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« Roush Dispatch
Idol Thoughts: Before the First Elimination
American Idol's Ramiele Malubay by Frank Micelotta/Fox
What a weird first week for American Idol, and what a disaster to pick a theme (songs of the 1960s) for the contestants’ first nights in the spotlight. Why not let them stay in their individual comfort zones at least for the introductory week, the better for us to get to know them by letting them do their thing (whatever it may be) without a period straitjacket? Of course, the fact that more than a few were battling the flu didn't help matters. (You can find Nina's complete Idol recap here.)
As with Tuesday’s boys’ night, Wednesday’s inaugural ladies’ night was a decidedly mixed bag, with too many personalities held in check by overcalculated (and often miscalculated) performances. It’s not that these people — girls or guys — can’t sing. It’s just that in their first week out, they needed to prove they could bring down the house, not just make it through a song. Too few lived up to that challenge. Too few proved that they’ve “got it.” If there’s a trend so far, Randy Jackson spotted it in repeatedly praising the young-uns. Maybe they feel they have less to lose, but the kids are really bringing it. After the first few uninspired songs Wednesday night, it was a treat to see Alaina, on the eve of her 17th birthday, rip into her song.
But most of Wednesday’s strongest and most memorable performances came in the second hour: Syesha’s sizzling "Tobacco Road," Asia’h’s spirited "Piece of My Heart," the gorgeous Ramiele’s "You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me." Even with bronchitis, Carly is without doubt a ringer — her checkered past in the recording industry has already stirred fan debate — and while her sultry "Shadow of Your Smile" split the judges, she’s clearly a keeper for the moment. (I thought the judges collectively were way too hard on Kady, who absolutely should have had more fun with her torpid arrangement of "Groovy Kind of Love," but she can definitely sing, and shouldn’t be punished just because she didn’t crack them up this time.) Anyway, I’m reasonably sure the final six singers, including Alexandrea (whose "Spinning Wheel" was surprisingly good fun), are safe.
So who should be out? Amy for sure, mangling "Where the Boys Are" almost as badly as Chikezie destroyed his song the night before. Kristy Lee’s wooden "Rescue Me" earned an early exit. But Kady’s pummeling by the judges could seal her fate as well.
Final note on the women: While I’m kind of digging rocker chick Amanda, someone please stop her if she ever attempts to scat again (it sounded like drunken mumbling at amateur mike night). And I’m not yet convinced she has much range beyond that strangled growl, entertaining though it currently is.
On to the men. Who should be cut? Where do we start? If we’re judging on blandness, Luke and Jason Yeager are probably most in peril. If it’s sheer first-night incompetence that sends them home, say goodbye to Chikezie and big-haired Garrett (who’ll likely get early sympathy votes). If annoying attitude is the barometer: bye-bye, Danny Noriega.
Here’s hoping for a more promising second round of singing next week, and no constricting theme. I trust my bleeding ears will have healed by then.
For the latest Idol-related news and interviews, check out TVGuide.com's Great American Idol blog.
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Feb 21, 2008 8:39 AM
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lol, Matt. I love your assessments because they are usually right along with mine...I think you live in my brain (okay, sorry-that sounded less weird in my head). I thought that the first actual performance week of AI was dismal at best, and I, for one am disappointed.
My predictions for going home:
Garrett
Jason Yaeger
(Luke Menard as a close 2nd)
Amy Davis
Joanne Borgella
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Feb 21, 2008 9:29 AM
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I think Amy and Joanne will go home as well. Kady and Kristy Lee should be safe- after all people do vote on looks (which is sad, but we all know it's true- hello Haley Scarnato and Antonella Barber). I don't know which of the guys I want to go the most- between Chikezie, Danny, Garrett, Luke and Jason- I don't like any of them.
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Feb 21, 2008 10:02 AM
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I do feel for the girls who were sick -- I can't imagine even standing up when I have the flu, much less performing!
That said, the two girls who least impressed me were Amy and Kady. I'm probably alone in this, but Kady just drove me crazy with the snotty facial expressions she made during the judges' comments; she was rolling her eyes and sneering. I kept expecting her to say "whatEVER".
Even at the end when the show was ending, she shot the most evil look to Alaina (who was standing next to her). It could just be that she doesn't realize the expressions she was making but it really grated on my nerves and made me dislike her.
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Feb 21, 2008 11:09 AM
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I think William Sled's look-a-like little brother needs to go because he thinks he is all that. He is 100% annoying and the Peter Frampton kid is creepy!
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Feb 21, 2008 11:21 AM
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I totally agree, wendi! Kady's facial expressions went from drugged to downright hateful. Annoying attitudes are a strong factor in my opinion. Kady, Danny and Chikeze should be the FIRST ones out the door.
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Feb 21, 2008 11:25 AM
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Your first paragraph took the words right out of my mouth.
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Feb 21, 2008 11:45 AM
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Matt, you're a hoot! Thanks for the lively commentary on last night's AI! I have to agree with you regarding the restriction placed on these poor unsuspecting souls having to conjure up spirit for the songs of the 60's! In a word....ugghh! I think it totally unfair to judge these "up and coming" new arrivals based merely on that genre! Kudos to you! Let's hope next week's trial by fire will be a little more palatable.
Always a fan,
Jane
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Feb 21, 2008 11:49 AM
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It is funny that Roush uses the word 'confusing' to describe the performers on A.I.. It is very confusing trying to figure out just what performer he is refering to. Sometimes he uses both the first and last names sometimes just the first name. Maybe he should use both names AND what song that they have sung. It's kind of hard to memorize 24 names and songs and faces.
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Feb 21, 2008 11:52 AM
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joenamherst:
It's easier to give them nicknames. Like "The Giraffe" would be that girl who's always trying to hide her neck with scarves. "Lief Garrett" would be that guy who thinks he looks like Ellen DeGeneris. And then there's "Hat Guy", "Aussie Dude" and "Luthor Lite".
What? You try to remember 24 names??
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Feb 21, 2008 11:59 AM
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Thanks for saying what I was thinking. Ladies were definitely better than the guys, but considering what there was to work with, that isn't saying much.
My votes for the first train leaving the station: Amy and Joanne (the lack of camera time for either is pitiful), Chikeze and Garrett, although I'm willing to spring for postage if someone rolls Noriega up and sends home in a mailing tube.
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Feb 21, 2008 12:07 PM
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"Lief Garrett" would be that guy who thinks he looks like Ellen DeGeneris.
No Lief Garrett is the kid with the long curly hair. The Ellen look-a-like is the blond kid (almost albino)with the "hair in the eyes look" who took Kyle's place.
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Feb 21, 2008 12:21 PM
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Oh shoot. You're right. Leif is the one that Simon said should get out into the sunshine more.
Doesn't matter... after tonight, he'll be history!
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Feb 21, 2008 12:36 PM
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Hi Matt, You're so right about 'theme' night. It's hard enough to sing the first night without the 'straitjacket' as you so put it so well. Here's hoping AI listens to you!
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Feb 21, 2008 12:44 PM
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Matt, you forgot about Joanna, So to me she is the one to get voted off along with Amy.
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Feb 21, 2008 2:11 PM
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