I admit I am rubbish at taking constructive criticism, but I'm hoping to do a Music Diploma in Sept, so I need to learn lol. Because I'm partially sighted, I can't always tell the difference between constructive criticism and the unnecessary kind, but it is hard to do anyway. Apparently some of the idols, such as Stefano and Lauren, struggle with it.

I thought as an exercise I would have a go at constructively criticising each act, whether I like them or not.

Pia - Lovely voice, but limited repertoire and doesn't stand out yet.

Lauren - Struggles with constructive criticism lol, may not have the most powerful voice in the competition, though it is good.

Thia - Isn't necessarily ready for this, lacks versatility despite being talented

Haley - Has potential and attempts to be versatile, but needs to work on her vocals.

Naima - Focuses too much on performance, which she is good at, but she can sing too and we need to see more of that.

Stefano - Can't take criticism well lol Also, isn't brilliant at picking diverse/memorable songs, great voice though.

James - May not be fully equipped to handle this, doesn't always know his vocal limits, but he's very talented.

Jacob - Has no control over his voice, although he does have a great range.

Casey - Shows great musicianship, but his vocals are weak in comparison.

Scotty - Good voice, but perhaps slightly limited in terms of range and repertoire.

Paul - Tries to make himself stand out as a performer and musician, but needs to work on his vocals.

Can you tell who my least fave is from that?

xxxx

^^^ Haley needs to work on her vocals?... If anything she's the one with MOST control in the competition!!!... I'd say that she needs to work on picking better songs. Songs that actually suit her!

But watching the VT's last week, the producers who are mentoring the Idols are picking the songs.
Stefano said on his VT that he'd never heard of the Lionel Richie's song Hello until it was given to him that week.

I think Haley has too much of a growling, whining sound to her voice. She could improve though

Stefano did well with Hello considering he'd never heard of it before!

xxxx

Constructive criticism of each act


Thia - Flask
Jacob - Ham
Stefano - Cheese
Lauren - Pickle
Naima - Mustard
Paul - Marmite
Haley - Bread
Casey - Apprentice
Scotty - Mate
Pia - Concrete
James - Brick

.

The growl is what makes Haley's voice one of the best in the competition. It's her song choices that let her down... was great to see her back to form with You Really Got a Hold On Me.

When Stefano said he hadn't heard Hello...

I disagree with your "constructive criticism" of Pia. :/

Everyone says she's boring/can only sing outdated ballads... Have you forgotten that she's sang both "Doesn't Mean Anything" by Alicia Keys (which is at least a modern ballad) and also Grenade by Bruno Mars, an up-tempo pop song that was released only a few months ago...

Seriously. XD If you're going to criticise acts, at least make sure you remember which songs they've actually done. :\

I agree with most of the others, though. XDD

Pia - needs to decide who she is vocally, because she seems to hover between Pia and a Celine clone. Unfortunately the only parts which have really shone so far are when she sounds like Celine. Technically she's very good, but there's little character to her voice, or personality in her static performances. I would have her sing something tender and heartbreaking one week, rather like Siobhan did with Nothing's Gonna Change My World, to better reveal herself.

Lauren - she needs to develop a more serious edge to stand out. I Who Have Nothing effectively won Jordin Sparks her series, and this girl needs something equally dramatic to make people do a double-take and see and hear her differently. Turn her into a young woman. The songs she's been given have not done her any favours.

Thia - Is she a Mormon? If not she ought to be! What I mean is this girl is too wholesome for her own good. A pleasant voice, great pitch, agreeably listenable, but ultimately boring. She needs to have another great ballad to sing a cappella, because I don't imagine she's going to reveal any great versatility or ever really let her hair down.

Haley - I agreed with J.Lo's observation that this girl can go anywhere she wants with her voice. The biggest problem so far has been song choice, but she also tries to overdo the bluesy 'yodeling' or the raunchy rasp, which make her sound more a vocalist than a singer. Can't quite put my finger on what it is, but there's something about her on stage which seems cheap and sleazy, maybe it's the overuse of the raunchy vocals every other line and her awkward dancing. All that's missing is a leg half way up a pole and a python for clothes. Needs a good song, a toning down of the vocal effects, and to improve her image.

Naima - this girl is something of a variety act, but none of it is as well-executed vocally as it needs to be in a singing competition. She was strongest vocally as a jazz singer, and maybe she needs to return to that. Alternatively she could do medleys which allow her to deliver short doses of different genres with some dance moves.

Stefano - this guy has doubtless spent years singing into his immaculately groomed reflection in a mirror. Too in love with himself, arrogant with it, and therefore does not take criticism well. The tone of his voice is nothing special, but he can surprise with the high notes he can reach despite the voice wrestling he does which apparently necessitate his face becoming screwed up and his eyes shut. He needs to open his eyes and communicate more. How can someone who loves Stevie Wonder have never heard of his Motown stablemate's finest song!

James - I'm much more impressed with his mid range than I am by the high notes, which sound and look forced. Possibly helped by his condition he seems emotionally very open, and this informs his singing I feel. He gets into the 'groove' well. I'd like to see him do more songs like Maybe I'm Amazed rather than all-out crayzee rocker songs. He's also a crowd pleaser with a big likeability factor, always useful in a popularity contest. I see him as a finalist, against either Jacob or Scotty.

Jacob - not so much a 'baby Luther', this guy is an original. During his Motown performance he was the only one who sang with genuine exuberance, with the ecstatic joy of such music. He, more than any other, connects with the audience each time. His voice is often uncontrolled though, and he seems to get overly emotional at the end of songs, his voice petering off into a deeper toned cry baby. He needs to rein it in each week like he did last time and he should do okay. He's the only one this year whose album I would be interested in checking out (t'was Siobhan last year).

Casey - He's an entertainer and started out being very good at doing his own musician's version of songs, but the last two performances have been like karaoke in comparison. He needs to always use an instrument of some kind because taken on its own his growly voice isn't enough (and lacking versatility it's the same all the time). Needs to be quirky again.

Scotty - nothing much wrong with what he does vocally, though I feel he overuses the deep growl at the start of every line. Somehow he needs to stop acting like he's 65. He is 17 and it should be fun at that age to risk your hips. Whatever I say, a lot of people seem to like him, and I'm sure dogs and horses will appreciate his low voice too.

Paul - the only thing which is good about this guy is his breathy low intro's. He sounds very expressive and seductive then, but doesn't really do anything beyond that other than sound like Rod's step nephew half removed. So to really shine he would need a quiet song, with low vocals, and maybe a white suit or officer's uniform to match his smile and wow the ladies.

Re: Haley. I'm not particularly keen on her growls. It does make her stand out from the other girls, but it also affects her diction, which can make it harder for viewers to connect with her and what she's singing about.

Re: Pia, I'm more referring to how everyone's been so far throughout the live shows. I do think she has the potential to sing upbeat and modern songs well, as she proved in Hollywood. I'd just like to see more of it.

Stefano did know Stevie's song, it was Lionel's he didn't know. He is only young, but I am surprised he didn't know Hello. He should at least remember David Cook's fab version lol still like him though

Edit: Oh, you mean Stevie is Lionel's Motown stablemate. I thought you meant Stefano hadn't heard one of his Motown stablemate Stevie's songs before, because Stefano likes singing Motown lol

xxxx

It's funny that you should say that because the general consensus I can see on American sites is that his main problem is his lack of likeability.

For me, James has no control on his voice whatsoever, he just seems to scream and hope for the best, at the same time he has a good voice.

I think Haley has a very tuneful voice and when she isn't growling, she hits some very sweet notes. However, I find her diction quite dreadful at times. I like to understand the lyrics.

Jacob - love ya baby, but, learn to control that voice, not every song needs a million runs thrown in, just because you can do it, doesn't mean you should. Emotion within your singing is great, and you do it brilliantly, but every so often it overwhelms the peformance and song - keep the control and you're wonderful.

Scotty - You do what you do, and you do it well, you know who you are as a singer and you stick to it, fair enough, but stop singing out of the side of your mouth, and work on your stage presence to look more comfortable.

Casey - ahhh, Casey, good musical brain, pretty average voice. Stop it with the growls and the focing of your voice, concentrate on great arrangements rather then trying to force your voice into doing things that it simply can't.

Sefano - research your songs, stop it with the strange phrasing when singing, and take what JLo said to you last week and stick it on repeat on your ipod, she was bang on the money.

Paul - Not really sure where to go here, I either love you or hate you, but stop it with the dancing, it's flipping cringe making of the highest order.

Lauren - I do understand you're a 16 year old girl so are programmed to be a bit of a stroppy madam, but try toning it down a bit, and while we're at it, the flirting with Randy and Steve whilst singing - please, stop it now, it's bloody creepy.

Thia - Go away, develop a personality and come back in a few years - sorry love, you're very pretty, you have a pretty voice and you're so boring. It's all a bit Stepford Wife. That, or learn a bit of stroppiness off Lauren, at least she has a personality

Haley - Not sure what's going on here, decent voice, but something just isn't happening on stage, it's just not working, maybe a good sit down with the wonderful Debbie Byrd to chat about vocals. And BTW, have a word with wardrobe, you're a pretty girl and your outfits are doing you no favours at all.

Naima - I like you, you've got your own style and more personality in your little finger then a lot of them - keep working on your vocals, concentrate on getting your vocals bang on and you might just go a lot further then most expect.

Pia - Goodness, you're beautiful, you have a powerful, controlled, pretty tuneful singing voice, but you're so dreadfully old fashioned, something screams 'pagent' - I don't really know what to suggest, as I suspect it's actually your natural style, which if fine making a career in the clubs, but selling music today - can't see it.

Sorry, forgot James

James - ummm, your voice really isn't all that, your lower register doesn't appear to exist, and your upper sounds forced and is just shrieking. Sadly your voice lacks power and character - I've heard similar in many pub rock bands - it's okay but nothing special or memorable and I don't think it's a recording voice. On the good side, you pick excellent song choices, and look very comfortable on stage and can work it, just the voice doesn't live up to it.

Can't be right? I love cheese, don't like Stefano.


The reason I really liked Pia was because she reminded me a bit of Diana DeGarmo; a flexible singer that could do the uptempo with style. Unfortunately they seem to have stuck her in a ballad room and thrown away the keys.

As Faria says it's from live shows stage so that Grenade song is long gone.

Trouble is, she did Grenade in HW (and with two other people), what happens in HW week doesn't really count once the lives start, good HW performances will only get you so far (case in point - Casey). She needs to step up and become more modern now - not rely on what she did before.

But, to a point, I don't think wardrobe is helping. Her outfit last week was dire, how they make such a beautiful girl look a frumpy, old fashioned and about 4 months pregnant is beyond me. Looking at her Grenade performance, she was simply dressed, and looked young and modern, which helped with the over all delivery.

I honestly think this week is the week for someone to make a break from the pack, deliver a 'moment' on the Idol stage that propells them forward. It could be Pia, but she needs to shake things up, both in song choice, delivery and styling.

But if Stefano isn't picking his songs (btw I love cheese too but I do like him, are there any types of cheese you're not keen on?) then Pia probably isn't either. Perhaps she should suggest to the producers that it's aout time she showed another side?

xxxx

Yeah, I think this is the problem.

Stefano didn't pick his song last week, and Lauren hugged some random asian girl and said "Thanks for picking the song," so I don't think any of the finalists are actually picking their songs.

However, I do see Pia doing somethng uptempo this week, to counter the criticism she got last week from the judges, similarly to what Thia did.

Unfortunately for Thia, I can't see her doing any more uptempo songs after a bottom 3 appearance after the first one.

Really, the contestants should be able to pick thwier own songs. Didn't they pick them in the first 2 weeks?

Ah, I didn't catch who had picked Lauren's song. I'd assumed perhaps she';d asked her mum or one of the other contestants....but unless that random Asian girl worked for AI in some capacity, who exactly is picking the songs? Are they all just meant to pick random songs each week?

Not sure Elton week's gonna be the week for Pia to go uptempo, although could Are You Ready For Love work with a new arrangement?

As for Thia, probably not this week with all the Disney stuff to choose from, but there are other types of uptempo song for her to choose from if she sticks around. Perhaps even something like Rolling In The Deep by Adele? Anyway, I liked her performance of Heatwave. She probably struggled through being on second and not standing out, but I thought it was as good as, if not better than, her other performances thus far.

xxxx

Ah, that doesn't bode well if so. I wonder if that partly involves a resentment against him being seen as young pretender to Adam Lambert.

I've based my observation mainly on how well he's received by the studio audience, and how good he is at working the crowd.

I love most cheeses apart from blue cheese which I only like if it's cooked in something (like Broccoli and Stilton soup or with a steak).

I really hope Pia is given something uptempo this week or she will slip from being my favourite female to possibly my least!

Stefano could be a Blue Cheese then, I do like Blue Cheese myself, and he wore blue in his official glamour shot lol

Do you think Pia could overtake Stefano as your least favourite? You've disliked him for a while - I remember from the song choices thread lol! Paul will always be my least fave as his tone annoys me so much, but I will be irritated if Pia isn't given a song which shows more of her range, although it won't be her fault

xxxx

Totally agree.

As for your last sentence, couldn't the same be said about Chico among others?

I don't think he's anything like Adam Lambert or anywhere in the same league, vocally or as a performer, and I don't think it's anything to do with that.

Studio audience reaction appears to be to a great extent dictated by who has been lucky enough to get the most family friends and supporters there that week (and don't forget James is relatively local to where the show is recorded) but from what I've seen the issue of his likeability has been there since audition (long before the comparisons to Adam were being made - and it was James himself who first brought Adam's name into the equation) and they don't seem to be abating.

I still think James has a good chance of making top 5 or close enough though but with the save gone it's a tough call.

I don't frequent any other Idol forums, but I did pick up on a little Adam backlash here. It's 2 years since Adam competed and his DS appreciation topic still dominates. The temerity of any young pretender being compared to him in any way (and even if Adam himself has referenced it) will not go down well with Adam's fans, who see him as the greatest contestant there ever was or ever will be.

So the forum tongues might be a lashing, but it could be the case that the wider viewing public may not hold any such grudge. I've just gone looking for some poll results, and these are the first three I found, not selectively so, each of which suggests James or his performances are very popular:

http://americanidolnet.com/ (scroll down page, he leads)

He's 2nd favourite on this blog's poll:

http://american.idolblog.com/

At Votefair, James leads the pack:

http://www.votefair.org/cgi-bin/vote...votingid=idols