JUST KEEPING IT REAL

I can understand-- the nerves again, and perhaps the sound system, yes, of course. But, I thought I enjoyed Brooke White's performance of "You're So Vain" and I have to say that I really L O V E D Kristy Lee Cook tonight and her performance of "You're No Good". They're the most improved!! KUDOS to Brooke and Kristy. These 2 are pals and was it coincidental that they chose statement songs to sing by Carly Simon and Linda Ronstadt? Aha, I'd say, They're so Good and They're so Vain (as in good, still). Whatever it is that they "cooked" up tonight, it surely tastes good! Most of all, the whole idea worked with Simon, Randy and Paula. I was impressed with Brooke's musicianship, while Kristy sounded Great and looked Hot. (what can I say?) Friends, that's 2 Cooks in 2 days! I feel full but got to want for more!!

Kristy Lee Cook - You're No Good

Top 3

Brooke White - You're So Vain by Carly Simon

Kristy Lee Cook - You're No Good by Linda Ronstadt

Carly Smithson - Crazy on You by Heart

OK

Ramiele Malubay - Don't Leave Me This Way by Thelma Houston

Syesha Mercado - Me and Mr. Jones by Billy Paul

Kady Malloy - Magic Man by Heart

Alaina Whitaker - Hopelessly Devoted To You by Olivia Newton John

Bottom 3

Asiah Epperson - All By Myself by Eric Carmen as done by Celine Dion

Alexandrea Lushington - If You Leave Me Now by Chicago

Amanda Overmyer - Carry On My Wayward Son by Kansas

COMPLETE 70's song performances by top 10/20 girls: 

Winner of contestant background film (tape): Kady Malloy

Besides impersonating Britney, Shakira and Cher, singing opera is the latest hidden talent that Kady revealed on her tape, and it is an asset to her singing capability overall.

I was not impressed by the girls tonight. Many strange or questionable song choices, and sub-par performances. I loved Kristy Lee, liked Carly and Brooke, and thought Amanda and Asiah did OK. The rest are all vulnerable IMO, and that, unfortunately, includes Kady. She has such a wonderful voice, but can't seem to put it all together, and I'm afraid she may have run out of chances. Why did she pick "Magic Man"? My favorite Heart song, but totally wrong for her. And how about Simon saying he never heard it before? Where was Simon in the '70s? Oh, yeah, I forgot...England!

Although, a firm believer of my choices, I could also and I'm prepared to turn my perspectives off for this year's AI because I'm totally playing my cards on the table for the FUN of it. I'm anticipating that America's votes will be different from mine.

I bet I'd get stiff singing right in front of the judges that way. But as they move on to the bigger stage where the judges are a little farther away, they may not be as nervous as now. It's an ordeal, really.

Kady is vulnerable and I hope the Kady fans will do wonders in the voting tonight. She sure should pick the song that suits her best. She has that aura about her that's so attractive and that tone that takes you. She worked the camera tonight. Loved the attitude and a couple of smouldering looks there. She knows herself. Admired the opera-singing on her background film. Wow. She has so many hidden talents! I'd really like to see and hear her more! You know what's funny? Simon sounded as if he was, again, begging Kady to give him the finale or climax(?) of whatever kind of vocalist she is. The anticipation is killing Simon! Kady, stop coasting. Just do it!! LOL

Except for Brooke and Kristy, I really thought they all picked the wrong songs to sing because they could not seem to connect themselves with the songs. To prepare a song in a week is stressful. I can understand the pressure. And for the 17, 18 years olds- wow, that could be grueling. If it was me, I would not have any problem at all. I actually love to sing Olivia Newton John, if I may interject that, thanks. So, I truly could relate with the kids. For those who are much maturer, I think there is no excuse why they couldn't sing it right, which is why Brooke and Kristy did probably much better. But then, it's their comfort zones. What do I know?

So, which Kristy did you enjoy- the tomboy or the hot one? I just love her. I can't do what she does and I'm envious. I can sing and cook, though. It should be fun hanging out with Kristy. I wished I was born and raised in the countryside- on a ranch- on a hill- by a river ---all that good stuff that enriches life. Kristy's gift, skills and talents are enormous. Make no mistake about it. This pretty girl is not just a pretty face that can sing. She could knock you over (with her fists of fury) in a heartbeat if you're not careful, and could run to the finish line the fastest (with her horse, Midnight, of course). Gear up, suit up, saddle up, guys! She could even ride bareback! WOW!

Oh, just see the contrasts that we see on AI. Kat was (and is) that goofy, private-schooled,  priviledged, big city-poppish, brown-eyed brunette girl. Whereas, Kristy is that tomboyish, home-schooled, prodigious, skilled-tough, blue-eyed, blonde country girl. Now, consider the similarity in both being born in 1984, 5'8" in height, pretty, extremely talented and naturally gifted with a beautiful voice. See what I mean of fun? Variety makes it so. Excuse the manner I made the comparison, but I do love them both!

If I were to play it safe, I'd pick out a song that's almost never heard. Why? I'd rather be accused of "never heard" than you're so "old-fashioned" or "boring" - because the song is either too popular or already worn out by too many singers before. The never heard song could actually be a safe song, a sort of refuge. Unless of course you're Melinda, Kat or Kelly, then you need not try the safe route and just blow. Just had to throw that in.

It's tricky during these elimination rounds - having to sing the classics and you really want to sing the one that you have reserved for later bigger moments so you try to hold off not singing your best song yet. But that's when you could get caught unaware of your chances of going through to the next round. So, if you don't have the big vocals, the personality, interesting backgrounds, or the support of voters, you better give all your best every time before your luck runs out!

shinamarih, you are dead on IMO with your bottom two though I personally would switch 9 and 10.  Amanda totally butchered one of the best classic rock songs of all time on her rendition of Kansas' "Carry on my Wayward Son".  I think she was actually off pitch on more notes than she was on.  I agreed with Randy on Kady's song as she just never seemed to ever get centered on the pitch of the melody through the entire song.  For whatever reason just didn't work for her.  I was also disappointed in Asia'h's "All By Myself" performance and would personally put her at the 8th spot.  The ending was pretty good but she was all over the place the first half of the song.

Now, my other major take of the night (which is why i REALLY wanted to post) was the unbelievable musical ignorance of Simon.  I REALLY lost a lot of respect for him last night as he is suppose to be a guy that eats and sleeps the music industry right?.  Here are my gripes:

1.  He supposedly has NEVER HEARD of the song "Magic Man" by Heart.  I mean that was a huge hit for Heart and of the 70s and I'm just astonished he would freely admit on national television that he's never heard of the song.

2.  He makes the statement about Chicago's "If You Leave Me Now" that its so dated and out of place that noone should bother with it or ever sing it.  WHAT?  That song is probably one of the most classic, popular songs of the entire decade of the 70s and still receives TONS of airplay even today on adult contemporary stations everywhere.  A beautiful song and always will be.

3. He claims "All By Myself" is the ultimate diva song and unless you sing like Celine you shouldn't attempt it.  Earth to Simon, while Celine did a remake of the song that was very successful, that song was a HUGE hit for Eric Carmen ( A GUY!!) in the 70s and only because of that could Asia'h even select the song.  Celine's version didn't come out until the late 80s or early 90s.  NOTE TO SIMON:  Celine was nowhere to be found in the 70s.

4.  The least of my gripes here because Simon didn't explicity say it but I got the feeling he knew little to nothing about the song "Carry on My Wayward Son" which like I said was one of the better classic rock songs of the past.

Just stunned me that a guy who is a self-proclaimed expert on all things music could be so ignorant of some of the great music of the past.  There, I just had to get that off my chest.

MSNBC internet poll as of 12 noon thurs has amanda and Kady leaving tonight

Carly Smithson - Crazy On You

 This is a good performance by Carly, but it's lacking the raw rock vocal attitude that's expected of the song. Therefore, not very good song choice for her. Don't get me wrong, in the girls group, nobody blows like Carly Smithson. But her song, although I love Heart, didn't quite connect with her as her vocals went thinner in higher notes. She pulled it off and I agree that she is the one to beat, based on an overall assessment, not necessarily on this performance.

Carly will be around awhile so she has the time to select greater songs best suited to her vocals and she should really showcase herself well to make that remarkable number we would never forget. At this time in the competition, I was actually imagining that Carly should have gone 5 steps away from the one next to her and nobody above her, but that's not the case. Everyone has a better day, I guess. We all take turns and Brooke stole the spotlight.

Song choice could make 50-60% of a performance. Without a decent vocals and charisma to match that up, it would end up in the forgettable section. Carly has all that, but for those lacking in the criteria, be warned.

But somehow, regardless of polls and reviews, the truth thrives in the belief. Therefore, in the end, whoever has gathered enough belief in her talent will be rewarded (as in records sale), and that's not necessarily the winning title.

Kady Malloy - Magic Man

Not all ppl dig rock and the 70's type, I can understand, but when it comes to selections, you got to stick to talent potential first before ousting someone based on an unheard song. That comment was not necessary and almost cruel. Kady was preceded by her own small talents shows that she does (that are really interesting and admirable) that it has now become too difficult, almost, for her to prove herself on stage. Kady needs to finally define and beat herself by a knock-out performance. That's all what the judges are trying to say, and the ppl listen to them, you know, unfortunately.

But based on what the judges said that they have never quite placed her voice yet, that is just about the same thing as saying "we need for you to choose the right song then come back next week and prove it. They are waiting for her patiently because they believe in this girl, only the anticipation is killing Simon. Simon needs to get a vindication of his "best choice- who is Kady Malloy", and he believes Kady can deliver it.

So, overall, I think Kady will be around.

My hunch to go home:  Amanda/Asia, Asia/Alex, Amanda/Alex

Again, what can I say, personally, I love Kady Malloy and I want her around more. It's actually fun seeing her develop in this process. After all, she's only 18, just a kid, but the day her claws got longer and the walls softer, she could climb out of that hole where some  ppl think she is at. That's the believer's point of view, that I am. I'm not a punisher.

JUST KEEPING IT REAL

Keefir, sorry, I needed to go (I had an emergency) and didn't have the chance to finish what I had laid out as headings of my post. I usually write headings first then would try to add explanations underneath of each, but I should not have posted it. My mistake. So, if you can allow me to finish, I'll appreciate it. I'm just coming back from a code blue. BRB, again.

I have 2 minutes. What I meant was, Kat is no longer a contestant and she's not being judged anymore. She's done with her competition and this is a fresh new one. That's all.

I'm not implying any censorship nor exclusivity. You're more than welcome to create your own idea or thought. I thought that's just what I'm doing. I created a platform on the blondes because that's the thought I'd like to have fun on. Anybody can create their own thoughts and can carry out their crusade about anybody for all I care. But as far as I'm concerned, I could only spare my few precious minutes each time typing and it's possible that I could leave out the others in my discussion. But if you kinda know where I'm coming from or heading to, you'd voluntarily add info on mine. But it seems as if you just want to keep nit-picking on what I write and antagonizing every post or comment that doesn't suit yours. These are all opinions, you know. We are merely sharing our individual thoughts about the current contestants who are currently being judged. Of course, you can add Kat anytime, it's your prerogative, but have you read a couple of posts of mine that actually included the names of Kat, Kelly and Melinda? I could write more if I only have time.

Of course this is Kat's site, I'm aware of that for almost 2 years now. But this is also a forum  under AI and the thread is the top 20 girls. Try looking at posts first where they are categorized so you could be guided accordingly. Therefore, all posts under this thread will just be about the girls. If you want to discuss the boys, it's on another thread. See you there later.

Keefir, You're a great writer. I'd like to read your posts, your opinions in more than one or two lines but you can't be too rough on another KAT FAN. I love Katharine. I've missed her.