American Idol Season 9 – Los Angeles Auditions

Uh-oh – Avril sux.

He wasn’t that bad

ahhhh i cant look at him, his face looks like its melting

Are Avril and Katy guest judging at the same time?

He wasn’t that bad

I agree, he actually wasn’t horrible, he just wasn’t very good.

Avril is the only one there now, so maybe they are doing alternate days.

Avril does suck.hard.

It’s not up to Avril to decide if someone can go on the road, it’s the person’s choice if that’s what they want to try to do. She should just judge his singing.

I loved how excited he was when the conversation switched to sandwich fillings.

Avril….fail

It’s not up to Avril to decide if someone can go on the road, it’s the person’s choice if that’s what they want to try to do. She should just judge his singing.

ITA.

Lots people have auditioned for idol over the years with all types of demanding jobs and families. A lot of them are willing to make sacrifices/adjustments in their lives in order to have a music career and a shot on Idol. Avril just needs to judge their singing.

Uh Adam Lambert 2.0 is coming up. Did I mention Avril sucks hard?

avril lavigne? should she really be giving anyone career advice?

Mary has crazy eyes

The next Adam??? Hell no.
On a more positive note…the guy with curly hair “Orphan” name is Chris Golightly. MJ profiled him earlier this season. His fansite is http://www.chrisgolightly.com (Just incase u guys wanted to get to know him right b4 he auditioned)
ps they say his name on the very first show this season….

does mary make it to the top 24? thought that i read that somewhere

ADAM!!!!!!!!

Holy Sudam.

Adam

Did you see the really quick pick of Cassidy Haley when they were talking about Adam Lambert audition clones…LOL!!!

It is remarkable, he sounds just like Adam

lol this adam 2.0 is hilariously bad

love the adam lookalike montage from every city

Katy Perry looks hot!!!

and LOL at the adam-susan boyle picture!!!!!

There will never be another Adam Lambert. Period.

Lol if Adam and Susan had sex. That dude was like Adam but bad.

Lol, WTF was that? He sounded like he’s been studying Adam’s vocal style but… Hee. That was not so lovely.

say what you will about avril lavigne but she has sold 30 million albums

sexyevey-very true.

First the guy who I guess they were saying was an Adam clone (honestly did not see it) was really not so bad to be treated like they did. He left right away and he was not a smart ass. I think they took advantage of his respectfulness of them. He singing was OTT but his voice wasn’t the worst i have ever heard and honestly quirky facial and mouth movements have been done by two Winners of AI Taylor Hicks and Kris Allen. So I don’t know what Kara was being so rude.

Katy Perry is made of win.

say what you will about avril lavigne but she has sold 30 million albums

but she’s still a sucky judge….

Ok, both parents who were formerly in a gang has to be a unique backstory…

IMO, Andrew did a good job. I think that he was the best of the night so far.

Katy Perry is so pretty.

I really liked Andrew Garcia and I hope he makes it to the show. (And I really wish Kara would stop calling everybody “Honey.”)

Holy Pervert.

kara can call me honey any time she wants :p

Hello, toe-tappy Kris Allen song/commercial

Is it bad that I am predisposed to not like this next dude with that little teaser about him? Bad me. Bah, backstories.

Can I just say I want Katy Perry as a judge. I love her. And I like her going at it with Kara.

katy perry is gorgeous, “this isnt a lifetime story” lol

btw, did anyone notice that michael castro and adam’s friend cassidy haley were mentioned in the adam look alike collection lmao

Katy Perry is my favorite guest judge evah. “This is not a Lifetime movie” — THANK YOU KATY!!!

Awww Chris was sweet! They didnt even have to bring in his back story, he sang great all by himself.

Andrew was good but that’s about it for me.
They may have made and Adam montage but IMO they found a Gokey 2.0 with Chris, I was glad that Simon was not impressed but that may set up a growth arc for HW.

LOVED Katy! Thank you!

Bah! I am not on the Katy Perry love train. As refreshing as it should be to hear a judge say, “this is not a lifetime movie,” the effect is completely lost for me when said by someone who cannot sing her way out of a paper bag. Does no one remember how horrible Katy Perry was last season on Top 3 results night??!!!

Hah, Katy should be on every show and demolish Kara. Kara takes herself sooooo seriously and Katy Perry just wasn’t having it. LOL

Well, Avril Lavigne did nothing for me. Katy Perry on the other hand had the best line of the night! LOL!

I have to say this is the first time I’ve truly been turned off by something Kara has said this year. I agree with her that Chris GoLightly(?) may have some talent, but really why bring up the backstory to say he has potential.

Okay, now to read some comments.

I love how people are going to love Katy calling out the manipulation of a sob story, but by showing that comment at Chris’s audition that was a way of manipulating a large portion of the audience against him for advancing on his back story.

This show is falling apart with total crap.

Anyway, I didn’t mind Katy but I was very annoyed by Avril’s obnoxious gum chewing for her entire part in this episode.

Heh, it was worth having Katy Perry on there just to get under Kara’s skin. And not only did Idol close the show by bludgeoning me with a backstory, they made me listen to Miley Cyrus. Thanks, Idol. Gah.

Katy Perry was AWESOME. Didn’t she say back in whenever it was when they had the auditions that she wasn’t gonna let someone through just cause they had a sob story and everyone on here was all “yeah, right?” Ha, she proved you all wrong!

I loved Andrew (mostly cause he sang Sunday Morning –which is one of my favorite songs– well) and I wish that Hollywood week would just start already… one more show, right? Or is there going to be a “Best of the Auditions” show next week?

I second whoever said that Chris was going to be a Gokey 2.0. I don’t quite get why these guys have to be pushed on us like that. Although, Chris didn’t sing like he was trying to bludgeon me with his voice.

I didn’t like much both guest judges tonight.
And yes, the line “this is not a lifetime movie” would have been more appropriate if the guy had not been a good singer

Andrew was good, but again WAY too much pulling at the heartstrings by the producers. Wasn’t it during his audition that Katy said “Everyone has a hard-luck story” or words to that effect? I just think she’s courageous to speak up against the blatant exploitation of contestants’ struggles. Nobody else has ever done that on the judging panel.

Katy was great, she really added some life to those people. I loved the faces she made at Kara. I don’t care if she can’t sing, if she never releases another record I will be thrilled as long as she’s on tv or something. But maybe with less makeup next time. It hides the pretty.

Still annoyed with the lack of coverage of people actually singing. And what was up with Daniel Franco, two time reject from Project Runway? Famewhore AND he is over the age limit! Argh!

Katy was the absolute best guest judge EVER!
Tell it like it is honey. You can do it without being totally an ass like Simon.

If you cannot win the whole thing you SHOULD NOT go to Hollywood. You are wasting everyone’s time…

Go Katy…you should replace Simon!

I think what Kara meant by Chris’s Golightly having a story was that he’s been through the stuff that can make him connect to the song etc. But that being said – it still puts a negative light on things. So many people could have done without a drama story.

Yo, yo – any Project Runway fans out there? I need you to bleep-bleep your Tivos to the Adam pimpsegment and tell me whether the dude who says “If Susan Boyle and Adam Lambert had sex…I’d be it” is indeed Daniel Franco. He was the black-haired guy who was out in the first challenge of Season 1 after he made a dress out of a plastic garbage bag, and then came back Season 2 and was all creepy with Heidi Klum during the lingerie challenge. He’s gotta be in his late 30′s though so I have no clue what he’s doing auditioning for Idol, but I swear it was him. Voice, face, hair, everything.

A Gaslight moment for ladymadonna, or did anyone else catch this?

ETA: Thanks mak! Just saw that you posted about the random Daniel Franco sighting as I was typing. I looked it up and he’s 38 – must have sang “Pants on the Ground” to the producers to get through the door.

Entertaining and a bit disturbing.Katy Perry kicks a$$.I loved her lifetime movie remark.

You know, one of the guys in the Adam wannabe montage was Cassidy Haley, who is one of Adam’s friends. He used to be an owner and designer of Skin.Graft, the fashion company that dressed Adam through much of last year. Funny that they’d tag Cassidy as an Adam wannabe.

Does no one remember how horrible Katy Perry was last season on Top 3 results night??!!!

I agree sunnysider, she’s more of a personality than a singer.

Bah! I am not on the Katy Perry love train.

Me either. I guess I prefer people to be courteous.

I agree sunnysider, she’s more of a personality than a singer.

Which is why it’s more than a little hypocritical for Katy to insist no one get through idol on the basis of backstory, when she herself owes much of her pop success not to vocal talent alone (which she lacks), but because of other factors like her looks and willingness to wear zany clothes.

ETA: It’s the right message but the wrong messenger.

Katy Perry was AWESOME. Didn’t she say back in whenever it was when they had the auditions that she wasn’t gonna let someone through just cause they had a sob story and everyone on here was all “yeah, right?” Ha, she proved you all wrong!

But she said yes, albeit with a small y, but still a yes. Oh and Simon did overrule her no (and Randy’s?) no at one point.

I just remembered that Katy Perry is engaged to Russell Brand. Now that is one creepy, dirty looking guy.

ahhh yes. daniel franco from project runway. that is hilarious. end of story.

Man, Either the pool of good contestants is drying up or its the Idol producers. I keep on thinking the show is going to pick up but it feels like its getting worse and worse. I think Avril stunk up the joint as a judge. Has anyone mentioned that even some of the footage during her segment was with Katy? I noticed her shoulders on the quick pans of the judges. Maybe because Avril proved to be useless as a judge. She was mostly giggling or smirking or in shock. Waste of camera time.

Now Katy Perry, on the other hand, made the show. And I’m really not a fan of her music, at all. But she’s obviously a pull-no-punches kind of gal and boy was that refreshing. Meanwhile, Kara? She couldn’t leave the show fast enough IMHO.

But where was the talent? Everyone they put through was mediocre at best. Not one person stood out to me. And, like usual, it looks like they left out alot of the people they put through unanimously. Why? It didn’t make for a better show. The time dragged by. One sob sorry after another.

All I can say is, thank you, Katy!

<blockquoteWhich is why it’s more than a little hypocritical for Katy to insist no one get through idol on the basis of backstory, when she herself owes much of her pop success not to vocal talent alone (which she lacks), but because of other factors like her looks and willingness to wear zany clothes.

ETA: It’s the right message but the wrong messenger.

Katy Perry was one of the top artists last year…you can say what you want about her “talent” but she was very successful. AND her #1 records, the two of them were two of the most played records of last year..INSANELY catchy.

AND yes she was an excellent judge. AND she looked UH-MAzing…and she is good friends with Adam Lambert. Ok so I know the last one doesnt really count for anything but its true…lol

Okay, I am almost feeling enticed to watch an episode based on Katy’s calling out Kara in general (which is alway as thing of beauty) and especially about the backstory bullshyte. A Lifetime Movie reference? golden.

Oh Katy, I hate you so, but you are almost making it so I want to watch clips of the show. You have some skillz.

you can say what you want about her “talent” but she was very successful

Success is better than talent.

I thought both Avril and Katy were just useless. I’ve never been a fan of the audition episodes, but it seems the producers are even more blatantly obvious as to who is going to be bad and who is going through to Hollywood. I write down yes or no long before each person sings and I’m right every time. Sheesh. No mystery at all – so boring.

Regardless what Katy says, Chris Golightly was a breath of fresh air after a mediocre hour. Not only did he sing my favorite song, “Stand By Me” but he did it well. And we shall see that Kara and Randy were right!

What four contestants sent to Hollywood? Is this a joke?

I’m watching the auditions, but I hope Hollywood week gets a little bit more exciting. It would be nice if AI is hiding some gems from the t.v. audience.

While I love Avril’s music(don’t judge me she’s a guilty pleasure)she was SHIT tonight. The only standout for me was Mary Powers but thats JMO

Which is why it’s more than a little hypocritical for Katy to insist no one get through idol on the basis of backstory, when she herself owes much of her pop success not to vocal talent alone (which she lacks), but because of other factors like her looks and willingness to wear zany clothes.

While I won’t deny that Katy has used controversy for success she does have talent and artistry see here & here, girl can sing. As for Chris I thought he has a gorgeous tone, I thought that he sang the whole thing in the same note(I could’ve done without the hand gestures & other shit) but this is JMO anyway and matters no more then yours.

I tend to go for the guys, . Loved Jim Ranger, Andrew Garcia, and Chris Golightly. I felt that Avril’s lecture to Jim is condescending. Most church-going guys are aware of the toughness of a career away from the family. Daughtry, like mj said, and my favorite, Phil Stacey, are examples of how they are making it work. I couldn’t stand some of these guys, especially this Jason Greene, who think they are all that. I agree with Grammie Kari that Chris was awesome. And I could have done without Kara and Katy going at it with each other. I feel that Katy, being the younger one, could have shown Kara a bit more respect. But maybe that is something only old-fashioned, stuffy older women like myself think is important.

Andrew Garcia was excellent. The rest, not so much.

Kara’s pathetic attempts at shilling for TPTB made me miss Paula for a moment.

Is it me, or is Avril Lavigne just a bitch with nothing intelligent to say?

Isn’t Chris Golightly the one who calls himself “Orphan”? I have no idea why, but I’m extremely uncomfortable with him going by “Orphan”.

I haven’t seen tonight yet, we’ll see if my opinion of him changes.

Bah! I am not on the Katy Perry love train.

Me either. I guess I prefer people to be courteous.

However, I have to admit the script worked as most people believe that was a serious segment. Gotta love the Idol writers.

CFIdolsfan, you gave two good examples of how having a family and a career on the road can work. Phil Stacey is also a favorite of mine!

Kara’s pathetic attempts at shilling for TPTB made me miss Paula for a moment.

I don’t really miss Paula but it’s weird without her there, and having these guests every week. Then Ellen will suddenly show up fairly late in the game without us getting much chance to get used to her. Weird, transitional season so far.

Uh, my fav part of the ep was the Adam portion of the show (I kid, I kid…sorta).

Mary was my fav audition – definitely a bit of Allison rocker grrrrll going on there (except older). And glad Simon warned her about toning down the rocker cliche look.

The others were just, eh.

Loved Katy Perry though. Makes me want to replace Kara with her. “It’s not a Lifetime movie”. LMAO. My thoughts exactly. Getting so sick of the sob stories. Can they actually SANG?

Is it me, or is Avril Lavigne just a bitch with nothing intelligent to say?

No, it’s not you. That’s a perfect take on the twirp. She tried to be badass and ended up looking like a catty teenage bitch.

I saw some comments on twitter about someone who had Kris’ whole look going on –plaid shirt, drivers cap, etc. And a father very like Kris’ dad (proud tears, etc). Would that be Andrew?

girlygirl – YES! I thought the same thing re the look – similar hat and plaid as Kris from auditions. Yes, that’s Andrew – definitely one of the better ones of the day. Reminded me a bit of Danny.

girlygirl – YES! I thought the same thing re the look – similar hat and plaid as Kris from auditions. Yes, that’s Andrew – definitely one of the better ones of the day.

In some shots, he even wear a grey beenie like Kris was wearing sometimes

Andrew and Tasha were the best.

The rocker vibe Mary Powers is all in her manner of dress. Her stuff on youtube shows her to lean more to jazz/adult alternative. She was trying to effect a rock vocal, which may be the “character” Avril picked up on. The stuff I’ve heard is very good, but not remarkable. I could see her being a HW cut just by sliding back to her regular vocals.

Loved Katy Perry though. Makes me want to replace Kara with her. “It’s not a Lifetime movie”. LMAO. My thoughts exactly. Getting so sick of the sob stories. Can they actually SANG?

I almost pissed my pants…. whaaaaaaaa….. come on already with the BS….

This is only my second season watching consistantly and I was just wondering if they always talk about (Kara mostly) it being a “package deal”?? I figured that was more a behind the scenes deal, not right in front of the camera and the contestants….

Thanks for the vids MJ. I missed the show tonight, dang it! I like Andrew, Tasha and Mary as well. The rest were just ok tonight. Avril was just dull and blah. I MISS PAULA SOOOOOOOOOOOO much! Paula was at least understanding and fun to listen to at times. I also miss the chemistry between Paula and Simon. Katy was a better guest judge but she wasn’t all that either. I thought she was rather bitchy toward Kara but I understand why. Everyone seems to be picking on poor Kara, she just doesn’t know how to fit in, lol. I feel kind of bad for her. I hope she finds her groove somehow.

MJ, if you have the montage of Kara and Katy, I would love to see it. If not it’s ok. I can’t wait to see Doogie tomorrow. hehehe

I thought Andrew was the best tonight. Nobody else made an impression on me. Eh. Boring episode.

Avril and Katy were not insightful or funny or smart, they were just plain rude.

Great summary, MJ!

I’ve realized I do watch AI for the talent, but I kind of miss Paula.

AJ Mendoza actually sounded a lot like Adam Lambert at times. I don’t think I’ll live after saying that, but I stand by it. Second rate Adam Lambert, but still some moments were a hell of a lot like him. Maybe it’s just Adam on a bad day >_>.

So far I’m really only impressed by Mary. And Neil and AJ really didn’t seem like terrible singers. Granted, I still wouldn’t have put them through, they weren’t GOOD.

Katy Perry’s lipstick is too orange. But I like how she seems honest and blunt. HELICOPTER? WTF?

Is it me or is no one really sticking out this year?

Is it me or is no one really sticking out this year?

I haven’t seen it yet. I want someone to stick out! Maybe we will get a happy surprise!

Me too i miss Paula and her kindness toward people.

Just hope we would see more valuable contestants. The first guy was SUCH a waste of airtime. Instead of looking sweaty, he was looking slimy for me…ewww.

Liked Tasha, Andrew (the most) and Jim.
No one has beaten Janell so far for me

UGH. That Avril chickie BUGGED me with the constant messing with her hair and horny hood and her inability to look anyone in the eye.

And what was with “Orphan” guy’s hair color changing from bleached blonde in his “pre-package” to brown for his audition? Hmm…

Katy was an acceptable judge, but I share MJ’s feeling that a lot of Katy’s better moments may have ended up on the cutting room, so it feels weird to say that. Still, better than most by far, though not Shania. Still, she held her own with the panel. Avril was banal.

Andrew was good, as was Tasha. Everyone else ranged from OK to pathetic, but it still stood out better than some episodes. (Orlando, in particular) Did not get Chris; decent singer, but I don’t remember an audition quite that dull this season that I’ve been watching.

Chris did a little TOO much with Stand By Me, but I rather liked it. The backstory crap is stupid, though. But for God’s sake, PLEASE ditch the name Orphan. It just makes you look like a plain fool defining yourself by tragedy. Listen to what Katy said. Although she kinda seemed to be hesitant only because of his back story >_>.

Glad Katy called Kara out and explained herself to Chris. Katy wasn’t excellent, but she was decent and entertaining. I can appreciate her. Way better than Avril, who didn’t add anything.

No standouts like the first two days, but I think Mary, Tasha, Andrew, and Chris were good.

I think Katy and Avril were brought in for some attitude for the show. I didn’t think Avril was anything special, not after seeing Shania Twain.

Now, Kara mentioned that Katy was a friend, so maybe it wasn’t the producers who encouraged this confrontation? Maybe the two ladies decided to go with it? It was pretty good acting. ;o)

Quickly, at one point I was emailing Phil’s Dad. I am happy for Phil’s success!

One person that I was looking out for, but who they only showed in a quick shot of those who had hair like Adam, was Michael Castro. Maybe they figured they already showed him last year, or he may not have been as impressive.

HILARIOUS how they put Cassidy Haley, Adam’s own longtime friend and designer of a lot of his jackets on the show, in the Adam wannabe section. They also put Michael Castro, Jason Castro’s brother, who auditioned last yr and made it to Hollywood in the Adam wannabe section. Also had no idea that the guy saying he’s an Adam/Subo lovechild was on Project Runway ahahaha What a contrived list of Adam wannabes, probably more than half of those people are nothing like Adam, they just have an Adam-like haircut.

Man, I just have a feeling this is gonna be a REALLY weak year. Unbelievable to me that there hasnt been a single standout, except maybe John Park. thats the only contestant i remember.

Sheesh, these audition shows are a tough slog. The only judge that I can recall who has made any insightful or helpful comments besides Simon is Shania Twain. The two tonight were just tiresome. I haven’t seen any contestants yet that have really stood out to me as someone really special from a vocals perspective, but of course that may change.

I did like the commercial where the guy in the clown suit jumped up and landed on a sharp toy, and screamed so loud that it scared all the little kids away. So I can’t say I didn’t get any entertainment out of the whole thing.

Is it me or is no one really sticking out this year?

It’s not just you. Usually I have one or more favorites by now. I have a couple that I liked but no one that I’ve liked better than others in the past, and I barely remember them now, they didn’t stand out that much to me.

Is it me or is no one really sticking out this year?

I don’t know, I think there has been a lot of talent. I have really enjoyed Ashley Rodriguez, both Jermaines, John Park, Katelyn Epperly, Janell Wheeler, and Mallorie Haley; and there are others who I’m not a fan of but can recognize are good like Justin Williams, Angela Martin, Charity Vance, and Andrew and Chris tonight. We also have two more audition shows, and the “best of auditions” episode. Not to say you specifically are doing this, but I think we are in the part of the season where auditions run together in peoples minds, and they really think the talent is lacking until hollywood starts and it is great performance after great performance.

And what was with “Orphan” guy’s hair color changing from bleached blonde in his “pre-package” to brown for his audition? Hmm…

Noticed that as well as the first sweaty/slimy guy whose hair went from short and poufy to long and sleek. Def some time lag between filming the auditions and the “backstory” segments.

Liked Andrew (a lot) and Tasha. HATED Avril and Katy, to a lesser degree. As someone upstream mentioned, Avril couldn’t even look anyone in the eye. And I’m pretty sure Katy threatened to throw the coke in Kara’s face (not an auditioner) after Kara sang “I kissed a dolphin and I liked it” at the judge’s table.

I did like the commercial where the guy in the clown suit jumped up and landed on a sharp toy, and screamed so loud that it scared all the little kids away.

OMG!!! me and my son laughed for like five minutes after that commercial. it was soooo funny. it’s kinda sad that the commercial was the highlight of the hour. Orphan boy was good but not even close to great. i really like andrew (viva la raza!) and tasha.

AZIdolFan, I started laughing again so hard while typing the sentence that I had to wipe tears away. That was definitely the highlight! That, and the cute little kids of the contestants that were shown.

One person that I was looking out for, but who they only showed in a quick shot of those who had hair like Adam, was Michael Castro.

I’m hoping they show some of Michael too. Maybe he actually auditions in Dallas?? I think he’s got some real talent. I’ve got his iTunes stuff and when it comes around on the iPod I’m always pleasantly surprised at how much I like his voice. Would have liked to see him get to the voting stage this year.

BTW, don’t think you can be labeled a wannabe when your look was around before Adam became big. Michael’s had his hair like that a couple years now.

I don’t like Katy P just because of the whole “cape episode” last season. Having said that her 2 songs are really catchy and the last 6 minutes between Kara and her was really funny.

Chris Golightly, nothing special in my opinion.
If you don’t put down your sob story on the application, the producer will never know, right ?. But, I guess that is one way to be noticeable.

I like to know exactly what are the application questions. I’m sure some people chose not to put down their sad stories and in effect did not get chosen by the producers to sing in front of the judges.

Why one would be naturally impressed by a rude and vapid witch like Katy Perry is certainly beyond me. One doesn’t show up to a dinner party and attack the host. Besides, the main focus should be on the contestants, not on the judges.

The Katy Perry cape episode was funny! Loved it. Everyone has an opinion, right?

carolinacharms
01/27/2010 at 1:43 am
Why one would be naturally impressed by a rude and vapid witch like Katy Perry is certainly beyond me. One doesn’t show up to a dinner party and attack the host. .

I’m sorry but I honestly can’t tell if this is sarcastic or not. If not, I don’t get why everyone on the show should be all polite and classy. As seriously as we take it AI its really just a fun karaoke contest that sometimes produces some great singers. I’m not expecting the judges to act like their at a dinner party or something. Anyway, your entitled to your opinion of course and this is just mine.

I’m sorry but I honestly can’t tell if this is sarcastic or not. If not, I don’t get why everyone on the show should be all polite and classy. As seriously as we take it AI its really just a fun karaoke contest that sometimes produces some great singers. I’m not expecting the judges to act like their at a dinner party or something. Anyway, your entitled to your opinion of course and this is just mine.

No, I wasn’t being sarcastic. And, no, I don’t think the judges should be eating scones and drinking tea with one pinky flying in the air, lol. I get what you’re saying, I do. It’s just that Perry seemed intent on going after Kara. And over petty issues. Additionally, it was her tone that got my attention: ’twas overly biting. And those eyes! Cold like ice! Did I see contempt therein? Really? Anyway, intensely anti-social affect, imo. Perhaps Perry thought herself too cool to be in the same room with a nice girl like Kara. Whatevs.

As you said, it’s only a silly “karaoke contest.” Accordingly, there was no good reason for Perry to appear so deadly serious and aggressive as she personalized her disagreements with Kara. JMO.

The Katy Perry cape episode was funny! Loved it. Everyone has an opinion, right?

Not to me since I’m a Kris fan.

But anyway, I’m one of those people that hate it when a celebrity uses a stage to advance something , example Oscar. I don’t care what side they are on. I already plan to mute the sound for Oscar since Alec Baldwin will be the host. I’m just going to mainly see the pretty dresses.

As you said, it’s only a silly “karaoke contest.” Accordingly, there was no good reason for Perry to appear so deadly serious and aggressive as she personalized her disagreements with Kara. JMO.

If Katy Perry was “deadly serious” and “aggressive”, I’ll make sure to inform the cashier at my local grocery store that he is invading my personal space in a terribly violent and upsetting way when he asks me what I was doing earlier today.

Seriously, I don’t think Kara and Katy now have some kind of feud after the latter’s time on Idol. None of the comments remotely reached a level of any real offense, at all. Somewhat critical? Yeah, but in a decently good humored way.

Kara and Kathy worked together FOR YEARS. Kara did interview with Ryan few months ago, and she praised Kathy Perry, saying she worked so hard to get her break in the showbiz. By the way, they actually wrote song for Kelly Clarkson together, if I remember correctly.
All this “agression” and “wars” for playing for the public, nothing more. It was obvious even from the show, they were smiling all the time, and it’s even more obvious, considering their history.

Good info ligeya, I actually thought Wow…..Talk about Milk and vinegar
….sour!
Yes Katy was overly aggressive towards Kara. I’ll bet she and Fiance
Russel, who is also very crude and direct, may have concocted this
approach. Simon was cheering her on BTW!
ITA, JosieX, Shania Twain has, so far, been a standout, as a serious(mostly except after called by Randy on Parks “Good Bottom”), and
professional judge. She never laughed at the MHC’s or the earnest
dims. so thanks Canada for showing what class looks like! She,was, as well pointing out specific needs or weaknesses of those that were not up to par. She would make a awsome judge!

All this “agression” and “wars” for playing for the public, nothing more. It was obvious even from the show, they were smiling all the time, and it’s even more obvious, considering their history.

Thank you, Ligeya! That was what I was saying upthread. The remark, “I kissed a dolphin…” was a giveaway. So many people did believe it, though.

I like to know exactly what are the application questions.

I believe it is the last question which asks, “Is there anything interesting we should know about you?”

I didn’t read every post but just my view on Kate. I actually liked her, and I’m not otherwise a fan of her music. kara and she didn’t actually fight just disagreed on a few contestants. And I think it was time someone directly said that while a backround story might be sad and interesting the decision whom to put trough should be made solely on their musical talent and voice.

I used to think that Katy just pretended to be as dumb as a sack of hair, but now I think she just might really be that stupid.

“This is not a Lifetime Movie”? Seriously? Did you just fall off that turnip truck, “sweetie”?

The show has been on for 8 Freakin’ seasons. Maybe she could have done her homework and watched an episode or two before she came on. Then she might have realized that there is a massive “Lifetime Movie” element to this show. The reason the producers spend massive bucks sending camera crews around to make these pimp packages is to sell us a Lifetime Movie. The reason the producers pump these kids for their sob stories and make sure that they are the cheat sheet the judges get is because the want to sell us a Lifetime Movie. Sure, it bugs the living crap out of some people, but the show is exactly like a Lifetime Movie. And that’s one of the reasons the show got to be as popular as it is.

If Katy had any brains, she’d realize this. I honestly think that one of the wisest people they’ve ever had is that guy from the British Invasion band. That dude knew exactly what the show was about and gave good advice to the contestants on how to work it.

Katy also missed Kara’s point by a freakin’ mile. Kara was trying to say that since the kid had lived a nightmare, he likely had a lot of emotional depth from which he could draw a song from. A frequent complaint of judges, critics and people on this blog about contestants is that “they didn’t feel that song”. This most often happens for the younger contestants. For instance, many feel that a contestant can better sing a “you done me wrong” song better if one really has been in a relationship where somebody “done them wrong”. They can find the emotional core of the song better/easier.

That’s not always true of course. Some people can live a horrible life and still sing robotically while others can live a charmed life and still sell the crap out of a “you done me wrong” song. But, sometimes, life experiences do help sone singers and I think that’s the point that Kara was trying to make.

But, the point is probably moot. From the way that Katy delivered that line, it seems obvious that she spent the week before writing little bon mots that she would drop into the conversation to try to make her look smarter and better than everybody else. In a way, reminds me of Mr. Collins. “And though I do sometimes amuse myself with arranging such little elegant [insults], I always wish to give them as unstudied an air as possible.”

Katy better get busy and hope she can write herself another novelty song so she can stay relevant.

The producers surely try to get as many good sob stories as possible but I don’t think they matter that much in the end for most contestant (with a few examptions of course). Let’s take last year, neither Kris nor Adam nor Allison had a good back story. The only one they tried to play on emotional strings at was Danny and I think in the end it hurt him more than helped him.
A year before neither of the Davids had a good story. A kid with vocal cord paralysis and a bartender/musician won’t make many people cry. Even Cook brothers condition was never revealed to general public (people who don’t read blogs and as I think the general consensus goes, are the majority of voters). The one with a sob story, kid living in his car, didn’t make it in top 24. The biggest Idol made successes (Carrie, Kelly, Daughtry) also didn’t have a great story.
My point is that AI needs some new big stars to remain successful and when making the record musical talent beats a sad childhood.

Kirsten:

I honestly think that one of the wisest people they’ve ever had is that guy from the British Invasion band.

Peter “It’s not really a singing show, it’s a voting show” Noone for Simon’s replacement!

Now I want to see how tonight’s show goes. I hope the guest judges will do better than what these 2 tonight have done.

Kirsten, I do think you’re right about Katy. From the half-literate ramblings I saw a few months ago from her about what she planned to do on the show, I assumed that she would try to be Simon Junior in order to garner attention to herself and that is in fact what she attempted. Blech.

Yeesh. I do not get the Katy Perry hate. I thought she was funny and by far the best guest judge this season. I agreed with her back-story comment to Kara. Perhaps the cape episode from last year ruined her for some peeps. I think as this show goes on it gets harder and harder to view it without baggage from years past. Maybe that’s one of the reasons AI isn’t as popular as it used to be.

The producers surely try to get as many good sob stories as possible but I don’t think they matter that much in the end for most contestant (with a few examptions of course).

No, in the end, the truly tragic ones generally don’t really matter and they often get in the way. But, the Lifetime stories do draw in a lot of viewers (AI doesn’t aim for just one demo) and can get you enough initial support to help somebody stand out enough to survive the early rounds (for example, Scott). The producers must be convinced of their usefulness, or they would stop with it.

And I guess they can always point to the All Powerful Susan Boyle as an example that Lifetime Movies can sell a boatload of CDs. More even than a novelty song.

Successful Reality shows build story arcs. Backstories help some viewers become more involved and they help with the construction of the story arcs. And the stories don’t always have to be “person who lost everything wins”. Sometimes, “farm girl who sings to cows wins” or “single Mom wins” or “dude schlepping in a bar finally wins” (the audience can fill in “Now John at the bar is a friend of mine. He gets me my drinks for free and he’s quick with a joke or to light up your smoke. But there’s someplace that he’d rather be. He says, Bill, I believe this is killing me. As the smile ran away from his face. Well I’m sure that I could be a [rock] star. If I could get out of this place”).

In fact, I think sometimes the “average” backstories may help. Most people aren’t orphans or widowers before they turn 30. They can see themselves in the average joes. When the average Joe wins, it’s like they themselves are winning. When SuBo “won” (I know she didn’t actually win, but I bet you a lot of people don’t know that and well, in the end she won where it counts), her success was a proxy for all those people who had sacrificed their dreams for their families or who just never had a chance or who just “didn’t have the look”. All those “what ifs”? SuBo finally got to live them.

In any event, backstories matter on this show and Katy should have realized that. It’s never been “just a singing competition”. You have to be able to sing, but you also have to connect with people, pick songs, pick good arrangements of songs and looking good helps too. As does a story that people can appreciate. And even if you don’t reveal your most excellent backstory, your rabid fans will find it anyway.

Perhaps the cape episode from last year ruined her for some peeps.

That’s not why I’m criticizing her. I wanted Kris to win and she gave him a big boost with that cape. I guess she can’t read a room or she would have realized that would create a backlash. I’m convinced she got Kris more votes with that stunt than Adam. Thanks Katy! Still doesn’t change my mind about how she acted during last night’s episode.

Kirsten, I see where you coming from and I basically agree with what you said but I come to it from a different angle. Yes, SuBo was a phenomen, her lifestory was great for sales but she’d never managed that without the amazing vocal performance she showed in her first audition.
I want to say that the judges should do what Katy did, advance people solely on their musical talents. I agree with you that a story doesn’t has to be exeptional to sell (your average Joe etc.) but here is where the catch lies. A good producer of such a show as AI can do a decent backstory on almost everyone if they choose to do so. Let the judges pick the best and leave the selling of contestants to the producers and managers later since they are really good with it.

But, the point is probably moot. From the way that Katy delivered that line, it seems obvious that she spent the week before writing little bon mots that she would drop into the conversation to try to make her look smarter and better than everybody else.

I completely agree. Her whole little act was such a pretense. She was rude for the sake of being rude. I actually thought Kara was a pretty good sport about Katy’s purposeful jabs, as I would have just cracked her in the cranium and that would have been the end of that.

I also agree she didn’t get what Kara was saying. She wasn’t saying that his backstory would get him votes (a point that’s really too obvious to even address). She clearly said that is past experiences would help in really feeling and delivering a song.

Avril was pointless and Katy was annoying. Let’s hope NPH is an improvement.

From Kirsten: In fact, I think sometimes the “average” backstories may help. Most people aren’t orphans or widowers before they turn 30. They can see themselves in the average joes. When the average Joe wins, it’s like they themselves are winning.

I wonder how different it would have been for Adam if he had been presented as the 250-lb red haired ugly duckling in high school who tranformed into a swan through his love for music. Most of us felt pretty “geeky” in high school and might have identified with him more, thinking about going back to a 10 year class reunion after having been on television. The way he was presented on the show made it seem like he was over-qualified and shouldn’t have been allowed to compete.

Both Avril and Katy seemed full of themselves. Avril was off-base to criticize that singer because he has kids and a wife, geez, many of the contestants do, it’s not her business to exclude him for that reason.

With Katy, whom I like (or thought I did), I had mixed feelings. I get sick of Kara calling everyone “honey” and “sweetheart,” and her feeling sorry for them, so I welcomed Katy’s comments up to a point. But then I felt Katy went too far and was shockingly rude. She showed no manners, being a guest on their show. I thought Kara handled the rudeness well, and I was glad that Randy was there for her.

By the way I thought that guy had something special and it wasn’t because of his story. His singing was good, and also something in his demeanor and in his eyes affected me. I would have given him a “big Y” too. Katy went down in my opinion last night.

I haven’t had time to read all posts, so sorry if this is a repeat.

I think Avril and Katy were brought in to increase the very young viewers – nothing else. I also noticed the first background song they played was Tik Tok. Combining Avril and Katy with current, tween music makes me feel like they are trying to get more tweens to watch the show.

Both Avril and Katy were completely useless as judges, although who knows everything they really said since a lot of it may have been cut. I actually felt as though they detracted from the show for me.

Kirsten, I love the way you write! I caught myself singing along to your post!

I am excited to hear more from Andrew. Beautiful tone to his voice, when he adds the guitar, look out!

Chris, need to hear more before I form an opinion. I just got more from Andrew than Chris.

I did not like Katy as a judge. So far, Shania has had the most personality and enthusiasum in the judge’s seat!

Katy Perry is getting more attention than the contestants. I personally enjoyed her but that is mostly because I intensely dislike Kara and maybe this is what colors others opinions too. I don’t know if I buy the theory that it was all an act dreamed up between Kara and Katy since Kara is so insecure and Katy was the one getting in the digs.

Simon has not been as annoying as in the past and Randy is his usual useless self. Shania has been the best guest judge. So far this season doesn’t look very promising.

While I thought Katy was too rude, I also hope that Kara got the message and might think about how she relates to the singers, she is much too sappy and sentimental about them imo.

It is funny watching the guest judges and how shocked they are by some of the crazy people who audition, seeing it up close must be a shock to the system LOL. It was funny when Katy asked, “are they frisked before they come in here?”

Can’t wait to see “doogie” tonight. I think he’ll be smooth as can be, and witty and funny. No gaffes from him, I don’t expect.

I LOVED Katy Perry! I’d take her over Kara in a second. Katy seems more like Simon- very truthful, blunt and accurate.

Kara annoys me more with each passing show- ew her facial expressions.

If AI was truly a show about singing the judges would have no “personal information” on their little cheat sheets. But AI is 95% a made for TV reality show and 5% a show about finding the best new recording Artist.

I actually watched last night and now know why I don’t watch these episodes. The segments with the judges are beyond horrific and the contestants really need to get a reality check….but then 30 seconds of infamy on AI will probably be the crowning glory for many of these peeps. And, that to me, totally excuses the producers and the judges because if the general public has so little regard for themselves why shouldn’t they be exploited. And I’m not talking about people who are dillusional about their singing, but about the fact that people just love to make idiots of themselves.

The show has been on for 8 Freakin’ seasons. Maybe she could have done her homework and watched an episode or two before she came on. Then she might have realized that there is a massive “Lifetime Movie” element to this show.

So because this has been the way the show has been she should just go with it? Most of us hate that quality of the show. We say it pisses us off, right? So why should a person, brought on this show for her edginess, and honesty (that was obviously the plot) toe the line? She did what she was contracted to do. Put a bit of a bug up Kara’s ass, and show that some of us are sick of the Lifetime Movie bs. So thanks Kate for being a breath of fresh air, even though in retrospect, I too hated the cape thing last year (even though that should have no bearing on her judging). Pissing off the increasingly annoying and patronizing Kara and putting her on notice was cat nip for me!

As for the talent. So far nobody is amazing. Oh, and I do miss Pauler. Hate Randy and Kara with their idiotic percentages. A thousand bazillion percent!

I wonder how different it would have been for Adam if he had been presented as the 250-lb red haired ugly duckling in high school who tranformed into a swan through his love for music.

But that’s the thing – how much did Adam, Kris, or even Allison really need a compelling, amazing backstory to do as well as they did? Kris was all but ignored in the early rounds, and all three of them had zippo compelling story going into the competition. In fact, they almost had the opposite problem – Kris with his beautiful wife and cute family (no clear hardship there), Adam almost seen as a seasoned music vet working in LA.

This year, it’s ALL about the backstory, not just one or two single moms, or Danny’s, or Scott’s (the big ones that come to mind last year).

IMO, though, the talent shines through on this show. A good backstory can get someone further than they would otherwise if their talent isn’t quite up to par (cough*Scott*cough). And rare combinations of compelling backstories and talent can REALLY take you far (Danny) – but even in his case it tended to backfire with fans.

Then you have Adam, Allison, and Kris near the top, with hardly any compelling backstory among them – just a lot of raw talent and likability. That’s all I’m really looking for in this show.

selena
01/27/2010 at 9:36 am
I LOVED Katy Perry! I’d take her over Kara in a second. Katy seems more like Simon- very truthful, blunt and accurate.

Kara annoys me more with each passing show

ITA – give me Katy any day over Kara. Definitely a Simon quality about her. Then again, I have NOT been a fan of Kara’s this season.

The complete list of Hollywood contestants from last night:

Andrew Garcia
Chris Golighty
Derek Klena
Didi Benami
Donald Webber
Farayi Moore
Frankie Jordan
JB Ahfua
Jim Ranger
Jose Munoz
Justin Kalama
Kat Nestel
Kiera Masters
Kristina Michell
Mary Powers
Melissa Bitanga
Olivia Geller
Rose Flack
Samuel Larsen
Samantha Musa
Tasha Layton

Justin Kalama

Any relation to Kai who I really, really liked from last season? :p

Loved Andrew’s audition. I’m a little surprised to learn he isn’t Pinoy, which I assumed he must be from the name and seeing (from youtube videos) that he is good friends with a lot of Fil-Am and Asian aspiring musicians (including Ramiele Malubay). My only reservation as regards him, though, is he reminds me a bit too much of Danny Gokey who I initially liked but later on couldn’t really stand.

I also liked Katy Perry.

I thought Katy Perry was awesome last night, I have wanted to throw a coke in Karas face a time or two in the past, Kara DOES needs to shut up and get on with it at times, I am so over the pimping of the sad back storys and Katy spoke for a lot of us there and Kara didnt need to make fun of Katys songs. Katy was good, lots of personality and honest – she needs to be a judge

“”"So because this has been the way the show has been she should just go with it? Most of us hate that quality of the show. We say it pisses us off, right? “”"

Yes abby -right!

Avril’s voice, musical talent > Katy’s
Avril’s judging on AI < Katy's judging

I actually like Avril, even though she's always been a huge brat, but she came off useless, bratty, and just plain mean. Fail.

I thought Katy was fun to watch mostly, and I hate the overwrought backstory as much as anyone here, but I think she missed Kara's point about Chris Golightly's backstory. Kara was referencing Chris' potential to connect to the music and to grow into an even better performer because of the depth of experience he can draw from. Yeah, that's an assumption, and a leap based on just hearing him sing a few bars and reading about his background, but all the judges make assumptions like that when they decide to send someone through or not. That's part of the job– to predict how well they may do further on in the competition based on very limited information at the audition. Doesn't Simon do that when he predicts how well a contestant may fare in Hollywood or beyond based on the limitations he hears/sees in their voice/look?

Avril’s voice, musical talent is way better than Katy’s.
Katy’s judging on AI was way better than Avril’s.

I actually like Avril, even though she’s always been a huge brat, but she came off useless, bratty, and just plain mean. Fail.

I thought Katy was fun to watch mostly, and I hate the overwrought backstory as much as anyone here, but I think she missed Kara’s point about Chris Golightly’s backstory. Kara was referencing Chris’ potential to connect to the music and to grow into an even better performer because of the depth of experience he can draw from. Yeah, that’s an assumption, and a leap based on just hearing him sing a few bars and reading about his background, but all the judges make assumptions like that when they decide to send someone through or not. That’s part of the job– to predict how well they may do further on in the competition based on very limited information at the audition. Doesn’t Simon do that when he predicts how well a contestant may fare in Hollywood or beyond based on the limitations he hears/sees in their voice/look?

That said, enough with shoving backstories down our throat, producers! I know AI needs these story arcs, and I want to get to know these contestants too, but the heavy-handedness during the audition episodes– it’s too much for me. I just wish these contestants would have the integrity to just withhold their big sob stories when the producers interview them, and try to wow us with their talent alone. And then further down the road, as we become more invested/interested in you due to your talent, I’d love to find out more about your story and get to know you a bit better to see where you’re coming from, the same way I may be interested to look up info on my new favorite band or singer after getting interested in their music first.

I’m sure Katy knew how AI pushes many of the backstories, especially in the audition portion of the show. That does not mean she has to buy into it. If anything, I applaud the AI producers (which I rarely do) for letting such an independent, opinionated strong woman on the show. She spoke her mind and didn’t buy into the AI party line, something that most viewers, I believe, were wildly appreciate of. And as far as I understand, she and Kara are friends. I imagine that the type of digging they were doing with each other is just how they like to tease each other. I don’t think it was rude so much as playful and fun for the viewers to see. Kind of like brotherly/sisterly putdowns. They can be awfully harsh or even cruel to outsiders if you don’t know the rules of the game. Heck, maybe if Katy was a judge she could balance out Kara enough to make her tolerable.

HILARIOUS how they put Cassidy Haley, Adam’s own longtime friend and designer of a lot of his jackets on the show, in the Adam wannabe section.

Too bad Cassidy didn’t get more screen time. TBH, I was a little surprised they didn’t put him in front of the judges with the Adam connection backstory. Even if he didn’t make it to Hollywood, it would be reminiscent of Danny and his friend from last year (forget the name now). And imo, it would have made a better story than the guy who just happened to give Adam a demo tape randomly. But whatevs – maybe Cassidy’s audition was neither really great nor bad – so didn’t make for as compelling tv.

zoya - just realized that my above post about backstories says a lot of what you already covered before

The show has been on for 8 Freakin’ seasons. Maybe she could have done her homework and watched an episode or two before she came on. Then she might have realized that there is a massive “Lifetime Movie” element to this show.

Kirsten, I get your point, but as others have pointed out, how much are the sob stories really a factor when the ACTUAL competition starts? In the end, the talent really does tend to stand up on its own (thank god).

And I for one agree that Katy pretty much spoke my mind at that moment – ENOUGH with the sob stories! Just as the past had too much mean-spiritedness from the judges, I think this year went overboard with the backstories.

I felt Andrew Garcia was the night’s standout, because he just went in and sang well without the fancy that kills most amateurs. Singing clean is a big asset for a cappella amauters. Folks are otherwise all over the place and it’s difficult to discern the actual tune. Advice to contestants: It’s the economy stupid. Oops, wrong blog. Advice is: Keep it simple.

I love Jason Greene! Not for his singing which was meh okay but for his humor! He was so funny! ROFL! Can I keep him?! I promise to take good care of him! I will comb his hair and feed him! ROFL!

I wonder how different it would have been for Adam if he had been presented as the 250-lb red haired ugly duckling in high school who tranformed into a swan through his love for music. Most of us felt pretty “geeky” in high school and might have identified with him more, thinking about going back to a 10 year class reunion after having been on television. The way he was presented on the show made it seem like he was over-qualified and shouldn’t have been allowed to compete.

That is a very insightful observation Ellessay! And that is my main objection to the Lifetime Movie packages on the show — who gets them and who doesn’t is wholly arbitrary and the worst kind of (attempted) producer manipulation. I had to laugh when reading your comment, thinking about the tears that would have been shed all over the country for Adam if they — or indeed if Adam — had decided to exploit his “ugly duckling,” “lonely high-school misfit” backstory. As Katy said last night, EVERYONE has a sob story of some kind. It’s just becoming really annoying that so many of them are being featured in the audition episodes. And it seems like it’s gotten much worse this year than in previous seasons.

The show has been on for 8 Freakin’ seasons. Maybe she could have done her homework and watched an episode or two before she came on. Then she might have realized that there is a massive “Lifetime Movie” element to this show. The reason the producers spend massive bucks sending camera crews around to make these pimp packages is to sell us a Lifetime Movie. The reason the producers pump these kids for their sob stories and make sure that they are the cheat sheet the judges get is because the want to sell us a Lifetime Movie. Sure, it bugs the living crap out of some people, but the show is exactly like a Lifetime Movie. And that’s one of the reasons the show got to be as popular as it is.

There’s a difference between, however, having a backstory the producers can run through the (wildly effective) mill,and then advancing a contestant based on that backstory alone and using it, at least in terms of perception. Even if, in truth, the show is built on that, I’m not sure why you’d want to move to the space of then just running on those laurels alone. And Katy herself noted that both were good. Which brings us to…

Katy also missed Kara’s point by a freakin’ mile. Kara was trying to say that since the kid had lived a nightmare, he likely had a lot of emotional depth from which he could draw a song from. A frequent complaint of judges, critics and people on this blog about contestants is that “they didn’t feel that song”. This most often happens for the younger contestants. For instance, many feel that a contestant can better sing a “you done me wrong” song better if one really has been in a relationship where somebody “done them wrong”. They can find the emotional core of the song better/easier.

Two things about that, though. One, as you noted, it hasn’t exactly proved true. In fact, I’d argue it was practically inversely proportional, come S8. Secondly, that assumes that Kara was being completely straightforward. On most days, I actually have a streak of defending Kara, within limits. But I can’t bring myself to think that the way she sold that, she actually was being straightforward at all. I thought, more realistically, she was trying to sell the backstory without saying “I’m pimping you because of your backstory because it’s interesting”, and that was the obvious route in. So I thought Katy’s critique was actually still legit, but only because I didn’t take Kara at face value.

(Enhanced by the fact that I thought Chris’s reading of the song was incredibly emotionally flat. Kara’s critique made no sense in the context of what I had just heard at all, and thus seemed all the more disingenuous. To be fair to Kara, it’s not more disingenuous than that panel tends to be anyway…)

I mean, does it fly in the face of the practical nature of the show? Of course. At best, the show wants to create a cast of perhaps five or so central characters who run over the course of several months, through a combo of “I’m an AR executive- from my couch!” and “Oh! Look at the funny person”, in various mixtures, and then advance about two of them off the show for a recording career. Goes without saying. And it’s a bit of a bitter point, for those of us whose favorite characters, if you will, tend to be intended as cannon fodder, but to deny that’s an effective business model is tough.

And, yeah, those backstory pieces are wildly effective. Even the mundane-looking ones. It practically gives you a 1/2 shot of making the Top 5 if you get one and then make it as a semi-finalist (unless, like S8, there’s a freakin’ ton of them and 11/13 turn out to be finalists). From a promotional standpoint, they’re the most powerful effective promotional tools in the producer’s pocket, and not having one is something a contestant has to really fight against in the long run.

Thus, I enjoy the sentiment nonetheless. While it’s so bloated and so insincere as it has become, and its power so unwieldy, it’s also really terrible television, and I’m all for someone speaking out against that. Even if I’m not quite sure Katy Perry got the nuances, I’m also not sure I would have had her say anything different.

I thought Katy Perry was FANTASTIC! I am beyond tired of the sob-stories. While I agree – this being a tv show and all — that it is interesting and helpful to learn something about the contestants’ backgrounds I would be perfectly happy to just know where they are from, what their day job is (or ,for all of the 16 yo girls we are seeing this season, what grade they are in lol), what they have been doing wrt music/signing. I find the trotting out of the alzheimer grandmas, gangland parents, orphans, autistic kids etc. etc. exploitative (and yes I know that the contestants have consented to the exploitation). The sob stories rarely make it out of hollywood week. Maybe after 8 years of this stuff it is no longer compelling or entertaining to me. Or maybe I am just becoming a curmudgeon.

I believe Katy Perry got what she wanted with her low cut dress – always trying to get attention on her – maybe to out do Kara!! I do agree there are too many back stories not enough music & so Katy did have a point there but her spats with Kara looked very intentional to me & fake !!

Anyway I agree with MJ that Andrew & Mary look to have the goods from the show tonight. Who knows what the others shown quickly at the end were like – a couple of the guys had the ” look” – don’t know if they have the ” sound” to go with it?

I love Katy and her bitchface so much. I love it when beautiful girls are smart and snarky She and Russell Brand may not be that bad of a match after all, I’m thinking.

I couldn’t stand Katy. She’s so full of herself and not helpful. Avril may not have added much but will take her over Katy any day. The devil horn hoodie cracked me up.

I agree with Mj on the standouts along with Jim Ranger who stood out although not sure how far he can go.