American Idol - 2011 - Final Six

Over on Facebook there is a conversation and it's too hard to write paragraphs of it all.  And even if nobody reads it, who cares.  My fingers want to type.

I've enjoyed this years version of American Idol TONS more than I thought I would.  Tons.  I thought it jumped the shark without Simon.  Nonono.  There's a new Simon that nobody saw coming this year - Jimmy Iovene.  He's mean, he's caring, he's usually right, the contestants love him and hate him all in one.  He's the new Simon.  I've enjoyed the "Behind the Scenes" view of the prep work each week.  I think Idol SAVED itself this year with that alone.

The Judges:
Randy Jackson - has pretty much taken over the role of Simon by default.  He's no harsher than he ever was - he just doesn't sugar coat every single word.  He's cut back on the "dawg" and the "yoyoyo" and even the "pitchy" comments a lot more. 

Steven Tyler - I love the guy.  He cracks me up.  But, as a judge - he's horrible.  He loves everybody.  He can't tell anyone that they suck.  But, he's unpredictable in his love for everyone.  I'd like to see him do a duet with James Durbin on the finalie.  That'd be sweet.

J. Lo - Let it be known - I am NOT a J. Lo fan.  I think she's pretty.  But, I can't stand her movies (except for Out of Sight).  Idon't think she's just a bad singer.  I think she's one of the worst I've ever seen.  Her Saturday Night Live appearance was downright embarrassing.  But - as an American Idol judge - she is head and shoulders one of the best.  She's compassionate about her criticism, she loves these kids as much as Paula ever did without actually sleeping with any of them, and she can give criticism without being cruel.  I think she's found her niche.


The contestants:

Sefano - He went home tonight.  He's been one away for about six weeks now.  I think he was actually relieved.  I'm sure he would have felt guilty if he would have been safe again.  He's a likable kid.  He's an alright singer.  He still has no idea how to perform to his strengths.  He still doesn't know what kind of singer he NEEDS to be.  He knows what he wants to be.  I think off the show, he'll be a moderate star.  I think he's got more of a chance to have a career as a heart-throb for 12 year old girls than a serious artist.  But, that's the persona he wants to project I think.

Next that I think should go home:

Haley - She's a really good singer.  But, she has no - and I mean NO idea how to put on a performance.  She sang Adele last night and sang the hell out of the song.  But she looked bored doing it.  She throws her arm up.  I can only remember one performance - the one where she crawled around on the piano.  I've liked her singing almost every week, but I can't watch her.  I hope she goes home next.

After that, I think the final five can win - even if I'm not a huge fan.  In order that I think should leave:

Scotty - He bugs me.  He's doing a Josh Turner impersonation.  I'm happy that he's stuck to his roots every week, but c'mon.  Sing a rock song with a country twang.  He picked "Swingin" out of "Songs of the 21st century"?  He should be disqualified for that alone.  I was singing that in high school in the 80's.  He picks George Strait and goes for I Cross My Heart?  Of ALLLL the great George songs, that's what you pick?  And if he doesn't hold his mike like a man pretty soon, I may buy a ticket to Hollywood and arrange for an accident to injure his right hand just so I don't have to see it anymore.  I think he's a fine singer - but he's cheating himself by singing the safest songs he can find.  Next week, I heard it's Disco night.  He's going to sing George Jones "He Stopped Loving Her Today."  C'mon.

Lauren - I think she's really good and she could really win.  But she doesn't think so.  It's painful every now and then watching her get uncomfortable while the judges tell her that she is better than she's acting.  I think if she chooses to be a country star when she's off the show, country will embrace her and she'll have an o.k. career.  But not like Carrie Underwood or even Kellie Picklar.  I think she's real similar to Miranda Lambert without the edge.  Country doesn't need another Miranda Lambert.....especially without any edge.  If she chooses to go pop, I think she would be a great Nickelodeon star.  She IS a better singer than Miley Cyrus.....but I think she should have the same type of career.

Jacob - Jacob is possibly the most unique singer who can do the "biggest" things.  He's very immature though I think.  I don't think the other contestants love him like they love everybody else.  I especially don't think the remaining guys have anything to say to him.  I think he thinks he's a diva and he doesn't like Casey's off-beat personality.  But, I think Jacob could easily step in to the Luther Vandross spot that easy listening stations across America are BEGGING for.  John Legend is the only name I can think of that is in that "classy smooth R&B voice" category.  I think Jacob could be a HUGE star. He could also go into gospel music and have a safe career.  Not huge - but safe.  I don't think it's a secret that he's gay.  That might keep him from going too gospel.

That brings who I think should be the final 2:  James and Casey.
I think they both should win for different reasons.  But, if it comes down to them as the final two, I think I've got it picked.

Casey - I was glad that the judges saved him.  I wanted to see more of the "quirky" Casey instead of the "angry" Casey.  I wanted to see him play the stand up Bass and the Beatles guitar.  I wanted to hear him do things that the other contestants wouldn't dream of even trying.  He's funny.  He's entertaining.  He looks like Seth Rogan's talented little brother.  I think he'll find the most consistent career of all the contestants.  He'll be in commercials, movies, duets, guest appearances.  He's just got the personality to dominate all of it.  He's already America's puppy.  He was saved from defeat, he kissed J.Lo, he sang a jazz song and people loved it.  He's been my favorite from the beginning (except someone else has jumped him).  He's the CLASSIC "Second Place" winner. 
Season one - Justin Guarini had marginal talent, but he was likable with crazy hair
Season four - Bo Bice was amazing on the show.  Lost to Underwood.  Crazy hair.
Season six - Blake Lewis.  Crazy hair.  Beat Boxer who charmed his way up.
Season eight - Adam Lambert.  He probably should have won.  He was too controversial and quirky for America.  Crazy hair.
Season nine - Crystal Bowersox - Crazy dreaklocks.  Quirky.  More than the winner.

That brings us to:
James -  Crazy James.  He could very well come in second to Casey or another because of the same reasons I think Casey will come in second.  He's got crazy hair and crazy facial expressions.  But, his singing and performances aren't crazy.  They're always awesome.  He's the one that people are tuning in to see.  What's he going to do this week?  He usually comes through with amazing performances.  I wasn't a fan at first.  A screaming psudo-metal head?  I mean, if he really goes to OzFest, the true metal heads will pelt him with beers and batteries until he's a bloody stump.  You just can't win American Idol and be hardcore.  It can't physically happen.  But that doesn't mean he can't be the next Daughtry.  He's like Adam Lambert without the swish.  He's like Bo Bice without the southern rock.  He's like Daughtry with three more range.  I think Jimmy Iovene already has a spot for him.  He's had a couple of dud performances, but he always comes back strong.  This week's song was amazing.  He's got control.  He can tone it down and carry a tune with any of them.  He can crank it up and sing at a level that even Steven Tyler is in awe of.  He's got the backstory that the grandmothers love - he's overcome autism and other challenges to get where he is.  He's got the pipes to remind middle aged metal fans (ahem) of what music is missing.  And, if he's up against Casey, Jacob, I think he's got the advantage.  If Lauren makes it to the final two, I'd suspect her confidence would be soaring and she could sneak in and win. 

Thats what I think anyway.