tonight. I think the performances before him were well, but when he took the stage, things got great. Another perfect song choice with "Wanted Dead or Alive." I love that song, and he absolutely nailed it. He's got charisma and likeability and his voice just rings with intensity. I could seriously imagine paying to go and see him in concert. He just doesn't disappoint.
Elliott Yamin- I think it's safe to say that Elliot is the best male singer in the competition this year. Simon even went so far as to say that he's the best male vocalist in this competition ever. I'm not ready to agree with that statement yet, but I can certainly see where Simon is coming from. His rendition of Stevie Wonder's "If You Really Love Me" was flawless. He just seems to sing effortlessly. He's great, and we're from the same state, so I have to root for him. I'm still not so crazy about the way he looks. He just looks so average to me. He just doesn't stand out in a crowd visually. He just seems like any guy you'd see in the mall and then forget about a few minutes later. In fact, I think I might have actually seen him at Orange Julius before they tore it down.
Taylor Hicks- Awww, how we all love Taylor. I love him too, but he disappointed me tonight. He loves to sing, that's obvious, but I wasn't crazy about the song choice. I think he was de-Taylor-fied tonight. I wanted more of the Taylor that I know and love. I want the awkward dance moves and the harmonica back. I think we got Taylor tonight, but only Taylor on level 6. Taylor should always be turned up to 10. But this kid is going far, there is no doubt about it. And did you see his dad? No surprise...gray hair too!
Gedeon McKinney- I'm not sure how I feel about Gedeon. He does have a perma-grin, but I don't know if that's enough. His taped pre-interview sort of freaked me out. He sounded like a preacher man or something. At first, I thought that "Shout" was a bad song choice, but he really pulled it off. Although, it's always a great song to sing along too. But it always makes me think of Animal House.
Kevin Covais- I know that some of you guys like this kid, but I just don't. Yes, I think that he's a sweet kid, but I just get bored when he sings. He looked like the most nervous one up there tonight and I just got bored with him. He just looks like a wimp, and I don't feel like pinching his cheeks. You guys can pinch his cheeks if you want, but I'd rather pinch Ace's butt. Or get a piggy back ride from Taylor Hicks, cause that guy looks like he's fun. I just don't think that Kevin has what it takes to go all the way to the end in the competition. I think he's adorable, but he's going to get trampled by elephants.
Bucky Covington- Wow, Bucky really surprised me tonight. I don't think that the song was a good choice for him, and his voice sounded really scratchy. He really should have gone more country than rock, but his personality was really outstanding. He's just a likeable guy. He laughed about a million times and just looked like he was enjoying himself. He just seems like a really great and sincere guy. Plus, I thought his hair looked way better tonight. It was less greasy than before. I think a makeover will do him good. If he just sticks to country, I think he'll go far. Not all the way, but further than the first week.
Sway- I did not like the falsetto voice tonight. Too much, too much. I didn't like the white pants, with the white hat, or the white shoes. This performance just rubbed me the wrong way. It all just seemed so cliche. You know artificial turf? This looked like artificial sexy to me. It was manmade sexy, not natural sexy (see Ace). It just seemed like he was trying too hard to be a "ladies man." I think Sway could do better.
Patrick Hall- We have the same last name and that's the only reason why I don't forget about this guy. Although, he was more attractive tonight than he was before. I think his voice is good, but I just think that he's too forgettable. There is a lot of talent and personality in this year's crop of men and I think Patrick is going to have a hard time being remembered.
David Radford- I think David strayed too far from his roots tonight. I think he tried too early to break out of his shell. He's a crooner and I think he should build a fanbase before he tries to break out of that mold. He did a good job working the crowd, but he needs to be sexier and more sophisticated. He needs to do what Sinatra did -- make the ladies swoon.
Will Makar- He's the other crooner of the group. As far as him and David go, I think they are about equally talented. I actually cheer for Will more simply for the fact that I find him slightly more attractive and charismatic. Paula is right, he is very Bobby Brady-ish. I think that he made the same mistake that David made -- he strayed too far from his roots, too early.
Bobby Bennett- Whoa. I laughed the entire time. And not in a good way. It was like watching someone's drunken uncle sing and dance at a wedding. I was waiting for him to the cut the cake and lead us all in the "Chicken Dance." I just can't take anybody who peforms "Copacabana" seriously. It was ridiculous. And did he gain 30 pounds since Hollywood week? The whole thing was just a mess. It was good for a laugh, but it was a mess.
My personal picks for elimination- Bobby Bennett, Patrick Hall
My personal pick for the best performance- Chris Daughtry, Runner-up- Eliott Yamin
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
2-23-2006 @ 8:31AM
Revan said...
Totally agree with you about Gedeon's taped interview. His over-articulation made him seem very odd. I don't think he will have the appeal that he thinks he has.
I was generally annoyed that everyone was trying to please Simon, they seem to forget that he is no longer deciding their fate and Simon's negativity towards them may cause the opposite reaction with the voters.
Reply
2-23-2006 @ 8:46AM
Elliott said...
I never do this, but you spelled Elliott's name 3 different ways in this post. Gotta represent for my name-twin!
He is my favorite for the week, but I hope Taylor has a stronger showing next week.
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2-23-2006 @ 8:56AM
robb said...
Ace was by far the best overall performance last night. I mean can someone exhume any more sex appeal? :-) I agree about Sway, i did not like the falsetto either. Someone needs to knock Gedeon down a few pegs. He is not all that, and he should chose songs with a little more lyrics that do not repeat. David and Will did well and have room to grow given the chance. My biggest question is what everyone sees in Taylor? He strikes me a bit odd, i honestly wonder if he is all there upstairs. I dunno it was his interaction with the other contestants while they were upstairs being shown during the performances. I dunno i wonder if he creeps them out too?
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2-23-2006 @ 9:06AM
Willy said...
My wife asked me nicely to watch American Idol, and I obliged her. However, I have some opinions:
*Gedeon: cheesey. His taped monologue was frightening.
*Taylor is the most soulful, but I don't know if he can skate through to the end on "soul."
*Ace has the whole package. But he's too pretty.
*Chris is the most charismatic, and has the best voice. But watch for Bucky to make a surprise showing.
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2-23-2006 @ 9:24AM
Caroldee said...
OH MAN..these guys some of them are really good. I have 6 picked out that I think will go all the way to the top ten. I think that Taylor will do well if he tries to stay current and sing what he does best. He may be challenged when he has to change up and sing what the judges chose for him though. The gals only 4 stand out for me this year.. .. I cannot see a 16 year old making it anywhere near the top and that leaves Kevin out and Bobby too. I think they will go tonight for sure! : )
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2-23-2006 @ 9:43AM
Emily said...
Robb, I think the reason you don't "get" Taylor is because really doesn't belong in a pop music competition. I enjoy him because he is different, but I don't expect him to make it all the way.
Ace doesn't do anything for me, but that's okay since I'm old enough to be his mother. That may be why Taylor appeals, he looks closer to my age range! I feel I should root for Elliot since he is from my adopted home state, but he really has some appearance issues, i.e. bad teeth and elf ears.
My guess on the two that go tonight are Bobby Bennett and David Radford.
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2-23-2006 @ 9:46AM
torry said...
chris and elliott will go all the way.Those guys were fantastic.no doubt about it.The girl who sang last on the previous night will make it also
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2-23-2006 @ 9:46AM
Jerry said...
Seems to me that the talent is overall lacking htis year. I was extremely bored with the women except for about 4 of them...the men were really awful and I can only see 3 being any tyoe of challenge..What were the three celebrity judges thinking?
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2-23-2006 @ 10:41AM
niccomm said...
Unfortunately, when Bobby Bennett was singing, all I could think of was Ralph Kramden from The Honeymooners.
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2-23-2006 @ 10:50AM
Aimee said...
I don't know why but I like Taylor Hicks...he's so different and a really good singer. I think He, Ace, & Elliott will make it to the end....Ace is too pretty I agree...it was funny how he and his brother both have the rosy cheeks...so maybe it wasn't made up after all? He reminds me of the guy off of...Nip/Tuck with the rosy cheeks...And finally Is Ace gay or not?
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2-23-2006 @ 10:54AM
Tammy said...
As much as I love Taylor, he wasn't in my Top 3. I think Chris, Elliott and Ace were the Top 3 last night. Taylor was a very close 4th. After that I don't really care. I was scared after the first couple of guys that this was going to be awful but Bucky gave us hope until Chris got on stage. I like the diversity of the night.
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2-23-2006 @ 11:12AM
Gretchen said...
I disagree about Sway. I love the song Reasons, and
he sang it well. Also loved Chris and Elliot.
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2-23-2006 @ 12:16PM
Lisa said...
I voted for Kathrine Tuesday and Ace last night! I have to say Ace was really easy on the eyes, But... did he have a GREAT voice.... I can't seem to remember! What a little babe! Obviously it will be exciting to just see how far this cutie will go. Hopefully to the end.
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2-23-2006 @ 12:16PM
Lisa said...
I voted for Kathrine Tuesday and Ace last night! I have to say Ace was really easy on the eyes, But... did he have a GREAT voice.... I can't seem to remember! What a little babe! Obviously it will be exciting to just see how far this cutie will go. Hopefully to the end.
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2-23-2006 @ 12:32PM
gail carter said...
Gads, Simon was right when he expressed the public wondering what they were thinking in choosing some of these contestants......who was the barry manilow character???? Randy and Paula were giving thumbs up when it's a NO WAY BABY!
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2-23-2006 @ 12:36PM
Jenny said...
Interesting group of performers this year, but, is it just me, or have they vastly inflated the time to watch before cutting down to the Top 12 this year? I'm just getting impatient. It seemed rather obvious to me that about half of the contestants are just in there for padding and getting more sponsor dollars for the Idol producers. I'm feeling a bit manipulated. We'll see how long I last before I switch channels.
I agree with the Bobby Bennett/Ralph Cramden resemblance (Jackie Gleason was a big band guy, you know) but what do you think about an Ace/John Travolta resemblance? The early look, back on Welcome Back Kotter? The dimple and hair alone keep sending me there.
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2-23-2006 @ 12:40PM
Anita said...
Bobby Bennett reminds me of Jackie Gleason in looks, singing and personality. He could do something with that...just not be an American Idol.
Elliot Yamin reminds me of an Amish farmer. If he would get his teeth fixed (c'mon, he's in LA where Dentistry Cosmetics are on practically every block!)he would be my first choice.
Ace is a pretty boy and did a fantastic job, but not the raw talent of Elliot or Chris.
Chris is awesome, but not the choice of my children, whose peers are probably the voting majority.
Taylor is my absolute favorite. Last night may not have been his best night, but we all know he can "bring it" as they all said last night. He's my man and I will be voting for him all the way.
Giddeon...great job, but nah.
Kevin...great job, but nah.
Bucky...I don't get. Another customer for Denistry Cosmetics.
Sway...I hear Simon referring to him being "pimpy". Gotta agree. I hope Sway stays and really shows his stuff next week.
David and Bobby Brady aka Will...gotta say I like Bobby a little more. What a talented cutie pie!
OH...and almost forgot...Patrick. Good job, but what are you going to do to help us remember to vote for you???
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2-23-2006 @ 12:41PM
Anita said...
Bobby Bennett reminds me of Jackie Gleason in looks, singing and personality. He could do something with that...just not be an American Idol.
Elliot Yamin reminds me of an Amish farmer. If he would get his teeth fixed (c'mon, he's in LA where Dentistry Cosmetics are on practically every block!)he would be my first choice.
Ace is a pretty boy and did a fantastic job, but not the raw talent of Elliot or Chris.
Chris is awesome, but not the choice of my children, whose peers are probably the voting majority.
Taylor is my absolute favorite. Last night may not have been his best night, but we all know he can "bring it" as they all said last night. He's my man and I will be voting for him all the way.
Giddeon...great job, but nah.
Kevin...great job, but nah.
Bucky...I don't get. Another customer for Denistry Cosmetics.
Sway...I hear Simon referring to him being "pimpy". Gotta agree. I hope Sway stays and really shows his stuff next week.
David and Bobby Brady aka Will...gotta say I like Bobby a little more. What a talented cutie pie!
OH...and almost forgot...Patrick. Good job, but what are you going to do to help us remember to vote for you???
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2-23-2006 @ 12:49PM
rhonda said...
I loved Chris, Ace and Elliot. Taylor disappointed me just a little, but still love him.
Aimee: I wondered myself last night if Ace was gay, not that it matters. But if he is, what a waste!!
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2-23-2006 @ 12:49PM
gloria said...
BY FAR ACE IS THE TRUMP CARD. HE SING GREAT AND HE IS A CUTIE. COME ON GIRLS GET WITH THE PROGRAM. KEEP ACE GOING.
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