NESP Forum

I was recording the show tonight and which one of the last two girls made it? The plus size model or the other chick?

I hate that Ryan keeps saying this is the "most talented season." Im not sure if its more talented than any of the other seasons...just a ploy for ratings because AI has to keep reinventing itself.

Tell you the truth, I actually prefer watching AI Rewind! They are only on Season 2, though.

We're all spolied because of Taylor, I guess!

I found the list of finalists...

"The men are: Archuleta, 17, Murray, Utah; Colton Berry, 18, Staunton, Va.; Robbie Carrico, 26, Melbourne, Fla.; Jason Castro, 20, Rockwall, Texas; David Cook, 25, Tulsa, Okla.; Chikezie Eze, 22, Inglewood, Calif.; Garrett Haley, 17, Elida, Ohio; David Hernandez, 24, Glendale, Ariz.; Luke Menard, 29, Crawfordsville, Ind.; Danny Noriega, 18, Azusa, Calif.; Jason Yeager, 28, Branson, Mo., and Michael Johns, 29, Los Angeles by way of Australia.

And the ladies: Overmyer, 23, Mulberry, Ind.; White, 24, Van Nuys, Calif.; Joanne Borgella, 25, Hoboken, N.J.; Kristy Lee Cook, 24, Selma, Ore.; Amy Davis, 25, Cedar Lake, Ind.; Asia'h Epperson, 19, Joplin, Mo.; Alexandrea Lushington, 17, Douglasville, Ga.; Kady Malloy, 18, Houston; Ramiele Malubay, 20, Miramar, Fla.; Syesha Mercado, 21, Miami; Alaina Whitaker, 16, Tulsa, Okla., and Carly Smithson, San Diego by way of Dublin, Ireland."

It's hard to compare this early in the game -- Some things that separate the winners from the also-rans are

Versatility: for instance last year, Jordin and Melinda could sing in any genre they threw, and knew a variety of music. Lakisha was great at soul, but really did not know any songs out of her comfort level, and did not take suggestions of the mentors who had excellent advice (such as Lulu on British Invasion week).

Most of all Song Choice. If you know a lot of music, you can pick a song that you KNOW in any theme and spend your time perfecting your performance, not learning the song.

We don't know how this crew will fare -- for instance, I liked Amanda (the nurse-rocker) a lot, but agree with the judges that we have no idea whether she can do anything but classic Janis-style rock. Kristy Lee can't seem to sing anything but Amazing Grace, not a good sign.

I can think of a winner from two years ago who excelled at Versatility and Song Choice. He knew just about everything he was singing from every theme. The one they call "The Real Winner" made everything sound like a Nickelback song.

Kim: I'm enjoying Season 2 Rewind immensely. I had not seen it the first time around. Ruben just amazes me. The other person I'm getting to like a lot is Kim Locke.

One thing Kim -

This season's crop seems more defined and more talented than last season's crop.

I guess time will tell if it's the "most talented group evah". I know the most talented contestant "evah" has aleady been there and done that. Wink

I guess Im not being fair. From what Ive seen thus far, this crop is talented. I like the fact they were able to use their instruments while they were auditioning. Id have to agree w/you Margaux, even though I like the rocker-nurse chick, Im not sure if everything she sings is going to come out the same.

The girl from Ireland by the way of San Diego is talented. So is the girl who lost her voice during Hollywood week. I couldnt believe she sang as stong as she did--to quote Randy, "Wow."

I would have to agree w/Simon about that quirky looking guy, the one w/the glasses and curly hair. I would have loved to have seen what he would have been able to pull off. I was not impressed with the blond guy that Randy and Paula picked over the other guy.

What do ya'll think about the 16 yr old guy who can sing really well? He's too nice, I think--lets see what he bring to the table.

AI2 was a good season. The top three, Ruben, Clay and Kimberly, were all favorites of mine. I really do like Ruben--he is the Velvet Teddybear! I was just taken by Clay from the first time I heard him, but Im over him now. He's nice to listen to every now and again, and I do like some of his songs, but Taylor, he is what a true muscian is. He's not just a singer (like Clay)...he's hard to match...Ive known plenty of muscians, guys who play in bars and clubs and, well, I guess I admire his persistance to get his voice heard.

And he's not bad to look at either! Devil

I am watching the show, despite saying I would not. LOL I am going to make a prediction here. I don't think we have seen the last of Josiah, the kid who was living in his car. I really don't know why.. except for the drama factor that AI loves.. but I think he is not gone for good. Don't ask why I feel this way, I just do ! (And I hope I am wrong, if it is not all a put on, he is very emotionally fragile)

As usual, I am gravitating more toward the guys than the girls.
I like David Archuleta and Michael Johns a lot!
I thought they should have let Kyle through....the one Kimberly mentioned...he had glasses and curly hair and a tie on! He reminds me of someone I know and I would have liked to see him perform in future weeks....Simon was very kind to him and really seemed upset that he had to go.

The rocker nurse is cool but I doubt very much she has versatility.
The Irish girl should go pretty far in the competition.
I bet Josiah will become a talk show regular for the next couple of weeks...he had lots of air time!

I was annoyed that Ryan said over and over again that this is the most talented group ever.....compared to last year, heck YES! However time will tell if ANY group will show more talent than AI5.

Margaux was explaining to me last night that Josiah has been dealing with his mom being terminally ill. Knowing that explains a whole lot - but I still don't think it's the right frame of mind going into this competition.

And I don't think it's the last we've heard of him. He may not appear on AI again, but I think someone will find something for him to do.

I told Tricia that I would adopt Josiah. The offer still stands! Smile