Idol Headlines for 5/9/08

Eek. I had no idea the ratings were hitting five year lows. That’s getting major. Things were actually ok until IGB and Mariah Carey. MC, ALW and ND have really hurt the show.

But I think the main problem is the contestants. They are all predictable one trick ponies. They’re exactly the same in May as they were in Februrary. No one surprises, changes, evolves. Even minor things like changing their clothing styles hasn’t happened this season. They made a big mistake going with “artists.” They need to go back to amateurs who take a chance with everything thrown at them. It’s a reality TV show not a variety show.

Season 6 which everyone hated has crushed this Season in ratings because it least it had some goofy fun to it – silly scandals, etc. Once the audience realized that Brooke, Jason, the Davids and Syesha would do the same thing every week no matter what the theme, they turned off the show.

And then compare season 6 to season 5. The contestants in season 5 were much more interesting than in season 6.

I think the Jason articles are a little misleading at least IMO. I don’t think Jason didn’t care or take it seriously as much as he did all he could do given what was in front of him with the experience he had. He did not have the luxury of being familiar with many of the songs so he had to learn them from scratch. When it got to 2 songs I’m sure it was overwhelming. Also since he is a niche singer his choices were probably very limited. compared to the others.

Niche singers like Jason have really hurt the show. He and Brooke collapsed under the weight of doing two songs because they can only do one type of music. I’d rather have less talented people advance who at least try than the so-called most talented ever who collapse under the strain of breaking out of their genre.

Johns and Carly had their own problems but it would have been much better if they’d advanced past the folkies.

Season 6 which everyone hated has crushed this Season in ratings because it least it had some goofy fun to it – silly scandals,

and Season 7 didnt? At least Jason provided this season with both of those things. Thank God he and Brooke have moved on and away from the joke this year became – in the words of my NEW Idol John Norris – who better to love you than MTV – who gets you out there

And the outrage in the blogoverse about Jasonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s eye-widening, his supposedly à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“flippantà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  reaction to the judges, his lack of appropriate remorse over his blown performances, his ever-present smile. WTF do you people think this is? Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s a singing contest! If you ask me, he took it as seriously as à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“American Idolà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  ought to be taken. So, letà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s see à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  when Simon told him to pack his bags, should he have had a à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Brooke momentà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  and broken down? Should he have been shaken to the core? Please. He acknowledged that he à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“screwed upà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  two songs he knew and loved, and thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s it. No more penance is needed.

I have to believe at some point à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  maybe between Mariah Carey week and Andrew Lloyd Webber week? à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  this kid from Texas realized he was in a club that he didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t really belong, or feel all that comfortable in. Oh well. So much for a little dose of realness in à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Idol.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  It was refreshing while it lasted.

Congrats, viewers. Now youà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re back to the show just the way you like it: polished, scrubbed, respectful, and boring. A future Broadway star, another Daughtry andà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦(cough) I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t even know what to call that study in arrested development.

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I really do not think Jason Castro and Brooke are the same thiey have different personalities. The contestants react differently based on who they are some girls and guys cry others do not. One does not have a bearing on the other and not clones.

No probelm w/ Jason C reaction just the precieved that he did not care about being thier which was false..after Pualagate jason was in a catch22 position. This is from someone right now whom is not really into his personality.

Side note-IMO-onercomming a disablity or stagefright(anxiety) to fight it to fallow your dreams is gutsey….Elliott and Brooke( time for ya to leave though) get a star .

Yeah, I have to admit to agreeing with pretty much everything John Norris said. In my opinion, Jason made the show this year – so different strokes, I guess. I’ll be happy to purchase his indie album.

But I think the main problem is the contestants. They are all predictable one trick ponies. Theyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re exactly the same in May as they were in Februrary. No one surprises, changes, evolves. Even minor things like changing their clothing styles hasnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t happened this season. They made a big mistake going with à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“artists.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  They need to go back to amateurs who take a chance with everything thrown at them. Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s a reality TV show not a variety show.

I remember back in Season 5, the big complaint from the pundits was that the Season lacked a “moment” like Fantsia’s “Summertime”, hence TPTB manufactured one for Katharine McPhee.

The last few weeks have been lackluster, but over all, there have been many great moments this Season. David Cook, for one, has done some pretty amazing things, including totally busting out of his rock genre to perform a musical theater number.

I don’t think TPTB should stop casting artists over singers because one or two individuals they chose could not handle the pressure. It had more to do with those individuals, rather than the fact that they were well-rounded artists, imo.

I think the restrictive themes have been one of the big problem this year. I’d like to see past casts make it past some of the hurdles this seasons’s cast had. I don’t think they would have done a better job.

The huge thing, is that after 7 years, Idol is getting a big long in the tooth. A ratings drop was inevitable.

There may be tons of fan interest in Jason on the Internet but Paulagate and the “Jason” controversies did nothing for the ratings. The two eliminations that mobilized Jason’s fans (Paulagate and Top 4) have been the lowest in 5 years. That’s dire. I’m not singling him out for blame just saying that the “controversies” aren’t driving the ratings up this season.

I think that alot of the drop in ratings has to do with everything being too predictable. I think adding interesting artists is a good thing, in general. It’s a 7 year old show. It’s still the highest rated show on television (CSI is sometimes close, I guess). The point is, I think calling it dire, when pretty much all shows are showing dropping ratings is jumping the gun. YMMV

ETA: Oops, MJ beat me to the 7 year old show thought!

Eh, I hope they don’t go too over the top with the changes for next year. It’s not THAT bad. They just need some balance. Mix “artists” with amateurs, mix “old” themes with contemporary music, make a few tweaks to the format, and we’re off. It’s still a multi-generational family show, so if they go to far in any one direction they will turn some segment off. Besides, the season isn’t even over yet. This Idol is dead talk happens every year.

I think Taylor provided most of the moments in Season 5 – I’m thinking “Taking It to the Streets”/ “Play that Funky Music”/ both of his songs on Elvis night….Daughtry and Elliott had a couple “moments” as well, IMO.

I hope they drop the Themes too and let each singer try to shine in his or her own genre. Then I think that you could really see a whole lot of “moments” within each show, each week – not just one or two. Let them practise their butts off each week on songs they know and love and can connect to. I then think that would be something I would like to see anyways.

The Idol is dead talk does get generated each year I will bet by some folks at the other stations but only this year have we started to see a decline in the ratings – I thought the 7 year itch only related to marriage??

I seriously think they’re divesting from the show and will take it down in 2010 (when Simon’s contract runs out). For now they’re milking advertising money as much as they can, and don’t mind losing some ratings in the process.

AI will be replaced by X-Factor or a similiar type show … mark my words.

I think Taylor provided most of the moments in Season 5 – Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m thinking à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Taking It to the Streetsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ / à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Play that Funky Musicà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ / both of his songs on Elvis nightà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦.Daughtry and Elliott had a couple à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“momentsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  as well, IMO.

Not according to people who write about Idol. I remember the complaining in the press about the lack of a “water cooler moment” distinctly. There was more hub bub about “Halelujah” in the press the next morning than there was for any one particular performance during Season 5. Well, except maybe for “Over the Rainbow”.

. There was more hub bub about à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Halelujahà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  in the press the next morning than there was for any one particular performance during Season 5. Well, except maybe for à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Over the Rainbowà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ .

Both Jason. Heh.

I think that people who have had previous recording chances shouldn’t be allowed. Then again, just because she’d already had “a chance”, I hadn’t heard of Carly before AI.

I hope they go back to dropping restrictive themes for the top 24. I’m sad to think about AI’s demise, as I love these cheesy show.

Really? My office had people doing impressions of Taylor’s TI2TS. Everyone talked about Idol every week that year, at my office, and most talk was around Taylor & Daughtry. I can hardly find anyone watching it this year to talk to me about it…

Niche singers like Jason have really hurt the show. He and Brooke collapsed under the weight of doing two songs because they can only do one type of music. Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢d rather have less talented people advance who at least try than the so-called most talented ever who collapse under the strain of breaking out of their genre.

Johns and Carly had their own problems but it would have been much better if theyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢d advanced past the folkies.

Here’s the thing though… that’s is not really the producer’s fault. The top 24 was pretty diverse. Even when you just look at all those who were pimped, it was a well rounded bunch in terms of experience level, personalities and musical types. The public got rid of all the people who would have provided what you were looking for. How are TPTB supposed to fix that?

I think that, to a degree, they can only do so much. It’s kind of a crapshoot once they turn it over to America.

Calimari

That’s how I see it too but Taylor was from Alabama so the home state hero drove part of that too. But ratings don’t lie and season five was tops. And it didn’t drop when Daughtry was voted off.

Sumi you summed up my thoughts

I think niche artists are great- it introduces America to different styles of music. The problem is the restrictive themes. What do you think would have happened if you let the contestants sing whatever they wanted including originals? I bet Jason Castro would still be in there. I bet Syesha definitely would not be and I doubt David Archuleta would be.

I’m talking about the press. Idol reporters were bitching in articles that Season 5 lacked a “moment”. And it was more than one reporter. TPTB were so desperate for that moment, they created one for Katharine when she sang “Over the Rainbow” for that year’s Top 3.

There was more hub bub about à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Halelujahà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  in the press the next morning than there was for any one particular performance during Season 5. Well, except maybe for à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Over the Rainbowà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ .

Both Jason. Heh.

I think mj was referring to Kat’s Rainbow version, longsong.

Yeah, but that was a “manufactured moment”. Jason’s was REAL.

I like Hicksaholics idea! They should let contestants do their own songs. It wouldn’t be a disadvantage to those who don’t write. The songs might be really bad. But it would be INTERESTING.

….Kinda like Syesha is desperately trying to manufacture moments now with her “First black or first female president”.

It’s like she’s totally forgotten Fantasia ever existed.

I did not see this posted so I’m posting the link to Ken Barnes’ Idol Chatter, USA Today, post of Jason’s media Q&A yesterday. It puts to rest a lot of the rumors. It is long so I will just post some of it.

USA Today

I agree they should not have had theme nights for the Top 24. That was deadly. AI is still the #1 show on TV so maybe dire was too strong.

I still think Hollywood week was horrible this year. It’s a soap opera and they need to get the characters in place during Hollywood week. Plus all 24 don’t have to be so talented. A few could be characters, different, interesting back stories etc.

I think people believe the show is rigged, so, why bother watching? How long have Simon & Randy been saying it will be the 2 Davids in the finale? There isn’t an air of suspense. We’ve watched as each contestant who stood in the way of their, real or not, agenda, have dropped. The chosen one has gotten away with things that others were slammed. Yes, I’m talking about Archie getting away more than once with forgotten lyrics. He did get called on it early in the season, but, since then, it went unnoticed by the judges, but, not the viewing audience.

They need to have more songs cleared for the contestants, and, give them more time to practice. They keep tooting, this is a singing competition. So, allow them time to do just that, and, cut some of the other fluff. They need more time to rest. This is something all contestants have complained about since the beginning of the show. And, the further they go in the competition, the more they pile on.

No apology to Jason for judging him before he sang. It all turned into spin city for Paula. People don’t take kindly to these things. The judges aren’t judging, they are on a preplanned script or agenda to manipulate the outcome. People think their votes don’t count. We like to think they do, but, do they really?

They added themes for the top 24 this year. That was a huge mistake. Maybe get rid of Randy. Wayne Brady would be a good replacement. The way he has slobbered over David A. this year has been totally creepy and nauseating.

There’s so much wrong with this show, yet so much right. I believe that Jason had what might have been a moment with Hallelujah, and, possibly SOTR. Yet, they still didn’t want him to win. Sure, he lacked the experience, but, their constant throwing him under the bus, didn’t help him grow.

All I know is that they way they acted this year, has turned off a lot of viewers, who more than likely wont’ return for the next season.

“Manufactured” or not, Kat’s SOTR was easily one of the best performances ever on the show. Including all seven seasons. TPTB could give her whatever they wanted, but she still had to deliver. She could, and she did.

**

As for the declining ratings, I don’t think the talent has much to do with it; in my opinion, the singing this year is as good as it’s ever been. Just as good as S5, I would say. So what is it? I’m not sure… for one, the competition doesn’t seem as “fun” this year. I think people have said on here before that there’s not really a sense of camaraderie among the contestants like there has been in the past, and I would agree. Season Three, despite being one of the less overall-talented seasons, was a blast to watch because you could tell all the kids were rooting for each other.

Of course, they may still be that way. But something about the show, I’ll admit, is becoming a little stale. Or maybe too professional. Or not enough.

I don’t know.

Manufacturedà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  or not, Katà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s SOTR was easily one of the best performances ever on the show. Including all seven seasons. TPTB could give her whatever they wanted, but she still had to deliver. She could, and she did.

I disagree. For me, the “manufactured” part INCLUDED her delivery.

I don’t think Kat’s SOTR was all that great. It was a polished performance, but no emotion whatsoever.

No apology to Jason for judging him before he sang. It all turned into spin city for Paula. People donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t take kindly to these things. The judges arenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t judging, they are on a preplanned script or agenda to manipulate the outcome. People think their votes donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t count. We like to think they do, but, do they really?

Not only that, but after ripping Jason to shreds after his last performance, there was no softening the next night, it was somehow centered on Syesha for crying instead. The judges weren’t mean to her at all – it was Jason they were over the top with.

For me personally SOTR was what brought me to Jason and then I went back and listened to each live performance and each studio version. It opened my mind to him – as they say on ANTM – you need a signature walk (yes I do watch that too from time to time) one that when they see you – even if you have a bag over your head, they KNOW it is you. I believe Jason has the signature voice. My oldest son had me sit down and listen to Sublime and compare the “type” to Jason to understand why he and the kids at highschool get Jason and liked him. I bet if Sublime had tried to start out on AMERICAN IDOL they would have been misunderstood just as much.

There is a crazy rumor on the scary boards that a deal was made with Jason on Monday to go home. Has anyone else heard anything about it?

David Cook’s Billie Jean has over a million views(on youtube) and then Jasons Sotr is right behind that following with David A’s Imagine.

The scary boards have a TON of crazy rumors. They’re rarely true.

Hereà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s the thing thoughà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦ thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s is not really the producerà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s fault. The top 24 was pretty diverse. Even when you just look at all those who were pimped, it was a well rounded bunch in terms of experience level, personalities and musical types. Th

I agree with this Tina-in the beginning I thought – gosh – they are all so good in so many different ways – I had no clear favorite for awhile. I even thought the girl who copied Brittany Spears was good. Just have her on imitating a different singer each week would have been entertaining

David Cook, for one, has done some pretty amazing things, including totally busting out of his rock genre to perform a musical theater number.

I KNOW he was awesome and then Simon says, uh, I like the rocker Dave better, this is good but not you (uh duh!) – you cant win it seems sometimes

Aw, I just noticed that Archie’s the new VFTW pick!

LOL. The caricature is hilarious!

To me season 5 had many great moments…many of them coming from Elliott Yamin. Those moments came fom his great singing (no pimping ) Elliott was so amazing because you could actually watch him developing, everyweek he went out there and gave it 100% .He took the critcism’s with such grace and humbleness because he really wanted to do the best he could do. Elliott provided many shining moments that year..God bless him

I agree with all those who say that the declining ratings are just Idol showing its age. And while the decline IS significant, the show is still a powerhouse, and it’s not going anywhere anytime soon.

As for the press complaining that no one in Season 5 had a moment, I remember that, and I also remember thinking that Elliott’s “Moody’s Mood for Love” was the closest anyone ever got to a true moment this year. But, IIRC, that was still in the semi-finals, so I guess it didn’t “count.” Whatever.

Katà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s SOTR was easily one of the best performances ever on the show.

LOL. But everyone’s entitled to their opinion.

I actually hated most of the theme nights this year. ALW, Mariah Carey to name my top 2 least favorites. Whatever happened to Motown?

And, I happen to disagree that if you can sing, you can sing anything. But, that is what a recording artist is for the most part, a niche singer. Everyone seems to relate screeching and glory noting for talent.

I wouldn’t want to hear Elvis doing ALW, or John Denver doing rock. How about the Beatles doing opera?

This top 3 is the most boring ever, since maybe season 3. I didn’t care for Fantasia, but, at least she had personality. I think they were going for a do over of season 2 with Ruben/Clay/Kim Locke. What they left out of that equation is that none of the 3 have similar personalities. There isn’t any fun left in this year’s show. Yes, Cook has shown his goofy side off the stage, but, has been subdued while on stage. They act like they’re scared to death to blink.

I have a question about the tour. Will Archie and his dad be riding on the same bus with the other guys, or will he have his own short bus for the tour? If his dad is with them, that will be a downer for the guys.

I’d agree that the Idol ratings decline has more to do with the shows age than anything else. I still think season 3 was the worst, and it got good ratings. I think that this year’s group is EXTREMELY talented and have really enjoyed watching the show!

Don’t get me started on Kat’s manufactured SOTR moment. If it hadn’t been for that, I doubt she would have made the finale. The votes were so close top 3 week that year. I think it’s great that Jason was able to make his own moment with that song.

I’m torn about the themes for top 24. I wonder if Jason would have chosen Hallelujah without a theme in place. That performance was really what set him sailing. Maybe someone should ask him about that? Or would DC have sang Hello? I mean, there were some fantastic performances even with the use of themes.

And that VFTW caricature is probably the funniest one I’ve ever seen. I thought Jason’s was funny, but this definitely tops it.

They keep tooting, this is a singing competition. So, allow them time to do just that, and, cut some of the other fluff. They need more time to rest. This is something all contestants have complained about since the beginning of the show. And, the further they go in the competition, the more they pile on.

Agree totally! I have been wondering if some of David A’s cracked vocals are because of tiredness. His voice hasn’t yet matured as much as the older contestents.
Also, I always wonder how they manage to practice more songs when they go home and then have the finale songs and routines to learn.

I actually hated most of the theme nights this year. ALW, Mariah Carey to name my top 2 least favorites. Whatever happened to Motown?

I agree, and it seems like whenever the theme nights are limited to the music of a particular artist, the results are disastrous. I understand why they do it — they can get clearance for all the songs right off the bat so none of the contestants get that bad “sorry, we couldn’t get your song through” news at the last minute — but still. Broader genres that showcase a variety of music (both style-wise AND time-wise) would, I think, suit this show better.

I feel that the slump in ratings has less to do with the contestants this year and more to do with the simple same-ol, same-ol and viewer fatigue, as several have stated before.

It is STILL the No. 1 rated show and I do not see them putting a halt to Idol in any form as long as it can stay in the top 10, even the top 20. If the show works enough to keep it fairly high in the ratings, they will most certainly keep it on. It keeps Fox on the map and they will not let it go, even if Simon leaves and it undergoes other personnel changes.

Among all the people I know who watch Idol, Season 5 is still the most talked about, most passionately followed year for them (and for me). Not a statistical sampling that means much, but it sure has been interesting for me to see the drop-off of interest in the show with those around me.

I’m so glad that Simon brought up the “current” issue. I didn’t really pay attention to ALW night or ND night. I was sooooo not interested. I would have been if it hadn’t been so many bland themes so close together. We needed a current charts them thrown in the middle there.

Also, I think the declining ratings are somewhat the voters fault because for the last two years some of the more interesting contestants in the top 24 didn’t make it far.

Season 6 which everyone hated has crushed this Season in ratings because it least it had some goofy fun to it – silly scandals, etc

Not everyone hated it. I quite enjoyed it.

As for the ratings decline, I think it’s a combination of factors. There’s a natural decline due to the show’s age. Starting the themes in the semi’s has really made this season drag along at a snail’s pace. People are tired of it, and the predictable outcome doesn’t help. Finally, ratings are down in general. I’m sure there are many who just watch it on the Internet at their leisure. I have a casual viewing friend who just catches individual performances on youtube. She’s not invested enough to sit through all the filler.

I don’t think the show is in any danger. It’ll be interesting to see what happens when Simon’s contract ends.

I like how a lot of people, in general, complain that the contestants are boring, yet 2 of the 3 left were probably the 2 most boring from the get-go. If people don’t want boring, then they shouldn’t vote for boring!

Brooke and Jason are far from boring…both of them are great characters and fun to have on TV. Carly, with her bad clothes, strange tattoo, Irish accent, and fun personality all rolled into one, was not boring. MJ wasn’t boring…you get the picture. We could have a really fun top 3 if made up of any two of these people plus DC. But no, we’re stuck with SyMEsha and Gaspchuleta.

Aww, I liked Kat McPhees’ “Over The Rainbow”. I’m not a big fan of hers, but she did it well. LOL.

Word to the voters advancing the boring people. But then again, I think Syesha in particular has more to do with great timing, i.e.: starting to hit a stride just as others were flaming out. If Carly had gotten it together sooner or Brooke/Jason had not hit a wall, one of them would probably be there instead of Syesha. She’s like the default answer on your online quiz. Hee.

Aww, I liked Kat McPheesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Over The Rainbowà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ . Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m not a big fan of hers, but she did it well. LOL.

You know, in all honesty, I liked it, too. But I liked it for what I thought it was — one of Katharine’s better performances. I really resented the fact that it was being sold as The Moment when, to me, it just wasn’t. And it didn’t seem to fly with the press, either. Which ties right into seasons 6 and 7 — TPTB haven’t tried that particular trick again, have they? I suppose the big moment from last season was Jordin’s “I Who Have Nothing,” but IMO there’s been nothing similarly great this year, and unless there are particularly sneaky machinations Tuesday, TPTB don’t seem to have promoted any particular performance as a “moment,” either.

No moment this year? Really? How about “Billie Jean”, “Let it Be”, “Halleluliah”, “She’s a Woman” – all moments to me. Just like “My Funny Valentine”, “And I Am Telling You”, “You Give Love a Bad Name” and “I Who Have Nothing” last year. Am I the only one? Maybe I’m just easy to please.

I really think that when a show is starting to lose steam, people just naturally go looking for a reason. Sometimes though, it’s not something all that tangible. The novelty wore off, some of the old AI magic seems gone, so now everyone can come up with things to fix – better themes! better contestants! better judges! – but really, would the themes have mattered a bit in season 2? Would Randy’s critiques really effect ratings if they improved? The truth is, the ratings may never go back to where they were and we may never know why. The show is old. It happens. I really feel that’s about all there is to it.

I agree – She’s a Woman was definitely a moment. I bought the iTunes version and it is dullsville. Chikezie was just so in the zone that night. I wish he could have kept that up.

For me, Let it Be wasn’t that great vocally, but Brooke’s emotions MADE it a moment. I cried right along with her.

She’s A Woman doesn’t hold up on ITunes, Karen? Aww, that’s disappointing. But I’m with you on Brooke, I cried with her that night. Fantasia made me do that when she sang her cheesy coronation song, but that was the only other time I cried while watching Idol.

And I forgot about “Imagine”. That was a moment too!

I didn’t think “Imagine” was a moment. The vocals were flawless but the song lost it’s soul (IMO). Like the guy in the MTV article above stated – it’s an anti-establishment, song that was washed and rung dry for AI.

ETA: The moments for me, have been “Billie Jean” , “Hallelujah” and “SOTR”.

LOL. It’s a bit early (as in, the season isn’t over), but so far, here are the Top 10 Memorable Moments from S7 for me (remember, they are Memorable…not necessarily MOMENTS):

1) Chikezie – “She’s a Woman” – Chikezie – At that point in the competition, I was ready for Chikezie to GO HOME. He was a good singer, but unimaginative. I was even going to skip over his performance. Man, was I glad I watched it before reading anything about it. He knocked that one out of the park. He was a man transformed that night. Lightening in the bottle. Truly demonstrated that one performance can get you back into the competition.

2) Michael Johns – “It’s All Wrong, But It’s All Right” – Here is another dude that I had started to give up on. He was great in Hollywood, but he hadn’t quite put it together for a performance night. He blew me away with this one. So much emotion. So much edge. Brilliant. iTunes version is just as good (if not better) than the performance night.

3) Luke Menard – “Wake me up before you Go-go” – Ei-yi-yi! What was this guy thinking? Wow. Quintessentially the wrong song to sing, but he looked like he was having fun. He did go-go, but I shan’t be forgetting him and his Bobby Bennett-style choice.

4) Syesha – “One Rock and Roll Too Many” – Let’s face it, Syesha never really connected with a song until she hit this one. She picked pretty boring and predictable songs just like Lakisha had before her (even many of the same songs). I did like her “Me and Mr Jones” and “Yesterday”, but they were just okay for me. This is the one where she picked an unpredictable (and almost unknown song), tricked up the arrangement to suit her and blew it out of the water. Sure, there were wonky notes, but I was having too much fun to notice the first time through.

5) Robbie Carrico his “wigs” and his “well, I dress like a rock star so I must be one”. LOL. Rock on, Robbie!

6) David Cook – “Hello” – I thought this guy was a smarmy git until he did this song. Then he became interesting.

7) Brooke White – “I am, I said” – She was done, but she put forth one more great performance to remind us how she got so far.

Kristy Lee Cook – “Eight Days a Week” – I shall never forget that as long as I live.

9) Jason Castro – “Daydream” – This was a textbook case of how cannon fodder should introduce themselves to the viewing audience. Pick a song that really reveals who you are and which is not a dirge. Come out with some life. Be memorable. Be fun. Jason went from fodder to front runner with one song. That’s how it’s done folks. Take notes.

10) Amanada Overmeyer – The hair. Woah. I also remember her for “You Can’t do That”. She’d had two rough weeks. Been picked by VFTW and she still came out and knocked our socks off. Never give up. Never surrender!

This was also a year that the scandals kept hitting the wire. From “ExperienceGate” to “StripperGate” to “SantaGate” to “StageParentGate” to “ArragementStealingGate” to “PaulaGate” to “IWantToGoHomeGate”. Two more weeks to go. I wonder how many “Gates” we can get in.

Just FYI – picked this off the HickHQ site -
“American Idolà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  winner Taylor Hicks performs at the 2008 A CAPITOL FOURTH, which offers an evening of patriotic and uplifting music followed by a stunning display of fireworks over the Washington Monument.

Of course, we were going to be in DC for the 4th. Switched it to June 20th to accomodate family. Damn family…

I think Kat’s best performance was “Black Horse & Cherry Tree” simply because she really stepped out and did something different & did a good job with it, even though it had a few too many “woo hoos”.

Anybody hear if Taylor is appearing on AI next week for sure?

ETA: The moments for me, have been à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Billie Jeanà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  , à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Hallelujahà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  and à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“SOTRà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ .

I’m going to be controversial and say none of those were moments for me. By the time David did “Billie Jean” he had already pulled the “change up odd song to be perfect for me” trick one too many times. We knew he could do it. It’s like the dog that keeps retrieving the ball. Impressive the first time, but starting to get old by about the third time. New trick please. Plus, he was totally mired in “SongStealingGate” by that time.

“Hallelujah” and “OTR” used arrangements I already loved and had on my iPod. Jason just didn’t measure up to Buckley and Iz. He was good, but did not compare. IMO, of course.

That’s why “Imagine” didn’t make a memorable moment for me either. “Stand By Me” almost made the list (too soon to make the list for me) because it was a great arrangement and you could tell that David A really connected with that song. He was performing too much during “Imagine”.

To me, a moment isn’t just a great performance. It’s also a little unexpected. It must change my perception (e.g. Fantasia’s “Summertime”).

I am burned at the stake at 4 pm and 9 pm every night. New torch bearers are always welcome

To me, a moment isnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t just a great performance. Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s also a little unexpected. It must change my perception (e.g. Fantasiaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Summertimeà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ).

Ahh. I see! Well, using your definition, “She’s a Woman” and “Hello” would have been my moments this season so far.

My good torch is in the shop, so I’ll have to catch you at the next stake burn.

I wont burn you at the stake Kirsten. SOTR brought me to tears and brought me back to my sons birth, all in a minute 40, I saw such, light in that beautiful face of his and passion in the song. I did not expect that. It just depends on an individuals frame of reference I guess. You didnt say you hated it, just wasnt your cup of tea. Fantasia was never mine – so please dont burn ME now.

It just depends on an individuals frame of reference I guess.

Exactly, that’s why it is so interesting to read everybody’s reviews of the show

You didnt say you hated it, just wasnt your cup of tea.

Oh, but it was my cup of tea. I loved Jason’s performances of “Hallelujah” and “Over the Rainbow”. Well chosen, well sung, beautiful performances. I truly enjoyed them. A lovely cup of Earl Grey tea. But, I already liked Jason and knew his vibe at that point, so it didn’t surprise me. Remember, my moments require me to be surprised. If “Hello” had have followed “Billie Jean”, “Billie Jean” would have been more of a moment for me.

I seriously disliked Fantasia for most of the season, but when she did “Summertime” I had to admit that was fantastic.

My list of the best performances of the Season 7 would be a different list than the one I posted.

Kirsten, you must be a great admirer of “Joan of Arc” by Leonard Cohen. You know being burned at the stake as often as you are! Seriously, Kirsten, your posts are always the type I look forward to you. I admire your knowledge and your insight.

PS…You are so right on à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Hallelujahà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  and “SOTR” as they were pale copies of Buckley and Iz. Funny, for all the conspiracy theories on JC, few ever accused him of the blatent theft of those arrangements.

No burning at the stake necessary, Kirsten. I understand your view completely.

A moment on Idol should be something people talk about for years. I skipped most of Idol S1-3 so I’ll list:

Kelly Clarkson – A Moment Like This (after she won)
Carrie – Alone (because Simon made that prediction)
Elliott – Moody’s Mood for Love
Chris – Hemorrhage

S7 hasn’t quite done it for me so I have no moments yet.

I hated when Simon said Kat’s SOTR was “the best in the competition” and never knew if that meant the season or just the night. He gave her the Simon stamp of approval. I don’t think a moment on Idol is for real unless the person reveals something unique about them and has later success. But I’d add

Melinda – My Funny Valentine (purely for vocal excellence)

Hemorrage – YES – I loved that and yea Kelly crying and singing that song was really touching

Despite what the press may try to force feed us (Or the Idol TPTB for that matter) as defining “moments” on Idol — or even laud a Great Performance on Idol — it is quite apparent that it certainly depends on the point-of-view of the viewer.

Many people pointed to Kelly Clarkson’s “Stuff Like that There” as a moment, but just as many picked “Natural Woman.” Personally, the Idol standout performance in S 1, for me, was Tamyra’s “A House is Not a Home.”

Ditto in S 2. Some say the moment was Clay’s “Solitaire” but others pointed to “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” Some picked Kimberly or Ruben as having the defining moment that year.

And on and on…..

The glory of this show is finding a very special song rendition that you or I the viewer just hands down get goose bumps over. There have been many of those for me, even in seasons I wasn’t crazy about.

It is one reason I keep coming back to watching year after year. Something is going to make me go “Wow!” ……(or not) …… But it may not be what makes someone else think he or she heard something special. Case in point: McPhee’s “Over the Rainbow.” Good, but not the best by a long shot. Kimberly Locke outshone her vocally on that one. But, then, that is MY perspective.

Second case in point: All the “best performances ever” lists. How many people agree with every single choice on those lists? Or feel something better was left off? (Raising my hand here)

OH, my bad Kirsten – (I will go crawl up on that stake myself and give you a match). I wasnt into him until that point so I guess that would be my surprise one and I can relate in that way. At that point I went backwards and really checked out the rest of his stuff and that was all she wrote.

OH, my bad Kirsten – (I will go crawl up on that stake myself and give you a match).

No matches for me. I’m already covered in kerosene.

It is easy to misunderstand on the blog, because we try to be brief (not always succeeding) and that leaves room for interpretation. That’s why I clarified when I was not clear.

Ha – thanks Kirsten!

Hey, let’s not forget Clay Aiken doing Solitaire, or Bo Bice acapella, In A Dream. That was a MOMENT!

I disagree, of course, that Jason’s versions of SOTR, and, Halleujah were pale in comparison to the originals. I listened to both originals, and, then to Jasons, and, actually preferred his. But, to each his/her own, as they say.

No one has answered my question about little David, his dad, and, the bus tour. Having daddy Archuleta on board would put a huge restriction on the rest of the guys. Maybe they can just pull him along on his tricycle behind the bus???

Kirsten, I just read your comment above the SOTR comment and I swear I am not that dense, if I had read that first I would have got what you were saying in your following remarks. I have to laugh at myself sometimes. I think I have mentioned SOTR about a trillion times on this blog – I believe next time I see those four letters I will steer clear and contain myself.

I seem to agree a lot with you, skylight. Yes, Clay Aiken and Solitaire; Bo Bice acapella, In a Dream; Jason’s SOTR and Halleujah. As mentioned, Stand By Me is my favorite song, so David A. did provide a moment.

After watching all seven seasons, I have chosen Kimberley Locke as my favorite female (with Diana DeGarmo next). I am so happy she was in Season 2 and NOT Season 3. I wanted Clay and Kimberly in the Finale.

Yes, we all have different tastes.

Funny, for all the conspiracy theories on JC, few ever accused him of the blatent theft of those arrangements.

That’s because the original arrangements were acknowledged at the time of the performance.

That said, I never had an issue with David C’s borrowing of arrangements, either. Sounds like he did try to acknowledge them, too.

The only one who seems to get away with borrowing arrangements and not acknowledging them is Archie.

ETA: Bo’s “Within a Dream” was most def a moment for me.

I would say I have my own criteria for what makes up a “moment” for me.

There’s something about witnessing a contestant fall completely into the “zone”. The stars align and something special and otherworldly happens–all on live TV. It’s something that can’t ever be recreated too. That’s why I hate when contestants re-perform the song. It’s never as special as that first time. I actually became SICK of “Summertime” by the time S3 ended. I think Fantasia sang it 3 times. The magic was gone.

That’s why I kinda hope Jason doesn’t sing “Hallelujah” next week on the talk shows. He probably will, though. It’s a good thing I have the live recording I can re-watch.

I think that people who have had previous recording chances shouldnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t be allowed. Then again, just because sheà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢d already had à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“a chanceà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ , I hadnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t heard of Carly before AI.

longsong, this professional experience thing bothered me even before the show started. I finally came up with how I feel it should be. IMO, if a contestant has had a recording contract AND released a CD, they should not be on the show. That takes out Carly, but allows Kristy Lee because her CD was shelved. It allows David Cook because he wrote and self-produced his CD, and did not have a recording contract.

The prize is a contract with a recording company and the release of a CD. If a contestant has already done this, give someone else the opportunity.

I also hope they mix in the amatuers more with the professional singers. Clay, Anthony, Elliott, and Jason all were terrific for the show!

mj, the previews of the Ellen Show showed Jason singing Daydream.

When I saw ‘Change Gonna Come’ at work Tuesday night, my first thought was, ‘Thanks Syesha for single handedly destroying what life I had on the internet.’
It has to be considered a defining moment in AI7 because in 5:38 minutes an inconsistent belter who had good taste in clothes and a hot boyfriend suddenly became the evil villian, suddenly guilty of pandering for votes, (tho I’m not to sure which demographic she was pandering to)a self obsessed artist on an ego trip, who is now using T&A to advance.

What boggles my mind is how manufactured the whole segment was, and nobody is picking up on it.
Randy’s phoney reaction, to Paula’s overaction(complete with the shot of Carly behind Paula joining in the standing ovation) to Simon’s dramatic break of the tie. Then the waterworks….

Did it work???? Well according to Ryan, the top three were all within two million votes of each other so Syesha did gain some ground
So what the heck, on Wednesday night let’s just put Syesha with Jason never mentioning who was in the bottom two thereby prolonging the myth of the kid who keeps succeeding against all odds.

It just never ends with these people.

Grammie – I agree. They just need a more balanced mix. This season seemed a bit light on the “ordinary joe” side.

I think Jason singing “Daydream” is an EXCELLENT choice! It perfectly captures him. I don’t recall if he played the guitar for himself on that – I hope so, there’s nothing worse than a rinky-dink piano brought in for just that purpose.

I’m trying to figure out what you’re trying to say, J.S.G. Can’t…break….code….

Thereà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s something about witnessing a contestant fall completely into the à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“zoneà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ . The stars align and something special and otherworldly happensà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’all on live TV. Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s something that canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t ever be recreated too. Thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s why I hate when contestants re-perform the song. Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s never as special as that first time.

I totally agree. I didn’t want Blake to reprise “You Give Love A Bad Name” on the finale last year. When I think of ~moment~ performances I think of that, Kelly’s “Stuff Like That There” and (as much as I hate to admit it) Constantine’s “Bohemian Rhapsody.” :lol_wp: Carrie’s “Alone” was good but it didn’t floor me the way those did. I think her jacked-up hair that night ruined it for me. Katharine’s “Over The Rainbow” was lovely too, but eh…it definitely felt like TPTB were trying too hard there so the effect was lost on me. I actually enjoyed Kat’s “Black Horse & The Cherry Tree” way more too. I still wish she’d done an album more in that style of music.

LONGSONG – LMAO

Archuleta’s Dad Banished from “Idol”

http://www.tmz.com/

Woo..

The old double team. That’s scary.

OMG! I’d wondered if they’d gotten permission for Archie to add the “Beautiful Girls” tag to “Stand By Me”…TMZ just answered my question. Ruh-roh.

Thanks for the Scooby laugh Star! The guy,JA, seems to pick until the scab comes off.

My personal list of great Ai moments when the contestants listed were totally “in the zone”:

Kelly Clarkson “You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman”
Tamyra Gray “A House is Not A Home”
Clay Aiken “Bridge Over Troubled Water”
Jennifer Hudson “Circle Of Life”
Fantasia “Summertime”
Bo Bice “In A Dream”
Carrie Underwood “Alone”
Daughtry “Dead Or Alive”
Taylor Hicks “Try A Little Tenderness”
Blake Lewis “You Give Love A Bad Name
David Cook “Billie Jean”
Jason Castro “Hallelujah”

I agree with mj that Jason’s Hallelujah was a special moment. The Buckley version is a personal fave, and hearing it on Idol, sung passionately by Castro was, for me, a complete surprise. I also agree that I hope he doesn’t sing it on the talk show circuit this week. It will lose something in that setting. I actually think he will do either SOTR or Daydream, both of which would sound great with him on guitar/ukelele, no need for a piano. I think he would probably like to have the guitar to “hide” behind on those shows. With the right staging, Hallelujah would be incredible on the tour, the full song is soooooo emotional and leaves you with such a feeling of yearning.

The moment of the whole show for me was when Jason sang “I Shot the Sheriff”. I don’t know him, and I don’t claim too but I believe that was as close to being THE Jason song (on American Idol) as possible, and I loved it.