American Idol 2014

[kaypea]

I think Jena will win it. She's the most interesting and dynamic performer. I agree with the comments about the others. That said, while I think Jena is very engaging, I just can't get into her voice.

That's exactly how I feel.She applied herself and grew from the experience but I knew as soon as I heard her voice that I could never get behind her.

[Swansteel]

Shucks! I didn't realize you guys were talking about season 13 in here. I was just checking the Haley stuff and never considered looking at other areas of the site. So, I'm late to the discussion, unfortunately.

I'd like to throw in that I love Jena, and have been rooting for her for a long time (I have bought all her iTunes singles as they came out, as well as Jessica's for some reason). It has been so fun watching Jena grow over the weeks into a dynamic and really fun performer with a standout voice. To think I was dismayed early on when she advanced as a wildcard contestant (I think it had something to do with that darned tight choker she was wearing at the time) LOL.

Some people have issues with Jena's voice, but for me her vocal chops are spectacular! I love her tone and phrasing, and I adore her power vibrato. I think her versions of Creep and CHFILWY are are top tier Idol performances, and they both shook me to my core. I've watched both videos countless times and can never get enough. I was actually in full agreement with JLo with her reaction during the Elvis tune in particular. I wanted to get up and kiss Jena too after that soul stirring performance. I applauded from my couch for five minutes. LOL.

I feel fairly confident that Jena will win the whole thing. She is relevant, current and a real show woman. She could get on the radio right now so fast it is crazy. Have you heard her Idol single We Are One yet? It could be on the radio right now and be a big hit. It is already doing well on iTunes, even breaking well into the top 100 tunes.

It would be so cool to actually have my favorite win the show for once. Adam came in second, Siobhan came in sixth, and Haley, of course, fell just short in third. Especially after the San Jose Sharks crashed in the NHL playoffs in such a humiliating way (losing after a 3-0 advantage--don't get me started) I would really like a win right now. I think Jena can do that for me.

[NUG]

Swann - I'm a huge fan of Jena as well. I was amazed by her Creep and CHFILWY - she is a very dynamic performer, I agree with everything you said.

[My Alter Ego]

^^I suspect the AI crown is Jena's to lose. I'm not a fan of her's (the contestants I liked were MK, Majesty Rose, and Sam, but I'd grown to appreciate just how good Alex is) but I do recognize that she's the most marketable, and she does know how to deliver a performance.

Time will tell ....

[Swansteel]

At the start I really liked MK (she was my early favorite), but over time she failed to develop and began showing more and more weaknesses. I thought Majesty Rose showed a lot of promise in the early stages before unraveling as she attempted to become a power belter. I also thought Sam had a great audition and I really liked his tone, and then his timidity began to drag him down and he began seeming so limited. I really do think that Alex is extremely talented and has a future in the biz. My respect for him grew as the season went on. The only problem with Alex IMO is that he has a face made for radio. The one person from this season whom I CANNOT stand is Malaya. OMG, that girl makes me cringe!

PS: For anyone who has doubts about Jena's talent I HIGHLY recommend going to iTunes and purchasing her studio version of Creep. Put on some headphones, sit back and prepare to be blown away. I am not kidding. You will thank me later.

[mercfan3]

I preferred MK too. I think she, just like Sam, Majesty, Emily, Kristen Jessica and several others were really hurt by not having any real mentor. She could have used some help in developing stage presence, picking songs, staging ect..but she got none of it.

That's why I have so much respect for Jena. High school girl that took it upon herself to make sure she got better, even with the lack of help.

[30CamdenSquare]

I haven't commented on this thread yet, but I've been watching this whole season. This was my favorite Top 4 since I started watching in S9. I didn't have a favorite I was nearly as passionate about as I was about Haley, but Jena's been my favorite followed by Jess & Alex, so I hope she wins. She sounds great singing alternative rock/pop.

[Himm2]

Is it in Jennifer Lopez's contract that the camera has to zoom in on her every 90 seconds of the show? I'm pretty sure she's had more facetime than anyone else that has appeared this season.

[mercfan3]

The worst was the screenshot during Alex's homecoming.

From the interview with Slezak, I actually just get the sense that the producer has a bit of a thing for her.

[My Alter Ego]

^^I got that impression as well. The interview was funny. Michael Slezak quizzing Uncle PB about Randy, and Uncle PB responding with "would you like to see/hear more of Randy?"