As this contest continues, may I remind yon readers that a fine compilation of American Idol 2006 articles can be found here on Blogcritics in one handy post?
On 3/8/06 I tuned in for the top eight females in this year's American Idol contest. It was a critical show in that after two are eliminated from these eight and two are eliminated from the male American Idol final contingent, the top twelve will emerge like musical butterflies freed from the cocoon of shortened songs and pressure to perform like the dickens within the minute. I have some thoughts on which female is going to be eliminated but for all I have some comments on their performances in the top eight female contest and for a few, some wise suggestions.
We'll begin with Brenna Gethers. What, you ask? Yes, Brenna Gethers was eliminated during the last top ten female round but there she was on Fox and Friends the same morning of the top eight female competition and golly I liked her spunk. Okay, so I wasn't impressed with her singing, at least in comparison to the other ten, but after seeing her perky and bright presence on Fox and Friends, I admit her personality picks up what her singing left behind. Because for a contestant to make it as far as Gethers did, there has to be some singing talent, if not on a national superstar level. Add to Brenna's musical talent her spirit and determination to succeed. My advice to Brenna, keep up the spirit and believe in yourself.
We move on to little Paris Bennett, my own pick for the cutie of this top eight female bunch. Even Simon says she is loved by the audience.
Paris wore a beautiful dress for her performance but what's the deal with the dungarees? Although I know this was also a favored fashion style of Kelly Clarkson, yes as far back as that, I still don't understand this concept of dolling up pretty at the top then going casual at the bottom. Must be a current fashion craze I don't quite get.
Article comments
1 - Matt Largo
Great post Pat! I think that it will come down to either Katharine McPhee or Kelly Pickler. When I try to pick who will be the next American Idol, I use the "total package" rule. Either one of these women would be pretty easy to market. The two that are going to be let go are probably Kinnik Sky (she butchered Alicia Keys) and Melissa McGhee. Right now I'm going with Pickler.
2 - NR Davis
Actually, the song Katharine McPhee sang was Aretha Franklin's "Think."
I tend to agree with Simon more often than not (though not with his rudeness), but IMO, he was way off the mark in saying that Kellie Pickler was better than Carrie Underwood. I am one who doesn't think the season four winner is all that great (in Randy-speak, she's aiiight, dawg, but that's about it), but she is leagues ahead of the cute and perky but vocally average Pickler. I will agree that Melissa and Kinnik will and should be the ones to go.
3 - chantal stone
i don't think any of the female contestants are good enough to win this year, the men are much much better. i think it's time for Ayla and Melissa to go. Ayla has absolutely no personality, and Melissa reminds me of some trashy girl, drunk on cheap beer, singing karaoke in a dive bar. she can carry a tune, but that's about it.
i was a fan of Paris at the beginning. she does have a lot of talent, but she comes off as an old lady and i think would be much better suited singing gospel, not quite AI material, IMO.
my favorites are Mandisa and Lisa Tucker. both can sing the phone book and make it sound good. i still don't believe either one will win the competition, but they do have a future in singing, that's for sure.