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Could Elvis have turned things upside down on ‘AI’?
Okay, who else thinks Priscilla Presley looks like some kind of surreal ad for plastic surgery gone very, very wrong? Her face doesn’t even look like flesh and blood anymore. It’s like a mask…and not even an attractive one. She used to be pretty. A question. Would you rather look like an attractive older woman who is aging gracefully (i.e. Annette Bening) or a stretched tight and ugly plastic Star Trek character? (For you Trekkies, doesn’t she remind you a bit of the So’na from Insurrection?)
I’ll say this upfront. The tables may have turned tonight. In my humble opinion Taylor and Elliot outperformed the favorites Chris and Katharine and I can’t wait until the results show tomorrow. One other little aside before we talk about the show. The judges fake arguing is really starting to get on my last nerve.
Taylor Hicks
Jailhouse Rock
I think Taylor did an admirable job at resisting the urge to do an Elvis impersonation on this song and it suited him perfectly. He performed really well and he obviously had a lot of fun.
In The Ghetto
Another wonderful job with this song, but I must say that there was some quality in Taylor’s voice that was missing. It didn’t touch me like Elvis did. But come on…we are talking Elvis. Can anyone really touch us like that?
Chris Daughtry
I love you Too Much Baby
Chris chose wisely with his first Elvis song. It was a good song for him given his choices. Didn’t blow me away, but I didn’t necessarily expect him to do really well this week so I’m pleasantly surprised.
A Little Less Conversation
Again, there was nothing wrong with Chris’ performance. He sang it well, in key, which we would expect at this stage of the game, but both songs tonight lacked the “Chrisâ€? factor we’ve come to expect.
Elliot Yamin
If I Could Dream
Elliot looks more comfortable on the stage every week and tonight was no exception. If being the most improved could win this competition, he would have it hands down. Enjoyed this performance very much.
Trouble
Now that’s what I’m talkin’ about! I would hate to repeat what the judges said, but that was most definitely one of Elliot’s best performances. He came to win and I’m wondering if he may be able to bump Katharine right out of the competition this week.
Katharine McPhee
Hound Dog
Hound Dog? By a woman? I was concerned for Kat, but she was pretty good. Much better than I anticipated. However, I would normally say it’s no big deal that she forgot the lyrics, but at this stage in the game, you need to be flawless to move on.
Can’t Help Falling in Love
I love these lyrics. I’ve lived these lyrics, more than once, and I just didn’t think she communicated the emotion of it. Plus she was once again singing right on the edge of her range. I don’t know Kat, and I hate to say this, you might just want to consider pakcing your bags.
Predictions? Your guess is as good as mine. I don’t think this is cut and dry by any means. It may just boil down to favorites. Opinions are starting to polarize on all the remaining Idols. You can see it among our regular blog comments and I can see it in my office and among friends.
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Comments
By Linda
May 16, 2006 4:52 PM | Link to this
I hate to be picky, but Katherine performing “Hound Dog” was a perfect choice. This old blues song was originally recorded by Big Mama Thornton. Elvis just did his own version years later.
By Sally Duffy
May 11, 2006 8:17 AM | Link to this
Something went horribly wrong! There is no way Chris should have gone before Kat. Remember last season’s phone number fiasco? Perhaps we will see a recount and bring Chris back.
By Denny ''R''
May 11, 2006 5:18 AM | Link to this
”Wow” Never thought in a million year’s that Chris would leave before Katharine. I still think the all around best is Elliot, but Taylor with his good show-man-ship,and style could win it also. should be quite interesting the next couple of week’s…..
By Ben
May 10, 2006 3:09 PM | Link to this
Wow. I think Elliot blew everybody away last night. If Elvis is the “king” then Taylor was sure the karaoke “king.” Katharine was totally out of her element. I did like Chris’ first song but not his second. This is a tough call, but I’m thinking Kat is packing her bags. At least I hope.
By Ron Siler
May 10, 2006 2:03 PM | Link to this
Lets face it - Kat was at a disadvantage, singing two Elvis songs. Let’s have the three guys sing some Whitney Houston songs and see how well they do. Don’t forget what the coach at Graceland said. “Kat was the best of the four in voice quality, range, and style” or something to that effect. That girl doesn’t have to win the American Idol, she is going to go big. I’m sure you haven’t heard the last of her.
By Kim
May 10, 2006 1:16 PM | Link to this
Of course it’s a popularity contest - nothing is based strictly on talent. You have to have enough talent to entertain, but there also has to be an “it” factor or it just doesn’t matter. That’s why it’s called “popular” music - this isn’t opera and the kids that buy records don’t discuss how on pitch a singer is. I hear some of the acts on the radio today and wonder why I am not making recordings! So there has to be a balance. Kat is “not for this world” - don’t get me wrong - I love her - I just don’t think this is the best fit for her. I would prefer to see her on stage, painted green and singing something like “Defying Gravity” at the top of her musical lungs. I think that Chris is the “poppiest” one of the bunch, but I’m not sure that there is enough dimension to him - we’ll see. It just seems to me like he has been sliding downhill - the wow factor he used to have has disappeared for me entirely. I just kinda nod my head and go, “Well that was nice.” But I too will really hate to see anyone leave at this point - I like them all. Taylor is my favorite, but I’m not sure that winning this would be the greatest service to his career. I think each of these artist’s could do well in their own genres.
By laura 2
May 10, 2006 1:08 PM | Link to this
i kept thinking about priscilla’s face long after she was off the screen. she looks like someone hooked her upper lip with two fish hooks or staples and dragged them up to a point, then sewed them down. it was awful. she used to be beautiful, and it’s sad that people think they have to mutilate themselves to stay young, pretty or be qualified for a job. i hope she can get that repaired, and that she doesn’t have to go thru old age looking like a clown. i have my fingers crossed for elliott. he would benefit the most from winning this - the others will be fine because they all have a huge fan base. elliott needs the support. go elliott go!!!!
By reality
May 10, 2006 1:05 PM | Link to this
This year’s idol is by far a joke. It seems rigged. There is no way that a person who sings like he should be on the love boat by the piano, or at Las Vegas in the background while you gamble can actualy be considered as the next pop idol. I of course am talking about Taylor Hicks. He has ruined every song he has done. Chris is the only one worthy enough to be on the show, and even he is not that good.
By Louise
May 10, 2006 12:49 PM | Link to this
I think Taylor has gone way overboard and I am so tired of him, with his wiggling and giggling. Sick. I bet Kat is gone tonight , but then Chris will probably not be far behind. I vote for Taylor to go, I mean, if it was not for the music, you would be able to tell he does not have the singing voice to sell.
By GJ
May 10, 2006 12:31 PM | Link to this
FYI - Chris’ first song last night is called “Suspicious Minds,” not “I Love You Too Much Baby.” That’s a lyric in the song. I do think Katherine is going home tonight. Great voice, but she lacks the versatility to go on at this point. But, anything can happen…I would not be surprised if there was some sort of “shocker” tonight with one of the guys going home instead.
By Sandi
May 10, 2006 11:31 AM | Link to this
It’s past time for Katherine to go home. It takes more than looks to be a good singer. At least a true artist would say so. Chris is great at rock n roll but not very versatile. Taylor is truly a gifted singer, but as for Elliot, he has a god given talent that belongs in the finale. He is the only one that week after week continues to improve and bring everything to the table. That is what the competition is about. He’s done just that.
By Jane
May 10, 2006 11:31 AM | Link to this
It’s sad that AI is becoming more of a personality contest than a talent one. Kat has been singled out from the beginning as being a “snob” for just trying to be confident and professional. If she has been reading all the demeaning comments made about her, it could influence her state of “nerves.” I think she is the most versatile and talented of all. Hope she makes it BIG, if not as AI then on her own. I too am tired of the judges childish bickering - AI is not about them so quit trying to take the attention away from the contestants who are sometimes left uneasy waiting for Ryan and Simon perform.
By Sir Critic
May 10, 2006 11:15 AM | Link to this
Tonight’s elimination show is almost impossibe to predict. I’m afraid Katharine may have sung her swan song Tuesday. In a way, I think her own ability is working against her. She can be so good at times, that when she struggles, the contrast is all too sharp. She wasn’t bad last night, but neither perf was a home run, and that’s what she needed. I sense that Chris is vulnerable as well. DialIdol.com has him at the bottom at the time of this writing. But he has a strong fanbase, so who knows? Elliott proved that he can be like Underdog, the superhero: Meek at times and amazingly powerful at others. But is it enough to overcome his lack of a die-hard following, compared to the other three? The only thing I can say with certainty is this: Taylor ain’t goin nowhar. The rest is truly up for grabs.
By katie
May 10, 2006 10:07 AM | Link to this
Personally, I think the stylists have improved Elliott’s looks, and anyway, when I look at him, I see a genuinely good hearted person. Here is a terrific commentary on the shallowness of it all: http://tinyurl.com/o57ca
By Karen
May 10, 2006 10:06 AM | Link to this
I can’t believe that people today are shallow enough to vote for only the “pretty people”. In my opinion people who vote that way are the ugly ones. Elliott is a beautiful spirit, who has overcome medical adversity, and through it all, he’s kept a positive outlook on life and brought us the wonderful talent that he has. If that’s not true beauty, I don’t know what is. Heck, people like Steven Tyler, Mick Jaggar, Bruce Springsteen, Alice Cooper, Joe Cocker, etc, etc, may not be considered the beautiful people, but they have talent, and that’s what matters and some people find them attractive. That’s what makes this world great—-beauty is in the eye of the beholder. To me, Elliott is a handsome young guy because he’s real! Go Elliott!!
By T's Pooh
May 10, 2006 9:38 AM | Link to this
Taylor is by far my favorite and has been since the original auditions! I love his enthusiasm and energy — he really gets the audience rocking — and he has a great voice, too. Chris is also excellent, but I’m afraid he is too “rock ‘n roll” for American Idol. Elliott is really up and coming — and while I think Kat has the “look” of a typical AI, I think she might just be going home tonight. We shall see!
By Kelle
May 10, 2006 9:18 AM | Link to this
Jodi, how sad that America could be that shallow. Honestly though, I think that Taylor and Elliot have gotten a last minute ground swell of support and that demonstates how most of America, or at least those with the good taste to watch Idol, can see past the “ugly” factor. The more we get to know Elliot, the more attractive he gets. Meghan, the Paula comment from Ryan was pretty rough. I thought it was kind of amusing given how she was actually dancing and how odd she’s been acting. I did notice that both Randy and Simon jumped to her defense. I guess the feud between Ryan and Paula isn’t over yet.
By Jodi
May 10, 2006 9:12 AM | Link to this
You know, Elliot did awesome last night as did Taylor…but here’s my thinking…Elliot is too ugly to be the American Idol!! I hope I am wrong, but when it comes down to it I think it is the truth. I do think Chris inched out Katherine last night. In watching it a second time…Chris really was not bad. I hate it that Katherine had a “bad day” though. I still feel her and Chris deserve the final two spots if you go on consistancy. I do not want Chris to go…I am afraid if he leaves at this point, he will make a heavy metal album, instead of the more controled rock and classic rock that Clive might keep him too.
By Karen
May 10, 2006 9:07 AM | Link to this
Oh, and one other comment to what Kelle said. Yes, Priscilla is starting to look like Michael Jackson. Both freaky and way over done. I believe in growing old gracefully, not looking like an over stretched freak. It’s sad because she used to be very beautiful, and I’m sure if she would have simply embraced her fine lines and wrinkles, she’s look a lot better.
By james
May 10, 2006 9:05 AM | Link to this
I agree that last night’s show was better than expected. I also think Kat, who started out the season as one of my top three, should go tonight. I’m on board that Elliot had the best performances, but I’m just not sure he has the popularity base to last the week. (I hope he does.) Here’s my snarky comment, however: Could anyone look at likable Elliot and BELIEVE that he represented trouble? That’s my only beef with his performance. Which brings me to Taylor. Much as I have been ready for him to go for weeks, I am ready to predict that he will be one of the final two. And I have a feeling that he’s going to win it all, even though Chris is the better, more charismatic singer and performer. When it comes right down to it, American Idol is a pop audience, and Taylor is offensive to no one. If Bo couldn’t win, I can’t believe Chris will, though he should.
By Karen
May 10, 2006 9:03 AM | Link to this
Well, it will come as no big surprise for the regulars that post on here that I have been an Elliott fan all along, and I’ve been worried that he doesn’t have the fan base the rest of them have, but if American honestly looks at the talent, and the performances last night, there should be NO WAY Elliott should go home. He deserves to move on. I love this kid. He’s shown true growth every single week, and I think he deserves a shot. Kat on the other hand seems to be in a tail spin for some reason. She’s getting worse rather than better and I was unimpressed with both performances. She forgot the words in the first one and was pitchy and ran out of gas on the 2nd one. Not at all what you would expect at this stage in the game. Taylor has always been one of my favorites just because he brings so much passion to the table. Chris is not my favorite, perhaps because I don’t like the screaming and the vibrato he adds to his voice, but he toned it down last night, and I actually liked it. He’s definitely talented. My picks to move on are the three guys, with Elliott on top after last night, followed by Chris and Taylor. I’m sorry to say, Kat should go!
By Bud Norton
May 10, 2006 9:00 AM | Link to this
A couple facts and then an opinion: the name of the song Chris did is “Suspicious Minds,” not “I Love You Too Much Baby,” and, as Null noted above, “Hound Dog” was originally done by a woman, “Big Mama” Thornton; in fact, the writers of the song, Lieber & Stoller (they had a Lieber & Stoller night last year on AI), at first didn’t like Elvis’ version. Now the opinion: I just don’t get Elliot’s appeal. His voice, which I don’t particularly care for anyway, has such a narrow range, or tone, or timbre, or whatever you call it — there’s no variety. It’s dull. I can’t imagine listening to a whole album done by Elliot.
By katie
May 10, 2006 8:58 AM | Link to this
I’m officially on the Elliott love train! He was absolutely wonderful… A joy to listen to. The others? Mostly meh. I adore Katharine, so it pains me to say this, but she messed up and should probably be the next to leave. Her facial expressions during “ICHFIL” seemed to indicate that she wasn’t truly connecting with the lyrics, and she didn’t make me “feel” them. Actually, Chris’ songs left me empty that way also — not enough emoting. I think Chris & Kat will be bottom 2, with Kat going home. (Sniff!) /pout/
By Chris
May 10, 2006 8:40 AM | Link to this
My favorite has always been Chris, with Elliot and Taylor close behind. They all did great last night! I have never liked Kat and can’t wait to get her off the show. I am guessing it will be tonight. She is just so fake and annoying that I can’t stand looking at her. I am not worried about any of these final four. I know they will all get recording contracts (the ones that don’t win will probably get more $$$!) and I will be buying their music! Go Chris go!!!
By Gretchen
May 10, 2006 8:37 AM | Link to this
I thought Elliott was by far the best last night. He has a better voice than anyone left in the competition, but probably won’t win the popularity contest. I felt that doing Elvis this week was a definite disadvantage to Kat. I really don’t think it was fair. It would be comparable to making Chris sing Barbra Streisand.
By Heather
May 10, 2006 8:36 AM | Link to this
Well, I may be in the minority this week, but there was not one performance that I thought was bad. I thought they all did well. Yes, Elliott kicked some serious butt. I’ve liked him for a long time and I’m so happy to see him doing so well. Taylor - I enjoyed both of his performances. Chris - I liked his songs better this week than I have in awhile - wasn’t screaming throughout - he was actually singing. And Katharine - always been a huge fan. I was completely worried about her first song, but I think she did pretty well. I missed it when she messed up the lyrics and towards the end I felt like she might be running out of steam a little bit - but I was pleasantly surprised overall. I didn’t have a problem with her second song - she may have been a little over the top towards the end - but, that’s what she does. Gosh - tonight is going to be tough. I will be upset to see anyone go at this point. And I think this is the first season that I have felt this way. By the way Meghan - if you’re referring to the comment where Ryan said he felt like he should give her a dollar - I thought it was freakin hilarious!
By Kim
May 10, 2006 8:32 AM | Link to this
Wow. Well - I’ve said that it’s really anyone’s game at this point - everyone left has the talent - so it is crucial to be ON every week- voters can be fickle. And based on last night, Kat should be gone. I think she has been losing ground lately, and last night may have sealed it for her - you don’t forget words at this stage in the competition and her performances pretty much sucked. It IS tough to live up to Elvis! “Can’t Help Falling” is not just my fave Elvis tune, but it’s one of my favorite songs EVER, and she completely butchered it - just terrible. And Hound Dog? Terrible choice for her. It is a little unfair to put these folks through these paces - but part of it is to test their versatility and adaptability. It’s just not there. I think she may be gone tonight. Chris should be in the bottom 2 with her. Elliot did a great job - especially on his second song - that was great. And you all know by now that I love Taylor - he gets the blood pumping - or the heart swooning as the case happened to be for In the Ghetto. That was awesome. It’s a nail biter folks!
By Alysson
May 10, 2006 8:29 AM | Link to this
Taylor and Elliott were awesome. I’m betting Katherine will be gone tonight. First week I’ll actually be sad to see one of the contestants leave…
By Regina
May 10, 2006 8:18 AM | Link to this
I really thought Taylor would knock the socks off everyone with Elvis songs, c’mon that is his genre, but he didn’t. Don’t get me wrong he is still my favorite, just love his intensity, but last night Elliot was the stand out and deservedly so..WOW, his voice was spectacular no faults. If we were judging like the olympics he had all 10’s. Anyway Suspicious Minds is one of my all time favs so I was worried that Chris would be my new best but he butchered it. He is my pick to leave this week. Chris and Kat bottom two.
By Meghan
May 10, 2006 7:45 AM | Link to this
Based on last night’s performance, Elliot should stay. I think Katherine has the most to worry about. Side note: Did anybody hear the comment Ryan made about Paula? I thought it was pretty rude and it crossed the line. If he would have said that about me, I would have gone up there and slapped his pretty face.
By Denny Rich
May 10, 2006 7:39 AM | Link to this
I do believe it will be between the three guy’s. I thought, and the three judge’s also felt that Katharine was very weak, and missed some of her word’s in the last song she sang.
By null
May 10, 2006 7:23 AM | Link to this
um, just so you know, “hound dog” was originally performed (and may have been written) by a woman, big mama thornton. so there is precedent for that sort of thing. but kat as big mama thornton? heck no.
By LAURA 2
May 10, 2006 7:01 AM | Link to this
I’ve been a Chris fan all along. i love him, i really do. But Elliott is stealing me away. He was the best by far last night. I hope he pulls it off tonite, and causes an upset. He deserves it most, he needs it most and he’d appreciate it most. If it were on performance alone, he’d knock them all out of there…however we know it’s not. Chris was talking about all of his fan sites, Taylor has a huge following, Kat is gorgeous and is a great singer, but i’m scared that Elliott isn’t getting the respect or the admiration he deserves. My ranking for tonite: Elliott, Taylor, Chris and then Kat.
By Bryan
May 10, 2006 1:42 AM | Link to this
Elliott simply blew everyone else away. Fantastic.
By Laura
May 10, 2006 12:54 AM | Link to this
Katharine was nowhere near as bad as Simon made her out to be. I loved her first performance, and you have to make CHFILWY original, hence the runs. Taylor’s first performance was unoriginal and boring, and his second wasn’t that good. Chris’ first song was good, his second was too low and boring. Elliott was fantastic. I would rate them tonight: Elliott, Katharine, Taylor and Chris.
By Beth
May 10, 2006 12:36 AM | Link to this
I have to agree with pretty much everything you said. Going in, I felt Elliot was the weakest link & would probably be going home this week. Well, Elliot KICKED BUTT! Chris wasn’t his usual terriffic self, & while Kat was good, she didn’t blow me away. I continue to love Taylor, he has really grown on me & I don’t want to see him go. Could it be all guys in the final 3?! The plot thickens.