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Message |
Jimmer
Member
08-30-2000
| Thursday, May 27, 2004 - 9:01 am
Why do we watch? I was thinking about this rather obvious question and concluded that there are two main reasons that people watch. One of the reasons should be that we enjoy watching and listening to the performers. Unfortunately, that doesn’t seem to be the main reason this year. I think that the main reason that most people watched this year is for the competition. Take away the competition and fewer people would want to watch or listen – which is important when the producers want to promote the talent and sell CDs. Would you still have watched this season if you already knew who was going to win? I would probably have had a problem doing that just because of the overall quality of the show (this isn’t an anti-Fantasia comment). Now last year I watched for both the competition and because I enjoyed the performers and to a certain degree, the themes and the judges. In fact, I recorded and kept many of the shows and we still re-watch them on occasion. We have also watched the highlight DVD from the first season a few times (my little girls love it). In contrast, we have not kept any recordings from the third season. Overall, the performers didn’t have the same appeal to us this year. The final 12 didn’t relate to each other as well as prior years and their group performances suffered as a result whereas the finalists last year seemed get along well and generally seemed to be enjoying themselves more. There seemed to be much more cynicism associated with this year’s show and there was a real meanness to the judging that left a very bitter taste. For lack of a better way of putting it, it just wasn’t as much fun. I’ll watch again next year with hopes for a better season.
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Kellsma
Member
08-28-2002
| Thursday, May 27, 2004 - 9:06 am
I must say I totally agree. I did not even watch Tuesday night or Wednesday night this week nor last week. I am on the West Coast so I read the spoilers and when I read that the judges were so incredibly biased, I had no interest in watching. I felt it was very disrespectful to the other contestants and I lost all interest in the show. Last year, I watched every moment and with season 1, I came in mid-series and watched all of them from that moment on. This season did not hold my attention at all. Hope next year is better and I hope the judges stop being so obvious.
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Jasper
Member
09-14-2000
| Thursday, May 27, 2004 - 9:38 am
I did not see the first season, but enjoyed both season 2 and 3. I personally did not find Simon's comments any meaner this time around than last year, but memory does fade,and I find him more blunt than anything else and 90% of the time he says pretty much what I'm thinking. Randy was a bit more "on" this year if you know what I mean (just wish he'd drop the dawg/dude)and more derisive than I have ever felt Simon to be. I felt that the last 8 contestants with the exception of LaToya (sorry she just came off to me as aloof) all seemed pretty tight, I sure there were tensions, familiarity does breed contempt and they were all vying for the same thing. As for bias I do remember Simon's constant criticsm of Clay last year and his props for Ruben. I can't comment on any bias in season 1. Like us the judges get their favourites, Diana was Randy's and Fantasia was Simon's. At the end they all seemed to put F head and shoulders above the rest, but are they supposed to just remain non-committal even if they enjoyed something immensely. Yes some comments must have crushed poor Diana's spirit at times, but I wonder if she was older if we would worry about that as much. I did enjoy it, I wish I could vote and will tune in next year
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Fruitbat
Member
08-07-2000
| Thursday, May 27, 2004 - 10:41 am
Judge-to form and opinion or evaluation. This is what the judges do. It is their job. They give their own opinion and elvaluation, often disagreeing in the process. I find this show entertaining and that is why I watch it. I like all of the judges and find their contribution the most interesting.
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Texasdeb
Member
05-23-2003
| Thursday, May 27, 2004 - 3:05 pm
I enjoy everything about the show except: 1) voting needs changed where it's more the # of folks liking a contestant than the # of times some folks can dial in (If I like a contestant enough to vote for them, I prob. like them enough to buy ONE of their CDs - not 60-300 each of the same CD). 2) Ryan is a good MC but he needs to loose the "Seacrest Out" ending comment. 3) Pick songs for the final 12 comp. from a certain era or style (country, rock, disco, jaz, etc) not from a specific artist. 4) I watch all of the preliminary shows & think that some folks made the final 32 & more so 12 that just weren't as good as others - what's up dawg? This show rates up there with Survivor & Big Brother IMO.
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Roxip
Member
01-29-2004
| Friday, May 28, 2004 - 11:16 am
I watch because it is entertainment and sometimes there are some truly spectacular numbers that will remain with us forever. I'm really tired of the "preview" shows with the bad singers...I like it when we get to the good stuff. Clay singing Solitaire...Ruben singing the Disney song (sorry can't remember it) and Superstar...Fantasia's Summertime and Latoya during the Big Band week - these performances make each season worthwhile. Don't we all want to reach out and grab the brass ring for ourselves? Don't we truly want to see someone unfold from their cocoon before our eyes and watch their career and feel like we've been a tiny part of it? When you see the success of a Clay or Kelly or Ruben (and hopefully some of the newest crop) don't you feel just a little bit of ownership in that? After all, you helped put them there?
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Tishala
Member
08-01-2000
| Friday, May 28, 2004 - 11:41 am
Roxip, I LOVE your last paragraph! I think it's really accurate. I think the best part of the show is that it has a really strong storyline. It becomes a short soap opera for us: we find villains and heroes (and they sometimes change) and we get to root for whatever version of "goodness" we want to win. This year's finalists gave us two really compelling, and quintessentially American, stories...Diana, the innocent 16 year old who had worked her way to the big time; Fantasia, the single mother who was so poor she had to borrow money to audition. Even if you don't like Fantasia, hers is a classic "pull yourself up by the bootstraps" story worth of Ben Franklin (I can even imagine "errata" written in the margins of her biography like it is in Franklin's biography). Likewise, Diana has a real likability and charm that is refreshing in a world badly lacking both. Along the way, various people got to be villains to some people because of the people they outlasted: Jasmine, for outlasting LaToya; John Stevens, for outlasting Jennifer, etc. And the people who left early, especially Amy, I think, hold a special place because of what might have been. And to top it off, we get to kvetch about the judges who alternatively annoy us and confirm our good taste. It's a perfect little universe, really! And we even get celebs (sometimes of dubious merit) criticizing US for how we vote. How dare they!
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Crossfire
Member
08-07-2001
| Friday, May 28, 2004 - 11:54 am
And that's why I'll be back next year. You guys saved me a lot of typing. 
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Seamonkey
Member
09-07-2000
| Friday, May 28, 2004 - 5:09 pm
I didn't watch the finale, I recoreded it but already knew the outcome so I erased it the next day without watching.
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Seamonkey
Member
09-07-2000
| Friday, May 28, 2004 - 6:10 pm
ROXIP!!! Watch Larry King interview with Dr Phil Saturday night May 29.. some bits about the weight loss people!!
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Maris
Member
03-28-2002
| Friday, May 28, 2004 - 6:28 pm
Summing it up? a mediocre season with not nearly the anticipation of last season.
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Tabbyking
Member
03-11-2002
| Friday, May 28, 2004 - 7:46 pm
gosh, i never thought diana was randy's choice! i have always felt the 3 stooges were completely and totally in fantasia's corner. i agree with maris. mediocre over-all and not as anticipatory as last season.
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Sunrvrose
Member
08-13-2001
| Friday, May 28, 2004 - 11:39 pm
Roxip, I also really love your last paragraph. I really believe that happy, upbeat, optimistic people feel just that way. There are other people who, as my old granny used to say, "would b*tch if they was bein' hung with a new rope." (I know, I know, I've said it before, I'd b*tch if I was being hung with any kind of rope) Has anyone else's family used that phrase?? What I am afraid is going on is that, Horror of Horrors, maybe we are just getting burned out on Reality TV. say it isn't so, pleeeeeese say it isn't so. Just look at it on this board. Many complaints about how the last BB totally stank, most everyone thinks Bachelor is a total bore, even ASS drew a lot of negs. No one seems to like the rest like For Love or Money, Who wants dad, Swan, Average Joe, etc, etc. There are very few posts on the boards about each show, and a lot of complaining about how ppl just don't care how the shows turn out. It sure didn't seem like there was less drama or surprizing results on this AI, and certainly there were at least 4 very talented singers. So, why does there seem to be less interest on these boards? I think it's just burn out. So far, no one seems to have gotten sick of AR, and I am sooooo looking forward to the next one. I am also really looking forward to the next BB. Maybe they won't choose Santa Monica Blvd hampsters this time. Hopefully this wasn't too OT.
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Alisons
Member
01-10-2003
| Saturday, May 29, 2004 - 3:02 am
The last BB was bad because the contestants were too young and not interesting enough. I think having people who knew each other in the house together set up a bad dynamic. I liked ASS. Bachelor is OK, but I like the female picking ones better. And I can't WAIT for AR to start. I also wish they would do another Mole with non-celebrities. I think that AI suffers sometimes from people's expectations - I have liked all three seasons but each one has had a different dynamic. I wish that after they picked the top 12, there would be at least one week where everyone had a chance to sing without being eliminated. That would give us a chance to get to know them a little better and build a little fan loyalty before you have to make choices. All in all, I will be anxiously awaiting the next season!
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Mrsa
Member
11-25-2003
| Saturday, May 29, 2004 - 9:05 am
I wish that after they picked the top 12, there would be at least one week where everyone had a chance to sing without being eliminated. That would give us a chance to get to know them a little better and build a little fan loyalty before you have to make choices. I so agree with you!
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Jimmer
Member
08-30-2000
| Saturday, May 29, 2004 - 9:22 am
I really like the one-week without elimination idea as well. I just wonder how it would do in the ratings or if they would lose momentum? Though personally, I’d love it. I think that some singers start with an advantage in that they have a certain style that has immediate appeal to some fans or come from a certain region that wants to show their support so they have a ready made fan base (can you think of who I might be referring to?). However, they have little growth potential beyond their initial audience. Other singers that may be vastly superior all around performers may be eliminated earlier as they don’t have time to build a fan base.
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Ketchuplover
Member
08-30-2000
| Saturday, May 29, 2004 - 10:52 am
The contestants for next year have 3 seasons to study in preparation. Were I eligible & talented enough I'd definitely review the shows' history. ps. To all the "tone deaf" singers. STOP ACTING ALL SHOCKED WHEN YOU GET BOOTED. YOU KNOW YOU'RE BAD. SAYING SIMON SUCKS DOESN'T IMPRESS ME EITHER. HERE'S A CRAZY IDEA:TAKE SINGING LESSONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Watching2
Member
07-07-2001
| Saturday, May 29, 2004 - 2:11 pm
I really like the one-week without elimination idea as well. I just wonder how it would do in the ratings or if they would lose momentum? Well, they certainly ran enough shows highlighting the "bad talent" and the show didn't lose momentum. Showing us more of the final twelve would be nice. Another thing I've been rethinking is, the "luck" of the draw as to which group you get placed in during the final 32. Group 1 was so superior, we could have had many much better singers had we been able to vote through a few more.
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Jhonise
Member
07-10-2003
| Saturday, May 29, 2004 - 9:15 pm
http://www.ew.com/ew/article/commentary/0,6115,643675_3_0_,00.html 'American' Whirl 10 things we learned from ''American Idol'' season 3 -- Now that Fantasia's won (yay!), Brian Hiatt takes a look back at the third installment of everyone's obsession 1. Personality counts. Hence the early departure of La Toya London, whose poise and impeccable vocals couldn't overcome the sense that she was auditioning for the title role in ''I, Robot.'' 2. Dancing doesn't. Though choreography is Paula Abdul's one proven area of expertise, she rarely had much to say about the contestants' moves -- and neither did anyone else. Instead of elaborate, La Toya-on-Latin-night style routines, future contestants can stick to bouncing (à la George Huff) or twitching (like Jon Peter Lewis). 3. Forget Texas -- don't mess with Hawaii. The 50th state's slavish devotion to their homegirl, the painfully pitch-impaired Jasmine Trias, landed her a spot in the final three. Maybe they just couldn't stand to see her cry. 4. The extra phone lines are a good idea. Multiple numbers per contestant and a longer calling period made it much easier to get through for the final vote -- so next season, why not do it every week? At the very least, those pesky conspiracy theorists -- who blamed just about every week's results on a strategically placed hurricane that blocked calls -- would shut up. 5. Teenage girls still love a crooner. Or redheads. Or something. Jasmine is Aretha Franklin compared to lil' John Stevens, whose four-note range, lack of rhythm, and indifference to pitch don't quite make him the second coming of Ol' Blue Eyes. True, Jennifer Hudson at times sounded like she was roaring gospel and opera simultaneously, but no way did she deserve to go before Stevens. His version of ''Crocodile Rock'' belonged on ''Fear Factor.'' 6. Clive Davis rocks. Not only did he choose the perfect material for Diana DeGarmo -- ''Don't Cry Out Loud,'' which became her long-needed signature song -- the septuagenarian music-industry vet showed a rare willingness to move beyond ''You did your thing, girl''-style banalities by singling out suckitude. His apparent near-grab of Fantasia's rear, however, was frightening. 7. Girls rule, boys drool. Female-dominated season 3 produced just one memorable male singer. William Hung, take a bow -- and then go back to class. Immediately. 8. ''Idol'' voters are hipper than we thought. Fantasia Barrino -- who may be the coolest human being to grace an ''Idol'' stage -- actually won, despite a nasal vocal tone, a questionable nickname, and a teen-mom past that set message-board moralists a-posting. Bobo, you go-go. 9. Paula's just not right -- and that's fine with us. Even when she's not suffering from manicure-related injuries, Abdul's weepy blathering (''I'm just so proud of you!'') and apparent inability to understand the rules (i.e., that SOMEONE has to go home each week ) are endlessly entertaining. 10. It's just a TV show, people! The excitement around ''Idol'' -- and the genuine talent of a Fantasia -- can suck in even cynics. But routinely dire song choices, agonizing promos for Ford, Up With People-style group performances, and off-key voting results are constant reminders that taking ''Idol'' too seriously can lead to madness -- or at least sugar shock. What did you learn from this season's ''Idol''?
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Prisonerno6
Member
08-31-2002
| Sunday, May 30, 2004 - 7:02 am
quote:Group 1 was so superior, we could have had many much better singers had we been able to vote through a few more.
And last year, Ruben, Kim Locke, and Clay were all in group two. Without the wildcard round, Clay would have been out the second week -- and look where he is now. Makes me wonder how any of the the other third place finishers in the final third groups would have done in the end.
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Texasdeb
Member
05-23-2003
| Sunday, May 30, 2004 - 2:15 pm
don't you expect that when the 10 folks are brought back for the wild card comp. that the 3rd place person in each group is included. I would think that the wild card comp. is mostly comprised of folks that barely missed in their group. The judges also have this chance to give someone else a chance that they have seen worthy throughout the whole comp. that maybe didn't give America a good showing.
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Llkoolaid
Member
08-01-2001
| Monday, May 31, 2004 - 3:11 am
I loved this year as much as other years, I just love this show. I had my favorites and I had the ones that I thought couldn't sing and shouldn't be there. I enjoy how differant people hear differant things, of course I am always right and the anyone who disagrees with me is tone deaf LOL. To sum it all up, I love it and am so glad Canadian Idol starts tomorrow night.
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Texasdeb
Member
05-23-2003
| Monday, May 31, 2004 - 9:49 am
I love AI & hope it's around for a long time. Gosh, Llkoolaid - I wish there was a way we could see your Canadian Idol show too. I wouldn't mind not getting to vote because I only pick a contestant & vote for them about middle final 12 until they are gone (or win). It would be fun to be able to come into TVCH & give opinions & read what others think about something we actually got to see too.
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Llkoolaid
Member
08-01-2001
| Monday, May 31, 2004 - 10:34 am
They are almost identical, except we have 4 judges but they all fill the same roles as Randy,Simon and Paula, but they do offer more constructive critism than you guys get. We have a few American fans here, they have satelite dishes. I wish you all would get it too because the discussion here doesn't have as many people and it would be fun to have you guys tell us what you think.
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Jimmer
Member
08-30-2000
| Monday, May 31, 2004 - 10:37 am
It is a shame that you don’t get to see it. It’s very similar to AI and a lot of fun to watch. 
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Jan
Member
08-01-2000
| Monday, May 31, 2004 - 10:47 am
If you want to follow along over the internet, Texasdeb (although it isn't the same as hearing them, is it?), here is the official site link. They have some video links of what is going on etc (also a place to click to get rid of the theme music that plays at the site!!): Canadian Idol Official Site and here is TVCH site : TVCH Can. Idol thread
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Texasdeb
Member
05-23-2003
| Monday, May 31, 2004 - 11:09 am
Thanks, I'll follow this with ya'll.
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Jan
Member
08-01-2000
| Monday, May 31, 2004 - 1:17 pm
we'd love to have you there, texas   
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Fruitbat
Member
08-07-2000
| Monday, May 31, 2004 - 5:44 pm
I am going to check my dish. What are the initials of the Canadian station? I suppose I could have it, we have a huge package. And so does MrBat. I couldn't resist.
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Jimmer
Member
08-30-2000
| Monday, May 31, 2004 - 7:56 pm
Nice to hear about MrBat!!! The station is CTV and the local station in Toronto is CFTO.
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Jan
Member
08-01-2000
| Tuesday, June 01, 2004 - 8:34 am
Ms Bat...the news about Mr Bat is highly appreciated Thanks for sharing Canada really only has three national networks (I think)...CBC, CTV and Global. As Jimmer posted above CI is on CTV. If you get any Canadian feed from any CTV station, it will probably be carrying Canadian Idol as it was CTV's highest rated show last year, methinks.
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Lurknomore
Member
07-07-2001
| Tuesday, June 01, 2004 - 9:01 am
What a good thread, with some great points (especially Roxip and Tishala!). Next year I'd really like to see some better quality singing and I'd REALLY like to see it be one person/one vote (not gonna happen). But as someone wisely pointed out in another thread, it has been fun to watch. Sure not all of it...especially the parts that made my ears bleed...but like someone else posted it always has enough moments to make it worthwile. (Sorry can't find the post but know I read it lol). Also, I kinda like "Seacrest Out." Beats "see ya next week". Especially since he has fun with it now and again. I actually like Ryan. He may be the hardest worker in Hollywood and seems like a really nice guy.
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Sadiesmom
Member
03-13-2002
| Tuesday, June 01, 2004 - 9:55 am
my suggestion for fairness in voting and to eliminate the power dialers is to have everyone dial into a single number and select the person they want to vote for. This will reduce the mulltiple voting and will allow every artist an even chance of getting votes.
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Realfan
Member
08-08-2001
| Tuesday, June 01, 2004 - 12:06 pm
I enjoyed this season, but not as much as Season 2, because I was a Clay fan (still am!) and he made it farther--and beyond! I agree that judges are there to express opinions, and I usually agree with Simon. Where I draw the line is when they start saying who IS the next American Idol, or who WILL win, because that's our job. Why vote, if it's already decided, ya know? Other than that, they can snark all they want. I liked there being more phone lines. Makes me think the concern over last year's results not being fair was accurate--us Clay fans weren't just wearing tin-foil hats and coming up with wild conspiracy theories, there really weren't enough lines for a truly accurate voting count (watch out for those hanging chads!). Some vinidication there, anyway, since I wasn't able to cast a single vote for my boy. One thing I DO wish--that they'd allow obviously better singers through to Randy, Paula, and Simon, and not 75-80% jokingly bad. It's the front-line auditioners who do this, to make a "better show," but I really think a lot of great talent is passed over, and the talent depth just wasn't as strong as it could have been toward the end. I also agree I'm a little burned out on reality TV. Still watch a lot of it, but it doesn't engage me quite like it used to. It was inevitable, really. There's just so much of it now.
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