First, the generalizations - much better show overall this week. From the production value to the talent, top to bottom this show was definitely the best so far! I was really beginning to wonder about some of Debbie's hand-picked talent, but last night proved she still has the eye (there are exceptions, of course)!
Now some specifics -
Alexis - great showmanship, very good dancer, good voice, very sexy! I've already seen some comments on the board regarding her performance, but she definitely had the goods.
Dion - umm... single threat? Dancing was off the hook, but he might as well have just talked through the song. I believe the vocals could be characterized as tone deaf.
Ally - best of the show. Hands down. Definitely a contender in the finals.
JJ - he got the crowd going - I'll give him props. But the show is in LA where he's from, so the audience could have been "loaded". I just can't buy into him - he reminds me too much of, yes, I'm going to say it, Eminem. Just like the song says - 'All you other Slim Shadies are just imitating...". Sorry dude.
Christine - I'm not sure what the crowd and the judges (we'll get to them in a minute) were watching. Was she going to win the competition? No. Was she even remotely bad? No way. While I won't go as far as saying she was robbed, she certainly had a respectable showing and deserved more praise.
Raymond - hmm... this one was tough. While I wanted to pull for the guy, I thought he was (besides Dion) the weakest overall performer of the night. His voice cracked and he missed many notes, and his dancing was average at best.
Again, let me reiterate - I think after last week's show, any of these contestants would have contended with those contestants. However, putting them side by side, I thought some flaws came out.
The judges - not much else to say here. Still suck. And my opinion is not even based on their critiques this week. Those were plain vanilla as usual, but their bias showed through AGAIN. I said it last week and I'll say it this week - these "experts" are watching the rehearsals, and their opinion is already formed before the show even begins.
To not give Christine any credit at all I thought was reprehensible. She did very well, and although I would not have put her in the final 3 either, she deserved better.
As far as Raymond... well... I was a little confused by their praise, especially after they just tore Christine a new one. His pick was an absolute surprise to me, and I don't think at this point they are taking their jobs too seriously.
Won't even mention Joey, since he's worthless (I wonder if Arsenio can get out of his Star Search contract? ).
Again, overall the show was good. The contestants should feel very good about raising the bar. Now here's my idea - instead of bringing in some last minute "hacks" as spoilers, let's bring back some people for a second chance. I mean, if they're going to be AI rip-offs anyway, why not add a "wildcard" round?
yes definitely a good idea. why dont they go all the way and do a wildcard as well? it would keep viewers more interested who will be the lucky wild ones. about raymond...it sure was tough to see him perform. i got the impression from all the talk gping on around the msg boards that he is very good. i like him he's quite adorable, but man! he didnt sing well last night. i was uncomfortable watching him struggle with his song. but he sure got a lot of friends out there. he wasnt my choice to advance though.
As a friend of Raymond's for many years, *as well as a singer myself*, I know talent when I see it and hear it. Raymond is EXTREMELY talented. Not only can he sing and dance *he choreographed numbers for our annual rock and roll revival show at school* but he has a fabulous personality and is very smart. As far as his peformance goes, Raymond missed one, maybe two notes and his dancing - he was so comfortable with the routine because for him, that is easy dancing - it was not challenging for him at all. He definitely DID NOT embarass himself and I wish him all the best throughout the competition!
I respect all your opinions, because after all, everyone's entitled to one.
Personally, I thought the girls were all really good that night. I felt like it was "the night of seduction" or something as they all were so sexy and raw. I don't see why some were criticized so much while others are praised when I didn't see so much a difference between the performances.
As for the guys, I missed Dion's performance. JJ I thought was very entertaining and I was laughing real hard when his pants were falling off, but he was very professional about it and I give him props for that.
Now, onto Raymond. I must say that I am biased because he's my best friend from high school. He's always blown me away vocally and I'm extremely impressed with how good he is at dancing, especially since he's never taken a dance class before. I personally had a great time watching him during his solo performance because he has just such a smooth voice and even though yall said he looked uncomfortable, I just have to say that his smile was completely genuine because since we were in high school, this is what both of us have been dreaming of and I'm so glad that one of us get to live that dream. Even though he sounded great last night, it was definitely not the apex of his potential and I can't wait for you all to hear him when he's totally pumped up.
p.s.- please keep in mind that all your comments are probably being read by the contestants and their friends and family, so please don't say anything hurtful because they've done nothing to deserve that. thanks.
Well THATS d thing! You know Ray PERSONALLY so you've seen EVERYTHING he is CAPABLE of! But, DUDE! He may have advanced to the next round, but i honestly feel dat his 3-minute gig was NOT so great MONDAY NIGHT. Am sure he's a COOL DUDE and ALL THAT (hearing a lot from his close friends and then some) but it didnt come out in his singing dat nite.
So in d next round --------- He better BRRRRING IT!!!
Thanks Chipmunk - I mean, granted, ok yea, that performance wasn't his best, and he's capable of so much more (if you want an example of his real singing, IM me) - he's really gone through a lot to get where he is now and I'm just glad that he's getting more chances to show people what he can do.
yea judges really cheated christine can we say jealous lol?? yea well she's still gorgeous and talented and they never will be i think this is carnie and jojo's prime that doesn't say much lololol
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I don't see why some were criticized so much while others are praised when I didn't see so much a difference between the performances.
Well THATS d thing! You know Ray PERSONALLY so you've seen EVERYTHING he is CAPABLE of! But, DUDE! He may have advanced to the next round, but i honestly feel dat his 3-minute gig was NOT so great MONDAY NIGHT. Am sure he's a COOL DUDE and ALL THAT (hearing a lot from his close friends and then some) but it didnt come out in his singing dat nite. 