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RE: American Idol 2014 - Tusk - 04-18-2014
I think they are harder on her, especially about connection and emoting during her performances, because she's more experienced, because she is the more mature of the contestants.
As much as we'd like to think everyone should be treated equally, as human beings, in practice, it's not realistic.
We communicate with each individual differently. Sam is 17. They usually are lighter in their criticism than they would older contestants. CJ connects, so they don't have to work on that, so they point out his intonation and pitch. Dexter also connected but is a cover singer unable to make songs "his own", which is what they critique him on.
I didn't watch last week's show, so didn't experience what's described as 'unfair' judging, I'm speaking in terms of the season long observations. The adding of the "Mom from Hell" and negative clips seem a little shady. But over the length of this season, you can see where the contestants have been critiqued, and for the most part, they've been relatively accurate
Jessica needs to connect, loosen up, feel the songs she's singing. Learning these things, that most everybody acknowledge is a weakness, can only help her into the future. Half hearted efforts and now, calls to "stay who you are" are missing the point of needing to taste every opportunity she's been given.
I want her to fight back
RE: American Idol 2014 - buzzenator - 04-18-2014
Bottom line...there is no one like Haley Reinhart! She is one of a kind!
I have given up on American Idol...The Voice is superior right now. There must be something about the sound editing, because the mic on the singers in The Voice is so much better than Idol. Whether that translates into post show success over Idol, well we'll see. How about that Kat Perkins from Minneapolis...flawless according to Usher.
RE: American Idol 2014 - mercfan3 - 04-18-2014
She's only 23..and personally, I think her experience has been..exaggerated. Or it at least certainly looks like it. I mean, she's described it as "I play bars in Alabama." Just think about what that really amounts too.
Like I said, her critique wouldn't have been that big of a deal (in fact, it was accurate..) if everyone else hadn't gotten the A+++++ critique. (Besides Sam..and they picked on his song choice..which Jess gave him.) That's not getting into the rest of the night which amounted to slight Jess bussing or heavy Jess bussing.
Once again, it's not that she doesn't deserve critiques. In fact, I agree with you. I do think they have been slightly harder on Jessica throughout the season, but up until this week, JLo and Keith had been exceptional judges. and I would have totally bought the "they expect a little more from her" suggestion.
It's not like Haley in that..she's just not as good as Haley (and therefore, not dominating everyone)..nor had she constantly been in the bottom 3. But the bus came at Jessica hard this week. Editing, judging comments, performance slot (she went second) group performance. (she performed with Dexter and CJ..then the judges commented on how awful it was, but thought the boys sang well. )
Haley wasn't the first to be given that treatment. And she wasn't going to be the last. But her situation was the most ridiculous I've seen, because she was so far and away better than everyone else that for them to be making like she wasn't nearly as good..it was just silly. Jessica just happens to be that contestant this season. Most likely, her vote totals just suggest that she'll break up their chosen top 3 (Caleb, Jena, Alex) so they're trying to get rid of her.
edit: about this growth arc..with none of them, other than Jena..improving..to me it's becoming obvious (if it wasn't already) that these kids lack help. I think Jena's just ambitious and wants to win more so than anyone...everyone else is either as good as they were at the start..or look like a deer in headlights..still..
RE: American Idol 2014 - john - 04-18-2014
(04-18-2014, 09:33 PM)mercfan3 Wrote: edit: about this growth arc..with none of them, other than Jena..improving..to me it's becoming obvious (if it wasn't already) that these kids lack help. I think Jena's just ambitious and wants to win more so than anyone...everyone else is either as good as they were at the start..or look like a deer in headlights..still..
While I don't care for her voice -- it always sounds like she needs a throat lozenge to me -- I think Jena is doing a great job in the growth and development side of things. She looks and acts like she belongs there and is not afraid to change things up a little or a lot. And it works for her. I'm not pushing this angle, but she reminds me more of Haley than any of the performers I've seen on AI since Haley. She is having fun and drawing on the experience.
If a performer is set in his or her ways they are not really a desirable contestant on the show. They are essentially using the show for exposure and think highly enough of themselves to believe they may go far into the finals. The ideal contestant embraces the "boot camp" aspect and shows growth from the experience.
I enjoy Alex but it looks like they recorded all his songs in one taping. He has his style, not just singing but the way he dresses and stands and everything. Sam seems like he is auditioning for the lead in a musically oriented spin off of Being There and I'm beginning to wonder if maybe he just isn't too bright.
RE: American Idol 2014 - kaypea - 04-19-2014
(04-18-2014, 08:16 PM)My Alter Ego Wrote:Quote:Harry's advice for her?-go put on some rap music and stand in front of the mirror like that's gonna help her.
kaypea, I usually agree with you, but this time we'll have "agree to disagree."
I think you're missing the point -- and, most are. Tom22 is getting it, but struggling to articulate it. Harry's comment this week was actually nothing but an extension of his comment last week regarding "the shuffle."
When you connect both comments and you know music, (which I know you do, kaypea), I'm reasonably certain that what Harry's trying to help Jessica get/internalize is the "full" rhythmic sense: not just the main beat (1-2-3- 4) but the sub-pulses, and the sub, sub pulses, etc. (Because Harry's just such a jerk that he's still trying to help these kids in the limited way that he can.)
If she would work on and internalize those parts of the rhythm, it would likely display itself in her performances: she'd be looser (hopefully) in her movement across the stage -- and, no, merely ambling around a stage is not choreography! And she might perform/sing more freely, as well, which is what Harry's hoping for, I suspect/believe/think.
Well-I don't think that Harry was being very realistic if he thought an excercize like that would help her move around on stage.And to tell the truth if I just listenned to an audio recording of her you wouldn't even notice problems with cadences,etc.The main problem was the visual thing.And besides-how many times does she have to go out there before someone suggests that she try a different approach-like go out there with her guitar.And Harry Connick of all people can't see this?
And how is it that anyone on a message board can see that and nobody on the show who's suppose to help her-and can see it.That was the main point I was trying to make,.
RE: American Idol 2014 - mercfan3 - 04-19-2014
Kaypea, it's not that no one has suggested it. In all likelihood, Jessica wants to do that.
The problem is, the standards are different for men and women. Notice, despite obviously being at her best at the piano, that Jena doesn't stay there. If she did, she'd be criticized for it. (Emily, I think, went home because she didn't do this.)
The female performers have to prove they have stage presence, that they can perform without their instruments because if they don't, they'll be told they are "hiding behind their instrument." Meanwhile, the male contestants are called "Musicians."
RE: American Idol 2014 - kaypea - 04-19-2014
(04-19-2014, 11:21 AM)mercfan3 Wrote: Kaypea, it's not that no one has suggested it. In all likelihood, Jessica wants to do that.Well if that is indeed the reality of things then that's too bad but I'd say that its more a matter of she thought she had to it that way more than she wanted to.I'd still think if it were up to her she'd go out there with her guitar more often than not.
The problem is, the standards are different for men and women. Notice, despite obviously being at her best at the piano, that Jena doesn't stay there. If she did, she'd be criticized for it. (Emily, I think, went home because she didn't do this.)
The female performers have to prove they have stage presence, that they can perform without their instruments because if they don't, they'll be told they are "hiding behind their instrument." Meanwhile, the male contestants are called "Musicians."
And I don't think that all of the criticism from the judges was unwarranted or that she won't take away something from the experience.They all tried to point out that she should put more "attitude" into her delivery.She's one of those that will hopefully benefit from the experience even if it wasn't able to show her in the best light
RE: American Idol 2014 - john - 04-23-2014
Jessica will be covering this one tonight (here's how Grace Slick did it at Woodstock)
White Rabbit would have been an interesting choice.
ETA: Jess put some growl and attitude in her vocal. I like her cover.
RE: American Idol 2014 - mercfan3 - 04-23-2014
Good for Jessica. IMO, she flat out dominated tonight. This was the Jessica I thought we'd be getting week after week. I don't really care what the judges say. (Harry being on her side for one was..odd..) JLo even made the "we're responsible for your good performance" comment. (Also..notice the huge improvement with the guitar..)
I thought Jena's first song was great, but her second one was a little off. Her voice just isn't meant for country. IMO, she's the only contestant that has earned her way into the finale, though.
Caleb is talented..but has become one note. He did well tonight, but it's more of the same, from him.
I thought Sam showed a lot of improvement in terms of connecting. And his voice was so pretty on the second song. I think Harry's point about dynamics will help him. (If Sam Listens.)
Rough night for Alex.
Who is voting for CJ?
RE: American Idol 2014 - kaypea - 04-23-2014
(04-23-2014, 08:37 PM)mercfan3 Wrote: Good for Jessica. IMO, she flat out dominated tonight. This was the Jessica I thought we'd be getting week after week. I don't really care what the judges say. (Harry being on her side for one was..odd..) JLo even made the "we're responsible for your good performance" comment. (Also..notice the huge improvement with the guitar..)
I thought Jena's first song was great, but her second one was a little off. Her voice just isn't meant for country. IMO, she's the only contestant that has earned her way into the finale, though.
Caleb is talented..but has become one note. He did well tonight, but it's more of the same, from him.
I thought Sam showed a lot of improvement in terms of connecting. And his voice was so pretty on the second song. I think Harry's point about dynamics will help him. (If Sam Listens.)
Rough night for Alex.
Who is voting for CJ?
Even if Jessica isn't ever gonna stand out as a performer I've always liked her voice and she did well tonight.Jena is not my cup of tea but she does have something distinctive and has maybe shown the most improvement.Agreed on Caleb-he can bring down the house doing his rock thing but it is a one note thing.
I'd have to think that CJ is going home this week.