I know what you must think: why is it taking me ages to write about the new season of American Idol? The fact is, I have this love-hate relationship with reality tv shows. On the one hand, I feel that such shows are unwholesome and opportunistic, milking emotions from contestants to extremes in order to garner rocket-high ratings. On the other hand, they are a fascinating watch if you give them a chance... hehe.
Another reason for my delay is my ambivalence about this season's batch of finalists, who are indeed an eclectic and hodge-podge bunch. Apparently, each of the finalists seems to fall into a specific genre or category of singer and this is even more evident after the ousting of Melissa McGhee (country), Kevin Covais (pop ballader) and Lisa Tucker (soul-diva). Although each of the twelve finalists have their own respective strengths and weaknesses, which may make each one of them worthy of having a shot at the idol crown, the remaining nine contestants deserve to stay on in the competition by being relatively better than the ones eliminated thus far.
For instance, Melissa's husky vocals might be edgy and unique, but her propensity to choose forgettable songs and forget lyrics proved to be her downfall. Kevin's Josh-Groban-like vocals and sweetie-pie looks are refreshingly pleasant but that's just about it -- he's only pleasant. However, Lisa, who had been the judges' favorite from the start, was never able to live up to their expectations, delivering instead, week after week of mundane performances. Her substandard version of Kelly Clarkson's megahit Because Of You was the final nail for her coffin -- she was sent home after weeks of consistently landing amongst the bottom three spots.
I have my personal favorites of course but I shall not reveal their identities yet... In the meantime, let me share my opinions on the remaining nine contestants on AI5.
niche genre: alternative/commercial rock
reminiscent of (past AI contestant): mix of Constantine Maroulis & Bo Bice
strengths: Contemporary looks & style. Radio-friendly & competent vocals.
misgivings: doesn't seem to display much versatility. Vocals tend to sound trembly in the upper register or higher ranges
Katherine McPhee -
niche genre: jazz/blues crossover music (think Norah Jones, Joss Stone et al)
reminiscent of (past AI contestant): Nil
strengths: Seems to know own vocal strengths and able to exploit that to her advantage especially in terms of song choices. PLUS, she's the most gorgeous finalist this season!
misgivings: Upper register sounds abit shrill/shrieky.
Mandisa Hundley -
niche genre: Soul/Gospel. Actually, this sistah can sing anything!
reminiscent of (past AI contestant): Frenchie Davis
strengths: her vocals, seemingly, has no limits!
misgivings: Not really Idol material in the physical sense. Uncertain if she has enough mass appeal to win.
Paris Bennet -
niche genre: Soul, RnB, Pop.. She has enough spunk to take on almost anything.
reminiscent of (past AI contestant): Fantasia Barrino
strengths: though not as competent vocally as Mandisa, she comes in at a close second. Like a chameleon, able to change image to suit song choice. Youth is her greatest asset.
misgivings: Though only 17, seems to possess an old-school/retro sensibility. May not appeal to tween masses who make up a large majority of the voters.
Elliot Yamin -
niche genre: RnB/Soul
reminiscent of (past AI contestant): Charles Grigsby/Nikko Smith
strengths: Technically has the best male vocal this season.
misgivings: Doesn't look the part of an Idol. Although he has been delivering consistently good performances, he hasn't done anything WOW yet.
niche genre: country pop
reminiscent of (past AI contestant): Carrie Underwood (albeit more bimbo)
strengths: Her innocent/naive & bubbly personality has its charms I guess. Nevertheless, it's getting on my nerves
misgivings: Although vocals are not too bad, I don't think she's good enough to win. Moreover, a ditzy and blonde country singer already won last year.. it would be a case of dejavu if she does.
Taylor Hicks -
niche genre: country soul (think Ray Charles/Billy Joel..)
reminiscent of (past AI contestant): Nil
strengths: The most different contestant to appear on the show
misgivings: Performances, although they've been relatively good, are becoming predictable. Can't imagine him doing mainstream music at all.
Ace Young -
niche genre: one-man boyband
reminiscent of (past AI contestant): (can't think of any right now..)
strengths: one-man boyband. (LOL)
misgivings: Vocally unimpressive. Falsettoes sound harsh & unnatural. Intense gaze and come-hither camera-staring is vomit-inducing.. to me, at least =p
Bucky Covington -
niche genre: country rock
reminiscent of (past AI contestant): a more country-fied Bo Bice
strengths: erm...
misgivings: Forgettable performances. Unclear diction. Looks unkempt most of the time
Next week's bottom three predictions:
Bucky, Ace and perhaps, Kellie. Let's see if I'm right... =)
