Canadian Idol Fans Watching American Idol

[ross 1]

“I’d like to see Adam (Lambert) and Danny (Gokey) in the final because they are the best two singers,” Cowell told reporters at a TV industry event in Los Angeles on Friday.

I'm not too surprised about Simon's comment either. I'm not sure it really represents what he would want, but probably more what is going to happen according to the vote totals up to now (Simon must know the vote totals I guess). Either way, I think the only thing Simon really wants right now is an Adam win.

Remember when Simon was on “The Tonight Show With Jay Leno” and said that Adam and Danny would face off in the finale, with Lil as the last woman standing? Let's hope he's wrong twice.

Simon's reactions and opinions seem so at odds, at times, with what I see on my TV. Other times I couldn't agree with him more. I don't want to care what he thinks, I thought I didn't, but then why was I so thrilled he called Kris brilliant, for instance?

Anyhow, if you'll notice, he didn't say Danny would be in the finals, or Adam -- he said that's who he'd like to see. Not that that makes a lot of difference, I just think he's shying away from hard predictions at this point (esp. after the Lil debacle).

I agree with you about Simon not caring as long as Adam wins. I think TPTB think they have a potential goldmine there. I don't know if he has staying power, but at least right now he seems poised to make them a lot of money. What's maybe most interesting to me is that when people talk about his pop potential they compare him mainly to women. Lady Gaga, Britney. They don't seem to have any males to compare him to. So is he the first of a new type?

I still get a kick of reading that a lot of people think that the only other possible scenario could be a Adam/Kris final 2. I never even thought he would make it to the finals after his lack of airtime and there he is in the top 5! His buzz is also growing and more and more people are actually talking about him.

It's so cool. Last Wednesday or Thursday, I searched Kris's name in Google News and just about every news article that came up named him best of the night for last Tuesday. A lot of critics also thought he was the best the previous week.

A few weeks ago people were mainly talking an Adam/Allison final 2, and I guess that may still happen, but I never understood the appeal. First, a lot of people see them as two sides of the same coin, or the two iconoclasts in the competition. But I see them as very different, I guess in skill level. I mean, does anyone actually think she could give him a serious run for his money?

The only Top 2 where an Adam win would not seem like a foregone conclusion would be Adam/Kris. Not that I think at this point that Kris could actually beat Adam, when I see how incredibly popular Adam is. But these guys are well matched talent wise. They're just different talents. I think if Kris went up against Adam a lot of people would be surprised that he'd hold his own. I don't see this with the other three.

The iTunes data was really interesting and I was glad to see Kris before Danny, Matt and Allison. Adam was dominating even more that I thought he would have. Pretty much all his songs were outselling the songs from the other Idols, except for one or two from Kris.

I'm sure TPTB must wonder whether their confidence in Danny has been well placed when they see those numbers.

Speaking of ITunes, I don't mind (but don't love) the arrangement of She Works Hard For The Money. I really preferred the stripped down version on the show. There's less originality to the studio recording. Some of the other iTunes stuff is nice, like Matt's You Found Me. Check out this site.

Have you seen the ridiculous article that was in the National Enquirer (posted on MJ's blog) reporting the feud between Kris and Adam? Some reporters have time to waste. The paper was full of stereotypes about "gay" Adam and "good religious boy" Kris, it's really sad. At the same time, it was really funny since I don't see how someone could believe that there would be a feud between the two, they seem to get along really well!

Have you ever seen the iPhones confessionals? These are from Top 9 week. Adam talks about Kris and Kris about Adam. bff! They have some funny stories.

Adam's confessional and Kris's confessional.

This week's theme is supposedly The Rat Pack (though mj had it as Jazz Standards, and that may be right). Any idea who the mentors are (if any)? The following week she says it's rock, and Slash has been asked to mentor (or so he tweeted. Twittered?). I'm not a big fan of Slash (but don't tell him).

Speaking of twitter, I've been following Kris, Adam, and Matt, mainly because I decided to follow Kris and he told people to follow the other two. And I guess I do what I'm told.

 

[missaddicted]

Simon's reactions and opinions seem so at odds, at times, with what I see on my TV. Other times I couldn't agree with him more. I don't want to care what he thinks, I thought I didn't, but then why was I so thrilled he called Kris brilliant, for instance?

I think I almost feel the same about him. I don't care what he thinks and I often think he's wrong. But I care about the effect that he has on the viewers. That's why I was thrilled that he called Kris brillant. I don't find anything genuine about Simon and that bothers me a lot.

I agree with you about Simon not caring as long as Adam wins. I think TPTB think they have a potential goldmine there. I don't know if he has staying power, but at least right now he seems poised to make them a lot of money. What's maybe most interesting to me is that when people talk about his pop potential they compare him mainly to women. Lady Gaga, Britney. They don't seem to have any males to compare him to. So is he the first of a new type?

I think it's because a lot of female artists are now doing shows with a lot of theatrics, like Gaga and Britney, but also Christina Aguilera, Madonna, Pink, etc. I think Adam's a fan of that and would fit really well doing that kind of stuff. I guess the other comparisions are more in the vein of Freddie Mercury and David Bowie, I guess, but they're pretty much from another era! I guess there could also be MIKA. I don't think he has had big success in the US, but he's pretty huge in Europe and also right here in Québec. I saw him live twice and he's also a big fan of the theatrics. He's also obviously gay and sings in a high-pitched voice! I think Adam has a better voice though, Mika's strong point being his catchy songs, in my opinion. Anyway, I think Adam could have a lot of success with the right songs, and I don't really agree with the comments I've read that he couldn't be successful. I think he could fit really well within today's pop music world.

But these guys are well matched talent wise. They're just different talents. I think if Kris went up against Adam a lot of people would be surprised that he'd hold his own. I don't see this with the other three.

I absolutely agree with you on this. They're so different that it would make for a very interesting finale. But I guess AI likes the big voices and the belters, especially in the finale (hence, Simon's comments) that some people are having trouble picturing Kris as a worthy opponent.

Speaking of ITunes, I don't mind (but don't love) the arrangement of She Works Hard For The Money. I really preferred the stripped down version on the show. There's less originality to the studio recording. Some of the other iTunes stuff is nice, like Matt's You Found Me. Check out this site.

I agree with you about Kris' song also. It's unfortunate. It's like TPTB and the band can't understand that subtlety is a good thing and that it's ok to give a song a really simple arrangement. At least, I'm glad that the studio version of Falling Slowly was left alone by Bandzilla! Adam's song from this week could also have been awesome, but the band surrounded his gorgeous vocals with music that sounds like an '80s power ballad, which is also very unfortunate.

I haven't checked out Matt's version of You Found Me. I really dislike the original and found pretty much all of The Fray's music very boring and uninteresting.

Have you ever seen the iPhones confessionals? These are from Top 9 week. Adam talks about Kris and Kris about Adam. bff! They have some funny stories.

Adam's confessional and Kris's confessional.

Yes, I've seen them! Good stuff. I watch all of Adam's confessionals usually, since they're always posted one way or the other, but I haven't found many of Kris' confessionals.

Rat Pack music? I guess it could have been worse, these are classic songs, even though I guess I'm not that familiar with most of them. But, again with the oldies? I'd like to see something fresh on AI, from this last decade at least, not disco or Rat Pack music. I hope Rock week allows for more diversity since it's a wide genre.

Speaking of twitter, I've been following Kris, Adam, and Matt, mainly because I decided to follow Kris and he told people to follow the other two. And I guess I do what I'm told.

Ah, Twitter. Is Kris saying something interesting? I've stayed away from everything Twitter and intend to continue doing so. The interest of Twitter is completely lost on me.

 

[ross 1]

Rat Pack music? I guess it could have been worse, these are classic songs, even though I guess I'm not that familiar with most of them. But, again with the oldies? I'd like to see something fresh on AI, from this last decade at least, not disco or Rat Pack music. I hope Rock week allows for more diversity since it's a wide genre.

I always think the idea of singing a different theme or genre each week is bizarre. I wish at least every other week they could just sing whatever they want. Unfortunately certain genres end up ruining certain contestants, which seems so unfair.

I don't mind Rat Pack as a genre, since they did a lot of great standards, and I especially like Sinatra. I don't especially know how I developed an interest in this stuff.​

Speaking of twitter, I've been following Kris, Adam, and Matt, mainly because I decided to follow Kris and he told people to follow the other two.

Ah, Twitter. Is Kris saying something interesting? I've stayed away from everything Twitter and intend to continue doing so. The interest of Twitter is completely lost on me.

Yes, he occasionally does say interesting things (he quoted Eleanor Roosevelt the other day!), and he's funny. He also links to pictures, like one of the bowling alley in the mansion today. People apparently like the interaction you can have with celebs, especially. I just think it's interesting, I guess. Sort of a more personal viewpoint.

Btw, the link I gave you in my last post (not sure you clicked on it) was to all or most of the studio recordings, so far, which someone has put on YouTube. I wouldn't buy a lot of them but it gives you an opportunity to hear ones you might not buy.

 

[missaddicted]

Have you seen what Simon said about Kris to TV Guide?

Who has surprised you the most this season?
Kris. Better than I thought. Adam, we knew he was great and Danny, we knew he was great. But seven weeks ago, nobody would have predicted the possibility that the third place is Kris. He’s just quietly got on with the job. He didn’t get the praise he should have gotten last week because of the cockup with the timing. I would have really, really given him a confidence boost.

It's not perfect, but it's something at least! It makes me hopeful that he won't throw Kris under the bus this week or next if he sees him making the top 3.

Btw, the link I gave you in my last post (not sure you clicked on it) was to all or most of the studio recordings, so far, which someone has put on YouTube. I wouldn't buy a lot of them but it gives you an opportunity to hear ones you might not buy.

I admit I didn't click on it, but I knew what you were linking to. I guess I don't have a lot of interest hearing the others' songs. Thanks for the link anyway, your links are always appreciated, ross.

About Twitter: Do the Idols even have a right to twitter during Idol? I mean, they have to put down their Myspace pages, their Facebook pages, so isn't it a bit strange that they're allowed to Twitter?

 

[ross 1]

Damn internet connector cord pulled out of my laptop and I just lost my post! Grrr. *sees red*

Of course it was my most brilliant post ever.

Umm...okay, basically. I originally wrote:

Woo-hoo, Simon said that about Kris? I'm stunned. That guy is so damn annoying (third place!) but I have to love the rest of what he said.

And, Simon: when you have time restraints maybe you shouldn't be interrupting/provoking Paula and should just let her do her thing and then get on with it yourself. Just saying. (See video.)

As for twitter: apparently it's allowed. Facebook and myspace maybe aren't allowed because they have the contestants' music on them? I don't know. Why aren't they allowed, anyway? Canadian Idol allows them. Any idea why AI has a problem with them?

btw. Oliver Pigott wrote on twitter tonight:

Pigott Bros. eTalk interview tonight at 7 pm! I mean it this time. Ha!

I'll try to check this out tomorrow on CTV's website.

Why am I up this late? Good night, and cross your fingers for a great Rat Pack night.

 

[missaddicted]

Yes, I saw the Pigotts on etalk. It lasted only like 2 minutes, but it's good that they get a little promotion. They talk about how they got props from Simon Cowell's brother, Tony. Sebastian jokes that he hopes that they're close! They both looked really cute too, heh!

Also, Simon's interview with TV Guide happened last week, so he was talking about Falling Slowly, I just wanted to clarify that since I didn't in my previous post!

 

[SleepinIn]

I thought standards night was really good to them all. The songs they picked suited them and they all worked. Jamie Fox was an interesting choice as a mentor and I thought he did a good job with them.

Adam was really strong in closing the show but I agree that it was a really theatrical number. Some years they try to make the theatrical or Broadway sound a bad thing, and for me it isn't. Adam just knows how to stage himself doesn't he? The guy has a sense of drama that makes all of his numbers entertaining. I don't know if I'd buy it though.

I love Kris, love him. And he sounded fantastic tonight - I'm a little worried about him being in the opening slot and being forgotten because of that. But he sounded beautiful. I would so have him in the finals. Have some faith Simon.

Allison sounded the best I've heard - I thought she did a great job. Simon saying she was lacking confidence... meh. I thought it worked for the song.

Danny .. I'm not really a Danny fan although I recognize that he has a great voice. That being said I think he was fantastic tonight. Still not buying his Cd. But he can sing and he showed some life up there tonight.

Matt for me was the weakest link. He can sing but there is a little chink in the armour when he's up on stage. I don't know what it is exactly but although he did a good job, there was just something that wasn't all the way committed or too breathy or something. I don't know what it was..

and I'll have to check out the Pigott Bros interview - I forgot to watch Etalk - eek!

 

[missaddicted]

OK, I'm back to hating Simon. Big time. Just the way it should be I guess. And I also hate TPTB for putting Kris first. Seriously, show?

I admit that it wasn't my favorite performance from Kris, I'm not that big a fan of that kind of music to start with, but Kris' strong point is his quiet confidence and the fact that he's not pandering or going OTT just to gain votes. I'm sure he's in it to win, but I'm happy that he's true to himself and to his style and I really really appreciate that, Simon. Also, he seemed more confortable on stage than ever before in the competition and his voice, even though some say its the weakest among those left, is the most appealing to me. I guess I have to remember that Simon hates to be wrong and that he felt the need to depimp Kris so that he isn't a threat to his desired final two.

Allison gave a great performance and probably my favorite from her. I disagreed again so much with Simon. Did she seem like she wanted to cry at the end or did she just look really tired?

Matt should've been gone two weeks ago and even though his performance tonight wasn't horrible, it wasn't good enough to make me change my mind about it. I admit though that I'm not a big fan of his voice/vocal stylings to start with. He still had some vocal problems and some notes sounded really weird to me, or maybe it was his phrasing, something was off for me. A few seconds from the end, I was at least glad that he left the scary falsetto at home, but no, it was there.

Danny was typical Danny, except maybe a little better than his usual mediocre self. At least until the end. Man was that shouty or what. I had to lower the volume. And I kept debating with myself if he had lost weight or not, so I can't say that I was mesmerized by his performance or his swagger. I know, I know, how could I resist Danny's swagger?

Adam was great but I guess my expectations are high with him, because I expected even more. I expected an even bigger explosion and I just got a little boom. I can't say that I was disappointed by any means though, I just wanted more!

I guess it's between Kris, Allison and Matt tomorrow. No way Danny or Adam are going home. I definitely hope it's not Kris because he doesn't deserve it and I want to keep Allison for rock week. I'm done with Matt.

 

[missaddicted]

SleepinIn, it's funny that we both didn't love Matt's performance, but we both can't really put our finger on why. I'll try reading other comments on other forums to see if someone has an explanation!

Simon can't have faith. He just wants to be right. He said that Adam and Danny were going to be there so he's going to do everything it takes to get there, even if it means throwing Kris (and Allison) under the bus.

I hope you're voting your fingers off for Kris, ross!

 

[SleepinIn]

Yes, don't even think about poking your head in here Ross. You have things to do. LOL.

and I totally agree Missaddicted. I'm done with Matt too.

It's interesting though - I was just checking Kris's Twitter page.. and he is the one with the most followers. I don't know what that means exactly, but I think it's interesting.

 

[ross 1]

And now now for "Hardball With Simon Cowell," or, "Toto, We're Not in Toronto Any More."

Kris..."The Way ou Look Tonight." I was hoping he would sing that song! I even YouTubed Fred Astaire's original version last night and watched it and tried to imagine Kris's version. I couldn't believe he actually did it. How can I not love that?

Okay...first let me get my rage out of the way.

Amazing remarks from Jamie Foxx, amazing remarks from Randy (best performance to date, you could be a contender, etc.), Kara is glowing, calls Kris a dark horse, a possibility to win the whole thing. Paula says "near-impeccable." And then Simon makes no bones about basically saying Kris can't win. It was "good." But "wet". Wet? Yeah, you know, wet. Not dry.

Okay, I happen to be biased. But. That was, for me, his best performance so far. It was bloody brilliant. I happen to be a big jazz fan and that was real musicianship. This guy is, plain and simple, an artist. I hate to sound like a broken record.

What I also hate is that we've gone back to Simon going last in the judging order. What he says is all anyone remembers. It's a huge damper. It even kind of spoiled my enjoyment of the thing. He's such a fart.

(Oh, yeah--if I'm not mistaken the second half of the song was the same arrangement Kalan Porter did on CI. Kalan's not a jazz singer at all, he was good, but this was thousands of times better.)

Allison. That was a simple, nice, sweet performance, she was really good, I liked it. It didn't especially show me she's a great stylist. I'm not thrilled by the sound of her voice. But, you know, when you're 16 (I mean 17) you should occasionally let the vulnerability and innocence show. It really makes a big difference and it's really the only time in your career you can do it. It's real, and the audience loves it. It's about time she did a ballad. It should get her a lot of votes.

Judges Kara and Randy gave Simon an argument over his second blatant de-pimp of the evening.

I don't have much else to say about Allison. Maybe you guys can add something.

Matt. "My Funny Valentine." I thought that was pretty bad.

A few weeks ago I was reading an interview with James Taylor and he said something about back in his day it still mattered if you sang well. It still matters to me, I guess. Matt is someone who I like as a person but I've never felt he can sing well. I mean, I sort of liked that, because I know what he's trying to do, but he can't execute it. It's semi-painful to have to listen to it.

I thought he was being thrown under the bus until the Paula/Simon raves.

I want to jump ahead to Simon's remarks re Adam when he said three people seem really to want to win this contest. I figured he meant the two screamers, plus Matt.

Is it me or does it seem like when he encounters niceness in people, a lack of raging, all-consuming competitiveness (Kris? and Allison?) it angers him? It's as if it brings out the bully in him. It really bugged him when the idols came out and hugged Matt when he was saved. He wants them to be a bunch of angry, backstabbing, miserable assholes. That would make him happy.

The show closes with Danny and Adam.

So obvious, show. So, so obvious.

Hey, Danny. Why don't you scream even louder than usual? In your phegmy, cheesetastic, cruise-ship voice? Go on, dude. Party like it's 1977.

It's obvious by now Danny isn't on my short list. I mean, he's not as awful as someone who can't actually carry a tune, I guess. He has some abilities, I have to be fair. I mean I always feel I should give him some sort of props for something or other, but I think he's so totally without merit as an artist.

This guy has not once done what they keep telling people to do. Show who he is as an artist. Who is he as an artist? Anyone?

Adam. Well, I have to give him props for what he can do with that truly amazing voice. I think he can do everything except be real. I've never heard that song done that way. It's a Nina Simone song, I think. Kind of a lovely lyric (...birds flying high...sun in the sky...reeds drifting by...) and a jazzy, lazy feel.. To do it in a shiny white suit on a lit-up staircase and to scream a lot of it? What the hell? A great "showcase" for Adam and his vocal freakishness, but did he have to obliterate a beautiful song, in the process?

So exactly how do you guys read the judges' comments? I mean it's obvious who their top 2 are but who do they want to go, now?

 

[ross 1]

Don't worry I can hit "redial" and type at the same time. lol

 

[missaddicted]

Go vote, ross!!!

ETA: LOL, OK, then!

 

[ross 1]

Yeah, I'm still voting. I have another freakin' hour to go, almost. Holy crap, I forgot about the laundry! *runs down to the basement*

Reading TWoP and this comment: Kris: I thought this was really very sophisticated. Wasn't sure he had it in him. I thought he was great. Simon announces that Kris can't win. I guess now that he's predicted Danny in the final, he has to make it happen. Foxx's last comment -- "he'll blow you away and you won't even know it happened" -- was sadly apt. Simon didn't know he was blown away.

 

[missaddicted]

It's a huge damper. It even kind of spoiled my enjoyment of the thing. He's such a fart.

I know the feeling. I felt the same after Simon tried to throw Cook under the bus last year because he had done The World I Know instead of a reprise of Billie Jean. And it was actually one of David's best performances, but Simon robbed me (and others) of that feeling because of his useless comments.

Is it me or does it seem like when he encounters niceness in people, a lack of raging, all-consuming competitiveness (Kris? and Allison?) it angers him?

It does. He felt like that last year with David and David. He didn't like the lack of competitiveness between the two. Maybe that's why he's pushing for Adam/Danny. I guess he thinks they're so opposite that they can't get along, which would make for better TV? He's wrong anyway.

This guy has not once done what they keep telling people to do. Show who he is as an artist. Who is he as an artist? Anyone?

Actually, it's pretty simple who he is: he wants to scream inspirational ballad and gospel songs. I agree with you, I also don't see his merit as an artist, but I guess he doesn't even really have to be for what he wants to do. I made my mom listen to some of the idols last night and she said about Danny that he sounded like Michael Bolton. Right away. And we all know that Michael Bolton is really cool.

A great "showcase" for Adam and his vocal freakishness, but did he have to obliterate a beautiful song, in the process?

It was Muse's version I believe. I'm sure he'll get flack for not giving the credit (or maybe he did and TPTB cut it like they did with Cook last year).

So exactly how do you guys read the judges' comments? I mean it's obvious who their top 2 are but who do they want to go, now?

Allison, Matt and Kris, in any order?

 

[SleepinIn]

Laundry???!!!?? There's no time for laundry.

 

[SleepinIn]

What's Alan Watching?: American Idol, Top 5: The gang sing Frank, Sammy and Dean (sort of)

One of my favourite tv columnist bloggers Alan Sepinwall totally gets it - no wonder I like him so much.

 

[ross 1]

I carried the phone down there with me.

Oh, wow, I've heard that Muse version, but, you know, I actually forgot it was the same song. Don't really like it.

The funny thing is (I just looked the song up on Wikipedia) it's originally from a Broadway musical.

"Feeling Good" (aka Feelin' Good) is a song written by Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse for the 1965 musical The Roar of the Greasepaint—the Smell of the Crowd, and since covered by several artists, including Nina Simone, Muse, Sammy Davis, Jr., Eels, Michael Bublé, The Pussycat Dolls, My Brightest Diamond, George Michael, and Joe Bonamassa. Owing to the popularity of Simone's rendition, most modern cover versions are played in the style of the Nina Simone version rather than the original, and the song is often wrongly accredited to Simone.

 

[ross 1]

One of my favourite tv columnist bloggers Alan Sepinwall totally gets it - no wonder I like him so much. :icon_smile:

Thanks for sharing that, SleepinIn. He does get it!

I made my mom listen to some of the idols last night and she said about Danny that he sounded like Michael Bolton. Right away. And we all know that Michael Bolton is really cool.

LOL. So was that a good or a bad thing, from your mom's point of view?

It does. He felt like that last year with David and David. He didn't like the lack of competitiveness between the two. Maybe that's why he's pushing for Adam/Danny. I guess he thinks they're so opposite that they can't get along, which would make for better TV? He's wrong anyway.

Yeah, he's wrong in several ways at once.

Adam had a tweet about missing Anoop and Lil, and he put a "sad face" after it.
Kris also said they all were missing Anoop and Lil. It's nice. Take that, Simon!

 

[missaddicted]

LOL. So was that a good or a bad thing, from your mom's point of view?

Well, it was a pretty neutral comment. My mom probably loved Bolton back in the day, but she saw that I didn't like Danny at all, so she didn't add anything! Her and her boyfriend (is there a more appropriate word for my Mom's boyfriend than "boyfriend"? My mom's partner?) loved Mad World and couldn't believe that it was the same guy as the one singing Ring of Fire, which they thought was really weird. They liked the video from The Ten Commandements that I showed them though. (By the way, I think ROF still is my favorite Adam performance!) They both liked Kris, but I didn't have the time to show them a lot. My mom then called me a groupie and her boyfriend jokingly asked me if I had Adam and Kris posters in my room (which I don't LOL!).

Anyway, my mom isn't really up to date with today's music, so I'm giving her some CDs so that she can update her tastes! She became a Coldplay and Mraz fan because of me. Better than Michael Bolton! And her boyfriend really likes David Cook's CD.