I don't think I've ever anticipated an American
Idol theme night more than this. Like many of you, I typically hate the theme nights. It feels like someone
stole the song selection book at a karaoke bar, and left only one page for drunken patrons to choose from. But I was
excited for tonight --simply because I thought it would suck. I thought it would be a disastrous mess of awkward and
uncomfortable song choices and bad Freddie Mercury impressions. And, I was absolutely convinced that Taylor Hicks would
wear a fake moustache (a semi-gray fake moustache, of course). But tonight was pretty good. It was entertaining to say
the least.
Don't get me wrong. At times, it sucked. But more trying to drink a McDonald's thick shake through a straw suck, than Dyson vacuum suck. There was something very triumphantly sucky about tonight and I loved it.
Kellie Pickler- I now know what Kelly Bundy would have looked like if she had auditioned for American Idol. Kellie totally looked like Kelly Bundy in her rocker girl outfit and rocked-out blonde hair. See, here I thought that Kellie Pickler was a one-note pony and it turns out that she can play a variety of different roles. I had her typecast as a dumb blonde country girl when she totally can pull off the dumb blonde rocker chick, as well. Good job at expanding your performance portfolio, Pickler. Kellie did do pretty well tonight. Better than I thought she would have. She had fun with it, and that's what tonight's show needed. But Simon was right, that opening shot of her straight-on with the dark lights was pretty rough. And when I say pretty rough, I mean ugly rough. Yowza, talk about having bags under your eyes, she had luggage. I blame the camera man, not her mom's DNA.
Ace Young- In his effort to fully "rock us," Ace busted out the black leather pants tonight. For Joaquin Phoenix's sake, I hope they were pleather, but I doubt it. Ace was just okay tonight. He seemed to be having a lot of awkward moments with Queen and that's not a band that I would want to get awkward with. Which brings up a good debate -- why do bands give permission for contestants to use their songs if they are going to get upset about it being rearranged? And, was Ace out of line in asking Queen to play his re-worked version? I abstain from the discussion because I want to remain impartial (i.e. I just don't care.)
I think that this might be the last night for Ace. He didn't suck, but I'm just sick of the guy. Sure, he's got a pretty face, but he peaked way too early with "Father Figure" and he has yet to come even close to it. He reminds me off those hot guys in YM magazine that I'd cut out when I was like 13 and stick them up in my locker. I'd stare at them between classes and imagine how one day, I'll have a cute boyfriend like that with a pretty smile. But really it was all for not, because they were all gay male models, and they would never have gone for me anyway. It was all a broken dream, and that's the way I feel when I look at Ace. He's got a lot of something, but it adds up to nothing.
Bucky- Every week, I'm shocked that Bucky is still on the show. But I must say, he did well. He's got a likable personality. He manages to pull off the innocent country boy routine without coming across as a dingbat like Pickler. And he has great song choices. But, his voice is too weak. As Simon said, the songs are always bigger than him. He needs to take a page out of Chris Daughtry's book and learn how to project more. Or...get the producers to turn his mic up to 11. Rock n' roll!!!!!!!!!
Taylor Hicks- Holy crap, I was annoyed by Taylor tonight. I don't know why "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" gets on my nerves, but it does. It's a good song, but it just stabs at my soul. I still have it ringing in my head and there is no hope of getting it out. It was a good song choice for him, but the dance moves were retarded. Taylor is no Justin Timberlake and never will be. I responded well to the windmill arm move because it's so very "him". But, the missed microphone kick? Oh man, that goes in the books as one of the funniest AI bloopers in history. There are very few things in life that are more embarrassing than having a rock n' roll move backfire on you. Through the magic of DVR, my roommate and I rewatched it 5 times. He actually didn't miss the microphone stand, he just kicked it too low and that's why it didn't fall over. Come on, Taylor, in order to make the mic stand fall, you must kick higher than your kneecaps. This is Intro to David Lee Roth 101, buddy.
Katharine McPhee- I know a lot of you really dug Katharine tonight, but I was
slightly bored by it. Sure, she sounded good and looked pretty, but I was all amped up on a rock vibe and she
just went all Disney soundtrack all over the place. What I was more excited about was her outfit. The high-waisted
belt over the fitted top, complimented by the huge rack -- it was totally Dolly Parton in 9 to 5 and/or Peggy
Bundy. I'm just gonna ignore the Peggy Bundy comparison since it's the second Married with
Children reference I've made in a single post. Instead, let Katharine's outfit be a silent scream to
producers that we want need a Dolly Parton theme night!
Chris Daughtry- I'm so tired of Simon telling Chris that he's self-indulgent and isn't breaking out of his comfort zone. Why is Simon doing that every week? Is it because Chris is so clearly the front runner at this point that Simon is just trying to "shake things up"? If so, I understand that it's a ratings ploy, but it's so annoying. I think that Chris took a big chance this week in picking a song that has never been performed live, even by Queen themselves. And, I think he did an amazing job...like always. I've just had enough of Simon's "self-indulgent" comments, and enough of that stupid strobe light. Someone please unplug that thing.
Elliott Yamin- Ugh, I didn't think Elliott sounded good at all. The judges were totally up his butt with compliments, but I felt like something was off and I don't know what it was. I'm not really familiar with "Somebody to Love," so maybe that was part of the problem, but Elliott just sounded off his mark. I replayed it again and it still sounded bad, even with me giving him the benefit of the doubt. I sorta knew that Queen would be tricky for Elliott to pull off, but I just hope it's not what gets him eliminated.
Paris- I liked her outfit and rock n' roll wig tonight. She looked like a dwarf version of Kellie Pickler. Which actually means that she looked like a dwarf version of Kelly Bundy. Which looks a lot like Lil' Kim in the "It's All About the Benjamins" video. But whoever she looked like, I thought she sounded great, and Queen seemed to agree. I didn't understand Simon's, "that was weird" response at all. Of course, he didn't have too much time to explain himself since they immediately cut to Ryan. It would be nice if they limited Paula's pointless gushing by a few seconds, so Simon could actually have time to respond properly.
My pick for elimination- Ace Young
My vote- Chris Daughtry (although, I don't think anybody really knocked it out of the park)
Gone Too Soon: Invasion
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
4-12-2006 @ 3:42AM
Lexi said...
I laughed my tush off when Taylor missed the mic kick. It has to be the funniest moment ever on Idol, and with Ryan Seacrest always striking out fabulously with his not-so-witty quips, that's saying something.
However, I must say that the most disturbing thing of the evening was Paris' wardrobe. I don't know who dressed her, but she looked a.) like she could lose a few pounds (which she normally doesn't . . . but a punk rock corset and tight black pants do seem to shout 'no chest and big hips' pretty loudly - she looked like she was a forty-something year-old dressed in their old metal band era clothes . . . and not fitting well. b.) the hair was part mullet. So was Kellie's, actually. And anyone saying the mullet is coming back in style is just deluding themselves.
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4-12-2006 @ 4:19AM
PAB said...
The trick with Elliot is to just listen with your eyes closed. That way you get past the 'ugly factor'.
I too hope Ace goes home. I am sick of that stupid 'Donny Osmond' grin every week.
It will be sooo great when Chris wins!!!
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4-12-2006 @ 5:32AM
Melissa said...
Personally, I am tired of "Creed" Daughtry, but I do agree that: A) Kat's rack was hot, B) a Dolly Parton night is necessary, and C) Ace's time is long overdue.
I don't know...I'm almost sick of EVERYONE'S shtick on the show. I kind of want no one to win. When Ryan announces Ace's departure tomorrow, I want him to deliver the message in his best falsetto. Kind of like when Jimmy Fallon did Barry Gibbs on SNL.
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4-12-2006 @ 7:26AM
Jim said...
A few comments:
1. Katharine's song was from "The Highlander." Pretty far from a Disney soundtrack.
2. "Complemented," as you use it here, should be spelled with an e, not an i. (I am constantly amazed by the misuse of language on this otherwise professional-looking blog.)
3. Ace is a tool, and Kellie Pickler is friggin' idiot. ("On pay-per? ... I don't have an accent.")
4. Props to Melissa for referencing Jimmy Fallon's Barry Gibb impersonation above.
5. This thing's going to come down to Chris and Katharine. The babe will win it, even though Chris is a better singer.
To quote Paris: Thank yeeeeeeeeeewwwww ...
Jim
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4-12-2006 @ 7:54AM
Taro said...
I'll be interested in seeing whether Jim's prediction comes out. He could be right; though I think it will come down to Chris and Paris, myself.
Ace can't sing. He swallows his words. Yeah, he can do falsetto, but he can't 'belt it out'. Time for him to go, and it should have been before Mandissa.
I also agree with PAB above. Closing your eyes improves Elliot a whole lot.
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4-12-2006 @ 7:54AM
Chris W said...
Why don't you just make ten louder and make ten be the top number and make that a little louder?
...
These go to eleven
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4-12-2006 @ 8:07AM
Elliott said...
I thought Paris was the best last night and even though I've hated Kellie from the beginning she has been growing on me. I think she definately nailed the theatrical element that makes a Queen performance something special.
Taylor Hicks was way more Elvis than Queen. Ace needs to have a "Bad Day". He massacred that song!
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4-12-2006 @ 8:07AM
GrumpyOldMan said...
I was very scared that my Kellie was going to slaughter that song, but it was actually very good.
If an American Idol is someone screaming into the mic while glaring like a serial killer...then I guess Chris is it.
Goodbye Ace.
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4-12-2006 @ 8:22AM
Rabbit said...
I was dreading last night. Queen???? I thought it would be worse than Kenny Rogers night but thankfully I was wrong. For the most part, I found it highly entertaining although a bit rushed when it came to Judges commentary. I wish Randy, Paula, and Simon would/could give more constructive criticism.
In a nutshell:
Ace - must go. Doesn't have the chops. He has never sung a song without being off key at some point.
Bucky - surprised me. Good song choice for him. He seems to be getting a bit stronger but is still weak and still hits some off keys.
Kellie - yes people, she really is THAT ignorant. It is not an act. You can tell by her performances that she is not an acting talent. But, I have to give her kudos. She really tried to get out of the box last night. Don't get me wrong, she wasn't great, but I think she was highly entertaining which is a big part of what I think AI is about. She won't make it through but I think she is safe this week.
Taylor: hmmm. what to say. I find him to be extremely likable when he does his schtick. Unfortunately he was over the top spazzy last night. This was an excellent song choice for him but he was concentrating on his moving and not his singing. I think he has the most interesting personality of the bunch but that will only get him so far.
Chris: I love Chris but not last night. I agreed with Simon completely. This was a very weak song in the Queen selections. His voice is still strong and I think he is the best of the bunch but frankly, I was bored.
Katherine: I think she has a great voice and is very attractive. But she is so wooden and I just don't see any personality. Her choices are not in the mainstream. She will get through and will probably get a recording contract but I don't think she is the next AI.
Elliot: I disagree with you here Lacy. I thought he sounded phenomenal. He has a great voice. Unfortunately, he only knows how to move his arms like a rapper. And, he is not that great to look at. The electricity just isn't there when he performs. He doesn't seem to be comfortable in his own skin which is a big detriment.
Paris: For some reason, I find her very annoying. Can't explain it. But, last night I thought she was awesome. I felt she handed in the best performance of the evening.
I finally felt like voting last night after a couple of weeks of not giving a damn, but after I couldn't get through due to the busy signals, I got into the plotline of "House" and completely forgot to try to phone in again. Uh, oh.
After last week's dismissal of Mandissa, I think everyone is vulnerable to get voted off. I believe Ace needs to go now, but it all depends on who was able to get through on the phone lines and was willing to wait out the busy signals. Maybe Ace's fan base will get him through.
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4-12-2006 @ 8:25AM
Maria said...
I thought tonight was very entertaining - I knew most of the songs too!!!!
Wouldn't be surprised if Tylor is elimated, he seems to be losing his self-confidence.
And, the way Chris' voice shakes as he sings, is weird to me -
I thought Kellie, Ace, Bucky and Paris did really well!!
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4-12-2006 @ 8:43AM
Joe T said...
Ace sucks and definitely should go. I've never understood why the judges gush over Elliot, he's awful too. Chris made a big mistake last night in doing an odd song that many folks never heard before. The opening shot of Kellie was definitely weird, but she is hot and did a credible singing job. Katharine is my sleeper pick to win it all, but she still needs to give a performance that makes you go "wow." Taylor is entertaining but unremarkable. Paris won't win, but she might have the best future of all of them. The final two: Kellie and Katharine.
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4-12-2006 @ 9:10AM
Kira said...
Ok there is a phenomena going on here that is just wierd. I have never seen people so divided on the "vocal talent" of a contestant as I see with Elliot.
The judges love him, and many people say close your eyes and you'll hear how good he is. Well I'm sorry I just don't hear it. I think he sounds terrible. He was awful last night with his pitch all over the place, and him missing the right notes....and this IS with my eyes closed because I almost always have to keep my eyes closed, as his eyes scare me when he sings...its like he's putting some sort of Amish leprichan curse on me!
I want to like Elliot, I want to hear what other people are hearing when they say he sounded "Fantastic", but I don't....not at all!
I understand why certain people do or don't like contestants for reasons that have to do with nothing about their vocal talent... for instance... Kellie Pickler has a great voice, but I understand why some don't like her, same with Taylor, Chris, and all the others. Sometimes its the genre of music they sing, or their looks, or personality, etc... with Elliot, his fans always say just listen to his voice, and forget the way he looks, blah blah...
Well folks I've heard his voice and it sounds pretty bad to me. I just think it is wierd that some think he sounded fantastic and others (like me) just don't hear remotely the same thing. Interesting social experiment.
As for last night, I think the best were Kellie, Chris (although I hated the song) and Paris.
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4-12-2006 @ 9:11AM
niccomm said...
When I heard Taylor say he was switching songs so he could "dance," I thought, dude you're not exactly known for your dancing abilities. And when he missed the mic stand I almost fell off the comfy sofa with laughter.
Did anyone else notice that the "last look at the contestants" recap, right before the phone lines open, uses different performance footage? I suspect it's from the dress rehearsal, but it was clear with Paris' performance. In the live performance, she ended the song staring straight into the camera and smiling. But in the recap, she ended with a Janet Jackson-style head turn to the side. I played it three or four times to be sure, but it clearly wasn't the same performance. Not that it takes anything away from the show--I just thought it was interesting.
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4-12-2006 @ 9:20AM
Crystal said...
The phrase is "all for naught."
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4-12-2006 @ 9:32AM
Evadne said...
Sure, Katharine's song was from Highlander, but she definitely made it sound like a show tune. I do love that song, but I love that song when Queen sings it. Why'd the judges love Katharine's rendition so much? She sounded pretty bad to my untrained ears--off pitch or something. I've never seen this show before and watched it to kill time before Veronica Mars. It's already like an SNL sketch. But let's not kid ourselves: I'll probably watch next week.
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4-12-2006 @ 9:38AM
Evadne said...
Also, I think what Simon meant by saying Chris Daughtry's song choice was "too indulgent" was "if you'd picked a well-known song, we could have sold a hundred million ringtones."
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4-12-2006 @ 9:51AM
niccomm said...
I know I just commented, but I have to add this. I just got off the phone with my sister, with whom I compare notes after every AI, and we kind of came to the conclusion that we honestly don't care who wins this year. I'm as bored as Simon appears to be. For some reason--and maybe you folks can comment--this year it's not so much about rooting for someone to win, as it is watching people blow their chance. Compare it to one of those film clip shows like "America's Worst Car Crashes" or something. You just watch--with no real emotional attachment--for the spectacle of seeing things crash.
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4-12-2006 @ 9:52AM
Vince said...
Right, Lacy. Let's just refer to it as the "CDSL," or Chris Daughtry Strobe Light. Only one week in about 5 has he sung without the CDSL on.
I was surprised at how well Paris adapted to the rocker genre.
Did anyone else notice Daughtry's eye make-up last night? Weird.
I loved it when Brian May of Queen told Ace not to re-arrange Queen's songs.
I say Bucky's safe after Tuesday. I'd look for Elliott to leave. His Al Jarreau-rendition of Queen didn't cut it for me.
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4-12-2006 @ 9:52AM
HaloGirl66 said...
As a big big Queen fan (of the *real Queen, not this fake Queen without Freddie & John) I was impressed with Chris. I never ever though I would hear anyone sing "Innuendo" on TV.
Ace needs to go home. He murdered "We will rock you"
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4-12-2006 @ 10:04AM
Jen said...
I really wish the judges would decide if the contestants should use popular well known songs by famous artists or not??? At one point, the contestants get condemned for singing popular songs from HUGE performers, and then other times, like last night when Chris attempted to be original with Innuendo, he was told he should have used another more well known song?? No wonder they are all so confused & seem to make poor songs choices because they don't know what the hell they should sing!!!!
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