By Karen

May 18, 2006 2:39 PM | Link to this

Sharon, in answer to your question, I’d personally buy Elliott or Taylor’s in a heartbeat. I didn’t like Chris, although he’s good for his genre of music. I prefer older blues/rock or soul/rock, like Elliott and Taylor, but of course I’m an older demographic-mid 40’s, so it would make sense that I don’t like the alt rock that Chris does (can’t stand the screaming). I’m sure my 20 year old son would love it. Music is subjective, and what appeals to one, doesn’t necessarily appeal to another. Case in point….a few years back I bought an Extreme CD based solely on the song I’d heard on a Pop/Rock radio station. The song was “More Than Words”. It was the only song on that CD that I even cared to listen to because the rest was not appealing to my ear drums. (Extreme is now defunked, and the lead singer was briefly with Van Halen) I respect them for their type of music, it’s just not my thing, so I passed the CD down to my husband, who is 8 years younger than me, and he loved it. Too each his own, right? I would not be one of the ones that would rush right out and buy Chris’ CD. And speaking of Bo, he has a CD out now. I’ve heard the title cut and was less than impressed. Where’s the southern rocker at? Anybody listened to the rest of his CD yet? And Kelly (if your referring to Clarkson not Pickler) is awesome! Again, not my kind of music but I occassional can be seen be-bopping to the music, singing as I drive down I-75…

By Dian

May 18, 2006 2:38 PM | Link to this

I would by an Elliott CD in a heartbeat, just like I did Clay Aiken. He has a pure soulful sound like none of the others. Plus knowing his background makes you feel so much closer to him. Sorry, Kat is tone deaf to me. he she can hear with both ears!

By Sharon

May 18, 2006 1:30 PM | Link to this

Okay, so which Idol’s cd would you purchase today? Elliot - great sound, but like so many others already on the charts? Taylor - great performer and I would pay to see him perform, but wouldn’t buy his cd cause he also sounds like so many others? Or Kat - beautiful, talented and sweet, but she also doesn’t have a unique sound? Hmm—so who would I buy, wait I know, Chris! I’d buy his cd today if it were on sale! Chris, Bo and Kelly, they are my idols!

By Karen

May 18, 2006 8:52 AM | Link to this

Carrie Underwood was the 2005 American Idol, who was and is now, a country singer. Reality, you must be referring to Kellie Pickler from this years AI, and she was in no way the same caliber of talent as last years winner or of this years top 3. You just didn’t have your facts straight—No harm, no foul— So obviously your attack on AI and country music is without basis, since Carrie won in 2005 and was never in the bottom 2 throughout the entire season. And Simon (who hates country music) picked Carrie early in the 2005 season to win it all. So there is no bias or prejudice on AI for country music, in my humble opinion.

By Beth

May 18, 2006 1:32 AM | Link to this

Huh? Note to reality: Carrie was never voted off—she WON last year. The voting is in the hands of the viewers. If it doesn’t please you, don’t watch.

By katie

May 17, 2006 10:48 PM | Link to this

Reality: Huh??????? I don’t understand your post at all, especially this statement: “Thats why she was voted off…” We were talking about Carrie Underwood, the American Idol WINNER in 2005. Please don’t disparage Karen or other posters here on this blog. It’s all opinion - and everyone’s opinion is worthy. Okay? Peace.

By reality

May 17, 2006 5:50 PM | Link to this

Karen wake up. you don’t have a clue about real talent.I understand about carrie & how big she has gotten, but here is your first clue-she sang country. Thats why she was voted off, cause country is not pop idol.(even though country is better music).It happens every time a good performer is on AI.They get voted off,but hey thats because they are to good for such a crooked show. Chris was the only one worth listening too, so they got rid of him. They & most of the people don’t want talent. They want crap i.e Taylor Hicks,and what ever the other contestants names were.I only watch now to get a kick out of all you puppets that play right into AI’s hands. “REALITY HAS SPOKEN”

By katie

May 17, 2006 5:25 PM | Link to this

Karen, I like how you think! Excellent point about Carrie learning about stage presence over the past year! She was robo-Carrie early in her competition! Just think, if only Elliott were to be given that same opportunity too… If he leaves tonight, I’ll be sad faced. But, like you, I’ll still accept it and watch AI to the end! (Also, I agree with you that Kat seems suited to Broadway or such. As for Chris, I won’t say what I think.)

By Karen

May 17, 2006 4:02 PM | Link to this

Yes, Katie….kudos to Kelle for giving us a place to lay our thoughts. And I agree about music being totally subjective. I wasn’t crazy about Chris, although I recognized that he had talent, just not in the genre of music that I listen too. That’s what makes AI so wonderful. You get to be exposed to talents of varying musical tastes. I also agree that Kat would be great on stage, not necessarily as a pop singer. You can tell her mother has coached her, and I’ve noticed I like her better when she just stands and sings, without all the fluffy stuff that she’s been taught. I’m still pulling for Elliot in a major way, but I’ll accept whatever happens and still watch the show. And Mr. Daughtry is all about HIMSELF, isn’t he? Was there nobody else in the competetion for pete sake? No kind words for fellow contestants? Geesh! And speaking of learning stage presence, last year I remember thinking how frightened Carrie looked half the time (deer in headlights kind of thing) and look at her now. Her videos are breathtaking, and her stage presences is 100% better. She turned into quite the country star with 4 nods at next weeks CMA awards, including best female artist, new artist of the year and song of the year. Way to go Carrie!!!

By Courtney

May 17, 2006 3:39 PM | Link to this

but i think carrie underwood is prettier than bice and that might be why she won and she would still have a Cd and her album “Jesus Take the wheel” but bice would of won if it was Anthony going aganist him. compitition is about voice and looks and i don’t care what you guys say because you might be saying thats shallow and thinking thats the right thing to say (which it is) but deep down you know my mother (Jodi shallow) is right/ do you agree now? Well before i go i do have to give a round of applause to all of the contestants and a whhhohooo to Taylor and Kat Welcome finalist!!!sorry elliot we will miss you!!! at least i will well see later peeps!!!! Courtney L.

By Courtney

May 17, 2006 3:33 PM | Link to this

Omg ladies and gents over the rainbow was fantastic. it was my favorite one out of all of them she sang!!! it was great!!! but sorry elliot fans i think he’s going home tonight Taylor and Kat were the ones who really sticked it out!!! But i have to say Eliioits songs were beastly but they weren’t just beastly enough!! In defense of my mommy….i do have to agree it was shallow but i mean truly think about it!! Carrie Underwood is good and beautiful but when the finale last season went on I have to say Bo Bice rocked it she didn’t do her best on the finale. Now im not complaining bice does have a CD and i am a fan.

By katie

May 17, 2006 1:53 PM | Link to this

Jetson: I have “Songbird,” and I enjoy Eva, but the thing about music is that it is totally subjective. I prefer Jane Monheit’s “Over the Rainbow” much better than Eva’s. I even think I liked Kat’s version at least as well as Eva’s. But see, that’s the thing. Music is subjective. What is pleasing to my ears may not be pleasing to yours, and that’s OK. Beth is right, they all sing well (MUCH better than I do!), and they all have potential to go further in the music business. I don’t think it’s really fair to compare an AI wanna-be to someone who has recorded for many years in studios — it’s different. Eva Cassidy began experimenting with “Over the rainbow” in 1984. She finished tweaking it in 1996, the year she died, at the age of 33. Katharine hasn’t had 12 years to perfect her version of the song!! Geeze, give her a little bitty break, how much time did she have to practice it (along with her other 2 songs), 4 or 5 days? Also, remember that Kelly Clarkston has matured and improved alot since her AI Win. And of course, all the contestants need some more coaching, and will improve with time. I feel a little sorry for Kat with all the hate that is going around the internet (not just here). All her life, since she was a child, she has only had her Mom’s advice and coaching. For 21 years, her Mom told her to do it this way, smile this way, etc., so Kat is doing what she was taught, and getting beat up for it. Don’t get me wrong; she absoluetly does need to branch out and learn different techniques from others, but it really isn’t her fault that she presents herself as a Cabaret singer… That’s what her Mom taught her to do. It’s sorta a similar but different situation with Elliott. He has never had vocal or performance coaching before AI, and look how much he has improved over the last 10 weeks! Of course he doesn’t have performance skills yet — but that CAN be learned. The AI winner, whoever it is, will get the benefit of working with coaches and producers who will provide them with advice and grooming. Now, to Taylor, and again, it’s subjective. His singing does not appeal to my ears, but I understand that he does appeal to others. I’m not going to make disparaging remarks about his personality or his smiles or his dad, because it isn’t relevant. I concede he can hit the notes; and if he wins, I won’t be upset or say mean things about him. But to my ears, his singing voice is not pleasant, and I think he needs coaching in the diction department. I can still hear his very southern twang in every song he sings…and this is not appealing to me. Remember that Carrie was able to sing with her natural twang when doing country songs, but was able to tone it down when doing songs like her terrific rendition of “Alone.” Great singers should be able to sing without their accent. You don’t really hear Rod Stewart’s accent in his songs, for another examle. But these are just my humble opinions. Your mileage may vary, of course. Thanks Kelle for giving us the venue to chat about the FUN that is AI!!

By Kim

May 17, 2006 1:14 PM | Link to this

Where is Chris? He is on talk shows eating sour grapes and telling anyone who’ll listen how wonderful he is. But 3 remain - and I really think it’s too close to call between Kat or Elliot leaving. And I found it interesting that my favorite songs from each of them last night were the ones that the AI judges picked for them. I am a diehard Oz fan, and back up off my Judy Garland - but I had to give kudos to Kat - very lovely, and as I’ve been saying all along - very Broadway. I’m tellin’ ya - she needs to play Elphaba on stage! That is where I want to see her - not trying to sing pop. Her final song choice really sealed that for me - what in the world was that??? That is why I think Elliot still has a chance against her, even though his final song choice sucked too - at least it sucked less than hers. I don’t consider him out of the finals at all - it is way too close to call. I would be floored if Taylor weren’t the top one though. And if it was “low class” for him to dance with Paula (because Kat apparently is way too classy to do a lowdown thing like dance to music - what a concept!) - then color me a low class fan. Guess I have friends in low places! I think he is spontaneous, at home on a stage, and knows how to entertain and respond to a crowd - he feels it and can make the audience feel it too. This is vs. Kat sitting around on the floor and Elliot standing stiffly at the mike. But I really do like all three of them - I’m in for the long haul and can’t wait to see what happens! I really am okay with any one of them winning at this point, but I have to think it will be Taylor.

By Mary C.

May 17, 2006 1:06 PM | Link to this

I’ve never been a fan of Katherine but I will give her due credit for her single shining rendition of “Over The Rainbow.” It was beautiful. But I don’t think American Idol is looking for a “one hit wonder.” Elliot and Taylor should advance to the final two — they have been consistently brilliant throughout the competition. Katherine should have been ousted last week instead of Chris. I’m betting many Chris fans threw their votes to Taylor or Elliot this week.

By Karen

May 17, 2006 12:59 PM | Link to this

OMG, Mindy! You hit the nail on the head! I’ve been searching for an analogy to describe Kat and that’s it. She’s a beauty pageant singer! That’s what I think of when I see her. Over the top (except for “Over the Rainbow”, which was wonderful) and too much, in most cases. The judges have been trying to tell her to just sing. Back off all the Mariah Carey, Celine Dion riffs and just sing simple. Well, she got it right once, anyway! GJ, I’ll get the cold compress ready for Ms. Abdul, should the unthinkable happen…

By Jetson Bates

May 17, 2006 12:36 PM | Link to this

Kat’s performance of “Over the Rainbow” was good, but it pales in comparison to the person whose version of the song she was trying to emulate. If you want guaranteed chill bumps, buy the Eva Cassidy CD titled “Songbird.” Buy the CD and thank me later. Look it up on Amazon and look at the huge amount of emotional reviews to her music. I’m afraid that Taylor will win the whole thing. Where is Chris when we need him?

By GJ

May 17, 2006 12:11 PM | Link to this

Katharine has a great voice, but she is totally missing something. She does not have that “spark” or charisma that Taylor has and doesn’t connect with me in a soulful way like Elliot does. Unfortunately though, I do think it will be her and Taylor in the finals next week. God help Paula Abdul if Elliot does in fact get voted off. If she was inconsolable after Chris left, she may be suicidal if Elliot leaves.

By April

May 17, 2006 11:56 AM | Link to this

I personally think Taylor to take it all. He rocks the house. McForgot my words slid past Chris, god only knows how. The only reason “Rainbow” was a hit was because who could forget those words. Elliot, awesome voice no stage presence. Taylor is gonna take this show home. SOUL PATROOOOOL. lol

By Karen

May 17, 2006 11:41 AM | Link to this

Well the chatter on the web is that Taylor is a shoe in and Elliott has a narrow margin over Kat in the opinion polls that have been posted. It’s actually too close to call, and who knows if the people that vote on those polls are actually people who vote by phone. Speaking of voting by phone. Do we really only get 5 votes, because last night, I voted for Elliott like 25 times, or so. LOL!!!! Can’t tell who I’m rooting for, can ya? :o) But in all honesty, I’ve resigned myself to the fact that if Elliott doesn’t go to the finals, I’m not boycotting AI or pouting and making statements that “I’ll never watch AI again”—in my best Scarlet O’Hara imatation…. I’ll live with the results and be in withdrawal until the next AI, is more the truth. Oh why oh why does it have to end? (faints)

By mindy

May 17, 2006 11:35 AM | Link to this

Unfortunately, to me, Katharine sings like she is in a beauty queen contest —she has all year and even more so last night.

By Heather

May 17, 2006 11:12 AM | Link to this

Beth - I agree with your last comment. I’m actually sorry there can’t be 3 winners! (Although, they’ll all get a deal - so, they basically are all winners)

By Bryan

May 17, 2006 11:12 AM | Link to this

I just don’t get what people see in Taylor. If he wins…which he may well do…he will be forgotten in 9 months. Kat did well last night (really well on Rainbow) but she’s just not a pop singer, face it. That leaves Elliott (my favorite) who has a fantastic voice but didn’t connect with the audience last night (bad song choices for and by Elliott didn’t help). So I think the final two will be Taylor and Kat (chunky-funky white boy charm vs. peaches, cream and cleavage). Between those two, I don’t really care who wins (though isn’t time for a guy to win again)?

By Heather

May 17, 2006 11:10 AM | Link to this

OK, before I talk about last nights show, let me just start out by saying that I’m cracking up at the people that won’t watch because Chris isn’t on anymore. Don’t get me wrong, I was a big Chris fan….in the beginning. Before all the screaming, etc. He had come back around for me the past couple of weeks when he wasn’t so hard-core rocker dude. But, like I said before - he obviously has a career ahead of him and has no worries. Now let’s concentrate on the 3 remaining, equally - if not, more - talented contestants. Elliott, oh Elliott. Every week he brings it more and more. His last 2 performaces were my favorite, but he is absolutely the most consistent of the 3 remaining. Kat - loved her from the beginning. Not crazy about the 1st song, although it was okay. (Gosh, that sounded like Simon!) Of course the 2nd was fabulous. The 3rd - I only heard about the first 5-10 seconds of it because my dear (ahem!) husband decided to talk to me throughout the rest of it. And then there’s Taylor. He has grown on me soooo much throughout the competition. I thought all 3 song choices were perfect for him. You are so Beautiful was awesome! Tonight is going to be so hard. I want them all to succeed and I have never felt this way throughout any season. Taylor is a shoe-in. I first thought that Kat would be there too - although, I would love underdog Elliott to be. Who knows. Maybe we’ll see an upset tonight. Oh wait….that was last week when poor Chris was booted. he he

By Beth

May 17, 2006 10:54 AM | Link to this

How can anyone continue to comment on the show when they admit they didn’t even bother to watch it? Last night’s show was one of the best in entertainment value & that’s what this competition is all about. It’s not a popularity or beauty contest (or shouldn’t be), it is about who is the best singer given a variety of choices & musical styles. I felt they all did remarkably well last night & am just sorry there can’t be 3 in the finals.

By Sir Critic

May 17, 2006 10:10 AM | Link to this

While I love the praise Kat has gotten, even from her detractors, for “Over the Rainbow,” I’m troubled by the suggestion made here and elsewhere, that this is her “one terrific performance.” Seems to me people have awful short memories. What about her performances of “Since I Fell For You,” “Think,” “Until You Come Back to Me” “Come Rain or Come Shine” “Someone to Watch Over Me” or “Black Horse and the Cherry Tree,” all of which were uniformly praised by the judges? Yes, Kat has been frustratingly inconsistent, and yes, her high range is her weakness, but anyone who can deliver all these great renditions deserves to come as far as she has, no matter what the outcome. PS - If “Over the Rainbow,” one of the most beloved songs by one of the most beloved singers (Judy Garland) is ANY kind of “softball,” I’m Roger Clemens!

By james

May 17, 2006 10:09 AM | Link to this

I really have mixed feelings about this week’s ‘Idol.’ Everybody knows I’m not a Taylor fan, though last week I predicted he’d win. I just don’t see anybody beating him. He did very well Tuesday. Interesting note — I was listening to some radio clips from the show this morning and both Elliot and Taylor sounded terrific. Kat’s ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow,’ however, sounded really strident. (And I had thought she was amazing on that song.) My guess is that the final two will be Taylor and Kat, but I am like so many — I’d really like Elliot to make it. The final SHOULD, of course, be between Taylor and Chris.

By Sharon

May 17, 2006 10:01 AM | Link to this

I think it’s amazing how polarizing this competition is! One person absolutely loves Kat and another not only attacks her singing, but her father as well! Get a grip, people. None of these contestants are the best you’ve ever heard. Time will tell if any of them actually has any “star” power. Let’s be honest, the voting is all about personal taste or perhaps the inability to vote for talent without allowing personal jealousy to be an influencing factor.

By liz

May 17, 2006 9:41 AM | Link to this

I’m with you Regina, didn’t even watch it. I’m reading the blogs to keep up with the show but my heart isn’t in it anymore.

By Regina Rockey

May 17, 2006 9:00 AM | Link to this

I loved last nights show, and trying to get two toddlers to stay quite for an hour w/o ducttape… (just kidding) Anyway I have never, ever been a Kat fan but I will have to admit I thought she pushed Elliot off the stage last night, after all she’s a package deal and Elliot ..well not exactly hot. Taylor haas been my favorite since harmonica tryout and his charisma will take him to the top.

By C

May 17, 2006 8:56 AM | Link to this

Totally agree with you there Regina. I watched the last half, but it just seemed like the light was missing from the show.

By Karen

May 17, 2006 8:52 AM | Link to this

On another Idol note: Chris Daughtery was on Ellen yesterday. He sang an acoustical version of Bon Jovi’s Dead or Alive and did a great job. During his interview he admitted that he was shocked and thought he was going all the way. He also said the experience was opening the door to the kind of exposure and opportunity he’d always wanted for his singing career. He’d had some offers but didn’t want to make a hasty decision at this point. He never mentioned Idol or the other contestants. It was pretty much all about him! What’s that on the horizon? I can’t see over it! Oh wait, it’s just Chris’ ego getting in the way. It’s blocking the sun!

By Regina

May 17, 2006 8:29 AM | Link to this

Since Chris is off - it’s not even fun to watch. I didn’t even have the tv on last night.

By billy

May 17, 2006 8:00 AM | Link to this

WOW WOW WOW to Kat and her amazing performance with “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” Not impressed with Elliott. He didn’t make you feel the song and did not connect with the audience. It’s time for him to go! Kat is my favorite but I think Taylor will win it. Tonight…Kat & Taylor final two, bye-bye to Elliott.

By Karen

May 17, 2006 7:29 AM | Link to this

One terrific performance does not an Idol make…. With that said, the two strongest over all (consistently good performances week in and week out) are Taylor and Elliot! Those are my top two. Kat has a tendency to be over the top, trying to be a diva and that’s where she fails. She’s good, but she’s not great yet! No doubt she’s talented, just not my favorite at the moment.

By Frank

May 17, 2006 6:51 AM | Link to this

I agree with Karen as far as Katherine goes last night. Simon lobbed her a softball with “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” but get a grip people, that was not even close to the best performance of the season. Her first and third songs were awful. Katherine’s voice is so pitchy and her upper range makes my ears bleed. Taylor was strong all around. He’s definitely the favorite to win it all. Elliot wasn’t as ‘on’ as he was the previous week, but still solid on all three songs. Its going to come down to Elliott’s platinum pipes vs. Katherine’s cleavage and “Awww” votes derived from showing her creepy dad blubbering away in the audience.

By Beth

May 17, 2006 1:51 AM | Link to this

I also felt this was Kat’s best performance, but I liked all her songs tonight. I liked EVERYONE! I was at work & could not vote, but would have been deadlocked anyway. They all really nailed it—whoever wins takes nothing from the others. It was an excellent show. Tomorrow night will be a heartbreaker, whoever goes.

By Ben

May 17, 2006 12:06 AM | Link to this

I don’t think Taylor has anything to worry about tonight. I do to admit I was a little worried when I heard Katharine was going to sing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”, not that I didn’t think she would be great, but that she would sound “too” much like Judy Garland. Fortunately she put enough of a twist on it to make it her own. Absolutely beautiful performance. Poor Elliot. Again he seemed uptight and unable to connect with the songs or the audience. Sadly, I think Elliot will be leaving Wednesday night.

By katie

May 16, 2006 11:33 PM | Link to this

Katharine’s “Over the Rainbow” was like WOW-WOW-WOW!!! It had me stopped in my tracks, spellbound. Like Bo last year with “In a Dream.” Other than that moment, nothing else on tonight’s show moved me, not even Elliott, whom I wanted to love. But I guess if I had to pick a second-best performance of the night, it would be Elliott with “What You Won’t Do For Love.” Can’t wait till tomorrow night!!! I love AI!

By mary

May 16, 2006 10:57 PM | Link to this

Never really enjoyed Katherine, to me she sounds “screechy and annoying” when she belts them out. But when I heard “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” it brought me to tears, it was so beautiful. If she could sing like that all the time, well……., so now that Chris is gone, my favorite is Taylor.

By Karen

May 16, 2006 10:38 PM | Link to this

I hate the thought, but I’m coming to grips with the possibility the Elliott will not be in the final two. I did my voting part, now the rest is up to America. It’s really a tight competition! I guess we’ll have to wait for the results, huh?

By Jane

May 16, 2006 10:38 PM | Link to this

It was a great night. But what’s the deal with Randy and Paula SOO against Kat? Is there some jealousy with Paula maybe? I’m glad Kat spoke up that the first song wasn’t her choice when they criticized song choice. duh! And then said they seemed to be hard on her lately. Maybe she should’ve had Randy or Simon dance w/ her like Taylor and Paula. But she has too much class for that. She clearly is the whole package - talent, diverse, lovely and intelligent.

By Sir Critic

May 16, 2006 10:22 PM | Link to this

No matter what happens Wednesday night, I can finish off this season a very happy and proud McPheever victim. She sang all her numbers at the least, very well, and oh, MAN …. she deserves to go to the finals on the strength of “Over The Rainbow” ALONE. BEST version of the song not sung by Judy Garland. Even if the vote does not favor her, she can hold her head way up high. Taylor did exactly what was expected, and “You Are So Beautiful” was tremendous. Paula’s choice for Elliott was his best number, and overall he did very well, but he simply does not have that spark Taylor and Kat do at their best. But he also can hold his head up high for his amazing run. Predict: Taylor/Kat finale, Taylor wins.

By Leslie

May 16, 2006 10:16 PM | Link to this

I agree that Katharine’s “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” is without a doubt the best performance of anyone this season, as one of the judges said. Goosebump-inducing brilliance. What a great moment for her. Although she has never been my favorite, she won my vote tonight.

By Karen

May 16, 2006 9:52 PM | Link to this

OMG, they just finished, and I personally think the competition is even tighter after tonight. None of them knocked it out of the park tonight, but if I’m looking for consistency, I’d have to say Elliott’s 3 songs were of equal quality, although not his best. Kat’s middle was her best, but I hated the first one and the last one. Taylor’s first two were good, and his last one was almost perfect until the end. Sometimes Taylor just needs to stand still, even though I know it’s hard for him because he feels the music. Too close to call in my book, but I personally hope Elliott, of the three moves on. It’s a toss up for me between Taylor and Kat.