'American Idol' chat
Are you caught up in this season of "American Idol"? The Boston Globe's Joanna Weiss is online every Wednesday at 1 p.m. to chat about Fox's hit reality show.
Read Joanna's previous chats in the archives.
The transcript follows.
Joanna_Weiss: Hi everyone, and welcome - let's dig right in to some "Idol" thoughts.
A_Dingo_Ate_My_Baby__Guest_: Hello Joanna; I am so sick of hearing the judges bring up Jordin's name as in "you'e only 17." What is the point? Age should not be part of the comments on talent. Tired of the "pitchy" too. Can any of them say anything else? OK, now that I've vented; singing Bee Gee songs was a difficult task and feel all 4 did their best; some better than others. I really enjoyed Blake's beat box renditions and although the second song was more obscure, he gave both songs a nice updated version. Blake has all the moves, the voice, the look and diversified talent. I predict Lakisha will go home tonight since she didn't hti the amrk on either song. However, in the end I think it will be Melissa and Jordin as the final 2. What are your thoughts?
Joanna_Weiss: I thought the BeeGees music turned out to be surprisingly difficult. Probably because so much of it was designed for men to sing in falsetto harmony.
Joanna_Weiss: I agree on the "you're 17" thing (since it was used in the opposite way, where Sanjaya was concerned.)
Joanna_Weiss: And I think LaKisha is likely to go home tonight, though I wouldn't be totally shocked if it turned out to be Melinda.
khaki__Guest_: i think its a toss up between lakisha and melinda
Joanna_Weiss: For elimination tonight? Or for the finals?
kbc__Guest_: So it seems like Bee Gees songs are death for anyone whose last name isn't Gibb. After the 2nd or 3rd time of Barry Gibb saying "this is a song for a man" I started to wonder if the producers were trying to end the season early.
Joanna_Weiss: It turned out to be a surprisingly bad choice of music - just as Bon Jovi songs turned out to be surprisingly good. And you're right; for future reference, the producers really ought to think about what sorts of songs would lend themselves to good solo performances. As it was, last night was mostly painful.
Joanna_Weiss: Last night notwithstanding, I still think Blake has the potential to be the most marketable of this year's contestants.
Joanna_Weiss: But then, I'm not really in Jordin's target audience.
kbc__Guest_: I know this isn't popular (or according to Dialidol, likely), but I hope Blake is out tonight. When the others have an off night they just aren't great, but when Blake is off he really reeks. Randy's assessment was spot on.
Joanna_Weiss: I can't say I disagree with you on Blake's performance last night, unfortunately. I kept hoping for him to be better. The falsetto didn't do him any favors. But I still find him the most interesting contestant.
cece__Guest_: What would be the reason to vote off Melinda? It seems like you have talent, you need to come up with other gimmicks to stand out.
Joanna_Weiss: I agree that, on one level, what has happened to Melinda is a little unfair. (Then again, she is in the final four.) If you consider this a singing contest, she's already won. But, as I've said a million times, it's a pop star contest and a TV show, and those two things demand personality traits that Melinda doesn't really have.
kbc__Guest_: Actually, I enjoyed parts of that second number...the song was all over the place but half of it actually had some contemporary potential
Joanna_Weiss: I thought Blake's second number was much better than the first. It was just a really unpleasant song, which is more Barry Gibb's fault.
Joanna_Weiss: I was really underwhelmed by Jordin's second song, too. She has a way of making herself seem ancient. She is in danger of becoming Celine.
M__Guest_: I heard on the radio that Sanjaya might be on a MTV/VH1 reality show. Yikes
Joanna_Weiss: There's a weird rumor going around about VH1's "I Love New York." It seems someone calling himself Sanjaya submitted an application. Not likely. I don't think New York is his type.
Joanna_Weiss: But I do have to say, from a sheer watercooler standpoint, I miss Sanjaya on "Idol"!
kbc__Guest_: So any comment on the phone # showing up during Jordin's first song (and none of the others?) I thought I imagined it but another columnist saw it too
Joanna_Weiss: I did notice that - must have been a production error, but it would certainly fuel those conspiracy theories. Clearly, the powers that be are gunning for her.
cece__Guest_: At this point, it seems too risky to take a risk. If that even makes sense. Blake is the person who seems original but last season we had a guy and a girl may win. It might be him and a girl. Who knows?
Joanna_Weiss: I think demographics do come into play here - and they are part of the reason LaKisha is in trouble. Blake benefits from being the last guy standing, and his image might appeal to those ever-voting Sanjaya fans. (Though not the ones from Vote for the Worst, I hope.)
Idol_Hater__Guest_: Is it really worth watching?
Joanna_Weiss: After Sanjaya? Sort of.
kathy__Guest_: Do you agree with the Houston chronicle that this is the worst Idol Season?
Joanna_Weiss: No, I don't. I'm not an expert on some of the earlier seasons, but I think this year, as every year, had some people of questionable talent, some interesting storylines, and one or two standouts. What I do think is that the episodes vary wildly in quality, depending on the music.
cece__Guest_: very true. I think we miss the entertaining aspect of the earlier shows before selection and the spectable that contestants like Sanjaya put together to keep you guessing
Joanna_Weiss: The drama is at least as important as the singing. If they were all wonderful, Melinda-esque singers, it would be a very boring show.
Joanna_Weiss: And that's why I've declared my love for Blake: he brings something very different to the table.
cece__Guest_: For the Bee Gee guy to be saying the songs were made for men when you have 3 girls singing is an afterthought on the part of the producers
Joanna_Weiss: It turned out to be a fairly poor choice of guest mentors. If they had opened it up to 70s music, that might have been better. But then, several singers did disco music for Latin week and that was dull, too. Perhaps one way this season has been a bit weak is in musical choices.
Joanna_Weiss: Last year is freshest in my memory, and I recall that the shows that turned out best were the "standards" show (when Chris Daughtry did "What a Wonderful World") and the Barry Manilow show that focused on 50s music.
Joanna_Weiss: And at around this time last year, they were doing Elvis music, much better suited to solo singers than the BeeGees catalogue.
Joanna_Weiss: So between the absence of any boogeymen (Sanjaya, Haley, Phil for some), and the absence of good music, it does get to be a much less entertaining show.
Joanna_Weiss: Which makes me think tonight will be a fairly boring hour.
Joanna_Weiss: Do you think there's a single performance from last night that everyone's talking about?
M__Guest_: What do you think about Tony Bennett now regretting being on the show for the way the contestants are treated? I doubt it will make an impact on their thinking. I think the fascination with Idol is that sometimes it's a car wreck waiting to happen.
Joanna_Weiss: Or a trailer-truck wreck. I think "Idol" must be an incredibly difficult experience to go through, which is part of the reason some former contestants want to distance themselves from the show. On the other hand, the gift it gives contestants - near-universal name recognition and a huge bump-start to their careers - means the tradeoffs are probably worth it. And I think the producers see it that way.
idleidol__Guest_: None of the performances last night are worth talking about. *sigh*
Joanna_Weiss: I know. Maybe we should start analyzing their hair.
Joanna_Weiss: Does anyone watch "How I Met Your Mother"? Because I think Blake had cool guy tips last night. And I'm always wondering if those "Jordin Sparkles" signs are a double entendre.
mac__Guest_: My opinion the entire season has been fairly boring. This has been by far the least entertaining in all areas. Funny thing is, I'm still watching.
Joanna_Weiss: It becomes a weekly ritual that's hard to shake, I think. And there's always hope that something will be great. (Or awful, in a buzzworthy way.)
M__Guest_: Love How I Met Your Mother. Very sad it didn't get any recognition for awards this year.
Joanna_Weiss: Agreed - Neil Patrick Harris deserves some serious prizes. As does Jason Segel. But that's another subject...
kbc__Guest_: Probably either of Blake's or Lakisha's 2nd song, where she lost her voice at the end - the others were pretty forgettable
Joanna_Weiss: I thought Jordin's first song was probably the best of the night, but that doesn't mean I remember it. Mainly, I remember Blake's argyle sweater.
cece__Guest_: The critique or should I say comments from the judges continue to be off. Jordin conforms and she gets high marks while Blake is told that he does the same thing. At least he has a signature style while the others are just singers with good vocals.
Joanna_Weiss: Perhaps that's another generalization to make about this season: maybe the judges are getting more transparent.
cece__Guest_: The first performance by Blake stood out for me because it was upbeat but not enough to brag about the next day.
Joanna_Weiss: Anyone else remember anything specific?
Bored_with_Idol__Guest_: sorry if this was asked before but ... what's the consensus on who will take the title?
Joanna_Weiss: I'd put smart money on Jordin at this point. Anyone disagree?
kbc__Guest_: So who is Ava's current favorite?
Joanna_Weiss: Thanks for asking! Every week, she still asks, "Is Sanjaya going to sing?" She liked Jordin's version of "Hey Baby" (or whatever the song is named) on Gwen Stefani week. And she knows how to do a rudimentary beatbox: "ooh ooh ahh." But in the absence of Sanjaya, she has no clear favorite.
cece__Guest_: I agree with you about the sweater. I thought it was cool
Joanna_Weiss: Ava said, "What's wrong with his shirt?" I thought it was interesting, but a little distracting.
cece__Guest_: Final 2: Jordin & Melinda, Blake & Jordin. Last Idol standing is Jordin
Joanna_Weiss: I'm with you there. And think...she's only 17! : )
kbc__Guest_: What did Tony Bennett say?
Joanna_Weiss: Here's what he was quoted saying to a UK magazine:
Joanna_Weiss: “I had it out with Simon (Cowell) when I met him and suggested that he should open up tiny clubs across the countries so the kids could break in and learn properly,” Bennett told the mag. “He said, ‘Oh I haven’t got time for that, I’m too busy making money!’”
mac__Guest_: I'm not a judge but I thought Jordin did well on song #2. I like Blake's upbeat when he mixes but that will get old fast & he didn't sing well last night.
Joanna_Weiss: Everyone's a judge, Mac...that's the beauty of "Idol." I thought Blake's singing sounded better in the lower registers, on the second song.
Joanna_Weiss: As for Tony Bennett...seems what he's saying is that kids were put through a gauntlet, but never taught the fundamentals of the business. Which is true...
Joanna_Weiss: Some of them, of course, have singing experience. Including Jordin and, of course, Melinda. Taylor Hicks made his living on the club circuit pre-Idol - and may wind up doing it again.
kbc__Guest_: So what's the word on upcoming mentors? (Anything would be an improvement over last night!)
Joanna_Weiss: Don't know yet who's lined up for next week, but will hunt around and let you know. Any requests?
kbc__Guest_: Tina Turner!
Joanna_Weiss: Ooh, that's a great one.
cece__Guest_: has Nelly Furtado already appeared
Joanna_Weiss: I don't think she's been there yet...does she have the depth?
Bored_with_Idol__Guest_: I thought Jordin did terrible on the 2nd song. She was off key.
Joanna_Weiss: She was, indeed. But her greater sin, from my standpoint, was that she was acting like a 52-year-old.
idleidol__Guest_: Pete Townsend: Jordin can sing "My Generation."
Joanna_Weiss: Ooh, that would be fabulous. Although I think I'd give that one to Blake.
Joanna_Weiss: But, again, Townsend is great because his stuff is both iconic and melodic. How about Brian Wilson?
kbc__Guest_: as long as he doesn't beat box it. Not beat boxing during John Lennon's "Imagine" must have taken some restraint.
Joanna_Weiss: He didn't beatbox during the Marc Anthony song, either. I think he was too tempted last night by the spectre of dance music.
Elly__Guest_: Probably no guest next week ... final three is usually three songs each: One picked by the contestant, one picked by one of the judges, and one picked by (I think) Clive Davis.
Joanna_Weiss: That's right, Elly. Thanks for the "Idol" history. So...song suggestions, beyond "My Generation"?
Joanna_Weiss: I'd like to see Jordin do something a little young and sassy...wouldn't it be sort of fun to see her actually *sing* a Britney Spears song?
chris__Guest_: Jordin can sing Whitney Houston
Joanna_Weiss: Noooo! That is exactly what I DON'T want to see. Or hear.
go_team_go__Guest_: blake's success with beat boxing the bon jovi song went to his head -- OVERKILL!
Joanna_Weiss: I do think it needs to be used sparingly. I like when he uses it to reinterpret a song that wasn't meant as a dance tune, instead of embellish an existing club track.
Joanna_Weiss: Blake did such a nice job with "Time of the Season;" I'd love to hear him take on another older song.
kbc__Guest_: Jordin could probably do "I want Candy" well. More 80s stuff would be fun
Joanna_Weiss: That would be fun. And yes, next year they should pick a super-80s mentor. Or do 80s one-hit wonders.
chris__Guest_: I agree Blake should not beatbox all the time but I like that he is different
Joanna_Weiss: I do, too. Idol does not need more Whitney Houston. (Unless Blake were to beatbox over "The Greatest Love")
chris__Guest_: One hit wonders would be great!
go_team_go__Guest_: 80s RULE!
Joanna_Weiss: Once again, I think we're all showing our age!
chris__Guest_: How about Elvis songs?
Joanna_Weiss: They did that last year, and I thought it was lots of fun. Chris Daughtry did "Suspicious Minds," right?
idleidol__Guest_: This is my first season. Has a Beatles theme already been done?
Joanna_Weiss: Hasn't been done ever, due to copyright issues.
Elly__Guest_: If Jordin were to do any Whitney, I think "I Want to Dance With Somebody" would be a good song for her.
Joanna_Weiss: Better than most of the other ballads I can think of. But I think the temptation to go big-ballad would be too great for her.
idleidol__Guest_: Or Prince!
Joanna_Weiss: I adore Prince. But I wonder if his songs, like BeeGees songs, are too specific and tough.
Bored_with_Idol__Guest_: I would love to see Kiki or Jordin do some Mary J ... like old school MJB. I say more funky R&B would be better than the old crap they've been doing.
Joanna_Weiss: Agreed. I liked when Melinda sort of funked-up that Bon Jovi song last week.
go_team_go__Guest_: coughforty-oncough
Joanna_Weiss: Thanks for your honesty! The 80s were important years.
Elly__Guest_: Yes, Chris did do that song Joanna (and A Little Less Conversation) ... (I happened to have the wikipedia page of Season 5 open when you asked that)
Joanna_Weiss: Thanks to you and the wikis, Elly. What did McPhee sing?
Ms__Fit__Guest_: Rolling Stones?
Joanna_Weiss: They've used "Paint it Black" twice this season already. I actually think those might be tough, too, given how specific Mick Jagger's style is. It's what he does between the notes that makes his performances so great.
Elly__Guest_: Hound Dog / All Shook Up and Can't Help Falling In Love
Joanna_Weiss: Ick. Thanks, Elly!
elder_idol_fan__Guest_: I think they should have a panel of judges next year to take it down to the final twelve. Than let America Vote. Maybe it wouldn't be as foolish as it was this year, keeping Sanjaya for soooooooo long
Joanna_Weiss: I have to disagree with you. Sanjaya kept the show afloat for many weeks.
chris__Guest_: Do you think Johnny Cash would be good?
Joanna_Weiss: I think that could work out well. Or maybe replace country week with Johnny Cash week.
Ms__Fit__Guest_: But oh, it would be interesting to watch...kind of like a car wreck. Nothing like separating the wheat from the chaff (sp?).
Joanna_Weiss: For the Stones. After last night's BeeGees car wreck, I'm not ready for another one!
Bored_with_Idol__Guest_: biggest problem with them all is ... they're boring. there are no frontrunners or enough "wow" performances.
Joanna_Weiss: Right now, I think that's true. Melinda is perfect but uninteresting. Blake did the "wow" thing last week, which is why I have psychically devoted myself to him.
elder_idol_fan__Guest_: This is supposed to be a singing contest, why can't we get back to that
Joanna_Weiss: As I said earlier, it's a TV show first, a pop star competition second. Actual singing comes third.
Ms__Fit__Guest_: I must have been asleep or flipping the dial in boredome because I don't remember any Paint it Black performances....early onset alzheimers?
Joanna_Weiss: I hope not! Gina did it during British Invasion week, and then last week it was the background for a really creepy Ford commercial.
chris__Guest_: That is why I think Jordin will win. She is the most marketable. She is young, beautiful and can sing. Melinda is BORING!
Joanna_Weiss: I'd say she is most marketable, with Blake a close second. Melinda belongs on Broadway. LaKisha is a great singer, but I don't know that she'd sell a lot of albums.
Ms__Fit__Guest_: as someone said earlier, fiftycoughone
Joanna_Weiss: This age honesty is really impressive! But that's waaaay too early for Alzheimers.
Ms__Fit__Guest_: How about Elvis Costello - now that is a wide, wide range of musical styles.
Joanna_Weiss: Love it.
Bored_with_Idol__Guest_: i'd like to make a comment about a fad in Hollywood that is absolutely bugging me to no end! What is UP with all the fake teeth. OMG, barry gibb couldn't even talk right because there are no spaces between those chiclets. everyone's doing it and it is SO annoying. The "whistle" when they talk now. UGH
Joanna_Weiss: Excellent observation. I wonder if dental implants are the new Botox.
chris__Guest_: Yes to Elvis Costello
Joanna_Weiss: Another vote for E.C.
kbc__Guest_: So who of the final 12 is likely to have a music career? I can see Melinda, Jordin, Blake, and Sanjaya getting some business opportunities. Phil maybe as C&W star or poster boy for any good guy cause. Not sure about the others...thoughts?
Joanna_Weiss: Phil will debut on the country charts. Sanjaya will show up on tween sitcoms. Jordin and Blake will get record deals. Melinda will show up on Broadway - maybe LaKisha, too, to deliver the one showstopper song.
Ms__Fit__Guest_: Beat boxing to Watching the Detectives?
Joanna_Weiss: Keep this coming!
chris__Guest_: Too funny about the teeth. I could use some nice perfect fake teeth!
Joanna_Weiss: First, you have to go platinum. Then you can afford it.
M__Guest_: What about some Elton John?
Joanna_Weiss: That would probably work out well, too. Along those lines, how about Billy Joel? He's already shown up on "The Apprentice."
Ms__Fit__Guest_: And onto the fashion "experts"...what is it with the dressy dresses with jeans underneath. Stop it! Stop in now! Specifically, Jordin last night but they do it all the time.
Joanna_Weiss: That's a big trend right now. I'm afraid there's no stopping it on "Idol." Take it up with my colleague Chris Muther, who I'm sure has thoughts on the subject.
chris__Guest_: I think Blake will make one record I am not sure he will be around long
Joanna_Weiss: I think he'll be a little bit niche, but you'll be able to hear his stuff late at night at Avalon (or the club that will replace it.)
chris__Guest_: That is how 17 year olds dress. It is awful but that's style.
Joanna_Weiss: Well, 80s fans, we could say a lot about the fashions from that era...
ura__Guest_: Okay, missed most of the chat due to a work meeting....darn...have to weigh in anyway on who I think is going tonight - LaKisha; next week Blake!
Joanna_Weiss: That pesky work! I think you're right on LaKisha. As for next week, and Blake v. Melinda: it depends on the song choices and who manages to wow us. Blake has more "wow" potential, but if he doesn't come through, I think Melinda will pass him.
M__Guest_: I think Blake will do a lot of things on other people's records. Like Justin Timberlake and that grouping. (Speaking of J.T. I never thought Chris was a J.T. look a like he reminded me of a K. Fed. gave me the creeps.)
Joanna_Weiss: I do think Blake has a real future as a producer and arranger. If he was the driving force behind "You Give Love a Bad Name," he deserves his own boutique imprint. And very good point on K-Fed. Maybe that's why I never liked Chris!
kbc__Guest_: Oh! Speaking of the dress with jeans thing, what's with The Girls in the Front Row. A whole line of them, dressed the same, long hair...Blake Babies or what?
Joanna_Weiss: See, in the 80s, it was all identical fake perms and frosted lip gloss...
Elly__Guest_: They did Elton John in Season 3 btw
Joanna_Weiss: Elly, you are the Keeper of the Historical Record! Thanks.
ura__Guest_: One other vent: I'm annoyed that LaKisha NEVER takes any advise from the "mentors"!!!!!
Joanna_Weiss: Oh, yes - sorry I didn't point that out in the blog. She just nodded to Barry Gibb last night and completely ignored his advice. Though I suspect, after that last song, that her voice was going and she was afraid she wouldn't be able to hit the high notes.
ura__Guest_: Oh, Joanna, you're killing me with all the bad 80s memories!!!! I had the fake perm and frosted lip gloss!!!
Joanna_Weiss: I had the fake perm, too. Alas. I hope there are no pictures.
Elly__Guest_: Oh, and Billy Joel Season 2 (don't thank me, thank wikipedia!)
Joanna_Weiss: Wasn't watching back then, Elly and wiki. But I vote to bring him back.
chris__Guest_: Bye for now I say Blake or Lakisha goes tonight
Joanna_Weiss: I think Blake is safe. LaKisha is not.
Ms__Fit__Guest_: Quick someone - google Joanna Weiss for the pictures!
Joanna_Weiss: I'm praying you won't find them. And that you won't look.
Joanna_Weiss: And that you'll come back next week for another "Idol" chat.
Joanna_Weiss: Also - e-mail me with more song suggestions for next week's show, and I'll post a list on the blog (www.viewerdiscretion.net). My e-mail is weiss@globe.com
Joanna_Weiss: Thanks again, and happy viewing. (And happy 80s memories...)
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