Thursday, March 09, 2006

America Voted... America, You Are Dumb

Jeez... I cannot believe the only thing I want to write about is American Idol.

I might not be a record producer, but I do have multiple years of experience at singing. Plus, although not individually but with groups, I have competed in a few contests at the high school and collegiate level. In my college choir, I sang in front of over 8,000 people once. The only reason I mention this is to give some credibility to the words you are about to read. With that said, last night's episode annoyed me. Kennek and Gideon were, actually, two of the better singers and should now be in the top twelve. Both had great voices and an incredible range to boot. I'm sad to see them go. Oh well, here's what I think about the elusive top twelve:

Mandisa - Could possibly win. She can sing phenomenally and she appears to have a sweet personality. She sings so well that, unfortunately, the one time she has an off night, she will not continue on because she does not have the "look."

Chris Daughtry - Chris' singing is interesting. He's got a unique quality, but there is something about it that's very typical. It's typical when he sings radio-friendly rock songs. He will go far if he can show that he can sing more than just that crap. Next week, the contestants will sing Stevie Wonder songs. If he can do one soulish, I think my faith in him will be restored.

Melissa McGhee - She will not last because she's just an average singer.

Bucky Covington - Seriously, he appears to be a nice guy, but this show is about two things: sadly image and vocal ability. Both, for him, are rather lackluster. I'm glad an unpretty fellow went on this far, but not when guys like Gideon or Will, who can actually sing, are not voted on.

Kellie Pickler - Gosh... I can't say. Sure, she's cute, but she seems kind of dumb. She can sing fairly well, but unless she does some amazing things, she won't make it.

Elliott Yamin - You would never expect that voice to come out of Elliott's mouth. If he wins, it will be strictly on talent, which is a good thing. He gives off the impression that he 'knows' he's cool and can sing, but that's a turn off for me. What will get him far is just singing those songs that make his voice stand out.

Paris Bennet - Could be the youngest person to win the show. Seriously, she stands a good chance. Her immaturity, though, could be detrimental as well. If she just continues to sing those ballads that show of her range, she will go far. She's not all cute. Does anyone else kind of get annoyed when she talks?

Taylor Hicks - Probably won't win because, as cliche as it sounds, picks the wrong style songs. The songs he's been picking the last two weeks kind of sucks. During his audition, he belted out very soulful and bluesy stuff. That's his niche. He should stick with him. He's delightful to watch.

Katharine McPhee - This girl can sing well. If she does numbers that causes her to stand out, she'll be a contender to win. Oh yeah, I think she's gorgeous.

Kevin Covais - This guy is cool. He can honestly sing. His age and "goofy-white-kid" look are to his downfall. I want him to last, but I'm afraid he'll be out soon.

Lisa Tucker - Another young one with a voice so much bigger than herself. I don't think she has enough star quality to stand out. But a very good singer, nonetheless.

Ace Young - Okay, I get it. He's hot. But did you hear him sing that Michael Jackson song? It was horrible. The only reason he's still in the competition is for the one simple fact: he's good looking. I'm not jealous, no. I do wish I had pretty hair like him though.

Those are my predictions. We'll see how I do.

14 comments:

Joe Kennedy said...

I like Taylor. But two from Birmingham? Two American Idols? I can't see it.

But his album would be the only one I'd buy.

Anonymous said...

you know, i am probably part of a very small population that has still never seen an episode of american idol! i don't even know when it comes on. it's not that i don't like the show... i can't say i do or don't because i've never watched it. i do know that when it first came out, i didn't watch it because i just didn't. it wasn't something that REALLY caught my attention. i mean, i hear all the stuff about it all the time, but i still haven't seen an episode. LOL

i will say that i have a kelly clarkson cd, and i think it's a GREAT cd.

okay, later! (now that i've written a book! LOL)

Sarah said...

Remember that one time we watched American Idol in Scarey Hall's tv room on that moldy old couch and it was all weird because Kayla fell asleep and I was making a paper girale and Heather was sort of all over the place and Amanda sat there holding her guitar for no reason and Julie disappeared? Yeah, good times.

Joe Kennedy said...

american idol was the first real bonding moment we had, wasn't it.

aside from the "through the wall spooning" i mean.

Jeff Watkins said...

Joe, I don't think Taylor will win, but he could.

Michelle, I hated the show for the longest time. There are still things that annoy me (like when people who sing well go home). It's just a fun show to watch. Next season, just watch the auditions. It's hilarious!

Sarah, yes, I remember that night vividly. It was a very fun night. Didn't Whitney come by also? I seem to remember her being there as well.

Joe, again, did you really have to mention our through the wall spooning?

Anonymous said...

I like Taylor as well.

Anonymous said...

This is the only season I have ever watched, and it's all Jeff's fault. I started watching it because if Jeff likes it, well then I have to check it out. And now I'm hooked.

Jeff, I agree with your assessment of "The Final 12". In the auditions, my first love was Will because I thought he was adorable, but I knew that wouldn't keep him in it. Then Paris because she was amazingly talented, but she started to wear on me; I realized reading your post it has definately been her immaturity in her mini interviews. Next was Ace becaue he was hot, but this week his looks didn't hold up against his voice. Now I love Taylor because he's talented, unique, genuine, and mature.

Everyone I've spoken to or overheard always says their favorite is Taylor. I really have high hopes for him.

Jessica Clark

blaize said...

Idol?!? What's that? I feel like I live in a cave sometimes. If it wasn't for JEff, I'd never would have watched an episode of that. Anyways. Thanks Jeff for ruining my idol virgin eyes.

Jeff Watkins said...

Oh Blaize, you know you loved every moment of it.

Anonymous said...

On this date (March 12), in 1969, Paul McCartney marries Linda Louise Eastman in London. And, evidently, on the exact same day, in 1969, 120 joints found at George & Patti Harrison's home.

Guess George and Patti were celebrating for the wedding! LOL

wow.

Christie said...

I think your predictions are pretty much right on. I like Chris, because he seems humble and genuine. I would actually buy his CD. I don't like Ace because he reminds me of NKOTB. I think Paris is annoying, Kellie's country bumpkiness won't carry her to the end and that Taylor is the oddest, most spastic performer I've ever seen.

Jeff Watkins said...

See Christie, I believe that to some degree about Chris. And he's married too. I mean, it's more of he's doing this to make art and it's of dream of his. But even Fuel has better songs than hemorage. He's too corporate rock to me. And that's as bad as being anything corporate.

blaize said...

you should role em' all up and smoke em' likea doobie.

Anonymous said...

First of all, I despise Kelly Pickler. Her little "sob story" seems kind of phony to me. Plus she gets on my nerves a lot. Ace, well I guess I see the appeal, but he seems a little to "boy bandish" to me--i don't like him. I LOVE Taylor and Chris. They are the two male performances I look forward to the most. I liked Paris from the beginning. She's cute and she's got killer pipes on her. Mandisa is a sweetheart and I think she rocks out every song she does. I didn't like Katherine at first when she made it into the top 24, but she sings really good and i think she's pretty. The rest are kind of forgettable to me. Anyway, I hate that this competition has become about "likeability" though. It should be more focused on their vocals. No way should Pickler still be here. haha
Sorry, I get a little crazy sometimes. I agree with you for the most part! Hey our spring break is next week. Maybe we can meet up with you and hang out?