Arguing with American Idol Judges – Does it work?
Did anyone impress you tonight on American Idol? What did you think about Haley Reinhart arguing with Jennifer Lopez and Randy Jackson?
I like the fact that they allow contestants at this stage to perform 2 songs – it makes it easier to judge overall, and gives contestants a second chance if they choose a song that isn’t great for them or don’t shine in the first round.
But what did you think about the performances tonight?
I’m too tired to write a whole review of the night – but you’ve likely seen the show. Did Haley Reinhart impress you or are you ready to send her home? Was James Durbin too pitchy or can he do no wrong? Do you think Scotty McCreery could win the whole thing or is he too country? Is Lauren Alaina getting better each week or is she still need more confidence before going further in her career?
Obviously I have my favorites, but I didn’t watch the show until it was too late to vote – so my hope is America feels the same way as I do and picked up the phone!
I think Haley is going home because of arguing with the judges (and because she’s my least favorite) – Whenever someone argues back it does not come across well and I don’t think America will vote for her because of it. (I did like her second song and perhaps she redeemed herself, so I’m guessing here.)
What was your favorite and least favorite moment of the evening? (I personally liked Jennifer Lopez’ being in love with Scotty and feeling the emotion in his song… among other highlights.)
Did you think Lady Gaga was helpful for the contestants or did you think she was more of a gimmick for the show ratings? Wow she is a strange duck. Talented, yes. Good performance advice, yes. But boy she presents such a weird persona and dramatic flair – it works on the stage but I kind of wish she would have shown up for the contestants as a real person rather than only her persona.
As for the overall winner – it’s a toss-up for me at this point. I think Scotty and Lauren have the best voices (most pleasing and most commercial) of those left. But I think James has such a great story and a following he could still win the whole thing.
All three will certainly go on to have great careers and record deals – and I’ll be thrilled if any of those three take home the title. I’m actually thinking even though Lauren was in the bottom last week – she may win because she’s coming from behind and is growing more each week – she’s turning into America’s New Sweetheart. She’s darling. Scotty can also win as he keeps winning over America – showing his fun side but staying true to his values. I loved that! James and Scotty have had a following from the beginning. But I’m not placing any bets. Wow – I hate not being able to have a clear prediction!
Can you make a better prediction than me this week? Let me know what you think!
May 12th, 2011 at 5:57 am
If Randy and Jennifer want Hailey off the show, they should just kick her off. They’ve been trying for several weeks now and the invidious reasons that they use are embarrassing. Last week it was that she shouldn’t have used an unreleased song. This week it was for not reaching the mark set by Michael Jackson. If she matched Michael Jackson, the problem would be not making it her own. Randy has done this drill before with Whitney Houston songs. If certain performers are off limits, prohibit the use of their songs. Last week and then again this week they gave rave reviews for the second song that Hailey sang. The reason for this seems to be that they have done the damage that they wanted to and she performed so well that to find more reasons to sack her would be extremely embarrassing to their credibility. This has been done in the past too. Most notably, they tried very hard to make sure that Katharine McPhee didn’t win. It worked. In general, I have loved the judging this year. They’ve finally escaped the non-substantive and mean spirited comments of Simon Cowell, but for some reason they want Hailey to loose.
May 12th, 2011 at 6:10 pm
James Durbin shouldn’t have been voted off. Haley should have went home.
May 12th, 2011 at 9:10 pm
Looks like you need to rethink your Haley hatred. James is gone and Haley rolls on. She continues to grow while Lauren is too green to win and I don’t think Scottie can “aw shucks” himself to the top. I think the final is Haley and Scottie and it’s a tossup from there. I’ll be cancelling your vote by voting for Haley. She IS the American Idol.
May 13th, 2011 at 5:38 am
You need to rethink Haley. She has not been growing the most improved is Lauren. She continues to come out and improve. If Justin can make records so can Lauren however your right about Scotty. James has brought rock into so many American homes and he did things that the other contestants didn’t do and that was showmanship just like all the singers do today.
May 13th, 2011 at 10:48 am
hay hay hay hay hay if u mad when james voted off the show then start voting for scotty come onnnnnnnnn
May 13th, 2011 at 11:12 am
Personally I do not understand the problem with Haley. James’ “one trick pony” routine was never more evident when he tried to turn Love Potion #9 into a Rock Song. Who is he kidding. Sorry to see him go though as I personally, I thought he was not the worst of the Final Four. That is the spot I held for Scottie with his dumb assed rendition of “Young Blood”. Where is Simon when you need him. The fact the Judge unanimously praised him after that is all you need to know about what is wrong about this show.
More damning evidence of the poison of Randy’s sentiments toward Haley was when he said the other 3 were tied at the end of the first round of performances. Seriously ? Have a little more class than that.
Here’s hoping Haley wins, not just because she is the best Singer, but because she has continued to outperform the others in spite of the judges trying to shake her confidence each week.
May 14th, 2011 at 2:46 pm
I may be letting my conspiracy theory tendencies get the best of me, but here’s what I think: I think the judges are trying to keep Haley, not send her home. They know the power of the “Sanjaya effect” and are using it to keep her in the mix. They are also manipulating her to give her second performance more emotional punch. Haley is obviously the performer with the most unique voice and style, and has improved at an incredible rate. I watched her version of House of the Rising Sun at least ten times…it was absolutely mesmerizing!! James had stopped improving, Lauren still performs like she’s in high school, and although I acknowledge Scotty is talented, I’m not a country fan. I consider country music to be cruel and unusual torture – especially Scotty’s brand. The judges are manipulating the voters to keep Haley around – I’d bet on it.
May 14th, 2011 at 4:40 pm
Haley I ABSOLOUTLY LOVE HER she always has a unique voice but she needs to give her all everytime shes on that stage or she will be gone.Scotty is a country loving man but i dont think the contry tune of his voice will take him all the way.Lauren is also unique but she is shakey she needs to bring more confidence or she is gonna be voted out.My thoughts might not be correct but Haley,Scotty,Lauren will be the next idol.I think Scotty and Haley will be top 2 between them 2 i would have to say Haley might be the next idol not because she is my favorite its because the way she has that unique type of voice thats what is probly gonna bring her to the top P.S Haley might give little aditude but its cause she is not happy when randy baggs on her performance but she will eventaly know its just helping her go all the way!
May 15th, 2011 at 1:43 pm
People that believe that haley is the next american idol, do not know what singing is? She is not good and is arrogant and doesnt like critics? in fact she think that she know it all and i hope she fall flat on her face [edited for content]…
May 18th, 2011 at 9:45 pm
look people its 1 thing to have a favorite but to trash talk and hope for the worse of them is a whole different thing.Its hurtful to that Idol and their fans.But saying that haley i love your raspy/blues voice i hope you rock it all the way
<3
May 19th, 2011 at 1:14 pm
After James went the show really lost credibility. Haley is the Vote For The Worst pick, which isn’t the best foundation for a career. But, it does explain why Haley made it so far when she should of been gone a long time ago. The best are gone so I stopped watching but I can’t help but wonder if things would of turned out differently if Simon were still on the show.
May 20th, 2011 at 4:05 pm
I think that things would have turned out differently if there were different judges. I cant believe These judges love Scotty after all the great talent that was on this show. He is not original, overly talented or polished. I finally quit watching because it just wasn’t making any sense what the judges were saying, it was like they were being manipulative instead of honest.
May 27th, 2011 at 6:47 pm
It shows by Scotty winning and Lauren the runner up what America really wants(clean cut, humble, all American kids) On the other hand it was appalling the performances of lady gaga. I am ashamed of the producers for allowing her to come on the show not only once but twice. This is a family show not a vulgar x-rated show. It was repulsive and everyone I know was highly offended by the likes of her presence on stage. Wise up producers and see what America really wants, they told you by their votes.
July 31st, 2011 at 9:24 am
Darlene Cue could take a cue from Gaga who said she wasn’t there to judge the performers. And scripture, which has a few words about judging others.
As for what America really wants, the performance finale between Scotty and Lauren was one of the lowest in the 10-year-run of the show — despite improved ratings this season.
i.e., the power voters are not representative of the audience.
August 13th, 2011 at 12:57 pm
the best judge of the american idol history is jennifer lopez
she is the best and she had the best judgment for the guys and the girls and i love her very much
because she is so talented and so so so beautiful and she is the best for american idol judgment.