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<p>Only time will tell…it’s a tough business to break into. And it is a tough business to stay in.</p>
<p>Does anyone (else) think that the production of this show is lacking? I think the mike volume, for one thing, seems to vary quite a lot during a performance, for example. Jacob said that drums came into his earpiece music during his last performance. Someone said it took Mark Anthony to show the idols how to use the earpiece; prior to that they were singing ‘pitchy’ - well, if they couldn’t hear themselves, no wonder. That seems weird to me.</p>
<p>Good point. In past years, I’d remember seeing the “cast-off” perform a day or two later on some morning show and sound way better than they had with the same song on Idol. I felt that lots of times the musicians drowned them out, etc.</p>
<p>Maybe the sound staff are interns, lol.</p>
<p>I just watched the first duet…Hayley and Casey…ouch! my ears!</p>
<p>I think there are a few people on American Idol This year that have a chance to be big stars…Lauren, Scotty and definitely James Durbin…</p>
<p>I think the judges are great too…all of them…</p>
<p>The only thing I’m going to remember about Jacob’s performance is that awful outfit. I’ll be surprised if he’s NOT in bottom 3, again. Judges not critical enough, again…</p>
<p>Lauren’s song choice and performance was just okay. Won’t be surprised if she’s in the bottom 3 this week. Over-praise from the judges, again…</p>
<p>Haley and Casey’s duet fell far short of their last performance together. I’m being kind, it really stunk. Were the judges protecting Casey by not being overly critical?</p>
<p>Scotty had a solid performance. Even his mic stayed upright! I thought Randy gave him a great tip about staying on his high notes a little longer. </p>
<p>James is the one to beat. I really liked the stripped-down beginning of the song. I think a rocker may finally win it!</p>
<p>Lauren and Scotty’s duet sounded really good however is the best duet of the night coming last?</p>
<p>Casey makes me smile. Another very creative performance. I’d love to hear him play the piano some more! Jennifer NEVER says anything critical and then when she does, it’s something really stupid about “loosening up his legs more”?!</p>
<p>Haley did not help herself with that song choice and performance. Unlike what the judges thought, I thought her performance was yet another train wreck. </p>
<p>Didn’t like Jacob and Jame’s duet.</p>
<p>I’m thinking Jacob may be in trouble after tonight. It didn’t help that he was the first one up and turned in a pretty forgettable performance.</p>
<p>Tough to pare down to 5…except for James (who reminded me of Ray Orbison), no one performer stood out. </p>
<p>Jacob–OK on the song–OUCH on the outfit. Definitely on the bubble.</p>
<p>Lauren–I liked the song and how she really pushed herself this week. She needs to, because everybody will be pushing for the finish line. I think she’ll make it through to next week.</p>
<p>Scotty–thank goodness the mike wasn’t a taco tonight and that he brought something different to the plate. If he had sung his usual Scotty song in the usual Scotty way, I think he’d in trouble. As it was, I thought he should not have spent the whole time on the step. Would have been more effective if he had moved around.</p>
<p>Casey did great working with the musicians on stage. Very fun to watch. But he’s letting his hair and beard get bushy again…he’s risking the CWB vote…</p>
<p>Haley–I agree with Randy that the first part of her song was really lame–but the second half was REALLY good. Half job will probably land her in the hot seat again.</p>
<p>Did anyone see Pia Toscano on DWTS Tuesday? She was fabulous–as we thought she’d be if she were on a stage where she didn’t have to move…</p>
<p>Anyone watch The Voice Tuesday night? Very entertaining, and all the contestants blew the Idols out of the water. A young man named Jeff Jenkins ALMOST made me appreciate country music–head and shoulders above Scotty in technique and nuance. Highly recommend everyone catch the first episode (available on that website that starts with H and ends with U) and listen to some great voices. Honestly, watching Idol after seeing The Voice made me feel like I was at a high school talent show.</p>
<p>Bye Bye Jacob…please.
I love Carole King…and I think James was the only one to pick a great song! She has tons of top 10 hits…and I think the other contestants just picked from the B list!</p>
<p>Last night was the best AI this season. James was amazing. I wish he’d done the whole song slow like the beginning. I, too, hope Jacob is gone. Just not a fan. Haley leaving would be OK, too.</p>
<p>I completely forgot to watch “The Voice.” Glad to hear the talent is better than that on AI. I can’t believe how disappointing this bunch is on AI this year. Really pathetic.</p>
<p>I agree that the song choices could have been better considering how many Carole King songs there are. Also agree that James was by & far the best last night.</p>
<p>I like the voice…but I don’t think the talent is better on that show…</p>
<p>All right, just finished watching The Voice on nbc.com. Wow–great voices!! But so many of those contestants are now or have been professional musicians, playing for years on Broadway (Frenchie Davis) or bars. Paul would have fit right in with this bunch.</p>
<p>The 16 year old from Temecula had an amazing tone to her voice, but her voice needed to be stronger. Glad that she made it through though.</p>
<p>Oh, oh–don’t want to hijack this thread. If enough people watch The Voice, maybe we’ll have to have our own thread…</p>
<p>I watch The Voice. Feel free to start a thread!</p>
<p>I am interested in The Voice because the premise is different than Idol. The Voice will be pitting the “stars” against each other by having them develop the singers they chose. So the idea is for the stars to mentor their team in order for the star’s team to win. To me, that is cool … the focus will be on helping the singers become the best they can be. It is just a different dynamic & one I am interested in seeing play out.</p>
<p>This is the first season I have watched AI. In past years I watched an episode or two. What stands out to me is that the contestants all seem to be really nice young people who appear to enjoy being together and have developed friendships with each other.</p>
<p>AI is wearing on me. I love Carole King, but do you really think that is what an American Idol in 2011 would be singing? Not very relevant IMO.</p>
<p>All the contestants seem genuinely nice which I like.</p>
<p>I watched The Voice and whole family liked the premise and we really enjoyed the coach’s role. My D and I would choose Adam Levine 
But I think the reason they seemed more talented than AI is only because we heard them for 2 minutes instead of 9 weeks. And they weren’t forced to sing those awful duets!</p>
<p>The AI judges have lost my confidence. Haley was NOT great last night and for Steven to go on like he did (and I Like him a lot) was ridiculous. James is the only one IMO showing improvement in his performances.</p>
<p>Haley or Jacob need to go.</p>
<p>Really liked AI last night…enjoyed Carole King’s music served up so many ways.</p>
<p>James. Wow. As Jennifer said, he’s never had a bad performance. Surprisingly better every week.</p>