<p>Ugh, the girl with “anorexia”, Mariah…seems like she has a totally contrived story. She doesn’t look remotely anorexic in the pictures, and she seems like she is completely faking the story. No tears anywhere, I think it is a total fake.</p>
<p>Oh well, I guess many mediocre singers make it to Hollywood based on their story. Now that she made it, she’s crying, with real emotion. Just my opinion, this looks like a work of fiction. Gag.</p>
<p>My 2 favorites tonight (Thursday) were Curtis Finch, the “gospel-esque” singer and Brandy, the second blonde country singer whose father was also a musician. On Wednesday night, I liked the girl who said she weighed 200 lbs. in high school (can not recall her name). I thought it was interesting to bring up something about “overweight” females getting their chance. Maybe she hasn’t heard of Jennifer Hudson (pre-Weight Watchers), Adele, and others. </p>
<p>I think Keith Urban is a huge upgrade from Steven Tyler as an AI judge.</p>
<p>^^ Definitely a huge upgrade. I think he’s the first judge I’ve seen on there that isn’t overly impressed with themselves and dying for attention. Plus he is far brighter and has more relevant things to say than ST.</p>
<p>Anyone watch the auditions from San Antonio TX and Long Beach CA on Wednesday night? There are a couple of “contenders” from both cities. Overall, I think the judge with the least to contribute is Randy Jackson. After just 3 weeks, I think Keith Urban may be the best AI judge that they have ever had on the show. IMO, Nicki Minaj also has a lot of good comments and may have the edge on Mariah… so far.</p>
<p>I started a new thread for AI Season 12 specifically so that as new singing competitions start, the thread doesn’t get all jumbled. </p>
<p>If you’d like to participate, you can find it here:</p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parent-cafe/1454773-new-american-idol-thread-ai-season-12-a.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parent-cafe/1454773-new-american-idol-thread-ai-season-12-a.html</a></p>
<p>^Thanks for “unweaving” these shows, abasket!</p>
<p>Khloe just got fired… Mario coming back. No surprises there!</p>
<p>thank goodness … she had no business hosting a show like that. I like Mario all by himself … he keeps the show flowing, even in awkward moments.</p>
<p>Anybody watching XFactor?</p>
<p>This 4-chair challenge doesn’t seem to have much REAL drama even though they try their best to manufacture some. The “final pleas” by the singers also seem so desperate. Thought Kelly Rowland’s over 25 final 4 choices were correct even though Simon disagreed. This format seems cruel and I’m not sure it is an upgrade over boot camp.</p>
<p>Hey, any idea on who the AI judges are going to be? When does it start back up, Jan?
Yeah, probably most people are sick of AI, but I still enjoy it!!</p>
<p>busdriver, I believe they are Keith U., JLo, and Harry Connick Jr.</p>
<p>Interesting, I guess that is firm? I like Keith and Harry, initially liked JLo but got pretty sick of her soft comments and salivating over the young male contestants (especially the Hispanic ones). I’ll appreciate her if she gets rid of her hormones and gets a little tougher.
And only three judges? I think that would be a good thing, for sure.</p>
<p>Randy is still “in the house” but isn’t going to be a judge. I agree with your comments about JLo. I also thought Keith lost his early and mid-season form during the final weeks last season.</p>
<p>Yeah, I kept hoping he would stop saying “beautiful” for every performance. Reminded me too much of Steven Tyler. But he still had more moments of lucidity than the others.</p>
<p>Out of all the people who auditioned for XFactor and all the ones who made it past the first round, is that the best top 10 they could find? Makes one feel sorry for whoever lost a spot to Santa who really wasn’t very good. Very odd format. I do like Kelly Rowland as a judge, though.</p>
<p>On Thursday night’s four chair challenge, boys coach Paulina Rubio sent one of her guys home and then, after the commercial break, had a change of heart and put him in her final four. I think his name was Tim Olmsted. During the break I wonder if Simon, worried about potential public criticism, said something like “Paulina, you sent all four of your White guys home, leaving ONLY fellow Latinos on your team!”</p>
<p>I am not blown away by any of the acts this season. In fact, I don’t even remember who the top four in each category were last week. I kinda like that young, engaged couple’s voices, but she acts so goofy it ruins it for me.</p>
<p>The only group of singers I like are the “Over 35s”. Maybe that’s because I’m over 35, or maybe it’s because all the other groups of singers left on X Factor just aren’t that good. When watching both X Factor and the Voice back-to-back on Monday night (DVR-ing the Voice), the X Factor just falls short all the way around. When the X Factor buzz first aired before season 1 began, I would have bet that Simon Cowell was a can’t-miss. Now I’m betting that the formidable Simon Cowell is a can’t succeed and the show will soon become “X-tinct”.</p>
<p>I’m with you, jshain. I think the older ones are far and away better than the rest. I don’t get the love for the group of three country guys. I like country, and I think they are terrible. The talent on The Voice is so much better. I do like Kelly Rowland as a judge, though, but I really enjoy the interaction between The Voice judges.</p>