'American Idol' chat
Are you caught up in this season of "American Idol"? Do you think Sanjaya will stay or go this week?
The Boston Globe's Joanna Weiss was online Wednesday, March 28, at 1 p.m. to chat about all things "Idol."
The transcript follows.
Joanna_Weiss: Hi everyone. I'll start by asking: any bona fide Sanjaya fans out there?
Joanna_Weiss: Or anyone who (like me) lives in a household that includes at least one bona fide Sanjaya fan?
Joanna_Weiss: I was pretty disappointed in him last night, hair notwithstanding. After last week, I thought he might actually be inspired to step it up vocally. But I was wrong.
Joanna_Weiss: And, oddly enough, I liked Gina the best. I usually despise her!
T__Guest_: What is the fascination with this kid? Isn't this supposed to be about talent? Two people (at least) have been voted off who were clearly superior in actually talent. He's good-looking kind with a nice smile, but that won't sell many records.
Joanna_Weiss: I think tweens like him the same way they liked David Cassidy and, as one of my colleagues here pointed out, Leif Garrett. And Hansen.
Joanna_Weiss: And tweens with bad taste do buy records!
llee__Guest_: No Sanjaya fans in my house! Thankfully!!! I didn't start out that way but week after week he just shows that he doesn't really have it in him!!!
Joanna_Weiss: You're right about that. Last week I really saw a spark, but it was gone by this week. And I HATED the hair.
Joanna_Weiss: Any other favorites besides Melinda? Anyone else getting a little bored with her perfection?
llee__Guest_: Oh....Leif Garrett....many posters of him adorned my bedroom walls as a teen. He was a cutey!
Joanna_Weiss: See? I rest my case!
Marcus_Ben_Karkis__Guest_: For your Sanjaya article; ok most times the kid is awful but he has the heart, smile, and hair - the real question - why did Simon, Paula, and Randy make him a top 12 male vocalist? Don't pick on Sanjaya for winning votes, geez.
Joanna_Weiss: They made him one of the top 24. I'll bet the producedrs had soem influence.
llee__Guest_: This group either seems to be too perfect or just plain old not good enough....there's no real spark - even with the perfect ones!!! That's getting a little boring, too.
Joanna_Weiss: I agree that last night's show was dull. I think it had a lot to do with the songs, though.
Joanna_Weiss: Two Police songs in one night is a little much.
Marcus_Ben_Karkis__Guest_: Overall, the show is lacking in excitement this year, less charisma, except for Blake. Haley can win the physical female attraction award.
Joanna_Weiss: But not the singing award. Sligh used to have charisma, but now he's just arrogant.
carsp__Guest_: I think Melinda is mildly retarded, and I am a 30 yr. special education specialist. I think she is literal, and doesn't process language as fast as she should, she has learned to smile and look that way when spoken to.
Joanna_Weiss: Hmm. I'm not sure I agree with you; she's clearly able to interpret songs, which must have something to do with language skills.
ItchySanjaya__Guest_: So is this the end of american idol after this season...there is no control anymore
Joanna_Weiss: A lot of people have been asking that, but I don't think so. If he wins (unlikely but possible) and sells records, it will prove that the voting process has integrity.
Joanna_Weiss: Would anyone here seriously stop watching if he won?
bd__Guest_: the hair was a tribute to No Doubt! I think Jordin is really starting to show some talent.
Joanna_Weiss: I know it was a No Doubt tribute, but I don't think he pulled it off. He would have pulled it off, as Paula said (!) if he had sung like, say, Gwen Stefani.
Kenny_H__Guest_: Is it possible that the producers merely use the phone votes as a suggestion and then craft their own strategy?
Joanna_Weiss: No. I think Sanjaya is proof of that. And I think they know the show would fall apart if it turned out the votes didn't count. They've got a sort of contract going with the fans.
T__Guest_: What about the beat-boxer? I don't think he's there to sing love songs. That's not going to be his bread and butter after this competion. I guess he is trying to show some "range", but I didn't like his performance last night.
Joanna_Weiss: I thought the Zombies song was a much better showcase for Blake, but that had a lot to do with the song itself.
Sanjaya_s_Hair__Guest_: PLEASE STOP TORTURING ME. Thank you.
Joanna_Weiss: Sanjaya always logs into these chats. It's so nice. I think some people would argue, Mr. M, that it is you who are torturing us.
llee__Guest_: There does seem to be some charisma or spark missing in all of them! And I definitely don't believe Melinda is remotely retarded! I just think her own confidence in herself wasn't 100% there!
Joanna_Weiss: I believed the confidence thing after week one. Maybe week two. By now, she needs to wipe that look of faux-surprise off her face. It's not mentally deficient - it's calculated.
ClayAikenLover__Guest_: I don't care if he wins because lately the best singers, like Clay, always end up 2nd anyway
Joanna_Weiss: Ah, a Clay fan!! I think his career, and Chris Daughtry's record sales, are proof positive that the order of the finish doesn't matter, so long as you get enough weeks of "Idol" exposure.
ItchySanjaya__Guest_: he did sound like Gwen Stefani...he sounded like a girl!
Joanna_Weiss: He sounded like a girl, yes. But a wimpy 12-year-old girl. Gwen doesn't sound remotely like that. Except in her speaking voice.
llee__Guest_: Even Gwen had her doubts about him being able to pull off that song!!! And the hair might have been a tribute if he had actually cut it off...hahaha that would've been funny!
Joanna_Weiss: Then he would have sunk his chances in the competition! I think the hair accounts for at least 70 percent of his tween support.
llee__Guest_: Blake's performance last night without the beat-boxing was boring! Or was it the song?
Joanna_Weiss: A little bit of both. Maybe Gwen's advice spooked him. I would have liked to have heard a little beatboxing.
Kenny_H__Guest_: How much do you think Howard Stern and the vote for the worst websites are playing into Sanjaya being safe?
Joanna_Weiss: I think they're playing some part, but not a huge part, given the volume of votes. But it all does add up to a Sanjaya coalition.
Marcus_Ben_Karkis__Guest_: I agree about Blake, I love the Cure but he was awful, the Zombies song he did perfectly. Stefani was at least honest in her critique(s).
Joanna_Weiss: She was very honest last night, and revealed a lot about her preferences for singing style. I happen to be with her in getting annoyed at the "vocal Olympics" that seem so prevalent among Idol contestants.
llee__Guest_: It's not only how he sounds; it's his lack of presence up there.
Joanna_Weiss: I think you're right. That's a big part of his problem. Because he actually hits the notes, unlike a lot of contestants. He just doesn't hit them with confidence. Or conviction. Or something.
llee__Guest_: Finally...we might have been able to say babaya Sanjaya.
Joanna_Weiss: Do you predict he's out tonight? Dialidol says he's safe, but their track record this season isn't perfect.
K-Dog__Guest_: VOTE FOR SANJAYA!
Joanna_Weiss: Now, do you say that as a lover, or a hater?
Marcus_Ben_Karkis__Guest_: I think you all missing a Sanjaya point. Diana Ross said it the first night, "it's not about the hair". It's all spirit, heart, et al; I'm sure that comment will go over well.
Joanna_Weiss: I think tweens love his hair and his demeanor, and older ladies think he's sweet and sympathetic.
Howie_Stern__Guest_: Sanajaya will be the next American Idol, I hope, do you think Simon will quit if so?
Joanna_Weiss: I think that was an off-the-cuff comment, and a bluff.
ClayAikenLover__Guest_: Sanjaya will win because he/she is all people talk about. And this chat proves that
Joanna_Weiss: That's why the producers are happy to have him around for awhile.
Kenny_H__Guest_: I'm in an office pool and I need to post my pick for who's going home tonight by 3pm...who do you think is going home?
Joanna_Weiss: It's a little tough this week. I'm going to wager Chris Sligh or Phil. Though possibly Haley.
Joanna_Weiss: Though I ought to settle on one...so far, I'm 2 for 2. Maybe you should go for Sligh.
IDOL-Lover__Guest_: Last nights performances were subpar, at least Sanjaya was entertaining, so I voted for him
Joanna_Weiss: Can you e-mail me after the chat? weiss@globe.com
jimmy__Guest_: Can't we call this game on account of a lack of talent among anyone other than melinda?
Joanna_Weiss: See, THAT would be boring. I think that might be why Simon was reaching for something negative to say about her last night.
Not_a_Sanjaya_fan__Guest_: I think what Howard Stern is doing is ridiculous.
Joanna_Weiss: He's exercising his right as a fan. You can vote for any reason you want...
wiltsan__Guest_: How about song selection process? The judges are always commenting about song selection. Why did Brandon during the first round choose a Lenny Kravitz song? Looks like him, sounds like him. Why does Sanjaya not choose a Prince song, could sound like him, looks like him? They always give us these fluff backgrounders, how about a clip on how the kids choose the songs?
Joanna_Weiss: I'd love that insight into the process. I think in some cases, the contestants just have bad taste in music. That's why Haley seems to gravitate toward lame Celine-ish songs, or, in the case of last night, lame Celine-ish arrangements of good songs.
kate__Guest_: I'm hoping the older ladies think his hairdo was terrible last night & didn't vote for him. And how about that girl who is fasting until he is voted off?
Joanna_Weiss: I think that girl must be really hungry. And I thought the same thing last night about his hair - he ran the risk of turning off a sizable portion of his base.
llee__Guest_: Oh...I meant...finally, if he were to actually cut his hair we might be able to get rid of him since that's one of the things his fans seem to be attracted to.
Joanna_Weiss: Ah. Yes. Agreed. Maybe you could send him some telepathic signals. (Though I like having him around to talk about.)
ItchySanjaya__Guest_: i mean...the kid mumbled last night, forgot words, and smiles like he just pissed his pants...how is that american idol?
Joanna_Weiss: You're assuming that the show is actually a talent competition.
llee__Guest_: it's true....i certainly don't hear anyone talking about Antonella anymore.
Joanna_Weiss: No, once you're off, the chatter's over, I'm afraid.
llee__Guest_: I think it's Chris Sligh or Haley tonight.
Joanna_Weiss: You're probably right. Phil has a base of support of his own, though he's not my favorite.
Marcus_Ben_Karkis__Guest_: That's because the other ones are not that exciting, Melinda and KiKI are too perfect; Joanna agree with you agin on Chris Sligh (arrogant) the other Chris is a Timberlake wannabe, etc
Joanna_Weiss: The "too perfect" thing is going to get those two in trouble. I think Jordin is the one to watch at this point.
frayednot__Guest_: hi- i agree about Chris- i've liked him in the past but he was really weak last night
Joanna_Weiss: He's been weak for the past few weeks. He got a big boost because he got so much airtime during the audition process. But so far, he really hasn't delivered on that early promise.
llee__Guest_: What about Chris R....do you think he's safe tonight?
Joanna_Weiss: He bores me, personally, but I think he might be safe. Paula gave him a big boost last night.
newbie__Guest_: If any of them would actually come out and hit one out of the park, then we could talk about something else!
Joanna_Weiss: Jordin did that last week. I don't think anyone hit it out of the park last night. Gina probably came closest, in part because she was so bad the week before.
wiltsan__Guest_: Also, what is with the judges contradictions each week? Make it your own, then the kids do and they say, that song doesn't need to be messed with...frustrating
Joanna_Weiss: They do contradict themselves a lot. I think it's because sometimes opinions are just subjective - you like a performance or you don't - and it's hard to put that into words. So they make some words up. (Paula especially...)
ShavenSanjaya__Guest_: I think Simon will definately be out of American Idol after Sanjaya wins. He's just that kind of person
Joanna_Weiss: Well, he's rich enough that he doesn't need the work. But I think he loves the association and the notoriety.
frayednot__Guest_: do you think that Melinda is that much better than lakeisha?
Joanna_Weiss: I think she's more controlled and more polished. And I think she has more range. LaKisha's strength is her sheer power.
llee__Guest_: I think the show should adopt the voting system that Dancing with the Stars uses. Only a certain amount of votes per phone line and email address and I believe they allow it during the show and up to a 1/2 hour after the show ends.
Joanna_Weiss: I seriously doubt they'll mess with the voting formula, six seasons in. It's part of what people love about the show.
IDOL-Lover__Guest_: Nobody on the show now could sell albums, at least people might buy a Sanajaya album for the unintentional comedy factor
Joanna_Weiss: I don't think anyone who hates Sanjaya would actually buy his album. But, as I said before, there are a lot of tweens out there with bad taste. (And, given the success of the High School Musical soundtrack last year, it's clear that tweens buy actual albums more than adults these days.)
Kenny_H__Guest_: Don't you think it's in Idol's best interest to keep Sanjaya around? EVERYBODY is talking about him
Joanna_Weiss: Absolutely.
kate__Guest_: any word on what the theme/guest is for next week?
Joanna_Weiss: Haven't seen yet, but I'll update the blog when I learn.
IDOL-Lover__Guest_: I think the fact that Taylor Hicks won over Chris Daughtry proves it is not a talent competition
Joanna_Weiss: Exactly. I understood Taylor's appeal, but he's not a better singer. If it were a question of sheer singing talent, Paris Bennett would have won last year, or possibly Elliott Yamin.
ItchySanjaya__Guest_: yeah Antonella is set for life tho...she's got the looks to do anything...and every guy agrees with me...that we hope she does some modeling REAL soon
Joanna_Weiss: Have fun buying your magazines...
Joanna_Weiss: sorry guys - some technical difficulties here but I'm back
llee__Guest_: I agree, Joanna. about the "too perfect" thing. And they aren't very exciting to talk to either. At least Jordin is very bubbly...that could be because of her age but nevertheless she is bubbly.
Joanna_Weiss: Yes, she has appeal beyond her clear singing ability.
idolparent__Guest_: I watch IDOL with my 11 year old and she wants to know why Sanj. is still there.. what do I tell her ?
Joanna_Weiss: Tell her to canvass her friends at school and see if they're voting!
llee__Guest_: He has bored me right from the beginning. Up until last night, I used to think he sang like a munchkin from the Wizard of Oz....that' all I could hear while he sang...follow the yellow brick road...nevermind, he does look a little like JT and I am NOT a fan of his! I don't think he can sing, either!
Joanna_Weiss: I think you're talking Chris R. here. I don't like his singing style, personally, and I agree that he's a poor man's JT. My colleague Sarah Rodman calls him TimberFake.
Kenny_H__Guest_: can you provide a link to your blog?
Joanna_Weiss: www.viewerdiscretion.net
Yoyoyocheckitout__Guest_: joanne...do you steal all your material from the Official Idol Power rankings...aka the OIPR?
Joanna_Weiss: I've never heard of them. I'll have to check them out. But I think it's possible, in the "Idol" universe, that some people have similar opinions.
Kat__Guest_: I think Kiki is so great, but constantly gets overshadowed by Melinda. Her wide-eyed act of shock after each positive comment is wearing thin on me. She has been a professional for years and knows she's good. She is annoying now.
Joanna_Weiss: I've felt that way for weeks. And I think it could catch up with her. Although DialIdol says she's number-one this week. And you have to admit, her singing is always flawless.
wayne__Guest_: Hi, I think Blake is the first contestant worth really caring about since Season 3, Fan, Jen & George. Comment?
Joanna_Weiss: I like Blake a lot. He's one of my favorites this season. I'm always curious about what he'll do. But I'm not sure his style appeals to everyone, and eventually that will get him in trouble.
idolparent__Guest_: I think KEKE comes off as totally arrogant and will get voted off because she and Melinda will cancel each other's votes
Joanna_Weiss: That's part of my Sanjaya victory scenario! Actually, I think a lot of the contestants are arrogant this year, unjustifiably. And the one singer with the right to be arrogant does the false-modesty thing instead.
carsp__Guest_: they said it was Tony Bennett next week
Joanna_Weiss: Quite possibly, I'll check it out.
Ozzie__Guest_: It seems to me Sanjaya is getting a kick out of screwing with the Idol institution.He knows he sucks but so far it is he who has last last laugh. He will do anything to mess with Simons head. The hair was the kicker
Joanna_Weiss: I go back and forth on whether he's thick-skinned and self-aware or absurdly deluded.
Kenny_H__Guest_: Lakisha, Melinda, Rueben, Fantasia....all the same in my book....your thoughts?
Joanna_Weiss: Similar R&B styles, though Melinda has a lot more range. Actually, Melinda, more than the rest of them, is probably perfect for Broadway.
Yoyoyocheckitout__Guest_: why does gina glockenspiel wear outfits that are always 3 sizes too small on her?
Joanna_Weiss: She is trying to look edgy. I'm not sure I'd go with 3 sizes, but she's trying to distinguish herself...
Ozzie__Guest_: Melinda is good but not contemporary. If you like Gladys Knight then youll like Melinda
Joanna_Weiss: I agree. Though, in a sense, Taylor Hicks isn't contemporary, either. He's out of the 70s.
MilfordIdol__Guest_: Do you think both Melinda and LaKisha can be in the finals? I think they share the same fan base and will, at some point, split the vote too much to both stay.
Joanna_Weiss: I think you're right. I predict LaKisha goes first, possibly knocked out by Jordin. Or, you know, Sanjaya...
wiltsan__Guest_: Chris S is disappointing, I agree Jordan is a hot ticket !
Joanna_Weiss: She's definitely got the momentum right now, though I actually wasn't crazy about her performance this week.
Ozzie__Guest_: And he cant sell records either...thats my point
Joanna_Weiss: No, Taylor can't sell records. But he was the last one standing on "Idol" last season.
wiltsan__Guest_: I am always impressed by :LaKisha's stage presence and confidence but I have friends that say they are sick of her AND the whole gospel singer background. Blake is the one to watch as he is creative and you never know what you will get next. Too bad about Chris S. I had high hopes for him. Chris R is too vanilla
Joanna_Weiss: I think LaKisha and Blake appeal to specific tastes. Chris R, too.
idolparent__Guest_: Ok.. now I'm concerned -- You, a journalist I respect, actually think that Sanj. has a shot at the finals? I'm glad you also see some arrogance
Joanna_Weiss: I think it's a long, long, long shot. And really, it's more of a mental exercise. But it's also a way of looking at "Idol" as a political endeavor, instead of a singing contest.
wiltsan__Guest_: Do you think Haley will get in "trouble" because she has been compared to McPhee? She doesn't have the same talent but the looks, hair blah, blah
Joanna_Weiss: I don't think she'll get in trouble per se, but she won't last as long as Katharine. Guys-Who-Like-Her-Legs isn't as strong a voting bloc as Tweens.
MilfordIdol__Guest_: Do you thinkn there is a contestant who appeals to a very broad range of musical tastes?
Joanna_Weiss: Good question. I think Melinda appeals to people who want to vote on singing talent. And that's still a pretty big "Idol" group. I think Chris Sligh had the potential, in the beginning, to be a likable figure in the way that Taylor was, but he squandered his goodwill.
MilfordIdol__Guest_: I have suggested online that Sanjaya actually not sing next week to test if is popular enough to get buy with zero musical talent.
Joanna_Weiss: Hmm. Like, go out onstage and just stand there? Or dance around a little? Or lip synch?
wiltsan__Guest_: LOL, yes my hubby doesn't vote
Joanna_Weiss: Oh, dear! He's in the Legs category!
Ozzie__Guest_: Taylor Hick"s 15 minutes of fame is up.
Joanna_Weiss: I'm afraid you might be right. Ruben Studdard's ended ages ago.
wiltsan__Guest_: We keep talking about tweens but my mom (65 yrs) and her friends watch AND vote. They love Jordan and really liked Stephanie.
Joanna_Weiss: I've been trying to get my 95-year-old grandmother to watch, but I don't think she would have liked last week's songs. Do your mom's friends like Sanjaya? Or sympathize with him, at least?
wiltsan__Guest_: Too bad about Ruben - he was my favorite all time Idol
Joanna_Weiss: He was a good singer, but, again, not the record-selling type.
MilfordIdol__Guest_: Dance around, stand there juggle - whatever but just no singing at all. Maybe even leave the mic behind altogehter.
Joanna_Weiss: That would be a very interesting experiment. Don't hold your breath. (Or go on a hunger strike.)
Kat__Guest_: Haley seems to have the least talent. She is trading on her good looks (that outfit last week?!) and always seems so ticked off when she is not showered with accolades. She seems to have an entitlement /conceit issue, and she really should not have either -- she is not the most talented.
Joanna_Weiss: Gina, Chris Sligh, Haley - lots of them think they're better than they are this year.
Yoyoyocheckitout__Guest_: is it true that phil stacey left his wife in the middle of her labor to go audtiion for Idol? This is what i heard.
Joanna_Weiss: To be fair to him, I think she went into labor earlier than expected. And told him to stay and audition. NOT what I would have done!
MilfordIdol__Guest_: "not the record-sellign type" meaning he's not the complete artist - talents, looks and personality?
Joanna_Weiss: No, I just mean that his style of music somehow didn't translate to record sales. Though I suppose personality could have been a factor.
wiltsan__Guest_: Want him off completely, swearing into my answering machine asking why, they think he makes a mockery
Joanna_Weiss: Ah, these are the 65-year-old moms. Tell them they need to practice text messaging more quickly!
ozzie__Guest_: She went into labor when she found out he wouldnt leave the auditions
Joanna_Weiss: Hmm. Perhaps. She looks like she's pretty supportive of him now.
wiltsan__Guest_: No, it wasn't good this week but she mixes it up and also falls into the what do you think she will do next category like Blake. She kept reminding of someone and I finally figured it out - her expressions are like Izzy's on Grey's
Joanna_Weiss: This is Jordin? Interesting connection. Hadn't thought of it myself.
Joanna_Weiss: Guys, this has been great fun as usual. Seriously, if you like Sanjaya, and especially if you've ever voted for him (even in hatred), drop me an e-mail at weiss@globe.com.
Joanna_Weiss: And come back next Wednesday at 1. We'll do it again. And we'll probably still have Sanjaya to kick around.
© Copyright 2007 Globe Newspaper Company.
