American Idol 12 ~ CANDICE GLOVER WINS!!!

[Disney's Divinity]

Evidently you don't follow who's on tour, or what new album is coming out in stores.

Season Three winner, Cassadee Pope, is on tour with Rascal Flatts and The Band Perry.

Her album will be in stores sometime this summer. Blake Shelton has also taken one of those who didn't make the final cut on the show out on his recent tour.

Terry McDermott has appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, as well as Late Night with Craig Ferguson and most recently was on Jimmy Kimmel Live. Terry's album will see the light of day in May.

Most all of "The Voice" contestants, winners or losers, have had better success than those who have appeared on "The 'X' Factor".

None of this makes any of these people a "success." A successful artist is based on hit singles or albums that have Gold, Platinum, or Multi-Platinum certifications, or at least awards. No contestant from The Voice or The X Factor has done anything, and it's the fault of the shows for not doing the best they can for their winners (like Idol does). After the initial hype from the latest season is over, The Voice contestants are dropped like cold potatoes. As for pointing out past judges as the reason for Idol's success--Scotty McCreery and Phillips Phillips have both had strong commercial success from the past two seasons alone, whether I like them or not. A 1X Platinum album for McCreery and a 4X Platinum single for Phillips.

As for Nicki Minaj, she likely will not be back for another season. But, as I said, she has given good criticism for the most part, and Idol clearly hired her for her "craziness" in order to keep the show entertaining and to draw in a younger audience. I'm sure the racists out there despise her though; she's unapologetically black.

[Disney's Divinity]

My ranking of the night:

1. Candice Glover ~ “I (Who Have Nothing)”
2. Kree Harrison ~ “Cryin’”
3. Devin Velez ~ “Temporary Home”
4. Burnell Taylor ~ “Flying Without Wings”
5. Angela Miller ~ “I Surrender”
6. Paul Jolley ~ “I’m Amazed”
7. Janelle Arthur ~ “Gone”
8. Amber Holcomb ~ “A Moment Like This”
9. Lazaro ~ “Breakaway”
10. Curtis Finch ~ “I Believe”

The people I usually don’t care for did great, and the ones I rooted for were on the lower end for once. I usually am against anyone ever performing “I (Who Have Nothing)” because Jordin Sparks is my favorite contestant and nobody could ever hope to top her. While I don’t think Candice topped Jordin, she gave such a different performance of the song to Jordin’s version and was for the first time amazing to me. Same with Kree on “Cryin’.” While I like Kree, and I think there’s a large chance of her winning because she’s country, I don’t know if there’s a place for her in country music because she sounds almost exactly like Carrie Underwood.

Devin’s performance was a little boring, but “Temporary Home” is one of my favorite Underwood songs and his voice sounded great on it. Same with Burnell and Angela, who both sounded amazing, but were a little boring. This is the first time I’ve genuinely liked Paul’s vocals (he’s a nice guy, just not a good singer), but he’s still not competing with the others, tbh. Janelle annoys me with her attempt to repeat Kellie Pickler’s persona, but her vocals are decent.

Amber Holcomb (my second favorite thus far) hurt herself so much tonight. It started when she performed Whitney Houston again last week, but she just sounded downright horrible on Kelly Clarkson’s “A Moment Like This.” If she had followed Leona Lewis’s arrangement of the song, she might’ve done better, but what she went with didn’t work. Lazaro is awful in general (but, like Paul, also nice). Curtis can sing, but I don’t like him and I’m tired of people attempting to outdo Fantasia, when that song epitomizes her.

Overall, a stronger top 10 than the show’s had since season 8 to me. I just hope the right winner comes out on top (either Kree, Angela or Candice would be deserving. Devin and Burnell are also top quality, but I’d rather not have another man.)

[dvdjunkie]

Still not watching this crap!!

First season I have missed, but I am standing by my guns, and telling you that if Idol doesn't get canceled this year, it will be next year.

[disneyboy20022]

[Disney's Divinity]

^ That's true. I wonder if, once X Factor is cancelled (and it likely will after this next season if the ratings don't change), if a Simon, Paula, Randy reunion would be possible. I don't expect Nicki or Mariah to stick around longer than 1 season. Well, Mariah might stay if Nicki leaves. Keith Urban and Nicki have been good judges though, imo.

I wish they'd retire Beatles night already. *sigh*

1. Angela Miller ~ “Yesterday”
2. Devin Velez ~ “The Long and Winding Road”
3. Burnell Taylor ~ “Let It Be”
4. Candice Glover ~ “Come Together”
5. Kree Harrison ~ “With a Little Help from My Friends”
6. Paul Jolley ~ “Eleanor Rigby”
7. Amber Holcomb ~ “She’s Leaving Home”
8. Janelle Arthur ~ “I Will”
9. Lazaro Arbos ~ “In My Life”

Candice was good, but "Come Together" was already topped by Carly Smithson years ago. Kree/Paul/Amber sounded good, but were dull. Lazaro was awful (a sped-up arrangement of that song is very off) and I just don't like Janelle. I think Paul or Lazaro should go, but Amber might have hurt herself by not standing out.

I'm looking forward to seeing Jessica Sanchez again tomorrow night, performing her first single (a duet with Ne-Yo). I don't expect big things for her, but I hope she has some moderate success.

[Avaitor]

I heard bits and pieces of last night's episode while I was on the computer, like I typically do, but one thing about the "Let It Be" performance got to me- the guy who sang it said that he never heard of the song before.

How the hell does that happen?

[dvdjunkie]

Look at the ages of the contestants, and then look at how long ago that song was recorded by The Beatles.

The Beatles were huge from 1963-1968, and I believe that "Let It Be" was released before 1970. That would mean over 40 years, and since none of the contestants are much older than 24, it is only natural that they might not hear the song, depending on what kind of music was listened to in their home.

[Disney's Divinity]

1. Janelle Arthur ~ “You Keep Me Hangin’ On”
2. Devin Velez ~ “The Tracks of My Tears”
3. Amber Holcomb ~ “Lately”
4. Kree Harrison ~ “Don’t Play That Song (You Lied)”
5. Candice Glover ~ “I Heard It Through the Grapevine”
6. Angela Miller ~ “Shop Around”
7. Lazaro Arbos ~ “For Once in My Life”
8. Burnell Taylor ~ “My Cherie Amour”

Overall, Janelle is the only performance that stood out tonight. I don't like her, so I hope she doesn't keep winning the night, but I loved the arrangement she had. I only wish one of the girls were singing it instead of her. I liked Devin and Amber, nothing standout though. Kree sounded a bit like Trisha Yearwood to me, and I loved the song choice.

Angela, unfortunately, gave her worst performance; her only bad performance so far, imo (especially when you compare it to David Archuleta's performance of the same song, which was one of his best, imo). Still, it's above Lazaro on a good night. She has a big fanbase, so I hope she'll escape the bottom 3. I'm predicting Lazaro, Burnell, and either Devin, Amber or Angela as the last spot in the bottom. I really hope Lazaro will go, but he's another Sanjaya/Tim Urban, and people feel sorry for him. Either way, I hope another guy goes.

Katharine McPhee will be performing on the show tomorrow night. I haven't seen her performing on Idol in forever, it feels like.

[DarthPrime]

I said I wouldn't watch this season, but I've found myself tuning in the past few weeks. I really think the show has gone downhill. Nicki Minaj really gets on my nerves.

[dvdjunkie]

For people like DarthPrime and myself, who gave up watching Idol this season, I am enjoying this season of "The Voice" on NBC on Monday and Tuesday nights. It's a good thing that "Voice" isn't on the same nights as "Idol" because it would crush them in the ratings.

This season is off to a roaring start with new judge Shakira and Usher sounding and acting like they have been around since the beginning. They have really given the show the lift it needed and I, personally, hope that we have seen the last of Christina 'Boobs-a-Lot' Aguilera and unwatchable CeeLo Green.

[Disney's Divinity]

It's a good thing that "Voice" isn't on the same nights as "Idol" because it would crush them in the ratings.

The Voice has started out at Idol’s lowest ratings this year (12 million); compare to Idol’s season premiere of 17 million. They would definitely split ratings, though I"m not sure The Voice would be on top.

I have actually watched bits of The Voice this season to see Shakira and Usher. I doubt I'll watch the entire season though, since, like I said, I don't like getting invested in singers with no futures. Besides, I preferred Christina and Cee Lo, even though Usher is okay.

[DarthPrime]

For people like DarthPrime and myself, who gave up watching Idol this season, I am enjoying this season of "The Voice" on NBC on Monday and Tuesday nights. It's a good thing that "Voice" isn't on the same nights as "Idol" because it would crush them in the ratings.

This season is off to a roaring start with new judge Shakira and Usher sounding and acting like they have been around since the beginning. They have really given the show the lift it needed and I, personally, hope that we have seen the last of Christina 'Boobs-a-Lot' Aguilera and unwatchable CeeLo Green.

CeeLo is coming back next season, and Christina might. I think the new judges are doing great. Sadly I don't think the Voice would beat Idol in ratings if they were on at the same time. The Voice lost to Dancing with the Stars last week (barely), although that's a different type of show.

[Disney's Divinity]

1. Angela Miller ~ “Bring Me to Life”
2. Amber Holcomb ~ “What About Love”
3. Candice Glover ~ “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction”
4. Kree Harrison ~ “Piece of My Heart”
5. Janelle Arthur ~ “You May Be Right”
6. Burnell Taylor ~ “You Give Love A Bad Name”
7. Lazaro Arbos ~ “We Are the Champions”

Not a great night, overall. I did like Angela and Amber, however, and they were the final two performances. Candice pulled it off, but her performance of that song of course wasn’t as good as Adam Lambert a few years ago. Kree--also good, with a song that’s been done to death. Janelle and Burnell both made bad song choices--someone with more of a power voice could’ve pulled off Janelle’s song. Lazaro is terrible, as expected. I really hope Lazaro finally goes (he’s a non-threat even if he has outstayed his welcome; Tim Urban and Sanjaya both went eventually), but I won’t be too disappointed if it’s Burnell. I liked him initially, but I’m over him at this point.

I’m not too worried about the girls. The judges only have two more weeks to use the Save, so if any of the girls were to get the boot, they wouldn’t go anywhere, thankfully. For the first time in years, it’s a guaranteed female win to me. Even though Angela is my favorite of the girls, any one of them would be deserving--except Janelle. However, I do think Angela and Kree are the two with the most likelihood of being successful. Regardless, all the female Idol winners have been successful--the men, not so much. I just feel like Angela is the most different from the winners they’ve already had; she could several different routes--Evanescence, Sarah McLachlan, Katy Perry. Kree and Janelle would both conflict with Carrie in the country genre (Kree especially sounds just like Carrie, although more soulful). Candice could do moderately well, but Fantasia and Jennifer Hudson are already Idol alums in the music should would be best at.

I would like if they had a night where the contestants could choose songs from one of the judges’ songbooks--Keith and Mariah both have some great songs. I could imagine Amber performing Nicki Minaj’s “Starships,” and it would be better if she appealed more to people her age. Why have star judges if they don’t utilize their songs, too?

[DarthPrime]

I'm seriously shocked that Lazaro was in the Top 3 last night. I thought he was going home, or at least in the bottom 2.

[Disney's Divinity]

I was more shocked that Janelle was in the Bottom 2! We were so close to being rid of her, too. Gah.

I thought it was funny that only one of the judges (Mariah) had Candice in their personal top 3, and they're always going crazy over her. Strangely, Nicki had my favorite as her number 1 pick (Angela). I think Kree will win it all, so I'm not getting my hopes, but it would be nice if Angela was at least in the top 2.

[Disney's Divinity]

I actually think this was the best night of the season so far. So many on-point vocals.

1. Angela Miller ~ “Love Came Down”
2. Candice Glover ~ “Don’t Make Me Over”
3. Candice Glover ~ “Lovesong”
4. Amber Holcomb ~ “I Say a Little Prayer”
5. Angela Miller ~ “Anyone Who Had a Heart”
6. Kree Harrison ~ “What the World Needs Now Is Love”
7. Kree Harrison ~ “Help Me Make It Through the Night”
8. Amber Holcomb ~ “Love on Top”

I enjoyed Angela’s first performance much more than the judges did, but her second was amazing. An obscure song I’ve never heard, but great nonetheless. I’ve noticed she makes very good song choices when the category is more open (the opposite of the other contestants, who are better with more limited categories).

Candice gave the best performances of the night, overall. I believe nearly scraping the bottom last week (not being in any of the judges’ personal top 3, except at the bottom of Mariah’s) finally scared her into trying again; she’s really been coasting since her “I (Who Have Nothing)” performance. I prefer “Don’t Make Me Over,” but she was just as impeccable on “Lovesong.”

Amber was great on the first song, but horrendous on the second. I did like that she moved around the stage so much in the second performance, something a lot of the girls don’t do. Still, the vocal was just not there.

Kree was great vocally, but she’s so boring for some reason. With the country support though, she can clearly coast to the finals--if we’re being objective, she would deserve to be near or in the bottom 3.

Janelle and Lazaro can both go now. Btw, the judges were very awkward when it came to Lazaro. I think they’re at a loss as to how to get rid of him. I don’t think he’ll be going anywhere this week. He has: the sympathy vote, the girl vote, the gay vote, the Latino vote, and the only-male-left vote. He could last until the Top 3-4, which is sad.

[dvdjunkie]

This is the first week that I have watched any of Idol and I am still wondering why people are watching this show still.

The only judge worth listening to, besides Randy Jackson, is Keith Urban. He is very to the point with his criticism and they are always constructive, not destructive, as a rule, except when you have a no-talent like Lazaro. How did he get on the show. I have seen a lot better male singers during the auditions, which I will admit I didn't watch all of them. Sure he has a speech impediment that is gone when he is singing, but that is no reason to keep him around. This could be another Phillip Phillips year if he lasts past this week.

Nikki 'street-ho clown' Minaj drove me crazy when she was giving her points of view. She kept twirling her hair and making sure that her wig was on straight, and she offered stupid points of view, from what I could see. She is not needed, and why they thought she would be an asset to the show is a real puzzle to me.

Mariah Carey is horrible. Why does she keep her hand in front of her face. Is she afraid we will see her snicker when she is trying to 'rough' on the contestant? She talks on and on about nothing and several times last night we didn't get to hear other judges opinions because of her lengthy points.

I probably won't watch the show again, but from just last night, Angela Miller, and Candice Glover had the stand-out performances of the evening. These two could be in the Final Four, which is probably the next time I will watch this show, which has lost its way in the hearts of a lot of Idol viewers who are turned off by last year's results and this year's judges.

[Disney's Divinity]

Lazaro left tonight. I was honestly shocked, even though he has deserved to go for at least 3 weeks now. I thought it would drag on a little longer. Maybe the way the judges’ worded their criticism (to make sure the audience knew they were criticizing his performance, not bullying him as a person) kept him from getting the sympathy vote. Surprised, but glad. An all-girl top 5. And, more importantly, an all-deserving top 5, for the first time in years. As far as how I'd rank the contestants (based on how much I would like them to win):

1. Angela Miller ~ I'm thinking it's a long shot she could win (especially over Kree, who seems to place #1 even when she has off weeks and others do amazing), but she is still my favorite voice and performer in the competition. So many avenues she could go.
2. Kree Harrison ~ I'm a little ambivalent to her on the show, but I do think she would do really well with her own music. I've listened to a song she has on YouTube ("You Would've Wanted It That Way" about her parents who have passed), and I really enjoy that song. Her voice is similar to Carrie Underwood's, but she's more soulful and definitely has more restraint than Carrie. And it's worth pointing out that her name alone makes her memorable, which can help sometimes.
3. Candice Glover ~ Amazing vocalist, but I'm not sure if she'd do well in the Pop/R&B field they would be most likely to push her down--especially not over Fantasia or Jennifer Hudson, Idols who already have a foothold there.
4. Amber Holcomb ~ I preferred her over Kree and Candice coming into the show, but I'm starting to think she wouldn't do very well post-show. She has an amazing voice, and I'd definitely buy an album by her myself regardless (I would for any of these 4 and Devin Velez), but I'm not sure she knows how to showcase herself in the best light.

Whatever you can say about the judges, they haven’t let a Scotty McCreery or Phillip Phillips win like JLO did (also, keep in mind that Steven Tyler and Paula Abdul were on this show, if you're talking about craziness...). And I just wanted to comment on how good the group performance was--and that never happens. Amber & Candice's duet-snippet of "A House Is Not A Home" was superb.

[dvdjunkie]

After watching the Results Show last night - I wanted to see if Lazaro got the sympathy vote or was final sent home - I was surprised at how much the judges were drooling over Candice's performance.

Randy Jackson called it "the best performance, ever, on any talent show", which I think that is a very broad statement and not very true. He evidentally hasn't seen any of the "X Factor" singers or watched "The Voice".

Kelly Clarkson's performance of "People Like Us" was fabulous, except for her makeup. The song was all done in 'black light' and whoever put those lines just above her eyelashes evidently hasn't worked with 'black light' before. Every time she blinked her eyes this weird looking line made her look like a scarecrow. Being such a huge fan and follower of Kelly Clarkson, I didn't let it bother me, because she has become the consummate country artist, and I loved the first season highlights of her performance. I thought that added a lot to the show.

Scotty McCreery was amazing. And just so you know "Disney Divinity" winners from the other talent shows do have careers, Scotty's opening act is fellow country singer "Tate Stephens", last season's winner on the "X Factor".

I don't judge a talent show by what happens after the show to the winner's because nowadays people like Phillip Phillips can have a hit record, if only on iTunes. Actual sales of Mr. Phillips album are far below expectations, and 19 Records is contemplating letting him go.

Before all of you who watch "Idol" rant over how this is the best show of the series, you need to watch "The Voice" season Four and see how much better the talent is this year, and how great the coaches are. Adam Levine, Blake Shelton, Shakira and Usher made the Idol judges look like beginners.

I still can figure out why Nikki Minaj plays with her 'wig' so much, and Mariah Carey keeps her hand in front of her face. That is very distracting from what they do. Keith Urban could be a judge on any of the talent shows that are currently on television and would be the highlight.

[Disney's Divinity]

Randy Jackson called it "the best performance, ever, on any talent show", which I think that is a very broad statement and not very true. He evidentally hasn't seen any of the "X Factor" singers or watched "The Voice".

While I do think Randy was off, I was thinking it was more because of previous contestants on Idol. She's better than most everyone from The X Factor or The Voice (outsinging their best, like Melanie Amaro and Javier Colon, imo). Personally, I think The Voice has weaker talent in general, because they mostly get fodder people who already had a chance to make it and failed. The Voice is much more about the judges than it is about the singers.

I don't judge a talent show by what happens after the show to the winner's because nowadays people like Phillip Phillips can have a hit record, if only on iTunes. Actual sales of Mr. Phillips album are far below expectations, and 19 Records is contemplating letting him go.

What are you talking about? His album has nearly went Platinum already, much faster than Scotty McCreery's did, for instance (and not too far behind Kelly Clarkson’s and Carrie Underwood’s latest albums). I’m not crazy about him, but his music does have an Alt/Pop vibe that seems to be popular right now, and it’s hard to argue he hasn’t been a success. His second album might flop, like many do, but he’s done more successful with his first album and singles than many Idols have. I think that's to be expected, considering big voices have a harder time making it these days compared to a decade ago, which I consider a very unfortunate turn.