Everybody keeps comparing this season to last, saying this year is so boring, last year was the best. It was ONLY good because of Elliott. Last year, Patrick Hall, Ayla, Gideon, and especially Mandisa and Lisa left way too soon. Sometimes, Ace, Bucky and Kellie gave really sucky performances. Paris was a little too raunchy for me at times. Taylor was a little too silly and over the top. Chris was too loud for me. When Katharine was good, she was great. When she was off, she screeched and was lousy. Elliott was the only one who was consistently great. We miss him. He really touched us.

Other than missing Elliott, this year is not so bad. I'm always entertained by Melinda, Blake and Sanjaya. I think the summer tour will be great. I vote every week for Melinda. I hope to go to the tour.

We just have to accept that Elliott made season 5 so memorable. We'll always miss him on AI. No season will ever compare to season 5 only because of our Elliott!

I have said this numerous times, so I agree.

I do not find this year to be all that much different from last except for the fact that ELliott is missing. And for me, that is the BIG difference. The rest is very similar.

Another difference is that Sanjaya, our Kevin Covais of this year, is hanging on longer. And honestly I think that is because he is more interesting than Kevin was.

You are absolutely correct, well said. For me, this season is the same as Season's 1-4, I watched, didn't really get invested in anybody. I had favorites but never really voted. I'm kind of enjoying it this year because my stomach isn't in knots on Tuesday and Wednesday's. :)

I do agree with some of your assessments about last year. Mandisa definitely left wayyyy too early. Same with Lisa. Paris had her good and bad weeks. Her best was definitely when she sang Midnight Train To Georgia. Kat also had her good weeks and her bad weeks and when Kat had her bad performances they were screechy, helping her to live up to her name. :lol: Wasn't a big fan of Ace, Bucky, and Kellie. Definitely wasn't a fan of Kevin. Taylor's dancing on stage got old really quickly. Chris was good when he was singing a ballad but when he was doing the Creed song, I couldn't stand all the rock screaming that he did.

See, I have to say YES!! Last year was sooo much better to me than this year and my friends and I were trying to figure out why. I was depressed when Mandisa, Elliott and Paris were the bottom 3. I hated that Mandisa went home but was thrilled E was safe. I was worried every time Elliott was in the bottom and Kellie, Bucky, Ace, Lisa or Paris weren't. I wasn't a big fan of Paris after Midnight Train and Ace, although I recognized some talent, the smile and the looks in the camera gave me the heebie-jeebies. Kellie's act got on my nerves and Bucky vocally wasn't as strong as Elliott or Chris.

The difference for me? Last year, we felt like we knew these people. I recognize that some people weren't fans of Bucky's singing and he did have a couple bad performances but I LIKED Bucky. I didn't want him to win but I enjoyed watching him every week. The same goes for just about everyone last year. Ryan interacted with the contestants more on results night. Asked them questions about life backstage and back home. We knew about Rocky, Kellie's Grampa, Mandisa's religion, Chris' wife and kids, Ace's big brothers. These were real people with personalities and lives. Characters. You felt SOMETHING for them.

This year, what do we know about this group? I mean aside from the obvious or the basic, we haven't seen a lot of personality from any of them. That's what I'm missing. Not just the vocal performances but the people behind them.

LOL!! I always understood Chris was talented and current but I remember asking every week- "why are you screaming at me? what did I do?"! :rotfl:

LOL Elliottfan78. Last night my dh asked me why I couldn't love Chris Daughtry instead of Elliott (he obviously doesn't appreciate Elliott like we do). After I thought about it it is much like you said, because Elliott doesn't scream at me, he sings to me about love and freedom and he also doesn't look at me like he's totally ticked off at the world!

Estilrose,
We don't feel as personally connected this year because Ryan doesn't do the group hometown scenes like they did at length last year. Every now and then ,he asks somebody a fan question. At top 12, we saw little clips before a performance. That was it. It's not the contestants' fault that we don't have as much personal information.

Aviva-I don't blame the contestants. It's the producers fault. But it doesn't change the facts. If I knew more about these people, I'd care more about how they do each week. I think that's why I'm so bored, even with Melinda, Lakisha etc. I just don't/can't care.

Last year, I couldn't wait to watch and not just for Elliott. I wanted to see Chris' take on each theme and how he would scream a love song at me! LOL!! I wanted to see how crazy Taylor was going to get, if Kat would actually hit the right notes this week. Could Ace sing a song without me having to close my eyes? Could Mandisa and Elliott bring me to tears or goosebumps AGAIN!? What insane thing will Kellie say to cover up a poor performance or will she suprise me with a pretty good one? (She did sometimes). This is what kept me interested in the whole show, not just Elliott.

This year, I watch but I just don't care. It's the only thing on at that time period for me.

ETA: last year there were viewer questions too (remember Chris' boxer/briefs?)but there was still more time spent with the contestants.

I think some of you are forgetting that the hometown group scenes did not occur til Final Three.

You felt you knew all of them, but yet the season is not over yet this year. They are only on Top 8 week. No hometown vids have been prodcued yet with this gang.

I honestly think most are feeling that this year is lackluster becasue last year was the apex of the show and it might be on the downswing. It happens with every show, not just Idol. I think everyone is also feeling disillusioned with Elliott losing to Kat and Taylor. I mean that was a hard pill to swallow IMO seeing how he had the most talent.

So naturally this year will seem more dull when you factor in the above.

The hometown vids were just the final three but Ryan still interacted more with them. On results night, I remember him standing by their section, asking them questions, commenting on things he'd seen or heard.

All these screencaps we all have of Elliott laughing in the contestant section? They all weren't from Final 3 night. There are pics like that from every week. Not this year at all.

That's the biggest difference I've noticed. You don't know much about the contestants this year - their personalities, family life, etc. You can't connect with them.

And the staring thing too! :rotfl:

For me this year isn't as interesting because there are no outstanding personalities.
Say what you will about their singing but last year I just seemed to like all of the contestants. Kellie made me laugh and Bucky was a good ole boy.
When Kat was good she was really, really good and when she was bad- Ugh!
Chris was interesting because I wanted to see how he would interpret the different genres and give everything a rock spin. Taylor- well he was just crazy.
Ace was fun to make fun of with his goo goo eyes into the camera.
And Elliott- well he was a raw talent that we'll not see the likes of any time soon.

I think last year created a kind of magic you just can't recreate. You had a group of strong personalities who each brought something unique/interesting to the table. Kellie added a lot of entertainment value to the show with her sense of humor. Do you remember the "Puck N' Pickler" segment at the finale? It was hilarious. Then you had Katharine, this fun/carefree California girl with a sultry and bluesy voice. We also had the bald rocker who created immense controversy from the early elimination as he was a strong favorite. Then we had the fun and ever changing Paris as from week to week she astonished us with the depth of her singing for someone her age. Taylor had the grey hair and interesting dancing that kept us watching from week to week. Anyone remember "Play That Funky Music"? Good times.

And then of course, we had this humble and soulful power house of a vocalist who sang with his heart. That we all probably voted for hundreds....ok thousands of times. There will never be another season like that of season 5. The balanced talent, fun loving/diverse personalities, and personal connections we found with these peoples stories just all came together to produce one amazingly roller coaster like season of emotions. We might disagree on who of the other contestants we like, but there is no doubt it was quite an experience and my favorite season thus far.

:yeahthat: :goodpost:

Yeah, that's the thing, most of the contestants were just more likeable and endearing. even if they weren't the best (save Kat and Kevin, who just annoyed me, and Taylor to a certain extent). The others had great personalities, and there were some like Elliott and Chris and Paris and Mandisa who had awesome voices, but even the others had something special about them. This year I'm just so apathetic, can't explain it...

But between this season and last, I have gotten into music so much more. I have found many awesome new artists and bands, including a new favorite band, a favorite singer, and a favorite Idol alum (guess who that is). I am all set, don't need this show no more B)

Well I agree with all of you really.

Elliott's journey, openness, growth, smile, joy etc added something to season 5 that no one will ever recapture. It is not possible to repeat that without it being fake.

But I also think last years variety of types and personalities was more fun.

I also think the singing was a notch better all the way around starting with......

Elliott being a bit better than Doolittle. (richer voice in my opinion)
Taylor was better than Blake ( less bland tenor, more fun dancing)
Kat was better than Phil, cracking vs screeching... :rotfl:
Ace better than Chris R. (nose to nose singing, but Ace wins! and sexier too)
Even Pickler could sing occasionally. Halley hasn't once sounded decent.
Buckey was better than Sanjaya and had a unique sound. (enunciation!)
Chris of course was better than Gina. ( hands down!)
Paris and Jordin, pretty equal in my book.
Madissa may beat out Lakisha. She did struggle with the themes too though.

What do you all think of that?

I agree with all of what you wrote except a tad different on the singer comparisons....

Kellie I dont think was any stronger a singer than haley. I just simply LIKED her better. Personality wise. Kat better than Phil? I have to disagree with that one too LOL. I do agree with the comparison of Ace being better than Chris R vocally, but they both have the hunk factor down for their respective seasons, Chris D definitely was stronger than Gina, Mandisa and Lakisha are comparable vocally - no I take that back. Mandisa was like a musical instrument and while Lakisha is good, she pales just a bit to Mandisa. Paris and Jordin being equal is probably a fair statement. Now some of you may hate me for this, but I dont think Bucky was better than Sanjaya. I just liked Bucky because he was so darn likable, but singing wise I dont think he was a whole lot better. I can't understand a thing bucky says - singing or talking LOL. I saw his new video on CMT the other day (that was so cool to see him on a video like that) but I could not tell you one lyric from that song LOLOL. Except for something about a different world now.

I think that the personalities last year were stronger and more synergistic with each other, and also that last season was the "apex" for idol...the point at which it reached ita peak and could only start sliding downward a little from there. Not that it is in danger of flopping or anything, but it reached its pinnacle last season for a variety of reasons. It happens to every show. I just doubt Idol will ever come back as strong as last season (not saying that the singers last year were all stronger mind you). Last Season was truly its Apex.

I also agree with you about Elliott's story. That was so endearing. And while Melinda is very sweet and humble too, she can't match his story. She was a back up singer and had experience. he literally came from singing Karaoke in tiny Richmond, Va karaoke bars. That was pretty much it except for the little bit of collaberation with Big Planz who was also local.

I'll never ever forget that quote "I'm just a counter clerk in a pharmacy"....

You know I'd agree with you on the Bucky/Sanjaya comparison except for the Finalle last year when Bucky stunned me with his excellent performances that I could understand! Remember? He does have a more unique vocal sound, I think he has more potential.

BUT, Sanjaya is coming around and I should wait !

I thought Bucky was great at the finale!!! He really held his own with Chris on Thunder Road. I never had trouble understanding Bucky (although I know some did) and now, with the album and video his enunciation is clearer. I compare Sanjaya to Kevin and Kevin is definitely better. Mandisa over Lakisha, Ace over Chris (not a fan of the falsetto but it's better than the nasal, thin voice of Chris). Kellie and Haley? Maybe a tie vocally. Kellie's got the personality. I think Jordin is the perfect melding of Paris and Lisa. Lisa was always fun and young acting and Paris had amazing chops! Chris hands down over Gina and Blake.

I am a long time viewer of American idol, always watched and voted, until this yr, and this group of contestants. I loved and voted for Kelly, and Clay , for Tasia, for Bo, and of course, I voted like a crazy person for Elliott, who has become my favorite new artist and American idol
I cared that all of my idols did well, and I wanted the best for them
The show has changed for me this yr, primarily because I don't feel I know
any of the contestants. American idol has chosen to showcase the judges, and well established artists who are trying to sell their cds, There is little talk with the contestants and their lives, a quick question or two, and then the focus on the silly banter of the judges and the "guest stars'.

It makes for a feeling of indifference for me, and does winning this thing really matter anymore?

Well I will differ saying which one outshined the other (Sanjaya or Bucky) until after the end. Sanjaya has been stepping it up and he might keep surprising us.

Honestly I thought he was one of the best last night. Maybe he just does well with the latino genre, i don't know, but his was the most believable. He has really great instincts with how to look into the camera, how to work the crowd (even sitting down last night his stage persona has grown by leaps and bounds).

I think at this point vocally he and bucky are pretty comparable. I think Bucky made greater strides wtih his voice and control of it as the season progressed, but Sanjaya has progressed and made great strides with performing.

The difference for me is that Bucky seemed more "sweet". Sanjaya started out that way, but man this fame is seeming to go to his head. I guess being 17 it is difficult to know how to handle it so I try not to be too harsh on him for that. I can't even imagine how I would handle the controversy, the sudden fame, or pressure of having to perform and step up my game every single week at 17.

Admittedly? I Couldn't even do that now at 40 :lol:

I think the producers kind of dropped the ball this year. They have just taken the focus off the contestants and now it's hard to get invested in anyone.

I voted for Bo too!!! Still love Carrie though.

I just hate the Bucky is even being spoken about in the same sentence as Sanjaya. "arg"

I know many like Sanjaya and I'm fine w/ that but Bucky is such a great guy and could have a future in country music. I thought he was underrated last year but I also like country and southern rock. There is a lot to be said for the fact that the Buckster is Elliott's best bud from AI, so he's got be special.

Dude, I don't really like the Bucky/Sanjaya and Phil/Kat comparisons. Bucky is a great songwriter and I think he could make a name for himself singing country/southern rock and Phil is a better singer than Kat is, plus he's got a better personality :rolleyes:

I think AI5 had a memorable set of contestants. I can't say that about other seasons, although I can pick out the top 4 from each year. Last year's crew was the most diverse, with a lot of different styles, from pop diva to country bumpkin, toothpaste poster boy to blue-eyed soul.

This year? I can't even remember who was voted off last week....

I think the producers have probably found another magic formula, and have simply started placing some mediocre, surefire losers in the mix in order for their chosen ones to win. They learned their lesson with Chris D. They intended for him to win....but America had other ideas.

I really think they intend for Chris R. to win this year. Seriously. They want a male pop star in the mix.

Too bad he's about as talented as my left piggy toe......

well, it was a stretch to find comparisons so I looked at strengths and weaknesses.

Bucky and Sanjaya are more difficult to hear and understand --enuciation. But both are laid back "whatever" kind of guys. Thus the match up.

Phil and Kat both have vocal control problems and both have been acused of singing the words but not feeling the song. But overall they have good voices and have decent performances...thus the comparison.

No one has dared comment on Elliott vs Melinda! I guess everyone agrees E can't be beat!

Well duh. :etrain:

YEs, but we have to understand and respect that everyone has their different faves. There are also Sanjaya fans here for as much as some do not like him. I am neutral with Sanjaya but he obviously does have a huge amount of fans.

Personally, I find the singing levels with Bucky and Sanjaya around the same. I like Bucky better, but I am talking pure singing and overall package.

A lot of people don't like country music either and for that reason Bucky may have fewer fans...dunno.

Just my opinion. :-) And I understand the reasons "why" dtrowbridge made the comparison. It makes sense.

well this was fun.

Time will tell if the season 6 kids can sell CDs and get it together like the season 5 group.

Who knows, maybe next year will be making a Sanjaya/Daughtry comparison. :wacko:

I hope we are all here next year and celebrating E's sophmore albumn. :cheers:

dtrowbridge, I would sure be surprised if season six sells cd's and concert tix like season five!

I doubt they will have to add all of those extra cities to the tour!

I am with all of you who say that there was just a better energy last season. I still "like" this season but this year I am a regular viewer vs last season i lived, ate and breathed it!

It's kind of nice being a regular viewer again. LOL

I think if AI were a radio show, I'd not be watching this year. I was listening to recaps on Idol tonight and without the visuals of some of the contestants to help them out, I don't think they'd be all that enjoyable (i.e. Haley, Chris R, Sanjaya..)

Well said, Alisa. :) My sentiments, exactly!

Totally with you on this whole post!

I couldn't do last year over again. But I sure enjoyed the ride!

Also, this season is missing its villian. Sanjaya has overstayed his welcome just as Kat has, but he's not the brat that she is either. It's kinda fun to have somebody that you just can't stand, it makes the show more interesting.

Of course when she beat E that wasn't interesting, that just made me....well....:madashell:

The biggest difference to me between last year and this year is the variety. Last year, each contestant seemed to be their own identity completely, with style and attitude and performance, etc. This year, there are a few that seem a bit similar, thus causing it to be dull (particularly if the similarities are attributes that are not to your liking!)
Talent-wise, I think the two seasons are at least equal.

Hey ECrazy thanks for the sloganizer idea, that is awesome!

:goodpost: :goodpost: :goodpost:
I miss season5...*tearly eyes*

Yep. Last year you had a wide variety of contestants who had different styles - in addition to the typical pop singers you had country singers, singers who sing blues/jazz/soul, a rocker