American Idol - Season 19

[PeterG]

The new season starts tonight at 8pm on ABC. A few interest articles I saw today:

Linda Perry's challenge to 'American Idol' producers: 'Put me on. I dare you.'

Linda Perry's challenge to 'American Idol' producers: 'Put me on. I dare you.'

“I wish and pray to God right now that they would just call me and put me on that show, because I am fed up with that s***."

ca.yahoo.com

Perry first gained fame as a member of 4 Non-Blondes who had the hit song "What's Up?" Perry is also a Grammy nominated producer who has worked with P!nk, Gwen Stefani, Arianda Grande, Christina Aguilera, Dolly Parton, Miley Cyrus, Courney Love, the Chicks, Alicia Keys, Cheap Trick and Celine Dion.


'I felt nervous and sick': Claudia Conway, 16, reveals she is not happy with her American Idol audition

Claudia Conway reveals she's not happy with her American Idol audition

The 16-year-old daughter of former US president Donald Trump's adviser Kellyanne Conway and The Lincoln Project co-founder George Conway shared her thoughts on a TikTok video.

www.dailymail.co.uk

Kellyanne Conway's daughter will auditon this season.

 

[taf2002]

I wasn't impressed with Claudia Conway & was surprised to learn that she has had years of voice training. Her style is so affected & her persona comes off as rich girl entitled. The girl who sang last has a good voice but I didn't like her style either. Plus that hideous outfit wasn't doing her any favors either.

I loved the Tennessee farm boy. His original song was great & his voice was so polished. I wanted Luke to say leave this competition & let's go straight to Nashville. The black girl who sang Chain of Fools was even better. IMO those 2 are ready for primetime right now.

 

[Aceon6]

I liked the first guy, Benson Boone, and the Chain of Fools gal, NiaRenee, the best. I have to admit that I’m not one to appreciate traditional country, so Alex Miller may be the greatest thing since the mayo sandwich, but I’m not buying. The last gal, Grace Kinstler, showed why she’s at Berklee, but her styling left much to be desired. I could get over the plaid, but not with white shoes. Everyone else either had affectations up the wazoo, or won’t last through group round.

 

[genevieve]

I saw on the news that Claudia Conway had auditioned and all I can think is, what a cheap ass stunt for the producers (and her parents, who seem to both be out to lunch). I watched the video but had to turn it off before she finished the song because it was just gross. I stopped watching DWTS when they cast Bristol Palin, and this feels the same. Claudia is in need of a lot of help and this seems like a step in the wrong direction. The whole family needs to step back and step out of the public eye now that the nightmare administration is over.

 

[BaileyCatts]

If Claudia Conway was not a ratings grab, that audition would have never gotten a Golden Ticket. That was no way good enough for a Golden Ticket and were it not for her name, she gets some polite advice (thank you Luke!) and gets sent on her way. Even just compared to all the others who got thru on that one show, she needs to be part of the first round cuts. No way was that strong enough to get to the Group Rounds. And I had no clue who this girl was until all the internet chatter started about it so its not a biased opinion. She's not good enough for Golden Ticket.

 

[taf2002]

If Claudia Conway was not a ratings grab, that audition would have never gotten a Golden Ticket. That was no way good enough for a Golden Ticket and were it not for her name, she gets some polite advice (thank you Luke!) and gets sent on her way. Even just compared to all the others who got thru on that one show, she needs to be part of the first round cuts. No way was that strong enough to get to the Group Rounds. And I had no clue who this girl was until all the internet chatter started about it so its not a biased opinion. She's not good enough for Golden Ticket.

She'll be cut 1st round in Hollywood IMO. I doubt that she'll ever get to groups. The more I think about the more I can't believe she's had years of voice training. Were all her teachers that scared of her parents? Did no one ever say find another vocation?

 

[Aceon6]

She'll be cut 1st round in Hollywood IMO. I doubt that she'll ever get to groups. The more I think about the more I can't believe she's had years of voice training. Were all her teachers that scared of her parents? Did no one ever say find another vocation?

Since the parents have the money, I’d be more surprised if any music teachers would discourage her from taking lessons. Privately, they may have told her and/or her parents that it would take a LOT of work for her to get where she wanted to be, but telling her to stop, no.

 

[ilovepaydays]

Just watched Claudia Conway’s audition. I’m disgusted that American Idol is enabling this. She’s still a minor!

We’re trying to learn from what happened to Britney Spears, right? RIGHT?!

 

[moebius]

The new season starts tonight at 8pm on ABC. A few interest articles I saw today:

Linda Perry's challenge to 'American Idol' producers: 'Put me on. I dare you.'

Linda Perry's challenge to 'American Idol' producers: 'Put me on. I dare you.'

“I wish and pray to God right now that they would just call me and put me on that show, because I am fed up with that s***."

ca.yahoo.com

Perry first gained fame as a member of 4 Non-Blondes who had the hit song "What's Up?" Perry is also a Grammy nominated producer who has worked with P!nk, Gwen Stefani, Arianda Grande, Christina Aguilera, Dolly Parton, Miley Cyrus, Courney Love, the Chicks, Alicia Keys, Cheap Trick and Celine Dion.


'I felt nervous and sick': Claudia Conway, 16, reveals she is not happy with her American Idol audition

Claudia Conway reveals she's not happy with her American Idol audition

The 16-year-old daughter of former US president Donald Trump's adviser Kellyanne Conway and The Lincoln Project co-founder George Conway shared her thoughts on a TikTok video.

www.dailymail.co.uk

Kellyanne Conway's daughter will auditon this season.

I would like a judge to be brutally honest to these contestants, instead of sugar coating their critique. Most of these contestants need a wake up call. They need to know that they are just not cut out for the music industry.

 

[PeterG]

Just finished watching episode one. So a bit late to things! I didn't think anyone would end up being any of my favourites for the season, but the three that stood out for me were:

Claudia Conway - When We Were Young - I didn't care for the first song (Love On The Brain), but after Katy directed her to block out all the noise and focus on the lyrics of the second song, Claudia did much better. Not a perfect vocal, but there were not any brilliant singers anywhere in this episode. If Claudia can lose the nervousness and focus on the strength of her voice, she could do quite well. She has a great pop voice and that's what this show is about. The studio can work out all the kinks until her voice gets stronger over time. I'm guessing Jennifer Lopez took a LOT of voice lessons and now she's a powerhouse.

Nia Renee - Chain Of Fools. Awful song choice. Next time she will sing Falling by Alicia Keys and then Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen. Then I will loathe her. Nia's vocals were strong, but her well-rehearsed affections were unoriginal, as were the growls. Growls are so fake unless you are Janis Joplin (and maybe Melissa Etheridge).

Alex Miller - I'm Over You So Get Over Me. Not a perfect vocal, but he's a decent songwriter and guitar player. The flaws in the vocal hopefully are because of nerves, which affected everybody tonight. Alex is too country for country music, but I'm sure the producers will have him tone that down.

So am I the only one that think Claudia has potential?

 

[Aceon6]

So am I the only one that think Claudia has potential?

To get through because the producers want her to? Probably. She can (mostly) stay in tune and she‘s likely to appeal to their broadcast demographic.

 

[vgerdes]

Can we talk about THIS week? I really liked the 15-year-old girl who sang "My Funny Valentine," and the Black guy who sang "Diamonds."

 

[BaileyCatts]

Can we talk about THIS week? I really liked the 15-year-old girl who sang "My Funny Valentine," .......

Was she the one where Luke said something like "I think she's the winner of American Idol"? I don't remember her name. I like to keep track of the people the judges say could win and see how well they really do.

But yea ... .that girl whatever her name was .... she could totally win it all.

Pit Bull wannabe was clearly put thru due to comedic relief, and Lionel pretty much said as much. He was fun, but he won't make Top 10.

The country girl with the attitude could make it if she works on her presentation and worked with a vocal coach between auditions and Hollywood week. She put me off with her attitude though.

The guy who had done prison time, he was borderline to put thru to me, he got thru more on his 'story'. I don't think he'll make it to the final cut.

Loved the last guy too.

Maybe I'll learn their names at some point.


I kinda miss the "old school" American Idol audition rounds, like from the earliest seasons. Half the fun of the audition rounds was the awful singers. I got no problem with their poor wittle feewings gettin' hurt because no one forced them to go audition. From the second season going forward, everyone knew what the auditions were like so if you went and got roasted cause clearly you can't sing, ain't no ones fault but your own. And it made for some great TV. We'll never get that again on the audition rounds.

 

[BaileyCatts]

So I don't remember any of their names but .....

Molly Maid Girl gets thru .... uh, really? She could not keep time, she was way off key, she was nasally and sang thru her nose and I didn't think she was that good at all. She gets thru with 3 judges praising her like she was the Second Coming, and Firefigher Dude didn't get one single Yes vote?? Seriously? She's a first round cut compared to everyone else we have seen so far.

Elvira Girl in the crazy black dress .... what the hell was that? I'm with Luke, was she singing in English or was that another language because I could not understand a single word she sang, if it was actually words that she sang that is. Even when they told her to actually say the whole w-o-r-d ... not just "w-o-r" ... and to enunciate I still couldn't understand a single word she sang. How the hell did she get 3 votes other than to be a first round cut. She was horrible.

Last Girl Who Sang .... wow. She mad me cry. That was just beautiful.

 

[PeterG]

I didn't post last week because I thought almost everybody was quite awful. The brother and sister from Hawaii were okay. But I thought the judges would have them sing something individually so they could get a better idea of what they could do. I always hate when couples or siblings or friends audition at the same time. The producers try to create drama by one of the two being sent home at some point. It's cheesy. If I was there to support somebody, I would stick to being their support person. I wouldn't give up that role and instead try to take the glory away from them. I would be so angry with somebody if they came (only) to support me and ended up auditioning and then going farther in the competition than me. That's like the perfect way to ruin a friendship or relationship.

The only really good singer was...

Amanda Mena - Golden Slumbers

I will try to watch Sunday's show tomorrow.

 

[Aceon6]

I will try to watch Sunday's show tomorrow.

Unless you’re really interested in the back stories, have your thumb on the fast forward button. It wasn’t pretty.

 

[Susan1]

I've forgotten already, but the girl named Alanis was the best I've heard. I only remember that was her name because I never could stand the Alanis she was named after.

 

[taf2002]

I didn't post last week because I thought almost everybody was quite awful. The brother and sister from Hawaii were okay. But I thought the judges would have them sing something individually so they could get a better idea of what they could do. I always hate when couples or siblings or friends audition at the same time. The producers try to create drama by one of the two being sent home at some point. It's cheesy. If I was there to support somebody, I would stick to being their support person. I wouldn't give up that role and instead try to take the glory away from them. I would be so angry with somebody if they came (only) to support me and ended up auditioning and then going farther in the competition than me. That's like the perfect way to ruin a friendship or relationship.

The only really good singer was...

Amanda Mena - Golden Slumbers

I will try to watch Sunday's show tomorrow.

I thought the girl should have gone thru & the boy sent home. But when you consider all the people going to Hollywood apparently the judges don't know how to judge singing.

 

[PeterG]

I thought the girl should have gone thru & the boy sent home. But when you consider all the people going to Hollywood apparently the judges don't know how to judge singing.

It seems like the judges are in awe of so many people who are iffy at best. I can see Katy and Luke putting through mediocre talent as they don't need competition for their careers. But Lionel hasn't had a new album since 2012 or something. So I have no idea what's up with him. Maybe his hearing aid is faulty?

 

[Aceon6]

Oy! Two weeks in a row for the badly sung, dirge version of Girl Crush. I guess kids don’t understand that songs with a lot of repeating notes just amplify any pitch issues. As for the rest, my ears didn’t bleed, so that’s a good thing. I was really into Alyssa Wray until the last few bars when she got just a touch pitchy and screechy.

 

[Susan1]

Which one sang the Katy Perry song and I was thinking it doesn't have a melody. She should sing a real song. Then Katy said she needed to sing a song that suited her voice or had more range or something. Well?....

 

[PeterG]

I thought Sunday's episode had the best talent so far. My favourites:

Beane - Wait For The Moment

Such perfect control of his voice. The performance was too cutesy, but if he sheds that and just sings without the gimmicky performance, I hope he will go far.

Ash Ruder

Wow. Better songwriter than a singer, and the singing is quite good. Very natural and missing the affectations of so many people auditioning.

Cheryl K - Endless Love

Mostly brilliant, with a few glitches, but I put that up to her singing with her Idol (Lionel) and being nervous. I thought the judges would recognize that and let her sing a song by herself and then put her through. So sending her home was possibly the biggest mistake of this season.

Murphy - The Painted Man

I was surprised the judges hesitated with Murphy. He seems like so many others these past few seasons that the judges have fawned over. But he's better. I hope he goes far.

Oy! Two weeks in a row for the badly sung, dirge version of Girl Crush. I guess kids don’t understand that songs with a lot of repeating notes just amplify any pitch issues. As for the rest, my ears didn’t bleed, so that’s a good thing. I was really into Alyssa Wray until the last few bars when she got just a touch pitchy and screechy.

I didn't understand why she slowed the tempo of Girl Crush when it's so perfect the way it was written. And you're so right about changing the song this way highlighted her flaws.

Cameron McGhar - Girl Crush / You Ain't Woman Enough

Which one sang the Katy Perry song and I was thinking it doesn't have a melody. She should sing a real song. Then Katy said she needed to sing a song that suited her voice or had more range or something. Well?....

I didn't understand the judges not liking her performance. Heather's style is not one I like, but I can't deny there isn't talent there. Heather made a pop song into a jazz song, the original is a decent pop song:

Katy Perry - Harleys In Hawaii

Heather Russell American Idol Audition - Harleys in Hawaii

 

[BaileyCatts]

The final cut last night with the two boys (whose names I can't remember) ..... wrong call! I would have put the kid with the big hair through! He was more entertaining, a better performer, and a better singer. Was he going to win? Probably not, but at this point they are building a show and that kid is far more entertaining than the guy they put thru. That other guy was boring and sang all nasally. Wrong call!

And that one guy they cut (names again!), the guy who is losing his sight, plays guitar, sang his own songs ... again wrong call! He should have made it thru as well.

So the Live shows start next week? Did I hear that correctly? I don't vote anymore, but I thought I heard Ryan say voting starts next week?

 

[moebius]

The final cut last night with the two boys (whose names I can't remember) ..... wrong call! I would have put the kid with the big hair through! He was more entertaining, a better performer, and a better singer. Was he going to win? Probably not, but at this point they are building a show and that kid is far more entertaining than the guy they put thru. That other guy was boring and sang all nasally. Wrong call!

And that one guy they cut (names again!), the guy who is losing his sight, plays guitar, sang his own songs ... again wrong call! He should have made it thru as well.

So the Live shows start next week? Did I hear that correctly? I don't vote anymore, but I thought I heard Ryan say voting starts next week?

Yup, voting starts next week.
I also think Drake (the guy with the Kid 'n Play hair) should have made it through. Cecil, the other guy that made it thru was not that great. Maybe b/c Drake sang a fun song that didn't show off his voice caused him to lose over a safe and boring Cecil.

And yes, blind guy should've definitely made it thru. He has a good attitude. His original song from the auditions kinda sound like the last part of Laura Mvula's 'Green Garden'.

Some questionable choices made by the judges as usual. Oh well...

 

[Aceon6]

Some questionable choices made by the judges as usual. Oh well..

Maybe they’re copying from the Voice playbook and putting people through who don’t threaten their chosen ones. Still, sending another WGWG* into the 24 is a recipe for a REALLY boring show.

WGWG = white guy with guitar. Originally used when Kris Allen bested Adam Lambert and reinforced when Lee Dewyze won over Crystal Bowersox. 9 of the winners were WGsWGs.

 

[PeterG]

And that one guy they cut (names again!), the guy who is losing his sight, plays guitar, sang his own songs ... again wrong call! He should have made it thru as well.

And yes, blind guy should've definitely made it thru. He has a good attitude. His original song from the auditions kinda sound like the last part of Laura Mvula's 'Green Garden'.

Some questionable choices made by the judges as usual. Oh well...

I was really disappointed when Philip Murphy got eliminated. Had to google him to get his name (he seemed to go by just "Murphy" on Idol) and saw this:

Eliminated American Idol Contestant Just Got An Awesome Job Offer From Frozen's Josh Gad

I was thinking that maybe they let him go only to have him return with a much larger fanbase next year, which would take him farther than he might go this year. But then I saw this in an article:

Philip Murphy was 38 years of age as his American Idol journey ended in 2021. What's sadder was that he was eliminated on 16thg December 2020, exactly on his 38th birthday.

I believe the cutoff to be on this show is 28. So that means this year was his last chance to be part of American Idol. Maybe he can wait a few years and try out for The Voice?

 

[moebius]

I was really disappointed when Philip Murphy got eliminated. Had to google him to get his name (he seemed to go by just "Murphy" on Idol) and saw this:

Eliminated American Idol Contestant Just Got An Awesome Job Offer From Frozen's Josh Gad

I was thinking that maybe they let him go only to have him return with a much larger fanbase next year, which would take him farther than he might go this year. But then I saw this in an article:



I believe the cutoff to be on this show is 28. So that means this year was his last chance to be part of American Idol. Maybe he can wait a few years and try out for The Voice?

Good for Murphy! Show the judges what they are missing.

 

[taf2002]

I believe the cutoff to be on this show is 28. So that means this year was his last chance to be part of American Idol. Maybe he can wait a few years and try out for The Voice?

I'm sure there are exceptions but I feel that generally if you haven't "made it" by the time you're 28 after years of trying it's just not going to happen. Of course there are singers who are able to make a living without becoming famous but it seems that people who go on multiple singing shows are the ones who won't be satisfied with "just" making a living.

 

[vgerdes]

There were some really great performances on Idol tonight, but I have to say that they absolutely saved the best for last. I wasn't that impressed with Grace Kinstler's solo, but her duet with Joss Stone on "Midnight Train..." stupendous. Serious chills. Best of the night.

 

[PeterG]

My rankings for tonight:

1. Grace Kinstler - the duet gave me chills. Thought Grace was better than Joss Stone!
2. Alana - the show is American Idol (based on the U.K. show Pop Idol) - Alan personifies a pop idol. Fantastic.
3. Andrea Valles - best duet of the night. She sounded good on her solo, but that song is not a favourite of mine.
4. Alanis Sophia - I felt she under-performed tonight. The duet was better than the solo. Maybe she was nervous going first?
5. Willie Spence - he has a great voice, but I don't think his talent was showcased as well tonight as it should have been.
6. Anilee List - she is a great singer, but something seemed off, like she was in the wrong key or something??
7. Cassandra Coleman - the best part of her performance was when Ryan Tedder bombastically upstaged their duet
8. Deshawn Goncalves - he's a great vocalist, but he was just so-so tonight
9. Alyssa Wray - she's been really good so far, tonight was kinda blah. I don't understand how this happened.
10. Wyatt Pike - Gosh, he's boring...
11. Graham DeFranco - What's with AI loving these alt-folk types? The show is about finding a pop star. Billie Eilish is alternative, but she's very pop at the same time. Graham is just forgettable. But he really seems to love himself on stage. Weird...
12. Cecil Ray - OMG. His solo was the most nasal-y vocal I have heard in my life. Luckily he was drowned out by everyone else on stage for the duet.