Music of the 21st Century.....
Well, I am not knowledgable at all about this genre. The few things I do know, I learned mostly this week after the theme was made known and the so-called spoilers and the fans suggestions began to flow. From the output of the idols, I am not the only one with a blind spot or a deaf ear (I pretty much wish that had been literally true last night) for the new music.
Kellie:
Loved the look on her taped comments. NO make-up. Totally refreshing.
No too much make up for the actual performance, but as usual checks like a clown. Am I color-blind, or is that too much of the wrong color blush for her pale blonde complexion? Ah, what do I know, I have never worn make-up - well the one or two times I have, it didn't help. It didn't help Kellie last night either, at least with her performance. She should have been able to pull out all the stops last night. So many great Country songs (is that a paradox or what) available and she picks the suds dud? I guess it is clear, I don't see what keeps dopey there.
Ace:
OK, Ace performed (won't use the word sing for that mess) the song everyone was salivating for Taylor to do. Everywhere I looked we were assured Taylor wouldn't be singing 'Drops of Jupiter' because AI couldn't get the rights (how do people know these things?) - Oh, that's right, they don't, because unless they broke some law, they did have the rights. But, it wasn't right for Ace. I am not certain WHAT is right for Ace - but 'Drops' just dropped him another notch in my opinion. What the heck was going on with the Prince Valient page boy hairstyle?
What is up with the idols using hand signals to tell us about what they are singing. Surely that is some suggestion from some expert on the show - and certainly a suggestion that should be ignored!. Do they believe they are singing to deaf people? We should be so lucky most of the time. Elliott with his 'tear' sign language a few weeks back started a bad habit that exploded last night with Ace pulling back his shirt (I thought for a minute he was going to disrobe - eeeck!) to display a scar while singing the words 'permanent scar'. I think those were the words he was singing, actually I was so distracted by this entire episode I tuned out for a moment. Just as well, because Ace was seriously tuned out too, I download this song last week to see if I thought it was a good Taylor song so I can say with some scant knowledge, the songwriter probably wishes he hadn't given those rights for Ace to perform his song. I think it is time for air-head (I know this a true description based on the ever present vacant stare) to go home. What a disappointment the Ace has become - more a joker when it comes to singing.
Lisa:
Another disappointment. Lisa has a beautiful voice, lest I become repititious she is just too young for this competition. I am having a problem conjuring up a memory of what she sang last night. Oh yes, Kelly Clarkson. I remember her, but not because of any reminders in Lisa's performance. I remember that Lisa was the first performer and I remember she damaged my ears so much I thought I might not be able to hear the rest of the show (yes, I know, another chance to say - unfortunately not that lucky). I believe it was Simon who said it was painful, and it was, not just because I am not a huge fan of this style of music, but because it wasn't just a lackluster performance, it was a truly inadequate and bad performance.
Paris:
I am not a Beyonce fan and wouldn't know if Paris lived up to the original. I checked with a friend who knows this music pretty well and she felt that it was a good performance, but no where near Beyonce version (as was suggested by Paula - the sunshine judge). I did think it was a little unappropriate for a 16-year-old. That is probably just a side-effect of my age. But for me opting for the floor when the obvious was unavilable had shades of Kevin under the covers with his part-time lover. I am guessing the 21st century music isn't supposed to be taken so literally with regards to the lyrics (that ugly age thing rearing its head again), so if you tune out the lyrics, you get more body language hints - this time in the form of some Kellie-type hip thrusts but with a much more ample butt behind the moves. I guess it was an OK performance, but that is based on someone else's output, because frankly I didn't like it, but think that this is more just a personal than unbiased critique.
Elliott:
This entire show was just not good for me for all the reasons stated above. I am having to work too hard to be objective and not succeeding. It just irritates me that another contestant made an effort to 'dress' for the genre and got pretty much shot down, although I thought he looked like a million bucks, while Elliott sported two jackets/hoodies/whatever that looked like rejects from the Salvation Army drop box and nobody said a word. That could be because they were distracted by Elliott's dance moves (?)which were obviously inspired by the same genius who turned Kevin into a midget-Chuck-Barry-wanna-be with disasterous results. Hey advisors - this is a music competiton - not a dance contest! Didn't you hear Simon last week? The rule should be: If you don't dance from your heart and soul, stand still and sing! Yes, even with the dancing, you should be singing. Now we have heard this song from Bo last year, and I did listen to the original while I was searching out 'Chariot', and while I am not a huge fan of the song itself, I guess Elliott did OK. Once again I was distracted from the music (?) by the dancing, the outfit, and the uncomfortable look on Elliott's face and frankly I don't blame him, I thought that uncomfortable look was the most natural thing about the performance.
Mandisa:
When she introduced her selection as something she had sang in church for years, I was psyched. I love gospel as it is sang all out in soul-loving churches and having heard occasionally the power of Mandisa's voice, I anticipated a great performance that was going to make me forget what genre we were experiencing. Have I said 'disappointment' in this journal entry yet?
What the heck was this? Perfect song for her voice, perfect style for her, all culminated in a jerky song with no power notes, no soul, no nothing that made me want to clap and enjoy joy in my soul. Pretty much this entire hour was one disappointment after another and Mandisa's performance of contemporary Christian music was no break from the hell of 21st Century offerings.
P.S. Pretty shirt, but Mandisa, I told you: NEVER EVER wear blue jeans again.
P.P.S. I think what is missing with me for Mandisa is she just doesn't connect to the audience. Maybe that is a problem with her age. Hey, we all got'em.
Katharine:
Suffice it to say, I am not a Christina fan either. But, I am a fan of Katharine's voice and it was wasted on this showing. I heard the judges talk about the great performance, and fear I am becoming a clone of Chris (in the form of a one-trick-pony who can't quit harping about age, genre, etc.), maybe this was a great performance, but for me very little musically in the years since we left the 1900's behind has been great. I am not qualified to judge, but regardless, it did not do her voice justice.
Chris:
You know, I probably don't really need to say much about this. Don't like Creed, (no surprise there). Hated that song. Song???? So over Chris and his style restraints that are spiraling more and more out of MY comfort-zone, but keeping firmly entrenched in his. I did not think he performed Live's version of "I Walk The Line" better than Live did, regardless of what everyone else is saying. I couldn't even hazard a guess if he did a good job with 'What If', because 'who cares'.
Bucky:
Loved the hat, liked the duds, like the song, did his best, and is just too cute for words, so I am using some sign language, but I know you can't see it (oh, yes, don't let me disappoint, we should be so lucky). Bucky has a song on his personal website that he wrote. I wish just one night before Bucky leaves the show that he would sing like he sings on that clip. I think the public would have a new respect for Bucky. But he is just so uncertain and so nervous (speaking of which, they should all cease putting their hands at arms length in front of them, as they mostly are all shaking, well, who knows about Chris, the only think he shakes is Bo's mike stand.) Again, I am not ready to say 'song long' to Bucky, want him around for next week's country genre, so he can sing country again and so he can have the thrill of meeting Travis Tritt.
Taylor:
Never heard that song before, but have since listened to Ray Montagnue (sp?)version. Unequivocally, I can say Taylor not only performed as good as the original, but better! Loved Taylors spin on the song and his phrasing was wonderful, along with all other facets of the vocal. Taylor has been reading our minds and just wanted to sing - and sing he did. I have listened to the MP3 (so I am not distracted by the eye candy) and it just gets better and better. I know I am biased, fully admit it, but anyone who loves music, regardless of the genre, will have to admit that Taylor brings out the worst in the other contestants. He is more confident in his performances, more intense in his vocals, has more vocal range and more diversity in his ability to perform different types of music, and even though I know he is nervous, he looks completely at ease and at home on stage. Taylor may not be everyone's choice, but there is no denying his ability and talent.
Looked awesome, sounded awesome. So what if he can't please the judges, stand still, dance, sing something upbeat, show us your range, blah, blah, blah. Taylor just perform! Show us your best, show us your self, show us your passion and entertain the heck out of your soul patrol. We can't get enough!
The show:
Ryan handled letting Chris expound on HIS version of 'I Walk the Line'. This was the best way to handle it. However, due to the time constraints of a hour-long show, not everyone got face time with Ryan before their performance. But to make it more fair, another contestant got roughly the same amount of airtime. Wonder how the decision was made that it be Taylor. I know, don't look a gift-stallion in the mouth, but still just wondered. Maybe they will equal it out over the next few shows.
This genre was right up the alley of these contestants and they choked. If they can't sing in the style of their own time, how the heck are they going to handle more genres and how are they going to produce a timely CD?
Simon has become a whirling dervish who can't decide what he wants, how he wants it, or who should do what. These poor young people must being suffering from split-personality syndrome as they are being pulled in more directions than usual even for Idol and Simon. Sing something more your age, ah, I feel like I am in a high-school musical, stay true to yourself, get out of your comfort zone, you never compromise, you are going to have to sing something different in a different style (paraphrasing, but just so happy he said that!), this is not a dance contest, no stage presence, etc. etc.
One thing Simon is intent on doing is riling up Chris' fans so they will vote just enough more to outdo Taylor's voting fans.
Final thought: By raising the age range I believe three circumstances have evolved relative to Simon.
1. The contestants have more variety of style and have moved just outside of Simon's comfort zone of knowing what fans like, he is an expert on a younger fan.
1. The older contestants are less likely to take his exact critism to heart, and...more importantly,
2. The older singers are bringing older fans to the show. I believe Simon is discovering older fans are just a shade harder to manipulate. We are past having Simon or anyone else for that matter tell us what we SHOULD like and who we SHOULD vote for. He has lost a lot of his power to psychologically maneuver the outcome. Ah well, it is the American Idol, selected by Americans, and this year many older than Simon, and while perhaps not as knowledgable about the business, we have just as strong opinions as Simon and we can OVER RULE HIS PREFERENCE!!!!!!
Kellie:
Loved the look on her taped comments. NO make-up. Totally refreshing.
No too much make up for the actual performance, but as usual checks like a clown. Am I color-blind, or is that too much of the wrong color blush for her pale blonde complexion? Ah, what do I know, I have never worn make-up - well the one or two times I have, it didn't help. It didn't help Kellie last night either, at least with her performance. She should have been able to pull out all the stops last night. So many great Country songs (is that a paradox or what) available and she picks the suds dud? I guess it is clear, I don't see what keeps dopey there.
Ace:
OK, Ace performed (won't use the word sing for that mess) the song everyone was salivating for Taylor to do. Everywhere I looked we were assured Taylor wouldn't be singing 'Drops of Jupiter' because AI couldn't get the rights (how do people know these things?) - Oh, that's right, they don't, because unless they broke some law, they did have the rights. But, it wasn't right for Ace. I am not certain WHAT is right for Ace - but 'Drops' just dropped him another notch in my opinion. What the heck was going on with the Prince Valient page boy hairstyle?
What is up with the idols using hand signals to tell us about what they are singing. Surely that is some suggestion from some expert on the show - and certainly a suggestion that should be ignored!. Do they believe they are singing to deaf people? We should be so lucky most of the time. Elliott with his 'tear' sign language a few weeks back started a bad habit that exploded last night with Ace pulling back his shirt (I thought for a minute he was going to disrobe - eeeck!) to display a scar while singing the words 'permanent scar'. I think those were the words he was singing, actually I was so distracted by this entire episode I tuned out for a moment. Just as well, because Ace was seriously tuned out too, I download this song last week to see if I thought it was a good Taylor song so I can say with some scant knowledge, the songwriter probably wishes he hadn't given those rights for Ace to perform his song. I think it is time for air-head (I know this a true description based on the ever present vacant stare) to go home. What a disappointment the Ace has become - more a joker when it comes to singing.
Lisa:
Another disappointment. Lisa has a beautiful voice, lest I become repititious she is just too young for this competition. I am having a problem conjuring up a memory of what she sang last night. Oh yes, Kelly Clarkson. I remember her, but not because of any reminders in Lisa's performance. I remember that Lisa was the first performer and I remember she damaged my ears so much I thought I might not be able to hear the rest of the show (yes, I know, another chance to say - unfortunately not that lucky). I believe it was Simon who said it was painful, and it was, not just because I am not a huge fan of this style of music, but because it wasn't just a lackluster performance, it was a truly inadequate and bad performance.
Paris:
I am not a Beyonce fan and wouldn't know if Paris lived up to the original. I checked with a friend who knows this music pretty well and she felt that it was a good performance, but no where near Beyonce version (as was suggested by Paula - the sunshine judge). I did think it was a little unappropriate for a 16-year-old. That is probably just a side-effect of my age. But for me opting for the floor when the obvious was unavilable had shades of Kevin under the covers with his part-time lover. I am guessing the 21st century music isn't supposed to be taken so literally with regards to the lyrics (that ugly age thing rearing its head again), so if you tune out the lyrics, you get more body language hints - this time in the form of some Kellie-type hip thrusts but with a much more ample butt behind the moves. I guess it was an OK performance, but that is based on someone else's output, because frankly I didn't like it, but think that this is more just a personal than unbiased critique.
Elliott:
This entire show was just not good for me for all the reasons stated above. I am having to work too hard to be objective and not succeeding. It just irritates me that another contestant made an effort to 'dress' for the genre and got pretty much shot down, although I thought he looked like a million bucks, while Elliott sported two jackets/hoodies/whatever that looked like rejects from the Salvation Army drop box and nobody said a word. That could be because they were distracted by Elliott's dance moves (?)which were obviously inspired by the same genius who turned Kevin into a midget-Chuck-Barry-wanna-be with disasterous results. Hey advisors - this is a music competiton - not a dance contest! Didn't you hear Simon last week? The rule should be: If you don't dance from your heart and soul, stand still and sing! Yes, even with the dancing, you should be singing. Now we have heard this song from Bo last year, and I did listen to the original while I was searching out 'Chariot', and while I am not a huge fan of the song itself, I guess Elliott did OK. Once again I was distracted from the music (?) by the dancing, the outfit, and the uncomfortable look on Elliott's face and frankly I don't blame him, I thought that uncomfortable look was the most natural thing about the performance.
Mandisa:
When she introduced her selection as something she had sang in church for years, I was psyched. I love gospel as it is sang all out in soul-loving churches and having heard occasionally the power of Mandisa's voice, I anticipated a great performance that was going to make me forget what genre we were experiencing. Have I said 'disappointment' in this journal entry yet?
What the heck was this? Perfect song for her voice, perfect style for her, all culminated in a jerky song with no power notes, no soul, no nothing that made me want to clap and enjoy joy in my soul. Pretty much this entire hour was one disappointment after another and Mandisa's performance of contemporary Christian music was no break from the hell of 21st Century offerings.
P.S. Pretty shirt, but Mandisa, I told you: NEVER EVER wear blue jeans again.
P.P.S. I think what is missing with me for Mandisa is she just doesn't connect to the audience. Maybe that is a problem with her age. Hey, we all got'em.
Katharine:
Suffice it to say, I am not a Christina fan either. But, I am a fan of Katharine's voice and it was wasted on this showing. I heard the judges talk about the great performance, and fear I am becoming a clone of Chris (in the form of a one-trick-pony who can't quit harping about age, genre, etc.), maybe this was a great performance, but for me very little musically in the years since we left the 1900's behind has been great. I am not qualified to judge, but regardless, it did not do her voice justice.
Chris:
You know, I probably don't really need to say much about this. Don't like Creed, (no surprise there). Hated that song. Song???? So over Chris and his style restraints that are spiraling more and more out of MY comfort-zone, but keeping firmly entrenched in his. I did not think he performed Live's version of "I Walk The Line" better than Live did, regardless of what everyone else is saying. I couldn't even hazard a guess if he did a good job with 'What If', because 'who cares'.
Bucky:
Loved the hat, liked the duds, like the song, did his best, and is just too cute for words, so I am using some sign language, but I know you can't see it (oh, yes, don't let me disappoint, we should be so lucky). Bucky has a song on his personal website that he wrote. I wish just one night before Bucky leaves the show that he would sing like he sings on that clip. I think the public would have a new respect for Bucky. But he is just so uncertain and so nervous (speaking of which, they should all cease putting their hands at arms length in front of them, as they mostly are all shaking, well, who knows about Chris, the only think he shakes is Bo's mike stand.) Again, I am not ready to say 'song long' to Bucky, want him around for next week's country genre, so he can sing country again and so he can have the thrill of meeting Travis Tritt.
Taylor:
Never heard that song before, but have since listened to Ray Montagnue (sp?)version. Unequivocally, I can say Taylor not only performed as good as the original, but better! Loved Taylors spin on the song and his phrasing was wonderful, along with all other facets of the vocal. Taylor has been reading our minds and just wanted to sing - and sing he did. I have listened to the MP3 (so I am not distracted by the eye candy) and it just gets better and better. I know I am biased, fully admit it, but anyone who loves music, regardless of the genre, will have to admit that Taylor brings out the worst in the other contestants. He is more confident in his performances, more intense in his vocals, has more vocal range and more diversity in his ability to perform different types of music, and even though I know he is nervous, he looks completely at ease and at home on stage. Taylor may not be everyone's choice, but there is no denying his ability and talent.
Looked awesome, sounded awesome. So what if he can't please the judges, stand still, dance, sing something upbeat, show us your range, blah, blah, blah. Taylor just perform! Show us your best, show us your self, show us your passion and entertain the heck out of your soul patrol. We can't get enough!
The show:
Ryan handled letting Chris expound on HIS version of 'I Walk the Line'. This was the best way to handle it. However, due to the time constraints of a hour-long show, not everyone got face time with Ryan before their performance. But to make it more fair, another contestant got roughly the same amount of airtime. Wonder how the decision was made that it be Taylor. I know, don't look a gift-stallion in the mouth, but still just wondered. Maybe they will equal it out over the next few shows.
This genre was right up the alley of these contestants and they choked. If they can't sing in the style of their own time, how the heck are they going to handle more genres and how are they going to produce a timely CD?
Simon has become a whirling dervish who can't decide what he wants, how he wants it, or who should do what. These poor young people must being suffering from split-personality syndrome as they are being pulled in more directions than usual even for Idol and Simon. Sing something more your age, ah, I feel like I am in a high-school musical, stay true to yourself, get out of your comfort zone, you never compromise, you are going to have to sing something different in a different style (paraphrasing, but just so happy he said that!), this is not a dance contest, no stage presence, etc. etc.
One thing Simon is intent on doing is riling up Chris' fans so they will vote just enough more to outdo Taylor's voting fans.
Final thought: By raising the age range I believe three circumstances have evolved relative to Simon.
1. The contestants have more variety of style and have moved just outside of Simon's comfort zone of knowing what fans like, he is an expert on a younger fan.
1. The older contestants are less likely to take his exact critism to heart, and...more importantly,
2. The older singers are bringing older fans to the show. I believe Simon is discovering older fans are just a shade harder to manipulate. We are past having Simon or anyone else for that matter tell us what we SHOULD like and who we SHOULD vote for. He has lost a lot of his power to psychologically maneuver the outcome. Ah well, it is the American Idol, selected by Americans, and this year many older than Simon, and while perhaps not as knowledgable about the business, we have just as strong opinions as Simon and we can OVER RULE HIS PREFERENCE!!!!!!