Anoop Desai: You Tube Goodness!

Go Anoop!!! He is so versatile. I went to school with him, so I’ve been able to hear him sing many times in person and he is AMAZING. He could probably sing anything. I hope he goes far in the competition so we can hear what he comes up with for the themed weeks!

I’m really likin’ this guy. He seems so genuine and non-gimmicky, easy on the eyes and has a really nice clarity of tone. Maybe I’ll be joining “Anoop’s Troops”!?! :smiley2_tb:

I couldn’t listen to all of each of those videos, they all got to sound the same to me after a while. They did each have a very similar tempo or groove that they fell into, and assuming that Anoop continues, he’s going to need to push himself out of that comfort zone. It’ll take him a certain distance through the competition, because he definitely has skills, but at some point it’s going to hinder rather than help him and the real test will be to see if his ability goes deeper than him being a big fish in the small pond of college a’capella. Interesting that the article from that Indian website in today’s headlines section likes him as an antidote to Sanjaya’s tarnishing of the reputation of the desi community. The anti-Sanjaya, if you will.

I went to school with him

I’m jealous!

I sent Kiss Kiss to a lot of friends, and they’re all loving it. One said this should be his season, I wouldn’t go that far, yet. Boyz II Men kinda R&B usually isn’t my style, he just looks so much fun. Charming should be the word. And cute too. (So is the guy who raps in My Love BTW.)

Oh forgot, his She Has No Time amused me.

Dang, he’s pretty good. I only listened to the first one, but yeah. He could possibly go far…. I agree with Karen’s post^.

This group is tight. Niiice.

You can buy me a (non-alcoholic, please) drink anytime, Anoop.

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J/k, j/k. But really, homeboy can sing.

I registered just so I could comment. I love this guy. He’s good, and he clearly has a sense of humor. I am now watching all of the Clef Hangers videos on youtube. Also, Clef Hangers is the greatest a capella group name since I Love Treble on “The Office.”

MJ i think the group’s called Clef Hangers, not Clef Tones .

one of my favorites is Here and Now: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sfy6HpId5F0

he really is the underdog so far. i’ve been watching his clef hangers videos for the past two days! i think his audition attire was a strategic move to throw the viewers off. a simple makeover and new wardrobe will make this guy look like a star! it’s like clay 2.0! represent for us geeks AnoopDawg!

I wasn’t blown away by his audition, but these are great!

Don’t forget that Luke Menard also sang professionally in an a cappella group.

I have to say, when I hear a’capella group I immediately think of Luke Menard and I am like uh oh. I am scarred by his Wham song choice! I can’t watch the vids because I am at work, but I liked what I saw of this guy. He’s left himself plenty of room for ‘transformation’, which it sounds like would only be partially real.

luke’s voice was a bit thinner and nasally compared to anoop’s richer vocals. it’s very contemporary. i can definitely see him in the top 36.

I also love his performance of “Ordinary World”…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2f4KuAnNuk&feature=channel_page

I’m glad that Anoop has brought some national attention to the Clef Hangers! They deserve it.

As for his ultimate fate, you don’t need to screw up to be eliminated, unfortunately. Sometimes they can be trapped in a bad situation (i.e. Baylie Brown) or outright robbed for no reason (i.e. Lauren Emswiler).

Interesting that the article from that Indian website in todayà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s headlines section likes him as an antidote to Sanjayaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s tarnishing of the reputation of the desi community. The anti-Sanjaya, if you will.

Irregardless of what one thinks of Sanjaya’s talent, him being the first “Desi” on Idol to make it far helped pave the way for someone like Anoop to come along. I hope Anoop and his supporters respect that.

P.S. I think Anoop is fantastic and hope he goes far too.

The producers probably told Anoop to “dress down” like a nerd for the audition. That way they could do an amazing transformation if he makes it to the semis. They’re working the storylines extra hard this season. I know that sounds cynical but at this point I’m convinced they pretty much know who’s going to Hollywood before any of the judges see them.

How else can you explain Von Smith?

Dammit! I wasn’t going to watch this season but all the DC pimpage footage made me hang around and watch. And now I’m intrigued by this guy. His outfit for the auditions was so WTF. I mean who wears flip-flops to an audition in freakin’ Kansas City? I thought he had a nice tone to his voice and real ease about him. Not too desperate, just kinda cool.

I heart “Buy U a Drank.”

this guy is great…lot of talent this season…hopefully the judges select the best of the best

I loved à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll Make Love to Youà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ , à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Buy U a Drank/Do Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ , and à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Kiss Kissà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ . I didnt get a chance to watch them all. I love this one of IMLTY http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIMXpyHICTs

I sure hope he makes it. I am already a fan. He seems to have a great personality.

mary111, I love that one too! I was there. He has lots of charisma!

I am now torn between Anoop and Danny.

This guy’s really good.

ETA: I also thought of Luke Menard when I heard that Anoop was a part of this group.

Being a part of a group – any group – has its advantages and disadvantages. But, as with any group, there is always at least one person who stands out. At least. Luke, as much as I love Chapter 6, never struck me as that sort of person. Once Anoop opened his mouth, I was captivated.

And…yeah. I absolutely cannot say the same for Sanjaya. I’m interested as to how he “paved the way” for this guy.

I like what i’ve seen of him so far.
Pardon my ignorance though but what is a “Desi”? I’ve never heard that before.

I loved him on the show.
Hate the videos though– they seem pretty out of tune to me– and his voice sounds less rich.
But I’m rooting for him– he had a really pure tone on his AI audition which I really appreciated.
I didn’t like Lil Rounds as much as everyone else did, though she reminded me of
Fantasia. I just found her hard to connect to.

Pardon my ignorance though but what is a à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Desià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ? Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve never heard that before.

Desi (or Deshi; pronounced [ˈdÃŒ ªeË si] or [ˈdÃŒ ªeË ÃƒÅ Ã†â€™i], Hindi: à   ¤ ¦Ãƒ   ¥’ ¡Ãƒ   ¤ ¸Ãƒ   ¥Ã¢â€š ¬, Urdu: Ø ¯Ãƒâ€ºÃ…’Ø ³Ãƒâ€ºÃ…’, Punjabi: à   ¨ ¦Ãƒ   ©’ ¡Ãƒ   ¨ ¸Ãƒ   ©Ã¢â€š ¬, Ø ¯Ãƒâ€ºÃ…’Ø ³Ãƒâ€ºÃ…’) is a word originally from Sanskrit literally meaning “from the country” or “of the country”. The term “Desi” refers to a person of South Asian heritage, from either India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, or Maldives.

I love this guy. I don’t see how loose long shorts and a button down are ‘nerdy’. Preppy, sure…is preppy nerdy now? I mean….this is a family show, and they do disqualify people with ‘rockstar’ behaviors in their past. It’s not like he was wearing flood pants and a pencil protector. I’m assuming his obvious high IQ threw them for a loop. Guess what Judges, LOTS of women like clean cut smart guys with a secret sexy talent. Not all of us are into ripped jeans and tats.

Hey, in case you don’t know what a Desi is, (I didn’t,) here’s what Wikipedia says:

The term “Desi” refers to a person of South Asian heritage, from either India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, or Maldives. It is mainly used by those of South Asian origins themselves, rarely by the majority population, and carries a subtext of inclusiveness and unity. It allows South Asians to refer to their broader immigrant community, rather than requiring a specific, nationalistic label such as “Indian” or “Pakistani”. As such, its connotations are positive, alluding to the shared values, bonds and experiences of descendants of the entire region.

Till now i thought a Desi was a conga player married to either Lucy Ricardo or Lucille Ball.

JK

This guy is great. If he goes to the top 36 i think he will have my vote. I think he can really grow in the competition.

I like Anoop. I think he’s a good pure pop singer and he seems very cool and self-aware. Who knows? Maybe this is the year that AI will snag that marketable, young male pop singer.

….”Desi (or Deshi; pronounced [ˈdÃŒ ªeË si] or [ˈdÃŒ ªeË ÃƒÅ Ã†â€™i], Hindi: à   ¤ ¦Ãƒ   ¥’ ¡Ãƒ   ¤ ¸Ãƒ   ¥Ã¢â€š ¬, Urdu: Ø ¯Ãƒâ€ºÃ…’Ø ³Ãƒâ€ºÃ…’, Punjabi: à   ¨ ¦Ãƒ   ©’ ¡Ãƒ   ¨ ¸Ãƒ   ©Ã¢â€š ¬, Ø ¯Ãƒâ€ºÃ…’Ø ³Ãƒâ€ºÃ…’) is a word originally from Sanskrit literally meaning à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“from the countryà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  or à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“of the countryà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ . The term à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Desià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  refers to a person of South Asian heritage, from either India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, or Maldives.”

I have no clue how to quote but thank you.

I like him. Can’t wait to see what he can do Hollywood week. He is on my ‘ones to watch for’ list.

What I like about him is his poise. He could make some noise in this competition.

Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m interested as to how he à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“paved the wayà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  for this guy.

Well, like Bo Bice being the first “rocker” on Idol to do well, paved the way for people like Chris Daughtry and David Cook to feel comfortable enough to audition for a show like Idol. To feel like Idol would be accepting of someone like them.

Same for Sanjaya being the first Idol contestant of East Indian descent to go far on the show. It might have made it easier for Anoop to feel like he might be accepted and able to well on Idol. It might have made the producers of Idol realize the same thing and let him through the rounds.

Like it or not, Sanjaya was a FIRST.

The producers probably told Anoop to à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“dress downà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  like a nerd for the audition. That way they could do an amazing transformation if he makes it to the semis. Theyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re working the storylines extra hard this season

I thought of that too; the Bill Gates-wear felt a little too cliched to me to have happened by accident. I think Simon wants the geek he missed out on last year. However, instead of feeling all grumpy and cynical about this, I was stoked cuz I really liked Anoop!

The vids are excellent, but I don’t wanna hop onto a train quite yet in case Anoop ends up being a one & done. I highly doubt that will happen, but you never know with this show.

Yeah I REALLY like him. He’s definitely my favorite so far. My favorite videos of him would be… Buy U a Drank and I’ll Make Love to You, probably.

Same for Sanjaya being the first Idol contestant of East Indian descent to go far on the show. It might have made it easier for Anoop to feel like he might be accepted and able to well on Idol. It might have made the producers of Idol realize the same thing and let him through the rounds.

Like it or not, Sanjaya was a FIRST.

I see.

What I like about him is his poise. He could make some noise in this competition.

That’s what I noticed at first.

He seems cool. I think they would have sent him to Hollywood whether Sanjaya had happened or not.

I really like him and hope he does well.

He seems cool. I think they would have sent him to Hollywood whether Sanjaya had happened or not.

Maybe. But would have have bothered to audition?

Maybe. But would have have bothered to audition?

That’s a question he would have to answer, I think.

There are also other factors, such as – am I good enough?

Who knows? Maybe this is the year that AI will snag that marketable, young male pop singer.

Uh, they already got that marketable, young male pop singer. I think they are looking for a singer/songwriter type, but maybe I’m wrong.

Anoop has a nice voice, but it is not powerful at all (at least in the pieces I saw), and I am not at all impressed with clear articulation. I am also not sure, from the things I heard, about his range. I will be interested to see what he can do.

Maybe. But would have have bothered to audition?

Anoop is clearly intelligent and aware of his talents. The only thing he has in common with Sanjaya is that somewhere a generation or two back in their heritage, their ancestors lived in approximately the same geographic region. I don’t think Anoop looked at Sanjaya two seasons ago on AI while the ponyhawk was blowing in the breeze and said, “Yes! I can be just like that guy!”

I am from Alabama. Taylor, Bo, and Ruben are all from Alabama. That didn’t make me think I would do well on American Idol. Correlation does not equal causation.

I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t think Anoop looked at Sanjaya two seasons ago on AI while the ponyhawk was blowing in the breeze and said, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Yes! I can be just like that guy!à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 

I’m not saying it’s a matter of wanting to be like Sanjaya. But more of a matter of – “hey, look at that Indian guy go far on Idol, maybe I can too!”

ETA: I do hope Anoop does well. I also hope that if Anoop does mention Sanjaya, he doesn’t feel the need to tear him down in order to build himself up.

Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m not saying ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s a matter of wanting to be like Sanjaya. But more of a matter of – à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“hey, look at that Indian guy go far on Idol, maybe I can too!à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 

I see your point, but I still disagree. Maybe if Sanjaya had done well because of talent (and I’m not knocking Sanjaya here…I just mean that most people see Sanjaya more as a punchline than as a talented singer who’s going places). I just can’t imagine that the Indian community looks at Sanjaya and thinks ‘trailblazer’ the way that perhaps the Filipino community would view Ramiele or Jasmine Trias.

Anoop is my favorite so far. I don’t get all the hoopla about his clothing. He looks like every preppy guy I went to college with. How is what he wore any more out there than the cheap t-shirts and crappy jeans a lot of contestants wore? I don’t recall anybody “dressing” for the audition–aside from that bikini-clad chick, LOL. Button-down shirts and flip-flops are de rigeur where I went to university.

And, sorry, I don’t get how Sanjaya paved the way for Anoop any more than Elliott paved the way for Jewish-Americans. Anoop presented as a savvy, smart, talented, great-looking guy who can actually sing. I don’t give a rat’s ass what color his skin is. If he fit any stereotype, it was more the Ivy League/elite school vibe. YMMV and all that.

^Thank you.

Same for Sanjaya being the first Idol contestant of East Indian descent to go far on the show. It might have made it easier for Anoop to feel like he might be accepted and able to well on Idol. It might have made the producers of Idol realize the same thing and let him through the rounds.

Hmmm, I kinda see what you’re saying…I only know what I’ve see of and heard about Sanjaya. I’ve never heard him sing. However, I’ve come to the conclusion that he was not someone that wasn’t taken too seriously and perhaps Anoop wanted to show that someone from East Indian decent could be taken seriously.

However, I kinda doubt this was his soul motivation since he can sing, and probably wants to make something of it. IDK.

I honestly get what you’re saying about Sanjaya being a first…I have a friend from Bombay (now an American citizen) and I’m sure he would pleased to see someone doing so well, representing his heritage…if he watched the show. Come to think of it, he may even tune in if Anoop goes far.

Exactly Bootstar. I never would of thought of Sanjaya in relation to Anoop if I hadn’t read it here. Sanjaya wasn’t talented, and IMO, he wasn’t sexy either. Then again, I’m over the age of 13. Anoop does have that Ivy vibe, which I guess could be off-putting to some.

Yeah, I can see maybe Anoop being inspired to audition if only to reverse the impression Sanjaya left — but even that is just me speculating.

thinks à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹trailblazerà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ the way that perhaps the Filipino community would view Ramiele or Jasmine Trias.

Aw man. I think “you are my brother” guy from S7 kind of canceled out any fwd progress Rami and Jasmine made. (Tho IMO none of it counts till there’s a win!)

Thank you Cookcricket. You seem to get it.

Who knows? Maybe this is the year that AI will snag that marketable, young male pop singer.

Uh, they already got that marketable, young male pop singer. I think they are looking for a singer/songwriter type, but maybe Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m wrong.

I don’t know if I would classify David Cook as pure pop though. I think he is a mixture of pop/rock alt, if anything.

Glad you made this post, MJ!

I first found the Kiss Kiss video because of the link elisad gave and then I totally post-ho’d by posting nearly all of his videos in the Kansas City post lmao.

I totally didn’t plan to watch this season, but I have him as a fave already! Hope he goes through the rounds. He’s like this breath of fresh air in Idol – and can you just imagine when the stylists get hold of him? Total makeover! LOL

oh yeah, forgot to add:
Mj, Anoop was a former member..he left the group when he finished his undergraduate degree from UNC..

Jocelin, perhaps LK09 was referring to David Archuleta with the “young male pop singer” comment. Personally, I don’t regard David Cook as a pop singer at all. He’s a rock guy all the way, even when he re-interprets pop songs. When DC performs with an acoustic guitar, he even fits the singer-songwriter profile.

It’s very difficult to judge from the small amount we have seen so far, but I like Anoop very much and think he has a lot of potential. Good voice and very nice looking which helps with the ladies who are the primary voters. We have not yet seen most of the contestants, but Anoop is definatly one to watch. As far as AI finally producing a marketable young male pop star, the show already has. David Archuleta is young and has proven over these past few months to be a highly marketable pop star.

Anoop stood out for me and is one of my favorites already. That’s a first for me since I don’t usually enjoy the auditions at least until this season. I think he’s already good looking so a makeover will be a snap for them. Simon probably called him nerdy more because it’s clear he’s extremely intelligent than about his clothes. I doubt that Sanjaya “paving the way” had anything to do with him trying out and I’m sure he’s hoping that nobody will compare them, lol. I hope he goes far in the competition and I think he’s got a decent chance since we’re already talking about him.

Another Eliott Yamin in the making.

Jocelin, perhaps LK09 was referring to David Archuleta with the à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“young male pop singerà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  comment. Personally, I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t regard David Cook as a pop singer at all. Heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s a rock guy all the way, even when he re-interprets pop songs. When DC performs with an acoustic guitar, he even fits the singer-songwriter profile.

I agree with you about David Cook. My original comment was in regards to winners, a pop singer whose appeal would be broad enough to snag the crown. Certainly, AI has had their share of pop runner ups like Guarini, Aiken, Yamin and Archuletta, but they haven’t had a male pop singer winner . From viewing the various You Tubes, Anoop has a limber voice like Archie and the soulfulness of Yamin but more importantly, expanding from the usual mid-tempo r&b balladry, he seems to be an even more confident performer, especially with the challenging rhythms and phrasing of contemporary r&b and reggae-tinged pop. Heck, he may not even make it past Hollywood. I could be wrong, but there’s no harm in speculating.

Anoop’s Facebook group (made by his Clef Hanger friends):
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=55796619880&ref=ts

The group had 1000 members on Wednesday night, and now it has 5000 members..wow!

Youtube/old videos can really help a contestant gain fans..:D

i just ordered the clef hangers last two cds. cant wait to get them:) im rooting for anoop all the way.