In film clips on last night's show, the six American Idol finalists got all gushy about their hometowns and families, and their families returned the favor. What are the local papers saying about their American Idol finalists?
My bud Michael Heaton of the Cleveland Plain Dealer did a survey of area music notables on last night's performance of Shaker Heights's own Scott Savol, my personal pick for most likely to leave the show the last five weeks running. Shows what I know. Scott sang Luther Vandross's "Dance With My Father" last night.
Eric Carmen said, "Scott's voice has a nice, soulful quality and the song is a winner, but the performance was a little pitchy tonight. Having said that, I think Simon's comment ["pack your bags"] was just plain cruel. Good luck, Scott. I hope you go all the way."
Former voice teacher Cleveland Opera David Gooding chimed in, "Tonight's performance by Scott Savol was something of a disappointment. The song was bland, its arrangement was utterly uninspired, sounding like filler at an auto show, and Scott's rendition was sadly uncompelling. He's a sensitive performer, but he needs to do some more fundamental work on his voice."
My favorite response came from Dead Boy Jimmy Zero. "The glitzy series came to an astonishing finale when an enormous herd of ravenous peccaries invaded the stage. Scott was just reaching the de rigueur crescendo of a tear-jerking song when tragedy struck. His singing suddenly turned to screams of terror as the snarling pigs devoured the unlucky contestant in a mere matter of seconds."
That's how I saw it too.
The local Intelligencer reported on a gathering of Lower Southampton's (PA) Anthony Fedorov fans who were queried by the reporter on what products the remaining finalists should endorse.
"Calvin Klein Jeans," suggested Mike Zubarev. "He looks like a Calvin Klein model," the Philadelphia man explained. Fedorov fans also suggested eyeglasses (remember, he used to wear them); hair gel ("Gotta keep up the good look); and Armani suits, since he wore a suit to perform a Celine Dion ballad on Tuesday night.
Article comments
1 - Shelby Miller
Hi. I have always loved American Idol. America usally make good decisions about who to send home, but tonight they sent Constantine home! Constantine was my favorite Idol, and I don't think that he should have gone home. America needs to vote for who they like! Vote right!
2 - Lisa Horne
Constantine is my favorite also. I can't believe America voted him off. The pity votes need to stop. Seriously, Scott completely botched Luther's song. And Anthony? Please, how many teenie boppers are watching the show? After all, it isn't American Teen Idol, right?
3 - Lynn Shelby
I can't believe the sham this show has become. What ever happened to voting for true talent? I agree with LH, the sad pity votes do have to stop. There are plenty of sad stories and we all get up and put in our eight hours too. After Nadia, then Anwar and now CONSTANTINE, what is this show coming to? Will the name be the same next year or will it have to be changed to American No Talent Sob Story Idol?
4 - Melissa Martin
Constantine has been the only CONSTANT in the show (besides Bo of course). I may tune in next week just to see and then vote for Bo. I have no desire to be a part of the rest of it. American Idol fans obviously have no loyalties. If a contestant sings one song they don't happen to like ---- it's curtains. Absurd.
5 - Patty Kruger
i can not fathem what occured on american idol tonight. there is more to it then america's votes. i am convinced.
6 - D
Well,when it was about to be over last nite,I thought Constantine was #4 then luckily I saw that he was #5.I have to wonder how many other people did the same & never saw that he was #5.Thats all I can figure ....I will not continue watching!!!! I am so done!! Just hope someone figures it out soon!!!!
7 - rose
I'm also very disappointed! Constantine didn't deserve to go home. I really don't feel like watching the rest of the show anymore. The people voting is not working out. I was very enthusiastic in the beginning, but I'm not happy with how it's turned out so far. I'm going to miss Constantine!!
8 - Alliya
Bo and Constantine, the only 2 people in the competition who can actually sing. I was enraged to see Constantine booted & Scott in the TOP 3!! Theres something going on behind the scenes here. Scott was lousy, he made a complete mess of the song, and yet he stays. Its sad, really, when you think that people with actual talent have to get booted off just bc america is feeling sorry for someone. If Bo gets voted off next, its the end of the line for me. And the way america is voting, it looks like it just might happen.