AMERICAN IDOL 2012

[mariana44]

American Idol time again--It is amazing how quickly it seems to come round again.

So far the mixture as before-I have not spotted a winner yet-but then I have only seen the first auditions.

But just had to cooment as they came from San Diego--a place I have never been, but of course it is the Home town of our friend Eman.

I was impressed with San Diego--the little I saw of it--I had not realised it was so big--and so many people !!1 And the huge boat/ ship, and all the airoplanes etc etc just made it very different.

I did not spot you in the crowds Eman--did you decide to give it a miss this year ????

[paul jh]

We are now in the period I like: announcing the top 24. My favorite thus far is Phil Phillips. I think there are too many loud blues singers -- both girls and boys. I would like some classic pop or R & B singers. We'll see how they match up next week with the live shows.

[Eman]

Mariana, we are known as "America's Finest City" because of the great weather we have year round, of course we have our rain and cold periods, but it isn't as bad. San Diego is a military town with the Navy/Marines bases all round and of course I work with/for them. . I basically grew up here as my Dad was in the Navy, so I'm a Navy Brat as they call it.

American Idol try outs, lol!!! Nah I'll pass..

Paul, from what I seen of it, I kinda get annoyed with some of the girl singers as they do those extended vocal runs which I like to call vocal gymnastics. I'm with you we need a basic girl pop/r'n'b singer without all those crazy runs. It would be refreshing to see one of them sing the melody straight without all the crazy stuff, but then again it's probably wishful thinking!!

[paul jh]

I agree completely with you regarding the vocal gymnastics. I think they're overdoing the blues riffs to appeal to Steven.

I don't know if you watched last night, but the word "amazing" must have been used over a hundred times. Perfect for a drinking game!

I prefer Los Angeles, but San Diego is beautiful with the ocean, Coronado, Spanish architecture and culture, but I especially like the Old West feel of the downtown. Perhaps it's been modernized, but I liked how it felt like a small town.

[karl]

I've been to San Diego twice but briefly as it was part of a package trip, I loved it and would like to see more. We also visited the Hotel Del Coronado.

San Diego was where I first tasted Fajitas and was well impressed!

[mariana44]

I never got down as far as San Diego when i was in California !! Too little time. I had not realised Eman, that you work for the Military ! Does that mean we have to [virtually] salute you ????

Looking forward to the final picks tonight. But I thought many of them were very good last week, singing the music from the 50's and 60's, and some of the groupos made up, sounded very good--much better than the first round of groups.

[Eman]

LOL! San Diego has grown by leaps and bounds. Most all military retirees want to come out here because of the weather. Though we aren't as cosmopolitan as L.A. we don't have all the congestion.

Mariana, I work on the civilian side so no, no virtual salutes. LOL.

Karl, yeah next time your down here you need to go to Old Town, some of the best Mexican food ever.

Paul, No didn't see it yesterday, but I'm sure those blues riffs are for Steven! Yet just once get a person in there who'll sing the melody straight and I bet they won't make it.

[mariana44]

Just caught up with the last 12 men singers last night. Some sounded Ok, but none of them stood out for me.

[paul jh]

The only boy that stands out for me is Phillip Phillips. I also like the young boy with the frizzy hair. I think his name is Deandre or something like that. I like his rendition of Reasons.

The girls are very samey. Too many of them are singing Adele's songs and the judges are mentioning Adele too much. I would love a worldwide ban of Adele and her music. I can't stand her, especially after her rude gesture at this year's Brit Awards. She is a flash in the pan and won't be around in 5 years.

[mariana44]

Just started to watch the girls--maybe when they are down to last 6 , it will be easier to pick a winner. Ans I agree, Adele and her songs are featuring much too often.

[paul jh]

You are usually good at predicting the top candidates, Marian. I'm getting together with a friend next week to pick our top 10 after we see the top 13 perform. We do our predictions every year; it's fun!

I think you'll be able to pick your top 3 or 4 after watching the top 13, Marian and Eman. (Don't think anyone else is watching.)

[mariana44]

I have to admit that I picked out last years top 2 right from the beginning-not so clear cut this time.

My sister and I always swap notes on our favourites.

[Eman]

Paul and Marian, I'm more impressed with the boys this go round. Like you Paul, I liked the frizzy haired boy's rendition of Reasons. Other than that I dunno, the girls in my oppinion they should all just axe them altogether as they concentrate too much on "vocal gymnastics" and trying to imitate Adelle. No originality in them!

[paul jh]

I agree completely Eman. Years ago it used to be the girls would copy the runs of Mariah, Christina, or Whitney. Now they're copying the stylings of Adele and Amy. Just sing the melody as written and understand the lyrics.

The guys are more original. I think Skylar is the best girl. I can't wait until Wednesday night.

And tonight's The Voice. I can't stand the judges, but I like the singers. If Marian is watching, we should start a new thread for The Voice.

[mariana44]

As far as I know we have not had "the Voice" on in the Uk yet-I have not seen it on any of the satellite channels. Although I know the Uk version with Tom Jones is set to start soon--which I am looking forward to.