Judges Responses ~ Trends and Observations

American Idol: Season 3 Forum

In Night 1 auditions, I noticed that the judges' response, and especially Simon's to both Carrot Topped Crooner, and Unchained Picture Perfect was quite positive. Simon was actually looking abashed and humbly "twinkling".

In my opinion, these two men's talent, style, and voices could be more closely compared with Clay Aiken's than than with the last two AI winners Ruben & Kelly.

Could we have been correct last season in that Clay and his vocal style started the pendulum swinging back and sparked a "new" trend ?

And is Simon cautiously conceeding the error of his ways and that the public is/was looking for something else ?

Simon said they raised the bar.

Who raised the bar ?

Hmm...I agree...

I think they are close to Clay.....and I think by the way Clay's CD has sold, Simon knows what people really wanted.

Anyways....I wasnt thrilled with Carrot top....only because I dont think he has the "look"...maybe they can make him over like they did to clay, but I dont think he portrays the charm that Clay does....I also dont think Frank Sinatra is poppish either...I mean scooter girl was better than that...she crooned a Celine Dion song as good as Celine....I dont consider her broadway...unless she doesnt change and take criticism like they asked...they obviously saw something in her...thats my view...

Remember when Simon said Clay was too broadway? People went crazy...and obviously he was wrong about that...so....

BUT...I really liked the unchained melody guy....he was good.

Anyways...those were my first impressions...they could very well change within weeks of the show.

Simon did seem more open to untraditional voices and looks, at least with the guys. I loved the unchained melody guy. His voice was like butter.

P.S. Clay raised the bar. I knew he had it when I heard him sing Open Arms.

You were right, I believe. I think that is what he means as well. I guess we will have to see if it is true!

Saw this and think it speaks to the topic of this thread:

......................

Sure-Fire Strategies for 'Idol' Hopefuls

Thursday, January 22, 2004
By Dan Aquilante

If you wanted to be a rock star in the old days, all you had to do, according to the Byrds song, was "get yourself an electric guitar and take some time and learn how to play."

But in the world of the hit Fox TV series_"American Idol," it takes smarts and strategy, as well as talent, to survive the scrutiny of judges_Simon Cowell,_Randy Jackson and_Paula Abdul.

Whether you're a contestant or a viewer, here's how to separate golden idols from those with clay feet:

1. All three critics say they don't want to see gimmicks, yet so far, an_Elvis impersonator and a girl who rides a scooter have made it to round two.

2. Simon is a sucker for any Righteous Brothers song, especially "Unchained Melody."

3. Old pop (that's pre-1970) gets the judges' attention since tunes from that era are the music of their youth. Really old pop, like a_Bing Crosby number, falls into the gimmick category, which is supposed to be bad, but is really good.

4. Phrasing and timing are meaningless to all three judges. It's strictly about keeping in key and maintaining pitch.

5. Dancing is an open invitation to ridicule.

6. Being a good-looking blonde - male or female - is a great asset.

7. The wackier or ditzier you are, the better - especially if you can back it up by singing in key.

8. The show is about melody, so never rap or sing a song that's totally rhythm-dependent, such as "Not Fade Away."

9. When the judges laugh at you - they are laughing at you, not with you.

10. No matter how badly you want to be on the show, if the judges give you the ax, lose with dignity. Begging, even in the kneeling position, just doesn't work.

.......................

Source: FOXnews

Those Judges area t the point if someone can sing on key for three note they are in and going to California.

How is it possible that shriekers are always also
Divas? Beats the H out of me.

So far the Carrot topped kid and the good looking guy before him are the orly thing close to a American Idol IMO

That kid on the scooter and the Blondie that Simon said no to and Randy put up such a n argument over is not good, simply not good enough to win a real competition. Simon said it right this kid is affected. Affected and it effected me not to want her moved on. Who am I t o say ? Voted for Clay so many times last year I wore my redail off my phone.

I think that the judges have a really hard job... and they have to deal with these clueless people, and these stupid people who KNOW that they can't sing, but come there anyway, and waste so much of there time. How is it that only 13 people were picked out of over 10,000 in the Houston area? Why can't we get some real talent?

The judges are looking for people with raw and REAL talent. Those that show potential... but good to begin with. I don't want them picking the mediocre.

This year there is more no talent then ever, not one person I can say is as close to Clay as Ruben was last year.

For goodness sake, this is the worst thing to hit the networks, these kids who open their mouths and out comes these weird sounds. Not songs but just plain irritating noises. NO wonder Simon cracks up and Randy and Paula.

I have the feeling they are putting gosmeo f these kids thru just to get on with the whole thing.

Totally not a Clay or Ruben so far in this years "Talent"

Good grief!! A whole city like Houston and no one but Blondie affected girl and A Scooter girl who is not really good and I almost died to see her actually scoot in.
Why do I punish myself?
Because I am an American Idol Junkie and a Survivor Junkie no cure for me, except take me away tot he Bahamas where they don't have these or any shows. Extreme measures are necessary, imagine sitting thru endless nights of ear spitting songs and why in the world don't these kids pick songs from the eighties? I have no idea what they are singing!!!

D