As usual, to spare the West Coast people any spoilers, reactions are after the cut!
I take notes on the idol performances. Usually they're concise: "Hmm." "Hmm!" "Eh. Okay." "A bit shouty, but not bad." "Not terrible. Pleasant."
My notes from Norman Gentle's performance are unprecedented. And I quote, in full:
YES! <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 !!!!I am aware this means I'm voting for Sanjaya.
I mean, I don't really want him to win the title. But I so want him to stay in the mix for the next while. He's not the best singer, but he's totally the most entertaining.
(He's also the only one who can sass the judges without repercussions. It's part of the act.)
The rotation in judge order was not a bad experiment; it was interesting to watch the shifting dynamic when different judges spoke first.
In general, talking back to the judges is a bad idea. When they're the people who will decide whether you get the chance to come back in the wildcard round, it's downright suicidal. Matt Giraud in particular... all four judges say they want him to make it through so he can sing songs in a different style, and his response is to say that this is the style he plans to sing? Bad, bad move.
(Granted, I may be operating from a false premise. I don't know whether the wildcard choices will be made by the judges or the producers.)
From a strict singing standpoint, there were two standout performances: Allison's "Alone" and Adam's "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction." Adam was the best of the bunch, period; Allison's would be a somewhat distant second, but still far ahead of the rest of the pack.
I'm voting for Nick/Norman/Normund, Allison, and Adam. I'm also predicting they'll all make it through.
[Edited to note that websites and fansites differ as to whether it's Norman Gentle or Normund Gentle. Still looking for decisive proof one way or the other.]
Posted by Shmuel at February 25, 2009 9:57 PM