American Idol Season 8 – Hollywood Week – Part 1 – VIDEO

Hmmm, Barry Manilow for the first mentor. Doesn’t give me a lot of hope for more current mentors this year!

Barry Manilow??????? k, suddenly i wish ALW was back!

ok i can’t handle the sobbing and crying

and lol alw hehe

ANOOOP!!!111 Awesome!

Aww, I think Barry Manilow did an admirable job mentoring in Season 5. While not a fan of his music, I developed a soft spot for him that week. He really tried to help the idols and offered some pretty good advice, especially compared to other mentors – Gwen Stefani comes to mind.

I’m soooo excited for tonight.

I agree with CarieB about Barry. I’m no fan of his music or anything, but I felt like he was one of the mentors who really CARED about the contestants and went the extra mile with them. He did what mentors are SUPPOSED to do. So while I’m still not a Fanilow, I gained a lot of respect for him after seeing him with the Idols.

i agree about barry also… but please dont make the idol’s sing his music although norman could do justice to copa cobana lol

ANOOP, father my children!

That is all.

Is anyone else having trouble getting chat to load?

I can’t get chat either, glad it’s not just me, but I’m jonesing for some AI live chat!!!

Danny wasn’t as good as he was the first time.

They won’t make the idols sing Barry. If I recall, the theme that night was “50′s music.” I remember when Barry said to Chris D. “You don’t need me, baby!”. I thought that was fantastic. Of course his “I Walk the Line” that night spuured Live-Gate. Sigh.

gah i missed anoop’s singing part. ugh. but i love him:) danny was amazing.

How much Botox does Paula have in her face tonight?? Her face looks plastic and frozen.

So far, my thoughts are thusly…

IIIIIIII….still haaaate that song, oh IIIIII will always, hate you, song.

Is it wrong that headband sparkle shirt glasses dude was really amusing? Seacrest! Bwah ha ha! *hangs head*

Danny is so a frontrunner in the making.

jeremy was good.

Really angry that Bikini Girl beat Sharon Wilbur – that was just wrong.

BTW, I got booted out of the chat.

I was kicked out of chat and now an “under mantance sign”?

Ugh, I’ve been trying to log into chat the whole hour. Boo hoo!

Why is no one using an instrument…?

Danny Gokey kicks ass.

chat’s up! I’m the only one there now!

Is it just me, or did Lil’ Rounds sound kind of flat…? :ponder_tb:

Waiting for Michael Johns???????? That’s all

Oh how I LOVE Hollywood week!

I adore Anoop! ADORE. And Danny. ADORE.

All the tears! The joy! I don’t know why I enjoy watching some people’s hopes and dreams go by the wayside.

Although that girl at the end who begged for a second chance was a bit uncomfortable to watch! Ugh!

Is it just me, or did Lilà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ Rounds sound kind of flatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦?

I thought she sounded entirely off again and paled in comparison to Whitney, but wait, she didn’t get raked over the coals because she sang Whitney she got a standing ovation! Oh it’s going to be another one of those years where most people shouldn’t dare sing Whitney and will always get told so, but it’s alright for Lil Rounds!

Personally I thought she was off and flat but I was irritated that no one called her on that.

Was it just me or was Simon looking more irritated and pissed off this season than usual?

Oh wow, Von Smith wasn’t only painful on the ears he was painful to watch! All those mannerisms! Eep.

Sorry for the down time.

Also, chat is fixed….

Still don’t like Von at all.

Von makes me want to take sharp knives and stab my eardrums.

I really liked Jasmine and Stephen Fowler tonight. Jasmine was way more interesting than Lil. We didn’t see Stephen’s original audition did we? Simon had that dollar-signs-in-his-eyes look while Stephen sang. He has one of those smiles that lights up a room (Stephen, not Simon!).

Anoop and Adam are the only ones I really like so far, and I didn’t get to hear Adam. Oh well, I’m sure he’ll be shown later. Bikini girl is no longer amusing. Von is way way over the top.

All I know is that Adam Lambert better not let me down in the coming weeks. LOL. I really like him and am expecting a lot out of him because I know he’s got the voice to pull it off. So Adam – bring it!

I like Danny a lot too… he definitely has the potential to be a frontrunner, and I really really liked Stephen Fowler tonight. Really good voice, very smooth, and he did very well with the song. I’m not sold on Anoop yet, but I do like him.

OMG, what is the BFD about Jackie Tohn that the judges see? I don’t get it. First of all, WTF was she wearing? Second of all – that performance? Not the best.

I didn’t think Lil was all that great. It was a big “meh” for me. I was surprised that the judges practically peed their pants in delight.

Other than the whole 5 seconds of Felicia Barton’s audition (and the many youtube videos I saw of her), I’m not really feeling the girls so far this year. I need a Brooke White or a Carly Smithson. C’mon girls. Step it up!

I totally agree, Sarah! I’m not jumping up and down over any of the girls this year, not yet anyway, and I don’t really see the love of Jackie either. She reminds me a bit of Amanda last year and apparently they are wanting someone like her as well? I just dont’ feel her. Her tiger shirt was just flat out weird. She has some strange facial mannerisms as well when she sings that I would probably be distracted by.

And Stephen Fowler impressed me too. Better add him to the list of men I like! I wish I had heard Adam sing instead of just seen a clip of him singing. Way to tease Idol….way to tease.

Von makes me want to take sharp knives and stab my eardrums.

… yeah, then gouge out my eyes for good measure.

It’s funny lil didn’t sound that good here but sounded really good at her audition while jasmine who was okay at her audition sounded really good here. stephen sounded great too, I wish they would’ve showed his audition.

Go Jasmine and Stephen!

Oh and Von still is horrible.

Danny Gokey! Anoop Desai!

Von Smith sucks. He would have gone home that day. That. Is. All.

Jackie Tohn sucks. What the heck was that?

I need more Stephen Fowler! Puh-leeze tell me he made Top 36!

Danny is so a frontrunner in the making.

And deservingly so IMO.

Anoop certainly shows promise. Von needs to leave NOW! Adam looked great, wish we could have heard him sing.

Is it wrong that headband sparkle shirt glasses dude was really amusing?

NOPE. My kids think he should be featured on the finale. Maybe that’s what he’s going for…they need some kind of show for him.

I didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t think Lil was all that great. It was a big à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“mehà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  for me. I was surprised that the judges practically peed their pants in delight.

DITTO!

Did they even show Leneshe?

Vonn Smith is not going to get another chance – he needs to cool it down!
What’s with all that crying? And if I have to hear another Whitney song – I’ll hurl!!!! Don’t these girls listen or own contemporary music? At their young age they should not be auditioning with Whitney songs! Come on!

Did I miss the Tampa contestant? I haven’t seen him yet. I think his name is Cesar de la Rosa, something like that.

I think Danny has a good chance but how in the world and why did that bikini girl get through? She’ll never make it “live”.

I’m still an Adam fan.

Also got booted from chat. Honestly, no one has “grabbed” me yet. Too early, especially since I haven’t check out the original stuff. I’m just going by what they show. I do like a few of them… just don’t feel at all attached.

I kind of hope at least part of the spoiler list for the top 36 is false. Otherwise, why watch a 2-hour green mile show? Honestly, if it weren’t for chat, I probably wouldn’t have watched much of it so far.

I lost interest when Michael wasn’t on. Maybe the show will get better later. I recorded it and ff thu the boring stuff. I watched about 15 mins of it. I watched Danny.

Lil should not have sung a Whitney song. No one should sing Whitney. Her songs should be banned from Idol competition. She really sounded like she was yelling.

If people thought Carly made ugly singing faces last season, I expect them to think the same of Jackie. Hers are worse IMO. Though I don’t mind her voice.

“Bikini Girl” can actually sing – imagine that!

Could she be the next American Idol?

The one that stood out for me was Michael Sarver, the oil roughneck. Now there’s a guy thats not going to be sobbing in the wings. Hmmm…could he be my new Bucky? :ponder_tb:

I liked Jackie Tohn in her audition, but when she was done tonight I said “And thank you Amanda” (and I’m not referring to the cool-smoke-voiced-hard-rockin-kickin Amanda, I’m referring to the someone-get-me-off-this-lame-tv-show-where-they-make-me-do-lame-dance-moves-and-lame-ford-commercials Amanda.

No one has grab me yet either.

I hope not, but this season looks a bit boring. I mean Danny and Anoop are OK but you know I don’t think they offer much more than other past contestants in other seasons.
Danny reminds me a bit of Elliott, but Elliott has a better voice.
JMHO.

The girls are just meh right now.

Lil should not have sung a Whitney song. No one should sing Whitney. Her songs should be banned from Idol competition. She really sounded like she was yelling

Completely agree! The IDF’ers were loving her too and I was starting to wonder what everyone else was hearing that I wasn’t. Since when is flat out yelling considered amazing? Ick! I liked her audition better, but she’s not a favorite of mine anyway.

I’m so all about Danny Gokey and possibly Stevie Wright depending on how she fares when they actually show her again.

OMG, I hated the show tonight. I wanted to hear Adam sing. :mad_tb: Less Bikini Girl and Norman, MOAR ADAM.

I didn’t like anyone! I thought Lil sounded pretty bad, tbh.

Anoop was amazing:) i love him. rooting for him all the way.

I thought that Barry did mentor or was a part of two seasons?

He did what mentors are SUPPOSED to do.

Apparently, there is some way the contestants evaluate or comment about the mentors, and Barry Manilow has been mentioned as amongst the best, which is why they would ask him to return. We only saw a minute or so, but I guarantee he gave them some good advice.

Danny seems headed for Top 12. Nice job!

Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m so all about Danny Gokey and possibly Stevie Wright depending on how she fares when they actually show her again.

Yeah, so far, those are my favorites, too.

I’m still sorta in shock that Bikini Girl made the cut and Jessica Furney didn’t. Sads.

Why is the show nothing like last year. I only started watching AI last year but Hollywood week was nothing like this. Do they not get to come on stage alone and with instruments if they want? Or is that tomorrow? I just didnt like the way they rushed through everyone. Oh well, Maybe I will like tomorrow better.

I did like Danny, Anoop, and I am sure I will like Adam, hopefully they will show him sing tomorrow.

I did think bikini girl was better than I remember.

Is it wrong that headband sparkle shirt glasses dude was really amusing?

NOPE. My kids think he should be featured on the finale. Maybe thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s what heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s going forà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦they need some kind of show for him.

I thought he was hilarious.

Danny Gokey is like a better looking Chris Sligh. I think he’s a lock for the Top 12.

Anoop was also good. Von, on the other hand, was terrible. It looks like the producers will be giving him the villain edit. People need someone to hate every year.

Hollywood week was so much more interesting last year with the focus on instruments. There was nothing fresh about tonight’s episode; maybe American Idol really is getting stale.

Good point about the instruments. That’s what made Hollywood so interesting last year. I hope they get to use them this year.

It looks like this year that playing an instrument is O.U.T. out. Guess, they are going back to the direct karaoke competition with the slight twist of impressions of newer artists/sounds. ie – Amy Winehouse, Adele, Duffy sound alikes.

I liked (I can’t remember their names), the white girl with black hair — Jackie? And the black guy with the high afro. Actually those that went through sounded really good. Now the hard part comes — group audition! Love it….

MJ thanks for the vids because I won’t be home tomorrow to watch it.

I miss the instruments too. It’s part of the reason last season was my favorite thus far.

It looks like this year that playing an instrument is O.U.T.

There are two weeks of Hollywood rounds. I think the instruments will be back later on.

One of the previews I remember seeing showed Scott McEntire playing keyboard so instruments will definitely pop up again.

St. Lucia,

Although that girl at the end who begged for a second chance was a bit uncomfortable to watch! Ugh!

I agree, but then I think she handled it very well by saying she would have regretted not trying and then accepting their decision fairly graciously. I kind of admired her approach. Her voice wasn’t too bad either.

So far, nobody is grabbing me. It’s not going to be a great season like last year. They seem to go every other season.

Since we’re getting more coverage of Hollywood this season, I think we saw more of the initial dismissal round than we did last year. Group rounds (which were given a break last year) are apparently tomorrow, and then we should be getting individual performances with instruments next week to get us down to the Top 50.

I didn’t think Danny Gokey was very good tonight, but it could be that I’m just sick of hearing about his wife. We didn’t even know David Cook had a terminally-ill brother until mid-season last year, and even then he wouldn’t talk about it. That’s set the bar pretty high for my tolerance of sob stories.

Yeah, I definitely know that I’ve seen a preview for Hollywood week where Scott McIntyre was playing keyboard, so I’m betting the 3rd round (after the 2nd round group performances tomorrow) is with the band and they have the option to play instruments if they want. They probably just wanted this first round to be a cappella. In the past, I think there’s been at least one a capella round of Hollywood.

I better see more of Adam tomorrow. :annoyed_tb:

I feel like TPTB could be setting Von and Adam up to appear to be competing for the same top 12 spot. I think it would be hilarious if they were in the same group of 12 in the semis and throw down, diva-style.

CathyMK Feb 3rd, 2009 at 9:46 pm

I really liked Jasmine and Stephen Fowler tonight. Jasmine was way more interesting than Lil. We didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t see Stephenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s original audition did we? Simon had that dollar-signs-in-his-eyes look while Stephen sang. He has one of those smiles that lights up a room (Stephen, not Simon!).

The best surprise tonight was Stephen Fowler. Yowza! Like Randy, I’m a sucker for old school R&Bers who can master the intricate melodies of Stevie Wonder [*Elliott Yamin*] — and that’s usually the only time I ever agree with Randy.

The second best surprise was hearing The Waitresses’ I Know What Boys Like.

I find Nick-Norman very entertaining. Did anyone else think Lil Rounds was more over-the-top than Von Smith? He actually toned some of his vocals down just a bit, but he still needs to dial it down several notches.

Danny Gokey and Anoop Desai impressed me again, too, but I would like to see some indie-ish artists other than Emily. Why do I get the feeling that we won’t hear Michael Castro until he screws up?

I agree that Lil Rounds was yelling. That is what I thought after they made such a big deal about the girl who had won 500-700 singing contests yelling.

Jackie Tone – What was that? I don’t like her at all.

Von Smith was definitely way over the top, but IMO, he has talent if he can learn to tone it down. We will see.

I really like the guy from Puerto Rico.

Bikini girl- Sang better than the first time, but it is obviously a power play with the boys vs the girls. I hate her attitude.

anoop marry me:)

Love Danny. Hate Von.

LOL at the day 2 people being “picked up” from their hotel in the Ford cars. That hotel is on the same corner as the Kodak Theatre. They share the same parking lot. ~

MJ, thanks for posting the videos — and so quickly!

I just watched the Stephen Fowler clip a few more times and his voice reminds me somewhat of John Legend. On Stevie’s Superwoman (Where Were You When I Needed You), he has a very natural, organic, unforced talent and I’m glad he’s on the top 36 spoiler list.

I’M HUNGRY FOR MORE!!!
seriously… it’s pathetic.

I love love LOVE Anoop, but based mostly off his Clef Hangers youtube videos. He hasn’t quite wowed me on the show yet.

I want to see some Megan Corkrey!

I liked Jazmine sooo much more this time around than in her audition
Stephen Fowler was impressive as well

and Lil Rounds just did not impress me. The judges totally put up a double standard on the whitney thing. They should just write a rule banning her songs so there’s no more confusion.

I love Anoop! Steven was good too. Don’t really like anyone else this year. I think S7 was better overall.

I didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t think Lil was all that great. It was a big à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“mehà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  for me. I was surprised that the judges practically peed their pants in delight.

Lil should not have sung a Whitney song. No one should sing Whitney. Her songs should be banned from Idol competition. She really sounded like she was yelling.

Completely agree! She overdid that song, IMO. For some reason the judges are letting her get away with things they have slammed other contestants for in the past. Last season, Syesha sang that song a lot better than Lil and I remember them giving Syesha a hard time for it, yet they praised Lil to high heaven. I wish they would have shown Simon’s comments on Lil’s performance because he seemed indifferent to it.

I liked Jackie Tohn in her audition, but when she was done tonight I said à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“And thank you Amandaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  (and Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m not referring to the cool-smoke-voiced-hard-rockin-kickin Amanda, Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m referring to the someone-get-me-off-this-lame-tv-show-where-they-make-me-do-lame-dance-moves-and-lame-ford-commercials Amanda.

Glad to know I’m not the only one who thinks Jackie is Amanda 2.0! Amanda was my least favorite last year and the only one I felt shouldn’t have been in the Top 12, especially after she practically mutilated that Kansas song. And I can’t stand her facial expressions when she sings, she looked like she was chewing her face. Meh.

As for everyone else, I hope Von learned his lesson and will start to tone things down a bit, because he IS a good singer–he just needs to realize that AI is not YouTube and being over the top will not get him far in this competition. I wish they had shown more of Adam, Arianna, Scott and Alex, since they are supposed to have made the Top 36, hopefully we’ll see more of them tomorrow, and more of Anoop as well.

Trina Feb 3rd, 2009 at 8:21 pm

ANOOOP!!!111 Awesome!

What does 111 mean? I keep seeing this, but am lost. (Nothing new, lol)

ETA:

“dzbebepnai Feb 4th, 2009 at 12:22 am

anoop marry me:)”

you’re cracking me up!

You too DeeJay, “Anoop, father my children!”
I probably completely messed up on backquotes for eta’s.

Who I liked: Anoop, Stephen Fowler & Jamar Rogers

Who I didn’t like: Von Smith. Yes, Simon was gut wrenchingly cruel with him, but I still laughed a little. That kind of over-the-topness deserves a special kind of criticism.

Osmond. He can sing but it just looks like he turned to his stylist and said, “Make me look 16!” Just so off-putting for me. Dress your freakin age.

Disappointed in: Lil Rounds. Didn’t think she was as great as the judges made her out to be.

And Danny Gokey is OK but I’m never amazed by him. He makes incredible song choices (he’s a music teacher right?) but once you get past that, I think it’s just an average voice.

What does 111 mean? I keep seeing this, but am lost. (Nothing new, lol)

LOL, it is like, you are SO excited that you forget to hit “shift” when you’re trying to make an exclamation point, so you end up with ones.

Really liked Anoop and Jasmine (whose voice sounded less affected than in audition). Felt bad for the kids like Rose who were letting the pressure and self-doubt get to them. Was less impressed by Lil than during her audition rounds, word to those who think she oversang.

Bikini Girl, oh Bikini Girl…playing devil’s advocate though, she is just working what she’s got. How is that really different from using talent or intelligence, those are luck of the draw too. And sheesh, if Randy and Simon are that easy to manipulate then she gets points from me just for showing them up. I did snerk at Kara’s “bring your pole tomorrow”, even though the poor girl did show up in a black sack dress.

i’m so glad they showed Anoop. Danny was ok to me. Von was bad and over the top. They should have cut him. And I agree I don’t know why the judges went ga ga over Lil. Oh and Stephen was a nice surprise.

Im totally loving Norman Gentle…his audition was so funny…and then the start of amzing grace i for some reason really connected to and then he went all crazy again..love it…love what he did tonight too..i want to see more of him

Tonight was pretty good…Jorge Nunez, Anoop, Danny stood out ..Nick mitchell was fantastic..haha…

Though Von Smith is annoyng….the guy has the tools to be amazing…will he be able to control himself…hopefully…if he does learn control …then i think he could be top 5 this season…if not then he should be gone fairly quickly

lil rounds is wicked overrated…she didnt do anything to receive standing ovation….i also dont see anything special in Jackie

I hope we get to hear the people we didnt hear today….i didn’t see Tatiana at all…

Von Smith was awful in his inital audtions and tonight! This is twice he got through on shouting not singing. It upsets me that some really decent singers are gone because of this kid. Of course my opinion is TPTB have gone over the top with manipulation by putting in so many plants and the fix is in people. Last year for this show for me anyway. I’ve watched ever season but one and a half one too.

Lera

I liked Anoop and Stephen. Others…just meh…
Last year I was already excited in hollywood week, but not this year…hmm…

And Danny Gokey is OK but Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m never amazed by him. He makes incredible song choices (heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s a music teacher right?) but once you get past that, I think ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s just an average voice.

I loved Danny’s first audition, but I was wondering at the time in the back of my mind whether he had much range. The song he picked didn’t show us either way. Then last night, I was underwhelmed. I like the texture of his voice, but it sounded like his range and control were pretty limited. (I’m comparing him to my first (AI) love, David Cook, who has astounding range, as well all know. I just don’t believe Danny can measure up, but we’ll see. Hope he proves me wrong.)

Anoop, on the other hand, blew me away again. He may become my second (AI) love. But I doubt that will compare to the Cook love.

I actually felt bad for Von Smith when Simon ripped him apart, even though Simon was spot-on.

Glad I’m not the only one who didn’t think Lil’ sounded good. I wasn’t that impressed with her the first time, but this time, I actively disliked her performance.

I love Von. He is progressing toward putting it all together, and I think the judges know exactly what they’re doing. They see more than us. All we see is exactly what the producers want us to see.

I can’t judge based on a few seconds of selective singing, but Lil could also now be accused of oversinging if we are going to play that game. But again, I think the judges know what they are doing and see the whole picture. We get nothing but a condensed, often manipulative version of events.

I try to look for the positives in these condensed auditions, and I saw a lot of positives tonight from a whole lot of contestants. Now when they get to sing a whole song that I can hear on live television, then I will truly judge them.

h0llyw0od week is HAWT! :lol_wp:
g0 ano0p!

Eh. Can’t say I’m excited about this year. I still think Adam is a standout, and we didn’t even get to hear him. Danny and Lil both left me underwhelmed. Are they really going to bring up Danny’s wife every time we see him now? Ugh. I feel manipulated and I don’t like it.
Anoop was better than I remember and I’m starting to see the “it” factor about him, Jackie and Von were not good, but are entertaining enough that I don’t mind seeing more of them before they’re sent packing.

Loved Danny. H.A.T.E.D. Jackie and Von. Why on earth they let Von go through is beyond me. Disappointed by Lil. Pleasantly surprised by Stephen Fowler and Jazmine (wayyyy better than her audition). Geez, I’ve just repeated pretty much what everyone else has said.

I was really hoping to hear Michael Castro some more. He’s got an interesting voice more than a good one, but I think he’s got potential. Caught a glimpse of Jason hanging out next to him while Michael was being interviewed in the background of those closing shots of the contestants whooping it up. Got to grab those fleeting glimpses of your non-winning past idol fave wherever you can…

I’m so scared that because of the whole top 36-wildcard thing, only the people who get lots of love in the auditions and hollywood will make it to top 12. The others will only get one chance to make an impression … and a lot of my favs weren’t even on tonight. High hopes for group round, though (drama!) and I’m glad we’ll be getting instruments next week, which is when we’ll get to see what some of these kids can really do. I have hopes for some good stuff from the likes of Scott McIntyre and Matt the dueling pianist.

I’m betting that Mr. Von Smith is going to have some totally fantastic understated performance later during Hollywood week. They’re totally setting him up for the “look at how he’s progressed and listened to the judges” thing. BTW, he looks like a fish sometimes when he sings. Good looking guy, but gotta tone down the crazy faces. And Jackie’s dancing? She looks like she’s doing America’s Next Top Model. Miss J loves a broken down doll. Work the angles, girl!

Yay for Stephen Fowler. Lots of people rooting for him now. Without a back story!

Jackie and Von were a waste of my time, hated both of them. I liked Danny and Michael (the roughneck guy) alot. I still haven’t found a stand out though. I couldn’t get into chat last night. :glurps_tb: I missed the conversation during the show!

Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m so scared that because of the whole top 36-wildcard thing, only the people who get lots of love in the auditions and hollywood will make it to top 12. The others will only get one chance to make an impression à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦ and a lot of my favs werenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t even on tonight.

I’m hopeful though! There are always one or two “surprises” in the final 12! I remember not knowing a thing about Jason Castro last year and thinking he was cannon fodder! Same goes for Elliott Yamin. I love surprises that haven’t been pimped at all through the show and just come up, sing, and win the hearts of America.

I’m anticipating a surprise during the semi’s…or at least I’m hoping for one!

Danny Gokey is like a better looking Chris Sligh. I think heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s a lock for the Top 12.

Chris Sligh is exactly who I was thinking about when he was singing. Maybe it was the song choice–Chris’s audition was my favorite of all time. *sigh*

Von is making this show intolerable for me.

Hubby and I both loved Stephen Fowler. Ooooooh I hope he continues to do well. He seems like someone I’d like to root for.

It was so obvious to me that the decision had been made beforehand to let bikini girl through. Simon didn’t seem to take her seriously at all, and he was clearly enjoying the job of winding Kara and Paula up. Randy looked like he was just along for the ride.

Is tonight the second round of Hollywood? Will they show the rest of the top 36 that they didn’t show last night?

Loved Anoop and Danny and a new favorite, Stephen Fowler. Lil was disappointing as was Jackie. Bikini girl reminds me of Antonella from season 6 although not as pretty. I hated Von yet again. Why don’t they tell him to chill and stop shouting?

LOVED Stephen Fowler. I could definitely listen to him for a good long time in this thing. I thought Lil Rounds completely oversang (a Whitney song of all things!) and got a totally undeserved tonguebath for it. She was much better in her original audition, in my opinion. Jasmine, on the other hand, was much better last night and I’ve gone from not liking her at all to really looking forward to hearing more from her.

I thought I’d love Jackie, but she’s annoying me now. And I’m very close to calling shenanigans on the Von Smith deal. There are certainly a lot of over-the-top performances from him on YouTube, but a lot of the more recent stuff that he himself took down, as well as his MySpace music, was much more understated and had a heavy focus on more contemporary R&B. I’m perplexed as to what would make him revert to the oversinging to such an extent, and I’m somewhat inclined to believe it is exactly as someone above has said – he’s Idol’s ‘look how much he’s improved under our tutelege’ person for this season.

I said it last week and Im saying it again. I adore Nick or Norman whats his face. LOVE this guy and god help me but I think he’s cute and fairly talented. I still say he may surprise a lot of people. He can more than carry a tune.

I will be doing my speed dialing thing should he go through ala my Sanjaya and Castro crushes. At least this one is more my age lmao.

I think he’s definitely got something there. I loved Anoop as well and the blonde girl who lost her father and sounds really rocky and raspy. Love her too.

Back to my newest obsession, I love to laugh and this guy has me on the floor every time. Something about him is very appealing to me……

Anoop and Danny ftw.

Hated Von Smith & Lil Round is soooo overrated. I think she’s probably gonna be good on the show, but not in the real world. Something like La Toya London.

Why do I get the feeling that we wonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t hear Michael Castro until he screws up?

Terrie, I see that you have watched the show before. My guess is we will see Michael Castro forgetting the words during the group round right before he is cut.

I feel badly for Rose–I think that she is the one with natural raw talent (not Jasmine whose voice sounds like a thousand other voices). Rose’s voice is identifiable and interesting — and watching her edit last night, I don’t think that the group sings are going to be fun for her.

Von made my ears bleed. I like Danny and several of the others you’ve all mentioned. The blond girl – Rose – who seemed to realize she might be out of her league – I was glad she made it thru a bit. She has a sweet “non professional” voice. Don’t know that she will make it far though, but maybe this will be a good experience/ego boost for her.

I’m wondering who is going to be that cannon fodder who surprises everyone a la Jason Castro/Elliott Yamin.

As far as folks like bikini girl getting thru, you also have to keep in mind it’s not ALL about the voice. They are casting a reality show, and they need “personalities” as well.

They are casting a reality show, and they need à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“personalitiesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  as well.

To Calimari’s point — they have to keep some of the “personalities” in it for the group sing dramas. Unfortunately, it could break someone with real talent if they end up in the same group.

On the other hand, it could make someone really talented stand out. I remember the groups sings a couple of years back with those awful twin guys. There was such high drama, but through it all a beautiful voice sang out and remained steady…and this is why I think Elliott Yamin got put through to the top 24 that year. So it can also work for you if you can keep your wits about you.

To me, Danny, Jorge, Anoop and Stephen were the best last night. I didn’t understand all the gushing over Lil. Not only did she shout, she was off key. It must have sounded much different live to garner all the praise it did from the judges. I guess I’m just not into the Whitney wannabe type. Bikini Girl should never have advanced to the next round. I don’t like her attitude plus she really isn’t that great of a singer. I can’t wait to hear what Adam is going to do tonight.

The best surprise tonight was Stephen Fowler. Yowza! Like Randy, Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m a sucker for old school R&Bers who can master the intricate melodies of Stevie Wonder [*Elliott Yamin*] à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  and thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s usually the only time I ever agree with Randy.

Ohhhhh…that was such a pleasant surprise, and absolutely pitch perfect. I think I need to watch it 100 more times. Randy was spot-on in his analysis.

Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m betting that Mr. Von Smith is going to have some totally fantastic understated performance later during Hollywood week. Theyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re totally setting him up for the à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“look at how heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s progressed and listened to the judgesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  thing.

Even if that happens I don’t think I’ll even like him then. Simply singing is probably his best route. I’d be willing to bet that he’s studied the mannerisms of a ton of “soul” and “gospel” singers and learned the intricacies of their melisma and runs and over-the-top belting. He has managed to work those styles into every song he sings, and it sounds hideous. Less, Von Smith, is more. By doing all the extra stuff, he manages to obliterate the decent voice he has.

When I heard Anoop Desai sing, I thought, “Geez, there is the next American Idol.”
Bit I liked Stephen and Danny too. And Jasmine really impressed me. Sometimes we forget she is only 16 years old(hehe).

But looking at the huge mass of goo that AI8 is becoming, I’m really mad and I’m not going to take it anymore.
Did we just say goodbye to 80 auditioners last night in one hour. Did we even get a glimpse of Felica Barton?? All I saw was a tearful Jessica Furley leaving the stage. And there is a host of others whom I liked from their auditions, who were granted nary a second of screen time.
This show could easily have have been two hours.

I’m tired of the pimping of the same contestants over and over again. I’m tired of the bikini girl and the accompanying soap opera to the point I don’t really care how she sings. I tired of AI building these kids’ hope up, letting the air out of their balloons and capturing it all on celluloid for the word to see. I tired of the Emilys and Vons of the world who advance to the next round while more talented singers but less melodrramatic singers get cast aside.

Of course I’ll be watching the show again tonight.

i agree with dingo. nick/norman cracked me up. i said it last night in chat…he has a good command of the stage…absolutely no fear…and he can sing.

now…if he really tried to sing…and not just be funny…and used that command of stage and lack of fear…i think he could do something amazing.

i loved stephen.

was entirely dissapointed in Lil. SOng choice killed her.

Jasmine….great. Anoop great….

Hmmm. I actually liked Jackie. Thought she was refreshing. I am going to give Lil Rounds a pass because I think that they were in the room with her, and maybe what they heard translated a little less on our teevee screen. I however, don’t want to hear anyone singing a Whitney hit again. It’s just been there, done that, and if you can’t do it better, and you usually can’t, don’t do it at all.

Von is annoying, and over the top, but he can sing. It’s like Simon said, he’s like a kid. My take is that he’s like a kid with a box of toys, instead of playing with one, he plays with them all simultaneously, leaving the room one big mess. Vocally that’s what he does. He doesn’t understand that he doesn’t have to use all of his tricks all of the time. I don’t care though cause last night I saw a video of Adam Lambert screwing the hell up on Crazy and fell in love!

Bikini girl is annoying, has a slightly pleasant voice, and is toast. Sooner rather than later.

Jasmine pleased me last night, she can be very commercial, and that is the point, isn’t it?

Rose was just all over the place sonically, I would have kicked her to the curb. She is marching to her own drummer, a good thing post idol perhaps, now, not at all.

I am also joining the Anoop fanclub. Do we have a cool name yet? That dude is so freaking smooth, so confident, it’s sexy as hell! I would get rid of almost all the girls…..oh and what about Kai? I didn’t see him last night. Finally Stephen Fowler, if I were gonna crush on someone, I think it might be him. We shall see.

I really liked Jackie’s initial audition but didn’t like her at all last night. I loved the Stephen guy and Anoop was very good. Lil was not as impressive last night- she seemed to be better than that. I like Norman/ Nick too. I guess he didn’t make top 36 did he? He seems torn between trying to play it straight and making everyone laugh. He really lightens the mood in the auditions it seems. He will probably get a shot at comedy if this doesn’t work out. He is definitely an entertainer.

Getting to comment ,just now ,wasn’t able to get the site up last night .
Hated over the top Von just no .Didn’t get the Lil love they all had she semed off ,flat just not good.Don’t care for Jackie as someone up thread said seemed like Amanda 2.0 . Danny well tired of the backstory and thought Chris Sligh sang the same song better for his audtion .Stephen Fowler was nice to see him as we hadn’t seen him a thousand times before ala Bikini girl hope she gets sent packing tired of the soap opera.
No one really stood out tonight .Hope they get instruments soon .

Thank God for this blog because I couldn’t keep up with who went through and who got cut last night, it was all so rushed.

Lil did not impress me, I can’t hear what all the fuss is about with her, maybe that will change later but for now i’m just not getting it.

Yay for Anoop and I really, really liked Stephen Fowler.

I’m all into Jorge, I am a sucker for the accent and he can sing too.

Nick Mitchell is a hoot! I bet we see him back on finale night, someone has to give the kid a gig out of this, he’s hilarious.

I don’t think Danny Gokey is that great, something is off with him, I can’t put my finger on it but something is weird. Maybe it’s just his striking resemblance to Robert Downey Jr. and when I look at him that’s who I see, I don’t know……..weird.

Katrina ‘bikini’ Darrel is so annoying, ugggggghhhhh and she sings through her nose, please please make her go away.

Stephen Fowler was a really nice surprise. Nick was funny. Poor Rose. Anoop is alright. I could really like Danny Gokey if his backstory wouldn’t be dragged out all the time. I didn’t think Lil Rounds sounded very good at all. I hope Simon didn’t really mean that If The Rain Must Fall is a horrible song, but I certainly agree Von’s singing of it was…I didn’t even recognize the song at first until I realized it is one of my JM favorites! I liked what I initially heard from Jackie Tohn (other than I’m Yours) but I didn’t really like this Hollywood performance. Also, I feel as though she is trying just a little too damn hard, which is not endearing her to me. I wish Megan and the Amy Winehouse girl were shown singing.

I missed half of the show so thanks, as usual, for the videos, mj.

I loved the Stephen guy and Anoop was very good. Lil was not as impressive last night- she seemed to be better than that. I like Norman/ Nick too. I guess he didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t make top 36 did he? He seems torn between trying to play it straight and making everyone laugh. He really lightens the mood in the auditions it seems. He will probably get a shot at comedy if this doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t work out. He is definitely an entertainer.

Absolutely. I watched with my kids, after we finished laughing our butts off my son looked at me and said, I think he can sing though. I agree. He’s going for schtick. Probably too insecure to do it straight. Would love to see him try.

I know Jasmine Murry is a favorite but her singing annoys me, not only does she nose sing but she does that screachy gasp thing that Michael Jackson does, she did it at her first audition and she did it again last night, it’s awful.

I could really like Danny Gokey if his backstory wouldnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t be dragged out all the time.

I was glad at least they didn’t make it as much the focus last night like when they showed his audition. I’m not going to hold him responsible for how Idol presents his story. He didn’t talk about it once himself last night from what they showed at least. He seems to only talk about it when they directly ask him to. Like he said before, he doesn’t like to talk about it.

Re: Danny Gokey and the widower mentions, IMO it is all about the editing – now that TPTB have film on him crying and talking about his late wife, they can use it all the time, even if he never mentions her again. So poor guy gets tagged as pimping the story.

OK, my love for Anoop continues… he’s just awesome. And I love Danny Gokey too – bonus for me that he looks like Robert Downey, Jr. who I also love. That show did go by in a whirlwind, though. Stephen Fowler was a nice surprise! And I still don’t like Von… his facial expressions pain me. We shall see!

I could really like Danny Gokey if his backstory wouldnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t be dragged out all the time.

Okay…I’m gonna go with “all the time” if they do it more than twice.

Danny & Robert Downey, Jr. could be brothers.

Michael Sarver…not on the top 36 list! Too bad! And the list excludes bikini girl..that is way good!

10 seconds just isn’t enough time to judge a performance…and in most cases we were lucky to hear from 1 in four of the judges.

You would think that with months to prepare for Hollywood week the contestants would have sought more advice about song choices. Wouldn’t you think you would chose something reasonably contemporary, something that showcases your individual talents, something that has a lot of range and depth. This is where the “seasoned” performer will usually win out over the “sing in the shower” contestant.

Interesting that they did the make-overs prior to the first audition. Must have been lots of talks about the idiotic hairstyles from last year!

Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m not going to hold him responsible for how Idol presents his story.

I admit the backstory handling has some effect on me now but I don’t necessarily hold Danny responsible. In fact, I don’t think it would matter much at all once the competition moves along. I remember not being crazy over Carly and MJ initially (the bad press must have gotten to me, heh) but they ended up being two of my top favorites later on.

Nobody struck me as particularly good last night, which is kinda what I expected after watching the audition rounds, although I did enjoy Michael Sarver’s singing, and I hope he is the unidentified Michael from the leaked Top 36 list. I thought Danny Gokey was really quite mediocre, a poorer singer than his friend Jamar, but I suppose a good sob story goes a long way in this competition.

I am really glad that Simon made those criticism to Von Smith, it’s what’s necessary to make Von realise that the kind of singing that wowed his family and friends as a kid aren’t the kind of singing that will wow the public at large as an adult. He needs to show some maturity in his singing, curb the excesses and show real vocal skills.

This website was down last night, is this going to happen regularly when the show is on? I remember the site was inaccessible on finale night last year, but this is a little too early for this to happen, no?

Stephen Fowler reminded me of the singer songwriter Vance Gilbert…could just be the hair….

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wE5z1k-nbrg

Re: Danny Gokey and the widower mentions, IMO it is all about the editing – now that TPTB have film on him crying and talking about his late wife, they can use it all the time, even if he never mentions her again. So poor guy gets tagged as pimping the story.

Exactly.

I know Jasmine Murry is a favorite but her singing annoys me, not only does she nose sing but she does that screachy gasp thing that Michael Jackson does, she did it at her first audition and she did it again last night, ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s awful.

Completely agree. I do not get her at all.

I could really like Danny Gokey if his backstory wouldnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t be dragged out all the time.

THANK YOU! I REALLY want to like this guy. I love his voice and I think he’s adorable. But if the show drags out his dead wife and beats us over the head with her EVERY. TIME. he comes out to sing, I’ll end up DESPISING him.

Danny & Robert Downey, Jr. could be brothers.

Woah…not that is scary how much they resemble each other.

Von Smith must be his dentist’s favourite patient. lol

THANK YOU! I REALLY want to like this guy. I love his voice and I think heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s adorable. But if the show drags out his dead wife and beats us over the head with her EVERY. TIME. he comes out to sing, Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll end up DESPISING him.

I did not like Carly at first last year due to her constant whining at first, but I’m glad it went away. I hope TPTB learn that same lesson with Danny. He’s not whining, but his story could really backfire on him if they don’t stop talking about it. But again, Carly was the one whining last year. Danny’s not doing that, so it’s not his fault as I see it.

I thought Danny Gokey was really quite mediocre, a poorer singer than his friend Jamar, but I suppose a good sob story goes a long way in this competition.

I think people like him for more than his sob story. To each their own. A lot of people have commented on his voice and liking him for that. Jamar is good too, but he needs to learn a different song.

“Danny & Robert Downey, Jr. could be brothers.”
……………………..

Agree.
I suspect it’s just the glasses and facial hair that are doing it, i’d like to see what DG looks like without those cos right now all I see is RDJ auditioning for Idol.

Is it me, or did Rose seem younger last night? I kinda felt bad for her, because she’s clearly in over her head. She’s not ready yet. But n a few years, she’ll be AWESOME.

Stephen Fowler is my new seekrit boyrfriend. Seriously in real life he’s my type. He kinda looks like my husband. Tall, solid build, chocolate colored with a cool vibe. And he had dreads! Sold! LOL.

Annop was great. I am really liking him.

Jorge really needs to let someone pluck his damn eyebrows already. I don’t know what it is about that kid, but I hesitate on him.

Jasmine was way better, but she still has those annoying Disney vocal ticks. Please cut that out girl.

Please tell me the black girl with the orange hair freaking out during the promos wasn’t Leneshe Young. LOL.

I am over Danny’s dead wife. Cut it out. And I wasn’t that crazy about his singing this time. I actually liked his little weird friend a bit better.

Bikini Girl and Nick were let through mainly for the entertainment factor. Britinum Twins anyone? They will make good teevee. Can you imagine Bikini Girl during the group sing?

Jamar is good too, but he needs to learn a different song.

He should have gone home just for repeating that way-too-much version of California Dreamin’. For real? He’s got a nice voice, but enough. I’m beginning to wonder if they’re keeping him there for the “best friends separated” drama, or if he’s really there for Danny’s moral support.

Please tell me the black girl freaking with the orange hair freaking out during the promos wasnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t Leneshe Young. LOL.

Heh. That is a bad weave. But, she didn’t look like Lenesha. I wonder….

I dont think that Danny will be over his dead wife for some time now, my first husband died 20 years ago and something will come up and bring me right back to the pain – so I can imagine it will be pretty difficult to cut out something that is really still so new but yes, I liked his friend better than him but he was still good to me. I wanted to see more Michael C but No – Please Bikini girl – go away already – she is the one that needs to cut it out already.

Soooooo disappointed they didn’t show Trugman and the associated banter last night. My guess is they don’t want to give him any opportunity to sing God Save the Queen. Wonder what he sang for this initial “song clip” in Hollywood.

Re Danny’s back story. It isn’t his fault that Idol is using his departed wife. The show is famous for belaboring a topic…Kellie Pickler and her jailbird daddy comes to mind. What is sad is that the story is starting to turn people off and Danny is the one who gets hurt by that, not the real culprit.

If Anoop makes Top 12 I predict his fans will call themselves Anoop Dogs.

I dont think that Danny will be over his dead wife for some time now, my first husband died 20 years ago and something will come up and bring me right back to the pain – so I can imagine it will be pretty difficult to cut out something that is really still so new.

She has been dead less than a year. It’s still fresh. He told the story at his audition. His best buddy reflected on it last night. Now, if the producers start interviewing family members, then I’ll say it’s overkill.

For now, the pain is still identifiable with anyone who has ever lost a family member – whether it be a spouse, a child, or a grandparent. What happens is we immediately identify with the pain the person is feeling. I agree that this has exploitation-potential written all over it. We know how the game is played, but for those who just tuned in a season or two ago, they may not be able to separate the talent from the emotional connection.

The emotional connection is key. That is part of what creates the over-invested viewer, who will vote repeatedly for 2 to 4 hours, cry when their favorite gets eliminated, buy them expensive gifts that they don’t need, and follow them faithfully once the show is over as part of the core fan base.

It’s all a game, and to a point, the viewer is manipulated.

Nevertheless, if they never mention the fact that Danny Gokey is a widower again, it will remain in the back of our minds, and for some people, it will mean blind support.

Anoop, on the other hand, blew me away again. He may become my second (AI) love. But I doubt that will compare to the Cook love.

Glad Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m not the only one who didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t think Lilà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ sounded good. I wasnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t that impressed with her the first time, but this time, I actively disliked her performance.

ITA with both statements, Deejay. No love will ever be like my Cook love, but Anoop will be my season 8 love for sure.

I appreciate whomever said that Lil may have sounded better in the room than she did on TV, but off key is off key either way.

Add me to the list of people who thinks Nick/Norman is hilarious. I don’t think he expects to win, but I think he’s in it for screen time, and he’s definitely getting exposure.

I wouldn’t mind Danny’s dead wife if I llloooveeedd his voice, or if I saw some serious star potential, but I don’t. So now I’m feeling like he’s going to start coasting on his backstory. If he starts singing better all would be forgiven. BTW, my dad died not so long ago and it still hurts, but I’m not moved by Danny in the least.

I forgot to mention Lil and Von. I liked Lil’s audition but last night she yelled at me. I still think she can sing though, so I’m willing to give her another chance. Von is on my last nerve. If he doesn’t start reeling it in soon, I’m done with him.

Add me to the list of people who thinks Nick/Norman is hilarious. I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t think he expects to win, but I think heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s in it for screen time, and heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s definitely getting exposure.

I loved him. Laughed the whole time, particularly when he sang to the “Balcony!” and “Seacrest!” I know he’s just there for entertainment, but I enjoyed it. Better than Bikini Girl and Kara, who is still proving to be useless at this point.

I’ll have to say my verdict is still out on Jackie Tohn. I liked her a lot after the initial audition, last night liked her voice, not so much her moves.

As far a being compared with Amanda, I think Jackie may be able to show more versatility when the time comes.

Slezak’s description of Von Smith’s Hollywood performance:

VON, WHY ARE YOU SHOUTING AT ME? ME, I’M ONLY SHOUTING AT YOU, SO YOU CAN HEAR ME OVER THE SOUND OF YOUR OWN SHOUTING! SOMEWHERE DOWN IN YOUR PANCREAS, I BET YOU HAVE A BEAUTIFUL VOICE. BUT I ALSO BET NO ONE IN YOUR LIFE EVER TOLD YOU THAT SINGING WITH FEELING IS NOT THE SAME THING AS SINGING SO HARD THAT YOUR VEINS START THROBBING, ALLOWING ME TO TAKE YOUR PULSE JUST BY LOOKING AT YOUR NECK. YOU SAID THAT FOR NEXT TIME, YOU NEED TO ”WORK HARDER.” BUT I WOULD SUGGEST YOU ACTUALLY DO THE OPPOSITE AND WORK ”LESS HARD.” TRUST ME.

:lol_tb:

All I can say is that I would like Danny with or without the story. IMO he does have star potential, the look, a sweet personality, and that wonderful gravely, soulful voice that just blows everyone else I’ve seen so far out of the water. His voice has a bit of a similar quality that David Cook’s voice has, only Danny has more of an R&B vibe and Cook’s obviously more Rock.

edit: don’t question your fellow poster’s motives, please. respect your fellow posters opinions.

Once again, Von Smith completely annoyed me. I don’t get what the judges see/hear in him.

I don’t get all of the Lil affection from the judges either. Perhaps it’s just her R&B style that I’m not a fan of, but I don’t find anything “special” about her voice.

All I can say is that I would like Danny with or without the story.

Yeah. I heard him sing first and saw the backstory later. So, I’ll stick with him for that reason alone.

I just remember totally rooting against Kellie Pickler for the very reason of her back story. Only, she wasn’t that talented, and it irked me more.

tinawina: “So now Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m feeling like heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s going to start coasting on his backstory. ”

It’s not like he’s writing the script for the show. He’s not my favorite singer but I really wish he wasn’t getting the blame for the use of his “backstory”

Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s not like heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s writing the script for the show. Heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s not my favorite singer but I really wish he wasnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t getting the blame for the use of his à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“backstoryà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 

I don’t know that I’m “blaming” him. I liked his original audition. He seemed like a nice guy who could sing, but I didn’t really see him as a big star. But, you know, people surprise you. So I looked forward to seeing him in Hollywood. Last night I didn’t think he was as good as before. I think he got over on the song more than his actual voice. To me, the only reason I would remember him was because of the Dead Wife story. That is not me using the story as an excuse for not liking him. I just didn’t think he was that good. And I hate when people get ahead on sentiment rather than voice. Obviously lots of people did like his voice. I didn’t. Not enough for all the hype to me. He was okay, but I’m not jumping out of my seat. So I’m sick of hearing about his wife already. If I’m not remembering the voice to go along with the story, then I don’t want to hear the story.

I thought Danny Gokey was really quite mediocre, a poorer singer than his friend Jamar, but I suppose a good sob story goes a long way in this competition.

Okay, I’ll admit his vocals last night weren’t as good as his audition, but I believe they are way above mediocre and he has presence which goes a long way…

Also, better showing than Lil Rounds.

Did anyone else notice that friend Jamar sang the same song last night (I think) that he sang for his initial audition?

tinamina…I get what you’re saying and agree that his vocals weren’t all that good last night…they also weren’t that bad either. He’s in the running and I think he still should be in that position.

Re his wife’s death: All I’m saying is that the backstory backlash might be a problem and Idol has yet to recognize it. We’ve all seen people advance on the power of their backstory and I agree that should not be part of the criteria.

My problem is that people, not you but people in general, start laying the blame for it on the singer rather than the show and pretty soon, because they’re tired of the story, they stop voting for the singer.

So it goes both ways. David Cook didn’t let Idol know about his brother and when they found out, they tried to use it. Cookie is a smart cookie(sorry) and wouldn’t let them. Danny needs to step up and say something to the producers but, because all we’ve seen so far is pre-recorded stuff, it’s too late for him to do that.

Sorry for the book!

Danny was waaaay better in his audition, his voice seemed… weak, this time around. This episode was boring The only people I wanted to hear from (Adam, Leneshe and Meghan), I didn’t.

I get what you are saying dee. No apologies needed! :thumbup_tb:

Stand-outs (in a good way) for me:

Danny and Stephen – love their voices. Their song choices were excellent. They have the much talent. I see these guy as dark horse fan favorites. I do agree with those who think they are over-playing the dead wife story.

Norman/Nick – Geez. I thought he was going to be another one of those crazy guys like from season 5 (or 6) who just wastes space but he made me laugh. Out. Loud. And then, he showed a decent set of pipes and good stage presence. If he can’t play it straight he won’t last, but I think his strategy actually paid off very well.

Stand-outs (in a bad way):

Von – ouch. OUCH. OUCH!!! My ears! I think, as others have said, he’s got a nice voice in there somewhere if he learns how to tone it down and not SCREECH, and he seems to no sense of who he is as a singer. He’s young and is trying too hard and doesn’t seem to understand that sometimes ‘less is more’. But – he’s got a pretty Boy!pop!singer face and that may help him. They might see him as moldable.

Bikini girl – mediocre voice. Not terrible, not note-worthy. Pretty girl with a nice body. ANNOYING, more exhibitionistic than talented but she’s selling her assets (can’t blame her for that). Now that she’s got her 15 minutes of fame. Begone! There are other “characters” who sing better.

Wait and see:

Jackie. I think there’s an interesting voice there. I think she’s a character which may be what she coasts on to the top 36. But… is she on speed or something? People called Taylor a spazz but this girl is a SPAAAAAAAZZ.

Lil: Agree with most the above who said she was uninspiring and chose one of the most overcooked songs. I liked her audition, but not this. A standing ovation? Whut? I think she is the appointed diva for this season and she will be allowed to break the No Whitney Rule until they want her gone some time in the top 12.

Disappointed/Bored me:

David Osmond. Bland.
Jesus Valenzuela. His singing is mediocre, but I think he’s a handsome guy.

Who was the kid they showed that looked like Danny Noreiga. We didn’t hear him sing.

Wish I could have seen: Kai Kalama, Alexis Grace, Adam Lambert (not as sold on him as other folks – yet).

I was just on yahoo and Bikini Girl is on the front page. I really don’t like her (and I hardly dislike anyone on Idol). :s

If someone has already asked this…just ignore me.

Did anyone else think that Rose Flack might be pregnant?

Did anyone else think that Rose Flack might be pregnant?

Hah! I had been wondering about her tummy!

Sorry to be random, but I have to ask:

This morning the DJs at my local station were using the word “banoodles” over and over, claiming that Randy shouted it out at some point during last night’s show. Did anyone actually hear this? I would so love for that to be Randy’s new word of the season. Banoodles.

yeah Randy used Banoodles when he was talking to Norman Gentle

That explains it … I ff’d through Norman. Thanks. :smile1_tb:

LOL! The thought crossed my mind…but I gave Rose the benefit of a doubt and blamed the cut of her dress. Those things can make anyone look pregnant.

I agree that Danny’s voice sounded a bit weaker last night and at one point, I thought it might go out on him, but he still did his thing. I seriously doubt they put him through on his back story. I am sure that they heard his voice and liked what they heard.

Did anyone else think that Rose Flack might be pregnant?

Hmmmm…I did see a tiny hint of belly, but I was totally distracted, wondering what the stylists were going to do with her hair.

Hm, Hollywood week episode 1 was kinda boring. Where are the instruments? Last year was the first year I watched Hollywood week, and I liked that format way more. We’ll see– maybe the group sings will be fun. I’m guessing the instruments won’t come until after the group sings.

I like Anoop and Stephen Fowler. Von looks like he’s gonna bust a blood vessel and it’s really hard to watch him for even a brief clip– can’t imagine watching him for 1:30 songs. Bummed they didn’t even show Jessica Furney singing before the rejection. I really felt for Rose. She’s got a unique voice and reminds me of Brooke, but unfortunately with less talent and experience. Jasmine was way better than in auditions, but I’m still meh. Jackie seems like a watered down Amanda to me– next. Lil and Danny were good but way over praised, and they need to please stop referencing Danny’s dead wife. That home video clip of his proposal makes me really uncomfortable. I wanted to see more of Adam Lambert, Ann Marie Boskovich, and the blind guy.

If the contestants sing a song that AI doesn’t get a clearance for….well we’ll never hear their early stuff. Happened to Castro, and Archuleta when they sang in the Hollywood round. Wonder if Idol sends the contestants a list of pre-cleared songs? If they do, then we know why there are so many repeats year after year!

I’m surprised Jesus took it so badly. I scraped by auditions due to his kids– did he expect to continue? Why so pissed–he got a free trip to Hollywood, right? One he begged for?

Waving my Nick/Norman banner right NOW! This guy is SO hilarious. He would just make this season for me if he would do that shtick week to week.

Anoop. A hottie. And he can sing. A twofer. Have a smaller banner for him.

I think Jorge is drop dead adorable and I would not mind just looking at him every week for awhile.

Everyone else is a bit of a blur to me, other than the screamfest that is Von Smith.

Steven Fowler’s voice is soothing, sweet bliss. Another one I would love to hear every week.

I think the Osmond kid is a talent, but, unfortunately, you get him, you get the entire Osmond family crawling all over everything Idol and Idol-related, so I think not.

NOTE: I have not referenced the rumored top 36 list. Just taking it one show at a time.

and they need to please stop referencing Dannyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s dead wife. That home video clip of his proposal makes me really uncomfortable.

Bingo! That’s it. I too was uncomfortable at his audition when they showed his breakdown on camera…it was too much to handle. I think the discomfort a lot of people have with the someone else’s grief is the root cause of a lot of what appears to be almost insensitivity by those who can’t stand hearing about it.

I’ll admit it – Nick/Norman cracks me up. I find him wildly entertaining. Plus, I think under all of the lunacy, he has a better voice than half the lame-os they keep putting through.

Oddly, I actually like Jackie. I think she has an interesting voice and a great sense of humor.

Last night was the first time I saw Stephen Fowler and I found him to be amazing. For me, he’s the best guy I’ve seen yet. I love Anoop too – he’s got major talent.

As for Danny, he’s got a good voice, but I find him terminally boring. And, it may not be right, but I find a guy who’s willing to audtion for a reality tv show 30 days after his wife death just a wee bit creepy. Plus – they keep putting through his lame friend who is one step above mediocre. Annoying.

Adam looked like a cartoon character with his new bad-ass black hair. You’ve got a good voice Adam, but you can’t fool me into thinking you’re anything but Mr. Caberet-Musical-Theatre. I could totally change my mind once the real competition gets started, but for now it’s an uphill climb.

At this point, all I can hope for is that America hates Von as much as Simon and I do.

And, it may not be right, but I find a guy whoà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s willing to audtion for a reality tv show 30 days after his wife death just a wee bit creepy.

I found it a bit odd as well, but everyone deals with healing from grief in their own way. This must be his. He wants to honor her memory from what he said at his audition. Asia’H Epperson auditioned last year the same WEEK that her dad died in a car accident.

MJ…I’ve started a discussion on who I think Nick “Western” is on my blog….

http://www.joesplaceblog.com/2009/02/04/nick-western-is-top-36but-who-exactly-is-nick-western/

Norman Gentle, Perhaps?

Still love Anoop. Wish I could have seen more Adam and Ann Marie.

Still really like Danny but hoping they bury the backstory for the time being. It’s cruel to him, and to us, because nobody cares at this point. We don’t even know the guy. And if his friend Jamar only knows one song, then he should go to hell home.

Flove Norman/Nick. I usually hate shtick on this show, but this guy is hilarious. He reminds me a bit of Stephen Colbert (in that he’s primarily a comedian who can also sing, but is gifted with the quick comeback). I predict we see more of him in the future. Maybe he can fill in for Ryan while he’s recovering from the trauma of being assaulted by Bikini Girl?

Stephen! Where have you been hiding? Very interested to see/hear more from you!

Am I the only person who was appalled that Erika, THE FBI AGENT, was so whiny and pathetic? This is who is protecting me from The Terrorists? I really am scared now.

My son hated Lil, but I gave her props for having the guts to take on a Whitney song, even though I don’t care for her singing and didn’t last week either. At least she has the pipes to sing Whitney, unlike 99 percent of the people who attempt her stuff. Paula gave her the kiss of death, though, when she declared her a frontrunner.

I don’t hate Von because I suspect he really can sing. If only he would dial it back like 400 percent. I guess we’ll find out how teachable he is as the weeks go on. I just can’t hate the kid … yet.

Norman Gentle, Perhaps?

That thought has definitely crossed my mind, Mila. .

Michael Sarverà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦not on the top 36 list! Too bad!

Uh, you need to recheck the list….

The bottom line is that Bikini Girl can sing. Does she sing well enough to advance as far as she has thus far or even farther? That’s up for debate. But, she’s getting a lot of undue hate for the fact that she auditioned in her bikini when really all it was was a gimmick to get her noticed, just as countless other contestants have used gimmicks to get themselves noticed (such as their “tear-jerking” backstories)….

I really hope its Norman Gentle…his audition was amazing..i think anyway…it could not have gone any better for him…he makes everyone laugh…then starts singing amazing grace in a very real way…like it was his heart singing…and then went all crazy again which made everyone laugh again…brilliant….everyone should rewatch that audition to see what im talking about….that amazing grace was Nick Michell singing ..all characters stripped away

My son and I actually wondered if Rose was pregnant last week, but I think I read that she’d dropped a lot of weight, so maybe she’s just hiding a pear-shaped figure under her top? She really is beautiful and tragic, and I thought she sounded much better last night than in her audition, but she seems too fragile and green at this point.

I would be appalled if it’s Norman Gentle. Whatever the judges said, he can’t sing. If anyone want to complain about Von Smith “And I Am Telling You”, have another listen to Norman Gentle, once you remove the jokes, the singing was really quite awful. And he is just a joke, just as Simon said.

just as countless other contestants have used gimmicks to get themselves noticed (such as their à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“tear-jerkingà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  backstories)à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦.

Actually most of those stories arise from the Producer interviews before they are allowed to advance. They pretty much have to spill their guts about their life. And if tragedy is part of that, then I would guess that would come up. I guess you could call it a “gimmick” but when I hear that word, usually humor is involved and someone’s tragedy isn’t humorous to most.

So far, majority of the men contestant were better than the women. But Hollywood round was waaay to early to had any fav. cause anything can change when the singing and voting begin.

I still remember season 6, before top 24, only few of us noticing Jordin Sparks. That can be said also for David Cook too. But they amaze lots of the audiences when the singing started.

I cannot wait when the top 36 begin. And hoping that the judges will pick deserving wild cards. Not just because too filled the top 12 quota. (Like try to balance men-women finalists)

Actually most of those stories arise from the Producer interviews before they are allowed to advance. They pretty much have to spill their guts about their life. And if tragedy is part of that, then I would guess that would come up. I guess you could call it a à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“gimmickà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  but when I hear that word, usually humor is involved and someoneà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s tragedy isnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t humorous to most.

Of course they’re gimmicks! Contestants employ anything that will make them stand out, both so the producers think they will make for good television and put them through in the first place and also so they will attract sympathy and support if they make it far enough for people to start voting for them.

Now I’m not saying that tragic events in the contestant’s aren’t real to them. But, they’re have been contestants in the past who chose to keep their tragedies private, even though it would have been to their advantage to make them public.

But, theyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re have been contestants in the past who chose to keep their tragedies private, even though it would have been to their advantage to make them public.

Yes I know David Cook kept his brother’s cancer to himself as long as he could and I admire him for that. But with Danny Gokey for example, the death of a spouse very recently kind of encompasses your whole life for a time and Danny even said his motivation for auditioning was so people could see who his wife was through him. And David Cook hadn’t even originally planned to audition in the first place and therefore his brother’s illness wasn’t even relevant to him auditioning. Different circumstances is all I’m sayiing here.

MJà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve started a discussion on who I think Nick à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Westernà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  is on my blogà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦.

Norman Gentle, Perhaps?

The posting on the blog doesn’t work, so I’m copying my post here instead:

That thought exactly crossed my mind last night after the show, so I checked the list to see if he was on it, but then figured there was some lead pointing at Nick Hendrix as the missing link…
I hope it’s “Norman” – he’s actually entertaining but possibly has a good voice under all the gimmicks too. Could be a real surprise.

ETA: For me, the thing with Danny was the disconnect between him telling the camera how hard it was for him to talk about his wife, while they showed a video that could’ve only come from him. He didn’t have to provide it, Idol couldn’t have known about it unless he volunteered it. The producers obviously have no qualms, but it was his choice to capitalize on his sob story.
Maybe that’s why his choice of “Kiss From a Rose” felt manipulative to me.

Norman is an ok singer…but his entertainment value is really unmatched …he really has no shot at winning…but i do hope he makes the top 36 just to lighten the mood from time to time. If america got to decide his fate im sure he would last for a little bit which would be nice.

Von Smith has a nice tone hidden in his explosive singing style…he obviously has the pipes…after the lashing he took last night he must have changed his game if he made it to the top 36…if he manages to control himself i think he could be the next american idol

Nathaniel’s vocals wowed me. i thought his tone/control was the best of any guy tonight. unfortunately, everything else about him is too much for me. but on voice alone, im rooting for the kid- plus he REALLY wants this.

Von. dear Lord, over the top.

Ive realized all the people whos voices i like, just dont have anything else other than great vocals to offer…interesting to see what happens.

Nick Western’s middle initial is M.

More “food for thought”

For me, the thing with Danny was the disconnect between him telling the camera how hard it was for him to talk about his wife, while they showed a video that couldà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve only come from him. He didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t have to provide it, Idol couldnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t have known about it unless he volunteered it. The producers obviously have no qualms, but it was his choice to capitalize on his sob story.

Good point. Again, his motivation for trying out though was to honor her memory, so I am still not using it as something to hold against him or compare and contrast him to previous contestants who did not mention their stories.

Maybe thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s why his choice of à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Kiss From a Roseà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  felt manipulative to me.

Okay…I really didn’t analyze his song choice THAT closely – LOL! I still don’t see him as manipulative, but alrighty then.

For me, the thing with Danny was the disconnect between him telling the camera how hard it was for him to talk about his wife, while they showed a video that couldà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve only come from him. He didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t have to provide it, Idol couldnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t have known about it unless he volunteered it. The producers obviously have no qualms, but it was his choice to capitalize on his sob story.

Maybe thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s why his choice of à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Kiss From a Roseà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  felt manipulative to me.

That song’s a tried and true audition/Hollywood-rounds song. I doubt he’s the only one who sang it or will sing it in the coming days and/or weeks.

I do think the argument’s unwinnable, though. We see bits and pieces and fit them together accordingly. He’ll just have to work harder to make it work.

Nick Westernà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s middle initial is M.

More à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“food for thoughtà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 

I hope it is him. In the midst of all that clowning, I saw shades of a real voice. I would love if he was totally competitive.

Actually most of those stories arise from the Producer interviews before they are allowed to advance.

Wasn’t it in Dave White’s column last week that Season 1′s Jim Verraros revealed that he was called back to sing for the judges only after he’d revealed that both of his parents were deaf?

I do think the argumentà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s unwinnable, though. We see bits and pieces and fit them together accordingly. Heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll just have to work harder to make it work.

Agreed. He’s not going to be everyone’s cup of tea. And even if he had no sob story to speak of or didn’t mention it to begin with at all, people would still find reasons to dislike him. The sob story gives the ammunition to use against him though. He certainly has talent to stand on his own without the story, but I won’t fault him for making it known either.

Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll admit it – Nick/Norman cracks me up. I find him wildly entertaining. Plus, I think under all of the lunacy, he has a better voice than half the lame-os they keep putting through.

Oddly, I actually like Jackie. I think she has an interesting voice and a great sense of humor.

Last night was the first time I saw Stephen Fowler and I found him to be amazing. For me, heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s the best guy Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve seen yet. I love Anoop too – heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s got major talent.

As for Danny, heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s got a good voice, but I find him terminally boring. And, it may not be right, but I find a guy whoà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s willing to audtion for a reality tv show 30 days after his wife death just a wee bit creepy. Plus – they keep putting through his lame friend who is one step above mediocre. Annoying.

Adam looked like a cartoon character with his new bad-ass black hair. Youà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve got a good voice Adam, but you canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t fool me into thinking youà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re anything but Mr. Caberet-Musical-Theatre. I could totally change my mind once the real competition gets started, but for now ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s an uphill climb.

At this point, all I can hope for is that America hates Von as much as Simon and I do.

We’re sharing a brain. Thanks, SpencerJ, for articulating my thoughts- on these particular contestants- so I don’t have to

Agreed. Heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s not going to be everyoneà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s cup of tea.

Which is fine, don’t you think?

And even if he had no sob story to speak of or didn’t mention it to begin with at all, people would still find reasons to dislike him.

Maybe they don’t like his singing? No reasons need to be found.

The sob story gives the ammunition to use against him though.

You’re making a broad generalization here. I think it’s perfectly reasonable to not care for how Danny’s backstory is employed. Somebody who voices that concern is not merely looking for an excuse to pile on him.

I just can’t judge anyone for their behavior after the untimely death of a spouse. Maybe Danny shared that video because he misses his wife and wants the world to see who she was. Maybe he tried out for AI a month after her death because she’d always wanted him to, and he was pushing the age limit. Or maybe he’s a manipulative genius. I have no idea, but I’m going to give the man the benefit of the doubt.

I’m sure their ordeal and her death is a huge, HUGE part of who he is as a person right now. I think it would be unfair to expect him to keep it under wraps. And I’m sure that if he’d never mentioned his late wife and the word got out, he’d be criticized as cold for not revealing that particular detail of his life.

I liked his audition, but was a little less impressed last night, so the jury is still out for me on Danny. I will get annoyed if his backstory continues to get air time – but at this point it’s been mentioned twice so I’m not ready to get mad about it.

Norman is an ok singerà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦but his entertainment value is really unmatched à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦he really has no shot at winningà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦but i do hope he makes the top 36 just to lighten the mood from time to time.

The last time a contestant turned into a joke (Sanjaya!) was the time when people started talking about the show having jumped the shark. If they purposely chose a joke contestant over someone who can actually sing, now that is really the beginning of the end.

I just canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t judge anyone for their behavior after the untimely death of a spouse. Maybe Danny shared that video because he misses his wife and wants the world to see who she was. Maybe he tried out for AI a month after her death because sheà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢d always wanted him to, and he was pushing the age limit. Or maybe heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s a manipulative genius. I have no idea, but Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m going to give the man the benefit of the doubt.

Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m sure their ordeal and her death is a huge, HUGE part of who he is as a person right now. I think it would be unfair to expect him to keep it under wraps. And Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m sure that if heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢d never mentioned his late wife and the word got out, heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢d be criticized as cold for not revealing that particular detail of his life.

I liked his audition, but was a little less impressed last night, so the jury is still out for me on Danny. I will get annoyed if his backstory continues to get air time – but at this point ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s been mentioned twice so Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m not ready to get mad about it.

You said it better than I.

The last time a contestant turned into a joke (Sanjaya!) was the time when people started talking about the show having jumped the shark. If they purposely chose a joke contestant over someone who can actually sing, now that is really the beginning of the end.

I would hope that if they let him through to the Top 36, it is because he has shown real singing chops and not because of the joke factor. He has gotten as far as he had up to now because of his humor, true, but we have yet to see him take an audition seriously, maybe there’s something there after all.
I definitely don’t see him as a real contender yet, but he sparked enough interest that at the very least it would be interesting to see where it leads.

I just found Nick hendrix MySpace. He still has music up…

Nick Hendrix
Age: 17
Hometown: Orlando, FL
Audition City: Jacksonville
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/3knick
MySpace Music: http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewProfile&friendID=372006362

Nick Mitchell a.k.a. Normund Gentle
Hometown: Stratton, VT
Audition City: NY
Nick Mitchells MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/normundgentle
Normund Gentles MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/normundgentle
Photo: http://media.americanidol.com/photos/536/38695.jpg
Hollywood Interview: http://youtube.com/watch?v=3_ZGxk5XkA8
AI Audition Video: http://youtube.com/watch?v=4il4-ZYk79c
Video: http://youtube.com/watch?v=U9AmkXe7Oc0
Photo: http://media.americanidol.com/photos/541/39760.jpg

OOPS…Nicks MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/nicholasjmitchell

I just found Nick hendrix MySpace. He still has music upà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦

This is starting to look good….
I think if Nick is in the Top 36, I almost like that we didn’t know it with the rest of them. It’s a nice surprise to get, IMHO.

Guess what College Nick went to….WESTERN CT.

NickMWestern could be Nick M from Western

i would love if nick/norman got through. first, the best voices are not always the people who get through or win….so lets not even pretend that has EVER been the case.

second…there is room int he world for musical comedy…and maybe he does not win….but umm….there is potential for money making….ever heard of

Weird Al Yankovic?

milajoy…i think it is definately him. they need ratings…people like him…laughing out loud…not AT him…but because he is making people laugh…whereas, normally people end up laughing at some poor sad person who idol exploits…this guy makes it ok for people to laugh.

If anyone want to complain about Von Smith à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“And I Am Telling Youà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ , have another listen to Norman Gentle, once you remove the jokes, the singing was really quite awful. And he is just a joke, just as Simon said.

Yeah, but Norman’s a joke on purpose, which makes him awesome. And I liked the small bit of real singing I heard from Norman better than all of Von’s Sam Harris imitation so far.

I found it a bit odd as well, but everyone deals with healing from grief in their own way. This must be his. He wants to honor her memory from what he said at his audition.

That’s probably the difference I guess. I don’t really find him all that sincere. I mean he did say that she died quite suddenly, so it wasn’t like she had the chance to tell him – “honey, if I unexpectantly die today, I want you to go on American Idol right quick”. So, presuming that this is what she wanted, and doing it in her honor, is kind of bullshitty to me.

Of course, my thinking this does not preclude me from enjoying his singing. So, a few weeks from now, I could be going on and on about how great he was last night. It’s not all or nothing with me. Just because I think he’s a crappy widower, doesn’t mean I might not find him to be a good contestant. Time will tell. I’ll still give him a chance.

Thanks, SpencerJ, for articulating my thoughts- on these particular contestants- so I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t have to

Anytime Jocelyn

I love Von. He is progressing toward putting it all together, and I think the judges know exactly what theyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re doing. They see more than us. All we see is exactly what the producers want us to see.

It will be interesting to see if he can tone it down. There is no doubt that when someone sees potential, they are harder on the person.

I hated Von yet again. Why donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t they tell him to chill and stop shouting?

I think that is just what Simon did. I believe they see potential in him. If he is humble and can learn from the people there, he might suprise us.

Yeah, but Normanà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s a joke on purpose,

And the joke is in the singing, that’s his schtick, which makes him a joke contestant. His voice is ordinary, dull I’d say, completely lacking in any interesting character, or tone, or anything that makes a singer worth listening to. He is not a singer, he is a comedian who sings, rather poorly.

Perhaps the producers are just so desparate for ratings that they’ll deliberately manufacture a Sanjaya mark II just for a bit of controversy in the news. Just wait till the VFTW crowd gets behind him and send to the top 12 and god know how far further, and the whole contest will be turned into one big joke.

You know who Nick/Norman reminds me of? A young Jerry Lewis. Just sayin’.

I think he’s a hoot, and I don’t think he’s a bad singer. It was obvious from the outset that he was a comedian/entertainer. I’m curious to see how this all pans out. If nothing else he’s getting some exposure and he’s being talked about. Could he hope for more?

Now, this isn’t to say he’s my favorite. I don’t have one yet…Anoop is good, but he’s not my favorite, either, and I don’t think he’s going to be when all is sung and done.