[Russ_Boston]

I think that fans are being swayed into thinking the talent is that good BECAUSE Simon is missing and the current judges are too kind. I'll admit I haven't watched it much this year but I only see a couple of keepers (the country voiced guy and the R&B guy). Casey and the other guy with the high voice are interesting but doubt they'll be successful. None of the girls are very good IMO.

[aljetmet]

Originally Posted by 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.

I agree with everything you wrote. Great insight!

Originally Posted by redwitch

Pia bores me to tears. l.

I'm hoping you mean Thia the young shy ,timid mouse that wouldn't win a community auditions prize.The only reason she's still in it is the 15 year olds across the country is voting for her.Pia has an amazing voice!!

[redwitch]

No, I meant Pia. But, then, Celine Dion bores me or, worse yet, hurts my ears when she screeches. To me, Pia is in the exact same category. She has a strong voice but one that either gets me out of a room in a heartbeat or puts me to sleep. So far, it is has been putting me to sleep.

Red although I disagree with you about Pia ..I do agree James has a good shot at winning it all!!

[Freeda]

I think Casey would be much better looking and come off better as a singer if he shaved his beard. I like some beards; not his though; it is too 'fuzzy-looking' (no offense to anyone!), and to me ages him and keeps him from having that star 'look' that is so important, in addition to how well they sing. This is just me, but personally I think some young guys look good with a full beard like he has, but not very many. I like seeing their entire face; jawline etc, adds so much character to the face, especially when singing. I find it a distraction to listening to his singing, which I really do like, even though he is not my favorite. (Even my beloved good-looking Willie Nelson and Kenny Rogers would, I think, have looked even greater without the beards).

My favorite to win is Jacob, even though some of his songs lately have not been as good as when he sang early on in the season. I think he'll finish strong. (I think that maybe some of them have problems when trying to sing songs of the required genre for that week, which may be out of their normal type of song). I also think that James is great.

[NJblue]

Just as in art, beauty is in the eye/ear of the beholder/listener. I agree with red regarding Thia ... but not Celine. Whereas Celine's big voice has qualities that make me want to listen, I get absolutely nothing out of Pia. She may be a great "tribute" artist for a future "Celine Show" at the Savannah Center, but I doubt that she will make it on her own. (Just as Paul McDonald would be a great Rod Stewart tribute artist.)

While there is some decent talent this year, I am not convinced that it is better than previous years. Maybe as different themes are introduced a star will emerge, but so far I have heard nothing that I like as much as Crystal Bowersox or Lee DeWyze from last year. James can be decent, but he is in danger of being too much of a one-dimensional, Adam Lambert wannabee.

[memason]

Originally Posted by NJblue

... James can be decent, but he is in danger of being too much of a one-dimensional, Adam Lambert wannabee.

I have to agree with this comment...as much as I really like James, I will be surprised if he makes it much past the top 5. Pure rockers just don't do well on American Idol... Chris Daughtry comes to mind. American Idol is pretty much Pop music oriented...

I like Casey, but if America voted him to go, I doubt he will survive too much longer.

In the end, I believe America will vote the top 3 to be Jacob, Pia and Scotty.

...this season. He was great in the first few auditions but has really shown poor showmanship after they weeded the contestants down to the Top 14 or so.

The Entertainment Weekly 3/18/2011 issue had Casey Abrams to win at 3-1 odds.

Then, it listed the next 12 contenders:

Lauren Alaina-- 4-1 odds.
Scotty McCreery-- 6-1
Jacob Lusk-- 8-1
Pia Toscano-- 10-1
Paul McDonald-- 12-1
Karen Rodriguez-- 15-1
Thia Megia-- 20-1
James Durbin-- 25-1
Ashthon Jones-- 30-1
Stefano Langone-- 50-1
Haley Reinhart-- 100-1
Naima Adedapo-- 250-1.

Karen R. and Ashthon Jones are gone already.

Have no idea why Paul McDonald is still around??

I like Jacob, Pia, and Lauren. Those three and Scotty McCreery I expect to be in the Top 5. Not sure about who the 5th would be though. Lots more songs to sing.

[2BNTV]

Two contestants will go tonight. No saves.

Who do you think will be voted off tonight?

[Bonny]

Hopefully Paul & Naima. They must go !!!!!

[redwitch]

I think Paul definitely should go. I like Naima. I certainly wouldn't miss Thia -- another one I'm not sure why she's there. I think Lauren might go. And the lounge act guy (Stefano?) -- the one they keep telling to connect with the audience. Won't miss those three.

And if Pia sings one more ballad, I'm gonna scream. Surely there is something else she can sing? As much as I love James, he needs to start changing it up, too.

Okay, off to brave the weather. YUCK

[memason]

Sadly, I believe Casey will be back in the bottom and likely the one to go. I don't believe he did enough to redeem himself with the American public... I believe Stefano is done too...

[Freeda]

Originally Posted by Bonny

Hopefully Paul & Naima. They must go !!!!!

I also think Paul and Naima.

[Bonny]

Thia can go. Pia is getting a little over the top for me. I do like the way James entertains everyone. I liked Lauren & Haley. I don't think Casey is really Idol material. The drama from Jacob is really irritating me. What was with those faces he was making last night ?? Was he supposed to be crying ?