'American Idol' chat
Are you caught up in this season of "American Idol"? The Boston Globe's Joanna Weiss was online Wednesday, March 14, at 1 p.m. to chat about Fox's hit reality show.
The transcript follows.
alter-ego__Guest_: It appears to me that allowing the audience to have the final say is tipping the scales more towards looks than talent. Seriouly, what does the average viewing audience know about talent? As an example, to me anyone that can carry a tune has talent. If Amercian Idol is to continue and be fair, perhaps they should leave the final decision up to the judges. In other words, the audience can get the 12 finalists this far and then it should be strictly up to the judges with perhaps a guest tie-breaker judge. What are your thoughts?
Joanna_Weiss: Hi, alter-ego. You raise a good point, but I'd say it's pretty clear, from Simon's comments, that the music industry is about more than just talent. How many vaguely-talented but great-looking music stars can you name off the top of your head? I can think of a few...
Ozzie__Guest_: Do you think they should change the way voting is done to include some input from the judges? I ask this because talentless Sanjaya is still inthe top 12 and may not go anywhere for awhle withhis teeny fan base
Joanna_Weiss: Sanjaya is such an interesting case study. I'd love to know how much of his "fan base" is comprised of real fans, how much is votefortheworst.com, how much is Howard Stern folks. I think everyone has the right to vote - that's how the show is set up - and the producers have to face the consequences.
Joanna_Weiss: And if people keep tuning in to see just how bad Sanjaya will be - well, in itself, that's compelling TV.
rocketsauce__Guest_: do you think that because brandon was a back up singer, that he is used to just being stationary, and not in the spotlight?
Joanna_Weiss: That's very possible. I like Brandon's voice a lot, but I don't think he's got a lot of stage presence. That's a hard thing to teach, I think; you've either got it or you don't. How to explain why Jordin has it and Sanjaya doesn't?
dani__Guest_: Do you think the show would have been better had the judges picked the top 12 and then had "america" vote for their favorites each week? I am tired of listening to these mediocre performers.
Joanna_Weiss: I agree that it's sort of a mediocre lot this year, though I can remember some pretty bad singers from last season. (Kevin? Ace? Bucky?) Who's your favorite who was cut from the top 24?
rocketsauce__Guest_: alter-ego...it also would lose its appeal to fans...the whole reason they watch is so they can interact and pick who they want
SanjayaMalakar__Guest_: Hey Joanna, just checking in and a big thank you to VFTW. How long can I keep this run up? Can I make the top ten so I make the CD/Tour? And will Simon/Paula/Randy ever mention VFTW affecting my results???
Joanna_Weiss: I love it when Idols check in to our little old chats. Taylor Hicks stopped by a few weeks ago, and I just KNOW it was him.
Joanna_Weiss: I think the chances of the judges mentioning VFTW are slim-to-none. They'd probably rather no one else find out about the site.
dani__Guest_: sabrina, a.j, sundance... much better than sanjaya and haley
Joanna_Weiss: I'm with you on all of those, Dani. I really thought Sabrina was talented, and I would have loved to have seen Sundance's continued song choices. I was a little less thrilled with A.J., but he seemed sweet.
dani__Guest_: it took simon three weeks to mention the antonella situation.. i think soo n enough, simon will mention vftw
Joanna_Weiss: I think they're different beasts. Here, we're talking about a specific group, out to playfully sabotage the show.
Joanna_Weiss: I'm sure they're drunk with power now, too...and I wonder whether they're growing, and whether there's a sense of "Idol" backlash out there.
rocketsauce__Guest_: when is sanjaya gonna cut his hair...its rediculous
Joanna_Weiss: As Randy said last night, he wins "Hair Idol," hands-down. I think the backstage stylists are just using him as a toy at this point. And he's too sweet and naive to say "no."
anon__Guest_: Hi Joanna, what do you think about the last four being Lakisha, Melinda, Blake and Jordin?
Joanna_Weiss: That's as likely a final four as I can think of, and the producers are clearly trying to pump up Jordin's chances. Chris Sligh seemed a likely candidate at the start, but the more arrogance he brings to the table, the more his chances decrease.
Newbie__Guest_: Hi Joanna I thought that Diana Ross was pretty good last night but her songs were slaughtered, Endless love...horrible You keep me hanging on awful... It seems so clear that Melinda and Lakisha are so much better than all the rest...but can they actually win Sanjaya?? Ain't no mountain high enough? THE WORST
Joanna_Weiss: I wished more of the contestants had sung more of the upbeat Motown hits. I could do without the uplifting movie-soundtrack tunes, myself. And Chris's "Endless Love" caused me physical pain.
IdolCraze__Guest_: Hey Joanna, love the blogging re: the show. If Sanjaya wins, is the show over? Simon has said he won't be involved. Granted, it's harder to manipulate once there's fewer people, but what happens if the unthinkable occurs?
Joanna_Weiss: Thanks, IdolCraze. I was just telling my editor that I want to write about what would happen if Sanjaya wins. Because if the stars align in the right way, I think it's a real possibility.
Joanna_Weiss: And it would sort of be a beautiful thing: the public, which had been playing along fairly dutifully, suddenly taking control.
Joanna_Weiss: It bears remembering that Simon and the "Idol" producers didn't want Taylor Hicks to win last year, either.
anon__Guest_: Arrogance and last night, his inability to carry a tune. I liked him early on, but not so much now!
Joanna_Weiss: Re: Chris Sligh, you mean. Yes, he seems to have squandered a lot of early goodwill, "Fro 'Patro" signs notwithstanding.
dani__Guest_: i agree with you on that, but this year seems unlike anyother year... if it doesn't come out on the show, i bet it will be caught on entertainment tonight or hollywood access
Joanna_Weiss: Dani's talking about the prospects of Vote for the Worst getting a mention. The die-hard "Idol" fans already know about it, and yes, you'll probably see more in the mainstream press. And I could see the judges making a backhand comment about it, but I doubt they'll actually say the name on the air.
rocketsauce__Guest_: do you really think blake can sing as well as the others tho? he does all that beat box stuff...but his singing is mediocre i think
Joanna_Weiss: He's clearly not a powerhouse belter like LaKisha and Melinda, but he does have a marketable sound. Remember, not every recording artist is Aretha Franklin; there's room for the Pet Shop Boys, too. (Look, I'm showing my age.)
otis_my_man__Guest_: Am I the only one who thought that Chris Sligh's "arrangement change" was also a way for him to change the notes that he wasn't going to be able to hit. And while I enjoyed his hip "I speak like the rapid 'Net fans"//"sligh"-ness at first, he's now presenting an arrogant image where this is all beneath him. Should he wait until after he's left the show to slam it ala Miss Hudson?
Joanna_Weiss: Yes, I think Chris really overshot. And I think it doesn't look good to sass the judges at every turn. I have no problem with anyone tweaking an arrangement to make them sound best. But if you've been called out, take it like a man.
otis_my_man__Guest_: Anyone with fond 8th grade memories of Endless Love had blood pouring out of their ears for that rendition
Joanna_Weiss: I'm not sure I EVER had fond memories for that song, but I'm with you on the earache.
dani__Guest_: Don't get me wrong, Lakisha and Melinda are far the best vocal performers in the competion - but don't you think their delivery and stage presence is a bit boring?
Joanna_Weiss: I don't find it boring so much as predictable. I enjoy each performance, because they're both excellent singers and performers, but I would like to see them challenged a bit more. Remember, Mandisa - who fit the same mold, and was an early favorite last year - was knocked out during Country Week.
anon__Guest_: I absolutely disagree. I think there is a fraction of the population playing a game and while there were many contestants, it was easier to play. But now, i think Sanjaya will not last beyond the next two or three weeks. Clearly longer than he should have, bu the real idol fans won't let it happen!
Joanna_Weiss: I would have said the same, but I checked dialidol this morning and he's listed in third place, right behind Melinda and LaKisha. I'm not saying it's a likely scenario, but that it's possible for him to live a long time, if the haters are motivated and the rest of the votes are split. At any rate, it's sort of fun to think about.
anon__Guest_: And Taylor at least had passable talent. Clearly not what we are dealing with re: Sanjaya.
Joanna_Weiss: Taylor wasn't a great singer, but he was a very appealing performer, it's true. He got legitimate votes, not just joke votes.
Joanna_Weiss: But I think Haley's staying power also proves there's a sympathy bloc for the wholesome-but-less-talented.
Joanna_Weiss: (Although her cleavage is not especially wholesome these days.)
dani__Guest_: Unfortunately, the same people that voted Taylor Hicks to win Idol aren't buying his CDs... he's the worse Idol ever.. unless Sunjaya wins...
Joanna_Weiss: You're right. And that's precisely why the producers didn't want him to win. They're out to sell a product, and the market for his music seemed limited.
ozzie__Guest_: Is there any truth to the rumor on season 4 contestant Mario Vasquez being caught masturbating in the bathroom and asked one of the producers for a sexual act? Im trying to keep this clean
Joanna_Weiss: I don't know anything about it. And certainly haven't been investigating.
jaye__Guest_: What'd you really think of last night's show? I thought that Simon actually was kind to Haley and didn't want to see her lose total composure on Nat'l t.v
Joanna_Weiss: That was one of my favorite moments from last night, Jaye. Haley's heartfelt reaction made me like her a lot more than I had. And I think Simon was being honest. I think it's pretty clear that he doesn't care about upsetting people.
otis_my_man__Guest_: What's your opinion... Is it better to be BAD -- all out TERRIBLE -- than boring on this show?
Joanna_Weiss: For awhile, I think that does keep people in play.
idolworshipper__Guest_: How do the contestants end up with such bad musical arrangements? Someone should have told Stephanie, e.g., that she needed to do more than repeat the chorus endlessly, and the Endless Love fiasco speaks for itself.
Joanna_Weiss: I've wondered the same thing. It struck me last night that the contestants seemed to have a lot of say in their arrangements, if they wanted it - that no one in the band is going to say, "Hold it, there."
IdolCraze__Guest_: Joanna: Who goes home tonight? DialIdol says it's not going to be Sanjaya, so give us your pick to be unfairly removed before him...
Joanna_Weiss: I think Brandon is in real trouble tonight.
anon__Guest_: I think Lakisha will easily transition from one genre to the next, Melinda - not so sure.
Joanna_Weiss: I actually think Melinda might do better with the transition, because she seems a more nuanced singer. Although LaKisha gave a nicely understated performance last night.
anon__Guest_: I will have to pull a Simon and quit watching if Sunjaya actually wins!
Joanna_Weiss: It would really shake people's impression of the show. On the other hand, it would prove, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that the votes are real...
jaye__Guest_: While I wasn't a Taylor fan, I know there were many tweens that voted for him
Joanna_Weiss: Tweens? That's interesting. I wouldn't have thought they were part of his natural fan base. But he did have a really likable presence. I really liked Chris Daughtry, but not everyone wants a rocker.
anon__Guest_: I think Haley has staying power because of her looks!
Joanna_Weiss: It doesn't hurt, particularly with the men.
Joanna_Weiss: But I think she also has (wisely) chosen songs that appeal to the Celine Dion lovers out there.
IdolCraze__Guest_: Haley's trying to be like McPhee. Physical likeness, wholesome at the beginning, cleavage and wardrobe malfunctions as we move forward... except McPhee could sing.
Joanna_Weiss: The comparison is hard to ignore.
jaye__Guest_: Maybe you covered this before, but what's your poinion of what happened to Sabrina?
Joanna_Weiss: I think her style was similar to LaKisha's, Melinda's, and Stephanies. The vote was split a bit, and she lost out.
D_Wayne_Johnson__Guest_: Is Pronounciate really a word?
Joanna_Weiss: I haven't checked the dictionary yet, but I'm pretty sure "no." My two-year-old had her doubts, and she makes up a lot of words.
IdolCraze__Guest_: Um, the worst idol ever is Ruben. What the hell happened to him? Not to mention, Clay outsold him, and he's probably eating at a fastfood restaurant.
Joanna_Weiss: The last time I saw Ruben, he was singing "ABC" with Elmo on Sesame Street. And you're right about Clay; that's why it doesn't really matter who's the absolute winner, so long as the contenders get time to build up a fan base. It just becomes, for the producers, a point of pride. (And you don't see them running away from Jennifer Hudson these days. Quite the opposite.)
cring__Guest_: Does anyone know if Chris Daughtry is still with his wife?
Joanna_Weiss: I know Bucky and his wife split up. Haven't seen anything over the wires about the Daughtrys, but I'm not up to date on Us Weekly.
jaye__Guest_: Yeah, whats with brandon, he seemed to have a much more layered voice during auditions. Now he seems one dimensional.
Joanna_Weiss: It could be that he just doesn't have stage presence, the "it" factor, the "x" factor, whatever you want to call it. You've either got it or you don't.
rocketsauce__Guest_: i think that when it comes down to it...producers will start swaying the votes as it comes closer to an end...sanjaya can't win, it would mean the end of the show, they wouldn't be able to have another season
Joanna_Weiss: Well, producers do a lot of things to sway the votes already; they determine who gets to sing last, who gets the big production numbers, who gets the early airtime. But yes, it would make them look bad if Sanjaya won - because they'd look out of control.
D_Wayne_Johnson__Guest_: Can they pick whatever song they want to do? I've heard that alot of the stuff Bo and Constantine wanted to do were nixed and they were made to do certain songs? I heard Constantine on a radio interview say he wanted to do "Roadhouse Blues" from the Doors during one of the weeks and they wouldn;t let him...
Joanna_Weiss: Most songs are copyrighted, so I believe they have to get permission, from artists or labels, to be able to perform a song. I'm sure some artists don't want to be butchered, while others love the platform. (I heard 311 was thrilled that Blake gave them a shout-out.)
otis_my_man__Guest_: Sanjaya has the chance of going as far as John Stevens, the crooner from a few seasons ago... He was 6th (?) and stayed a week longer than Jenn.Hudson -- who was actually VFTW's pick that season. So, sadly, we may endure Sanjaya for more than a month longer... at least until fewer contestants are in the competition. I think VFTW gets a lot of play with folks like us who are chatting about the show and surf the net.. And I read on Boston.com's business blog about Idolcritic (.com?.org?) about video blogging/critiquing the show...
Joanna_Weiss: Yes, the die-hards know all about VFTW, and they've become a permanent part of the dynamic. The question, for me, is whether other people who don't necessarily love "Idol" will get on the Sanjaya bandwagon, just to be peevish. And then, if the tween/sympathetic grandma vote joins in...
idolworshipper__Guest_: Why did the judges put Sanjaya in the top 24 when they clearly knew he didn't belong in the top 12? There were better pure singers out there in the Hollywood week rounds
Joanna_Weiss: It seems to me that they stock the Top 24 with some sacrificial lambs, or at least some contestants who will make for good water-cooler fodder. If it was 24 equally fabulous singers, it might get a little dull, no?
Roxy__Guest_: I feel the same about Hayley ... she is a Disney movie songstress at best
Joanna_Weiss: Totally. Disney Princesses on Ice.
JoshyR__Guest_: don't you think it might be nice if they changed the order of the judges commentary once in awhile? Lets see Simon first for a change!
Joanna_Weiss: I think the dynamic is set, because everyone is waiting for Simon to *really* tell us what happened. (And without Randy to prompt her every time, what on earth would Paula say?)
JoshyR__Guest_: What about a Beatles themed show? Wouldn't that ve fun or no?
Joanna_Weiss: I'd love it. That would be up to Michael Jackson, right? Does he still own the rights to the Beatles songs, or did he sell them to pay his legal bills?
ladyleo__Guest_: Little Ms. Doolittle will be the winner. Simon said she was like a young Gladys Knight....I think she is more like Stephanie Mills.
Joanna_Weiss: She's quite talented. I'd be stunned if she wasn't in the top 3. And the fact that she and LaKisha are both doing so well makes it clear that there's a big audience for her style.
jaye__Guest_: I like Chris too. All the girls in my neighborhood we're into Taylor. I found it interesting too. They liked the way he moved and worked the audience. I found his "dancing" laughable.
Joanna_Weiss: By Chris, do you mean Chris Sligh or Chris Robinson?
JoshyR__Guest_: is Ryan actually gay?
Joanna_Weiss: This is another one for which I have no personal knowledge. But the Simon/Ryan banter is on the verge of making me uncomfortable.
Roxy__Guest_: Regarding Chris Sligh, I was glad to hear Simon tell him to keep his glasses on ... it defininitely keeps his look unique. He was a riot with Diana, who by the way, I thought was very sweet, especially with her comment about first being a Mom and wanting to protect the 'kids.'
Joanna_Weiss: What I liked about Diana, though, was that, as nice as she wanted to be, she actually came up with some clear constructive criticism. No Paula, she.
Joanna_Weiss: And I'm with you on Chris's glasses. Also, Phil should never take off his hat.
BSG__Guest_: Why do you think the "Howard Stern folks" are closely related to the VFTW folks? I think you are putting a stereotype on Howard Stern listeners. What do you know about his listners?
Joanna_Weiss: I'm one of them myself, from time to time. I haven't heard him much in the last week or so, but I've heard that he's been encouraging his listeners to vote for Sanjaya.
doc__Guest_: who is out tonight, sanjaya???
Joanna_Weiss: According to Dialidol, Sanjaya is safe. My money is on Brandon, or possibly Gina.
JoshyR__Guest_: so why wasn't Miss Ross at the show last night?
Joanna_Weiss: She's performing tonight. Maybe last night she was busy with the throat lozenges.
jaye__Guest_: The judges loved McPhee....Haley, not so much. BTW, pronounciate is NOT a word. Its enounciate
Joanna_Weiss: Yes, I know. That's what she meant. And boy, Randy was harsh to Haley, huh?
idolworshipper__Guest_: Haley's message (not so subtle) last night was, "Cleave unto me, you Idol worshippers ..."
Joanna_Weiss: Perfect!
JoshyR__Guest_: why is Paula a judge stll - she was never a good singer to begin with
Joanna_Weiss: She's highly entertaining as a television character.
Elly__Guest_: According to dictionary.com it is a word. It's use is rare though.
Joanna_Weiss: Wow. Thanks for looking that up. I was pretty sure Diana meant "enunciate," but hey, maybe she's a Scrabble champ.
Di__Guest_: I see you mentioned Howard. I first heard about vftw from Howard the other day. I like Idol but this is a hysterical idea. Eric the Midget would be very upset ;o)
Joanna_Weiss: It seems like the sort of contrarian thing that Howard would really love. And I do give VFTW a lot of props for having fun with the system.
otis_my_man__Guest_: Apart from Daughtry doing the cover of Johnny Cash (I forget who did the cover that he covered), do you recall any previous contestants changing the arrangements as much as we've seen so far this year?
Joanna_Weiss: I didn't watch too closely the first few seasons, so I can't say definitively. Personally, I like it when they try. Even if the results are spotty. It mixes things up.
JoshyR__Guest_: do you think they should not allow "ringers" aka professional singers - into the competition?
Joanna_Weiss: As I understand it, the only rule they have is that you can't be signed. And it makes sense that some of these folks would be eeking out some sort of living as a singer; I think Kelly Clarkson once worked as a singer at Six Flags. And Brandon is proof positive that working as a background singer doesn't make you an Idol-shoo in. I just wish Melinda and the judges wouldn't act so shocked to discover that she's good.
JoshyR__Guest_: do you think Sanjawa may be permantly damaged by his criticism on the show?
Joanna_Weiss: He's either amazingly thick-skinned or amazingly-obtuse. I'm going for the latter, in which case, he'll be fine.
D_Wayne_Johnson__Guest_: I'm convinced that they rigged the voting to get that girl off last week. They didn't want to kick her off but they new it was becoming an issue so... bingo... she's voted out...
Joanna_Weiss: I think Sanjaya's continued presence is proof that the votes are legit.
IdolCraze__Guest_: If you're answering questions about personal lives, is the McPhever available? And oh yeah -- what are the chances you have a number? :o)
Joanna_Weiss: Wish I could help you. Try the National Enquirer.
JoshyR__Guest_: how about letting the adudience decide which songs should be sung?
Joanna_Weiss: I think that would be a fun twist. We can't possibly do worse...
jaye__Guest_: I had read somewhere that there are several artists that won't release the copyright priveledges to Idol, so you'll never hear anything from them. If I'm remembering the article, Madonna was one.
Joanna_Weiss: I'll have to dig up the list, but I know that's true. Although, the more popular the show gets (and the more desperate some artists become) we might see some minds change.
laura__Guest_: to cring - I heard Chris Daughtry being interviewed this morning on 98.5 and from the conversation, it certainly seems as though he and his wife are still together....do you think they could change the voting process to vote off your least favorite singer?
Joanna_Weiss: I doubt they'll change the way voting words. And thanks for the intel.
JoshyR__Guest_: have you ever seen such a disparity between the talent of the women vs. the men as in this year? Can anyone of the guys possibly contend for the title?
Joanna_Weiss: I think the difference this year is dramatic. But I think Blake is a contender. A few weeks ago I would have put Sligh up there, too.
JoshyR__Guest_: the judges should hold up cards like in figure skating
Joanna_Weiss: I prefer garbled comments to numbers.
otis_my_man__Guest_: These poor grandma's ... their reps are getting slaughtered. Aren't there any grandma's out there with taste? no hearing loss? :)
Joanna_Weiss: Am I slandering the grandmas out there? I think Chris Richardson's grandmother loves him.
otis_my_man__Guest_: Isn't it interesting who we aren't talking about today... Gina, Phil, Chris R., Jordin...
Joanna_Weiss: I've heard a lot of good buzz about Jordin on the Internet. But you're right, no talk for those guys does mean trouble brewing.
trophy__Guest_: I agree w/ Simon about her being a young Gladys Knight
Joanna_Weiss: She's excellent. But again, let's give her a challenge. Just for fun.
JoshyR__Guest_: who is the top person to be voted out thus far?
Joanna_Weiss: I was very sad to see Sabrina go.
JoshyR__Guest_: Phil looks like a serial killer
Joanna_Weiss: I think he looks like a very tall elf.
BSG__Guest_: LaKisha and Melinda are not going to win. They are good singers, but their performaces are BORING. Even though the judges didn't like it, I liked Blake's arrangement last night, it was contemparary and totally his style, do you agree?
Joanna_Weiss: I do think he did a good job making the song his own (or at least, Erasure's). I'm always curious to see what he'll come up with.
otis_my_man__Guest_: I thought it was interesting to see which kids took her suggestions and who didn't. As good as LaKisha's performance was, I thought Miss Ross was right about the mike stand -- and that LaKisha's performance would have been seriously striking if she had stayed put and drew the audience to her
Joanna_Weiss: Yes. I thought Diana had good advice. The woman knows whereof she speaks. And LaKisha seemed eager to listen. Unlike some of those folks...
laura__Guest_: i would like to at least see Phil with some scruff or something. He is too pale and when he shaves completely just before the show it's too exaggerated!
Joanna_Weiss: Those hairstylists who spend so much time with Sanjaya must be dismayed.
IdolCraze__Guest_: I haven't voted this early on before (usually final four and forward), but I voted for Sunjaya last night. IDOLS05. About 200 times. I wish I was kidding.
Joanna_Weiss: Wow. That's an amazing confession. So, why?
Roxy__Guest_: As for Phil, there is something wrong with his 'look.' It is so out of symmetry. Is it the eyebrows against the stark baldness??? It just doesn't look right ... almost as if his head is a cap.
Joanna_Weiss: Again, pity the stylists.
jaye__Guest_: Without Paula in the mix, the judging thing would be too clear cut and harsh. Haven't you heard the saying for parents to sandwich their criticism with something positive!! LOL
Joanna_Weiss: Precisely. I think the dynamic they stumbled on is brilliant.
otis_my_man__Guest_: Do you think you'll have to buy Bucky's CD for your fan at home? Or do you think he'll send one your way? (Thanks PR folks!) Could you handle it? ;-)
Joanna_Weiss: Ava already has an autographed letter from Constantine. I guess I'll have to really work it, huh?
ladyleo__Guest_: What is VFTW?
Joanna_Weiss: VFTW is votefortheworst.com, a site that has a good time trying to sabotage Idol voting.
Seacrest___Out__Guest_: so, how bad is this year's crop of signers?
Joanna_Weiss: I think there are some real flops every year. We just forget quickly. But I'm pretty underwhelmed with this lot, all in all.
otis_my_man__Guest_: As much as I would like Sanjaya to go away, I keep thinking about what it must be like to be his parent. or his sister. I'm with you.. I think he's a clueless kid.
Joanna_Weiss: I do wonder, sometimes, what his mother is thinking. But is it mean to suggest that there's some small part of his sister that is, at least, glad he's not better than she is?
IdolCraze__Guest_: Michael Jackson week, and maybe Sunjaya will *WANT* to leave. I'm just saying...
Joanna_Weiss: But can't you imagine him singing "Billie Jean"?
Seacrest___Out__Guest_: I think that they should of had Diana Ross there last night to critique the preformances. I have heard that J-Lo is doing the show, how great would it be to hear her politley rip apart some of the singers ?
Joanna_Weiss: I agree it would shake things up a bit. Better than Jewel in the auditions.
Roxy__Guest_: There was talk from Sundance last week that there is a male contestant who is convinced he will win and his cockiness is driving everyone crazy. I think it's blake. He's starting to annoy me ... a LOT.
Joanna_Weiss: When I heard that, I thought it was Sligh. But who knows. I don't have a firm sense of Blake's personality yet, but I know Sligh has ego to spare.
JoshyR__Guest_: lets hear Ryan and Simon do a duet
Joanna_Weiss: How about "Endless Love"?
scott__Guest_: What do you think of the quality of contestants vs pass seasons.
Joanna_Weiss: I think every year has a few great gems and a few folks who are clearly cannon fodder. But all in all, I'm a little bored with this group.
JoshyR__Guest_: so if only one person gets voted out and Dianna Ross sings whaqt else is on for tonight?
Joanna_Weiss: One of those "Up With People" production numbers, I'm sure. And you know how long it can take them to drag the results out: You guys stand over here, you guys stand over here, let's take a commercial break...
Seacrest___Out__Guest_: I want a Doolittle bobble head doll
Joanna_Weiss: I'll take LaKisha and we'll have a duel.
Joanna_Weiss: Guys, this has been great fun, but I've got to check out. Let's do it again next week, same time. And e-mail me blog fodder any time.
Joanna_Weiss: And before I go, I'll post a few extra comments from the crowd...
Seacrest___Out__Guest_: What did you think of Chris Richardsons preformance....I think he is trying a little to hard to be like Justin Timberlake
dafadf__Guest_: I've always wondered how closely the producers on AI work with the judges - I'm thinking specifically of last year when the judges trashed all 3 contestants potential first singles. This year, it would probably make for better television if there weren't 2 such clear front-runners - but the judges seem happy to emphasize that fact, making the next 10 weeks seem less critical viewing. Thoughts?
JoshyR__Guest_: Paula gets the cheers and the others get the boos but the others tell it like it is
D_Wayne_Johnson__Guest_: Part of the fun of Idol is watching the train wreck that is Paula.
laura__Guest_: I can imagine Sanjaya trying to sing Billie Jean and I'm cringing already.
IdolCraze__Guest_: I think Sunjaya's mother would sing "Billie Jean." -- THAT KID IS NOT MY SON.
Roxy__Guest_: It appears to me that most of these contestants have a serious problem with low self esteem. "KiKi" and Melinda, to me, come off as truly humble. The others that can sing are just plain goofy! Their stage antics are AWFUL!
trophee__Guest_: Paula is cool
jaye__Guest_: I think that Ryan and Simon are actually like two adolescent best friends kidding around. At one point when they were going from Ryan to the stage, the camera caught the 2 punching each other in the arm like kids.
Joanna_Weiss: Great questions and comments, thanks again for joining. See you next week!
© Copyright 2007 Globe Newspaper Company.
