[mikeandnancy1112]

I think the top 24 are awesome. Some of the best ever. I love the guy with the deep voice, can't think of his name, senior moment. lol

[redwitch]

Many truly great singers this year, but not convinced any of them are idol material. Casey Abrams definitely is high on my list, but I love jazz and the blues. The deep voice will probably go far in the CW genre -- that young man has class as well as a voice. The wild redhead is interesting but I don't think he was the best choice for the last male. The women really don't stand out for me other than I was truly relieved the new bride was sent packing -- wayyyyyy too much drama from that girl for my taste.

[barb1191]

The new judges have surpassed the expectations of most. I find them so much more pleasant personalities and sincere empathy for the candidates. So far, the two candidates I find most outstanding are the young guy with the beautiful low voice with a fantastic range and the standup bass player, Casey Abrams. Oh yes, there's also a gal who can really belt out a tune with a red-hot-mama rasp to her delightful voice. They're all so new that they really haven't become known by their names which will come with time.

Jennefer seemed truly emotional about having to turn down candidates this week. Randy is Randy, and Steven Tyler is a hoot; I like him adding his amusing personality which is soooooo much more entertaining and sincere than his predecessor....what's his name.

Paul McDonald may be going home tonight. Think he, Ashton Jones and Karen Rodriquez will be in the bottom three.

[mikeandnancy1112]

This is without a doubt the best of the 10 years. Awesome talent and awesome judges. We don't miss Simon at all.

[collie1228]

I agree that the singing is the best in years, but I disagree about Simon. I miss his ascerbic comments. There are a couple of singers that need to hear that they sound like karaoke at the neighborhood bar, but none of the three judges seem to be able to say it. Randy tries his best to interject some reality into the judging, but the other two can't seem to bring themselves to say anything even slightly negative. I like them both, but they need to start helping us differentiate the good from the great. Right now I'm putting my money on Pia, with the guy who sang the Joe Cocker song a close second.

[Shirleevee]

Originally Posted by Taltarzac

Paul McDonald may be going home tonight. Think he, Ashton Jones and Karen Rodriquez will be in the bottom three.

I agree!!!! Pia disappointed me last night and she is one of my favs

Originally Posted by Shirleevee

I agree!!!! Pia disappointed me last night and she is one of my favs

She was a little off but still really good among the girl singers. The girls were overall rather weak last night.

[ducati1974]

Originally Posted by Shirleevee

I agree!!!! Pia disappointed me last night and she is one of my favs

Wow, I was not A Pia fan before but I thought she did really well last night! A really good group this year and I am enjoying the judges.

[RichieLion]

I loved the pure voice of Thia Megia and thought she was wonderful but the judges thought she was just so-so. I didn't think that Casey Abrams "Joe Cocker" take showed his voice to advantage, but he was lauded.

In my opinion the only standouts were Scotty McCreavy, with his masterful take on Garth Brooks "The River", and James Durbin's great rendition of Paul McCartney's "Maybe I'm Amazed".

I've loved listening to the incredibly talented Jacob Lusk, but I thought last night his voice was lost in the over the top instrumentals and back up singers, and he sounded like he was all over the place with his vocals.

[2BNTV]

This years American Idol is better than ever because the judges get to the point immediately and are positive for the most part with their comments. I agree Randy is leading the pack with his insightful criticism as he should. I thought it was going to be a dud show after Simon left but the talent level is really good. It is extremely enjoyable to watch, as some of the vocals are amazing.

My favorite is Pia. Beautiful with vocals that are like Celine Dion. The judges want her to sing a faster song than a ballad. I was thinking RESPECT by the great Aretha Franklin. I think she has the voice that can handle it. It's a big song.

Jacob Lusk has an amazing voice. James Durbin can really belt out some crazy vocals. Who would have thought Casey would be the bottom vote and needed to have a save from the judges.

If you had asked me last week would be singing for the winner of American Idol, 2011, it would have been PIA, Jacob and Casey.

I know it is a popularity contest but some of these contestant could have big careers even if they don't win. They have amazing talent.

[BritParrothead]

We get this 24 hours after you. So I am very careful not to read any posts I dont want toknow who has gone. I like Pia anf the young country singer

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by collie1228

I agree that the singing is the best in years, but I disagree about Simon. I miss his ascerbic comments. There are a couple of singers that need to hear that they sound like karaoke at the neighborhood bar, but none of the three judges seem to be able to say it. Randy tries his best to interject some reality into the judging, but the other two can't seem to bring themselves to say anything even slightly negative. I like them both, but they need to start helping us differentiate the good from the great. Right now I'm putting my money on Pia, with the guy who sang the Joe Cocker song a close second.

I can see from the comments that I'm in the minority, but I agree with Collie, I also miss Simon. He wasn't the kindest judge in the world, but he certainly could zero in on what was great, and what needed to be improved.

[ajbrown]

Originally Posted by Barefoot

I can see from the comments that I'm in the minority, but I agree with Collie, I also miss Simon. He wasn't the kindest judge in the world, but he certainly could zero in on what was great, and what needed to be improved.

Originally Posted by collie1228

I agree that the singing is the best in years, but I disagree about Simon. I miss his ascerbic comments. There are a couple of singers that need to hear that they sound like karaoke at the neighborhood bar, but none of the three judges seem to be able to say it. Randy tries his best to interject some reality into the judging, but the other two can't seem to bring themselves to say anything even slightly negative. I like them both, but they need to start helping us differentiate the good from the great. Right now I'm putting my money on Pia, with the guy who sang the Joe Cocker song a close second.

Dying to use the "multi quote" I learned in another thread

I had said this last week to my wife. IMO, Jennifer is a great trade up from Paula, but I think it would be a better show for ME personally if Simon was there instead of Steven and I have always been a big fan of Steven Tyler.

[redwitch]

I, too, miss Simon but I'll give the new judges credit -- they do tell the singers what they need to improve, just are way too gentle about it. I don't think the singers quite "hear" what is being told to them.

I love James Durbin! Pia bores me to tears. I couldn't figure out how she made it past the auditions, let alone this far. I think Casey's voice is interesting and I would definitely go to see him but I don't think he's Idol material. Scotty has a great future singing C&W and I'd definitely buy his CDs. I'm truly amazed that he is only 17 and has such poise and knows himself so well. Jacob is good and will definitely go far in the R&B field (at least he should). I definitely think the girls are way too weak this year. They are totally overwhelmed by the guys. So, my top three woulld be James, Scotty and probably Jacob. In reality, I think it will be James, Scotty and Pia. Hopefully, James will take it all.