'American Idol' chat
"American Idol" is down to the final two contestants. Who will be the next "American Idol"? The Boston Globe's Joanna Weiss was online Wednesday, May 23, at 1 p.m., the day of the show's season finale.
Read Joanna's past chats in the archives.
The transcript of today's chat follows.
Joanna_Weiss: Hi, everyone. Still trying to get my head around the fact that "Idol" is almost over.
Joanna_Weiss: I'm going to have a lot of free time on my hands...
Joanna_Weiss: As for last night's show, I thought Blake was robbed by the format. Not that he ever truly had a shot.
Joanna_Weiss: And Jordin was perfectly good.
fr4etts__Guest_: I am officially sick of this show
Joanna_Weiss: I think it's good that the season is done. But I'm curious about exactly how you're feeling: have you tired of the routine, too?
So_long__farewell__Guest_: I agree. And the songwriters' song was way too sappy!
Joanna_Weiss: It was just as schlocky as every year. Makes me wonder what the songwriters were thinking.
RPE__Guest_: After all, isn't it all about who shows the most cleavage. It seems like the policy is "More Skin, if you want to win"
Joanna_Weiss: I don't think Jordin is winning for her cleavage. But I think her image fits the traditional "Idol" mold.
steverino__Guest_: It should have been an open pick for songs...let them each pick whatever they wanted
Joanna_Weiss: I always hate it when they reprise songs. Even if the original was terrific, part of the thrill was seeing it for the first time. By the next time, you know what you're getting.
steverino__Guest_: The beatbox thing of Blake...it gets old...FAST! He seems to be a one trick pony
Joanna_Weiss: It's dull as far as "Idol" goes, but in terms of the actual music biz, it's not so bad to have an image. I feel like Blake might have more control over his future recordings than Jordin.
RPE__Guest_: Absolutely. It's more about the look then what you have as far as a voice is concerned. Look at Carrie Underwood. And it looks like Kelly Clarkson has had a boob job since winning Idol.
Joanna_Weiss: She wouldn't be the only one! I don't think it's purely looks, but image has always been important. It was for Elvis, too.
fr4etts__Guest_: It's the same thing every year, when it gets to the final 3 the actual "good" singer is voted off. It's the same every season, does anyone remeber Tamyra Gray from season 1 (no disrespect to Kelly but Justin Guarini shouldn't have been her competition)
Joanna_Weiss: I think the lesson is that, at this point, there's no value in getting hung up over the order of choices. And after we're down to the top 4 or 6, that makes the whole show feel a little irrelevant.
So_long__farewell__Guest_: After reading your column about any Idol contestant getting a contract, something needs to be done to rekindle the talent-search, finding a diamond in the rough, big break appeal of the first season.
Joanna_Weiss: Yes, that's what I'm saying. The stakes have disappeared. And maybe you're right - it would help to find someone with no music industry experience, or no training, or something like that. Not sure that's achievable, though.
steverino__Guest_: I agree...seeing what I saw before and then seeing 2 versions of the same "Idol" song ...its boring! The finale should be where it should all hang out!
Joanna_Weiss: It was a very, very safe night. Zzzz.
steverino__Guest_: I think looks was part of Melinda's problem...Jordin was young and has a killer...I mean a killer smile...and Blake makes the teenyboppers swoon!
Joanna_Weiss: Melinda definitely appealed to an older set. And I don't think I've been focusing on the same parts of Jordin as you have!
fr4etts__Guest_: Well, I won't make it a point to watch tonite (like I did most of this season)
Joanna_Weiss: I actually am looking forward to tonight a little more. The spectacle of the medleys has grown on me a bit. (My daughter occasionally makes me re-watch last year's finale. And it's cute.)
moby__Guest_: Do you think Jordin's tears were genuine?
Joanna_Weiss: I actually do. She seems to cry almost as much as Ashley the Crying Girl.
BronxCheers__Guest_: Melinda and Lakisha looked pretty bummed in that audience shot while the other contestants were whooping it up. True colors?
Joanna_Weiss: As hard as I've been on Melinda all season, I'd like to think she just isn't that demonstrative a person in real life, and that she knows it doesn't matter a whit whether she was up there last night or not. I think Blake did have this buddy-buddy friendship with Chris R. and Phil that came out in the audience shots last night.
steverino__Guest_: I don't know what you focused on...hehe...but Melinda has a far superior voice and is able to sing a wider array of song styles...with magnificent ablility.
Joanna_Weiss: Which is why she'll be fine. But I honestly see a more commercially viable pop album coming from Jordin. It's a matter of who would buy it, and whom she can be marketed to.
fr4etts__Guest_: she'll be there tonite.
Joanna_Weiss: Ashley? I wouldn't be surprised!
steverino__Guest_: Speaking of the crying girl......Whither Sanjaya???....will he be laughing all the way to the bank?
Joanna_Weiss: I'm actually not sure he'll be a superstar forever. But I could see him getting some work on the Disney Channel or Nickelodeon for awhile. Actually, he said he wants to go to Berklee, so you might run into him on Mass. Ave.
sue__Guest_: Even though the sappy song may have not helped Blake you can't say it was limited to this season. Taylor Hicks won with "Do I Make You Proud?" (and no he does not)
Joanna_Weiss: He doesn't make me particularly proud, either, Sue. And yes, the "singles" always do a disservice to the singer. But in this case, it was just so obviously unfair. Jordin loves singing treacly ballads, and Blake's talents lie in completely different directions.
steverino__Guest_: He'd probably shave his head....lol
Joanna_Weiss: Sanjaya - oh, dear. That would be a real loss.
Joanna_Weiss: I think Sanjaya will have some sort of a career ahead of him. Gina Glocksen, I'm not so sure. Haley Scarnato will show up at the Magic Kingdom in some sort of Princess revue.
Joanna_Weiss: Chris Sligh will probably return to the club-playing life in the South. Phil Stacey will try for a Nashville career.
Joanna_Weiss: And I do wonder about LaKisha, and what the future holds for her...
steverino__Guest_: Your kidding about Sanjaya right????... a career in music? He will always be known as the guy who spawned the "Vote for the Worst" blogs don't you think?
Joanna_Weiss: I think someone will try to capitalize, for awhile at least, on his notoriety and his appeal to teenyboppers. But I'm not sure he'll get a major record deal. Maybe he'll be cast in "High School Musical 12."
So_long__farewell__Guest_: About "the big break" appeal -- Kelly and Carrie fall in that category with Idol. But most of the others trying to cash in, from Pickler to Justin to those former contestants hosting Idol Tonite on TVGuide channel, well they remind me of all of those who wll be one-hit wonders and will be forgotten soon. In the past, people put out demos, send them to album critics at newspapers and DJs at radio stations praying for air time and a big break. Idol gave a forum, but the big break is gone and should be forgotten. Let's find another Kelly or Carrie. They deserve it.
Joanna_Weiss: But that's the thing - "Idol" IS the big break. It's just available to a tiny, tiny number of lucky people, who bypass the years of work and prayer for instant stardom. I don't blame them at all for trying to capitalize on it. It's just that, as a viewer, I'm getting a little tired of watching it.
BronxCheers__Guest_: The Sanajay affair may have been the shark-jumping event of this show. I mean, how much longer until there is no distinction at all for being a contestant from #3 to #12?
Joanna_Weiss: I think we're already there. I'm just wondering if Sanjaya represents the start of it, or just this year's version. Bucky Covington finished eighth last year and got a record deal.
naked_idol__Guest_: Joanna, I thought by far, the best night of competition was the Bon Jovi night. Do you think they will try and stay away from the less popular genres due to the (very minor) decrease in viewership?
Joanna_Weiss: I agree with you completely about Bon Jovi night. I think his songs actually lend themselves quite well to "Idol," because they're memorable and tuneful and designed for a singer with moderate talent. (Not to diss Jon Bongiovi, but you know what I mean.)
Joanna_Weiss: I think melodic older songs work well with "Idol," too. The trouble comes when they try to squeeze in some stars whose work fits less with the contestants. J.Lo is big, but most of these "Idols" had no business trying Latin songs.
Joanna_Weiss: And don't get me started about Barry Gibb!
Joanna_Weiss: Some readers this season have suggested guest mentors like Elvis Costello. I'd love to see Barry Manilow come back; he was great last year. But realistically, it all depends on who has a tour or an album to plug.
naked_idol__Guest_: I totally agree. Let them sings songs that anyone can sing and/or mess around with a little. "Hootie and Blowfish" night is not far away!
Joanna_Weiss: And Blake would probably have done something interesting with "Hold My Hand." If that's physically/aurally possible.
BronxCheers__Guest_: Joanna, if you were an exec producer, what areas do you think would need renovation to keep the show fresh for the next...ah...ten years?
Joanna_Weiss: Good question! I think the first thing I'd do, as stated above, is be much more selective and strategic about the guest mentors and theme weeks. And from a casting standpoint, I think I might look for singers who represented a broader range of specific styles. I think part of last year's success came from the fact that many of the contestants could be boxed in.
So_long__farewell__Guest_: The so-so's who are trying to capitalize in their 15 minutes of fame will end up on the shelves while Carrie, Kelly and Chris will get played longer in CD players. I want another Idol like that.
Joanna_Weiss: I think it all ties together; each one of them had a specific sort of genre and appeal.
BronxCheers__Guest_: Do you think a change in the panel makeup would be helpful, or is that hopelessly set in stone?
Joanna_Weiss: One thing I have noticed is that the Simon dynamic is getting wearisome. It's way too predictable now: He says something negative, everyone boos, he yells, "Shut up!" Paula's incomprehensability has also lost its charm, and Randy is way too into the yo-check-it-outs. I have always liked their chemistry. I just wish there were a way to return to their critiques of the actual performances, as opposed to seeing them turn into walking personality quirks.
Theresa__Guest_: I can't believe Seacrest won't stop making comments about his height.
Joanna_Weiss: Another piece of the timeworn "Idol" routine that is getting tiresome. I agree.
Theresa__Guest_: So did Chris Daughtry's new group create the original song "I'm going home, to the place where I belong??"
Joanna_Weiss: I'm not sure off the top of my head who wrote that song. Most of the "Idol" alumni albums represent collaborations (at best) with longtime industry songwriting veterans.
So_long__farewell__Guest_: A wire range of exceptional talent -- that shows range and diversity -- would be good. Most this year were mediocre signers with minimal talent.
Joanna_Weiss: I do think the Top-24 decisions were fairly flawed. I wonder if they knocked out some interesting people too early in Hollywood week. Remember Baylie Brown? Sundance Head?
Theresa__Guest_: "At least the bitch is alright."
Joanna_Weiss: I sort of gasped there, too. Ick.
BronxCheers__Guest_: I liked the guy in bare feet. At least he wasn't taller than Ryan.
Joanna_Weiss: His feet kind of grossed me out. But he might have added more than Chris Richardson did to the competition.
Theresa__Guest_: Some family show...
Joanna_Weiss: That wasn't the most wholesome moment. But for the most part, since Haley Scarnato has left, the whole thing has been pretty tame.
Joanna_Weiss: Now I'm consumed with thinking about the judges and how much energy they've sucked up this season. It seems like every time we look at them, Simon is tapping Paula on the head or stealing her nose or something.
Joanna_Weiss: And Randy...I can't even understand what he's saying half the time in the middle of all those "yos" and "aights."
Theresa__Guest_: Why did Blake try to be the good guy and let Jordin pick to go second.
Joanna_Weiss: My guess is, that's his personality. Seems like all of these contestants have been caught up in this lovey-dovey thing. Besides, I don't think it mattered much; he still would have had to sing those songs.
laura__Guest_: re: Daughtry's Home lyrics (found this online) "Pirie added that Daughtry wrote the lyrics to "Home" before he was even an Idol 5 hopeful."
Joanna_Weiss: Thanks for the intel! I wonder if that has something to do with his band's success - there is some actual artistic vision there. As opposed to sheer skill at singing cover songs. (And that's why I think Blake will be fine...)
Joanna_Weiss: There's also the conspiracy theory that Blake doesn't want to win, because he doesn't want to be saddled with the offical "Idol" production team.
BronxCheers__Guest_: Can't they move the finale to Radio City or someplace else in New York, like with "Survivor"? As one living three blocks from the Kodak, I can assure you Hollywood Boulevard is a mess!
Joanna_Weiss: Worse than the Oscars?
laura__Guest_: I agree about the judges; they've become very monotonous. What IS with Simon constantly poking at Paula? That's just downright annoying now!
Joanna_Weiss: I agree. They look like they're having a good time with their inside joke, but they dont' care about the singing much.
Joanna_Weiss: Or performing, I should say. It isn't a singing competition!
laura__Guest_: oh, Pirie is head of 19 Entertainment's US Division, the official "Idol" label.
Joanna_Weiss: Thanks!
BronxCheers__Guest_: Well they don't have as many security helicoptors.
Joanna_Weiss: Jordin v. Angelina. Whom should the terrorists care about more?
Theresa__Guest_: Is anyone going to watch "The lot"? I predict early cancellation
Joanna_Weiss: I haven't gotten to the premiere yet. It's still on my DVR. The premise is good...not sure yet about the execution. Or how much appetite there is for another summer reality show.
Theresa__Guest_: "Yo, it was ah-ight for me..."
Joanna_Weiss: That's how I'm starting to feel about the whole season!
Theresa__Guest_: How long will we have to wait for Blake to put out an album, assuming he finishes second?
Joanna_Weiss: The Idols are tied up on a tour for a few months. I suspect their new albums will start rolling out next winter, right around the time Season 7 begins.
BronxCheers__Guest_: The Burnett stamp is there, and the editing is good. It is heartbreaking to watch the contestants freeze when making their "pitches," and poor Princess Leia looks mummified.
Joanna_Weiss: This is "On the Lot." I like the idea more than I like the sound of "Kid Nation," the new fall show on CBS.
BoSox_Rox__Guest_: I'm late to the chat today ... is everyone's opinion that Jordin's got this one in the bag?
Joanna_Weiss: Everyone, plus Dialidol. It was a lock from the minute they chose "This is My Now" as the final song. And probably before that, too.
moby__Guest_: I hate myself for caring. I should be working right now, not doing Idol chat. For shame. You're lucky, Joanna, that this is your job!
Joanna_Weiss: Blessed and cursed, I think. But I still think "Idol" has value as (pretentious sounding claptrap coming up) a sort of cultural glue. I love the watercooler aspect of the show, even if we're mostly complaining at this point. There aren't many things on TV that serve that purpose.
Joanna_Weiss: Which is a way of saying that I'm really glad you're chatting right now!
So_long__farewell__Guest_: Chris has talent as a singer, songwriter and musician....hmmmm...seems like all of the characteristics of another talent show, "Nashville Star." That's a fun show to see real talent.
Joanna_Weiss: I haven't watched it too much, but I suspect the genre-specificity helps.
BoSox_Rox__Guest_: I didn't think that Martina McBride song she did was as great as everyone thought ...
Joanna_Weiss: I think it's a given by now that Jordin will do a fine job on any uplifting ballad you put in front of her. There's not a lot of challenge or surprise in that.
BronxCheers__Guest_: But Jo, aren't you looking forward to "America's Got Talent" and "So You Think You Can Dance?"
Joanna_Weiss: I have never been able to get into the dancing shows. But the trainwreck/sideshow qualities of "America's Got Talent" really won me over last summer.
Theresa__Guest_: That was the lamest song, ever.
Theresa__Guest_: And her tears at the end; lame as well...
Joanna_Weiss: Well, I'm not going to be rushing out to download the single of "This Is My Now," myself. I wish Blake had been able to cut it up in some cool way, sample the chorus and get someone to rap over it or something.
BronxCheers__Guest_: Has Ava shown any inclination to learn beat boxing?
Joanna_Weiss: Ava, who is 2-and-three-quarters, has been doing breathy "ooh-ooh-ahh"s since the early weeks of the competition.
Theresa__Guest_: I'm sure he wasn't allowed to touch the arrangement. Otherwise, it might have been decent.
Joanna_Weiss: Right. Because you can mess with a BonJovi song, but not an "Idol" single!
BoSox_Rox__Guest_: I was really surprised that Blake didn't gussie up that last song and "make it your own dawg" ...
Joanna_Weiss: I do wonder, as Theresa said, whether he had the time or permission. Plus, it's such a bloated, heavyhanded piece...where would you even begin?
Liz__Guest_: If Jordin wins, what are the chances that Blake will have a hit record within the year!?
Joanna_Weiss: I'd like to think he'll introduce something next winter that rises quickly up the dance charts!
Theresa__Guest_: I liked how the judges pretty much said to him, the song sucked, not you...
Joanna_Weiss: I think the songwriting competition turned out to be a major flop, that's for sure. Hope they eliminate that next season.
So_long__farewell__Guest_: Blake would have found a way to add pizazz to that song. It needed something.
Joanna_Weiss: It needed new music and new lyrics!
BronxCheers__Guest_: I think if Blake had gone second with that song he might have fared better. It would have seemed an interesting alternative to the dull ballad nature of the song.
Joanna_Weiss: Actually, you're right - imagine how interesting the finale would have been if Jordin had done the standard version, and Blake had torn it up and put it back together again. Don't know if his nice-guy-ness got the better of him or, as some have suggested, that he was forced to go with the straightforward version. As it was, he sang it so straight, I don't think it would have mattered.
Theresa__Guest_: They should have let Blake choose his own viewer submitted song.
Joanna_Weiss: I'm sure he could have chosen something better!
Theresa__Guest_: Yeah, I noticed Seacrest say, 'Out of over a thousand" submissions...
Joanna_Weiss: And that was what they came up with. I have to say, I lost a lot of faith in the future of "Idol" at that precise moment.
Theresa__Guest_: Right. It appears blatantly obvious to me that the producers should have known this would give it to Jordin.
Joanna_Weiss: Without a doubt. She was the likely winner anyway, since Melinda fans were almost certain to go to her. They're the ones voting for pure singing ability.
laura__Guest_: I hear you, Joanna....but after watching for 5 long months, I might as well give up one more hour to watch the finale.
Joanna_Weiss: Two hours, Laura! Two hours of your life. I'll be giving them up, too.
laura__Guest_: AHA - not with Tivo!!!!
Joanna_Weiss: An hour and 35 minutes! I stand corrected.
BronxCheers__Guest_: Two hours we can never get back. And then there's the "Lost" finale...
Joanna_Weiss: Another subject, but yes. I liked the "Barbarella" ending last week.
laura__Guest_: BTW, I laughed out loud at your viewer discretion article this morning and compiled answers to your questions: 1B, 2 tried not to look, 3 see#2, 4 yes and yes, 5 who? 6 Live - as in get on with our lives - FINALLY; after Idoling (or is that Idling) for 5 long months!!!!
Joanna_Weiss: Thanks for answering! Now I'll post the questions...
Joanna_Weiss: 1) When those two guys who wrote "This is My Now," do you think they were thinking, "This is a really great song," or, "This is the perfect alchemy of schlock, and the producers will lap it up, and we will go on to control the universe"?
Joanna_Weiss: 2) How much Novocaine did Paula have injected in her face? And how much makeup did she have over her bruise? She looked credibly tan, but positively mummified.
Joanna_Weiss: 3) Is Randy auditioning for a part in Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band?
Joanna_Weiss: 4) Was that Constantine, pursing his lips in the audience? And can he sing in the finale?
Joanna_Weiss: 5) Does anybody even remember Taylor Hicks?
Joanna_Weiss: 6) What am I going to do with all of the time on my hands once "Idol" is finally done?
Liz__Guest_: I hope that Blake has the same success as Chris. Very talented and entertaining!! I was a huge Jordin fan from the get go, but Blake has won me over.
Joanna_Weiss: Me, too. He'll land on his feet, don't worry. He'll show up at next year's Grammys in an argyle vest. Or maybe the year after.
Joanna_Weiss: Guys, a blanket thank-you for today's chat and a fun set of chats all season. We'll have to find some other reasons to gab during lunch hour over the summer. "America's Got Talent," anyone?
Theresa__Guest_: And his large father will be tearing up in the audience.
laura__Guest_: I never noticed before last night how the shoes matched the argyle so perfectly!!!
Joanna_Weiss: Maybe we can start a fashion chat, focusing on the power of argyle and the ability to create necks where there were none before.
Joanna_Weiss: At any rate, I hope you keep checking in on the blog. We also publish a paper version of the Globe that is interesting in its own right. Thanks for making my "Idol" season much more fun that it would have otherwise been! xo Joanna
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