167 replies to this topic

[Joel C]

Ok, people, it's that time of year again. For those of you who think that Simon is the Devil, Ryan his Mephistophilis, and all the constestants poor little Dr. Faustus's singing their way into the fiery chasm of commercial mediocrity, you are welcome to change the channel. But for those who, like me, have sold their soul, I'm ready to get in the game.

What's the consensus so far? I really like Melinda. That version of 'My Funny Valentine' blew my socks off. I'm placing first bets on her, with Chris Sligh, maybe Blake Lewis, or perhaps Lakisha coming in not far behind.

[Christian]

Melinda wins on voice, but may be vulnerable because she's not a young hottie. Runners up: Stephanie and Lakisha. Lakisha may exit a bit early because of image issues. That leaves Jordin in the top 3. Basically, this contest will come down to three or four black girls. That's just the way it is this year. Clearly. And I'm not the first to point it out.

The guys are terrible, but one or two will surely hang on for the top 6.

[Joel C]

Melinda wins on voice, but may be vulnerable because she's not a young hottie. Runners up: Stephanie and Lakisha. Lakisha may exit a bit early because of image issues. That leaves Jordin in the top 3. Basically, this contest will come down to three or four black girls. That's just the way it is this year. Clearly. And I'm not the first to point it out.

The guys are terrible, but one or two will surely hang on for the top 6.

Every time I look at Stephanie, I think of Fantasia. As for Melinda not being young or hip enough, I say, TAYLOR HICKS. I need offer no more than that for explanation.

[Christian]

Every time I look at Stephanie, I think of Fantasia.

So you think, "American Idol Winner"?

As for Melinda not being young or hip enough, I say, TAYLOR HICKS. I need offer no more than that for explanation.

But I think Taylor already is perceived as an underachiever. Unfortunately, that declaration was made quickly -- even before his CD was released. It's not fair, and there's still time to turn things around, but like a movie that has a disappointing box-office take in its opening weekend, Hicks could vanish from the scene rather quickly.

And I mention that because I think Simon never really cared for Taylor and will do his darndest to prevent another "Taylor" from winning this year. The public will vote for they like best, but Simon's influence shouldn't be discounted.

[Christian]

The Washington Post's TV writer blogs:

Chris [Sligh] sings dc Talk's "We All Want to Be Loved." It was by far the night's strongest performance but the judges aren't kind, though Randy says it was the night's best vocal, which is damning with faint praise.

--So is Chris a believer? I don't know too many people who enjoy DC Talk who aren't believers.

I should know that song, but don't.

[Joel C]

The Washington Post's TV writer blogs:

Chris [Sligh] sings dc Talk's "We All Want to Be Loved." It was by far the night's strongest performance but the judges aren't kind, though Randy says it was the night's best vocal, which is damning with faint praise.

--So is Chris a believer? I don't know too many people who enjoy DC Talk who aren't believers.

I should know that song, but don't.

Yeah, Chris is, and so are Lakisha and Melinda. Really, a bunch of people this year are. Find out more here. The song was track #8 from Supernatural.

FWIW, Phil Stacey sang 'Water', originally performed by Christy Starling, another CCM artist. So we had two distinctly Christian songs in a row last night.

Gosh, I'd vote for Chris based solely on his musical tastes. Ben Folds, Fiona Apple, Imogen Heap and Jon Foreman? Count me a fan!

As to the Stephanie/Fantasia reference, I meant it was something we've already seen, only three seasons ago. I just think when it comes down to it, based off of finalists and near finalists in the past, the winner will be more unique.

Edited by Joel C, 07 March 2007 - 05:32 PM.

[Joel C]

So Christian, you wanna rethink that thought about Melinda?

[Christian]

So Christian, you wanna rethink that thought about Melinda?

She was great. Again. I wonder if that version of that tune is well known? Like Melinda's take on "My Funny Valentine," I'm guessing these soulful renditions might have been popular within the black community, but I'd never heard either "version" of these songs. That's not so surprising with "Valentine," a standard that's been recorded by a zillion different artists; but last night's song -- never heard it sung that way. I LOVED it!

I think the judges were a little hard of Stephanie, who was fabulous. Lakesha is the one contestant who can pull off a Whitney tune, but I couldn't help but think, as powerful as her voice is, that her rendition was "a little karaoke," ya know? That's the double-edged sword that never gets pointed out in regard to those who do Stevie Wonder and Whitney Houston songs. If someone *can* pull them off, they often end up singing the song *exactly* as Whitney and Stevie did. Impressive and not easy to pull off, but still "karaoke."

[Nick Alexander]

Ms. Dolittle should win, handily. She's one of the best contestants I've ever heard.

I know some of us are fans of Ceili Rain--an Irish-American CCM pub band.
Mindy Doo was one of the backup singers on their latest album.

She also sang backup on a friend of mine's album... Kitty Cleveland's "Be Not Afraid." So I have two degrees of separation here (which, with $3.98, can get me a Starbucks' latte).

I'm just sayin'...

Nick

[Christian]

So Melinda is a Christian? I would have guessed, but the local Christian music station a couple of days ago said that Phil and Jordin were Christians -- no mention of Melinda.

Melinda's performance was just great. I'd never heard that song, but now I never want to -- not if it's Faith Hill's version.

I felt a little cheated by the non-elimination. As for the broader show, which I expected to like, excesses and all, I really was put off by "Idol's" mile-wide-and-an-inch-deep approach to problems on two continents. A narrower focus would've benefited "Idol Gives Back," rather than a "let's conquer all poverty in our time," with comparisons between people who are literally on the brink of death from AIDS and starvation to kids in an after-school program because mommy has a hard time paying the bills.

I'm sorry, but as sucky as it is to live with a parent who barely gets by paycheck to paycheck, those kids in that program didn't look like they were going hungry.

And so I was conquered by cynicism once again...

[Nick Alexander]

It's painfully clear why Jordin and Phil--but not Melinda--would have been mentioned on a Christian radio station. (Phil is a PK.)

Okay, I'm out of the loop--I don't watch AI, but I've been following the leads. Perhaps you can PM me so I can avoid embarrassment as to why Melinda would not be mentioned at a Christian radio station?

[Peter T Chattaway]

I am curious as to what your observation was, Alan. I don't watch American Idol, but I just looked at the contestants' photos and noticed that Phil is white and at least two of the other names you mentioned are black -- is that what you were getting at? (Kind of like how "gospel" music and "Christian" music are segregated in music stores?)

I remember being rather irritated during the first season of Survivor that everyone made a big deal of white boy Dirk Been's Christianity, but nobody seemed to notice black girl Ramona Gray's Christianity (even though she mentioned it in the diary that Entertainment Weekly published, complete with multiple Bible quotes, etc.). But maybe my memory of that discrepancy is causing me to speculate that your observation was something quite different from what it actually was.

[Christian]

Back to observations about the show, while you guys converse via PM.

--Jeff Beck is great.

--If it hadn't been for Earth, Wind and Fire's performance, there would've been an awful lot o' white folks on stage singing about the poor black kids.

--I was reminded that Groban's single, "You Raise Me Up," has been "baptized" by Christian radio and is now in regular rotation on the CCM station in my market. (Blech!)

--Annie Lennox is classy. Girlfriend can play that piano, too!

--Lip-synch videos are dreadful.

[Christian]

It's Bee Gees night, y'all.

From USA Today:

Melinda, joining Byrd after shopping, is in a quandary. She really feels Love You Inside Out, but drops it because the chorus seems to have sexual overtones. "My pastor's coming" to the show, she says.

It's an Idol's prerogative to change her mind. "Just a side note," Byrd says, greeting visitors to Melinda's second session. "We changed all the songs."

Love You Inside Out is back in, after executive producer Nigel Lythgoe explained that lyrics such as "loves you inside out, backwards and forwards" aren't a sexual reference.

--Uh, OK.

Edited by Christian, 08 May 2007 - 11:40 AM.

[Joel C]

GOODBYE, Blake. Tired and odd...

...Blake gone this week (unless he carries the teenybopper hormone vote)

Well, I guess we all come to different conclusions...I like Blake's performances; they've jazzed up an otherwise tedious and unremarkable line up of half-par performers. I think Melinda is definitely on a different level (and my pick to win), but I'd take Blake any day over Lakisha. ick. For her, it's like taking Melinda's performances, stripping them of any and all professionalism and grace, and injecting a massive overdose of poorly induced vibrato.

This season has seemed throughout, excepting those two aforementioned performers, to be somewhat of a joke. I feel sorry for Melinda. She belongs on a much higher plane than her fellow performers that season six has produced.

Edited by Joel C, 09 May 2007 - 09:30 AM.

[run]

Blake reminds me of Kevin Smith. (not the director, the other white Dc Talk). He's trying too hard to be different which is coming off more as insecurity rather than talent. And he should ditch the AI stylists and go back to his original look. His appearance seems messy.

Jordin reminds me of Sara Ramirez (Callie from Grey's Anatomy and star of Broadway's Spamelot), the sexy big-boned lady. Jordin just stands out as a star and is my pick for the win.

Melinda has the talent, but comparing her to Gladys Knight and Tina Turner and other older women doesn't help her cause. Comes across as too polished and too professional. I actually would not be surprised if Melinda say bye bye next week.

Edited by run, 09 May 2007 - 10:05 PM.

[run]

I am gonna refrain from saying I told you so.

[Christian]

Not wholly unexpected, but still tragic that the best singer didn't even make it to the final two. And this will be a MUCH less interesting finale than Jordin/Melinda. THAT would've been a battle royale. This ... this will just be ... a pillow fight.

[Joel C]

I mustn't write here what my first thoughts were...I won't even bother with the finale. Who cares?

That Blake even made into the finals was ridiculous, but for him to beat out Melinda in a singing competition is scandalous.

It wasn't as much about Blake making it through for me. I think he's a pretty talented performer. I know I might be alone in that estimation, and I'm fine with it. I think he'll grow into a fine performer. No performer is at their best on AI. Given some time and a little coaching, he'll be great.

But it's obvious that Melinda was far superior to either other contestant. I'm not outraged; I'm a little surprised, but not a lot. Blake and Jordin are both hip and young, and fit the AI demographic really well. Even if their skill is of a lesser level, their musical sensibilities fit the modern consumer model better.

I have this theory that apart from a couple lucky breaks, for Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood (both very talented), actually winning AI can be a curse of sorts; you're attached to the AI contract, and you have to do it the way the record company wants you to do it. You have to get a CD out within a few months. However, if you lose, you have the ability to assess where you are, and then decide where you would best fit. I'd far rather be a runner-up, than the actual winner, in some respects.

[Christian]

So the official “AI” single—the one from an “undiscovered” songwriter—was co-penned by Scott Krippayne and someone named Jeff Peabody. If you’ve listened to CCM in the past 15 years, you’ve heard Krippayne’s work and know his name. Peabody is, I hear, a pastor.

I’m not sure how Krippayne qualifies as an “undiscovered,” but I’m happy for the guy. At the same time, I’ve never cared a lick for any of his CCM stuff, and the new single is typical “AI” drivel. I’m sorry, but it’s true.

Edited by Christian, 23 May 2007 - 09:48 AM.