American Idol -- Top 24 Perform -- 02/23/10-02/25/10
 

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Bios of the Top 24:

http://www.americanidol.com/contestants/season_9/


Tuesday: Girls Perform (2 hours)

Wednesday: Guys Perform (2 hours)

Thursday: 4 sent home (1 hour)
Allison Iraheta will perform (Season 8 finalist)
Kris Allen will perform (Season 8 winner)

I would pad the performance shows at least 5 minutes since they tend to run long.

Re: American Idol -- Top 24 Perform -- 02/23/10-02/25/10
 

We need a poll...

Re: American Idol -- Top 24 Perform -- 02/23/10-02/25/10
 

How many songs will they sing tonight.?

Re: American Idol -- Top 24 Perform -- 02/23/10-02/25/10
 

I started late, so I am only half way through. I haven't heard one good song tonight...

Re: American Idol -- Top 24 Perform -- 02/23/10-02/25/10
 

Like the judges said, most of them were busy attempting to imitate the artists whose songs they were singing instead of bringing a different sound to the stage. IMO, Lacey was the worst tonight, but Haeley's high notes were like nails on a chalkboard.

Re: American Idol -- Top 24 Perform -- 02/23/10-02/25/10
 

I say Ashley and maybe one of the acoustic guitar girls go home...definitely not Crystal and probably not Lilly (wasn't crazy about the performance but I loved that she sang Fixin' a Hole.

Since I think Lacey survives another show I'll go with Janell, Haeley or Paige. I hope Didi gets at least one more week.

As for my favorites...I like what Katelyn did with her Across the Universe version of Oh Darling, and I really liked what Siobhan did. It's also obvious that Katie has a really good voice, and I think she's a definite contender for the whole thing.

Re: American Idol -- Top 24 Perform -- 02/23/10-02/25/10
 

Personally loved Siobhan tonight and BOWERSOX!! Liked Didi...Whole show seemed a bit awkward tonight and Simon seems to have already checked out..

Re: American Idol -- Top 24 Perform -- 02/23/10-02/25/10
 

What a strange night. The people I thought they would hate they liked or loved. Like the Paige Miles and Lilly Scott. Great singers, but their performances were subpar tonight IMO. For me, Siobhan was the best. Her voice and version of "Wicked Games" were stellar. I enjoyed it so much, I backed up my DVR twice to watch her.

I agree with your comments on Simon. He was on auto pilot, no? And not nearly as nasty as he has been in the past. And I'm sorry, but I still don't like Ellen on the panel.

Re: American Idol -- Top 24 Perform -- 02/23/10-02/25/10
 

My comments before the judges give their critique:

Paige Miles - eh, didn't make me excited by the performance. Not much in the star power department so far.

Ashley Rodriguez - awful song choice, and didn't enjoy it one bit. No star power.

Janell Wheeler - Weak voice, song was too big for her.

Lily Scott - memorable, with her own style, and didn't sound half-bad, but won't be able to provide pyrotechnics on power ballads.

Katelyn Epperly - Tough to watch perform, few too many facial tics, vocals were okay with strange phrasing that wasn't as effective as it could have
been.

Haeley Vaughn - Has this annoying cutesy demeanor that turns me off to her as a performer. Please, America, vote her off.

Lacey Brown - a little too nasaly with pitch and enunciating problems, probably nerves got the best of her, which is too bad.

Michelle Delamor - Nice tone to her voice, but doesn't quite have that spark to put her over the top, and her voice goes flat in spots, perhaps out of breath at times.

Didi Benami - Song choice was bad, the song just sounds too self-indulgent, and didn't showcase her limited vocal range.

Siobhan Magnus - visually reminds me of Anna Paquin (but without the gap in the front teeth), the song felt a little slow and dreary without much energy, not a good song choice.

Crystal Bowersox - Best voice amongst the girls, good musicality, natural performer, looking forward to her next performance. Too bad it's not Harmonica Idol.

Katie Stevens - Very confident for a young lady, tons of vocal range, though she's got a little bit of high school musical schtick going on.

Re: American Idol -- Top 24 Perform -- 02/23/10-02/25/10
 

I don't like Crystal Bowersox. From her interviews, it seems like she feels like she's lowering herself by being on AI. She admitted that she never watched the show.

Haeley Vaughn was better in earlier rounds. Her Beatles song was poorly arranged, and she shouted the whole way through.

Re: American Idol -- Top 24 Perform -- 02/23/10-02/25/10
 

I got that vibe from her, too. Especially when she said something like "you told us we couldn't write our own music" when the judges suggested that she add some originality to her performance. Everyone knows by now that it means to change up the arrangement, tone, etc. of a song to make it your own. The judges mentioned that to several contestants tonight, and she was the only one to make a comment about it. I noticed that she got her teeth whitened.

Re: American Idol -- Top 24 Perform -- 02/23/10-02/25/10
 

Thought most of the performances were mediocre to flat out awful.

The only ones that stood out to me were Lilly Scott and Crystal Bowersox...only vocally though.

I thought Lacey Brown was God awful. Would not be surprised if she were in the bottom.

Re: American Idol -- Top 24 Perform -- 02/23/10-02/25/10
 

Well, she IS lowering her standards by being on AI...as is any serious musician. She's pimping herself out for a chance at success.

AI is NOT a talent contest. It's a tv cash cash rolled into a genius strategy by agents (AI) who get to audition their prospective 'artists' without any risk. The result is a pre-packaged, pre-ordered product which continues to rake in the cash long after the cameras stop rolling. It's one of the most brilliant formulas ever concocted & one that insures that the producers can't lose (until the public gets tired of the concept). Between the show, the tours, and the CDs, the producers have their butts covered in layers of $$$.

To be a 'finalist', you have to be willing to choose among lame musical genres with a house band, do cutesy promos & ads, stand in front of "judges" who give conflicting & contradictory advice from one contestant to another, endure stupid, manipulative, cheap tricks such as the 'fake-out' attempts designed to make the contestants sweat as long as possible (or make them think they've been voted off), etc. I suppose that's small potatoes compared with busking in subway stations or behind chicken wire in seedy clubs, but it's still pretty demeaning. I guess everyone thinks that musicians are used to menial service jobs and don't mind being humiliated by 'celebrities'.

Of course, you do have the younger contestants who don't mind being treated like trained seals...such as the one who said she liked "everything" about the experience...the interviews, the limousine rides with her 'friends', dancing silly in front of the cameras, etc. That's the kind of 'artist' the AI producers have wet dreams about...the kind who can be controlled easily & will do exactly what they're told.

I really found Bowersox refreshing in that she called Cowell out for wanting something "original". Ever listen to tribute albums featuring cover versions from established, veteran artists...you know, people with tons of experience, their own recording studios, producers, & bands, and weeks or months to come up with an arrangement? How many of those result in truly "original" performances?

When the "judges" criticize one performer for picking the wrong song because it isn't suited for his/her voice & then criticize the next performer because the song is TOO suited for his/her voice...thus making it sound "too easy" (??)...despite the assessment that the performance was good...you know that schizophrenia is raising its ugly head. Same thing goes when judges admit that they 'prejudge' contestants song choices (such as "Wicked Game") before the performance.

Kudos to Bowersox for "keeping it real"...or hot, or dope, or whatever.

Re: American Idol -- Top 24 Perform -- 02/23/10-02/25/10
 

Since I only listen in this season when my wife is watching the show (for the reasons mentioned above), don't know about any teeth whitening (although that wouldn't hurt a performer's credibility any more than getting a new hairstyle or new clothes). But I do know that (as mentioned above), even the best musicians can struggle to come up with truly original spins on songs made popular by others...as evidenced by the dearth of really original cover versions.

Although I love to hear interesting covers, I would still rather hear a good performance that is close to the original than to hear an "interesting" performance in which the person butchers the song. Adam Lambert was touted for his "originality" last season...but he ended up ruining many of the performances with his cat-in-heat screeching.

Maybe they want the contestants to become walking freak shows. Hey, it worked for mediocre "talent" Gaga, who would be better named "Lady Gag-Me". But it sells...and that's what counts to AI.

What is the main theme & key word that is repeated throughout AI? You got it..."commercial". Kara even praised one performer last night for how "commercial" she looked. When it gets that bad, you know that the fix is in.

And you have to remember that Cowell insulted Bowersox by implying she is too old. After all, it's a staple criticism on AI for the "judges" to tell the youngest performers that their song choice is "too old" and that they need to sing songs that suit their age group. They rarely do that with anybody who is of legal age. I'd love to have heard what they would have said to 12-year-old Charlotte Church when she became a hit by singing all those "old" songs rather than some teeny-bopper drivel such as "Britney" of "X-Tina".

If they really want the performers to be "current", they'd be advising the performers to rap or perform in hip-hop style. And what is "current" or "contemporary", anyway? Amy Winehouse's throwback style? The lounge-lizard style of Alicia Keys? The high-school musical style of Timberlake?

Most "current" songs, IMHO, sound as if they could have been released any time during the past 20 years. And quite a few sound like "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes"-type of ballads done 50 years ago.

Re: American Idol -- Top 24 Perform -- 02/23/10-02/25/10
 

Can someone clarify to me what the judges mean when they say a performance was "self-indulgent?" That the singer is only singing for themselves? I dont get the criticism.

Re: American Idol -- Top 24 Perform -- 02/23/10-02/25/10
 

dissapointing start for Ellen, she really is Paula.

This show without Simon will be a complete disaster...

Re: American Idol -- Top 24 Perform -- 02/23/10-02/25/10
 

Please get that Haeley chick off the show. She looks horrible and sounds even worse.

And I don't get the love for Crystal at all. Yeah she's got some talent but she's so fucking boring! Nothing but a subpar subway station performer.

My early favorite is Siobhan and I was surprised by how much I liked Katelyn.

Re: American Idol -- Top 24 Perform -- 02/23/10-02/25/10
 

Which just proves the point that a subway singer can be better than all the girls they usually get for this show. She's probably got the best range out of all the girls and also seems to nail almost everything in perfect key unlike 90% of the performances last night. I'd pick her over anyone.
I'm not getting the siobhan love, myself. That first verse sounded like Michael Clarke Duncan was singing it and she was in and out of tune. Plus her face just freaks me out.

Re: American Idol -- Top 24 Perform -- 02/23/10-02/25/10
 

Before the show started I looked at my wife and said that we are playing a new Drinking Game, everytime the judges say "song choice" you have to drink - you should try it!

Re: American Idol -- Top 24 Perform -- 02/23/10-02/25/10
 

I was afraid that the show would be awful next year without Simon, but at this rate it may not even matter. For all of the talk about how strong the girls are, how the winner will be female this year... last night was actually painful to watch. I can't even fully comment on the performances because I don't care about any of the girls enough to learn their names!

Crystal entertained me the most. Although, her package came off as insulting to those of us who do watch the show. I understand that she may not take the show seriously, and quite frankly- neither do I. But, don't bite the hand that feeds you! By commenting that she's only doing the show to provide a fatter paycheck for her son, she's implying that she's not passionate about music. A terrible message to send out to people who's vote you depend on.

I also liked the girl who sang the Ingrid Michaelson cover. I don't think she was trying to sound like Adele or Duffy, and she sang well. I like that style of music.

I also enjoyed the Chris Isaak cover. Thought she had a great tone to her voice.

The show ended up much better than it started for me, as I also enjoyed the Michael Buble cover. I thought the lyrics fit well, given that it was her first shot at a big break. She exuded confidence and I couldn't believe that voice was coming from such a young girl. She made an impression, and that seems like it would be the goal of the first night out on stage?

I hate all of the talk about "safe" choices and "unoriginal" performances. The judges may know these girls well, but we've seen tiny bits of them here and there. They are trying to show America that they can sing, and this is their first real attempt at making an impression and building a fanbase. Better to play it safe and come across as a good copy of the original, rather than taking a huge risk and failing miserably, never to be heard from again. There's plenty of time to show us your range, assuming you make it past this week!

Re: American Idol -- Top 24 Perform -- 02/23/10-02/25/10
 

I could not believe it when Michelle Delamor sang "Falling" by Alicia Keyes. That is simply one of the most overplayed songs in the history of radio and this show.

Re: American Idol -- Top 24 Perform -- 02/23/10-02/25/10
 

The only two performances I liked last night were Didi and Siobhan. Siobhan only because of how strange it was. The rest ranged from forgettable (the last girl...what's her name) to horrible (Lilly...one of the worst I've ever seen and she's scary to look at).

Ellen is hard to look at as well. What kind of criticism is "I like you when you're better than that." No shit.

Lacey is gone for sure. If it's two going, I guess the second may be Ashely.

Re: American Idol -- Top 24 Perform -- 02/23/10-02/25/10
 

I thought the guys tonight overall were much better than the girls.
And in order per the Idol website here are my thoughts:

Aaron Kelly - Such a powerful voice from such a little guy. He did a great job overall.

Alex Lambert - I felt so sorry this kid. He looked absolutely terrified on stage. Another great voice. And not a bad performance. I just hope he sticks around and gets more confidence.

Andrew Garcia - Good voice but not great tonight.

Casey James - Cool guy. Nice voice. Not crazy about the song. Would like to see him really take it several notches.

Jermaine Sellers - Just o.k. performance. He can do better.

Joe Munoz - Another great vocalist. Want to see more of this guy.

John Park - Eeesh. Horrible HORRIBLE song choice. And a terrible performance. But I blame the song. Why!?

Lee Dewyze - Another terrible song choice. But this guy has got it. I'm glad Simon can see that. It was touching to see him get emotional. I'd buy his music or go see him live if he gets that far. Fingers crossed.

Michael Lynche - Big guy, big voice. Not a great performance though. Safe.

Tim Urban - What can I say......Cute guy, for sure. The lucky S.O.B. Has a Brandon Routh look. But he just tanked tonight. I only hope he sticks around for another week so I can see if the kid can actually sing.

Todrick Hall - Good voice, but something about this guy bugs me. He might have that Adam Lambert factor. And that's not a compliment. Coming off Broadway he's just too, well, Broadway-ish. Just being a performer first and a singer second.

Tyler Grady - Thumbs down. He's just too creepy for my tastes. And he doesn't have that great of a voice IMO. And that whole 60's retro look and vibe will get old fast.

Re: American Idol -- Top 24 Perform -- 02/23/10-02/25/10
 

Enough already of the Kara/Casey antics. Please dont have this go on every week. Totally disrespectful while he performed.

Re: American Idol -- Top 24 Perform -- 02/23/10-02/25/10
 

Leaving tomorrow:
Lacey
Ashley
John
Tim (although I hope it's Tyler Grating aka Mr. Facade)

My top 3:
1. Didi
2. Lee
3. Andrew (dropped from #1 after tonight's performance...I'm sure hel'll bounce back)