Just for fun, post any random songs that you think would really work well for various contestants.
Preferable songs that are well know enough that they wouldn't alienate voters.
I just thought this might be interesting now that we have a measure of what the singers this season are about.

I will start with

Syesha....I would love to hear her do an interpretation of Nina Simone's 'Feelin' Good', but with a more piano based, sparse arangement than most people use when singing it. Also, raised to a key that would make the most of her higher range. The Buble version is okay, but was done to death on Idol last year and also in other music areas. I think Syesha could put a unique and very lovely spin on this song, as well as really showcase her vocals!

Carly.....She would sound great singing 'Alone' or 'Woman In Me' by Heart. "Crazy on You was far beyond her range and ability, but these two songs would perfectly suit her tone and style, and are within her comfortable range. I also think 'self control' by Laura Brannigan would sound amazing if she rocked it out more than the original pop song (but not too much!)

Syesha should sing Free by Denise Williams. Cheekezie sings Give me the night by George Benson. Brooke, What if God was one of us by Joan ?. Ramesie should try Winter by Tori Amos.

Funny you should say that. Laura Brannigan came to mind the first time I heard Carly. Mind you, the same thing happened the first time I heard Carolynne Good on FA2 a few years ago. She even looks like her, I think.

LOL Carolynne Good whatever happened to her?

Ok I know its probably a little too obvious with the whole Aussie Connection, perhaps nauseatingly so, but I'd quite like to hear Michael Johns sing something by INXS, or (not Aussie I know) Tears for Fears for some reason . I really do like his voice, he's got a great tone...he screws his face up too much when he sings and looks too pained, which I think (appearance) is a factor in a TV talent contest, but he could be really a force to be reckoned with if he had the right song...hope he gets far enough to prove that.

I liked Carolynne, and am always thinking of her when I see \Carly! (Especially when she sang I Drove All Night, like Carolynne did) - Carly's real name's Carol too!

On the subject of Carly, as I've said before maybe she should try Hurt by Christina Aguilera - definitely CA's best song, and works well with a voice which isn't entirely in control, if you know what I mean, but would showcase several facets of Carly's voice, plus it's modern! I'd also like to hear her try "Mercy" by Duffy (before it starts being wheeled oput on every UK talent show!) but that's not likely to happen

I'd love to hear my favourite, David Cook, try "A Little Respect" - rocking it up of course, like Whea\tus did, a few years ago - but even more so He could dedicate it to Slymon - it's about time he paid David a little flipping respect! Lol Iris by the Goo Goo Dolls would also be a good song for him, or one of Nickelback's - maybe How You Remind Me rather than my original suggestion of Rockstar, he might be too down to earth for some of those lyrics, lol!

I love Kristy too, she really needs the right song now and I'm not exactly sure what that is. "It Must Have Been Love" by Roxette might work well, and it hasn't been used as often in the US as it has over here (Carolynne Good sang that too! LOL) but I don't know whether it'd have the impact that I'd like Kristy to have so I'll keep thinking!

Brooke needs to sing something upbeat - possibly "Walking On Sunshine" as she doesn't seem capable of leaving her happy, sunny little world - good song though

I don't much like hearing Ramiele sing anything, I'm afraid - but maybe she could try something by Nelly Furtado like "Turn Off The Light", the other name which usually springs to mind is escaping me now though!

Still working on the others - for some reason I always find David A and Chikezie especially hard to choose songs for - and they're my favourites after David C and Kristy!

David c singing 'a little respect' in that style would be great and funny too! He would need to tone it down a bit for the sake of votes, though. I think 'love me when im gone' might be an interesting song for him, as well. Or Stained 'I't been a While' (though theyd edit it for idol).
If Kristy sings an upbeat Dolly Parton song, she will have a lock on the country music vote this season, and in America, that is a big block of voters.I think she might do well with one of the easier-to-sing leann rimes songs , too.
I'd like to see Brooke try a song with a darker edge to it...I could actually see her being the one to do an interesting take on a tori amos song. True Colors by Cyndi Lauper would sound different if she sang it ...
Chikezie singing George Benson would be awesome. I think the crusader's streetlife might be cool for him as well..as far as ballads, I'd love to hear him do a smooth jazz version of unchained melody maybe a classic like 'lonely teardrops'...or maybe some BB King...
Not too sure that Syesha could handle the range of a deniece williams song, though it would certainly suit her tone.

Carly would either be awful or fantastic singing 'mercy', I am trying to immagine it and just cant figure out wich would be more likely...arranged to suit her, probably would be great. I actually think she could do an interesting take on an evanescence song if it was one of the more rock songs...'call me when your sober' I think she could rock out and show off her voice with.

I thought of Hootie and the Blowfish when Chikezie was on stage last week...if he has the chance...he should do one of their songs...
I always thought Brooke was a good Carly Simon song singer...and Carly's voice reminds me a lot of Cher.

If I was in the right continent, I'd give David C an extra vote for every iota he DIDN'T tone it down when it comes to the judges! Lol - not that I'd expect him to say anything unsuitable to broadcast, but Simon's attacked his personality often enough, yet if anything it's Simon's personality which is being put out there for us to judge (and David's talent.) Hope that makes sense, basically I'm a David fan and I don't care much for the judges. The song itself would sound awesome!

I know the Stain'd song, that'd work - dibn't know "Love Me When I'm Gone" but I'm sure that'd work too! Lol!

Kristy could do "Here You Come Again" (Dolly - I sang it for an audition once and got through!) Country week better hurry up so she can blpw us out of our socks! Leannwise, "Life Goes On" would be a uniue and apt choice I think.

She isn't my favourite, and I absolutely hate the song, but for some reason I can see Brooke and "Chasing Cars" going together well! At least it's not so overdone in the States. She was good with Carly Simon's "You're So Vain" but it was confusing what with our Carly being a Smithson

Evanescence would be great for her - her dream theme is Duets so how about "Bring Me To Life" with....guess who. Not obsessed or anything, I have good reasons for liking him!

I came up with Mercy when wondering about a British theme, wuld be very interesting, and she'd be the obvious chouce to take on a British song which wasn't known in the US.

Maybe on the subject of British songs, Chikezie Easy could do Lemar's "It's Not That Easy" or even Lionel Richie's ode to Sunday mornings....lol!

Michael could try Close Every Door or Daughtry's Home, kind of a hint (although he's only one of four least favourites) but either might work although the Daughtry one would be risky for obvious reasons. CED gets my vote as his song if he makes Musicals night though

Still thinking about the others!

xxxx

Hi folks

first time poster on AI ( mostly post on UK BB!)

first time seen AI - loving the wonder of torrents right now - see the show the next day - wheee

Anyway onto the topic...My perfect songs would be:

I *had * figured Amanda to do " first cut is the deepest" would have been great - well never mind

Brooke - " here there and everywhere" by Emylou Harris?
I like Brooke - even though she is everything I wouldn't normally - if you see what I mean.

David Cooke- my fave -" you do something to me" the Paul Weller song - that would be a real winner with the ladies. ( er and me)

Michael - " my ding a ling" by Chuck Berry- OK can't stand him - would be funny though!!

David A - "hopelessly devoted to you" from Grease - the kids would love it.

Carly - yeah maybe christinas "hurt" - she would probably put a different spin on it

Kristy/Kirsty - can never remember her name - let her try "Jolene" and see if she can carry it off:sleep:

Ramielle - " hey big spender" Shirley Bassey - would be fun!

Syeesha - very beautiful but voice not strong enough - mmm - not a big ballad maybe - maybe a Norah Jones number

well my tuppence worth there!

forgot Chickeezee

eeezy like sunday morning - yeah perfect
Last edited by pvc : 24-03-2008 at 23:21

Faria, if you really wanna vote for Idol, there are ways to do it. There are sites you can find by googling 'cheap phone calls' that can connect you to a usa operator, also there are programs that can get a vote through.
As for makeing it a fair vote, all I will say is, if someone wanted to watch idol in time to vote, they might be able to see most of it before the california/west coast phone lines close if they were to look on Dailymotion dot com and search for american idol

Thanks Singy!

Fair to me is voting for the contestants wh deserve the votes, soone for David C and one for Kristy (If I was in America I'd take advantage of the voting actually being free!)

Will have to investigae this!

xxxx

Actually on more than one occasion on more than one of these shows a contestant has been told by a judge that they shouldn't worry about their facial expressions as long as they hit the notes.

I liked Carolynne too. She was my second favourite in FA2 and far better than the braying donkey.

I didn't know Carly's name is Carol though I do know that Carly is a pet name for Carol and Caroline.


Maybe he should earn it first instead of just being a bad rock clichee.



Funny how many of those who have the walking talking (because I won't even call it singing) parody as their favourite don't like Michael.

Hmmmmmmm.................. I wonder why

I agree it shouldn't matter and in "real world" performances it wouldn't, if people like your music they'll go with your visual interpretation of it, but within the context of the televised competition, I would just say visavis Michael Johns, there are better ways to show emotion than looking forlornly out into the crowd

David C is a genuine talented rock singer/writer. Have you listened to his pre-AI stuff?
He also has a great tone, a good range and can connect with the audience (Hello), chose the right songs and the right arrangement.
Michael has a great voice, but hasn't used it well since Bohemian Rapsody, and is a bit awkward on stage, waddling around like a bear. His studio version of Day In like is good though.

Yes I have heard David's pre- AI stuff and we will have to agree to differ.

He was caught out with Hello in the same way as Chris Daughtry was after a couple of weeks last year and was found out to be performing little known covers and not imaginative arrangements. Chris' vote plummetted after that week. I noted that last week David actually mentioned in his VT the version that he was performing. Honesty is the best policy even if it does show you up as not being very original or innovative at all.

As for Michael's awkwardness on stage, firstly, I would say he has more presence in his little toe than most of the others and, secondly, I have no idea why he has been denied the use of a microphone stand when others who have performed songs far more suited to hand held microphone performances have been given them.

You know for a fact that he's been "denied" a mic stand? Maybe he chooses not to use one?

I have to admit, I didn't really think Daughtry was the best of season 5, and despite his success post-idol, I still don't. All the same, he is marketable (obviously) and has the right sound for the genre he sings in.
David C reminds me of Daughtry a bit in sound and style. I give him credit for writing his own songs, and also for having some musicianship and he has charisma, wich is important in an entertainer.
I noticed when Chris D was performing covers and getting praised for originality, too, however, I don't fault him, David C, or anyone for it. No one faulted Leona Lewis for singing summertime with the same arangement Fantasia Barrino sang it to ....not that they sounded the same singing it,and I actually thought Leona's performance was vocally better, but there were many similarities down to the choreography. These shows tend to 'borrow' from one another, and to use whatever will work the fastest . Those who know a cover or arangement may like it, and most wont care or even notice.
The contestants often do not have the final word on what they perform, let alone what version of it, so it is not really fair to count that against them.

We will have to agree to differ
I find Michael's *look at me I'm so handsome" schtick really annoying.
I am guessing that you are a lot younger and less cynical than me!!

Sure - in the big world David C ain't that good but for AI he is the one for me - well I said that about Daniel Noriega and look what happened - ah well...

I'd like to hear Carly attempt Bleeding Love

But even Fantasia's performance was not an original arrangement. I agree though, Leona did sing it better and her visual performance, though similar, looked better. Not difficult though when compared to the weakest talent show winner before Leon Jackson.


I've noticed that too.

Anyone having David as their favourite is beyond me though. He is excruciatingly contrived and even at his best he is embarrassingly mediocre.

As for those who think he's in slightest bit attractive, I know it's all a matter of taste but, really, they should have gone to Specsavers.


I've heard it mentioned elsewhere in more than one place that Michael has been denied the use of a mic stand. Apparently the judges think his "Michael Hutchence-esque" moves work better for him. They may do on some songs (Don't You Forget About Me was one, much as I hate that song) but not on most and they know that.


That’s just it though. I don’t think Michael is as aware as he should be of how conventionally handsome he actually is or if he is, he certainly doesn’t come across as ir. He comes across as lacking a certain amount of confidence, which he shouldn’t in any respect. A marked contrast with David Cocky.

The thing is some of these contestants, past and present, in AI and other talent shows, are good “in the real world” but sadly many of them haven’t actually been the winners. I don’t see a place there for a poor imitator like David.

I agree with you about Danny. I was very surprised to see him out so soon but I suppose it’s an indicator of the prejudices of the vast majority of the US public and the century in which their mentalities still live. He was far better in my opinion than the dated David Archuleta. Still who do you think would have won out of Will Young and Gareth Gates had it been AI?

I don't think there was anything wrong with my comments about David and Michael earlier on in the thread, yet they seem to have sparked quite a debate....oh well. I guess that's what a forum's for. The Close Every Door comments etc were lighthearted. I have nothing against Michael personally, or because I'm a David fan. I'm going by what I hear, and am hoping Michael will surprise me this week with a song I've had a go at myself, should be ineresting

How much is gonna be 100% original these days? When David covers little known covers, he stands out more than other contestants singing straight covers of the most famous version of a song to most listeners, whether they like it or not will depend on their tastes which is fair enough.

Same goes for finding him attractive. I didn't actually mention that, then again I am partially sighted so maybe I shouldn't judge. Michael doesn't do it for me....nice enough guy though. I don't find either of them cocky actually. There are more annoying personalities in the competition.

I would like to hear some unexpected performances next week.
Chikezie- how about a changed up smooth yet big ballady version of Aerosmith's 'I Don't Want To Miss A Thing'...done wrong, it would be a mess, but aranged to suit him, would be a phenomenal vehicle for his voice and versatility.

Kristy - if she sang 'Ashes By Now' or 'I Hope You Dance' by Leann Womack, it could work for her, as both of these songs are designed to make the most of a small and limited voice .A simplified arangement of the well-known John Denver song 'Annies Song' might be good for her as well. I don't rate her as a singer, but I don't dislike her either.

Ramiel - I think she could be in trouble this week, but if she gets another chance, she needs a song that will highlight the best of her voice without overtaxing it. The jewel song 'foolish games' could work for her, as it would probably stretch her to the limit of her ability without being too much for her....No Doubt's 'don't speak' would be an unexpected and possibley good choice for her , too.

Syesha-I would absolutely love to hear her take on a Randy Crawford ballad. I would also like to hear her take on a Madonna song, or similar unexpected pop song.Rose Royce-wishing on a star might be cool , too.Their version of love don't live here anymore would be amazing, I think.

Carly - I think she would sound gorgeous singing a Sarah McLachlan song. Different from the original, but really cool. Pat Benatar might be interesting for her to sing a song by, too...