American Idol: Thoughts on the Top 9
I rank the 9 American Idol contestants and explain why.
I spent a lot of time recently listening to audio tracks of both live and studio recordings of the Top Idol wannabes, to try and nail down exactly who is better than who, why I think so, and who, at the end of the day, I'm actually going to want to drive around jamming to.
The Top Slice.
I'm very decided on my top 3, and on the order in which I love them, because each one feels exponentially better to me than the one below them. I would buy records from these 3 in a heartbeat.
1. Adam Lambert.
Defining Performance: Ring of Fire / Tracks of My Tears
What Kind of Artist I See Him As: ... as Adam Lambert. Which is exactly why he's my top pick. I mean, no, he's not "SOMETHING WE HAVE NEVER SEEN BEFORE EVA", as some would claim, but he is refreshing. Really, I think he'd produce a great indie rock sort of album, and I could get behind that.
That's What I Like About You: He definitely has the necessary star power to be a success, and, as many have already commented, he's kind of a league above everyone else on the show right now. He has so much experience on stage, and such presence, that's it's impossible to ignore him. I love his vocals, and those eyes. No matter what his orientation actually is, I do sort of have a crush on this guy, though I'm still not ridiculously fangirly about him (this is a comparative statement). Most importantly, he's smart about his decisions on the show, as shown by his choices in the above two mentioned performances. He's got the head on his shoulders to define a style for himself, and that could help him from drifting off into Idol obscurity. I think this guy is made for fame.
2. Allison Iraheta.
Defining Performance: Alone (also a big fan of her Blame It On Your Heart)
What Kind of Artist I See Her As: Kelly Clarkson-ish pop rocker girl.
That's What I Like About You: No one can argue that this girl has vocal chops. And, being so young, it makes it all the more impressive. But what really puts Allison as my number 2 is that I love listening to her - to her distinct gritty power voice. I put her tracks on repeat, because she's just plain awesome. To be honest, there's something almost off putting about her personally to me, that I can't quite place. But her singing is so good that I don't even care. Plus she rocks that red do', and I am a sucker for anyone who can pull off fantastic red hair. I am jealous.
3. Danny Gokey.
Defining Performance: Hero / Jesus, Take the Wheel
What Kind of Artist I See Him As: Christian rocker. I can't help it, every time he sings something vaguely inspirational, I'm moved by the emotion in it. Please sing inspirational songs for a living, kthnxbai.
That's What I Like About You: I know Danny has got a lot of bad breaks for the 'my wife is dead' syndrome. But I do not believe for a moment that he was playing a pity card. I think the show did though, because they thought it made a great sob story, and hey! it's tv! I think he's handled himself admirably in the face of having his personal tragedy turned into a sort of circus. Basically, I love the way he keeps it real. He has a voice that can only be described as honest to me, and that's how he comes off overall in my eyes. I love his kooky glasses, his hilarious attempts at dancing, and the fact that he manages to portray enough personality to have a star quality to himself without seeming like an overconfident jackass. I am sort of in love with this man, and want to eat ice cream in the park with him.
The Marshmallow Middle
I love every one of the following three guys. I really do. But I cannot for the life of me settle on which ones I love more between them. I tried my hardest, but changed my mind about 12 times. I would love to hear more from all of them, but do not think of any of them should be The Winner.
4. Kris Allen.
Favorite Performance: To Make You Feel My Love
What Kind of Artist I See Him As: Jason Mraz-y/John Mayer-ish
Pros & Cons: No one was more surprised to see Kris as my number 4 choice than me. Because when I watch Kris, I always think "That's nice", and alternately "He's a cutie", and then move on and forget about him. But here's the thing - I've been listening to him... just listening, and holy hell... This guy has a gorgeous voice. And it's not at all forgettable. I find myself actually thinking "Hmm, I feel like listening to Kris Allen." Sorry, Matt & Anoop, that has yet to occur with me for either of you. He's adorable, but I agree with Simon that what he is really lacking is stage presence. It actually subtracts from his voice. From now on, I'm closing my eyes during his segments, to give him a fair chance.
5. Matt Giraud.
Favorite Performance: So Small
What Kind of Artist I See Him As: Blues / Jazz
Pros & Cons: Anoop and Matt constantly are interchanged in my mental lineup, so keep that in mind. First of all, he's got the hometown K-zoo West Michigan factor, so I can't help but be excited about that. I think Anoop is probably a better singer, but I love his bluesy angle, and the piano playing. I can't quite nail his personality down, though, and I think that sort of works against him. He is quite possibly forgettable, and I don't know if I'll still remember what was great about him in a couple of years.
6. Anoop Desai.
Favorite Performance: Always On My Mind.
What Kind of Artist I See Him As: Lead singer of a boy band that only does ballads.
Pros & Cons: See above statement. Anoop has a soul crushingly beautiful voice... but every time he has tried to step it up / be cool / do something that's not a ballad, I cringe. File him in the Easy Listening drawer, I guess. I think he's got a great quirky personality, and I like him being around. I'll miss him when he gets his inevitable boot.
The Lower Crust
These are the folks that I am sick of. The ones that I can't believe are still around. The ones who fill me with rage that they will be going on tour while Alexis Grace will be sitting home. GTFO, bitches.
7. Lil Rounds.
That One Time They Didn't Suck: ? Coming up empty. There were moments when Heat Wave was not putting me to sleep, but they were rare.
What Kind of Artist I Hope They Never Become: Generic R&B chick #32251.
Why They Should GTFO: Lil. Is. Boring. I do not know why the judges think she walks on water, because she sounds like factory produced R&B. She has a good voice, it just puts me to sleep. Also, she strikes me as a diva (Did you see her "oh HELL no" look when she thought she was bottom 3 last week?)
8. Scott MacIntyre.
That One Time They Didn't Suck: I do not remember the names of any of the songs he sang. That should tell you something.
What Kind of Artist I Hope They Never Become: Stevie Wonder wannabe.
Why They Should GTFO: Yes, yes, he's blind, that's nice. He seems like a nice guy. However, he is wayyyy out of his league here in terms of :
star power, appeal, personality, singing ability, piano playing ability. Please leave now.
9. Megan Joy Corkrey.
That One Time They Didn't Suck: Put Your Records On.
What Kind of Artist I Hope She Never Becomes: Indie chick.
Why She Should GTFO 5 Weeks Ago: I actually liked Megan the first time she sang. I enjoy indie, quirky, female singers. Sure, she moved like a robot that had had water poured all over its circuitry, and called it 'dancing'. Sure her attempt to dress in a 'cute, flouncy' way was ruined by her full arm tattoos. Sure, she couldn't always hit notes. But she had a neat little voice. And then things took a horrible, horrible dark turn that I like to call Rockin' Robin. Things have gotten more hideous every week, like a series of B grade horror films. She completely turned me off when she screwed with KT Tunstall, who is one of my favorite singers. I may or may not be completely outraged that she beat out Alexis Grace by rockin' a 'I HAS A COLDS' sympathy card. Anyways, get out bitch.
Those Who Will Be Missed.
Alexis Grace. Alexis was my favorite female. I cannot understand how she didn't make the Top 10. Not only was she more likeable than Allison to me, but she was so much fun to watch. I will just go listen to Jolene on repeat in memoriam.
Nick Mitchell/ Normund Gentle. Nick's over the top satire of Idol, right in the judges' faces, endeared him to me forever. I think he made it exactly the right distance on the show, and he left with a bang, such as that stage has not seen.
Ricky Braddy. What? I really liked him.
If any of y'all on my flist are into the show, feel free to fill this out yourself, I'd be interested to see what you think.
entry banner by clay_chaz
I spent a lot of time recently listening to audio tracks of both live and studio recordings of the Top Idol wannabes, to try and nail down exactly who is better than who, why I think so, and who, at the end of the day, I'm actually going to want to drive around jamming to.
The Top Slice.
I'm very decided on my top 3, and on the order in which I love them, because each one feels exponentially better to me than the one below them. I would buy records from these 3 in a heartbeat.
1. Adam Lambert.
Defining Performance: Ring of Fire / Tracks of My Tears
What Kind of Artist I See Him As: ... as Adam Lambert. Which is exactly why he's my top pick. I mean, no, he's not "SOMETHING WE HAVE NEVER SEEN BEFORE EVA", as some would claim, but he is refreshing. Really, I think he'd produce a great indie rock sort of album, and I could get behind that.
That's What I Like About You: He definitely has the necessary star power to be a success, and, as many have already commented, he's kind of a league above everyone else on the show right now. He has so much experience on stage, and such presence, that's it's impossible to ignore him. I love his vocals, and those eyes. No matter what his orientation actually is, I do sort of have a crush on this guy, though I'm still not ridiculously fangirly about him (this is a comparative statement). Most importantly, he's smart about his decisions on the show, as shown by his choices in the above two mentioned performances. He's got the head on his shoulders to define a style for himself, and that could help him from drifting off into Idol obscurity. I think this guy is made for fame.
2. Allison Iraheta.
Defining Performance: Alone (also a big fan of her Blame It On Your Heart)
What Kind of Artist I See Her As: Kelly Clarkson-ish pop rocker girl.
That's What I Like About You: No one can argue that this girl has vocal chops. And, being so young, it makes it all the more impressive. But what really puts Allison as my number 2 is that I love listening to her - to her distinct gritty power voice. I put her tracks on repeat, because she's just plain awesome. To be honest, there's something almost off putting about her personally to me, that I can't quite place. But her singing is so good that I don't even care. Plus she rocks that red do', and I am a sucker for anyone who can pull off fantastic red hair. I am jealous.
3. Danny Gokey.
Defining Performance: Hero / Jesus, Take the Wheel
What Kind of Artist I See Him As: Christian rocker. I can't help it, every time he sings something vaguely inspirational, I'm moved by the emotion in it. Please sing inspirational songs for a living, kthnxbai.
That's What I Like About You: I know Danny has got a lot of bad breaks for the 'my wife is dead' syndrome. But I do not believe for a moment that he was playing a pity card. I think the show did though, because they thought it made a great sob story, and hey! it's tv! I think he's handled himself admirably in the face of having his personal tragedy turned into a sort of circus. Basically, I love the way he keeps it real. He has a voice that can only be described as honest to me, and that's how he comes off overall in my eyes. I love his kooky glasses, his hilarious attempts at dancing, and the fact that he manages to portray enough personality to have a star quality to himself without seeming like an overconfident jackass. I am sort of in love with this man, and want to eat ice cream in the park with him.
The Marshmallow Middle
I love every one of the following three guys. I really do. But I cannot for the life of me settle on which ones I love more between them. I tried my hardest, but changed my mind about 12 times. I would love to hear more from all of them, but do not think of any of them should be The Winner.
4. Kris Allen.
Favorite Performance: To Make You Feel My Love
What Kind of Artist I See Him As: Jason Mraz-y/John Mayer-ish
Pros & Cons: No one was more surprised to see Kris as my number 4 choice than me. Because when I watch Kris, I always think "That's nice", and alternately "He's a cutie", and then move on and forget about him. But here's the thing - I've been listening to him... just listening, and holy hell... This guy has a gorgeous voice. And it's not at all forgettable. I find myself actually thinking "Hmm, I feel like listening to Kris Allen." Sorry, Matt & Anoop, that has yet to occur with me for either of you. He's adorable, but I agree with Simon that what he is really lacking is stage presence. It actually subtracts from his voice. From now on, I'm closing my eyes during his segments, to give him a fair chance.
5. Matt Giraud.
Favorite Performance: So Small
What Kind of Artist I See Him As: Blues / Jazz
Pros & Cons: Anoop and Matt constantly are interchanged in my mental lineup, so keep that in mind. First of all, he's got the hometown K-zoo West Michigan factor, so I can't help but be excited about that. I think Anoop is probably a better singer, but I love his bluesy angle, and the piano playing. I can't quite nail his personality down, though, and I think that sort of works against him. He is quite possibly forgettable, and I don't know if I'll still remember what was great about him in a couple of years.
6. Anoop Desai.
Favorite Performance: Always On My Mind.
What Kind of Artist I See Him As: Lead singer of a boy band that only does ballads.
Pros & Cons: See above statement. Anoop has a soul crushingly beautiful voice... but every time he has tried to step it up / be cool / do something that's not a ballad, I cringe. File him in the Easy Listening drawer, I guess. I think he's got a great quirky personality, and I like him being around. I'll miss him when he gets his inevitable boot.
The Lower Crust
These are the folks that I am sick of. The ones that I can't believe are still around. The ones who fill me with rage that they will be going on tour while Alexis Grace will be sitting home. GTFO, bitches.
7. Lil Rounds.
That One Time They Didn't Suck: ? Coming up empty. There were moments when Heat Wave was not putting me to sleep, but they were rare.
What Kind of Artist I Hope They Never Become: Generic R&B chick #32251.
Why They Should GTFO: Lil. Is. Boring. I do not know why the judges think she walks on water, because she sounds like factory produced R&B. She has a good voice, it just puts me to sleep. Also, she strikes me as a diva (Did you see her "oh HELL no" look when she thought she was bottom 3 last week?)
8. Scott MacIntyre.
That One Time They Didn't Suck: I do not remember the names of any of the songs he sang. That should tell you something.
What Kind of Artist I Hope They Never Become: Stevie Wonder wannabe.
Why They Should GTFO: Yes, yes, he's blind, that's nice. He seems like a nice guy. However, he is wayyyy out of his league here in terms of :
star power, appeal, personality, singing ability, piano playing ability. Please leave now.
9. Megan Joy Corkrey.
That One Time They Didn't Suck: Put Your Records On.
What Kind of Artist I Hope She Never Becomes: Indie chick.
Why She Should GTFO 5 Weeks Ago: I actually liked Megan the first time she sang. I enjoy indie, quirky, female singers. Sure, she moved like a robot that had had water poured all over its circuitry, and called it 'dancing'. Sure her attempt to dress in a 'cute, flouncy' way was ruined by her full arm tattoos. Sure, she couldn't always hit notes. But she had a neat little voice. And then things took a horrible, horrible dark turn that I like to call Rockin' Robin. Things have gotten more hideous every week, like a series of B grade horror films. She completely turned me off when she screwed with KT Tunstall, who is one of my favorite singers. I may or may not be completely outraged that she beat out Alexis Grace by rockin' a 'I HAS A COLDS' sympathy card. Anyways, get out bitch.
Those Who Will Be Missed.
Alexis Grace. Alexis was my favorite female. I cannot understand how she didn't make the Top 10. Not only was she more likeable than Allison to me, but she was so much fun to watch. I will just go listen to Jolene on repeat in memoriam.
Nick Mitchell/ Normund Gentle. Nick's over the top satire of Idol, right in the judges' faces, endeared him to me forever. I think he made it exactly the right distance on the show, and he left with a bang, such as that stage has not seen.
Ricky Braddy. What? I really liked him.
If any of y'all on my flist are into the show, feel free to fill this out yourself, I'd be interested to see what you think.
entry banner by clay_chaz