Season 12 General Discussion

[fallgeek]

I agree with everyone who says there have been too many sloooow songs this season. But I do not agree that the blame falls on the contestants. Sure they choose their songs - but only AFTER the producers have watered down the possibilities with stagnant themes and often contradictory advice from Jimmy and/or the judges/executives.

I clearly remember many theme nights when the contestants opted for faster songs - and the general consensus on these boards was NEGATIVE. The Idols were skewered for song picks or how they performed. The ballads, however, often gave Idols their most memorable moments.

Obviously there are exceptions in every season. It just seems like these kids can't win with the public. They're damned if they do a ballad (cuz people deem it bland and boring) and damned if they don't (because uptempo songs frequently get mocked as cheesy, over-the-top, or not "showy" enough in terms of high notes/runs/emotion).

[RevRight]

I absolutely agree. 

[Nostradamus2k]

They seriously need to re-think the amount of interaction these contestants have with Jimmy as he seldom appears to give advice that they can actually use, and to make matters worse, after they perform they're bombarded with all kinds of conflicting, ambiguous nonsense from the 'commentators.

So True... "They Just Can't Win" either way.

[fallgeek]

Now watch - next week they are singing MoTown. And many performances will be upbeat. And half the viewing population will be wishing for ballads to return.

LOL

[joeylovesidol]

It seems to me that very often the judges and Jimmy are not on the same page at all! Who is a contestant suppose to listen to anyway?

[sweetcountry92]

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fallgeek wrote:

Now watch - next week they are singing MoTown. And many performances will be upbeat. And half the viewing population will be wishing for ballads to return.

LOL

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You can count on this girl to be cheering if the songs are upbeat...too many ballads in two weeks. I'm ready to Pah-tay!!!

[wrestlgurl]

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joeylovesidol wrote:
It seems to me that very often the judges and Jimmy are not on the same page at all! Who is a contestant suppose to listen to anyway?

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Heck, sometimes the judges aren't on the same page with themselves. I remember poor Hollie last year being told to listen to everything we tell you, then forget all that, or something ridiculous like that. What is a poor kid supposed to do with stuff like that. This year I think Paul let the judges and Jimmy get in his head too much. Like I have said before, once you are in the finals and we start voting, just smile and nod as the judges and Jimmy drone on, then, if you are in the bottom 3, change it up, if not, keep on doing what ya been doing!

[amfan1]

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fallgeek wrote:

Now watch - next week they are singing MoTown. And many performances will be upbeat. And half the viewing population will be wishing for ballads to return.

LOL

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I disagree......most years MOTOWN is one of the BEST Nights!!

     The songs are great, most are UPBEAT & Fun to sing.  

     You were correct when you said a Ballad has a better chance to get a positive review.  But most times it is the contestants skill at picking a song and deciding how to do it......most of these young singers are not skilled at this.

     Candice is GREAT at it......Candice did an upbeat version Wednesday and was the Best!!

[BeautifulDisast…]

I usually hate ballads, because, well I'm picky and get bored easily.  If you're going to perform for me either be uptempo or draw me in with the emotion in the ballad. Because when people stand there and sing a ballad just to sing it, it puts me to sleep and it's oftentimes forgettable. Just my opinion.

But I do agree that Jimmy and the judges are pulling these conestants to all ends. If I were a contestant on the show, I would take it all in then pick and chose what advice to follow.

[syblcat]

They keep stressing "connect" with the lyrics. That's hard enough when you don't know the songs, but then try adding a bunch of lyrics to sing fast, a beat, having to worry about blocking, moving around, walking down fog covered steps in 4 inch heels. And then you miss a note, and everyone picks on it. I think the ballads are known to be safer, and easier to style for your own skills. I do hope next week we see some more energy.