Maybe a bit early to start comparing the two.

Why AI 5? This is because many fans seem to think this was one of the best if not the best. There were contestants like Chris Daughtry, Taylor, Katherine, Elliot and more. Yes, a few of them have lost their recording contracts. But Daughtry seems to go on and on.Good for him.

I think AI 5 for me was more action pack with some really talented artist.

Looking back I think it was great because of the entertainment value and to a greater extent the talent. Most people want to be entertained rather than take the whole talent thing so seriously. The ultimate aim is talent in the end.

Why AI 7? Most fans seem to like this series better than AI 6. Some fans put this series on par with AI 5. While some argue that its 'the worst AI ever' and its boring, they say. Maybe I like boring but its becoming a great series. For me this series is much more introspective which I prefer. It suits the number 7. It brings something more refreshing to the table. Yes, the Lennon/Marcarthy song book was a disaster second time around. But if we look closely at most of these contestants they are really talented.

At least this series is not a copy of any of the other series in some ways. So for me its another reason why it stands out. You have Brooke and Justin the folksy sort of musicians, David H, the Rocker's rocker, Syesha and Chikezie soulful, blues/jazzy and not big over the top betters, David A, the producers darling with a great voice, Michael Johns the Soulful rocker, Carly the all rounder, Rameile, the soulful ballad singer and Kristy the country singer, well hopefully. There could be the view that these sort of contestants have appeared in other seasons but not to this extent.

I believe each one of them will have some sort of career after the show. And I predict a greater success with this season's lot if managed right.

Regards

Babeth
x

I think AI5 had the best talent in the top 5 (Taylor, Kat, Eliott, Chris D & Paris) but AI7 may have more consistency through the top 12

I seem to find this year my favourite changes from week to week, there have been some graeta performances, David A singing Imagine, Jason C singing Hallelujah, Brooke singing Let it Be, Ramielle singing the Dusty Springfield song etc.

I think I will agree with you on this one. However, what AI has not found yet is consistency of talent in every season. But am hopeful with this one.

Babeth

AI5 and AI6 weren't half as good as the first four series. I'm liking AI7 so far, hopefully it'll be a better final two this year. The last two top males - Taylor and Blake, didn't deserve to be there.

Its nice to know that the first four series where good. Could you explain why? I suppose you right about Taylor-as this reflected in his record sales which lead to the cancelation of his record deal. I am not so sure if Blake will not go the same way.

I really believe this season will produce not only a brilliant winner but talented contestants who could have great careers.

Thanks for that.

Babeth

Now that we have had two season five performers on the show. I think I could compare Kellie Pickler to Kristy(I know she is the only country like singer left in the competition).
and compare Katerine Macphee to Ramiele because both sing ballads.

Kellie V Kristy.
Kellie is a great performer and entertainer. I know her voice is not top notch like most country singers. But she is fun and people tend to like her. Madonna is not a great singer and she is one of the best female singers/perfromers/entertainers. I know she tends to use her ditzy personality to her advantage but thats what Sells. She is nearer a million since the release of her album release and writes her own songs. I think she could do very well long term.

Kristy on the other hand sings ok performs ok. With the limitation of the show one knows for sure what else is not coming through. She appears to be fun but I can hardly remember what she sings from week to week. Only '8 days a week' as that was hilarious. However, she has had a record contract before which did not work. I wonder what will happen after the show. I think Alaina and even Kady was better than her. But I think she could be in the same genre as Kellie. But Kellie is better right now. She needs different angle.

Katharine versus Rameile:Am comparing these two because they do ballads best.

Katharine sings well, performs well. Has the 'Ballad thing' going on. This suits her personality and is a star. Having seen her recently she should just stick to that genre. She would sell records once she finds her niche. I find I enjoy everything she does. Her R n'B CD was a disaster. Hence she was dropped by her record company

Rameile sings well and has a great tone. But I do not see star quality. She does suit ballads. Neither has a better voice. But as the competition goes on. I feel she wins the popularity contest and not the talent contest. Her market is Asian and R N B. She could do very well in that area if marketed well.But I do not know if she could last like Katharine might. I am not even sure if she has another talent which could help her diversity.

Thought it would be great to make a comparism between these four since I am making the case for which season is better? Season 5 or 7?

Regards

Babeth

Every season is about equal in my estimation, with some variation.
Each season, the producers choose people who fit certain 'characters' that they have in mind for the season's 'script'. Then, they look for people who will fit the plan. People with connections and experience in the industry are approached and 'encouraged' to try out for the show. Some see it as a worthwhile option. I suppose some people are also put through from the 'cattle call' auditions,(though I can't be certain of this as I don't know anyone who got far trying that way) and some get through via local competitions.
In the end, what they get each season is a couple of people who may appeal to each mainstream demographic. I think this season will become more interesting as we see more of what the finalists can do. Let's face it, Beatles songs are cool, but most aren't exactly vocally challenging or ideal for a solo vocalist to perform live.
I think season 5 had it's interesting characters/singers, and this season is beginning to prove to have its standout performers as well.

I would actually compare Katharine to David A rather than Ramiel....Like Katharine, David A gets to sing songs that make the most of his voice. Like Katharine, he has a good but not exceptional voice , and he will be very marketable to a certain demographic.
And like Katharine, he is being pushed for the finals.
David C is the Daughtry of this season...they seem to have an alterna-pop rocker type every year.
Amanda was this years Taylor, and even though I didn't like most of her vocals I did like her as a performer and as a person.
I think the Kristy/Kellie comparison stops at the genre of music.
Ramiel is like Paris, in being this years 'cute' contestant.
Babeth, you had some interesting reasons for your comparisons, I think.
I agree that Kellie Pickler will probably do well long-term. I also think she is actually clever for playing up her 'ditzy' image, and think it's great that she writes her own material. She is likeable and fun and seems to not take herself too seriously.She knows what songs work for her and because of this she sounds great in her unique way.
Last edited by Singy Thingy : 24-03-2008 at 21:20

Series 6 is actually my favourite of the 3. I can't understand why it was so unpopular in comparison to other series, but I'm a huge Jordin fan whichj might explauin something

Wasn't as impressed by S5. Kellie was the best thing about it for me, then again I didn't think Taylor should've made the top 24 so the end result probably plays some part in my judgement.

Last year there were many lovable characters in the top 24, there were a few n Series 5 too. I'd have had two strong favourites if Gedeon had made the top 12 with Kellie. This year I absolutely love David C and Kristy, am very fond of David A and Chikezie, really like Syesha and Carly and am not as fond of the others (not including DH and Amanda - I quite warmed to DH despite the obvious, as for Amanda I could shake her because of her lack of versatility but I do like her!) I'll be interested to see how my "connections" to the contestants develop over the course over the series.

I know Kristy and Kellie weren't the greatest talents ovf their series, but they weren't the worst. Ramiele is more consis5tent than Katharine was, but the standard she achieves consistently is average - better than Katharine at her worst but much worse than Ka\t was at her best. The same goes for Michael and Jason - yes I know they're both from this series!

To me S7 is unique and very enjoyable at the moment - aside from Kristy's bottom 2 placings and the judges, full stop. Reprising the Beatles theme was odd but it kept my dad watching and it didn't hurt anyone. Can't wait to hear something fresh this weak though!

xxxx

If thats the case then I cannot really remember what characters season 6 had apart from Sanjayer. Maybe I did not notice any character in the top 12 contestants. They seem pretty normal everyday people to me. But I think this time we can identify few characters in season 7. For example, guffy, simple lovable-Jason Castro. Brooke-Sunshine girl with Cary Simon vibe, David Cooke-rocker with an edge- we had this in season 5-maybe they want to repeat the success formula. Michael John-blue eyed soul/light rocker type who is originally from Austrailia-a little like Taylor- so again a repeat of season 5;Chikezie well he is the soul/smooth jazz man who they have had before-But he brings the Nigerian vibe(He is partly my country man) with a cute name that tells a story. They have had R N B singers before but he stands out; Kristy we have seen a lot of Kristy's in other seasons so she is nothing new and exciting Just a token country girl; Ramiele is the Pretty token Asian girl who's type first appeared in season 3. They all seem to do the same thing. The difference is that she is pretty, tiny and only sings ballads well; David A-this kid is a lot of cheese with boy next door vibe like season 4's Carrie Underwood. they want to exploit this formula again but this time with a young man; Syesha- she is representing the R & B crowd, she is not the normal belter type but she is the token R N B girl similar to Chekezie. So nothing new. They have not made her into a charcter type just an R n B type which has been done to death; Carly-Big voice representing the belters like what was seen from season 1's Kelly but she is also an all rounder, was also in all the seasons. But she is also an Irish immigrant/who once had record deal.

So personally this season is a mix bag in terms of characters. A lot more old than new. Just my observation.

This season for me is the most interesting yet. Obvoiusly they are going for a rather introspective number seven season vibe which goes with real musicians. Sorry I am showing my interest in numerology. I do not think this season was intentional-they worked with what they got and it became what it is.

Season 5 as you say had interesting characters and singers. You had Taylor-energetic soul man, Chris Daughtry-the unique Rocker,Katharine-the Elegant ballad singer, Kellie Pickler- the ditzy-blond, fun country singer,Buckly(hope I got his name right)-fun singer who sings country. In fact season 5 has had more successful top 24 singers than any other season.

Like you I feel that this season is shaping up to be the best. I also predict that among the top twenty four that has been eliminated there will be a lot of success stories.

Regards

Babeth
x

I can see the comparison between David A and Katharine in terms of making sure that they sing the right songs. but in terms of voice it does not owrk for me. I still chose Rameile. But you have a point about being like Paris. She is small and cute as well and she sings big ballads. But that's where it ends. Paris is one of the disappionting finalists. If your comparism between Taylor and Amanda is only in terms of performing yes I agree but nothing else gels with these two. Although I did not like Amanda's voice all the time I thought she was unique and she is the first rock and roll female performer who really gave her all. Taylors performance was more rock/soul. We both agree that Kellie's chosen path works for her.

Thats it

Babeth

Thanks for your post.

Some how I did not quite connected to season 7. But I likes Lakisha, Melinda, Not so much Jordon, blake and Chris. I think what spoilt season 6 was the poor selection and the overwhelming input of mentors and nothing else.

Again many Americans seem to think season 5 is the best. Because it was so action pack. There was the energy of Taylor, and Chris. Then there was Katarine and Kellie and many others. This lot seem a lot more successful. Yes like you it was not one of my favourites.

Maybe Rameile is more consistent than Katharine. But the problem is I do not see star quality.

I agree that season 7 is unique and enjoyable to date. Its much more about the music, more introspective as I stated else where. I like most of the selelection this time. Although I can see through the manipulation, sabotage and God knows what else at times.

I think the reason why people are making an argument against this series is because they want today's type music and nothing else. Like last year you had Blake, Chris and few others who represent the rap and hip hop types. This year they have gone back to real music with musical intruments to match. This why I love it this time. They have less time for mentors this time. Only 4 this year. More time for past contestants and the contestants themselves. So we get to get some insight of who they are. I suspect they may chose what they want us to see as to build a profile of each contestants.

I look forward to 'the year they were born' this week. This should be interesting and fun.


Babeth

Season 5, but i am enjoying this season a lot, a great variety of styles and personalities

In AI 5 I loved Chris, Taylor, & Paris
In AI 7 I love David C, Michael, Brooke, & Syesha.

So its 50/50 for me both were/are great its hard to pick which is the best.

I have to admit that there have been some good performances this season , but Season 3 had some stellar contestants with personality and has been the only season where i've gotten really excited about any of the contestants . Reading back on the season 3 threads and you'll see I'm not alone in this

Horses for courses I think. Season 3 was the year I lost interest and kept watching just for the hell of it. There wasn't one contestant I liked.

The final of Season 4 takes some beating for all-round talent in my opinion.

Horses for courses indeed , the season 4 "Talent" bored me to tears I can barely remember anyone other than Bo

I much preferred Season 5 - we had Chris, Elliot, Taylor, Katherine and Paris all of whom I thought were outstanding. Here we have a show were the average talent is no doubt higher than last year but no-one is (IMO anyway) all that outstanding.

I see a pattern emerging. Season 5 is favourite among some of you. While some like other seasons better. Overall so far season 7 is becoming a favourite among few of you. This season has till May to run. Then people would be able to make a choice for or against season 7 and why.

Babeth

Season 5 was my least favourites, I was never really into it like I was other seasons.

For me..

Series 3
Series 4
Series 7??? Difficult to place right now
Series 2 + 6
Series 5

Thanks for your input.

I take it you did not watch series 1 with Kelly Clarkson.The funny thing Is I can only remember her and the others are a blur. Series 2 is almost the same; For me Series 3 because of Jennifer Hudson; Series 5 because of Katherine Macphee and Daughtry;Series 4 did not have much of an impact on me. But Series 7 so far is turning out to be my favourite because of its intropsective approach. But its early days yet.

Babeth

I cant believe so many people liked S5 I mean 'best season ever' who rhe fuk said that.
I personally hate seasons where there is a clear cut winner from the get go. Carrie Underwood’s season was a dud because of this. I always looked at Taylor hick’s season as an abomination; his winning was just out of pity or because daughtry lacked charm and mcphee was so clichéd.

I always felt S3 was the best after that AI lost its wow factor forever. This season has been the best since then. The beauty of it is u still don’t know the winner yet. At first I thought it was noriaga then archuleta but now he is sucking maybe it’s the copycat rocker (with no personality)

Who knows?