May 10, 2005
And Then There Were 4
By Michele
Another Tuesday, another night of having to put up with Seacrest.
I was thinking today - I don't think anyone out there imagined this would be our final four. Not one person could have predicted Federov would still be with us at this stage.
--
Awwww give it up for Paula, everyone!!
--
Themes tonight are The Sound of Philadelphia and Nashville. Who didn't see the country theme coming?
---
Carrie up first, singing some hoe down song. She still looks sort of stiff and I think she's off on some notes, though I could be wrong because I have no idea what song this is. But I do feel like shouting YEEEHA! I am NOT feeling this. It's messy. I think I'm the only person at this point who doesn't "get" Carrie.
--
Bo coming up with Travis Tritt. Have I mentioned I loathe country music?
I'm not feeling this, either. It's nothing he hasn't done before. Bo needs to reach out and grab the audience at this point with something different, something spectacular. I mean, I love his voice and anything he sings sounds good, like it's made for radio, but I'm not feeling any passion from him tonight, and that's usually what sets him apart from the other contestants. But I do love Bo and even a mediocre peformance from him is an excellent one. If that made any sense.
Simon just hit it on the head: it was lazy.
---
Vonzell doing Trisha Yearwood. Again, she's doing a safe song. She's got a wonderful voice and a great stage presence. She should kick out the jams! Be daring! I want to see what she can do with a song that's sexy or edgy.
I take that back. She's not sounding wonderful. She's messing up. She's off key and she's missing words.
She knows she messed up. Poor girl.
---
Throat boy up next. Aww he's his momma's little baby.
Again, with the sitting down. Oh god, is this one of those sappy, heart wrenching, gacky songs?
Nothing spectacular. He really does have a nice voice and he seems like a nice guy and this was a nice performance. But are we going to be satisfied with just....nice?
This was probably his best effort in at least three weeks.
---
And now we move up and over on the map to Philadelphia. It's a good opportunity for these guys to pep it up. Please, NO MORE BALLADS!
Carrie is singing a slow song. I guess that's ok, she was peppy with her hoedown song.
Is it me or is the tune all weird on this? I feel like I want to pull the words out of her mouth. I am just. not. liking. this. Her voice is irritating the hell out me tonight.
--
Bo, finally, doing a peppy song.
Damn, he looks SMOKIN hot tonight.
I think half the problem is this band SUCKS. I would love to hear Bo playing with a better, more rocking band.
Oh YEA Bo is ON. My favorite performance tonight. And I'm not saying that just because I want in his pants.
I really think Bo has this thing wrapped up.
--
Vonzell stepping it up a bit. This is what I'm talking about. Vonzelle has to move around, sing something with life in it. ANd she's doing that right now. She sounds a little breathless in parts, but for the most part, she's rocking the stage.
--
Yadda yadda American Dream...aaaand another ballad.
Much better than Carrie, though that's not saying much. It was right for him. I think he did well enough tonight to make it really unclear who is going to go home tomorrow. Federov just threw a wrench into the whole works by having a better night than he normally does. That's not to say he can win it, but people who were automatically dismissing him tonight might be saying..hmmm...maybe I like him better than Carrie.
--
And that's a wrap. Stop back tomorrow afternoon for our predictions. This is going to be hard.
---
Stacy's got her review up - I'm thinking she doesn't really feel it for Anthony.
Country? Could they have worked any harder to stack the deck for the fembot?
Posted by: Kathleen at May 10, 2005 08:03 PM
Philly and Nashville...that should work.
Posted by: Timmer at May 10, 2005 08:03 PM
Back when there were 12, my 4 were Bo, Carrie, Anwar, and Nadia. I agree with America that Vonzell has outperformed Anwar, so I have no beef there. My only complaint is that we have Anthony instead of Nadia, which really means I don't disagree with the voters all that much.
Posted by: Patrick at May 10, 2005 08:04 PM
I
Hate
the
Dixie Chicks
Posted by: Timmer at May 10, 2005 08:04 PM
Wow...I really hate this performance too.
Posted by: Timmer at May 10, 2005 08:05 PM
Hmm. Methinks that backfired. That's actually a really kickass song. She didn't even come close to doing it justice. Pitchy, out of breath, and still no charisma.
Posted by: Kathleen at May 10, 2005 08:06 PM
Randy and Paula are going to kiss her ass...
and so did Simon...okay, could have been me.
Posted by: Timmer at May 10, 2005 08:07 PM
I hate the Dixie Chicks, but I like this rendition.
I think I'm pulling for Carrie to win, just because I'd like to see Bo go on to do better than this.
Posted by: kat at May 10, 2005 08:07 PM
It's not just you, Timmer. It wasn't very good. And Kat, I agree - I'd rather Bo go out on his own. My choice is Vonzell, but I'm not holding my breath.
Posted by: Kathleen at May 10, 2005 08:08 PM
...and yet you wear hoops with a pink hoody...tragic in it's own right.
Posted by: Timmer at May 10, 2005 08:12 PM
Bo's got a hot mom.
Posted by: Timmer at May 10, 2005 08:12 PM
Good song choice from Bo. I'd have preferred him to do something up-tempo, but he's doing a great job. Just like he always does.
Posted by: Kathleen at May 10, 2005 08:13 PM
Aw, I love country. Always have.
Hazard of growing up in the middle of nowhere, NH.
Have I mentioned how much I love Bo?
Posted by: kat at May 10, 2005 08:14 PM
I'm not big on the country, but Bo sounds great.
Posted by: Ian S. at May 10, 2005 08:14 PM
Randy needs to shut up.
Posted by: kat at May 10, 2005 08:15 PM
Another thing I like about Bo...when Simon gives him notes...he accepts them with pure grace.
Posted by: Timmer at May 10, 2005 08:16 PM
Can I take his granma home?
I love old women like that. So much fire, so much love.
Posted by: kat at May 10, 2005 08:16 PM
Five bucks says Federov sings a Martina McBride song.
Posted by: Kathleen at May 10, 2005 08:17 PM
Damn Kathleen...now I got Coke all over my laptop.
Posted by: Timmer at May 10, 2005 08:18 PM
I'd bet Crystal Gale. If I had the money to bet.
Posted by: kat at May 10, 2005 08:18 PM
I hope it's Crystal -- she's been the kiss of death before.
Posted by: Patrick at May 10, 2005 08:20 PM
Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Posted by: Timmer at May 10, 2005 08:21 PM
This is killing her...it's killing me.
Posted by: Timmer at May 10, 2005 08:22 PM
This is really badly off-key. I don't think I've heard Vonzelle miss this much before.
Posted by: Ian S. at May 10, 2005 08:22 PM
Oh, Vonzell. Bad song choice. First, we've heard enough ballads from you. Second, it doesn't show off your strengths. Third, you're all over on the pitch. And I adore you. So, please kick ass in your second song, because this is just not good.
Posted by: Kathleen at May 10, 2005 08:23 PM
She ended strong...but damn...that was bad.
Posted by: Timmer at May 10, 2005 08:24 PM
This is awful. I'm singing along, and my boyfriend asked which one of us was off-key.
I'm pretty sure it was her.
Posted by: kat at May 10, 2005 08:24 PM
And here she goes with the Anwar again. Singing half the song in the key of Savol and hitting the high note at the end just doesn't work for me. And I love Vonzelle.
Posted by: Ian S. at May 10, 2005 08:24 PM
Vonzell's Dad is stylin'...very cool.
Posted by: Timmer at May 10, 2005 08:25 PM
Oy. Paula, shut up. Vonzell, stop letting what happened that day affect your stage presence.
Drama 101, performers. Take it. Stop crying onstage.
Posted by: kat at May 10, 2005 08:26 PM
You know she's going to kick ass on Philly.
Posted by: Timmer at May 10, 2005 08:26 PM
Lone Star. He can't sing Lone Star...he doesn't have the chops.
Posted by: Timmer at May 10, 2005 08:27 PM
Oh, it's even worse. This is a fantastic ballad. And he's going to get cheese all over it.
Posted by: Kathleen at May 10, 2005 08:27 PM
Boy you mess up this song and I will hunt you down like a dog.
Posted by: Timmer at May 10, 2005 08:28 PM
Again, another song I love, and he's mauling it.
I think this might be my last season of Idol-watching if Anthony gets into the top three, or (god forbid) top two.
Posted by: kat at May 10, 2005 08:28 PM
Timmer, you knew this was Lone Star? I do believe I *heart* you. ;-)
Posted by: Kathleen at May 10, 2005 08:28 PM
Ok, who is this and what did they do with Federov? This and the Backstreet thing last week makes two songs in a row I think he's hit beyond his weight on.
Posted by: Ian S. at May 10, 2005 08:29 PM
We in the military have sort of adopted this song, kind of wraps up deployments.
It didn't suck entirely, but he does not have the chops for it.
Posted by: Timmer at May 10, 2005 08:29 PM
Kathleen, you *like* Lone Star?
And you have my name.
I think I *heart* you =)
Posted by: kat at May 10, 2005 08:30 PM
What is Randy talking about?
Did he get into Paula's stash?
Posted by: Slublog at May 10, 2005 08:30 PM
PLEASE tell me he did not just pseudo-flash us. PLEASE.
MY EYES! MY EYES!
Posted by: kat at May 10, 2005 08:31 PM
Kat, I *love* Lone Star. Of course, I also love Linkin Park, so as you can see I'm not picky. ;-)
Posted by: Kathleen at May 10, 2005 08:31 PM
I like a LOT of different music Kathleen.
My collection has everything from Garth Brooks to The Ramones.
Posted by: Timmer at May 10, 2005 08:31 PM
Slublog, I believe Randy has been in Paula's stash from day one.
And by stash, I don't mean her drugs.
Posted by: kat at May 10, 2005 08:32 PM
Wow...how scared is Microsoft if they're advertising Windows a week after Apple releases Tiger?
Posted by: Timmer at May 10, 2005 08:33 PM
What happened to Vonzell today that got her so upset? Poor Vonzell! And didn't LeAnn Rimes do that song, then Faith Hill? When did Trisha Yearwood come in? Federov actually did well with that song, but Simon's right--he's always just so sappy
Posted by: Amanda at May 10, 2005 08:34 PM
Yay! I'm not the only music-slut here!
Posted by: kat at May 10, 2005 08:34 PM
Wow...no pressure here...they're in the freakin' audience.
Posted by: Timmer at May 10, 2005 08:35 PM
Why do I keep typing "Wow?"
Posted by: Timmer at May 10, 2005 08:36 PM
Amanda, Trisha Yearwood did it first (and better, imho). Then LeAnn Rimes recorded it. Faith Hill's never done it, as far as I know.
Posted by: Kathleen at May 10, 2005 08:36 PM
Damn...I listened to Simply Red's version of this earlier today...too bad for Carrie.
Posted by: Timmer at May 10, 2005 08:37 PM
Hm. Not bad. I like this song, and she isn't completely destroying it.
Posted by: Slublog at May 10, 2005 08:37 PM
Hm. Carrie isn't doing as well as I would hope with this song.
Posted by: kat at May 10, 2005 08:37 PM
Anyone know what they are talking about happening to Vonzell today?
Posted by: Rob at May 10, 2005 08:37 PM
Way too sharp. Not supporting her notes. What the hell happened to Carrie?
Posted by: Timmer at May 10, 2005 08:38 PM
She said she had a bad day. She let it affect her performance. Her father was in the audience. The combination of those three things resulted in...dum da dum...TEARS!
Posted by: kat at May 10, 2005 08:38 PM
Wow. Simon tore that one apart. Carrie won't get sent home, of course, but that was harsh.
Posted by: Slublog at May 10, 2005 08:39 PM
OOOO! Guess what I want for my birthday...
A LEADSINGER! Yay for kareoke!
Posted by: kat at May 10, 2005 08:41 PM
That wasn't great from Carrie.
And whoa. Simon dissed the band.
Posted by: denise at May 10, 2005 08:41 PM
Over on the boards, they're saying something about this little girl with cancer who came to see Vonzell sing every week and they suspect something happened with that.
Personally, I think she just knows she messed up tonight's performance and it upset her - and she got even more emotional when she looked at her dad in the audience.
Posted by: michele at May 10, 2005 08:41 PM
Kathleen,
Actually, Leann Rimes released it first. They were both rushing to get it out first. The movie, Con Air, asked Leann Rimes to record it and then after she'd started, changed their mind and wanted someone older. They then asked Trisha Yearwood to do it instead, and the race was on to see who could release it first. Leann's single came out first. Trisha's version went on the soundtrack which came out before Leann's CD that featured the song. Who's version is better is a good debate, but I like the Rimes version myself.
Posted by: Rob at May 10, 2005 08:41 PM
i dont think carrie was as bad as the judges say altho the song choice was not the best one for her
Posted by: Caryss at May 10, 2005 08:42 PM
Thanks for clearing that up, Kathleen! FYI, LeAnn Rimes recorded the song for Con Air, but the producers of the movie didn't think her rendition sounded mature enough. So they had Faith Hill record it, and she's the one who ended up on the movie's soundtrack. The things you learn from wathcin Pop-Up Video :-)
Posted by: Amanda at May 10, 2005 08:42 PM
Ack, OK, Rob, maybe my Pop-Up Video memory is failing me...how could I get Trisha Yearwood and Faith Hill confused???
Posted by: Amanda at May 10, 2005 08:43 PM
well blow me sideways .. DAMN Bo is hot
Posted by: Caryss at May 10, 2005 08:44 PM
Thanks for clarifying, Rob. But I still think Trisha's version is better. :-)
Posted by: Kathleen at May 10, 2005 08:44 PM
Bo's doing the song used as the theme for "The Apprentice"
I can't hear it without seeing Trump's hairdo.
Posted by: kat at May 10, 2005 08:44 PM
Yeah, mom and dad, putting up with the drug-busts and all.
I'm lovin' the shades, man. I predict sunglasses sales are going to skyrocket after this. He's definitely in his element. Cool, Bo.
Posted by: denise at May 10, 2005 08:45 PM
Caryss,
That's what we've been saying for weeks. Welcome to the group =)
Posted by: kat at May 10, 2005 08:45 PM
Bo's predictably awesome.
Posted by: Ian S. at May 10, 2005 08:45 PM
mmmmmmmmmmmmmmhmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
this is nice...very smooth...
He's the man...that's it.
Posted by: Timmer at May 10, 2005 08:46 PM
I agree, Michelle. The beard really, *really* suits him.
Posted by: Kathleen at May 10, 2005 08:46 PM
Damn, that was a good performance.
He's the guy to beat.
Posted by: Slublog at May 10, 2005 08:46 PM
I disagree with Simon, I love the suit and the sandals.
Posted by: Timmer at May 10, 2005 08:47 PM
Aw, I really do love his gramma.
And I predicted what Simon was saying!
Posted by: kat at May 10, 2005 08:47 PM
It's the band tonight. They suck. Vonzell seems to be completely on right now, and something sounds really wrong.
Posted by: kat at May 10, 2005 08:48 PM
You've got to sing the song Vonz...come ON.
Posted by: Timmer at May 10, 2005 08:48 PM
Now, *this* is much more like it. Way to go, Vonzell.
Posted by: Kathleen at May 10, 2005 08:49 PM
Where's THAT Vonzell been hiding. She needs to growl more.
Posted by: Timmer at May 10, 2005 08:49 PM
It's not Vonzell who's off. It's definitely the band.
Posted by: kat at May 10, 2005 08:49 PM
lol .. thanks Kat! anyone that doesnt agree is stupid and blind ;)
Posted by: Caryss at May 10, 2005 08:49 PM
This is way better for Vonzelle, but I'd like to hear her go total diva on it instead of taking it so safe.
Posted by: Ian S. at May 10, 2005 08:49 PM
V is easily the hardest-working Idol. Dayamn.
Posted by: Owen at May 10, 2005 08:50 PM
Who knew? Vonzell's been holding out on us. She needs a good coach to get her to let go.
Posted by: Timmer at May 10, 2005 08:51 PM
Vonzell is resilient thats for damn sure ... way to go, girl
Posted by: Caryss at May 10, 2005 08:51 PM
Absolutely, Tim.
Posted by: Ian S. at May 10, 2005 08:51 PM
Is anyone else disturbed and/or frightened by the voice of that girl who sings at the end of the Coke commercial?
Posted by: kat at May 10, 2005 08:52 PM
Liked Vonzell's second song
Posted by: Riley at May 10, 2005 08:52 PM
The Vonz blew the roof off the dump! Way to go!
Simon needs to shut up. In fact all the judges can just put a lid on it at this point.
Posted by: denise at May 10, 2005 08:53 PM
Does it seem like the three judges are kinda subdued tonight?
Posted by: Riley at May 10, 2005 08:54 PM
Kat...you're right...the Coke girl is creepy.
Posted by: Timmer at May 10, 2005 08:54 PM
Just tell me why he would sing the same song as Carrie?
Posted by: kat at May 10, 2005 08:55 PM
I think you guys are right - the band doesn't sound good tonight at all. Flat.
Posted by: Slublog at May 10, 2005 08:55 PM
this song is better suited for anthony than it was for carrie .. but can he pull it off regardless?
Posted by: Caryss at May 10, 2005 08:55 PM
i agree Caryss, he's sounding better that she did I think.
Posted by: Riley at May 10, 2005 08:56 PM
JCOAPS!!!
Posted by: Timmer at May 10, 2005 08:56 PM
Score another for the Federov-doppelganger - I liked that. Better than Carrie's version even.
Posted by: Ian S. at May 10, 2005 08:57 PM
lmao ... woody allen playing the lead in shaft ... even i had to laugh out loud at that one!
Posted by: Caryss at May 10, 2005 08:58 PM
My rankings: 1) Bo 2) Vonzell 3) Anthony 4) Carrie.
Posted by: Ian S. at May 10, 2005 08:58 PM
well i cant lie .. federov had a good nite tonite ... maybe the voting wont be as easy as i originally thought
Posted by: Caryss at May 10, 2005 08:59 PM
Ian I agree!
Posted by: Caryss at May 10, 2005 08:59 PM
Wow...Bo and nobody else tonight...he's the Idol.
Posted by: Timmer at May 10, 2005 08:59 PM
Michele, I love reading your posts and tonight I agree with everything you said. Definitely voting for Bo.
Posted by: Mary at May 10, 2005 09:03 PM
Came in late tonight, sorry.
Bo ROCKED, as usual. His second song was simply amazing. Outstanding job, should keep him safe for both this week and next.
Vonzell was weak tonight. Obviously the first song was all over the place, out of pitch, out of energy. Even the second song wasn't quite... *there*. I think she's vulnerable tonight unless she gets sympathy points for the crying.
Carrie was off on both songs, IMHO. I simply thought the first song was a poor showcase of her voice and she outright blew the second. This is first time I'm thinking Carrie is in real trouble.
Shocker... Anthony sounded great! I've always been a fan of his voice - not him per se, just his *voice*. And boy did he show it off tonight! It was a ballsy move to pick the same song as Carrie for the second number - he thought he could outsing her and he was damn right. I don't think that his nice, safe voice should be in the top three... but due to Carrie and Vonzell's weak nights... he might be there.
Prediction - bottom two are Carrie and Anthony. Who goes home... toss up. That's my $1.50. ;)
Posted by: DonnaK at May 10, 2005 10:42 PM
I got to see the rehearsal show today...
Would it surprise everyone if I said Carrie was the coldest one out of the four? The other three were friendly and waved at the audience but Carrie just walked off. Oh, and she had some terse moments with Ryan that ended up with him saying "Yeah, thanks for the advice kiddo." Hmm...
And as much as I hate saying it, Ryan was wonderful with the audience acting very funny and charming. But boy, he is small.
Posted by: Dixie at May 10, 2005 11:11 PM
Country/Soul Night on AI:
Carrie: I'm surprised; Carrie actually can move, all it took was a ride on the "Sin Wagon." I'm not a big country fan, but she rocked this one. I liked her singing this one, and she was finally more animated than usual (which is not at all). Her soul rendition of "If You Don't Know Me" was not good, and I don't think it was the arrangement.
Bo: Damn, he is FINE!!!!! I hate country, but if Bo sang it, I would be a fan. And he was HOT and COOL singing "For the Love of Money." He could be a big star in any genre, really. I loved the suit, glasses and sandals, and the beard. I don't really like facial hair on guys, but he looks great with it. He is SO DAMN SEXY!!! His Mom is beautiful; she doesn't look old enough to have a 29-year-old!! Her husband appears to be quite a bit older than she is. Bo's grandmother is a trip!! Go Granny! Kick Simon in the head if he says anything bad about Bo!! Whew...I need a drink, and a cold shower.
Vonzell: I really like the Vonz, and think she should be in the top 3. She was a little mellow tonight, maybe a little off, but still really good. Damn Paula for saying something stupid and making her cry (but then, again, consider the source). Paula, go bang some guy or something and quit saying stupid, nonsensical stuff to the contestants (and stay the hell away from Bo, or I'll sic his Granny on ya!)
Anthony: Say "buh-bye". It's time to pack your bags and go home.
Posted by: Janet at May 11, 2005 12:01 AM
Am I the only one who noticed Vonzie bringing a little extra junk in the trunk? Does she have ass implants? Don't worry Carrie, I still love you...
Posted by: Dave at May 11, 2005 08:43 AM
Someone throw some cold water on Janet, you old hussy!.
Even Bo's bland performance for the first round was still good. His second time..freaking outstanding as always. I'd jump him.
Vonzie, vonzie vonzie...sigh..pulling a Jasmine Trias and getting the sympathy vote. You're way bettter than that!
Anthony.. I'll take my lumps but I gotta say, he performed very nicely on both songs. He has a very nice smooth voice. And the hole in this throat isn't that noticeable anymore.
Carrie: I hate her and have been hating her boring, robotic, wide eyed "oops i just farted" look for the past month. Send her home. Her cows miss her.
Posted by: jen at May 11, 2005 10:06 AM
Uh, no Dave, I didn't. I think Vonzell looks great, from all angles.
Yes, Jen, I am an old hussie, and I should be ASHAMED (but I'm not). Bo's Mom is probably only a few years older than moi, so that does make me a bit of a perv, but I'm no Mary Kay Letourneau...(or Paula)...
Posted by: Janet at May 11, 2005 10:55 AM
There's nothing wrong with being a perv. Just look how well Dave does it!. Bo did look hot last night. Even with the sandals. The hair looked good, I like the facial hair going on and the suit was key! (If you thought Anthony was hot though Janet, I may have to call the authorities on you)
Posted by: jen at May 11, 2005 11:03 AM
No, Anthony doesn't rock my world in any way...
Actually, I think the problem with Anthony is that he is too young for many of the songs he is singing. Simon was right about him not having any soul. He is only 19; he needs more life experience to sing angst-ridden songs (especially love songs). Simon's analogy about Anthony singing soul being akin to Woody Allen playing the lead in "Shaft" was pretty funny...
Posted by: Janet at May 11, 2005 11:20 AM
Will Anyone Pleeeeeeeez tell me what happened To Vonzell on Tuesday? I have to know because i love her!
Posted by: e frog at May 12, 2005 12:42 AM