I've been meaning to mention this for awhile, but when you look at Elliott at the end of AI5 and today, compared to other Top 5 AI contestants, he really seems to have transformed the most in my opinion.

True, Clay has changed his hair and hair color, Kimberly Locke has lost weight, Fantasia has braces and Kellie Pickler is enhanced shall we say.

But when I see Chris with his key chain and Taylor still wearing his lounge lizard suits it just seems to date them.

Elliott has changed his hair and teeth. He's gained stage presence and performing skills and most of all confidence.

The things that haven't changed and hopefully never will are that he's still humble, kind. down to earth and appreciative of his fans and his success. After loving his voice, those are the other reasons why we love him. His good looks are just an added bonus.

:rocker:

I agree!

Part of what I'm also getting at is when you see pictures of Elliott from AI and then now, it feels and looks like it was a lot more than two years ago.

I agree Sk8888. It's like he's gone from being a teen to being a man. Not that I thought he was immature when he was on Idol . . . I always thought he seemed level-headed, if a bit self-conscious about being on TV. His confidence in his ability is so much stronger now. His life the last few years hasn't just been about triumph, it's been about loss, too. All those things combine to make him more mature. I used to call him 'my boy', but he's a man all the way. I guess the changes I'm talking about are not really physical changes, but they are reflected in his face and his manner.

I also think that when he was on Idol he pretty much let the stylists do what they wanted to do, since he seems to be a pretty easy-going guy. Now he's doing his own thing. I've enjoyed all the changes in his hair and his facial hair the past couple of years. It makes life interesting.

I concur. I also think that Elliott will end up being the most artistically evolved.

I agree with you both. There is maturity not just in his look but in his actions.

Perfectly said. I agree 100%!

I think the same thing when I hear him sing. I listened to some of his songs from AI5 the other day and there is a big difference in his vibratto that I never noticed when I was watching American Idol. But his voice matured too. He does things now with his voice that never showed on AI.

I watched even the difference in look from his first return with WFY and in April when he sang Free.

I agree that Elliott has changed more than any of the others...and all for the better. I thought he was very handsome during Season 5, but now he's really dreamy. He has honed his performing skills...his voice sounds more polished...and his dental work has been a big success.

I also think he has matured into a good businessman as a result of his going the independent route for recording, and he gives wonderful interviews.

What hasn't changed is the sincerity and warmth we all recognized when we first saw him in Season 5. Love the guy!

I think the blessing and curse of being an Idol contestant is that you will always have that moniker as long as you don't change.

While the looks are a superficial aspect of how Elliott's evolved, when you look at Taylor, Kat and Daughtry they all look exactly as they did while on the show.

Elliott has never said anything ungracious about his experience, but with one look, you can tell he's moved on. Then when you listen to him, you know it.

Something I noticed the other night at Rye Playland... When Elliott was getting ready to sing ASFY, he said something like" You might remember this from a television show I was once on" He never said the words American Idol, something he has usually always said.
Yes he HAS moved on, in so many ways. So many good ways. :chloe:

He has definitely shown the most growth but he had the most room for growth in some ways. From watching the videos of his Playland performances compared to the tour last year and especially compared to the AI tour he has bloomed into a confident and seasoned professional. There is no hesitance, shyness or even a hint of awkwardness in his stage manner like there at times used to be. He is fully confident while being loveable as ever. I agree with PoorMe about his newfound maturity--more manly and less boyish. His vocals are more skilled if that is even possible. Can't wait for what's in store with the new cd and tour.

I agree with everything that's been said here and I can't wait!!
:rocker: :rocker: :rocker:

I have loved seeing Elliott blossom, it brings me joy to see his new confidence and his smile and his comfort on the stage. I feel as if I have been there thru every step and the journey, and it is an exciting one! Sometimes I miss that shy guy from the American idol stage, and I watch the old videos and just smile and sometimes cry (yes, even now). I can't imagine not being there for the future!

Well said, Shatner! I totally agree with it all! :chloe:

I agree and like the thoughts everyone has contributed to this thread. We picked a great vocalist and human being to support in his musical endeavors. Elliott's kind and humble demeanor won me over then and still does today. His looks and confidence on stage have changed quite a bit. E's story should be more of what the music industry is about with an emphasis on vocal talent/merit.

^^
Wouldn't it be great if getting street "cred" had more to do with actual singing ability, rather than a bad boy image that has nothing to do with talent?

Elliott seems to be moving comfortably within the hallways of the Midi-Mafia production studios and Jermaine Dupree's compound. But, he's also gained the attention of corporate Walt Disney and Target. That's an accomplishment in and of itself.

That's a great point. Although, I think a lot of women like that type of image for a man. It's the masculine ideals of power, success, and sex appeal that make a man interesting for many women. I can't tell you how many of my female friends have ended up preferring the mysterious bad boy over the consistent good guy to bring home to Mom and Dad. I suppose these norms of masculinity and self-image for men translate into the music industry and sometimes become more important than the music. Which is kind of sad.

But there is a lot variance of opinion, and I think Elliott's voice sells songs in a romantic way which is very appealing. His passion and the way he sings with his heart is very relatable to men and women because you can hear its honesty. So many times in music today I'm left not believing in what the singer is talking about in their lyrics. I've never had that problem with Elliott because of the clear emotion he brings out of any song he sings. It shows connection, understanding, and honesty of the lyrics he is singing which transcend gender norms and stereotypes.

Good comments from all especially like what you said, SoulMusicRocks, about how he sings with true emotions. "His passion and the way he sings with his heart is very relatable to men and women because you can hear its honesty. So many times in music today I'm left not believing in what the singer is talking about in their lyrics. I've never had that problem with Elliott because of the clear emotion he brings out of any song he sings. It shows connection, understanding, and honesty of the lyrics he is singing which transcend gender norms and stereotypes."