With 9 more contestants to go on American Idol, how can we resist watching this show? So many people are stuck for the same reason we like older movies, we appreciate antiques, or we love the old Motown sound. After so many weeks the contestants have grown on us and now we're hooked...hook, line, and singer!My favorite contestants are the same ones I picked out from day-one. Many of you probably did the same thing.
If you've been in the business like I have for the last 25 years, you just know who's got singing chops and who needs chopping.
I appreciate raw singing talent, but I also need to enjoy watching that person too. For me, it's a packaged experience that needs to excite my ears and eyes. Hey, I don't mind hearing a good Michael Jackson song and struggling with all the things I know about his plastic surgery, but he's Michael Jackson. New singing talent has to have at least both things going for them at this stage. America is a hard place to make it, and this business can be relentless. It all has to do with the audiences and keeping them interested. Longevity is king and at the risk of sounding shallow, looks are very important. Yes, there are exceptions–but in order for that talent to reach full marketing potential, it sure doesn't hurt if they have both singing skills and looks.
Here is my honest breakdown, as if I was judging talent this talent on www.auditionportal.com:
Anoop Desai: Anoop Dog. I don't know why Matt was in the bottom three and Anoop survived last weeks voting. My only guess is that he's popular and that people like voting for the underdog. But, I must remind the public this is about talent. Anoop can sing, no doubt but is he Idol worthy? Not in my top three.
Megan Joy: Pretty Girl. Moments of uniqueness and relevance, but too many moments of imperfection to get my vote. Will miss her.
Scott McIntyre: Okay don't kill me, but Scott is workin' on my last good nerve. He's not a good singer and his performance of the "You Can't Hurry Love" couldn't be over fast enough for me.
This should really not be about pity. When Stevie Wonder sings I don't feel bad about him being blind, I am moved by his voice to tears. If you can do that to me, you've got my vote.
Kris Allen: Good-looking boy, nothing special on the vocal or guitar end. Seen many like him in the Brooklyn folk scene, but so many other deserve to be there instead of him. He's got the girls, and that could keep him up there until the last 4. But let's make room for the real Idols.
Adam Lambert: Phenomenal Singing Voice, hard to imagine on the radio. Has to have great writers or he could be doomed. High voices are tough to place on radio these days. I appreciate his raw singing talent, and his looks are cool. But, I liked the Chris Isaac/Elvis look better than the emo-rock look.
Allison Iraheta: I got one word for this girl. Powerhouse. She will get signed no matter what, and I'll buy her records. At 16, she has the singing voice of a seasoned 27 year-old. She makes Anne Wilson's toes curl, and has knowledge about music that can only come from one divine place...look up! Can you imagine what she'll sound like in 3 years? It's sick. In my Top 3.
Matt Giraud: Matt is amazing. I love him as a singer and he seems like an ultra cool guy. I think he might overdo the trills here and there, but he's got to be a top runner in this, and he WILL get a deal because he's got chops. Playing an instrument helps because it adds that "I can write my own shit" vibe to the whole thing. Diggin' him.
In my top three.
Lil rounds: Now here's a great singer, destined to make records, but is she unique enough? Better song choices will help. She's reminds me of Oleta Adams, but minus the killer low range. If she can nail a couple ballads in the next few bouts, she'll be one to be reckoned with. Love me some LIL.
Danny Gokey: In my top three and the potential winner! Danny has that smokey sound that fiends who put away 15 packs of cigarettes a day can't achieve. He commands the microphone, and is completely relevant. Now the weight thing, the hair...I can do without. His stylist needs to re-think his appearance for the next few shows. This is critical. And, the fact that he shot himself in the foot about his clumsy dancing didn't help. If you say "yeah, I can't dance," people will not only believe it but they'll look to see how badly you move the next time you're on that stage.
It's getting good out there kids. While American Idol is formulaic and predictable at times, you can't help but be sucked in.
And, It's a fun night too– you relax, you order a pizza, and watch someone's dream come true–Not bad for free television.
Who do you like & why? Blog all you want about it! And, be honest, your Facebook friends won't mind!
We're only a day away from the the next round.
Written by Paul Brighton
www.auditionportal.com
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