American Idol Season Nine Discussion

[Margos]

Siobhan Magnus is my favorite. Hands down. Beautiful voice and excellent style, and not to mention the "star power." Compared to last year, this season's pretty weak. But the slightly Lambert-esque performance of Paint it Black turned Siobhan from my tentative favorite to my pick to win it.

[dvdjunkie]

I am now really upset with Idol voting. Tim Urban was in the bottom three along with Paige Miles and Lacey Brown, and guess who goes home - it weren't Paige and it wasn't "look at me I'm cute" Tim Urban..........they sent home Lacey Brown and that is really the pits. I guess she didn't have the fan support needed to stick around another week.

Hope things get better now, and Urban doesn't stick around much longer.

[jpanimation]

In a perfect world, Tim Urban, Katie Stevens and Andrew Garcia would be in the bottom 3. I had a feeling that Lacey Brown was going home. She was easily more talented but just didn't pick interesting songs or do anything to stand out/not be boring.

I'd like to see Lee DeWyze, Crystal Bowersox, and Siobhan Magnus in the top 3, with Crystal and Siobhan facing off in the finales, and Siobhan eventually winning it. Lee has a great rocker voice but as Simon said, he needs to work on his personality and push himself (he could be really good with some work). Crystal comes off as the most natural performer up there. She's so completely comfortable with herself and knows her voice well; professional is the word I'm looking for. Siobhan has amazing control of her voice and a powerful one at that. She just needs to watch she doesn't overdue it with the screaming (which sounds exactly like Lambert's, which I never liked because it was too feminine to be coming from a guy, but works for her), as it works, just not randomly shoved into every song. If she continues to impress, like with Paint it Black, I'd love to see her win.

[Disney's Divinity]

Yay! Urban survives!

One girl down, 5 to go.

[dvdjunkie]

The Top Eleven took the stage Tuesday night, and it wasn't overall very pretty. With four contestants falling completely on their faces, we have a real dilemma with who to cut first. But I am jumping ahead of myself, let's start at the beginning.

Last night's show theme was Billboard Number One Songs, so there was no excuse for bad choices of song, but there were several bad choices made.

Opening the show was Lee DeWyze, who put down the guitar and then laid down the ground work for his shining performance of "The Letter" originally done by The Box Tops.

Our first non-memorable performance came from Paige Miles who ruined a perfectly good Phil Collins song, "Against All Odds". And the judges let her know how disappointed they were.

Tim Urban, again made a bad choice of song as he "tried" to perform Queen's "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" and failed miserably.

Aaron Kelly was praised for his song choice tonight as he showcased his version of Aerosmith's "I Don't Want To Miss A Thing". The judges all were impressed with his song choice, and despite the tonsilitis and laryngitis he got through the song.

Crystal Bowersox was the hit of the night and she took Janis Joplin's "Me and Bobby McGee" and raised the bar on performance levels for the rest of the night. Promising something totally out of her comfort zone next week, Crystal was verbally handed the American Idol crown last night. She is truly the one to beat.

Michael Lynche played it "safe" last night as he did his version of the Percy Sledge classic "When A Man Loves A Woman". Michael is safe for this week, but needs to turn it up a notch and not be "so predictable".

Andrew Garcia, on the advice of mentor Miley Cyrus, put down the guitar and then tormented all of us with a very phony version of the Marvin Gaye classic "I Heard It Through The Grapevine".

Katie Stevens finally found her moment last night when she performed Fergie's "Big Girls Don't Cry" and got a standing ovation for her performance and kudos from the judges.

Casey James, who I personally think is this year's "Sanjaya", did a direct copy of the Huey Lewis and the News song "The Power of Love" from "Back to the Future". But the judges saw something else, and believe that he and Lee DeWyze are leading the guys.

Didi Benami tried something new that didn't quite work out as she gave her rendition of the Linda Ronstadt song "You're No Good", which Simon chimed in was that was what her performance was for that evening.

Saving the best for last Siobhan Magnus ripped the roof of the building with her rendition of Stevie Wonder's classic "Superstition" and wowed the judges with her performance, except for Simon who told her he was "tired of her screaming".

We have four to choose from to send home, and I do believe out of the four, the bottom three will be Paige Miles, Didi Besami, and Tim Urban and hopefully the people who call in get it right this week and send Tim Urban home.

Tonight's Results show will feature a performance by Miley Cyrus, along with a duet performance from Demi LoVato and Joe Jonas, a good reason to DVR the show and speed through it to the results. When all the dust clears we will be introduced to our Top Ten for the Summer Tour.

[Disney's Divinity]

Of course bad choices were made. We learned from the first three weeks that these people are stupid at picking songs from wide selections.

Anyway, I think the only person I liked last night was Aaron--he's got better every week, surprisingly. Lee Dewyze just couldn't carry "The Letter" (especially since I've heard Carly Smithson and Michael Johns sing the song as best as it can be by a contestant already). Lynche and Bowersox also did decent.

Urban's song choice turned out worse than I was expecting. Still, Paige, Katie, Didi and Andrew (at least) should all go first.

(I can't really comment on Didi or Siobhan from last night because I fell asleep after Casey--but I still think Siobhan's been getting way over-praised; she did decent on a couple points of "Tainted Love" and hit a nice high note on an Aretha Franklin song, but she's overall not very good, imo).

[AwallaceUNC]

My rankings from last night's performances... I voted for the ones in bold:

1. Crystal Bowersox
2. Aaron Kelly
3. Siobhan Magnus
4. Lee Dewyze
5. Katie Stevens
6. Michael Lynche
7. Casey James
8. Andrew Garcia
9. Tim Urban
10. Didi Benami
11. Paige Miles

Paige gave one of the worst vocals I've heard on this show. She's got to go.

-Aaron

[dvdjunkie]

You got your wish Aaron, Paige Miles was the lowest vote getter and is no longer in the running for the "American Idol 2010" crown.

I was truly not surprised by anything except for the fact that Katie Stevens was in the bottom three and Andrew Garcia skated by again. But, when they sent Katie back to the chairs I knew that it was either Tim or Paige that was going home, and I was rooting for Tim because I did vote for Paige because I hated Tim Urban so much.

Looks like we have our "Sanjaya" for 2010 in Tim Urban, and will probably have to put up with him for at least another week.

Crystal Bowersox is really setting the bar high for performance by any of this contestants and next week it all gets a little harder with the Mentor for the show being Usher, and the music will be "Rhythm and Blues Soul". Should be an interesting week, and without hearing a note, I want Tim Urban gone from this show for sure. If not him then it has to be Didi Benami.

As for the entertainment on the results show, Miley Cyrus again proved why she will be around for some time, and the other two Disney-created-stars proved why you can't believe all the hype about someone until they ruined every song they touch. Demi and Joe were terrible (in my opinion) and should not be on television ever again.

[AladdinFan]

I was rooting for Paige Miles but got dissapointed when Tim Urban stayed. Hopefully Tim Urban goes away next week. Like the judges said that he is probably going to stay because of his looks but people have to remember that this is a singing competition NOT who looks good.

[dvdjunkie]

It was American Idol's Top Ten on the stage tonight, and there were some great performances and just a couple of read duds. My picks for the bottom three may surprise you, but I will stand by my predictions because I haven't gotten one right yet - so why change!!!!

It was R&B Soul tonight with Guest Mentor Raymond Usher, and I thought he did a really good job. I would like to see him again. Well, we all will because he will be performing tomorrow night on the results show.

First out of the box tonight was Siobhan Magnus who took on Chaka Kahn's "Through The Fire", and I personally thought like the judges, it was one of her worst performances. She isn't listening to them and insists on doing those dreadful high notes. She has a great voice and needs to learn there is a time and a place for the screaming.

Next up was Casey James doing his version of the Sam and Dave Classic "Hold On I'm Comin' ", and he did a pretty good job of making this song his own. Also noted by Ryan Seacrest, it was the first time this song has been sung on 'Idol' by anyone.

Michael Lynche made sure everyone knows he knows how to sing and connect with an audience as he did an "A-Plus" version of India Arie's "Ready For Love". He was praised for always bringing his A-game to the competition.

The first dud of the night was from Didi Benami who ruined a perfectly good David Ruffin song "What Becomes of The Broken-Hearted". She was all over the place in her performance, and couldn't decide whether to smile or to cry. Well she will be crying tomorrow because I think it good bye to Didi.

Tim Urban was next and he laid an egg the size of Manhattan with his version of the Anita Baker song "Sweet Love". It was dreadful and he didn't connect with himself on this song, much less the audience.

Andrew Garcia finally got over the top with his solid performance of Chris Brown's "Forever", as he took it and made it his own. He may have just saved his stint on Idol with this song.

Katie Stevens tore up the stage with Aretha Franklin's "Chain of Fools" and caused a big argument between Kara and Simon about what type of music she should be singing. She is safe for another week.

Lee DeWyze had his moment this week as he performed "Treat Her Like A Lady" by Cornelius Brothers and Sister Rose. He drove this song into the chests of the audience and connected with everyone and made this his song and the night "that would change his life" according to Simon Cowell.

Crystal Bowersox did not disappoint this week as she appeared sans guitar, and behind a big piano and ripped apart Gladys Knight and the Pips version of "Midnight Train to Georgia". The judges said it was the performance of the competition, and she is in it to win it, but Simon cautioned her to not forget where her comfort zone is.

Closing the show was Aaron Kelly doing the Bill Withers song "Ain't No Sunshine", and he gave this song a new life, and solidified his position in the competition.

My predictions for the Bottom Three are: Didi Benami, Siobhan Magnus, and Tim Urban. And who is going home? Well, I am gonna stick my neck out on this one and say Didi Benami, although I wish it was Tim Urban.

[Widdi]

So until this show goes back to being one hour I won't be watching because it airs at the same time as Lost and American Idol loses out to Lost every time.

[dvdjunkie]

Really lame excuse Widdi............record "Lost" and then watch it after you watch "Idol"..........that is what many of us do. And besides that you are really missing some pretty good talent, and you won't be able to offer your opinions of what you have missed accurately.

My vote is for you to WATCH "American Idol", and RECORD "Lost", and watch it afterwards or the next day. That is totally what DVR's and VHS recorders are for.

[TheSequelOfDisney]

So until this show goes back to being one hour I won't be watching because it airs at the same time as Lost and American Idol loses out to Lost every time.

I completely agree. In fact, I DVR Lost while I'm watching it, so I can watch the episodes later. American Idol is too boring.

[Disney's Divinity]

I'd probably be watching Lost, too, but I missed the second season and haven't bothered to watch it since. Maybe I'll see it one day.

I fell asleep during last night's show again (I've been staying up a bit too late for school reasons--eh). But R&B night? Probably didn't miss much.

[Widdi]

Don't own a DVR or VCR and have no intentions to buy one just to tape Lost which is the only show other than AI that I watch.

So lame excuse or not I am watching Lost, which is ten... no 100 times the show AI is, especially this season.

[AladdinFan]

So lame excuse or not I am watching Lost, which is ten... no 100 times the show AI is, especially this season.

Agreed. LOST is way much better than American Idol. I always DVR American Idol because I can't wait on what's going to happen next on LOST. Especially need to watch LOST because it's the last season.

[Disney's Divinity]

Well, Didi went home. Thankfully.

Yes, the girls do have the talent this year.

[dvdjunkie]

Tonight's show started with a great performance by Season Two Idol winner, Ruben Studdard, and then, at least in my eyes, it went downhill from there.

Could not see what the youth of America sees in Usher, and never heard of the other person on the show.

But since I DVR the show I can speed through the lame parts and get to the meat of the show, the results.

Tim Urban is getting comfortable in the bottom three, he was there again this week, but another of the girls bit the dust tonight as Didi Benami was sent home. No big loss, as I predicted it would be either her or Tim Urban. Better luck next week, Tim, hope you don't unpack your bags.

[Disney's Divinity]

Tim ~ Did really well tonight. And, yes, he's attractive. But he did sound good.
Siobhan ~ I'm clearly not hearing what the judges are--she sounded awful! I honestly hope she goes this week. The song and arrangement sounded beautiful, but her voice did not.
Casey ~ He did especially well tonight. Only his voice shakes a lot. A lot.
Andrew ~ Okay, but boring.
Lee ~ Okay, and the bagpipe was really random, but I liked it.
Aaron ~ His version = nowhere near as good as Archuleta's. But I do like him so-so.
Michael ~ This guy's really overrated. He sounds okay, but not great by any means. Ruben 2.0 isn't nearly as good as the original.
Crystal ~ Perfect as always. She reminds me of Lambert, Cook and Archuleta--just an absolute control over her voice; she has no problem reaching those notes. At times I expected the high parts to get out of control, but she would always bring them back perfectly. She'll most likely win (and if it means Siobhan won't, I'm all for it).
Katie ~ Did pretty good tonight. I agree with Simon on the country thing (stfu, Kara!). She reminded me of Trisha Yearwood and Leann Rimes, and she could more easily find a fanbase in country (and make money). Singing r&b/jazz won't get her anywhere.

Bottom three (hopefully): Andrew, Siobhan, and Lee or Aaron. Too bad Kara can't go.

[dvdjunkie]

It was Lennon/McCartney night on American Idol tonight as the Top Nine got to choose from a plethora of hits by one of the most successful writing teams in musical history. And we bang-up performances, and a couple of duds.

Aaron Kelly opened the show with "The Long and Winding Road" and will probably find himself in the bottom three with a lackluster opening performance, which Kara said he was becoming 'very one-dimensional' in his performances. I will have to agree.

Katie Stevens proved to all that she listens to the judges and did a terrific version of "Let It Be". This girl proved tonight that she can sing.

Andrew Garcia tried out "Can't Buy Me Love", but I think he failed in more ways than one and may find himself in the bottom three.

Michael Lynche proved once again why he is the guy to beat in this competition when he ripped through "Eleanor Rigby".

Crystal Bowersox proved that she is leading the girls in the competition by being true to herself with her version of "Come Together".

Tim Urban surprised everyone, including me, with a version of "All My Lovin' " that I could possibly hear on the radio today. He may not find himself in the bottom three this week.

Casey James showed his "vulnerable" side with John Lennon's "Jealous Guy". He was praised by all the judges for using an acoustic guitar and showing a different side of himself.

Siobhan Magnus proves that she wants to be there at the end of the competition with her emotional version of "Across The Universe" and to Simon Cowell's pleasure, she didn't scream a word.

Lee DeWyze let it all out with his take of "Hey Jude", and surprised everyone by being accompanied at the end by a gentleman on bagpipes, which Ellen saluted by saying they "will help him find the parade he got separated from". What a way to end the show.

David Archuleta will be among the stars performing tomorrow night on the results show and one contestant will go home, unless the judges use their "save" to keep them on the show.

My pick for bottom three: Aaron Kelly, Andrew Garcia, Tim Urban.

Who's going home: I am sticking with my un-love for Tim Urban and hope that he leaves this week.