Never should have been there in the first place.

She cocked that up , didn't she?

...but she recovered really well

I'm kind of disappointed Amanda went, she was a bit samey but she still added a different dimension to the show and she's a very natural performer.

Big bonus for me tonight was the hugely overrated Carly being in the bottom 3

How can anyone not have David A as the best performance this week? One of the best AI performances ever IMHO (although David C was again excellent)

Not a big fan of Amanda's talent but I did like her and she was definitely different - the tour will be missing a character - and a break from all the gooey saminess. Kristy should have gone, an attractive girl with a good voice but forgettable. Amanda went because of genre, she sang first and middle America doesn't like hard-faced tough women on bikes. Should have lasted 2 more weeks IMO.

Cross Carly was in the bottom 3 - she is by far the best singer in the competition, albeit not the most starry or attractive or characterful person. Yes, she chose an unmemorable song but she still delivered it with perfect tone and interpretation. No one could argue that the likes of Jason is a better singer, but then it is not a singing competition but a popularity poll. Carly is also a bit tough in image I think for the sort of Southern audience that watches.

Simon did for her with his comments, he brought her down to size, now watch her being eased out. Michael Johns will also be eased out by Randy and Simon. They want the foreign, older, more defined singers with the big impressive voices out, leaving the way for David A to win - he is the clean cut, middle of the road, young and malleable winner they desire. He'll be a worthy winner, yes, but I get annoyed by obvious manipulation, don't mind surreptition manipulation.

Pity Amanda is gone. Don't think she would have won it but I'd have liked to keep her in for a few more weeks. She was interest and that made me look forward to seeing what she would do, which is more than can be said for some of the others.

I totally agreed with the bottom three this week. I am glad Carly got to stay, because, while she didn't sing well this week, she has the potential to be one of the better singers if she gets control of her instrument and stops trying too hard.

Well if Amanda's leaving proved one thing, it's that votefortheworst really has no impact at all! Ultimately, ppl are gonna vote for who they like imo, I hope...altho still slightly unnerving that Kristy is now their pick at vftw... The thing is she does have quite a nice country-tinged voice when she has the right song, but she struggles to stay in tune, whether that's because she gets carried away with the whole thing or just struggles bcs most of the songs are new to her, who knows, but she's surely gonna be in the bottom 3 again nxt week...shame, nice girl, just as an artist not deserving of a place in the top 10.

Best thing about this results show: the Ford commercial, I'm loving that they're putting more emphasis on getting to know the contestants again this year after not bothering at all last year. And omg yeah Kellie Pickler was surprisingly good, she's obviously found her "nitch" lol, ahh paula Giggled at Ryan's jibe about her implants...

Anyone else wondering what on earth the theme is gonna be when Andrew Lloyd Webber mentors?? Show tunes?? Erm...different...can't really see David C, Jason, Michael, hell any of them really doing this...and for that reason, I can't wait

I actually think VFTW is funny, (though a little harsh at times),but because I know how these shows work, I know their influence won't decide the finalists, any more than anyone else's votes will.
I don't mind Kristy, but she just doesn't have anything that makes her memorable, and her voice does irritate me at times. She may outlast one or two of the others, because she will have the american redneck vote all to herself to go with the VFTW vote, and the producers don't really care what place the top 10 get until around the top 7 to 5.
If Andrew Lloyd Webber mentors, he will probably tell Carly to calm down and stay within her ability, which I hope happens, because if it does, it could be a turning point for her.

Because they heard David Cook? Better singer, better performer, not at all like an American Gareth Gates.

This thread should have been renamed to:

***Top 11, Weak- Performance and Results Shows- Discussion Thread***

I think that one is going to be very interesting. And I have no worries about David C. I can't imagine it'll be too hard to find something to rock up.

I didn't like David A's performance. Far too predictable and his voice is not that outstanding. He's gone from being one of my favourites at the audition stage to who cares? I find Jason more original. David C is good too, but he just doesn't do it for me.

Chikezie Eze - again, put his own spin on the song and though it lacked last week's element of surprise, he pulled it off.

Michael Johns - still to do his best but did well with a song I loathe thanks to that gorgeous vocal tone.

Syesha Mercado - her best performance by a mile but it showed the weakness of many parts of her voice and its general saminess to so many female singers today.

Carly Smithson - absolutely shameful that she was in the bottom 3.

Brooke White - strange song choice but her vocal tone is so plaintive and her stage presence is always so endearing.

Amanda Overmyer - no way should she have gone ou, it's ridiculous when you consider some of the other performances.

Jason Castro - the usual weak vocals but rather sweet.

David Cook - another pathetic, embarrassing, fake attempt at rock.

Ramiele Malubay - a nothing performance.

David Archuleta - vocal syrup and visual valium ................... make way for the most ridiculous winner of AI to date.

Kristy Lee Cook - I can't get past the fact that I so dislike her voice.

Thanks for allowing me to listen in.Yes, we do seem to like similar music. Is it our age or is it our musical sensibilities?

OK here it is; Is that you Singythingy. Listened to it four times to get a good feel of it.

The sound to me is like latin/blues/folk accompanied by acoustic guitar . I really liked it. But I felt that it was a bit too long. Maybe its just testing it out or 'you'-I am assuming here, you wanted us to hear the longer version of it. If it was on 'smooth Fm' it will go down a treat. What are the plans with this recording?

You right not only David A everyone needs it. I forgot to add 'Lady day' Billie Holiday to the mix regarding Amy Winehouse. The influence could be heard in places.

Kellie Pickler: I never thought I would say this about her. She is a great little performer with attitude. I really enjoyed her 'Red shoes'. Suited her. She is selling a lot of records and she is popular. This is what all the contestants should be aiming for stick to a niche that works for them.

Hope you are enjoying the Easter weekend.

Regards

Babeth

Chikezie Eze - Performing like a hill billy on crack. Should stick to his 70's soul vibe.

Michael Johns - Wins the prize for contestant most in need of a kick up the backside. Why can't this man pick a tune that works?

Syesha Mercado - At last, this girl gets everything right. Will need more of this to stay in.

Carly Smithson - subtle, controlled, quality performance. No wonder it completely bypassed most of America.

Brooke White - Not even good enough to come third as a Carly Simon soundalike.

Amanda Overmyer - Did the same vocal she's done every week but one. This is not how to become the next Pat Benatar.

Jason Castro - The human form of Dillon the hippy rabbit from magic Roundabout. A trip to the barber's would not go amiss.

David Cook - Looking and sounding like a man whose time has arrived. A bit too smug, but the tops on talent this week.

Ramiele Malubay - Note to Ramiele; being cute can only get you so far.

David Archuleta - Sugar-coated, sickly sweet poppet. Has been training for this since he was 6, and is still boring as hell.

Kristy Lee Cook - This year's poster girl for Bible bashing Redneck America. Sang passably well, but has the personality of a newt.

I've just watched this week's shows on tape- how the hell does Kristy Crappy Lee Cook keep going through over more talented people?

Amanda should not have been eliminated

Well most of the performances were forgettable last night and the only ones I really remember were those of Syesha and Carly - both were excellent last night.

I voted for 'Beatles Night Again' in the poll because Syesha's name isn't on there - I see quite a few others went with the same as me, so I'm hoping they felt the same.

Babeth, The guitarist who acompanied me on that song actually wrote it, I just came up with the vocal melody. He tends toward latin/folk/blues, so you were right on with that. I enjoyed the collaboration. There are plans for the song, but not for that particular recording. It was recorded at a charity gig, and live without much in the way of effects. Also, the version you heard was early stages, so you were right about that as well.
I am glad you liked the song, and thanks for the constructive criticism
I think you could be right about it maybe needing some parts edited for a shorter version. I admit, I do tend toward longer than standard length songs. It is easy to get self-indulgent sometimes and forgwet that others might prefer some songs to be more like a well-written article-just enough without excess.
If you want something else to have a listen to or critique until the next 'Idol Fix', here are a couple of other songs to listen to, different style and originals. (also live and not in finished form)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=cHVAKCN96q8
http://youtube.com/watch?v=9lzBfKiM-8A (warning- long )

I agree with you about Amy Winehouse.Hey, she has some great influences at least I do enjoy her music and hope she gets it together .

I like Kellie pickler and think she does a great job of entertaining. She is actually a pretty good singer to, and her songs work for her, although her character tends to be the focus.

As far as the poll....Beatles Night Again sang beautifully!!!
If next week ends up being showtunes or ballads , Carly and Beatles Night Again will probably give their best performances yet.

Am I the only one who loves 'A Day in the Life'? I think personally it's the best Beatles song (and one of the best songs ever) written but no-one else seems to rate it ... but then I tend to like rather obscure tracks that no-one else likes so I'm probably not a reliable barometer of public taste!

I didn't think this week's show was great tbh. I was bored through most of it.

There were a couple of performances I enjoyed though, and just my luck, Carly was one of them but she ended up in the bottom! Glad she stayed though.

I didn't like Amanda as a singer but I wish her luck for whatever she goes on to do in the future. I feel sorry for her not being able to go on tour too after being so close. And having her their would have brought more variety.

My favourite performance of the night was Syesha's, followed by Carly's. Ramiele would probably be my 3rd favourite, and after that the other performances were either terrible or forgettable.

No, of course not. It is my second favourite Beatles song, (the first being Strawberry Field's Forever), but the average age of audience that AI is aimed at, are in general not going to love a song that makes a lot more sense to those who have lived a bit longer.

Thanks Singy thingy. Listened to both. But will have to listen to them again with a fresh ear tomorrow.

Both seem similar in style and music. You do remind me a bit of Kate Bush-because of the voice and the performance. Rather hunting melodies. Your voice range fluctuates between mid-range and high. The music is different to what you here everyday. Or have I not been listening very much to what's out there?

I do think that you do suit the folk/latin/blues type of songs better. I think you would have a great response from that one. Obviously, it depends who your audience are. Tell me what you think of this suggestion and the sort of feed back you have been getting.

Hey, tomorrow is a another day. After another listen I will tell you what my fianal thoughts are. Charity functions is a good way to get your music out.

While I do not actually focus on Kellie Pickler's character. You right many people do. I just see her making use of what she is good at-which is performing and entertaining. Her singing may not be as great as Carrie Underwoods. She beats Carrie on personality. But with great song choice she should be in the country market for a long time. She is also a song-writer which is sign of longivity. I loved the flirt with Simon and Randy with those good ole 'red heel shoes'. She is a little bit like Dolly but more herself.

Babeth

Babeth, you have given me some things to think about.
Actually, jazz/blues is the genre I tend to sing most often when not performing my own songs, and I would count that as a strong influence.
I have to admit that the latin/folk comment surprised me, because I don't really listen to much latin music(although I do like it) and honestly, folk music is something I have never really connected with or had an interest in beyond random exposure to it. All the same, I appreciate the comment because people who know me might be swayed by previous knowledge of my influences and training, and no singer can hear themselves objectively even in recordings. Maybe I should embrace my folkiness !
As for the Kate Bush comparison, all I can say is thank you, because I absolutely love her. I hadn't listened to her music until I moved to the uk, as she is not so well known in the states. My husband is actually the one who suggested I listen to her , because he saw similarities, too.
Thanks for taking the time to listen so closely, I appreciate that, and the different point of view.Especially the surprising-to-me part. That is actually quite helpful.

And I agree that Kellie Pickler has a Dolly Parton vibe about her. She is quite sneakily clever I think, when it comes to knowing what works for her and her instincts as an entertainer. I actually really like her red high heels song, it's fun. Carrie Underwood is beautiful, she looks and sounds the part and has some good songs(I am not a country music fan generally, but can appreciate well written/well sung music), but I think Kellie is more interesting as a performer.

Chikezie Eze - This guy can sing and can really put on a performance

Carly Smithson - I didn't think the song choice was as absurd as Simon tried to make out and she sang it impeccably

Michael Johns - Again, he looked awkward (but we know the reasons for, don't we, producers?) and I don't particularly like the song but his vocal tone is gorgeous, whatever he sings.

Syesha Mercado - Her best performance so far.

Brooke White - Her weakest performance so far.

Jason Castro - Quite a good stage performance though the vocals were typically weak.

Ramiele Malubay - Disappointing

David Archuleta - The best song to make him sound better than he is but it failed. Soporific.

Kristy Lee Cook - I find it hard to believe this girl ever had a recording contract. She sounds like a squid on helium.

David Cook - As ordinary as Kristy but with added fakeness.


Brilliant


Really? I find Kellie as predictable as any other performer who tries to make up for average talent with their personality. Regardless, I can't get past the fact that she sounds like she has a cheese grater stuck in her throat.

I pretty much agree with your assessment there The only small thing I disagee with is that David C is smug. I think he's just very confident in his ability and making the most of enjoying the whole experience which may come over as smug.