Being in the Final 12 means that you
get to perform on the big stage, in front of the big crowd, with the big fancy lights. This is the AI
equivalent of getting to sit at the adult table at Thanksgiving. No more of that kids' table
crap. It's the big show with the bigger band and the souped-up sound system.
But there was no souped-up sound system in my apartment tonight.
I will have you know that one of our busybody neighbors filed a complaint against me and my roommates, accusing us of watching TV too loudly. They actually complained that Two and a Half Men was too loud. So if Charlie Sheen is breaking the sound barrier, then I know Mandisa surely would. Taylor Hicks seems like a nice guy, but I don't think he'd let me bunk with him if I got evicted. So I had to keep the volume way down tonight. No fun.
Ace Young- He was alright tonight. Nothing special. I realize that he's the best contestant at holding the mic and clapping without chopping up the vocals. And, the fact that I noticed that ridiculous skill proves that he was just okay tonight. Before, I was against his beanie cap, but his hairdo tonight sort of looked like George Washington. I love Ace, but if he wants to remain my fantasy AI boyfriend, he needs to make me feel special, and there was nothing special about the time we spent together tonight. I'm actually thinking about cheating on him.
Chris Daughtry- I think Chris is going to be my secret love muffin. He'll be my "AI kept man" for when Ace lets me down. I know it's wrong because he's married. But since this is all an elaborate make-believe fantasy in my head, I'm sure it'll be okay. Chris really did a great job tonight (on stage, not in my fantasies). But, then again, he always does great (errr, no comment). I think he's been the most consistent performer to date. I liked how he did the patented Bo Bice running mic entrance. But I would have been even more impressed if he would have thrown in some Bret Michaels ninja floor rolls. Or perhaps, a David Lee Roth high-kick? Maybe that will come later in the season after he limbers up. I'm just glad that AJ from the Backstreet Boys has a new job...styling Chris's sideburns. Did you notice the sweet S-curved chops? I don't know if I love them or if I'm disgusted by them.
Kevin Covais- Ahhhhh, jeez. Sigh. Every week it gets more and more ridiculous. When a blind man can pick up on the fact that you are inherently un-sexy, then you've got problems. I actually thought the singing sounded okay tonight, but I think that's because the volume on my set was down too low, and I was distracted by Kevin's dance moves. What was that marching/fist pump move he was doing? It reminded me of the dance montage in The Breakfast Club when the guys are doing the same move on top of the stairs. Somehow it looks manlier done by an Estevez. (And yes, I did manage to namedrop both brothers in the same non-related post. Randy Jackson, take note -- that's how you namedrop.) Also, I'm not sure, but I think I saw Kevin doing some light pelvic thrusting towards the end of that song. He will never be my fantasy AI boyfriend. Never.
Paris- I thought she sounded amazing tonight. These past two weeks have been great for her. Although, she lost my vote when she started to sing-talk during the post-interview. I hate sing-talking. Just talk or sing. You can't do both. And I was a little concerned about her outfit tonight. It looked cute, but I was worried about the little skirt with the super high split up the middle. I thought we were going to see her cooter. This is live TV, I don't know if they would have had time to put the AI censor logo up that quickly. Luckily, we didn't find out.
Melissa McGhee- I didn't think Melissa sounded that great tonight. She was very pitchy and her voice was scratchy. Plus, she forgot the lyrics. She said that her voice was rough and she'd been gargling with olive oil. I realize now, as a writer, I'm lucky. Even when I have severe writer's block, I never have to use olive oil on any parts of my body to further my career. I understand, with some professions...that's necessary.
Taylor Hicks- You know that when Stevie was giving Taylor his criticisms, producers wanted to whisper in his ear, "You should see how crazy this bastard looks when sings." But Taylor was great tonight; he did Stevie justice. And yes, he does look like a drunken dad at a wedding. But apparently, Taylor does perform at weddings. How awesome would that be to have Taylor perform at your wedding reception? He'd probably accompany the Chicken Dance with his harmonica. But what was Ryan trying to start with the gray hair thing? They aren't gonna dye it. Are they? It sounds like a ratings ploy, but AI doesn't need such a desperate ratings ploy. Not yet.
Lisa Tucker- She sounded great tonight and she definitely looked edgier with her leather belt and shrug. I'm still confused by her new look though. At times she looks amazing, but those twitchy eyebrows throw me for a loop. Sometimes, it seems like she's a gender reassignment procedure away from being one of those dudes with a handlebar mustache that ties damsels to railroad tracks.
Bucky- He never heard Superstition before? Yikes. He sounded okay, but just for Bucky. Meaning, that if one of the other contestants sounded half as bad, they would have instantly been voted off before voting even began. The judges gave him adequate comments, but I think he just stunk tonight. His hair did look pretty though. Very, very pretty.
Kellie Pickler- I personally thought she looked gorgeous with her big hair and black dress. But I think Dolly Parton looks gorgeous too. She did look stiff while performing. I guess it's because she was so uncomfortable in her new shoes and "tarantula fake eyelashes". Tee hee. Her dumb blonde act is getting old.
Mandisa- I thought she was the first good female performance of the night, but it wasn't her best. She kicked up the vocals at times, but something was lacking. Mandisa's performance included my favorite awkward editing moment of the night. I loved it when producers cut from her family's jubilant celebration to the most stagnant white family I've ever seen. Good segue to Seacrest, guys.
Elliott Yamin- I actually would have preferred him singing "My Cherie Amour", but I think he did pretty good with "Knocks Me Off My Feet". I'm not sure when Elliott started to wear scarves recreationally, but I dig it. And, forget about Simon calling him the best male vocalist in AI history, when Stevie Wonder says you're made to be a singer then....hey!
Katharine- She's not going to stop any pregnancy rumors by wearing that dress. She sounded great tonight. The judges compared her performance to Kelly Clarkson, but I thought her post-interview was more like Kellie Pickler with her repeated "I don't know" response. Nobody is a fan of a dumb brunette.
My pick for elimination: Bucky
My vote: Chris
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
3-15-2006 @ 1:19AM
Adam in the SLC said...
Funny, I hadn't heard of the Katharine pregnancy-rumor-thing at all, and when I saw her tonight I said that she looked pregnant.
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3-15-2006 @ 5:38AM
stRategic said...
this show rocks like crazy i hope bucky wins because he is the best boy singer :(
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3-15-2006 @ 7:15AM
Chris said...
Ace was a bit creepy with Stevie Wonder, rubbing on him and what not. And then when he said he was 'Battling Blindness' my wife and I lost it.
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3-15-2006 @ 7:41AM
SunnylovesSoul said...
"Kat" needs to forever stay away from those empire dress styles, that high waist screams out "baby on board"! (Even though I am sure she is not, er, pregnant.) Bucky looked like he was ready to model as a 'Breck girl', he held up OK. My pick for going home this week is Kevin Covais; it was like Chicken Little doing the Squirrel Dance. Sad. Tragically, he seems like a smart boy, though.
My Absolute pick of Favorite performance goes to...drum roll... Taylor Hicks! He looked great, sounded great; and the harmonica in his pocket was adorable. Ace acted a fool, and Chris swinging the mic stand and running the stage must have been channelling Bo Bice. That's all for me.
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3-15-2006 @ 9:29AM
Kira said...
Chris, Taylor, Katherine, and Mandisa are in a league of their own.
Paris and Elloit have talent, but won't be in the finals
Everyone else is way behind.
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3-15-2006 @ 9:53AM
niccomm said...
Seems like this year's AI catchphrase is "comfort zone."
I think they should occasionally mix up the order that the judges make their comments. It would be interesting to see whether Paula had any original thoughts on the performances that didn't parrot Randy or involve what the contestants were wearing.
On the performances themselves, Chris and Taylor were clearly the best last night out of what I think is the strongest group of finalists ever. I think Bucky revealed how vocally limited he is--everything he sings is a raspy growl. I think he'll have big problems when it comes to some of the other musical styles they usually put the contestants through. And although Ace is a fine singer, he's already pulled the "goo-goo eyes at the camera" thing three times and it's wearing thin. If that's his "ace in the hole" he's in trouble. Katharine, Paris, Lisa, and Mandisa were excellent. I like Kellie, but last night she was clearly out of her element. I think that will become more apparent as the weeks go on and they have to sing other styles. As for Kevin... please end this now. He's a likeable kid, but as has been noted elsewhere, he's really there for comic relief. No one can seriously think he'll go all the way.
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3-15-2006 @ 10:26AM
Maniac said...
I liked what you had to say about the Idol, but I thought Taylor and Chris were much better than any of the girls. I also think you might want to check out my insights into the show at:
http://www.musingsofamaniac.com/
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3-15-2006 @ 10:38AM
Mary Clahrer said...
This was Elliot's chance to shine. Wrong song for him. He could have grabbed the more pop vote by doing You Are the Sunshine of My Life. He would have owned that song. I am a loyal Elliot fan. Stevie just gave him a huge endorsement. Who cares where he goes in this competition now?
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3-15-2006 @ 10:50AM
Val said...
I think that Taylor is the sweetest singer with a true love for music! He has so much true talent that it is not funny.I love Chris, and i too had to chuckle when he came out swinging the mike(hehehe).Kelli is so cute, i really think she is like Lorretta Lynn when she started out!I am sorry though I don't think it is an act,because if it is then she dosen't need AI. she can get any movie she wants.
I loved Paris when she first came on the show and was one of my favs, but now she has changed sooo much,she needs to be herself!I don't get the melissa thing,but then I don't get Katherine either.
My pic to go tonight is Mellisa or Kevin.I think he really thinks he is a sexy guy. He is sweet, but not right for the show.
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3-15-2006 @ 11:13AM
Toni said...
Kevin - Why are you still there? You don't deserve to be on stage with such great talent.
Rusty - Clean up your act or hit the road Jack!
Mandisa - Please don't ever, ever wear high heeled shoes again - your feet looked like they were going to burst wide open to the white meat fleshy part!
Taylor - If you dye your hair - you might actually have a chance. Oh yeah, please stop swinging your arm.
Elliott - What were you thinking?!
Paris - You are one of the lucky ones - you have a great stage presence; however, the sing/talk thing was a bit too much. Don't do that again - it was a real turn off.
Lisa - You have the "It" factor. You are talented, young and beautiful. You look like a mixture between Natalie Cole and Aaliyah. Keep up the good work - I love your new look!
Chris - You are trying too hard. You are not AI material. Paula likes you b/c you are a man.
Ace - I thought you should have been voted off with your rendition of MJ's Butterflies. You are a train wreck waiting to happen. Paula likes you b/c you are a man.
Mellissa - Loosen up. It will do you a world of good.
Kathrine - You were great. I personally don't think you have the "It" thing going for you, but I wasn't crazy about Fantasia either.
"It" is what it is!
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3-15-2006 @ 11:22AM
Maria said...
I liked Kellie alot, but than when I read the article about her on Pick the Worst.com, I lost interest in her - and I agree, her ditz act IS getting OLD.
Didn't like the song choices at all - I totally understand when the judges say "be yourself, dress your age" - Paris is cute, buy WAY beyond her years!! Something about Katherine - I'm just not into her - Actually everyone is getting on my nerves now - Please, Kevin, good bye - He's acting all tough now. The only people I like is Chris, Paris and Mandisa - Even Ace is becoming less attractive as the weeks go on -
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3-15-2006 @ 11:25AM
Tammy said...
For the most part I thought the show was just alright last night. Not bad for the first week but nothing to get excited about. My favorites are still Elliott and Katharine. They sing effortlessly and seem to have a true talent.
I do like Chris and I really want good things for him and his career but I'm tired of him taking the easy way out. He has shown no originality in the last 4 weeks. He has stayed very close to how the songs were recorded and after awhile, that gets old. He showed more in his Hollywood auditions than he has shown since. I stay with him because I know he has it in him but really want to see him take a risk. He can perform and he is entertaining so I don't think we have to worry about him. If he doesn't win, some band will snatch him up as their lead singer. (He should have waited for the new Rock Star show if you ask me.)
As for Katharine's dress.... that's very similiar to what Joss Stone wears all the time. No one is talking about her being pregnant. Katharine has a JLo butt and that dress helped hide it. It's that simple, the girl has curves (in the right spots) and some stylist recommended that dress.
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3-15-2006 @ 11:35AM
George said...
Taylor or Katharin are my two choices for 1st and second place judging from not only talent and they way both of them do it so naturally without breaking a sweat but on personality also.
Kevin,,,,is on a false headtrip heading straight to the gutter! His comments to Simon,,last night comment "I didn't expect much from you anyway" I mean,,, he's biting the hand that feeds him and he sounds so unappreciative of any constructive measures Simon may have to offer him!
What Kevin doesn't get, is that Simons comments mean a lot more than anything Randy or Paula's comments will ever mean yet this is the person he shows the most disrespect for!
Well myself and my family didn't appreciate his cocky self rightious attitude and I will vote to boot him because of it just to humble him down a bit!
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3-15-2006 @ 11:59AM
TxTom said...
First off, from last night Chris, Paris, and Taylor were clearly the best. Madisa was good but only when she turned on the power of her voice. However, Paris will begin to grate on people as it seems she has that entitlement attitude that she deserves being an AI instead of having to earn it.
My pick on who should be voted off is Kevin. Stevie Wonder is the type of singer he emulates best but it was not there last night and that Geico Gekko imitation of dance was pathetic. However, I think it will be Melissa who is voted off by the fans - she forgot the lyrics and there is just no constituency for her!
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3-15-2006 @ 12:06PM
Chris said...
I'm pretty sure the sign ("Chicken Little Is Hot") those 2 little girls handed Kevin was made by someone working for the show
I have a strong feeling that Kevin is in on the joke and that a lot of the jokes and back and forth with Simon is scripted.
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3-15-2006 @ 12:08PM
tina said...
Casper the friendly ghost has got to go. It was painful to watch him. I just *knew* he was going to do a pelvic thrust. GAGOLA.
I voted for Taylor, he's great. Originally was pulling for Elliot but he's been a bit blah lately.
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3-15-2006 @ 12:37PM
Nicole said...
Bucky did a great job singing the "Wonder" last night. He is a country rock singer and he pulled it off. Having him sing Wonder is like asking a rapper to do country. Think of how Paris would do singing Metallica. We have to give this guy some credit.
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3-15-2006 @ 1:46PM
scott said...
i thought taylor was the best, and kevin was the worst, again. he just does not belong with the rest of the singers in this competition.
bucky did do a great job with what he's got, that was my favorite performance by him this season. still, i don't see him lasting more than a few weeks.
i have a little recappy thing over here:
http://idleonfox.blogspot.com/2006/03/top-12-vs-stevie-wonder.html
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3-15-2006 @ 3:42PM
Robert Denton said...
Can anyone tell me who does the musical arrangements for the show? The band last night was amazing!
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3-15-2006 @ 3:43PM
talented1 said...
Taylor did a great job last night. I was amazed. Mandisa buthered the song that she chose and I wish she had chosen a better song for her range. Also, the things she is wearing take away from her performance. Horrid sleeveless dresses are not for her and I can say this because I am a heavy singer and I know that you show your best features which is her beautiful face and cover the things that don't work in your favor. Quarter length sleeves, long flowing jackets and long skirts that are not too full, comfortable attractive shoes. If things are uncomfortable when performing, they are a distraction. Don't wear anything that constricts your waist or your upper body and don't wear shoes that hurt.
Chris missed a few lines vocally and he knew it even if the judges didn't notice it.
Kevin is a mystery to me but then the red headed kid in one of the other seasons mystified me just the same. I won't say more or it will come off mean concerning their singing styles.
Bucky has potential in the country music business because he is down home and has some humility. His hair didn't look bad last night. That is a matter of opinion and Simon is wrong at times. He just has an overdone jarhead look. It might work for him but it's just ehhhh. Ok...this is not about Simon.
The ones that could probably have a career without anything more are Taylor,(don't change your hair color),Chris and that little Paris. She is a little powerhouse if she can keep her head.
Kellie needs to consider acting as she is a natural for certain types. She could play the part of Earls wife on EARL. Or maybe her little sister???lol She is an ok singer but her charm is her personality and her tarantulas..lol. Kidding.
Elliot did a very good job with the song he sang and I loved it.He is a Justin Timberlake kind of guy. Not super looking but has talent and humility. I would like to see him do very well.
And lastly, Stevie Wonder is by far the most blessed talent and I have enjoyed him since the first time I heard him when he played harmonica and sang for Motown? My gosh..he was a super talent then. All of these people were so priviledged to get to spend time with him and to get the advice that he gave. I love his music and his heart. Very few like him. I hope God blesses him with long life and love. I know he is not one of the contestants but he deserves many kudos from all of us who have listened to him share his life with us. I love " Songs in the Key of Life"
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