American Idol, here we go again

[Eileencc]

Originally Posted by Sukidog

Did anybody else notice the reallllly young, (16 I think) dark haired youn man, boy, that sang Heaven (Bryan Adams) and the back up singer ballllling her eyes out. You know you are good when THAT happens. And dang he IS good.

OK, so here's the thing. I saw David Archuleta's performance live, and I have to admit, I didn't notice the background singers, because my eyes were riveted to him! It was a tender, wonderful performance and I loved it. However, I rewatched the clip on YouTube, and I don't really think the background singer was reacting emotionally to him or his performance. Just as he starts to sing, there's a little view of her wiping her eye, as if she has something in it, then you see her do it again a few seconds later, and then again a bit later. Anyway, doesn't detract from the excellent performance in any way. I hope he goes far in the competition!

Originally Posted by PlayaGroom

Professional #2 = Carly Smithson (the irish chick who got tossed out of the comp two years ago due to visa issues.

Her former name is Carly Hennessy. She has a $2 million dollar deal with MCA and her debut album tanked a couple years ago.
Either way, it's (quite obviously, judging by the talent that is going through the doors) becoming a show of more "up and coming" talent, rather than amateur talent. And, either way, I'm probably still going to watch it as there is a lot of talent on that stage...and there's nothing else on TV in that time slot anymore

I think you're right PG. They must have loosened up the "amateurs only" rules this season to pump up the quality of the competition. I saw a list of the top 24 and their professional credits. Almost every one of them have professional singing credentials...one was a finalist on "Making the Band," another favorite, Michael Johns, had a record deal with Maverick Records that didn't go anywhere. David A. won Star Search when he was 12 or 13...I don't think I care too much about them already having professional backgrounds because I probably never would have heard any of them if not for this show. So, rock on idols!

My one exception to this right now is Carly. MCA spent over 2 million bucks to move her to the US, set her up in an apartment, make and promote her record in the US, and it ended up selling fewer than 400 copies. I'm thinking maybe she's had her chance and it's not working for her. I think she's a talented singer, but I'm just not "feeling it" for her...dawg.

[travmagic]

My 2 cents on this is that if they have already had some sort of contract with any professional recording company that they should not be allowed to audition.
As far as this season goes, they almost have to let these guys play it through to the end but they should change the rules for future seasons.

[jaybird]

Originally Posted by travmagic

My 2 cents on this is that if they have already had some sort of contract with any professional recording company that they should not be allowed to audition.
As far as this season goes, they almost have to let these guys play it through to the end but they should change the rules for future seasons.

Ditto

[SunKneeMarie]

So there was an "amateurs only" rule to the show? I didn't think they'd ever said one way or another--it was just open auditions. Have they been talking about this? I missed it if they did.

Or are people saying they feel it SHOULD be amateurs only and not let pros try out?

[travmagic]

Originally Posted by SunKneeMarie

So there was an "amateurs only" rule to the show? I didn't think they'd ever said one way or another--it was just open auditions. Have they been talking about this? I missed it if they did.

Or are people saying they feel it SHOULD be amateurs only and not let pros try out?

Yes, there is a lot of talk about the "ringers" in the finals this season.
I believe the actual rules states that they can't be under any current contracts.
But that just means that anyone that is under 29 (?) that has failed in a previous attempt can try again through AI. That doesn't seem fair to those people that have absolutely no professional experience.
So, yes, I feel it should be truly amateurs only.

[SunKneeMarie]

Originally Posted by travmagic

Yes, there is a lot of talk about the "ringers" in the finals this season.
I believe the actual rules states that they can't be under any current contracts.
But that just means that anyone that is under 29 (?) that has failed in a previous attempt can try again through AI. That doesn't seem fair to those people that have absolutely no professional experience.
So, yes, I feel it should be truly amateurs only.

okay, so going forward... I misunderstood and thought there was some rule that they were changing to let these people in...

it'll be interesting to see if one of the "pros" really win it...

[travmagic]

Originally Posted by SunKneeMarie

okay, so going forward... I misunderstood and thought there was some rule that they were changing to let these people in...

it'll be interesting to see if one of the "pros" really win it...

These are the 4 in case you didn't read it, Kristy Lee Cook, the Irish girl- Carly , Michael Johns and the young kid David Archuleta. We shall see if it affects the voting now though with a lot of people crying foul.

[travmagic]

Here are my thoughts after this 1st week:
Garrett is this seasons Sanjaya. Hopefuly the girls haven't fallen in love with him already.
And the biggest surprise for me tonight was Jason Castro. I LOVED him.
Also, Robbie the rocker surprised me.
Of course David A was fantastic. I can't believe he is only 17!!
I think Luke and the other Jason will be the first to go.

[melliedee]

I liked the kid with the dreads and the last guy.

[Kellyk]

Originally Posted by travmagic

And the biggest surprise for me tonight was Jason Castro. I LOVED him..

That's our Dallas boy!!!!

I just read a short article about him today. Someone from the show (can't remember the name) said his first audition was one of the best they had ever seen but because of and issue with the 'rights' to the song they couldn't show it. ...never thought about that.

[JillyinMN]

Originally Posted by melliedee

I liked the kid with the dreads and the last guy.

Me too! The last two were definitely the best.

[SunKneeMarie]

I liked the three that Simon liked (David Archawhatevah, Jason Castro and Michael Johns) and I liked David Cook. That Danny kid has already pushed my annoying button.

[jaybird]

Yup, I really enjoyed the Castro kid. I actually didn't care much for Johns tonight. Archuleta was good.

[Babaloo]

i don't know the names:
"Moon River" - buhbye
Neil Sedaka - buhbye
...and Elvis Noriega - he irritates me

[drewl]

Originally Posted by SunKneeMarie

I liked the three that Simon liked (David Archawhatevah, Jason Castro and Michael Johns) and I liked David Cook. That Danny kid has already pushed my annoying button.

I second that... Danny is overly affectations and he has smashed my annoying button!