JPF Home Page Forums General Messages General Message Forum American Idol Finals

This week's AI was competitive – with the guys
giving the best performances. James came with two
strong performances and rocked the stage with both.
Scotty made an excellent choice for his first song
given recent events and probably secured what will
be second place. He needs to take the country vote
this week from Lauren and I think he'll do it.
I must say that Lauren bounced back from last week's
stumble with a strong performance on her first song.
However the judges could only praise the start of
her second song. She started seductive and sexy and
ended silly. However keeping consistent with last
week's blind eyes, the judges didn't call her on it.
Yet again they went after Haley for doing a lesser
known Michael Jackson song. JLo's rant about
strategy showed that she doesn't understand that
for Haley it is strategic for her to do a lesser known
song and put her stamp on it and that a good song
doesn't need to have a gazillion spins on commercial
radio in order for people to connect with it's message.
Should Haley go to the final three instead of Lauren?
While Lauren clearly has the better voice and singing
ability, she doesn't perform great unless she's into the
song. This week, she was only into the first song and
it showed. Haley did the right thing by challenging
the judge's criticism and Steven was right for chiming
in for her. She needed to do damage control by thwarting
the producer controlled judges, who obviously prefer
Lauren to Haley. The swing vote was at stake. We'll
see if she's successful. At this time, if I was to invest
my money in one of these finalists, it would be Scotty
or James. I think one of the ladies is going to be eliminated.

Golly, it's been an interesting year on AI. The "judges" are entertaining and the final ten contestants have all been so very talented. I believe this is the most talent laden group ever. Too bad all of them can't win... and I'm sure that most will end up with great careers as performers.

Today, James appears to be the one to beat because of his appeal to the youngsters who do most of the voting. I still miss Casey and was glad to see him at last night's show.

After tonight... we're down to three.

Move over Everett, I may be heading for the Great White North, because I'm just not sure I want to live in a country where I'm surrounded by people who would leave Casey AND James out of the top three in favor of Lauren & Scotty...Ah well, at least I can get back to doing something productive on Wednesday & Thursday nights now.

Midnite

This week's AI results show the unpredictability of
the American public – but more specifically, the AI
voting audience.
Despite being the most consistently great performer,
James received the lowest vote count. Almost 72 million
votes were cast. AI voters are of the karaoke crowd -
which, according to my years of experience, means that
they prefer country or pop music. I would speculate that
most rockers vote once online while the pop and younger
country fans text multiple votes. It would be interesting
to know who would've done best if a one vote per person
system were used as I suspect the top 3 benefited more
from the multiple vote per person system than James. I
think the current system however is more indicative as to
who would have more success selling albums as money is
involved in the text votes – and ones need to have a higher
level of affinity for an artist to part with their money to
purchase CDs by that artist than they would to cast a free vote.
Who will win AI? So far I have to say Steven Tyler and JLo
are neck and neck. JLo got off to a better start with her
well-timed release of ON THE FLOOR and used the AI stage
to market it. Steven came back with a book release which
was announced on AI and proceeded to become #1. With
AI exposure of the video for his solo release, I can only
expect a chart topper for him as well.
So I predict a tie between Steven Tyler and JLo as both are
receiving an enormous amount of publicity which they are
using to market their products – which are turning a bigger
profit than any release of the remaining contestants will.

As an aside, has anyone else been following the lyric contest
for the Coke ad on AI's website?

Everybody sung both their songs well. This competition is much tighter than we imagined. So tight that James Durbin is out of the competition probably because he had to sing a song he didn't connect with- Love Potiion No. 9. Here is how it went down.

James Durbin “Don’t Stop Believing.” Journey
Second song: “Love Potion No. 9.”
The first song was spectacular. The second song was a lightweight silly song that he couldn't transform. Had the song order been the other way around, he might still be in the competition.

Haley Reinhart First song: “The Earth Song.”
Second song: “I Who Have Nothing.”
For some reason, I don't necessarily "get" Haley the first time I hear her songs. It is only after I listen to it again that I like it. I though both of her songs were amazing. She got really lucky to have "I who have nothing" in the category- just as James was really unlucky to sing "Love Potion # 9. So if you concede that all of the contestants are talented, then luck will come into play. Last week I wanted Haley gone but she stepped up. And Randy was wrong about "The Earth Song". It was good.

Scotty McCreery
First song: “Where Were You When the World Stop turning.”
Second song: “Young Blood.”
This guy can transform himself into a 40-year-old reflective country legend as he did with Alan Jackson's tribute to 911, and then back into a playful kid singing a silly song that should have sunk him. I don't know how he survived it. I guess he charmed enough fans.


Lauren Alaina
First song: “Anyway.”
Second song: “Trouble.”
Best of the night. This is the girl I remember. She has been my favorite from the beginning but I didn't expect her to win the last 3 weeks. I think she and Scotty will be the last standing. But I can't underestimate Haley who has been at the bottom before when there was a dozen left in the competition.
I think Steven Tyler is in love with her.

Definitely a talented group ...

I am routing on Lauren Alaina ~ She has had some rough songs, but this week she stepped up her game and showed what she's made of .. reminded me of her awesome audition that got her where she is today .. Looks like her confidence is back.. hope she can keep at this performance level


I think Scotty has talent to be another country singer and has grown as a performer week to week, but honestely, i don't see an "American Idol" here,

Haley?!?! ummm .. idk.. grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr....

Joanne

I thought James Durbin was by FAR the best singer left, and him getting voted off at fourth was very "Daughtry-esque" ... No matter, you don't have to win AI. If you're in the final 6 or 7, you've gotten enough exposure ... James is the only one that I would pay to see his show . It's obvious the little kids vote ALOT more than anyone else

"litte kids?" .. Why thank you for noticing Herbie.. that's me.. i voted a zillion times for Lauren

I think James is very talented and he also will go on with a career somewhere in this music world .. but honestly, i think he screams more than he needs to ... we all knpw he can hit those unreachable notes, but too much of a good thing wears thin .. at least it did with me. Also, i think James is as good today as he was at the beginning... there has been no significant artist growth .. But, he is veru talented ...
love you my friend Herbie
Joanne

yes the screaming wears very thin on me too...
however...it seemed like James was screaming a bit less lately..so I've enjoyed him more.

Haley on the other hand has been growling more and more and that annoys me no end. And I had the opposite reaction as most to her rendition of I Who have Nothing. I remember very well the old Tom Jones version... it was one of those songs that I used to sing along with (when no one else was home LOL) a lot. And it looked to me like she missed the mark on the proper emotions of the song.
With all her growling...it came off as anger... when my interpretation of the song is one of sheer desperation. and extreme angst. ie " a poor schmuck like me with no money or anything can't ever hope to be with someone like you.... but OOOOH!!!!!!! I love you.... and it's killing me!" The singer is one step away from groveling at his feet, or throwing herself off a bridge.... not ready to bite his head off.

Scotty is at least holding the mic like a flute less and less... but his facial expressions are still turning me away..

at this point I'm rooting for Lauren..
(but I really wanted Pia)

Hi Jojo
James HAS been screaming alot less lately and just going high selectively! His high register is SO sweet and clear. The last three aren't as unique to me, but we can agree to disagree...Last week WAS Lauren's best showing ever show...she sang Martina's song beautifully, and she's so naive and real !
Hi Harriet,
Long time no talkie my friend ! I loved Pia too ! She is great !
I thought Haley sounded great on I who have nothing, but I hadn't heard the song in forever, and just listened to her pitch and emotion, even if it was not exactly correct...I DO feel that Haley USUALLY doesn't feel like she understands the gist of the song, that she's just singing it, not interpreting it ... does that make sense?

I don't think I can watch it anymore....lol...

I think another network should pick up the "ones who got robbed" (which would include those that didn't make it into the top 12/13) and do a season of them!...I liked another Lauren...Lauren Turner....oh well, it's a "show" after all...gotta remember that.

The final 3 performances were fun to watch. I had:
Haley 1 - 2 - 2
Lauren 3 - 3 - 1
Scotty 2 - 1 - 3
which means I had Haley as the best of the night.
Haley got the Led out and gave the best performance
of the night using her strategy of picking songs that
are less familiar and putting her stamp on it. Adding
her father to the band should work for her too. She's
played this contest well, toned down the growling, and
may have played her way to the finals. She would have
beaten Lauren IMO on the 3rd round if she would've come
out of the gate with higher energy and angry like Alanis.
Did we notice the change in lyric on that one - something
about the theatre?
Scotty has been the most consistent of the finalists. He's
played this contest smart the whole way through. Of the 3
remaining, he's been the best overall. He should be in the
finals - but alas who knows?
Lauren would probably get in based on organized voting for her.
She's karaoked all of her songs - meaning there really wasn't
much else but her singing words. Yeah she got caught up in
song 2, but overall she's an excellent karaoke singer. And so
is Scotty for that matter. I've heard voices just as good as any
of these finalists in my rounds at karaokes, open mics, and clubs. Nothing earth shattering here. The marketing machine
known as AI shall make recordings sell for any or all of these three.

Hi

I have not liked Scotty from the beginning but last night he surprised me. And the 15 year old girls who missed the boy idols will vote him into the finals. The real race will be between Lauren and Haley. Haley is definitely the more entertaining of the two and I hope she wins. But America is so fickled sometimes the best don’t always win.

Redlady
Schantell

Round 1 singers choice

Scotty McCreery: Lonestar, "Amazed."
I think it's a matter of time before he can belt out the big notes. He didn't here but he knows himself well enough not to do what he can't do

Lauren Alaina: Faith Hill, "Wild One."
Se rushed the song and was distracted the whole time. She didn't actually sing the song at all. She was barely connected to it. She clipped her words until I could barely understand her. It might have been here worst performance ever and I don't think she knew it any more than she knows it when she is brilliant.

Haley Reinhart: Led Zeppelin, "What Is and What Should Never Be."
The old man got to play with his daughter in front of millions of people. How cool is that? She was rocking and very comfortable. OK she fell down but that's OK. I didn't even notice. This is Haley at her best. Because her dad was playing so well with her, it was the most entertaining song in weeks.

Round 2 Producer's choice

Scotty: Are You Going to Kiss Me or Not?"
I hate this song. It represents everything I dislike about the present pop country. but I don't blame Scotty. He did everything that could be done with it. He's actually a very good actor. He could make it on stage.

Lauren: Band Perry, "If I Die Young
She sang it like she didn't understand it. At one point, Lauren decided to put in the obligatory "run" and it sounded stupid. It is a beautiful delicate subtle song. It has to breath to live and she smothered it.

Haley: Stevie Nicks, "Rihannon."

I liked the original much better. Adequate. After her first song, I was surprised she didn't try to put a little more "Haley" on it. At least it was respectful of the original. She wins the award for being the most beautiful object in the win blown set.

Round 3 Judges choice

Scotty: Kenny Rogers, "She Believes in Me."
He sang well. He didn't struggle. He felt it. Good choice and delivery. I think the judges forced him to do a big chorus. They must have know he could have blown it. But he didn't.

Lauren: Lee Ann Womack, "I Hope You Dance."
Finally she sounded like I expected her to. Beautiful song and her natural gifts were sparkling like the sun on the water. Had she blown this song, she would be gone next week. She still might be but this song was beautiful.

Haley Alanis Morissette, "You Oughta Know."
No comment because I don't know the song at all and I didn't much care for it.

Summary. Anyone could lose and anyone could win. If the merit of this nights performance were the deciding factor, Haley wins.

If you take the whole season into account, Lauren wins.

If you consider the howling masses voting their fingers numb, anyone can win but Scotty might have an edge.

If I get to choose who I want to win place and show it would be Lauren, Scotty and Haley.

I'm close to your assessment Joe,

some of these songs left so little impression on me that I'v already forgotten how well (or not) they were sung...
Yes Lauren rushed through "Wild One" no...she didn't connect with it..more so...she sounded like she was just trying to keep up with the tempo... (hanging on for dear life..as it were)

Haley's "Rhiannon" just didn't work for me.... something was just off... kind of thin... and considering her power potential....it wasn't there... just forced an unflattering comparison with Stevie Nicks

I was surprised with the judges reaction to Scotty's "She Believes in Me" they commented that yes in fact he could sing in a higher range...and...well yes he did hit the notes..but they were weak. That higher section should be some of the louder notes.... and he just didn't have any power behind those notes. I think he would have been better served if he'd picked a lower key.

and then there's Haley's "You Oughta Know" didn't know the song... not a big Allanis Morisette fan (don't even know how to spell her name LOL) again..they praised her good points but bypassed the problems... Yes she hit those choruses and belted them (like she always does) but she sacrificed the verses to do it.... those low notes were extremely muffled...not just quiet..totally unrecognizable by anyone who didn't know what she was supposed to be singing. again... seems like she picked a bad key and could have gone with a higher key. (don't think she was at the top of her range)

I still like Lauren best of the three.... Scotty is at least less irritating than before.... but his facial expressions are still off-putting...
and I just can't get into Haley at all.... (although my husband who really has no use at all for any screaming or such likes her best...so go figure)
anybody's guess.... just too hard to call....but yeah...I bet the young girls megavoting makes Scotty a definite one of the two

Well there you have it. They are the youngest folks ever to reach the finals. In my opinion, they are also the two most decent kids in the pak. After next weeks show maybe AI should just announce the voting was too close and declare them co-winner. Scotty will probably take it better than Lauren if he loses. If there is any doubt about the power of the country voting block, it was answered last night.

Scotty deserves a special award for the "Most improved". For a kid who rode in on a one-trick-pony, he sure learned quick. I have a song I want to pitch to him right now!

Lauren is just a sweet girl with a gift. Seeing her interact last night with the "hero" boy who saved his brother from the flood, was worth watching the whole show.

A lot of you will laugh at this so called "stupid" contest, but above and beyond the Hollywood fluff, there is real human drama, hope and optimism. 3 years ago I though this show would have folded by now but I think it lost a lot of it's cynicism when Simon left. The present judges, of which Randy is the only original, now seem to project the right combination of critique and encouragement. I don't know if the show will be around 5 years from now but I think the world is richer for it having been aired.

I believe the final show is moved up to Tuesday.

Yeah, that went just as it should have...IMO. I totally concur with absolutely everything that you've said here. I could not have said it better....(and I don't usually say that....that's the writer in me...lol)
I will be there Tuesday.....watching one of those great and decent kids, take home the prize. But at this point....they have both won.

Jan

It has been a good show this year with lots of talent. I felt from day one that Lauren should be in the finals, there is something I like about that girl.

Though I am from North Carolina and should pull for Scotty, my vote is going to Lauren, because I like her voice better, range, and personality. But I am happy for them all, and feel the final 4 of them will get some kind of record deal and deserve it.

Kim

Hey Joe, I went back and read all you asessments each week that came BEFORE the results were announced and you loved James or at least thought he was clearly making the finals. But the time you posted after the results, you seemed you knew he'd be gone all of the sudden? = )

The two best of the season went 6th and 4th. The 3rd and 4th best of the season went 1 and 2. I can live with that (as I have no choice) but it's a shame the top 4 couldn't have finished in the top 4. Some of those who remained above Casey were an embarrassment (Jacob and Haley?). Ironically it was Casey who SAVED Haley in their two duets, but Haley got all the credit and to her credit parlayed it into a typical case of a really weak contestant finishing 3rd. (Remember year 1 where Tamyra went out in 4 and left that red headed girl, (Nikki?) who couldn't sing a note into 3rd and the even more heinous Justine into second? That has traded with this season as the most unfair in idol history. Perhaps people figured James and Casey were safe because they were so dominent every week. That happens a lot. People vote for someone they like who had a bad week to "save" them and let someone more deserving go home. It was 100% clear that as each contestant went home, there were only 3 real shocks among fans and judges: Casey Twice, Pia Once (though she really deserved it with really bad performances even though we all knew she had potential, she sucked on the big stage) and James. No others when they got voted off surprised or really saddened anyone.

What sucks for me even more than Casey who I believe musicians "got" more than fans, was James who had never been worse than second best in any week getting the boot in 4th. He'll still be a star and I knew trouble might be ahead when Ryan said "this is the week Daughtry was voted out" because they must have seen a disconnect between the voting and the performances. After all, look at how terrible the guest performers have been? Some of those Pop/R&B performances have been among the worst I've ever seen (though last season had the all time worst "star" performances). There were songs that had no verses only forgettable programming and forgettable hooks (though my wife disagreed and thought the hooks were obviously going to be hits, but I still listen for some semblence of an actual story or point to the song and not just musical/verbal masturbation). Though Haley "performed" better than the other two in some of the last 5 weeks shows, she's not a fraction of the singer. Lauren has always had the most upside and we all know it. In fact, they'd both (Scotty and Lauren) the youngest finalists ever. So you know who the biggest winner is? Country music. Both Scotty and Lauren and more old school than pop country (Lauren's best were when she was channeling 60's-70's country divas). Scotty is still no Chris Young (though Chris has already had 2 number 1's this year) but I predict he's the front runner to win. He performs far better than Lauren (not sings, performs). But he's far from an "artist" still in that he doesn't connect very often to the songs he sings. He just sings the words with a mimic style but no real mental/emotional connection. Nevertheless, he's the most ready. Which means this season, he probably WON'T win since the deserving people don't do well this season do they?

I predict the highlight of this seasons finale will be Casey and James and who they get to sing with. Most folks will be most excited to see that. But we're going to get a whole lotta Country and Country-Hybrid artists in the finale. Jimmy Iovine's closest Country connection seems to be Hannah Montana's alter ego, but I suspect we may see Taylor Swift, at least 2 Country Hall of Famers and Steven Tyler singing with someone, perhaps James. I think we might see Casey play with a famous Jazz player (he named one earlier in the season, but I can't remember who, but I could see it happening). Jimmy's connected like nobody's else in business (though Country isn't his deepest suit, he'll get whoever he wants). So I expect the finale to be among the best ever. And if Lauren wins, she'll be the youngest ever and might turn into the Lebron James of the music world... her upside is sick. If Scotty wins, he's pretty much the best he can be already short of connecting with songs better. Ironically, I think we might see a return to old school country in music and we might see Scotty and Lauren team up (they do sing very well together) like those old 60's-70's team ups in country music and grand ole opry days. People are finally done with Rap/R&B. I had hoped (and still think it might happen) that we'll see some Rock comeback, but if you remember when Rock last had it's heyday with hair bands, the other massive movement was country music and Garth Brooks. It's all a cycle after all and the pendulum might be swinging away from Rap once and for all (until Spoken Word/Rap combos breaks through which could happen one day). That would be far better than what anyone unfamiliar with the style has ever heard in that vein. We've been hearing fantastic Spoken Word artists and recently our Male, Female and Horizon artists have been from the Rock, Country and Spoken Word realm. Perhaps we've been a harbinger of what is coming all along.

It doesn't matter who wins, both will be country stars for years to come. Chris Young blew away the field in record numbers during his Nashville Star run (just after his most active JPF days) and he's got that old school voice that Scotty has. I bet they are battling it out for many years to come. Lauren will be the Kelly Clarkson of Country for years to come. (And Kelly, who had a similar voice and look seems to be switching to country of late as well.. Lauren can (and should have) sing Rock, Pop or Country equally well just like Kelly. But she'll help kick start country music like Kelly helped kick start Rock/Pop a decade ago.

2 out of 4 ain't bad I guess.

Brian

Brian,

I'll have to look back see what I said about James and see if I was guilty of "attempted prophesy" Here is a compilation of all the things I said about him. I was losing enthusiasm for him before he left, but clearly there was a time when i thought he was unstoppable.

March 10th (21:01 AM) James Durbin: Paul McCartney’s “Maybe I’m Amazed”
Maybe I'm amazed? No I am amazed. This guy is is talented and getting stronger.

March 17th: James Durbin – "I'll Be There For You" by Bon Jovi
Rock on James- you will be the big hit on the tour.

March 23rd: James Durbin -- "Livin' for the City," Stevie Wonder
Wow! This kid is ready to tour right now. Great voice, great range, great musical personality. Top 3 easily.

March 31st James Durbin, "Saturday Night's All Right" I hope this kid doesn't break his leg when he jumps off the stage, on to the piano, off the piano etc. Personally I didn't care for the song but it doesn't matter, he was in his element and I pick him to be in the top 3 when they are announced.

April 7th SHOW didn't review

April 8th Post results comments. The ones who do have large enough fans to reach the top three are: Lauren Alaina, James Durbin and Scotty McCreery

April 14th SHOW didn't review.
April 15th post results comments: Here is how I think they will leave the stage from here on out:
Haley Reinhart, Stefano Langone, Jacob Lusk, Casey Abrams, James Durbin and Scotty McCreery- leaving Lauren Alaina. I think Lauren will win because she is Kelly Clarkson 2011.

April 21 James Durbin, "Uprising," Muse.
This kid is a concert rocker and he puts on the best show. If this contest is won by the best concert performer- he wins hands down. But my wife said she couldn't understand a word he said. When Scottie sang she said, "I can understand every word he says".

April 28th James Durbin “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow.”
It there was any question as to who has been dominating the past few weeks, it was settled last night when he sang a song that, coming from a guy, could have been a disaster. He can go from a near scream to a perfectly modulated tender phrase in a millisecond. After tonight, I don't see anyone stopping him.

May 5th James Durbin, "30 Seconds to Mars."
Concert ready performer- just what he has been doing for the last 4 weeks.
Round 2: Classics from the 60s and 70s

James Durbin, "Without You." Very nice until he hit the power notes. Had he hit a few and then brought the song back down to Earth, I would have been with him all the way, but he stayed up there in thin air until his oxygen was all gone.

May 6th Curiously, I think the two people who have the strongest internal confidence is Scotty and Haley. James and Lauren are emotionally very similar and are at the edge of their emotions.

Lauren, Scotty and James have careers ahead of them no matter what happens. Haley may or may not depending upon how she finishes.

May 12th SHOW- I didn't review it- didn't have time.
May 13th Post results comments: James Durbin “Don’t Stop Believing.” Journey
Second song: “Love Potion No. 9.”
The first song was spectacular. The second song was a lightweight silly song that he couldn't transform. Had the song order been the other way around, he might still be in the competition.

AND THEN HE WAS GONE 4TH PLACE FINISH LEAVING HALEY!!!????

Haley looked utterly pissed when she was named to leave but nobody cried. I think she will have a modest career possibly touring with dad. James still could be the biggest post AI star. I think we are most likely to hear Scotty on the radio first. Lock them doors and turn the lights down low!

Brian, the guy Casey said he'd like to jam with is dead ... one of those old time jazz guys !

Joe,

Relax, I just thought it was funny that your post show seemed to change from him being clearly at or near the top all season to being the predictable choice to have gone. If you really thought he was going in 4th, you're pretty darn awesome because I doubt many people watching expected it. (Possibly feared it, like my wife who was, like me, still disgusted about Casey going so early and feared the other best one might go in some stupidity of the voting process).

I wish there was a way for people to rank their picks rather than just vote over and over for 1. Their "92 million votes" probably came from 6-10 million people if that. When you can vote over and over and over on line as well as via calling or texting (and most people have free unlimited text plans now) it's just silly. Want the best people (or at least the most popular to the widest range of people) to always win? Keep people from voting more than 1 time. I realize some will find ways to cheat, but not most.

Ah well... it's just TV fun. All the kids in the finals got more publicity than 99.99999999% of artists in all of history every got. Can't feel sorry for any of them. But an all-country finish is a yawner and I'll be far more interested seeing Casey and James do their duets with their heroes which I bet at both highlights should they allow it to happen and let them have someone decent and not just someone the label wants to promote. I do get riled up when anyone goes before their talent indicates. The worst are the folks who get ripped off from even going to Hollywood or into the finals. But I've spent my life helping and supporting underdogs.

Brian

I like that about you Brian, supporting underdogs,I feel the same way, most people want to support the winners,somehow it reflects back on them and makes them feel good, but I always feel bad for the all-so-rans who put their best into the race but came up short. They feel bad and most people couldn't care less, some even rub salt into their wounds, which I detest. I don't like sore losers but I hate boastful pompous winners even more.

Due to more important things in my life, I was unable to listen to Scotty and Lauren's first two songs. However, as it turned out, I got to see the songs that really mattered - as the other songs were just more glorified karaoke. I just got in when Scotty started his unknown song. He nailed it. Then Lauren, under pressure from Scotty came back with an excellent performance of a song that was made for her. If she wins, she needs to show the songwriter(s) and Jimmy some appreciation. Scotty would've nailed any song that Jimmy chose. Lauren had to have one that hit home with her. Because of the song Jimmy chose for her, I would not be surprised if she won. Yeah, Jimmy already said that he thinks Scotty will win. However it's the vote that counts. Frankly, I don't care who wins - although I think I would have a better song pitch opportunity with Scotty.
I must add that Jimmy proved the value of a seasoned producer to the show. I didn't agree with every decision he made - but most of them. Actually, he had better critiques than the judges. AI just didn't show them until results night - which I think helped Lauren avoid a loss of votes due to criticism over the last couple of weeks.

I thought Lauren far out-shined Scotty all three rounds. As has been noted before...he just doesn't appear to connect very well with the songs he sings. He may perform them okay...but there's just something missing.
(or maybe I just can't connect with him....I guess that's possible LOL)

I though Scotty did very well with his first song "Gone". In fact he did it better than the first time he did it. But that has been the progression of Scotty. He learns and adapts.

Scotty's second song was chosen by George Strait-"Check yes or no". I didn't like the song when Strait did it and it didn't get any better when Scotty sang it.

Soctty's last song worked the hook "I love you this big" which is cute when a little kid says it but when a country writer spins it, it becomes tedious, silly and finally, just a weird annoying hook. Bad luck Scotty.

Lauren sang Carrie Underwood's "Flat on the Floor," and despite a bruised vocal chord did well. Then she sang "Maybe it Was Memphis" by Pam Tillis and it was a little less than inspired. Finally she sang the song that will be released as her first single, "Like My Mother Does" Is was better than Scotty's "I love you this big" but it was a little sappy. It did however have a chorus that caught some wind unlike Scotty's chorus which keep his voice mired in the shallows.

Lauren has a better voice. Scotty is better grounded and probably better prepared for the disappointment of losing.

It's been a fun season. I will DVR the final show because the producers have scheduled 2 hours to do 5 minutes of work (tell us who won).

I imagine Lauren will win but they ought to consider pairing up after the tour and release their first album as a duo- I think that would be a marketing bonanza. Better still they should pick the Just Plain Folks country writer's best songs.


And Brian, about James Durbin; after the April 28th show (when he sang "Will you still love me tomorrow") I didn't see anything stopping him and I said so- it was a breath taking performance. It was so much better than anyone else, I couldn't draw any other conclusion. But that was his highest point. The next week, May 5th, he sang "Without You", a song too close to his emotions and he lost control. The next week he say "Love Potent # 9". It didn't really work. Bad luck. He was gone. It took two consecutive weeks of less than stellar performances to sink James. Thank wasn't me changing my tune- that was James blowing it!

Predicting is all part of the fun of watching and commenting. Personally, what I find interesting is that the two people my wife and I "liked" the most (as people) are now the finalist. And I will be the first to admit that I may have been manipulated by the story line scripted by the AI writers.

The producers already know who is going to be in the top 10 before we even see a single episode. Every show before Fox goes live, has been compiled from hundreds of hours of video. The producers know these kids backwards and forwards before we even know their names. They know how to manipulate the show for maximum comedy and drama as they shoot and edit. Just like a sitcom has a story line, the writers of AI create story lines that are completely scripted. Their characters are these hopeful singers and want-a-bees. The characters don't have to be real- just compelling. Every story needs a hero, a nemesis and comic relief. It needs pathos and heart string plunking devices. But for all that manipulation, the show ultimately goes live, and when it does, the writers don't have control of the whole script anymore. But they can still tweek it. I think the judges and the producers want Lauren to win. One way to make that more possible would be to give Scotty a couple of lousy songs. I don't really think that was done consciously but I do think it is clear how the producers want this story to end.

This manipulation isn't as blatant as it was in the 60's when the producers fed the answers to a favorite contestant in the 64 Thousand Dollar Question, but it comes out of the same playbook.

SCOTTY WON!!! COUNTRY WON TOO!!! So young, so talented, so sweet a guy! I think he said he couldn't have done it without the Lord and he is so right!!!! God Bless you Scotty!!! Stay humble don't stumble!!!!!

Ladies and gentlemen, look through your song catalogs for Scotty material because he's got the contract.
I also thought Casey showed some potential with Jack Black as someone who could pull off a novelty act. With his current fame, he could probably pull it off with some good material. I could see him on a gig with his bass doing some comedy songs.
It looks like the tour will feature the female singers in "hooker-wear"( who can tell the difference these days?) and have the guys doing the montages and solos as they did last night. I was surprised that that didn't do any solo with Pia or use her to anchor a montage as they'd done in the past.
JLo got to do her imitation of a Ricky Martin dancer(La Vida Loca) in her husband's performance. Beyonce was her usual. Lady Gaga was her usual unusual. Frankly Gaga's head and shoulders above Beyonce in making musical theatre. Beyonce just has her slut-wear babes shakin' booty while she sings or was begging "make love to me" into the camera. Her act is so shallow. Haley did a nice duet with Tony Bennett, but growled too much in her other performances. I think a lot of the also-rans have lost alot of their "exposure benefit" already - kind like MAB's post earlier on this thread reminded us.

I disagree sum, Beyonce was modern...looks and sings great ...
As far as who won ... who cares ? once you make the top 5 or so, you got enough exposure to step into the next try at being successful ... Haley's duet with Tony was was TOO FAST .... Tony actually dropped the song at one point because he couldn't keep up. They didn't give Pia much of anything ... It WAS a pretty fun watch this year though

I haven't read the above posts because I still haven't seen the final show, but I did hear who won, not that I cared much. As I see it the 2 best performers went out in 6th and 4th, so who cared whether the 3rd and 4th best won or lost. I think over the course of the season, if you removed the two far superior performers who were eliminated early, the winner may have been the most consistent of those left. Haley should have been out in 10th place, give or take a spot or two so she was the real winner in terms of exposure. If not for her 2 duets with Casey, she'd have been long gone. Those were her first 2 great performances. He Led Zep performance was her best solo shot, but otherwise, she was lacking. Of the two finalists, we had a 16 year old who has nothing but upside. She needs experience and practice performing but has the raw materials to be a legit star. Scotty is what he is. Just another old school sounding voice in the country field with a lot of built in fans assuring some hits and some awards but after a few years, it will be surprising to see him elevate to a top tier male country star like Carrie Underwood did.

The real surprise (and the REAL winner) was that the country vote was strong indicating Country is ready for another big push like it was in the Garth days. We may see an explosion of popularity in that crowd now that the rap/pop/r&b mix has finally worn out it's welcome. I think as we see a shift to more conservative politics, we'll see a similar shift to more conservative values in music meaning country has a shot at reviving itself if they don't blow it (sort of like if the conservative politicians don't blow it). People are ready, but only if both deliver.

Right now I have the biggest respect for Lady GaGa who, though a copy of Madonna, is the most interesting and entertaining performer in music right now. (If she isn't, I'd like to hear those who are better?). I was disappointed the rockers didn't do better. James was the real deal in that field, but it appears kids and parents just aren't interested. He was head and shoulders above the rest of the field, sort of like last 2 years runners up, but like Daughtry, he might still come out of this with a career. If hair band metal has a future, he's one of those who will have to bring it back (even without the long hair).

I hope the last couple shows are entertaining. Like I said I haven't seen them plus big chunks were missed as we were in the middle of serious tornado warnings which kept cutting into both episodes (I think 4+ times) where the warning buzzer shut down all shows on all channels, and then local stations cut off the shows as well. Must have KILLED local ad income missed. But we're still lucky we didn't have terrible touchdowns like they had in other parts of tornado alley.

Brian

Scotty was on the Regis show this morning. He is mature, self assured and humble. It's hard not to like him. He mentioned that he sang "The way you look tonight" during audition, probably before we saw him. He also did a John Mayer song, explaining that he wanted to make sure the judges didn't think he was just country. But if you noticed, the scripted AI storyline was that he was a country kid right out of the sticks. That was never the case but that is what we were led to believe.

If you are interested, Lauren will be on the show tomorrow. Any rumors that they are romantically linked was slammed by Scotty who said they are like "brother and sister". He sang that terrible song "I love you this big". There has got to be better material out there. In fact there is better material right here on this site.

Guess I never added my two cents worth on this thread!

In the essence of time, suffice it to say I would have preferred that James won (aside from his superior talent, the Tourette's connection with my son Charlie was awesome), I can understand the appeal of the two finalists. I wish them all good luck and hope they have a lot of fun on the Tour and beyond.

Belatedly thanks to you all for the play-by-play -- it was fun to read in the Monday Morning Quarterback position .

xoxo