Danny Gokey, Alexis Grace and Michael Sarver: More From Their Press Conference

With Tatiana, you expect the unexpected. But she really is a great person. I mean she wants it so bad and you see the desire and passion in her. At times it can maybe hurt her image on TVà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦. With me, I looked calm and cool, but on the inside, I felt kind of like a wreck. I hope that it doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t come off that way to the viewers.

yeah right!!! damage control! unfortunately, for some(or most) people, it’s too late.

You know, I rewatched her performance from Tuesday night and despite being so short was heads above everyone else. She understood the lyrics and felt the song. So many contestants don’t do either.

It’s early but she is already one of my favorites to win if she can keep it up. I just hope they don’t overplay her back story and turn her into something annoying (like Danny Gokey is becoming).

and i don’t remember these many press conferences in previous seasons.

I like Alexis but her little daughter must be going through a serious case of mommy withdraw. I can’t imagine how that must be and I’m assuming here the kid wasn’t raised by a nanny.

Danny must be kidding with this one…

My whole thought process was I was preparing myself to go home.

Because that is either a complete joke or he has no clue how Idol works.

Wow. Although the backstory on Danny has annoyed me a bit, for many reasons, I have not formed a final opinion on him as a contestant. But in this set of questions, he comes across as SO self-centered. They ask about Jamar, he talks about himself. They ask about Tatiana, he talks about himself. Amazing.

Wow. Although the backstory on Danny has annoyed me a bit, for many reasons, I have not formed a final opinion on him as a contestant. But in this set of questions, he comes across as SO self-centered. They ask about Jamar, he talks about himself. They ask about Tatiana, he talks about himself. Amazing.

Yes, I think he should have worked his dead wife, his faith in the Lord and Savior and what an inspirational song I Heard It Through The Grape Vine truly is. Happily, he will have more opportunities with this trio taking an early celebratory press junket.

I seriously wish there was a way to vote against someone.

I normally love guys with glasses, especially cool ones… but I kind of hate Danny’s choice in them. They are all so flashy. The fact that he has even more pairs that he hasn’t shown is weird– I think he has a fetish and it needs to be reigned in, haha. Anyway, a lot of guys look better in glasses, but he’s not one of them– he looks better in the picture here sans eyewear.

and i donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t remember these many press conferences in previous seasons.

I think because of the format. But there was a round of press conferences after the top 12 was chosen. Does anyone know if they did it this way in seasons 1-3?

I’m quickly developing a fondness for Alexis. She seems like a sweetie and man, she can sing. She’s definitely my fave of the 3 that got in on Thursday.

This is actually the first time Gokey was able to answer questions and not come across in a way that makes me roll my eyes in annoyance. Baby steps, baby steps.

Interesting that both Alexis and Danny had nice things to say about Tatiana. I’ve never believed Tatiana was truly a psychotic bad person either and I share Alexis’s opinion that the girl is flat out hilarious.

They ask about Jamar, he talks about himself. They ask about Tatiana, he talks about himself. Amazing.

I thought this interview was decent. I read this comment and thought, wow, how did I miss that? So I went back to reread these questions and I think they were asked about him in regards to Jamar and Tatiana, not about Jamar and Tatiana, so I’m seeing it as he answered what was asked.

Not sure about the glasses thing though, LOL, I did not like the ones he wore on Wed. night.

Alexis FTW! I like her. The other two…meh. Not buying into the hype.

YellowClouds
Feb 20th, 2009 at 1:14 pm
I seriously wish there was a way to vote against someone.

Heh…I seriously wish there was a way to vote for Jamar….

“I was saying to myself, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Well, I got my message across.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  I wanted to go out gracefully.”

Why is it about his “message”.

Let’s see….”How is it not having Jamar there with you?” – Question ABOUT him in regards to his friendship with Jamar.

“Tatiana was next to you during the results show. Was it hard to stay composed?” – Yet another question ABOUT him in regards to standing next to her.

They’re not there to talk about other contestants.

edit: how many timed do i need to edit you? soon your posts will be in moderation

How is it not having Jamar there with you? I hope people take this the right way à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  at this point in the game, ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s easier. I feel more emotionally stable. I wanted him to be here, but Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m so thankful he was in Hollywood. Hollywood was very tough for me. I was miserable inside. Only he knew that because I poured my heart out to him.

I found the answer to that question disturbing. So, in Hollywood Danny depressed the hell out of Jamar by pouring his heart out to him, now he is saying that it’s “easier” that Jamar is not in the Top 36 with him since he feels more emotionally stable now. I guess Jamar was the friend to use until he was not needed, then … see ya. Seems kind of selfish.

By the way, that is a really cute picture of three of them…love it

gabam, that’s not how I read it at all. I read it as him saying he’s doing better now and it’s not as difficult to be away from Jamar as it would’ve been earlier in Hollywood. They did ask him how it is not having him there as in how he holding up now that Jamar is gone.

Seems like Alexis is really going to be one to reckon with this year, it’s gotta be rough for the ones with children to be away like this. I don’t know how but so far Danny has not gotten on my nerves at all, every season has at least one back story they push…Pickler’s Dad, Phil Stacey’s new baby and military life, etc… Bottom line is I like his singing, I’m reserving complete judgement until I hear him sing something a little more upbeat to see if he can change it up more. I think he’s in a situation right now where people want to not like him so every little teeny tiny thing about what he says, how he stands, if he smiled when he shouldn’t have, looked right when he should’ve looked left…etc etc is going to be picked apart to seem like he’s a terrible person and going about AI the wrong way. It’s a reality show and I guess that’s what keeps people talking…people love to hate a contestant just as they love to love another…strange but true. I think there are some out there that appreciate him talking about his wife, I personally don’t mind it if that’s his reason for being there. Michael’s reason is to get out of the oil fields and provide a better life for his family….that’s typical, not interesting enough to talk about. The better Alexis does, the more we’ll hear about her I’m sure.

After all this babble all I wanted to say was that I’m trying to keep an open mind about everyone at this point, it’s way too early for me to form an opinion about anyone….good or bad. Maybe for the rest of the season I’ll mute the interviews and just watch performances….yeah who am I kidding?? lol

Alexis is in a really good position right now — she comes across as a normal person amidst all the idol weirdness. Michael also. (Note that when they asked him about the roughneck business, his answer was totally focused on others. I’m not a Gokey hater, but Alexis and Michael both come across as more natural.)

If these kids are staying in Hollywood and still rehearsing, does that mean we’re going to keep seeing them on the show every week? I’m guessing yes. More bias in favor of this group!?! So much of an advantage over the kids we won’t really see until week 3 or the wildcard round.

Gokey said: As you can see from the show, I was mad [when he got eliminated]. I had a pretty upset look on my face.

This strikes me as really weird. He’s not saying how he felt, he’s describing himself as an outside observer would, almost like he’s an actor in a play: “I had this expression, therefore I was conveying XX emotion.”

Something is not right with this guy.

Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m quickly developing a fondness for Alexis. She seems like a sweetie and man, she can sing. Sheà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s definitely my fave of the 3 that got in on Thursday.

Same here. Of the three, she’s my fave. Of course, we have a ways to go to find out who else makes the top 12.

edit: NO

Maybe he was just talking about how he saw himself when he watched back. They’re best friends I’m pretty sure he was upset that Jamar didn’t get through.

I have a question that everyone else probably knows the answer to….how come nobody played instruments?? Are they not allowed in the semi finals this year or did it just end up that no one chose to play?? Also, how exactly does the wild card round work?

edit: NO

I think we can all agree and know by now that love it or hate it, Idol never has been and never will be JUST a singing competition. If it was, it would probably actually be hella boring to follow each week.

I have no problem with Danny and the way he is acting. I think the producers have pushed the wife story and so what? His wife and her death was part of who he is. I haven’t minded hearing the back stories in previous years as those stories are what makes people who they are.

I have never signed up for this blog but have read it every day for a couple years now. I have always liked it here. I come here to get my idol info and thought the people that were part of it were a step above some of the hateful sites I have seen. I have been really disappointed at what I have seen here lately. Even MJ, who I have had nothing but the utmost respect for, has gotten little digs in on Danny.

This blog has been my last resort on the internet to have a place to go where people were thoughtful and didn’t subscribe to the mob mentality of attacking someone. I always appreciate constructive criticism of contestants but this is getting out of hand and this is the last place I would have thought to see it. There is nothing this guy can say or do without it being looked upon negatively. Pretty sad.

Oh well, let that be a lesson to me. Take care and good luck to all the contestants!

PS. I hope Ricky Braddy gets a wildcard!

LOVE Alexis! And I really liked how Michael came across in this interview.
I agree with loosegoose that it’s very odd how Gokey described how he looked on television in response to how he felt about Jamar’s ejection, and the wording about how he hopes people don’t take it wrong, but it is “easier” with Jamar gone? I have no idea what that’s supposed to mean. For somebody so focused on getting across some “message,” he certainly doesn’t communicate very clearly.

I wish one of these reporters asked if the contestants knew how the 3 groups were chosen….that’s something that would interest me!!

Uggghh I find DG to be so patronizing.

Out of the above 3, Alexis FTW!! LOL

I wish one of these reporters asked if the contestants knew how the 3 groups were chosenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦.thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s something that would interest me!!

Yeah I would like to know this as well, but I’m guessing that the contestants are just told what group they’re in…not how it was decided to be that way. My guess, but I could be wrong.

seriously? MJs was snark central in season 5.

MJ has never put forward that her blog was a haven of niceness and pleasant thoughts. God, that kind of stuff is best left on the crazy idol boards.

And last…if it all the producer’s doing…someone using that logic is going to have to explain the following:

1. How did the producer’s find out? (perhaps they stalked him with their secret covert Wisconsin operation!)

2. How did the producers get the engagement tape? (Should we all fear the Idol ninjas breaking into our houses to grab our family memories?”

3. Is Danny really a puppet, whose mouth is controled by the Idol producers (and if yes, those invisible wires are something else!)

4. Did the producers put a picture of Danny and his wife in the hands of his brother to flash on camera? (and if so…what kind of mind control tactics have these evil producers learned…what else can they do???)

Go ahead…for the people who argue this is all the producers doing…go ahead and cogently explain and answer those 4 questions.

but it is à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“easierà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  with Jamar gone?

I agree that it was worded strangely. In reading the whole quote though, it seems that all he’s saying is not that it’s easier or better not to have him there, but that he himself is doing better now so it’s not as hard it as would’ve been a few months ago. He did go on to say he wanted him there and thought Jamar proved himself enough to be.

“…So, in Hollywood Danny depressed the hell out of Jamar by pouring his heart out to him, now he is saying that ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“easierà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  that Jamar is not in the Top 36 with him since he feels more emotionally stable now. I guess Jamar was the friend to use until he was not needed, then à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦ see ya. Seems kind of selfish.”

This is the wrong impression that Danny was talking about. I think it will be “easier” for Danny if he’s not constantly being pitted against Jamar and worrying that Jamar won’t advance well. I think if Jamar had passed thru and not Danny.. he would have felt the same way.

I know that I wouldn’t want to compete against my best friend on such a stressful show. It’s nice in a way to have someone there with you, but i’m sure it’s as much of a distraction to have a spouse, parent or long time friend with you.

As far as Danny “talking about himself,”.. umm.. that’s what people do in interviews. The interviewer specifically wants to know how DANNY is feeling and what he’s going through not about what another contestant is going through. I think the interviews posted were great and in context with what the interviewer was asking.

I’m officially ambivalent about Danny today, but I do feel kinda bad that his every word, sigh and “y’know” will be dissected in great detail. Oh, well, Idol was never intended for the faint of heart!

And I also think he and Tatiana are, to a great degree, of the same mold. Yeah, she’s apparently (or possibly acting like) a certified wackadoodle, one with Narcissistic Personality Disorder, but she’s hyper-religious, too, and she saw it as her destiny to win Idol. I don’t know that Danny feels he was called to win, but clearly his faith is spurring him on. I don’t think he’s a charlatan at all. I think he’s sincere in his efforts to uplift the masses, but I think he has sincerely misjudged how it would play out. I also, frankly, am shocked that he would fall prey to TPTB. He’s not a young kid. Beware of sheep in wolves clothing, Danny.

Hey, I’m going to be brave and say it. I love Danny Gokey. I love his voice, and I think he’s hot. He looks like Robert Downey Jr. I even like the funky glasses. However, he does need to do the following:

1. Make more interesting song choices
2. Limit the dead wife talk
3. Limit the god talk

folk, I never said that MJ’s was all niceness and pleasant thoughts but IMO it has always operated with more class than what I have seen this year.

Answers to your sarcastic questions.

1. Of course he told them but so what? Most people share a life altering experience, there is nothing wrong with that.

2. He gave them the tape, again so what? He was 4 weeks past his wife’s death and sharing their experiences was, and is, probably part of him.

3. No Danny is not a puppet. What would you have him do? Never talk about the biggest thing in his life? I can guarantee you that if and when I lose my husband, there is not one moment that I will not think of him and want to share his memory. We all deal with grief in different ways.

4. No the producers did not put a picture of Danny and his wife in the hands of his brother to flash on camera. You are assuming that you know the reasons his brother did that and you don’t.

It comes down to people choosing to judge Danny for actions when they have no idea why those actions came about. Call me weird but I prefer not to draw conclusions about people until I actually know them.

“This blog has been my last resort on the internet to have a place to go where people were thoughtful and didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t subscribe to the mob mentality of attacking someone. I always appreciate constructive criticism of contestants but this is getting out of hand and this is the last place I would have thought to see it. There is nothing this guy can say or do without it being looked upon negatively. Pretty sad.”

Oh sadly I kinda relate to this, bash someones singing, I can take it and will try not to upset Mj, I have never gone anywhere else either but like I told Gwen today, I have to stop looking at how people can be, it gets too upsetting. (but here I am, I know) I KNOW I dont know him, I dont even know if I did that I would like him but it just sickens me to hear people going on about “the dead wife” people are actually saying that they are so over the “dead wife thing” really? actually SAYING that? some one said that Danny was depressing the crap out of Jamar by sharing his feelings, do people really feel that way when a friend loses someone or is hurt, really is it depressing you are you going to turn your back on that person? Maybe if that is the major mentality, then that is why we have so many suicides, people just dont want to vent because people will call it boring or depressing?

I for one don’t think it’s just the producers pushing the story….Danny wants to talk about her, he wants people to know who she was, and he’s probably not ready to push her aside. It was only 4 short weeks before he auditioned, that’s brutal and I do believe that whole situation…I don’t think he was acting or using it as a way of getting ahead. I think he genuinely wanted to talk about her…it was about HER for him. I guess that’s why I don’t get bothered by the back story because I do think he’s doing all this in her honor. I know many people that don’t start watching the show until now…my mom and sister for example, so they had no clue about his story thus far so it was relevant to bring it up during the voting round.

Oops – rule breakage by me, I talked about the blog on the blog , sorry and if I offended anyone sorry too – sheesh now, didnt I say I would shut up about it? ok, now, really

we all make choices. we live and die by them. and public choices get judged.

and no…i do not think it is normal for a grown man to share his proposal video with idol producers. maybe at a dinner party with FRIENDS…but LA idol producers….god, what a stretch!!

he CHOOSES to talk about her…to all of us who do not know him. and frankly i do not care. his grief is no more or no less than any other person’s grief on the planet. In fact, there are people with far greater problems!

SO yeah….i guess the puppet is not Danny…the puppets are the people buying the producer’s/ Danny’s storyline.

OMG I am so freaking annoyed with Danny! Why the hell did he audition in the first place. Why not finish the mourning of your wife then audition? This way I don’t have to listen to or read such Self-serving garbage coming out of his mouth.

I guess that Sophia had some page online where it is revealed that she was a huge Idol fan and she’d wanted him to do this and that I am assuming played a part in his decision to go through with the audition seeing as how he will be too old after this year. I haven’t looked up the page yet, but I’ve heard it mentioned. I wonder if he had talked about that specifically around the audition and it got edited out. I know he did say he hoped people could see who she was through him, but I think it would’ve been cool to know the part of her being a fan and wanting him to audition. Would’ve made more sense as to why he went through with it the midst of his grief. Because even I was questioning him some at that time. The incessant teasing of his story before they showed it throughout the Kansas City audition show was overkill and I was ready to hate whatever they were going to show. But alas, his audition blew me away and I didn’t care anymore after I heard him sing.

Gotta go on record to say I think Alexis has “it”, whatever “it” is. Reminds me a bit of Reese Witherspoon, who I believe is from Nashville – the petite, delicate-looking Southern blonde who is sort of a steel magnolia. Can’t wait to hear more from her, esp. since several judges have said it’s a guy’s year. For a spunky, talented girl, that would be throwing down the gauntlet.
These interviews are definitely interesting and revealing, but it seems in the past the contestants were shielded from the press at this stage, or is my memory faulty?

Yup, you are right, we all make choices. I just find it sad that as a society we stand back, not fully knowing a situation and pass judgement on someone. Just because something is done, does not make it right.

I see nothing wrong with sharing a proposal, I think it is nice. Again, it is part of the relationship with his wife.

Of course he chooses to talk about her. My goodness, I would be talking about my late husband as well.

There are most certainly many people out there who suffer much worse. That really is not the point.

Danny’s story is one he wanted to tell and the producers wanted to hear.

It comes down to people choosing to judge Danny for actions when they have no idea why those actions came about. Call me weird but I prefer not to draw conclusions about people until I actually know them.

I suggest you read my guidelines, and then you might get it:

http://mjsbigblog.com/?page_id=1172

BTW, the discussion of my blog, the tone of the discussion here, the niceness or not niceness of my readers is over. BACK TO THE TOPIC.

I”ll be deleting all further OFF TOPIC DISCUSSION.

If you have an issue with me TAKE IT TO EMAIL

wow….I guess I fall into the “puppet” category because I feel compassion for him. There will always be someone with far greater problems in any situation but this is one I’m aware of and it’s sad. Two weeks ago my good friend’s husband was murdered (she’s 8 months pregnant, it’s so sad), right now he is the absolute only thing we talk about. I do realize that it’s different given the harshness of the situation but there is nothing else besides him and how life is going to be without him that is on her mind. I’m guessing that 2 weeks from now is not going to be much different and I just think that that’s where Danny was during that audition tape so I can see why he did all that, gave the tape everything. It’s still being attached and holding on for dear life….by him doing this and having an audience to share her with, he keeps her memory alive.

The good news for Danny is that many people outside of Idol fandom don’t seem to be nearly as worked up about him – my mom, aunt, grandma and sister adore him, for a very small example. I still like him, though I worry about him being emotionally a mess and fragile since he seems like he’s never had time to work himself through the grief process. But we all grieve differently, and there’s no expiration date on grieving either so who’s to say he’d be “over it” next year. Isn’t he older, too? Like 28? You only get so long to do Idol. Anyway, I like him… we’ll see. It’s early, I need to see all of the groups to have a real favorite (and Anoop better come back as a wildcard because from the auditions he was my favorite).

I love Alexis and can’t wait to hear her again. Michael seems to be a sweet guy with a nice voice but I don’t think he’ll last super long, though I dare not prognosticate about a show that can be pretty nuts!

à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“I was saying to myself, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Well, I got my message across.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  I wanted to go out gracefully.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 

Why is it about his à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“messageà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ .

I can’t…not for a minute…even begin to imagine what it must be like to lose someone you love more than life itself, to have your future look barren on the best days. I have feared it (my youngest is diabetic), but never had to face it. THANKFULLY!!! So, from that “blessed” point of ignorance, I can only imagine that recovery comes one step at a time, until you have found some purpose for continuing.

Maybe Jamar provided that purpose those first few months, maybe now it’s the message that you CAN continue that helps him do so, and maybe Danny feels AI is a great place to help others who face the same barren future.

They say it takes a full year to feel a tiny bit normal again. I, for one, will not begrudge Danny his time to heal!

I agree about Alexis- I love that girl! I really enjoyed her audition and hope she keeps progressing in the competition. I think she could definately upset this “guys year”!

Gah. The sanctimonious finger-wagging is really NOT what I want on my blog. OK?

New rule. Sanctimonious finger-wagging will equal instant banning. My patience is wearing very thin here.

I suggest you read my guidelines, and then you might get it:

http://mjsbigblog.com/?page_id=1172

BTW, the discussion of my blog, the tone of the discussion here, the niceness or not niceness of my readers is over. BACK TO THE TOPIC.

Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ll be deleting all further OFF TOPIC DISCUSSION.

If you have an issue with me TAKE IT TO EMAIL

Wow, I honestly didn’t realize what I was saying was a problem. I shall go ahead and leave then.

So, does the fact that the next two weeks feature different groups mean we won’t have to hear anything else out of Danny Gokey until at least the Wild-Card round?

I just saw the performance episode today, and that thing he ended his video package with, about how he hopes people see what he deals with and realize maybe they can do it too? GOD! Shut the f*** up, please.

What are you doing during the break? A lot of what weà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll be doing is what weà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re doing right now. Theyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re rehearsals. Theyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll keep us busy. Thereà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s plenty for us to do. You guys will be treated to some. They got plans for us way ahead of time.

Well, that’s got my alarm bells ringing. What will be treated to? What plans do they have? Is this the explanation why the first group was stacked with so many favourites? They could get more practice and exposure over the next three weeks. I have to wonder what they are rehearsing? Do they get to be in the group numbers? Do they get to start picking/practicing songs for the Finals? Are we going to get the Ford Commercials starting next week?

I don’t remember this happening before. In the past, when we had this style of semi-finals, didn’t the contestants go home until the finals started? This is both kind of nice and mean (more exposure to Idol and perhaps Idol audiences is a bonus, but it sucks to be away from your family for longer. Both Alexis and Michael have kid(s). I hope they are getting a per diem, because in the past, Idol didn’t start paying people salaries until the finals (they were made to do that because they “act” in the Ford Commercials)).

(Should we all fear the Idol ninjas breaking into our houses to grab our family memories?à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 

I know I do. Why do you think I have a dog?

What, exactly, is Danny’s “message”? No, seriously, I’m rather curious here. What is it about his story or song that will possibly give me hope? Is he telling me that grief will pass and that life goes on? I don’t want a guy who just recently lost his wife preaching to me about how everything will be sunshine and roses soon. I’ve been through that, Danny. I don’t need you, someone who hasn’t experienced the full throttle of loss yet, telling me how it feels. Or is he somehow trying to give me courage by setting an example? Sorry, but trying out for a nationally publicized talent show four weeks after your wife dies doesn’t take courage. A great deal of denial and maybe even a little calculation, yes, but not courage. Am I supposed to be inspired by you, Danny, simply because you lost your wife? My dad lost his wife too, and he’s nowhere near as sanctimonious as you, and yet somehow, he’s a lot more inspirational to me.

Wow, I honestly didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t realize what I was saying was a problem. I shall go ahead and leave then.

I’m not asking you to leave. I’m asking you to read my rules and follow them. Honestly, I have spent 2 days straight asking people to respect my guidelines. PLEADING with people to please just follow the rules, and I appear to be talking to a brick wall.

So, yes, I’m losing my patience just a little bit here. I’m sorry.

Alexis really needs to stfu about her daughter already. I really sick of hearing about her every time she opens her mouth. I think she’s using her to try and get votes. Anyway, why in the world would she audition for this when she has responsiblity to be there for her daughter?

Back to the music: I think Danny is a decent singer, and a very intelligent, trained musician in terms of pitch, phrasing, tempo. Makes sense that he’s a music leader/teacher, given how attuned he is to all the technical elements and putting them together gracefully. Whether this goes further, into really showing some individuality as a musician, we shall see. But he’s got the equipment, clearly. And I just hope all the sidetrack debate about whether he is or is not exploiting his personal tragedy obscures the music.

Wish I felt that Alexis was muscially ample too. She’s an adorable kid, cool. But while I thought she gave a decent account of “Natural Woman,” and didn’t stray beyond her safety zone in the high register — well, as Randy used to say too often, “it was just awright for me, seewhatI’msayin’?” They compared her to Kelly Clarkson, and boy did I not get that. I got a cute a bar singer, pouring on the personality.

I really, really, really hope there’s more serious vocal firepower coming up, because this bunch did very little to me. Every seasons has its ho-hum folks in the top 24 and top 12, but we somehow come out with not only Cook, Clarkson,Hicks, Fantasia, Rubin but also with Jenifer Hudson, Melinda Doolittle, Clay Aiken, LaKisha, George Huff, Elliott Yamin and a crop of folks who can really SANG…..

Danny being relieved that Jamar didn’t make the top 36 is kinda weird. He seems to only consider himself without taking Jamar’s feelings into consideration at all.

From the linked LA Times interview with Alexis:

Q: Who do you want as a mentor this season?
AG: Aretha Franklin, of course, Fleetwood Mac and Bruce Springsteen.

I vote they put Alexis in charge of picking mentors. I would love me a little Fleetwood Mac theme night.

One other thing: Idol has always loved wretched excess, but I agree that too much gabbing in press conferences, especially before the real contest has truly started, is a bad bad idea. Keep these kids sheltered and focused until the final rounds. Overexposure can really hurt them…

Ok, so it looks like mr. danny sure has gotten off on da wrong foot. I like his voice possibilities a LOT, but hold in reserve my evaluation of his likeability factor for me. I didn’t feel he was preachy at all, but definately corny, maybe intentions good but didn’t come across right…not sure yet. But am surprised, even shocked a little at the intensity of reaction to him. Eventually I may agree, but not yet. Waiting to see what evolves.

Don’t think that’s what he meant Natasha. He still said he wanted him there. The question was about how is he holding up now that he’s not there with him.

Hey…you can’t down Danny! The media and producers of Idol are the ones who keep bringing up his wife. I agree with others who say there are more contestants that have had a tough time in life, too. Based on his singing ability, I believe he deserves that spot in the top twelve.

There are a lot of talented people in this years competition. I can’t wait to see who our next American Idol will be!

Q: Who do you want as a mentor this season?
AG: Aretha Franklin, of course, Fleetwood Mac and Bruce Springsteen.

I’d love to see Aretha’s reaction to American Idol.

I really, really, really hope thereà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s more serious vocal firepower coming up, because this bunch did very little to me.

Amen. There’s a reason this particular group was first. Let’s hope it gets better from here. Talking about them is more riveting than talking about their singing. I rewatched Alexis’ performance. She clearly won the night, but she wasn’t that good. Her repeat wasn’t better. Same could be said for the other two.

Good singing. That’s what I like.

Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢d love to see Arethaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s reaction to American Idol.

That would make for some good tee vee

Can you imagine a whole night of Aretha songs though? My ears can’t tolerate that kind of abuse.

Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢d love to see Arethaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s reaction to American Idol.

That would make for some good tee vee

Can you imagine a whole night of Aretha songs though? My ears canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t tolerate that kind of abuse.

I’m sure she’d love to slap a few of them with her inauguration hat.

I can tolerate very few people singing Aretha. Anne Marie Boskovich is not one of them.

I canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢tà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦not for a minuteà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦even begin to imagine what it must be like to lose someone you love more than life itself, to have your future look barren on the best days.

Me neither, which is why the LAST thing I would be thinking about a mere month after my husband passed away is auditioning for some stupid reality show. If he were gone, I seriously have no idea what I’d do with myself. I’d definitely want to spend a lot of time with my friends and family. There have been contestants in the past that have pimped out family members to pander for votes, but pimping out a dead spouse…..it’s kind of sick, IMO.

Although honestly, dead wife pimping or not, I wouldn’t vote for Danny. He plain and simply isn’t that great, nor is he anything unique or different to the competition.

Me neither, which is why the LAST thing I would be thinking about a mere month after my husband passed away is auditioning for some stupid reality show.

Asia’H Epperson auditioned four DAYS after her dad died last year.

Alexis sang Natural Woman?????????? :ponder_tb:

Alexis sang Natural Woman??????????

No. “Never Loved a Man…”

Alexis really needs to stfu about her daughter already. I really sick of hearing about her every time she opens her mouth. I think sheà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s using her to try and get votes. Anyway, why in the world would she audition for this when she has responsiblity to be there for her daughter?

I wish Danny would STFU about his wife.

I live in Fort Myers Fl., one of the hardest hit areas in the country with foreclosure. I work for a non-profit org. that sees hundreds of people about to live in the street everyday. So, when I turn AI, I want to laugh and sing along. Not be depress by more misery. Normal people don’t audition for reality TV the month after you BELOVED wife dies.

If she loved the show sooooooo much, why didn’t he audition when she was alive?

Oh, that’s right NO SOB STORY!!!!!

. Anyway, why in the world would she audition for this when she has responsiblity to be there for her daughter?

Is there a double standard for women with kids as opposed to men with kids?

how far did asia’h go last year? was she super pimped? did i miss something…did i black out on a whole part of last year’s season where people were talking about asia’h all the time. damn, i hate when that happens!

Danny’s wife seems like she was a wonderful person and I feel bad for anyone who suffers a loss like this. But, here’s the deal from a personal perspective. I’ve dealt with breast cancer for the past three years which is kind of a big deal and could very easily use this at work and in my personal life to get ‘special’ treatment or attention, but I choose not to. Danny suffered a tremendous loss and is choosing to use it, period. But, yet, I still gave him the benefit of the doubt until he decided to sing “Hero” and gave his reason for choosing it. He could have said simply that it meant a lot to him, but his explanation and the flashing of the picture just did me in. That on top of the three judges practically bowing down at his feet lost me forever. Plus, he doesn’t seem to have a humble bone in his body, is way overconfident and seems to think he has the whole thing wrapped up which automatically turns me off. He has become unlikable and is very calculating.

and, on top of everything else, those glasses were just plain ugly.

yes pj. women must stay home. otherwise their children will grow up to be convicts. everyone knows this. come on!! catch up!

Is there a double standard for women with kids as opposed to men with kids?

Uh no. There isn’t.

Asiaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢H Epperson auditioned four DAYS after her dad died last year.

but she didn’t get to the semifinals round.

that michael sarver is an ass then…not being there for his kids while he chases his pipe dream! they are probably going to starve. down with sarver of the starving kids!

. Anyway, why in the world would she audition for this when she has responsiblity to be there for her daughter?

Maybe she wants to able to give her daughter a better life? Isn’t Fantasia’s family better off today then 5 years ago?

Point missed completely. My bad.

latingrl…come on we all know alexis’ kid would have a great life if her mom just stayed off idol and kept singing every night in bars. i mean…it is every kids dream for their mom!

Fantasiaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s family better off today then 5 years ago?

Is that why she’s having a house repoed?

Anyway, I actually love Alexis and hearing about her sweet little daughter. Everything I said about her was completely in jest actually

but she didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t get to the semifinals round.

Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m sorry, but I have a compulsive need to nitpick.

Asiaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢h did make get to the semi-final rounds. She lasted three rounds singing “Piece of My Heart”, “All by Myself” and (the song that has killed the hopes of just about every Idol who sang it) “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)”.

ETA:
Full Disclosure: I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t like Danny`s voice and I don`t think he was all that and a bag of chips on Tuesday (certainly not worth the praise he got).

The pimping doesn`t bother me. AI always does it. Pimping will get you into the finals, but it has it`s limits. All the pimping in the world didn`t get Tamyra to win. It didn`t get Pickler to win. It didn`t help Michael or Carly make the top 5. At some point, the contestant has to back up the back-story, the over-exposure, and the judge`s OTP praise with good performances. So he goes an extra few rounds. Nobody ever said AI was fair. Those that get upset about unfairness, need to invest in some Tums. Those that get upset about people picking on your favs, better buy the Costco sized version of Tums. It`s life in the AI world.

and kirsten, she could have made it further…if only she had sent in some footage of the wake and funeral!!!

Is that why sheà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s having a house repoed?

It was reported on this site that She DIDN’T not loss her home.

Folk, reel back the sarcasm please, you made your point.

Man, I don’t think I’m going to make it through this season.

Point missed completely. My bad.

I hope your point didn’t have to do with gokey, or that you were trying to piss off Alexis’s fans, because if you were, I would consider that baiting.

Everything I said about her was completely in jest actually

I’m not laughing.

i was out of wit anyways:) will take a break:)

Based on Tuesday night performances alone, I think Danny and Alexis earned their spots in the top twelve. I like Michael, but Ricky or Anoop could have taken that spot as well. I am still pulling for Ricky to be a wildcard, and just for the dramatic effect alone, hoping that Anoop will tell AI to buzz off because he has decided to stay in college to finish his education!

This

(Should we all fear the Idol ninjas breaking into our houses to grab our family memories?à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 

I know I do. Why do you think I have a dog?

made me laugh out loud, Kirsten. Thanks for that.

eta: I’d love an Aretha night in during which all of the hopefuls had to perform while wearing that hat. (and BootStar, I too LOVED her hat.)

Alexis really needs to stfu about her daughter already. I really sick of hearing about her every time she opens her mouth. I think sheà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s using her to try and get votes. Anyway, why in the world would she audition for this when she has responsiblity to be there for her daughter?

Pretty sure that was meant to be ironic. Do English teachers no longer cover ‘irony’ in their high school literature classes, LOL??

Can you imagine a whole night of Aretha songs though? My ears canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t tolerate that kind of abuse.

Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m sure sheà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢d love to slap a few of them with her inauguration hat.

Oh, I for one LOVED her hat and hope she does one day beat an Idol wannabe silly with it.

edit: you’re in moderation

Prior to losing the love of my life I would not ever have imagined how I would act after that tragic event. People cope in different ways. I don’t know how much of Danny’s backstory is his doing, but I strongly suspect TPTB took this and ran out of control with it. They have admitted that this year they wanted more backstage and personality stuff. I like Danny’s voice, don’t love it.

Alexis is a doll. She has a wonderful talent and is cute as a button, which is such a plus on this show. To me she seems self aware.

I like Michael, probably more as he is being seen than for his vocals. His backstory as everyman, once again is TPTB at work as much as anything. I am glad to see how he realized his placement may have been Simon’s comments, but we must remember he did not tell Simon to say that and it may be very uncomfortable for him to think he is there “unfairly” in some’s eyes.

This show has always been drama more than a pure singing competition and this year we have witnessed considerable drama in the first few weeks. The contestants are sometimes just the pawns in the game of AI.

Anyway, I actually love Alexis and hearing about her sweet little daughter. Everything I said about her was completely in jest actually

I didn’t get the sarcasm until you pointed it out, tbh.

Anyway, I’ll lay off my Gokey Haterade for a while… I’m getting bored with it. I’ll wait and see in the finals if he makes another mention of his wife or his friend/relative waves around a giant poster of Danny with his wife. If he makes no more allusions to it, I won’t dislike him as much as I do right now but I still won’t be a fan coz he is just zzzzzz. Seriously, if he is TPTB’s idea of an artist who can have multiplatinum albums and sell out stadiums… just wow. I want what they’re smoking.

I am still pulling for Ricky to be a wildcard, and just for the dramatic effect alone, hoping that Anoop will tell AI to buzz off because he has decided to stay in college to finish his education!

Anoop already earned his college degree; he’s working on his masters in folklore, and I love him for that reason alone. Nonetheless, I hope he pursues his dream of singing and earns a little pocket change on the AI tour before he returns to musing about southern cuisine or whatever he’s into these days.

On Alexis, she’s good, no doubt about it. I should be thrilled with her, especially since she is a rep. of my home state, but I’m just not that taken with her for some reason. I do tend to agree with her that Tatiana’s going places.

Gokey is boring – if those sappy inspirational songs help someone to feel better then more power to him but I’m not down with it, musically speaking of course:)

Pretty sure that was meant to be ironic. Do English teachers no longer cover à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹ironyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ in their high school literature classes, LOL??

Thanks I know what irony is.

The post was a poor attempt at parody, maybe But irony? I don’t think so. Baiting? Most definitely.

I’m a bit confused now. Will a wild card be chosen from each group (of 12) or any three from the entire group (all 36) or anyone they cut this season (like the one or two Simon wanted but didn’t make to the top 36)?

Pretty sure that was meant to be ironic. Do English teachers no longer cover à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹ironyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ in their high school literature classes, LOL??

Thanks I know what irony is.

The post was a poor attempt at parody, maybe But irony? I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t think so. Baiting? Most definitely.

Sorry! Just for the record, I wasn’t referring to what you wrote, MJ. I realize now the original post was meant to be baiting, but before the clarification was made, there were several responses that seemed to take it literally, and I though the OP was just meant to be tongue in cheek. My post,unfortunately, didn’t go through until after the clarification. I’m having a hard time remembering who’s who in this exchange.

To me, this is what makes AI fascinating … everybody makes these superficial value judgements about who the contestants are as people. Good or bad. Cause it’s NOT just a singing competition. We get to judge these people who we really don’t know at all. We just know what TPTB want us to know.

That said, I hate Danny Gokey with the white hot passion of a thousand suns. But hope he has a nice life. Just not on my TV.

do you think they have one of those whack a mole games at Idol Disney? Cause if they did and they had a head for Danny and a head for McPhee popping up…I think I would be the person standing there…totally perplexed as to which head I should hit first or hardest. I bet the line would be long behind me.

TV Guide has their summary of the interviews online now. I though this quote from Michael was interesting:

à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¢ Who was this round’s top vote-getting male à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  him or Danny?
“I don’t know. According to some Fox news outlets, I was, but I don’t think anybody cares at this point.”

Idol Top 12 Finalists Alexis, Michael and Danny Talk of Aretha, God and the Wild Card

à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t know. According to some Fox news outlets, I was, but I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t think anybody cares at this point.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 

OK. Michael Sarver is dillusional. Do the contestants not have internet access? Or friends with internet access? Or brains?

^^I think Danny is the highest vote getter because they said Michael and Anoop had 20k votes separating them. So if Michael was the top vote getter then that means there were even fewer votes separating Michael and Danny and I just don’t see the votes being *that* close.

And yeah, there was no way Michael was top vote getter with that performance and with those comments from the judges. With Danny’s pimp spot and Kara and Paula orgasming over him, the top male spot was his, no doubt about it.

In the past, they’ve always at least pretended it was a singing contest. This year they’re not bothering with even a little bit of make-believe. They’ve never gone this far with a sob story before and it’s so manipulative. The last straw was the family member holding up the picture and pointing towards the heavens as Danny sang “Hero”. I think it’s safe to say that all measure of subtlety has eluded them.

Nobody ever said AI was fair. Those that get upset about unfairness, need to invest in some Tums.

Thank you for that sage advice, Kirsten. :rolleyes_tb: No one said life was fair either, but I still care. Unfairness still bothers me. However, I don’t need drugs to deal, especially when it comes to a silly tv show. So thanks anyway.

folk,
I remember you from S5 days (I’ve had a name-change operation since then) and you were hilarious when it came to McPhee. I’ll happily get behind you in line but my motivations for hitting each of them are different. McPhee was self-centered in a shallow, oblivious way that was fun to whack at. Gokey-dokey is self-centered in an “I’m so brave and inspirational” way. I think I’d rather hit him really hard.

ah sweet:) but if you pause for a moment and think of the whack a mole game…you will smile. because what else underscores these people as “characters” more than having a disney theme park:)

hope he has a nice life. Just not on my TV.

This. He just makes me less inclined to watch but hey, with Matt and Adam possibly getting into the Finals? I’m trapped. *sigh*

I find it amusing how much passion is drummed up just after week one. I am not a fan of Danny, but I don’t understand how any of us (regardless of opinion)can really blame him for talking about his wife when asked or otherwise. I think that we all need to take a step back and realize that we are part of an Idol agenda and we are seeing exactly what we are supposed to be seeing. We are in the “getting to know you phase”. If we are 4 weeks in and we are still being clubbed over the heads with it by all means…let the hatred spew. But, until then…I think it’s getting a little too heated (on both sides of the argument)when it’s not necessary. This is not finger wagging…this is just an alternate perspective.

we are 4 weeks in.

there were several responses that seemed to take it literally, and I though the OP was just meant to be tongue in cheek.

A literal response doesn’t necessarily negate an understanding of what the OP was attempting.

Can’t wait for Wednesday. We need some new peeps to talk about. Another problem with this format…

Honestly, i want to not care but my TV wants me to worship at the shrine of the Patron Saint of The Grieving Widower. Just. No.

Thank heavens there will be no pilgrimage next week.

I think the main problem with this season is that so far there hasn’t been a performance that had people go “OMG! THAT WAS AMAZING”.
It’s all so bland and at the very best, OK, that no one is really talking about the music and the talent and all is left are these interviews and these guy’s stories.
Anyway, Simon said he wanted more personality this year or something, I honestly don’t see what these 3 have that others in the past had not.

And Michael does seem really dillusional. Never a good sign so soon in the game.

To clarify for folk…week one of the viewer voting phase. My apologies.

Are you effing kidding me? They are not going home? Which means they will probably be sitting in the audience for the next two weeks? Which means that the camera can just suddenly pan over and show the “Messiah” at any given moment? UGH.

Why will I not be surprised if Ken and Co. rig up some way to have the camera impose a halo above the Messiah’s head every time it’s on him for the rest of the season?

I think the main problem with this season is that so far there hasnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t been a performance that had people go à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“OMG! THAT WAS AMAZINGà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ .

My money is on Adam Lambert delivering at least one for the ages. He’s an amazing showman and with the right song I think he could do something really memorable. I don’t have that feeling about anybody else yet this season.

I think Adam’s the only hope for fun and exciting this season. I hope he brings the moves, but after Top 10.

I hope Matt Giraud is good too. He seems like a lot of fun. Although, it may be my eternal love of piano bars that is driving that notion. I hope it’s Adam, Matt & Meghan. But, that is prior to hearing their performances. I was really pulling for Stevie before she crapped the bed on Tuesday, so you just never know!

My money is on Adam Lambert delivering at least one for the ages. Heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s an amazing showman and with the right song I think he could do something really memorable.

Hee. Yes. Memorable one way or the other.

I heart Adam. I can’t wait to see what he pulls out of his hat this week.

I wonder if the producers they make more money from the show or the post-Idol career. The post Idol success is a crap shoot, especially with the (accelerating) decline in album sales. They know they can probably get one decent performing album from any winner, no matter what. So maybe they’ve decided to focus on making the ratings as high as possible, and that means drama at the expense of everything else.

If so, that could explain much about this years focus on entertaining characters. Also, they could be deliberately setting Danny up to be taking a lot of heat and driving controversy. They know that the idolshphere will be bitterly divided by his story, and the Idol pimping. They love that, and don’t really care if it impacts his chances longer term. His long-term music business success chances are mediocre- He has no real edge to him, he’s not going to capture the Radio Disney, so there is no reason not to put him out there as a major flashpoint and milk his personal tragedy.

Why will I not be surprised if Ken and Co. rig up some way to have the camera impose a halo above the Messiahà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s head every time ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s on him for the rest of the season?

ROFL. This made me laugh out loud.

I actually don’t really care that much about what Danny has said. Yeah, I think he’s a little not-so-secretly smug and self-righteous, but after Ryan told him he was top 12 it’s not like he whipped out his personal pedestal, raised his Bible over his head, and preached to the masses “Gokey’s Guide to Giving Hope.” I foresee a personality adjustment once he starts performing again on top 12, judging from some of the comments he’s made during the press conference.

My thing with Gokey has always been his general lack of star quality. I’m not miffed that there’s pimping going on–happens every year–just confused as to why they chose Gokey to present this gift. It pretty much guarantees him a spot on the tour and either sets him up for top 5 or for the ZOMGSHOCKING elimination. Since I don’t think he’s ever deserved the hype talent-wise, and hence probably can’t live up to it, TPTB could roll a bus over him for a more talented and/or marketable contestant and he’ll wind up as the Michael Johns of season 8. I don’t expect the pimping to last very long into top 12 and if it does then TPTB without Nigel aren’t nearly as cunning as they were with Nigel.

See, my fear is that now that they’ve let this genie out of the bottle, it’s too late to stuff it back in. I fear a widower/blind guy final two. Bleh. Yeah, I’m also totally over blind guy. Sorry.

just confused as to why they chose Gokey to present this gift.

This is the question I have made all along. Why him? When I look at him I can only see someone without much star quality, with a good voice but not amazing talent, without the cool or young factor that could get him a larger audience, and someone that can become a joke. It confuses me as well. I understand pimping Adam, Joanna (if they were ever going to do it) but is Gokey the guy the want to win? I can’t believe he is.

Thank you for that sage advice, Kirsten. No one said life was fair either, but I still care. Unfairness still bothers me. However, I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t need drugs to deal, especially when it comes to a silly tv show. So thanks anyway.

Sorry I made you roll your eyes. If you can relegate it to a silly tv show, my advice was not intended for you. Some people honestly get upset by the machinations that go on this show.

Me? I like to keep my “ire” about the unfairness focused on the producers of the show. I personally refuse to blame the contestants because I know that they have little control over it (they may feed the beast a few snacks, but they do not control it). And, once the producers have gotten whatever it is they wanted out of the contestant, they will leave the contestant twisting in the wind.

I do not think that Danny is the chosen one. He is being played and will be used like many have before him. I cannot hate him for that.

And as you say, it’s a silly show. Even the producers are not worth hating when there are people like Mugabe out there.

I finally remember who Danny reminds of: Johnny Fairplay

I’m done talking about Danny and his deceased wife. I have to admit I have thought about how I’d feel if my ex-spouse suddenly expired. You know that big grin the grinch gets on his face when he decides to dress up like santa and take all the toys from whoville? I think that might be how big I smiled at the thought… maybe bigger!

Cant wait to see my Matt G. He’s my frontrunner right now.

My thing with Gokey has always been his general lack of star quality.

Thank you.

See, my fear is that now that theyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve let this genie out of the bottle, ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s too late to stuff it back in.

My fear exactly. Of Sanjaya proportions.

I am an agnostic, anti-organized religion, west-coast, blue state, dyed-in-the-wool liberal kind of girl and yes, I love Danny Gokey. I just dig his voice and am refusing to let the hype get to me. I know what it’s like to loathe a contestant, so I won’t harsh anyone’s mellow by begrudging them their whack-a-mole fantasies (wish I had thought of that when Sanjaya, screechy Fantasia and David Archuletta were contestants, actually).

This is just the Idol game. Pick a story people will find compelling and run with it. Find the characters that will get the most attention or interest (hellooo Tatiana and Nick/Norman) and put them in front of a camera. Idol never ever has been purely about talent. It’s character development. They left it behind last season to some extent, the ratings fell, and they are bringing the crazy back. And now, the producers are getting exactly what they want – people talking about the contestants whether they love ‘em or hate ‘em.

Welcome to the show.

Danny’s wife Sophie bloged on Bebo.com. She did post that she was a fan of AI and especially Taylor Hicks, who she voted for alot. She also mentioned that Danny reminded her of Taylor as he had the same energy. I haven’t seen that yet but it’s early in the show. I can’t believe TPTB really want him to win as he doen’t seem like mega record selling Idol they want. They’ll pull another favorite soon and maybe more than one. Hang on, Idol and Idol sites are not for the faint of heart but they sure are fun.

New episode of Idolatry is online. Three guesses who it’s about and the first two don’t count.

I think ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s safe to say that all measure of subtlety has eluded them.

They aren’t trying to be subtle. They WANT people to think that Danny is favored and to be annoyed by it. They read blogs and forums (that’s how they know Anoop is liked, for example) and they know the Danny pimping is drumming up enormous backlash and hatred. But that is exactly what they want.

It’s all to make way for the real person, the “underdog,” they want to win.

Sorry I made you roll your eyes. If you can relegate it to a silly tv show, my advice was not intended for you.

Oh, okay. Got it. :tongue1_tb:

Me? I like to keep my à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“ireà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  about the unfairness focused on the producers of the show. I personally refuse to blame the contestants because I know that they have little control over it (they may feed the beast a few snacks, but they do not control it). And, once the producers have gotten whatever it is they wanted out of the contestant, they will leave the contestant twisting in the wind.

Agreed. I’m not upset with contestants for being pimped either. I’m annoyed by how the producers manipulate the entire process. Not annoyed enough to develop an ulcer or anything because it’s just “reality tv,” but it’s one of the reasons I wasn’t a fan of this show and didn’t watch regularly until last season when Cook sucked me in. Unfortunately, without someone like Cook to hold my attention, or at least someone hilariously entertaining like Tatiana, I might just have to turn the silly show off soon. :surrender_tb: So, come on, Adam, Matt, and Nick/Normund…entertain us! I’m counting on you!

I have to agree with just about every piece of snark Kristen at EW’s Idolatry directed at Danny. Danny really needs to realize it is time to tone it down because when media sources like EW are calling you out for being ridiculous it has more impact on public opinion than a few posters here at mjs or TWOP.

New episode of Idolatry is online. Three guesses who ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s about and the first two donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t count.

Oh yeah. I knew that Michael Johns was taping Idolatry yesterday, and the reason I did is really hilarious.

Let’s just say that Slezak got his two MJ’s mixed up when he was sending out his email. Heh.

And holy cow, that Idolatry was right on…

Did you catch the picture of Danny on the tv at the end of the EW segment that was captioned, “TOOL?” It randomly popped up only for a split-second.

Hee. :laugh_tb:

My thing with Gokey has always been his general lack of star quality.

That and he just isn’t THAT good of a singer.

Danny seem to have a great love for the Versace brand.

ETA: I worship at the Temple of Kristen.

My bad! I said Alexis sang “Natural Woman.” Aretha on the brain, over here.

Yes, folks, thanks for correcting me: she sang “Never Loved a Man.” And I still don’t think her voice was so great. The key, remember, is whether the voice is strong enough to carry many styles of song not just one. Another reason David Cook was, the more think about it, pretty dang brilliant.

But Alexis did show herself to be a performer with personality-plus. For all she misses her baby, she’s clearly very ambitious career-wise and ready to lay all she’s got out there on the stage.

and judy, I hope you are well. so many women I know have had breast cancer, and thanks to much advanced treatment lately people are doing really well. don’t know you, but I do hope the best for you!~

Bwahahahha….Idolatry…..nailed it!!!!

Me? I like to keep my à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“ireà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  about the unfairness focused on the producers of the show. I personally refuse to blame the contestants because I know that they have little control over it (they may feed the beast a few snacks, but they do not control it). And, once the producers have gotten whatever it is they wanted out of the contestant, they will leave the contestant twisting in the wind.

I do not think that Danny is the chosen one. He is being played and will be used like many have before him. I cannot hate him for that.

And as you say, ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s a silly show. Even the producers are not worth hating when there are people like Mugabe out there.

One huge word to this. Danny is being used, the producers are sleazy. We shouldn’t care at all . . . yet we do.

And holy cow, that Idolatry was right onà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦

In so many ways. That image of Kara as the toy monkey was hysterical. I think that show is getting funnier by the day.

The key, remember, is whether the voice is strong enough to carry many styles of song not just one. Another reason David Cook was, the more think about it, pretty dang brilliant.

Cook didn’t adapt to genres. He adapted the genres to his sound, mostly through covers of covers. It was a brilliant strategy, for sure.

Now, can Alexis do that? I have no clue. I’m not going to count anyone out yet. If I had, I would have counted Cook out at this stage, and look what he did!

It seems like peeps are most excited about Adam and Matt of the remaining contestants. I hope someone comes out of the pack and grabs us!

What I don’t get with this whole Danny storyline and their chosen Top 36 how they will fit in their try to attract a younger demographic.

Cook didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t adapt to genres. He adapted the genres to his sound

My hope is that Adam and maybe Matt are in for something like that.

And I hope Von step up. The boy can sing if he want.

collette – thanks for asking. I’m doing really well due to early detection. Get your mammograms! Just had reconstruction surgery on Monday and got a nice new set of boobs. sorry, MJ, had to throw that in since it’s my payoff after all this crap!

Back to idol………The guy I’m really looking forward to seeing is Kai (is that his name?) He’s another one with a sad backstory, but I hope he learns from this Danny thing and just sings his ass off.

Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m sure sheà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢d love to slap a few of them with her inauguration hat.

That cracked me up Gwen!!! I am one of those who LOVED Miss Aretha’s hat…that woman can do no wrong for me!

Having Aretha as a mentor would be freakin’ awesome! But I too don’t think I could stand an evening of AI hopefuls butchering her sngs.

If it’s not Danny being dissected, it’s going to be someone else. Isn’t that part of the whole idol thing on the net? He seems to be very popular outside of the internet AI bubble so will probably go far in the competition.

It’s not the late wife stuff I mind so much as the “inspirational bullshit. I. can. not. stand. that approach towards music. I like his voice and want to hear more before taking a stand on him. It’s his singing I’m interested in not the producer-manipulated backstory shit.

It’s little Alexis I really like and am rooting for her…I think she is really current in look and can probably sing other genres as well as the soul-vibey thing.

I loved that Idoltary – pretty funny and absolutely right!

Did no one but me think that Rickey Braddy was the best singer Tuesday night? I feel so alone….sob…

OTOH, if you are asking who was Rickey Braddy, I can fully understand it, since he was the *wallflower* who was ignored throughout the pre-competition part of the show and sang, Leon Russell’s “I’m Singing this Song For You.”

Randy, Paula and Newbie loved it, Slimon commented, “Great vocal, doesn’t see star quality, etc.”

Hard to see it, Slimon, with one song and no pre-hype. OTOH, Slimon did make the correct comment on Danny, that he just doesn’t see all the hype yet.

But, Slimon, I have to ask, Where have you been *not* to have seen the hype? Maybe the better comment was, *I’m not buying into all this hype*

At least Paula did have the decency to mention that no one has seen Rickey until Tuesday night. I find that rather sad. He did have a beautiful voice and I say *did* because he’s gone, not even forgotten though, since you have to be remembered in order to be forgotten, right?

I did download his performance from I-tune. I tried!!!!

jodeb, I thought Ricky was wonderful! I could delusional, but still have hopes that he gets called back for the wild card round.

HE, was the best male of the night!

I also did download Rickey’s performance and hope Idol see that he is worth a second look.
And I still hope that Paula mentioned his name earlier is an indication that they have him on the list.

Jodeb, count me in as one who thought Ricky was the top vocal of the night. Contrary to what usually happens, I found myself comparing all the others to him throughout the night as opposed to forgetting about him because he was #2 in singing order. I really can’t imagine him not winning a Wild Card spot, but you just never know on this show. He’s a bit shy, but that’s what I enjoy about this show….watching the underdog transform into a confident star before our eyes. I hope Ricky gets that opportunity because he’s more than earned it!

Ricky definitely needs to be in the top 12. :thumbup_tb:

That Rickey gave the first or second best performance Tues and yet didn’t get as many votes as Michael, Danny and Anoop proves Simon’s point.
Rickey does lack the star power. Whether it is his look, the way he dresses or his manner of singing, who knows? That great performance simply did not translate into votes.
So Rickey is the first victim of the revised format, which is a shame because there is a real sense of decency about him.

Butt if there is a wildccard among the discards Tuesday night, my choice would be Anoop based up vocal ability and potential star power.

Then Stephen Fowler.

Then Rickey.

Contestants are getting more and more savy with their own personal backstories. They have watched enough American Idol to know that the best way to get screen time (if you don’t have a killer voice and good performing skills) is to highlight a personal tragedy on their application. You can’t tell me that during the initial cattle call a 20 second sing wins you a spot to audition in front of the judges without their being something that sets you apart from the rest. Jordin tried out in two different cities and it wasn’t until she had “Arizona Idol” on her resume that she got through.

That being said, it is what the contestant does about their own personal back story, once they have gotten past the judges, that counts. When they do the sound bites, or the on camera bits it’s how they present themselves. If they “play” into the producers hands by providing too much personal information they should be ready for the consequences.

Personally I find it sad that the voting audience is so easily manipulated and can’t see between the hype and the true talent of an individual. To this point I haven’t seen anyone, on the show itself (Youtube videos aside) that have shown themselves to be anyone that would make me want to buy a CD. Hopefully, some real talent will imerge down the line.

I don’t think Ricky has any less star quality than Danny and Michael. Those two are some of the blandest finalists ever, imo. Michael has all the star quality of Matt Rogers and Danny reaches for his cheeseburger and points. If they had shown one good Hollywood performance from Ricky, it might have been enough.

I think Ricky might be called back for the WC, but I don’t think he’ll make it through. I think the judges might use the WC to make the gender balance a little more even (i.e., if America votes in 6 guys and 3 girls, they’ll add 1 guy and two girls) or add a little ethnic diversity to the group. I think Anoop will get a WC spot unless he blows it.

New episode of Idolatry is online

Well, that says it all really..

I hate to keep asking but…. someone tell one more time… Once the top 3 are selected from each group of 12, how exactly does this wildcard thing work. Sorry to be dense.

That idolatry episode was HILARIOUS!

Lu, I’ll explain the best I can based on an article that was in another thread. I had wondered this myself. I think the problem may be that nothing clear has bee stated yet.

It seems that the next highest voted getter for each 12 (ie. Anoop(?)) will come back for the wild card. In addition, the judges will choose additional ones to come back. IIRC the article said there can be up to 9 or 10 in the WC round.

I hope this helps and maybe someone else has more clarity on it.

I think the main problem with this season is that so far there hasnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t been a performance that had people go à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“OMG! THAT WAS AMAZINGà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ .

Actually, I DID have that reaction after sassy little Alexis sang. I enjoyed it that much, maybe b/c my expectations for others were so high and I was mostly disappointed.

OK, we know that AI went to Danny and Michael’s churches this weekend – so we get the promotion of the wholesome Christian values guy(s). Having Adam in the TOP 12 may shake up some of the Christian values voters to rally against an openly gay contestant. Maybe even more than one? More open-minded fans will rally for their guy.

Does anyone remember the drama Mandisa set up the week she left? The boards were buzzing. New posters came aboard on all blogs. DRAMA!

Maybe after all this, Alexis emerges as a Final Two contestant?

^^^ I hope someone will give me their view on my theory of manipulation.

Aretha revealed in the Detroit Free Press that she does watch American Idol.

I read that Simon paid the mortgage for Fantasia’s house.

I have no problem with Alexis saying she missed her little girl. AI often does an editting on interview comments.

Having Adam in the TOP 12 may shake up some of the Christian values voters to rally against an openly gay contestant. Maybe even more than one? More open-minded fans will rally for their guy.

Is Adam openly gay? Cool. Where have i been?