Wow, what an action-packed show. So much happened tonight, which was the complete opposite of last week’s boring results show. There was Slash performing, Paula Abdul singing and dancing, No Doubt reuniting, and Daughtry debuting a new song. I didn’t think it was all good, just that there was a lot going on.
I’m tired tonight so here are some quick reactions:
- When the remaining contestants performed with Slash on Alice Cooper’s “School’s Out,” Slash’s playing drowned them out, making them useless. Producers might as well have had Slash do some guitar solos, which probably would’ve been more awesome.
- Paula’s song,”I’m Just Here for the Music,” has a danceable backbeat but what’s up with the electronic enhancement to her voice? They did that with Jamie Foxx last week and it annoys the junk out of me. It makes them sound like they abused cigarettes and now have to sing through an electronic voicebox. How about this for an idea: If your voice needs enhancement, don’t sing live.
- I usually enjoy Gwen Stefani quite a bit but thought all her running around tonight was a bit immature. She’s not a teen anymore like when she first joined No Doubt and came across like she was trying too hard to reclaim her youth and previous audience. I don’t know why that’s necessary since she’s sold loads of solo albums while acting more or less her age.
- Was it just me or did Chris Daughtry sound a lot like Styx’s frontman, Dennis DeYoung, while singing the new single, “No Surprise”? Maybe I just have Styx on the brain from last night’s performance of “Renegade.” Still, my point is Daughtry’s sound is not unique. If you hear a U2 or Coldplay or Maroon 5 song on the radio, you instantly know who they are. Daughtry still sounds like different bands, depending on the song.
- It was no surprise to me that Kris was the first one declared safe and Allison was voted off, leaving Adam and Danny to round out the top three. That poor girl didn’t have a chance against the guys’ rabid fan bases. But then again, her performance of Janis Joplin’s “Cry Baby” was not one of her better ones.
How do you feel about the top three? Do you forgive Danny for his last “Dream On” notes now that he’s acknowledged their awfulness? What’d you think of Paula’s performance? Were you excited to see No Doubt back together again?
4 Comments
READER#9
May 7, 2009 at 10:34 amMy opinion of the top 3 hasn’t changed. The American populace who votes for the this really got it wrong.
Poncho
May 7, 2009 at 11:29 amI’m glad for Kris; and I guess Adam being there was a safe bet. I mourned when I found out Allison was out.
I think the problem is that people -and even the judges themselves- don’t often judge someone by the night’s performance. If that was the thing, I think Danny would’ve gone.
Anyway, I think Allison may have a pretty good chance of having success in the industry. I’ll stop and listen to his record when I see it.
Steve
May 7, 2009 at 11:36 amActually a results show I could stand. Perhaps it was just the excitement of seeing who American would vote for least and of course it was Alison. I am really going to miss her. She was the most authentic and she slayed me with her appropriate “Cry Baby” finale. I’m afraid she’s too young for her attitude. Maybe in the 1960’s, but I don’t see it in the new mil-media-um. She’ll be signed, in fact, she already is, I just can’t picture her first single. Maybe she’s can stand in for the out-of-breath GS with No Doubt. Is she cute enough for mainstream America? Good Luck Alison and I’ll at least give your first single a spin.
Paula, please! PCN you’re right on. Enough with the vocoder. Isn’t that just a cover for lack of vocal confidence, just a stupid trend or both? Her performance had to be lip-synced anyways but I thought it would be worse and I didn’t fast forward my DVR through it.
Four people can’t sing School’s Out. Only Alice and Adam. Sit Kris, Danny and Alison down and let me really enjoy it. I do have to say that was the best live musical performance of season 8. Thanks Slash.
Chris Daughtry’s song was a typical first single, slow and safe. I hate record company executives or was that Simon’s choice. I’m not a big fan of Daughtry’s band musical style but hopefully there are better rocking songs on their new album.
And next week’s themes, “going home, judges pick and favorite song.”
Adam going home ought to be interesting. Coming from San Diego, not Arkansas or Gokeyville USA, the AI producers will likely have to bring in extras to act like they care about their “gay theater geek classmate” who doesn’t surf. Will even 100 people show? Will they all be hot chicks right off the beach and surfer dudes in flip flops? He’d do better in West Hollywood or Long Beach, while Kris and Danny get keys to the city.
Who goes next week? Kris or Danny? Who really cares as long as Adam stays? It’s Adam’s to lose but does he have a big enough fan base from the red states? At least there are a lot of interesting sub plots ramping me up for next Tuesday night.
Keep up the good work PCN 🙂
popculturenerd
May 8, 2009 at 8:42 amThat’s hilarious, Steve, what you said about how AI producers may have to pay people to be excited about Adam’s homecoming. It was the same case a few years ago with Katharine McPhee. Her hometown is Sherman Oaks, CA, (an L.A. suburb for those not familiar). I thought, Yeah, right, like they’re going to do a parade down Ventura Boulevard? Everybody here’s in the business—why would anyone care? Drivers would probably be pissed about the traffic and riot.