DR Jose wrote: "The big culprit was bad song choice. Why pick a smooth jazz song? Why pick an easy listening song? Why pick a "slow groove"? It appears the contestants were trying too much to show a different side of them rather than showing the judges who they really are. -Which the judges commented on."
But I don't understand these criticisms. Once the finalists start singing in the final 12, they're going to be asked to sing in LOTS of different styles, so why is it bad to "mix it up" a bit with their choice of song and their vocal stylings (for those who are sophisticated enough to be able to style a song)? The judges keep complaining about the contestants "playing it safe" (this is what Randy said to Matt Rogers, the football guy, last night), but I think that's facile criticism. If he was playing safe, he'd sing "Happy Birthday." A singer can forget words, go off pitch, get distracted, or go off tempo on any kind of song. And they're not experienced enough to HAVE a set style yet. The judges are going to judge their style on 20 seconds of an audition song and a couple of other bits and pieces that they've heard. Absurd!
I guess what I'm trying to get at - and which just hit me a few minutes ago - is that AI is no longer a contest or competition - or even necessarily a talent show. By this point and time - meaning the third season - it's more of a game. Kind of like "Survivor" in a way. The contestants should be using these rounds - just like their initial "audition" to get to the next round, and not necessarily show "who they are".
It's unfortunate that some strategizing has to be done, but I think it does.
-The football player was good. Good not great. I, too, had a sense he was holding back.
-A Norah Jones song to show off your range? I don't think so. Her material is purposely non-show-offy. It's calm. Soothing. -And then if you "pop it up" it just makes the song sound wrong. Unfortunately, suspender girl was having pitch issues last night too.
-Hawaiian girl - I don't get her either.
-And again, that's just my two cents... for today, at least.
Fortunately, once it gets down to the final 12, and they start doing theme shows, the playing ground becomes more level.
*I'm sorry I don't the contestants real names...
As for their own style... Well, yes the contestants are young. Yes, they are inexperienced. But if they truly want to be - and ARE - the next American Idol, they should have their own style by now - even if they can't put a exact label on it right now. If they want to snag a record contract right off the bat, they have to have the special something - the "it" factor - that separates them from the rest of the crowd.
And just like any other audition - the people behind the table have to go by what they've just seen and heard. There's only so much second guessing one can do. And if someone was good before, and not so good now, well, I'd have to question their talent too. It's all in the moment. For better or worse.
Well... I'm starting to ramble, and I need to get going and run some errands.
-But who knew I would ever be discussing American Idol?!?!?