85 replies to this topic

[Phan]

Can the first theme night of the Finals be just “Uptempo?” Please?

Also, half an hour without an episode thread? I'm gonna have to accept that my TV crack will soon be gone *sniff*

Zoanette – She completely dropped the lyrics on the first verse. There just can’t be anyway she gets through after that and being first up. There was nothing to take from the performance: it was a disaster.

Breanna – There’s no female contestant who brings a sense of funk and attitude to the stage quite like Breanna. She’s very unique for IDOL, but voters do not connect well with women who aren’t girl next door types (yes, I know Fantasia won but she was pimped hard. She’s on the bubble, but she’s intriguing.

Aubrey – Vocally she’s average and a little bland, but in tune and well put together. The song choice was decent but she doesn’t seem capable of setting the stage on fire at any point. She’ll just give passable performances until she’s voted out and stands no chance of winning.

Janelle – I don’t think she’s great; she’s good but compared to some other country females that have graced the IDOL stage, Janelle struggles to tread water let alone stand out. She sounds way better with less instrumentals and the right kind of song. Kree may have put her in trouble; she’s no longer a front-runner.

Tenna – Her tone was very nice in spots, if a bit wavery, but then she went to her helium place. If she can’t split the difference (and this is the second time she’s had significant pitch issues), she should go. She was decent, not terrible, but she wouldn’t be able to do much better than… oh say, eighth place.

Angie – Her upper register is her sweet spot. I hate to be on TPTB’s side, but if she keeps picking the right songs, she could really win the whole thing. The songs she does pick are showing different sides of her. And she didn’t pick Jessie J this time!

Amber – I’d love to hear her on a younger, uptempo song. Actually, I could say that about most of the ladies. I’d also like her to not go near the Whitney songbook. She has a fantastic voice, near-perfect control, and really could be a dark horse contestant, upsetting the apple cart.

Kree – Amazing. She’s a gem. The only complaint I have is that I’d like her to do a more subtle performance; I get the sense she’s worried about competing with the other women and she just doesn’t need to.

Adrianna – If they were going to call her pageanty tonight, why not last week? They were kind of the same performance.

Candice – Goregous texture. When she does the whole melisma thing, I can’t complain. She’s always in key, in tune, and you can never predict where she’s going to take her voice. MUCH better song choice this week.

My Picks: Kree, Candice, Amber, Angie, Breanna
Logic Picks: Kree, Candice, Amber, Angie, Janelle

I actually wouldn't be surprised if Kree absorbs Janelle's votes and keeps Janelle out of the Top 5 women.

[Chocorokoroko]

Can someone delete the other topic I made?

Tonight wasn't too bad; I'm starting to pick out my favorites from the girls. It was hard to pick out any bad performances, but there were some.

Nicki was on all the girls tonight, it was a little bit disturbing. Janelle "Marshmallow" Arthur, Tenna's Boobs, Nicki's Wife: Kree, what's next?! Can't believe that all came out in one night. Wow Nicki, you're on a roll...

My favorite girls were: Janelle, Angie, Amber, Kree and Candice.

So I hope they make it through to the next round.

Also, I could tell the judges were sick of Zoanette tonight. They pimped her prior to tonight, and now they're dropping the bomb on her. They wanted her out. Freaking judges. A little too late for second thoughts.

Edited by Chocorokoroko, Mar 5, 2013 @ 10:43 PM.

[Petunia]

Lordy, was that ever loooooooong. Two hours for ten short performances? Overall, the ladies were pretty darn good tonight. Zoanette (who looked pretty good with her new hair!), Aubrey, and Adrianna may be in trouble.

[Nedsdag]

OK, who's the fifth girl going through? We already know about the other four girls.

1. Candice
2. Kree
3. Amber
4. Miley Cyrus circa. 2008, I mean Angela
5. ??????

Janelle better hope the Alaska/Filipino sympathy vote that Nicki angered doesn't come out in droves for Adrianna. Nevertheless, even if she does make the top five, she won't last long due to Kree.

[mojoween]

It's not her fault and I'm sure she's a lovely person but the night Angie is voted out will be my favorite night EVER. I cannot take the pimping and it's totally going to backfire on the judges.

So not only did Nicki do an awful baby voice when talking to Janelle, she did it in a horrific faux-southern accent. Nicki sets my teeth on edge; I actively hate her.

The whole night was a snore. This may turn out to be my least favorite season by a mile.

[rustyspigot]

Why did Randy have to start with blatant lies? Like you haven't been saying its a girls year for the last four years, Randy.

And Randy's jacket was the coat of many colors created from the clothes of the five clowns that were killed to make Zoanette's wig.

So NOW Nikki realizes Zoanette not hitting any notes might be a problem?

Angie (Don't call her Angela anymore, bitches) Miller might be 1/8 chipmunk. And that song was basically a sequel to her other song. I'm just glad that after the song she returned to her hollow log to guard her nut stash.

So many easy listening tunes tonight.

Candice really needs to expand her song selection. You won't always get the pimp spot.

There must have been a superglue puddle or an ooey gooey taffy trap at the center of the stage because so many of the girls were stuck there.

A lot of leg tonight. And the one girl wore hot pants to vocal practice. OK.

[Nedsdag]

It's not her fault and I'm sure she's a lovely person but the night Angie is voted out will be my favorite night EVER. I cannot take the pimping and it's totally going to backfire on the judges.

Not to mention the way she photo bombed Ryan at the end of the show.

Miley, I mean, Angie, we get it. You want to win, but your act is wearing thin.

[Raid Maze]

Only two people impressed me as vocalists, Kree Harrison and Angela Miller. Furthermore, they're the only two I could imagine listening to their albums.

The first three singers ran together for me. Janelle has the country nitch to set her apart, but she is such a step down from Kree, I wonder if she will be able to last. Candice just seems a little stiff. I wish she'd loosen up. The Jessica Alba look-alike decided to age herself for some unknown reason. You're a kid!

My guesses: Kree, Angela, Janelle, Candice, and I suppose Amber. I could be wrong and I don't vote.

Edited by Raid Maze, Mar 5, 2013 @ 11:17 PM.

[Laurie4H]

Angie being pimped? I feel it is Candace. Before the show even started I knew she would go last and get a standing O. It's so transparent. All she does is shout IMO.

Edited by Laurie4H, Mar 5, 2013 @ 10:57 PM.

[msburg]

Oh my goodness, Amber. or Ber, according to NM. I was meh on everything up until then, and kept bumping up the volume on Amber until the end of her performance.

I did like Angela's, though I truly disliked Colton last year. Thought it was funny that Keith was singing "Angie." That is an Aerosmith (Steven Tyler) song, yes?

Liked that there was less contempt among certain judges in the live show. Each seemed to have their own focus, and they were able to justify their commentary without welcoming (too much of) the negative from the others. I admit it, I'm a pacifist and want to see them get along even if they disagree!

ETA: You're right Lennie, it is Rolling Stones. What was I thinking last night??

Edited by msburg, Mar 6, 2013 @ 7:48 AM.

[marie caroline]

I will laugh and laugh if Zoanette and/or Adrianna make it to the top five. They were the only two really dissed tonight, so they stood out among a lot of boring performances. Zoanette has been pimped now for weeks and it would serve the judges right if she makes it through. She has a great personality and is well liked, so she may get a ton of sympathy votes.

I like Angela and thought she did well tonight. Hated Janelle. So very boring.

I think Candice is a given for the top five, as is Angela. I would not mind seeing either of them make it a long way in the competition.

But I believe Kree has the most potential to win. I love her voice and her personality.

[limecoke]

Zoanette was terrible but I expect America to vote her in because of how she was judged in the early rounds. It'll be a shame because it will keep a more deserving singer out but that's how things go when the judges manipulate the competition.

Loved Kree and Amber, didn't want to like Angie because of the pimping and all but she won me over with song choice. Perfect. They have a solid top five there but I don't trust the voters to pick the right ones.

Edited by limecoke, Mar 5, 2013 @ 11:12 PM.

[BogoGog24]

Zoanette- While I actually am really rooting for Zoanette, tonight she was just all over the place. Vocally, I think she finally saved herself a little at the end, but unfortunately I don't think that will be enough. I think many of her fans (and believe it or not, she does actually have fans) will vote for her even more because they know she's in trouble. I voted for her 150 times. If she can just deliver vocally, she could actually be an interesting frontrunner.

Breanna- I don't get what the judges see in this girl. Her song choice was meh. Her voice is average at best. I have no interest in her at all.

Aubrey- Same as Breanna. What is the big deal about her? Her voice is technically fine, but she is boring.

Janelle- I like Janelle and I'm happy she was able to pick it back up again this week after her not-so-great performance from last week. I hope she makes the Top 5.

Tenna- Her voice is pretty good, but I agree with the person who said it sounds like she sucked helium in some parts.

Angela- She has one of the best voices but I don't know- there's just something about her I don't like. Maybe it's the similarity to Miley Cyrus or the fact she always has this permasmile on her face... And I don't like that they are pimping her out so much, it just rubs me the wrong way.

Amber- I like Amber a lot. I think she should stay away from Whitney though, just because you can sing it, doesn't mean you should.

Kree- Best performance of the night next to Candice. I love Kree- she reminds me a lot of Carly Smithson from Season 7. I love her earthiness and the fact she doesn't try that hard. Her voice is amazing, I had no idea she could hit those super high notes!

Adrianna- I agreed with Nicki and Randy that this performance felt very pageanty. I have never been a fan of her or her voice, so I don't care if she goes home tomorrow.

Candice- Best performance of the night next to Kree. One of the few songs I recognized and I loved her arrangement. Her runs were also pretty cool and interesting. Candice is one of my favorite girls this year.

The ones who will definitely get into the Top 5 are:
1) Angela
2) Kree
3) Candice

Amber has a very good chance but at the same time I can see her not connecting enough with an audience to get votes. Zoanette and Adrianna are in trouble, but Zoanette is the girls' pick for VFTW and I'm sure her fans will vote A LOT for her to try to save her. Janelle may be a hit or miss. I can see Aubrey, Breanna, and Tenna being eliminated easily.

[LennieB]

"Angie," about Angela Bowie, is a Rolling Stones song.

Kree, Candice, Angie. The remaining two names don't matter and won't win.

[Kali12]

The thing that bothers me most about Zoanette is that I can't see that she can tell the difference between good singing and bad singing. She was so completely dreadful tonight, but she seemed just as confident as when she's quite a bit better (always off-key at points in any song, imo, but...better.)

If she makes Top 5 it just makes the whole elimination process a joke. Everyone else is better than she is singing-wise (I'll admit she "performs" all out every time)--and so are several eliminated in Top 20. I really hope America doesn't keep her going just because the judges have been pimping her so hard.

[kelbel]

When I first heard that Amber was singing Whitney, I groaned. But she actually did well with it. I wasn't expecting that.

The judges gushing for Angela's performance was over the top, IMO. I thought she was great, but not that great. The song choice, the piano, the sweeping melody--it all sounded exactly the same as what what we heard from her before already. I still like Angela, but I think the pimping will eventually start to annoy me if they don't calm it down.

Janelle did much better this time. My top 5 of the night. If she makes it through to the next round, she'll be amongst a sea of belters that like to sing a million runs and glory notes. I don't know if her classic country voice and the simplicity of her performances will stand out in a good way. But we'll see.

Kree's more of the belter type but a little less country than Janelle, I feel. No doubt she was one the best as well. She showed a little personality tonight in her exchange with Nicki. So maybe I was too quick to say her personality might be boring. But I thought she did great. We'll see how far she goes.

Candice. I don't know what to say. One of the best vocalist this season. Haven't really been liking her song choices, but tonight's was better. But I can't shake the feeling that I'm going to get tired of her at some point, though. Hope I'm wrong. Right now, I'm still a fan.

Man, the judges really slammed Adriana. Why was she saved second to last if they were gonna hate on her? I thought her performance was super boring. But she wasn't terrible. I doubt her chances of making it through despite the performance order. But the filipino vote could still pull her through.

Zoanette was just terrible. I mean, she always has been. But what was lacking from this performance was the humor and entertainment that she usually brings to counteract the terribleness of her vocals. I thought she had a chance of getting through before tonight. Now, I'm not so sure. Unless she gets a wildcard, which I hope she doesn't get.

I think the top 5 will be Candice, Angela, Amber, Kree and Janelle. Adriana could sneak in there and knock one of them out, I suppose.

[Chocorokoroko]

I like how most of our predictions are the same. Hopefully they add up on Thursday.

Oh yeah, Randy... is using his "IN IT TO WIN IT" phrase again. Knew that was coming sooner or later.

[Sparkling Beth]

Please, America, don't give Zoanette yet another chance to prove she can't sing.

The five I would pick to go through are Tenna (even though she doesn't know how to pronounce her own name; two n's should mean a short vowel), Angie, Amber (but I wish she wouldn't do a run on Every. Single. Note.), Kree, and Candice. It's not that I'm very enamored of any of them, but I think they were the best of the ten.

[CK17]

I really hope they don't do wildcards. There's no need, only 4 were good tonight and anybody else will just be fodder.

Favorite of the night was Angie, IMO she's the only one so far on the girls side that I think could sell after the show.

Janelle could not be any more generic if she tried. Hopefully the country vote doesn't carry her in.

My picks - Angie, Kree, Candice, Amber, Aubrey.
America's picks - Angie, Kree, Candice, Amber, Janelle. WC - Zoanette, I think they like they drama she brings.

[jambalaya2]

I missed the beginning of the show and just really starting to watch this season. It's only 5 people through? 5 people get the boot this week?

[madam magpie]

I like Kree. She seems confident and skilled. That'll probably sink her in the long run since American Idol voters typically likes it's girls meek and simpering, but we'll see. She's also got a great voice and is a country singer. She might pull it off.

Angela and Candice are good too. All the others kind of stink: shrieky, off key, nasally, etc.

Nikki is a nutcase.

[jambalaya2]

Missed the first two,

Thought Aubrey did okay. That song is not a good song for some reason for people to sing that aren't named Fergie. On paper it seems like a good idea but I've never heard anyone else sing it great. Girl had some moments but it just seemed okay.

Janelle, I didn't think she should have made the top 10,so I'm just not interested.

Teene - okay

I liked Angie, I'll take a white girl with piano, this year.

Amber - Meh, time to go.

Kree was good. A country singer that I actually enjoyed. She doesn't sound like every country singing contestant that is on this show.

Adriana, I wasn't crazy about the song, but she sounded okay. It was a boring song.

Candace - started out terrific, lost a little interest in the song in the middle, terrific voice but the song was meh.

Nikki is starting to irk me with her attention grabbing, and trying to make the show the Nikki show, at first I thought she was pretty cool on the show, but all her criticism seems insincere like she is playing a part.

who gets through: Candace, Kree, Angie

I watched the replays, and Zonetta and Janelle need to go for sure. Then Amber is history.

Breana, I didn't see all of it so she might be one to go through, but Adriana, Teene and Aubrey were all nothing great but nothing bad so they can fight out for the last spot.

[angelita100]

I love this new American Idol Ap. 50 votes? One push of the button. Makes it so easy. I have put in 5 votes total in my 4 years of watching Idol.

My votes went to:
Aubrey 3
Kree 10 (only because she's my favorite BUT I don't think she needs me right now)
Candace 12
Amber 25 - She sang Whitney but it was not typical I'm so tired of that song Whitney. Yes a few too many runs but that's easy to fix if she will listen. The girl has chops. And she's my second favorite.

Although we have the same name, just don't like Angel. I think it's the overhype. And then it's the teeth. It will be interesting to see if someone not that cute like her can win.

Edited by angelita100, Mar 6, 2013 @ 1:03 AM.

[Cherry Wire]

Nicki will have to fight with me for Kree, since she's my wife. Or maybe the three of us are just in some kind of open marriage thing. Anyway, Kree was fabulous again on a song ("Stronger" by Faith Hill) that'll never get old for me, it's that good.

Why is Janelle here instead of Rachel Hale again? That was just so ordinary, and she seems to be laying it on even thicker with the Kelly Pickler "I'm so country!" act. Dial it down, girl.

I'm glad they put Breanna in the top 20, even though she might not get further than that. She's got a unique vibe, kind of like an angry Beyonce.

But really, Zoanette gets all my Supervotes. I hope she continues Zwning this competition.

[SmallTownMom]

I missed most of the show tonight. I only saw the first couple sing. Zoanette, I kind of felt sorry for you, even though I was never a fan.

Been racking my brain trying to figure out who Janelle reminds me of. Something about her smile and her whole demeanor. Finally realized it is the girl who is Miss Rhode Island in "Miiss Congeniality." "Describe your perfect date": " I'd have to say April 15th. It's not too hot, and not too cold. All you need is a light jacket." I could see her in a pageant. Still liked Rachel better.

I hope I can watch online tomorrow and catch up before Thursday. Just wanted to say thanks, everybody, for all the comments! I enjoy reading this thread.

[Make It So]

My faves of the night:

3rd place: Amber. When I heard a Whitney song was coming, I thought "face plant". I have to admit: she did a nice job. Of course, her voice is a bit thin and lacks the power of Whitney's (understandably), but it was one of the better attempts I have heard on a talent show.

2nd place: Tenna Torres. While I'll admit that she sounded a little nasally tonight, there is something I really like about her voice. I was with her, nodding my head through her performance.

1st place: Last week, I thought Candice was simply this year's belty-voiced diva, who may or may not truly be able to live up to the hype. Of course, it still remains to be seen if she will. But based on her delivery, professionalism and choice of phrasing during this week's performance, it looks like she may be the real deal. She moved me as if she is already a pop star. Loved tbat run at the end. I hope she can keep that up.

The bad: When I heard Adrianna say she was going to 'go out there and kill it', I thought that may be a death knell. It was.

Janelle: To twang, or not to twang?

Zoanette: Didn't get the fawning over her last week. Missed her performance this week, but it looked bad just from the recap. She seems nice, but the singing talent just isn't there to the degree necessary.

Judges: I am sincerely hoping Minaj just fully gives in to her mania and walks off the show midseason. I'm not sure how much more of that I can take.

I like Mariah's contribution: She knows music and vocals. I know she probably won't stay past this season, but I like what she's bringing thus far.

Urban seems to like most everything, but at least he's encouraging.

Edited by Make It So, Mar 6, 2013 @ 2:02 AM.

[trojan69]

I would bet a LOT that we will see the resurrection of at least one of the ladies voted off on Thursday.

For me, Candice and Amber were the best. I get why they were all about Kree and Ameriker will probably vote her in - just not my cup o' tea.

I hope Adriana somehow survives, but I think she is toast.

It's gonna be fun to see who among our consensus bottom five will get through thanks to Ameriker.

[Mycenaeus]

1. Angela- She did the same thing as her much lauded breakthrough performance, only this wasn't as good. Still, she smartly did a Christian song and locked up a spot in the top 5 girls because of that.
2. Amber- best of the night for me. She took a Whitney song and smiled through the entire performance like it was easy. I just kind of love her for that. I know so many other singers who would have made all kinds of faces and panted and struggled with that song.
3. Candice- actually, Candice was best of the night. She made this song her own and it sounded amazing.
4. Kree- i'm liking her earthy vibe. She did a great job tonight and showed her pesonality a bit more.


The fifth spot is pretty much up in the air. I wouldn't mind:
Aubrey- for a competent girl who is nice to look at while she lasts
Zoanette- for the drama and entertainment
Tenna- because from a technical standpoint, she was probably the 5th best vocal of the night.

Unfortunately, it might go to:
Janelle- because this show has a large demographic of people who like country music.
Adrianna- if the Asian voters turn out in force she could slip through.

Which leaves:
Breanna- who needed to bring grit and funk to stand out, but chose to sing a bland Beyonce song knowing that she would be the second girl to perform. I think she has the worst shot of going through.

Clearly those top 4 girls are the real contenders for the title this year. The 5th girl spot and all 5 guys are pretty much fodder. At least, that's what I think TPTB intend.

[niklj]

I love this new American Idol Ap. 50 votes? One push of the button. Makes it so easy. I have put in 5 votes total in my 4 years of watching Idol.

I am also loving it--it's also kind of fun too. But I will miss the charm of calling and texting in my votes, so I may throw some here and there as well. Especially since some of these girls were so good, I can't decide which one to throw all my weight behind.

Candice was amazing. Breanna already seems like a television star and she had some good confidence up on stage. I agreed with Keith on Amber when he said she should hold some notes more because as good as she sounded, she did rush it.

I liked hearing Angie playing some wrong notes on the piano because it enforced the idea that she WAS playing the piano and not miming.

When I heard Zoanette was going to sing Tina Turner I initially thought it was a perfect choice--but it didn't turn out that way at all.

Kree has amazing range, I was also surprised.

This is a pretty good judging panel. I am more or less agreeing with what they say (but not the way they say it) and they seem like they're not sugar coating anything at all. Nicki is like a coherent Steven Tyler and Keith reminds me of Ben Folds on The Sing-Off--just very on point critiques without aiming for screen time. Mariah also seems to be coming out of her shell a little bit. And Randy...is Randy.

[MandoMaid]

Cherry Wire:

Why is Janelle here instead of Rachel Hale again? That was just so ordinary, and she seems to be laying it on even thicker with the Kelly Pickler "I'm so country!" act. Dial it down, girl.

I liked Rachel better too. More personality. Janelle was boring. Her voice isn't bad. Maybe she needs a song with better range.

I've got a bad cold and I could sing better than Zoanette. The novelty has worn off, please send her home.

My favorites were Kree and Candice - both have effortless, pitch-perfect voices with just enough emotion.

Angela's good but that blinding smile is annoying. She must be related to the Osmonds.