|
||||||||
American Idol - Season 13 - UK Pace (NO SPOILERS) |
![]() |
|
|
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
|
|
#1 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 4,827
|
American Idol - Season 13 - UK Pace (NO SPOILERS)
this thread is for those of us who are watching American Idol at UK pace and not looking at spoilers etc... not sure if there are many in the end who are watching at UK pace but I'd like to see at least some discussion of the show when the lives start otherwise it'd be a bit boring as I'm the only one in my house watching it!
|
|
|
|
Please sign in or register to remove this advertisement.
|
|
|
#2 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 4,827
|
really enjoyed the auditions, thought I'd find the show not too good because of Randy Jackson leaving the judging panel but I thought the judges are brilliant! a mix of seriousness and laughs too!
hollywood starts this weekend, previews at the end of the last show look good! |
|
|
|
|
#3 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 2,249
|
I don't think there are too many watching it at UK or US pace clarky. I'll still discuss it at UK pace too. I'll just pretend I haven't seen ahead! It's so annoying how far behind they are airing it in the UK this year. I really don't see the point of it.
I wrote a lot...I mean A LOT ...about the auditions and what I thought about the new format to them and the judges etc in the other thread, but I agree with you the judges were brilliant and the auditions were really enjoyable this year. Over the years, on all shows not just Idol, the audition process has seemed to become a parody of itself. This year they felt more organic.
|
|
|
|
|
|
#4 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Edgware, Middlesex
Posts: 8,277
|
Thanks for starting the thread Clarky
![]() I like all the judges although I find myself disagreeing with Harry quite a lot! He can be very funny, though. Looking forward to Hollywood week. |
|
|
|
|
#5 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Brighton
Posts: 4,923
|
I have tried watching at US pace but it always seems to have problems on my computer so will now wait till the UK catches up but it does make it difficult to enjoy the US discussion on twitter etc
|
|
|
|
|
|
#6 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 2,249
|
Quote:
Thanks for starting the thread Clarky
![]() I like all the judges although I find myself disagreeing with Harry quite a lot! He can be very funny, though. Obviously not on everything, all the judges put through people which I raised an eyebrow or two at along the way. To be fair to them I guess they saw maybe a glimmer of potential, gave them advice and thought that if they didn't get better then they can snuff out their hopes and dreams in Hollywood!I do agree with Harry on the main points he's making and the things he keeps banging on about though. They seem to be things that no one's ever mentioned in previous seasons, but things that I've shouted at my tv for years (i.e gratuitous runs, no thought into the lyrics etc). Literally the only time in any singing competition that I've heard a lot of the audition critiques, was when he was a mentor in previous seasons! Anyone have any favourites from the auditions? |
|
|
|
|
|
#7 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,087
|
i'm watching it on UK pace!
i love harry. a lot. in fact this panel is probably the best ever on a talent show. or on a par with jennifer, steven and randy. |
|
|
|
|
|
#8 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 4,827
|
Quote:
Anyone have any favourites from the auditions? |
|
|
|
|
#9 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 2,249
|
Quote:
i'm watching it on UK pace!
i love harry. a lot. in fact this panel is probably the best ever on a talent show. or on a par with jennifer, steven and randy. Quote:
a few stand outs for me but I never have a real favourite until later on in the season, you could predict someone to win in the auditions and never see them again!
Yeah, I'm the same. I very occasionally have someone I like in auditions that actually make it through to the lives, but that's only been maybe once or twice in the past 12 seasons. I generally wait till I can hear them perform a song, live, all the way through, that's when I get a better idea. There's been many cases where I've quite liked the sound of someone in auditions and then they're never heard from again! They seemingly disappear off the planet :P |
|
|
|
|
|
#10 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Edgware, Middlesex
Posts: 8,277
|
Quote:
I do agree with Harry on the main points he's making and the things he keeps banging on about though. They seem to be things that no one's ever mentioned in previous seasons, but things that I've shouted at my tv for years (i.e gratuitous runs, no thought into the lyrics etc). Literally the only time in any singing competition that I've heard a lot of the audition critiques, was when he was a mentor in previous seasons!
He seemed to often be the dissenter when people were put through with only two votes when, often, I thought the ones he objected to were better than the ones that he had put through without hesitation! Still, we often only see snippets of an audition which they will have seen much more of, so it's hard to judge, really. |
|
|
|
|
#11 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 2,249
|
Quote:
Yes, I don't disagree on that stuff, although his comment on Penatonics (actually Pentatonics) seemed a bit odd.
He seemed to often be the dissenter when people were put through with only two votes when, often, I thought the ones he objected to were better than the ones that he had put through without hesitation! Still, we often only see snippets of an audition which they will have seen much more of, so it's hard to judge, really. What did you think was odd about his comment on pentatonics, just out of curiosity? I thought it was relevant to the conversation they were having at the time, and his criticism of that particular contestant, especially as Jennifer was confused at his critique. I thought it gave him a rudimental way to explain his misgivings. |
|
|
|
|
|
#12 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Edgware, Middlesex
Posts: 8,277
|
Quote:
What did you think was odd about his comment on pentatonics, just out of curiosity? I thought it was relevant to the conversation they were having at the time, and his criticism of that particular contestant, especially as Jennifer was confused at his critique. I thought it gave him a rudimental way to explain his misgivings.
I didn't really understand the critique even after the explanation of what Pentatonics were! |
|
|
|
|
#13 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 2,249
|
Quote:
I suppose I wasn't really sure what he was getting at. I get that there are certain styles of music which tend to stick within this more limited scale but, given that he doesn't like overly ambitious runs, what was he actually criticising the singer for? The style of music? The limitation in the runs to the more common notes of the scale? Something else?
I didn't really understand the critique even after the explanation of what Pentatonics were! I think the trouble with Harry is that he's sort of dug a hole for himself in that people think he doesn't like a certain style of music or when singers do runs. Maybe in that sense he hasn't articulated himself properly, or maybe in the editing it has been perceived to be that, as generally he's very clear with his explanations. For my money though, it's not that he doesn't like runs, it's that he doesn't like anything gratuitous in a song. If he can't work out why something is there or why it's done a certain way, then he questions it. I probably have 0.0000000000001% of the musical knowledge he has, so maybe it is for a different reason. It just seems to me that he firmly believes in building the foundations of a song and making sure they are stable and the artist understands them, before they are embellished. The suggestion was there that the singer in this case, and other cases, went straight for the common pentatonic scales because aesthetically it's pleasing to the ear, but there was no substance to it or purpose, it's just window dressing. He's not against the improvisation, runs or riffing that pentatonics can bring (he is a jazz musician after all), I just get the sense that he feels singers should be able to sing the song with only the original melody first, and take that as a starting point for improvising. I don't think he was criticising the use of pentatonics because of it's limited scale versus a seven note scale. It's just when it's used, as he said 'as smoke and mirrors', it can be to disguise from the fact that the rest of the performance didn't have any quality within the delivery of the melody and the lyrical presentation. It can be missing these vital things, yet people will still stand there and 'ooh' and 'aah' over a lick. Although, maybe we would have got a more articulate answer from him if Jennifer hadn't have had a brain explosion and halted him mid explanation!!! |
|
|
|
|
|
#14 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,087
|
Quote:
I like Jennifer, Steven and Randy, but I don't think they made the best judging panel, although they were miles better than last years (poor Keith...poor, poor Keith). Steven is an amazing performer and artist, but I just think it goes to show that you have to be more than that to be a good judge. He was funny and sweet, but offered very little in actual critique so the contestants could improve, or know why the judges liked it or didn't. I still really love Randy, but more in a nostalgic way than anything. Unfortunately I felt his critiques in recent years had just become clichéd. He was like one of those toys with the string in the back, and when you pull it the toy speaks one of three phrases. I think Jennifer is one of the better judges. I don't think she is especially knowledgeable or articulate, but she tries to be, and puts a little bit of thought and care into her comments. She doesn't seem to take herself too seriously either. That's why her, Keith Urban (a new man now he's freed from last year's train wreck) and someone as articulate, smart and honest Harry make such a great panel.
I love that on idol it's near impossible to have a fave after auditions. 99.9% of the people they put through can sing, that's why. And they show so many auditions in an episode unlike x factor which only really shows one good one before each break and one just before the show ends... |
|
|
|
|
|
#15 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Stratford-Upon-Avon
Posts: 37,533
|
The format is so much better this year.
The Idol producer they poached from Swedish Idol has worked wonders, as he did with his native version. |
|
|
|
|
|
#16 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 2,249
|
Quote:
You're right. I agree that Jen, Randy and Steve weren't the best at critiquing but they were so pleasurable to me. They gelled really well and I loved Steven's faces when he was enjoying a song. Their passion for music really showed, to me. Randy was definitely bored last year. Who could blame him? I feel sad that he ended his run on the show with the worst panel ever.
I love that on idol it's near impossible to have a fave after auditions. 99.9% of the people they put through can sing, that's why. And they show so many auditions in an episode unlike x factor which only really shows one good one before each break and one just before the show ends... They were all singers or musicians, so I think they had a respect for what the contestants were trying to do. I think that's what they have this year, but with much more relevant thought provoking critique.What I love about Idol is how focused on the performer it is. The auditions are still done in the same way (once they go through all the initial off camera stuff obviously) ; just stand in a room and sing. No big audience, and this year very little sob stories. I've always liked the Live Rounds of Idol too. Again, even with a panels who are a little ego centric, the focus has been hugely on the performer an their decisions and choices. The judges are there to critique, not battle each other over who has done the better job. I love the fact Idol has a live band and, apart from the odd choir turning up here and there, the staging is completely about the contestant. No big showy production numbers that are more style over substance. If a contestant wants to stand out, then it's up to them to use their skills to do it. Idol is by no means perfect, and it is a 'show', so of course there is production manipulation there. I just feel that the uncluttered structure of it means there is more transparency and focus on the act than other simular shows. Quote:
The format is so much better this year.
The Idol producer they poached from Swedish Idol has worked wonders, as he did with his native version. |
|
|
|
|
|
#17 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,087
|
Quote:
Jen, Randy and Steven did gel well. It was sweet and harmonious judging panel; all that was missing was the 'judging' part
They were all singers or musicians, so I think they had a respect for what the contestants were trying to do. I think that's what they have this year, but with much more relevant thought provoking critique.What I love about Idol is how focused on the performer it is. The auditions are still done in the same way (once they go through all the initial off camera stuff obviously) ; just stand in a room and sing. No big audience, and this year very little sob stories. I've always liked the Live Rounds of Idol too. Again, even with a panels who are a little ego centric, the focus has been hugely on the performer an their decisions and choices. The judges are there to critique, not battle each other over who has done the better job. I love the fact Idol has a live band and, apart from the odd choir turning up here and there, the staging is completely about the contestant. No big showy production numbers that are more style over substance. If a contestant wants to stand out, then it's up to them to use their skills to do it. Idol is by no means perfect, and it is a 'show', so of course there is production manipulation there. I just feel that the uncluttered structure of it means there is more transparency and focus on the act than other simular shows. . as for tonight's episode - stephanie's mum was so overbearing. i'd be embarrassed. and i really dislike the way emmanuel zidor (?) sings, acts, everything about him is just.. and did you see the way how when he was getting angry last night, he kept crossing his eyes? what was that? i'm afraid to go on youtube to find a clip of what i mean in case i see spoilers.
|
|
|
|
|
|
#18 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Edgware, Middlesex
Posts: 8,277
|
Quote:
as for tonight's episode - stephanie's mum was so overbearing. i'd be embarrassed. and i really dislike the way emmanuel zidor (?) sings, acts, everything about him is just.. and did you see the way how when he was getting angry last night, he kept crossing his eyes? what was that? i'm afraid to go on youtube to find a clip of what i mean in case i see spoilers. ![]() ![]() and Jessica for that matter! |
|
|
|
|
#19 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 2,249
|
Quote:
i agree. i like the realness of it. the backing tracks on xfactor can ruin a song and a performer. do you remember joshua ledet's performance of you raise me up and this is a man's world? imagine those, done the xfactor way. ew. harry's critique this year has made me realise how void last year's comments from nicki and mariah were. "you have lovely shoes darling." pointless.
as for tonight's episode - stephanie's mum was so overbearing. i'd be embarrassed. and i really dislike the way emmanuel zidor (?) sings, acts, everything about him is just.. and did you see the way how when he was getting angry last night, he kept crossing his eyes? what was that? i'm afraid to go on youtube to find a clip of what i mean in case i see spoilers. ![]() Yeah, Mariah and Nikki are good at what they respectively do, although I'm not a fan of either. However, they didn't have a proper critique between them last year. Randy' s comments had become so cliched that they actually had preprepared hashtags on the screen ready for when he said them. I do love Randy though. It's said from a place of love, because it just felt like he wasn't sure how to judge the show anymore. Poor little Keith occasionally got a chance to mutter out a relevant and helpful comment, but he just looked so damn scared, like he didn't dare speak up much. Harry in comparison can at first seem very blunt, but ultimately he's just getting to the point fast rather than making a half hearted point that's encased in pointless imagery and platitudes. He's challenging and educating which is refreshing. If he doesn't understand why a contestant is making a choice on how they sing the melody or lyrics of a song, then he will call them out on it. He's genuinely very fixated on the contestants really thinking about musical & lyrical choices, and believes that these solid foundations are needed for a convincing performance. I'm 100% with him on that. Stephanie' s mum was a nightmare!! Sad thing is that Stephanie seemed an ok girl. I feel really sorry for her. I hope she moves far, far away when she's 18. I personally feel that Emmanuel is too full on. He's actually got a good voice and a nice personality, but he needs to learn how to take control of both within a performance to make it feel more organic and have some light and shade. |
|
|
|
|
|
#20 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,087
|
So did anyone watch yesterday's episode? Anyone think CJ and the other guy will both get through?
|
|
|
|
|
|
#21 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Oct 2002
Posts: 43,548
|
I watch it when I can, which isn't all the time. I don't have a favourite so far, in fact I'm finding it hard to remember any of them right now. I do like Harry, though. He's very knowledgeable as well as charming and witty. Best singing-contest judge ever.
|
|
|
|
|
|
#22 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 12,976
|
Quote:
So did anyone watch yesterday's episode? Anyone think CJ and the other guy will both get through?
Can't believe how slow this thread is. This is a brilliant year with the best judging panel EVER. Harry is an inspired choice and brings out the best in Keith. J Lo is doing well as chief judge. This should really be on the main menu. I can never remember where the bloody thread is ![]()
|
|
|
|
|
|
#23 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 2,249
|
Quote:
Yup.. Mind you I have just watched it
Can't believe how slow this thread is. This is a brilliant year with the best judging panel EVER. Harry is an inspired choice and brings out the best in Keith. J Lo is doing well as chief judge. This should really be on the main menu. I can never remember where the bloody thread is ![]() ![]() Whole heartedly agree about this year. The good thing about American Idol was always that the judges had limited control, screen time and influence compared to other shows which make judges more important than the contestants. However, with the panel this year, I'm happy if they choose to spend time on them. |
|
|
|
|
|
#24 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,364
|
Did anyone agree with the judges on whom went through
I would of sent some home who got to live shows as to me few sounded like they were in great pain |
|
|
|
|
|
#25 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 2,249
|
Quote:
Did anyone agree with the judges on whom went through
I would of sent some home who got to live shows as to me few sounded like they were in great pain Of course usually at the Lives there are still a few that sound like drowning cats, but at least then I'm sure they sounded bad the whole song and we weren't just shown a dodgy 10 seconds of an otherwise good performance. |
|
|
|
![]() |
| Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
|
All times are GMT. The time now is 04:30.




...about the auditions and what I thought about the new format to them and the judges etc in the other thread, but I agree with you the judges were brilliant and the auditions were really enjoyable this year. Over the years, on all shows not just Idol, the audition process has seemed to become a parody of itself. This year they felt more organic.

Obviously not on everything, all the judges put through people which I raised an eyebrow or two at along the way. To be fair to them I guess they saw maybe a glimmer of potential, gave them advice and thought that if they didn't get better then they can snuff out their hopes and dreams in Hollywood!
They were all singers or musicians, so I think they had a respect for what the contestants were trying to do. I think that's what they have this year, but with much more relevant thought provoking critique.

