AI: Betcha Kevin and Will Leave Tonight

For those who care, I think Kevin ("Harry Potter") and Will Makar will be voted off the island.

Last night I realized why I watch this show: Simon Cowell's comments are brilliant. I learn a lot just listening to that guy. Almost makes it worth the trial-by-karaoke gestalt of American Idol.

Yep. I think Bucky's on the "near-term" list to leave, but I think he'll make it into the top 12.

I also think Kinnik and Melissa are gone (Ayla being a close third).

Simon, for all his harshness, is, in my opinion, right just about 90-95% of the time. I occasionally disagree with him, but he usually is dead on with his comments. Much more so than Randy, who does occasionally show strong insights.

Now Paula, on the other hand...

--Mark

Seems the last couple seasons I've only watched the initial audition rounds, then lose interest. I do like Simon. But with their ultimate goal being a 'pop' vocalist, I just don't care.

I did stumble across one the most hilaaaarious 'reality' show the other night though - Flavor of Love on vh1. Friggin priceless

Hopefully Will Makar is the Brady Bunch guy. He really sucked!

I think Randy knows the truth, but is too nice to say it. Paula loves everyone and doesn't have a clue. Most of us would have to had a few too many to be as brutal as Simon. I loved it when "what's his name" asked if Simon could please give some constructive criticism. It was a hoot because I got the sense that most of the contestants take his critique to heart. They know that there is a grain of truth to every comment he makes.

I think American Idol is good for the music industry. It's healthy for the companies and the artists out there to know that there is lots of talent out there who can really sing and perform, unlike some of the big stars of today.

Steve

I too think that Simon is right on most of the time. He brings real world credibility. Paula "Autotune" Abdul is usually high.

Well, I was half-right. Harry Potter moves on to the next round, but Gideon is out.

I like Simon because he doesn't pull any punches and mince any words. He's way more helpful than Paula's "encouragements" and Randy's typical "holding back" responses. It's a cutthroat competition and at times a really cutthroat industry, especially in the arena most of the contestants aspire to. I think they some of them are smart enough to try and learn from his statements.

BTW, AI's official website has a poll on the front page. The statement and the poll results as of 12:15AM are as follows...

"Simon can best be described as":

Pompously arrogant-15%

Brutally honest-37%

Occasionally insensitive-10%

Right on the money-36%

So, 73% of 489,387 voters apparently feel the way we do.

Peace

I was a bit shocked by the results last night. While Gideon isn't my favorite by a mile, he's a heck of a lot better singer than either Bucky or Harry Potter. Less shocking was Ayla's departure, but I think Simon nailed it when he said it was not her but the song.

Ultimately, it wont matter that much. Neither Gideon nor Ayla were going to last much longer. I don't think Bucky will last very long. I'd say the same thing about Kevin, but that kid (who I just can't stand watching or listening to) seems to have nine lives.

--Mark

I agree with both your statements.

Paula is too 'cheer-leader' - - she rarely says anything bad about anybodys performance, and so comes off as a syncophant.

Randy has nights where he likes crap and other nights where he dislikes reasonably great performances, perhaps governed a bit by biorhythms or something.

But Simon - - he's always honest, which is the only way to be when dealing with singing. Anything less is a trap. He wouldn't need to be brutal about it, but that's apparently where he's at.

Kevin didn't get voted off, but I would have bet that he would have instead of Gideon if I had to place odds on it.

I was frankly pretty surprised that Gideon was even at the bottom of voting... It may have to do with his early '60s R&B style, which probably only appeals to geezers like me.

My favorites in the female group: The really short black girl who sounds like Billie Holiday, and Melissa McKee.

If we're talking singing talent, I'm shocked that Gedeon and Will are gone. They are light years better than some other guys on there.

Kevin is a joke. A friggin joke. He's only there because he's so dippy looking. As for Gedeon being gone because he sings old R&B, well, what exactly does Kevin sing? No way is a pop star. And Gedeon can sing his ass off.

Both of the girls who are gone, I agree. Ayla looked awkward. She looked like a basketball player trying to move gracefully. Which didn't work. She's pretty and sings average, that's it.

Simon is spot on just about every time he opens his mouth. I assumed that everyone in the know would know that Simon's caustic remarks are what makes the show tick. Without him, it would not be what it is. But the good thing is, he tells the truth and he knows what the hell he's talking about. If musicians (singers) would listen to what he has to say, they'd understand how good you have to be.

I figure the whole thing is rigged in large part but at least, the ones who do win can sing.

Another thing that struck me is how at ease these contestants seem. This is the big show and nobody is throwing up on themselves. They look like they've had a helluva lot of stage time. Some of them, I can believe that but some... I dunno. So, if not, they must have received a lot of coaching and stage time while there.

I also assume Paula's sugar sweet comments are staged, too. To counter Simon's.

As for being right, I almost always agree with Simon but not so for Randy. At all. Sometimes I am wondering "What the heck did he hear?" He also should get rid of that lame "Yo, dude" schtick. Man, can't you think of something more original than that?