American Idol "Performance Show" 2/25/09 **SPOILERS**

[Lori]

Discuss.

I thought it was a trainwreck. The first 11 were either bad, fogettable, or looked vaguely constipated.

I thought that Adam was the clear winner, even if the performance was a little cheesy.

But, dudes...I love me some American Idol, and this bordered on unwatchable for me.

[LoadStar]

There was a lot of really bad performances of some really bad song choices tonight. I mean, I know they have a limited songbook to choose from, but STILL.

Allison Iraheta did pretty well with her performance of Heart's "Alone," as I might expect her to (she DID have a recording contract that she won from Telemundo, after all). I thought Kris Allen did OK as well on MJ's "Man In The Mirror." The performance was only OK, but there was something about the style of Jesse Langseth's singing that I really liked.

Adam? Eh. Didn't like it one bit. I thought it was nearly as manic as "Norman," and that's NOT a good thing (for me).

[gossamer88]

I thought last week was hard to beat in the bad dept. Man oh man what a mess tonight.

And can we get rid of Norman now? I found him amusing at first, but now...

[jfelbab]

Last weeks worst were better than tonight's best, IMO.

[jay_man2]

I need a new peanut remote. The FF button on mine is fried!

[uncdrew]

There was a lot of really bad performances of some really bad song choices tonight. I mean, I know they have a limited songbook to choose from, but STILL.

Allison Iraheta did pretty well with her performance of Heart's "Alone," as I might expect her to (she DID have a recording contract that she won from Telemundo, after all). I thought Kris Allen did OK as well on MJ's "Man In The Mirror." The performance was only OK, but there was something about the style of Jesse Langseth's singing that I really liked.

Adam? Eh. Didn't like it one bit. I thought it was nearly as manic as "Norman," and that's NOT a good thing (for me).

I agree with everything you say. :)


I thought Adam was doing a Jack Black impersonation. Every single time he sang "I can't get no" it was different. Add in some rambling air guitar vocals and he's got a School of Rock scene down pat.

[uncdrew]

I need a new peanut remote. The FF button on mine is fried!

We got through tonight's show in record time. I feel sorry for the non-TiVo people. :D



We even FFed through some of the actual performances.



What happened to the Big Guy? We expected more from him.

What happened to the first gal? We expected more from her.

What happened to dueling piano dude? We expected more from him.


My votes:

16 year old Heart rocker chick
Blonde Chick
Adam


Blech.

[pantherman007]

Adam was over the top, but still the best (by far) tonight. If he can learn to tone down the Broadway theatrics a bit, he may go far this year.

Everyone else? Yawn...

[Ment]

Allison - Paula is right (God I hate saying that) she is Baby Clarkson. Good job

Norman - Crapped it up but still would rather see him than 8 of the others tonight

Megan - I HEART her but performance was below par. Her dress...is she pregnant?

Kai - Is he auditioning to sing on a cruise ship? Horrible song choice with a forgettable delivery.

Mishavonna - SONG CHOICE AGAIN! not a young girl's song geez.

Adam 'Tonight I'm Axle' Lambert - Not a Stones fan but yeah he killed it..

Who goes forward, Adam and Allison, third? who knows and who cares...might as well be Norman.

[thudtrain]

The performance was only OK, but there was something about the style of Jesse Langseth's singing that I really liked

I thought she was sexy as hell tonight. I'd vote for her for that alone, considering how atrocious the rest of the night was.

[Jesda]

Allison was good. I like the grit in her voice. I like her cheeks (on the face, you pervs).

[timckelley]

I thought Mishavonna was the best. I liked her by far better than the others, and I didn't understand the judge's criticisms of song choice. To me it seemed like a fine song for her to sing; she'd looked natural and in her element singing it.

Adam looked really corny, and I don't know why they raved so much over him. I liked Kris, Megan, and Allison, though.

Now to rank the judges. Randy actually sounded more intelligent than usual, and Paula (if it's possible to imagine this) sounded even stupider than she usually does. At some points she was babbling jibberish. Paula's right when she says 4 judges are too many, and she's the one that needs to go. BTW, Kara was looking even more attractive than usual tonight. Kara also came off sounding more intelligent than Paula.

And the first several songs in a row, Ryan kept asking the judges: "Does she deserve a spot in the top 12?" How on earth can the judges answer that when 11 haven't performed yet, and they have no basis for comparison? I was getting annoyed with the stupidity of Ryan's questions. He didn't help the quality of the show's production tonight, imo. Maybe they need to replace Ryan, too.

[Fleegle]

Good Lord, Mishavonnaa's parents are The Dursleys!

I did like Mishavonna, Jesse, Megan Joy and Allison the best. I LOVED that rendition of Heart's Alone. And that's coming from a die hard Heart fan.

[danielhart]

Nick Norman was hands down the best thing about tonight's show and this season in general, and I am rooting and voting for him to win the whole thing (although while they will let him go through to the top 12, they will not let him win it all. Best he can do is about 5th place)

[gryphon00]

Tonight was just "meh" for me. I expected more out of the dueling piano dude. There was some weird quality in his voice during that song.
I like MJ (was that his name?), but... another Michael Jackson song? C'mon guys. Is the list of available songs that short?

The performance was only OK, but there was something about the style of Jesse Langseth's singing that I really liked.

Has anybody mentioned here that she is the sister of Jonny Lang, the amazing blues singer? His name didn't come up in an AI thread from a search. She's got a bit of the blues quality in her voice too. The performance was shaky in some places but I liked that she sang that song.

Adam? Eh. Didn't like it one bit. I thought it was nearly as manic as "Norman," and that's NOT a good thing (for me).

This dude does absolutely nothing good for me. Ok, he's got a range, but I don't like the tone of his voice at all. I like musical theater, but I've found myself kinda cringing whenever he's singing.

[Fleegle]

Dammit, now I have Betty Davis Eyes running through my head! This is going to last until at least tomorrow, I can tell. Damn you Jesse! Damn you to hell!

(I hope you make it through)

[Cearbhaill]

This was a snoozefest all the way around.

Besides the poor quality of the singing and the horrific song choices, the dynamic of the show is off. The fourth judge thing is making for too long a critique phase, and the hidden band (all five of them) are seriously underwhelming.

Get the full band back out where you can see them and feel their energy and dump one of the judges. Good Lord that was bad.

[Jeeters]

I thought Adam was often way over the top and just corny. This might sound odd, but it almost seemed like he was channeling parts of Casey Carlson's "wink wink" performance from last week.

Allison was the best of the night with the Heart song, but even with her it seemed like she was just going for 'big & loud' more than anything else. All I could think was how great Carrie Underwood did on that song and this wasn't as good as that. And the background singer they had with her caused a weird harmony against Allison's voice witch was awful.

I'm surely against the majority on this, and perhaps it's because I didn't recognize the the song, but I really liked Mishavonna's performance. To me, she was second best tonight.

The rest were just horrible.

Also noticed that Kara was actually giving some decent feedback for once. And I loved Paula's critique of the one girl who did bad... "Well, you have great legs. It's Season 8 everybody!. Umm, Simon, what do you have to say?"

[Mr. Soze]

It was ghastly. The best of them (and best is used as a relative, not implying any of them were any good absolutely) were Adam, Kai, Mishovanna, and the blonde with the tattoo arm. I despised the Bette Davis Eyes girl. Norman, please FO already. It was entertaining in small doses, but after you've seen the act once, it's just plain annoying. Maybe I am just too old to be amused by him.

Based on tonight, none of these are going anyplace, but at least 3 will. :(

[LoadStar]

I like MJ (was that his name?), but... another Michael Jackson song? C'mon guys. Is the list of available songs that short?

The guy that did the Michael Jackson song was Kris Allen. "MJ" in my post referred to Michael Jackson.

[jay_man2]

...
Based on tonight, none of these are going anyplace, but at least 3 will. :(I wish they'd tally the vote count of last week's remaining 9 and this week's 12. Three more from last week would make it through.

[uncdrew]

I wish they'd tally the vote count of last week's remaining 9 and this week's 12. Three more from last week would make it through.

Yeah, not liking this new format. I love change and am always open to improvments. But this year's format isn't doing it for me.

[gossamer88]

Nick Norman was hands down the best thing about tonight's show and this season in general, and I am rooting and voting for him to win the whole thing (although while they will let him go through to the top 12, they will not let him win it all. Best he can do is about 5th place)

You really think tweens will vote for him...don't think so.

[jay_man2]

I did like Nick/Norman for the pure entertainment value. He's the Harlem Globetrotter of American Idol. :D

If I were voting, I'd vote for him. :p

[innocentfreak]

I agree. I could see if the top guy and girl or just top 2 made it through from each group of twelve. Then after all 36 have performed the top 3 among total votes make it through. Then maybe make the last three, judges' choice of the remaining people.

How are they picking the last three now? Since they only picked 3 from the first night, I am assuming only three from last night and then three from next week leaving 3 remaining.

[jay_man2]

I agree. I could see if the top guy and girl or just top 2 made it through from each group of twelve. Then after all 36 have performed the top 3 among total votes make it through. Then maybe make the last three, judges' choice of the remaining people.

How are they picking the last three now? Since they only picked 3 from the first night, I am assuming only three from last night and then three from next week leaving 3 remaining.Last 3 are judge picks in a wildcard round.

[Elevation]

For the most part, this show was forgettable.

Adam's very talented, but I can't stand him. I agree with those who say he is over the top.

[jfelbab]

Yeah, not liking this new format. I love change and am always open to improvments. But this year's format isn't doing it for me.

Totally agree. This new format will remove talent from the show that deserve to compete. Dumb scheme of elimination.

[lambertman]

Megan Jo is pleasing, except for the arm.

[cl8855]

OK I got 2 hours of nothing on my recording because fox changed their frequency...

Anywhere have the replays of this? Ugh!

[TomK]

Mishavonna has a very good voice, the best among everyone who sang last night in my opinion. I don't get all the 'you chose the wrong song' opinions from the judges, even the 'right song' can't hide a bad voice. A good voice is what I listen for above all else.

[Mr. Soze]

You really think tweens will vote for him...don't think so.Taking the kids to school this morning, my 9 YO daughter was ranting over Norman. "So over" is a direct quote.

[timckelley]

Mishavonna has a very good voice, the best among everyone who sang last night in my opinion. I don't get all the 'you chose the wrong song' opinions from the judges, even the 'right song' can't hide a bad voice. A good voice is what I listen for above all else.

I agree, and go a step further by saying I think it was the right song. (At least for me it was.) She's my top pick for the night, and the judges' reviews were a letdown/buzzkill.

[Einselen]

Anyone else see Megan Joy's odd shoulder shake during her entire performance? That bugged the heck out of me.

The night was pure crap until Norman came on to at least entertain us and then after that is was ho hum, he actually has a chance this week!

Adam's was semi cheesy, little too over the top at times (I think Simon said it best where he was confused on what to think) but it was rememberable and not just because he was the last performance.

I think it is stupid people choose this slow songs when only 25% of the group goes through. Now is not the time to try to showcase your voice, now is the time to make people remember you when voting, choose the ballads after you are in the Top 12.

As far as who I think will go through form this week, Adam, Allison and Megan.

[Jeeters]

Anyone else see Megan Joy's odd shoulder shake during her entire performance? That bugged the heck out of me.No, you're not alone; Seacrest commented on it, too, after her performance.

I noticed it; didn't bug me.

[timckelley]

I kind of liked her shoulder shake. But I thought it was tacky of Ryan to imitate it with his own shoulders.

[Einselen]

I FFed through most of everything last night. Intros I FF through, watched all the singing (was tempted to FF through some but didn't). Then listened to the judges and fast forwarded through the rest of the blabbering crap as I didn't want to deal with it, it was late and I wanted to get through the show.

Also I don't like some of the contestants talking back/giving lip/replying, etc. I know it is tough being criticized, we know you had fun up there, yeah I hope you say you did the best, ok you can disagree. For the most part though it is all constructive criticism. Again I agreed with most of what Simon said (which is what the other judges usualyl said too but he always gets booed now). He is not saying it to be mean, he is saying it so if you come back make those changes, grow and develop from this.

[Einselen]

No, you're not alone; Seacrest commented on it, too, after her performance.

I noticed it; didn't bug me.

I kind of liked her shoulder shake. But I thought it was tacky of Ryan to imitate it with his own shoulders.

For whatever reason it just seemed tacky, awkward, out of place and bugged the heck out of me. I even think I saw her do it up in the red room while watching others perform. I think she just can't dance and that was her failed attempt to.

[uncdrew]

I agree, and go a step further by saying I think it was the right song. (At least for me it was.) She's my top pick for the night, and the judges' reviews were a letdown/buzzkill.

For some silly reason, I'm almost proud when I predict the judge's reactions.

And I completely thought they'd say Michaleafsanfdsa choose the right song. I liked it.

[aindik]

I actually throught tonight was way better than last week. I thought the first three were terrible (and I like the piano guy, but if you want to sing a soul song, sing a soul song), but the back nine were ranging from decent to very good, with the exception of Kai who I just don't like for some reason.

The band, again, can't play a rock song to save its life. Slow and cheesy is what they do. The background vocal harmonies on "Alone" were pretty good though. As they were when Carrie Underwood did it.

Adam's vocals were very good. Almost an 80s hair band quality to them (and I like 80s hair bands and think the genre needs a comeback). But the presentation was way more broadway-pretending-to-be-rock (like someone performing in Jesus Christ Superstar) than authentic rock (or even 80s-hairband authentic). Constantine Maroulis was more authentic. And that hairdo. That's really how he dresses? Come on. It's a put on. He's not a Goo Goo Doll.

I enjoyed Norman. Really funny, and the judges couldn't help but admit it. The shoutout to "Doogie" was awesome (and really, why is NPH there every week?). But it's over.

[LeVich34]

I thought the rendition of "Betty Davis Eyes" was hot... far from forgettable as the judges thought. But what do I know? :)

[timckelley]

I hope the comedian doesn't make it. His voice really isn't that good.

[ewilts]

As far as who I think will go through form this week, Adam, Allison and Megan.
dialidol is predicting Adam, Allison as safe, then Matt Giraud with Jesse not far behind. The margin of error is so great that all of the other 10 are possibilities.

[ewilts]

The band, again, can't play a rock song to save its life.
You would think that a band would enjoy playing "Satisfaction" but they played it like they were playing for an elevator crowd. It's no wonder they're not introducing the band this year - if I played that badly, I wouldn't want my face on TV either.

[aindik]

You would think that a band would enjoy playing "Satisfaction" but they played it like they were playing for an elevator crowd. It's no wonder they're not introducing the band this year - if I played that badly, I wouldn't want my face on TV either.

You'll see Ricky Minor's goofy grin once they move to the bigger theater where the finalists perform.

[Einselen]

dialidol is predicting <snip>

Spoilerize that!

[Einselen]

Looking at last week's results I would not be surprised with Allison, Adam and Matt B. (welder) making Top 3. Some group got Michael through last week and they will be voting Matt B. this week I think. However, with that said I think out of the two Michael was the more popular so Matt B's numbers will be a tad lower.

[Alfer]

What I'd like to know is who the heck tells these folks to sing such crappy songs? Do the singers have a shopping list of pre-chosen songs and they find the one they think will sound good?

I mean every single singers song choices were horrible and I can't believe someone tells these people.."Oh yeah babe that will sound AWESOME"

What a mess this season is.

[barbeedoll]

OK I got 2 hours of nothing on my recording because fox changed their frequency...

Anywhere have the replays of this? Ugh!

I missed the show last week and this was the best place I found to see it. You get 41 minutes to watch without joining, but if you use your scroll bar wisely, it's plenty of time.

http://missedashow.net/media/820/American_Idol_Season_8

Barbeedoll

[Einselen]

What I'd like to know is who the heck tells these folks to sing such crappy songs? Do the singers have a shopping list of pre-chosen songs and they find the one they think will sound good?

There is a set list of what songs they can choose from, but the number is in the hundreds. Other then that it is up to the contestant to choose a song they can sing and fits them.

[Einselen]

I missed the show last week and this was the best place I found to see it. You get 41 minutes to watch without joining, but if you use your scroll bar wisely, it's plenty of time.

http://missedashow.net/media/820/American_Idol_Season_8

Barbeedoll

That link didn't work.

http://missedashow.net/media/1213/American_Idol_-_Season_8_Episode_14/

[Cainebj]

Looking at last week's results I would not be surprised with Allison, Adam and Matt B. (welder) making Top 3. Some group got Michael through last week and they will be voting Matt B. this week I think. However, with that said I think out of the two Michael was the more popular so Matt B's numbers will be a tad lower.

The big difference there is Michael Sarver went for the country western approach which has a huge audience. I don't think Matt B. is going to reach that audience or get their votes.

The best for me last night was Kris Allen, but just like my favorite from last week Ricky Braddy, I don't think he will get through.

I think Allison and Adam Lambert are the definites.

[firerose818]

I love Norman. :)

[Cearbhaill]

You would think that a band would enjoy playing "Satisfaction" but they played it like they were playing for an elevator crowd. It's no wonder they're not introducing the band this year - if I played that badly, I wouldn't want my face on TV either.
It's not the entire band in these early rounds- it's a five piece group.
This ill considered change can't be over with soon enough IMO- they are dragging everyone DOWN.

[sushikitten]

Wow the band is horrible. I have only watched like two seasons of AI - and don't remember them being that horrible.

They should have a round where the judges pick what song for them to sing...if only so they can't criticize it was not the right song. Or since we have so much filler in these shows, tell them what song to sing, have them come back next week to sing it, and see what they think.

[Jayjoans]

At least we weren't subjected to the receiving line after each performance and the personal space invading couch featuring the idiotic family members and the stupid @$$ questions.

The chick with the legs = Janice from the muppets.

With Adam, all I see is Jason Bateman, I can't get past that. I was shocked to hear he was 27 (or was it 28?) Looks like it will be Robert Downey Jr., vs Jason Bateman at some point.

I thought for sure they would blast the blonde with the tats for dancing so awkwardly, that was weird. They had FAR fewer wide shots on her than the others, I think the guys in the booth knew it was funky too.

Band sucked.

The Heart singer was so painful during her pre-interview, Simon nailed it when he commented on how bad that was. Annoying enough that we only watched few seconds of it, likely it got worse.

Jesse was just as painful in her responses after her performance. It has been awhile since we've seen somebody trying as hard to be cool as she is. Her mannerisms, the way she responded to her critique was off-putting. You are NOT all that honey, have a little humility at this point and you'll be much more likely to get votes. She's as phony as they come.

The welder should have kept his mouth shut after Simon actually tried to throw him a lifeline. He must not have understood what Simon was trying to do. "I disagree" in that snotty tone didn't help him either. Like it or not, the majority of people agree with Simon's take on things, and if you piss off his supporters, you're done.

This is where the likability factor plays a HUGE part in AI, independent of singing ability. Norman may make it through on that alone. Some of the singers don't get that, they think that their voice will carry them, not true this early.

Oh, and Norman is the only one so far that is guaranteed work in the entertainment industry (for at least a minute). He's is well known enough right now to book a few shows on the strength of his AI appearances alone. The rest go back to their showers and Sunday meetings.

[Kamakzie]

I hope the comedian doesn't make it. His voice really isn't that good.

Agreed, plus his comedy has grown old quickly.

[DevdogAZ]

Here is the order of voting based on DialIdol's predictions:

1. Adam Lambert
2. Allison Iraheta
3. Matt Giraud
4. Jesse Langseth
5. Matt Breitzke
6. Kris Allen
7. Megan Joy Corkrey
8. Nick Mitchell (Norman Gentle)
9. Jasmine Murray
10. Mishavonna Henson
11. Kai Kalama
12. Jeanine Vailes

However, only the top two (Adam and Allison) are predicted safe. The rest of the group are all within the margin of error so it could be anyone going through in the third spot.

[firerose818]

I could live with those predictions.

[NJChris]

I think I'm the only one that liked Adam's performance.

I thought this version of Alone *AND* Carrie Underwood's were just yelling.

[aindik]

I think I'm the only one that liked Adam's performance.

I liked the performance, kinda. Just don't really like him, generally.

I thought this version of Alone *AND* Carrie Underwood's were just yelling.

It's a rock song. That's how the original sounds. Carrie Underwood sounded just like it, which was awesome.

And, someone who liked Adam's Satisfaction complaining in the next sentence about yelling is kind of ironic.

[Jeeters]

I thought this version of Alone *AND* Carrie Underwood's were just yelling.Go and check out Carrie's original performance of it on youtube. She doesn't yell at all; she just has a naturally big voice. Watch it muted, and it just looks like she's casually talking into the mic. No effort at all. But with Allison, she's straining herself to be big by yelling. Watch it muted and it looks like she's trying to s*** a brick because of the strained effort she's putting into it.

[Einselen]

The big difference there is Michael Sarver went for the country western approach which has a huge audience. I don't think Matt B. is going to reach that audience or get their votes.


TY I was trying to recall why Michael's numbers would be higher then Matt's. Yes it is the country aspect. I think there will still be an overlap of fans between the two so it won't shock me if Matt does make it through. It also won't shock me if he doesn't as well.

[DianaMo]

Top 5 Common Mistakes Made by American Idol Contestants

February 21, 2008 by Sally Albright

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/615563/top_5_common_mistakes_made_by_american.html?cat=33

[gschrock]

Totally agree. This new format will remove talent from the show that deserve to compete. Dumb scheme of elimination.

I don't know, so far in the two episodes I'm not convinced people that aren't making it really deserve to continue.

[timckelley]

Yes, technically, if the 12th best person doesn't make it to the top 12, in the grand scheme it doesn't matter. Only the first best needs to make it to end to become the American Idol. So at a minimum, we at least want the first best person to never get eliminated. Everything else doesn't matter terribly.

Well, admittedly this can be carried too far. If the top 12 consists of the best person + the 11 worst people, while justice will still be served insofar as who wins, it won't be as entertaining a show, because you'll have to listen to hours and hours of rotten singing until the bitter end of the season.

[JLucPicard]

Has anybody mentioned here that she is the sister of Jonny Lang, the amazing blues singer? His name didn't come up in an AI thread from a search. She's got a bit of the blues quality in her voice too. The performance was shaky in some places but I liked that she sang that song.
Sorry, from the February 11th thread:
I just read on the St. Paul newspaper's web site that Jesse Langseth is a well known performer in the Twin Cities under the name Jesse Lang, and that she is the younger sister of Johnny Lang. Didn't know that. http://www.twincities.com/ci_11683487
Looks like I may have spelled his name wrong? :o

[barbeedoll]

I missed the show last week and this was the best place I found to see it. You get 41 minutes to watch without joining, but if you use your scroll bar wisely, it's plenty of time.

http://missedashow.net/media/820/American_Idol_Season_8

Barbeedoll

Hmmm. After I read your message I tried it from my Favorites link in my browser, from the link in my original message, and from the link in your message. All of them worked for me.

Try holding down Ctrl as you left click on the mouse. Also, you could try cutting and pasting the link into the URL window of your browser.

Let me know if that works for you.

Barbeedoll