# American Idol 2/25-26 **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [February 25, 2009, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-2-25-26/487406 "2009-02-25T19:26:17Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 6
**Author:** ![Labrador\_Deceiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7c8e57/32.png) [@Labrador\_Deceiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Labrador_Deceiver)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2009, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-2-25-26/487406/101 "2009-02-26T16:55:19Z")
> [@vivalostwages](#): > > Nick/Norman: He’ll get himself a comedy gig somewhere, but he needs to accept that fact and stop taking himself so seriously as a singer. I’m sorry, what? ---
**Author:** ![Millit\_the\_Frail](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/51bf81/32.png) [@Millit\_the\_Frail](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Millit_the_Frail)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2009, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-2-25-26/487406/102 "2009-02-26T17:21:58Z")
> [@Clivas](#): > > Ok…I’m probably being dense here but this is tongue firmly planted in cheek right? No, she really is Jonny Lang’s sister. Anyway, I voted for Nick/Norman. I absolutely love his take on the show, and I think he’s brilliant for the way he’s working this opportunity. He hasn’t got a snowball’s chance in Hell of winning this thing, or probably even going very far, so why get all tedious and try to put on that he’s a serious singer? I’m glad he came out as Norman, because it’s probably his last chance to perform on this show. Scratch that–they’ll bring him back for the finale. And he’ll likely get some sort of gig out of this. I only wish he’d done a song we haven’t already seen him sing. ---
**Author:** ![Hal\_Briston](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a9a28c/32.png) [@Hal\_Briston](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hal_Briston)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2009, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-2-25-26/487406/103 "2009-02-26T17:41:13Z")
> [@Millit\_the\_Frail](#): > > No, she really is Jonny Lang’s sister. Sure enough: [Jesse Langseth (born April 13, 1983) is a 25 year old from Minneapolis, Minnesota, who auditioned in Kansas City, Missouri. She is the sister of blues singer Jonny Lang.](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesse_Langseth#Female_semi-finalists) By the by, people who are in the SDMB AI pool – if you don’t have your picks in yet, you have less than seven hours to [get 'em on in](http://www.funofficepools.com/idol824/weekly_picks.php?ps_key=88be82fcae1&pool_key=131bd30ed26)… ---
**Author:** ![Clivas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/dfb087/32.png) [@Clivas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Clivas)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2009, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-2-25-26/487406/104 "2009-02-26T18:37:09Z")
> [@Millit\_the\_Frail](#): > > No, she really is Jonny Lang’s sister. > > Anyway, I voted for Nick/Norman. I absolutely love his take on the show, and I think he’s brilliant for the way he’s working this opportunity. He hasn’t got a snowball’s chance in Hell of winning this thing, or probably even going very far, so why get all tedious and try to put on that he’s a serious singer? I’m glad he came out as Norman, because it’s probably his last chance to perform on this show. Scratch that–they’ll bring him back for the finale. And he’ll likely get some sort of gig out of this. I only wish he’d done a song we haven’t already seen him sing. I knew she was his sister but the part I was commenting on was that he saw this “Kid Jonny Lang” that was supposed to be so great. I got the impression that he saw Jesse’s brother Jonny once a long time ago and there was a lot of hype but it turned out to go nowhere. Of course I have a tendency to read things the wrong way so this may very well be the case. Just wondering if he actually knew that Jonny Lang did indeed further his career beyond the local Fargo scene. Anyway…I find it strange that they haven’t mentioned it. I mean they mention every other celebrity connection whether it be Paris Bennet’s aunt, Jason Castro’s brother or the Osmond guy. I know Jonny Lang isn’t necessarily mainstream but you’d think they’d mention the sister of a Grammy award winning artist. ---
**Author:** ![jsc1953](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/5daacb/32.png) [@jsc1953](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jsc1953)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2009, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-2-25-26/487406/105 "2009-02-26T18:46:10Z")
> [@Millit\_the\_Frail](#): > > Anyway, I voted for Nick/Norman. I absolutely love his take on the show, and I think he’s brilliant for the way he’s working this opportunity. He hasn’t got a snowball’s chance in Hell of winning this thing, or probably even going very far, so why get all tedious and try to put on that he’s a serious singer? I’m glad he came out as Norman, because it’s probably his last chance to perform on this show. Scratch that–they’ll bring him back for the finale. And he’ll likely get some sort of gig out of this. I only wish he’d done a song we haven’t already seen him sing. I’m getting a bit weary of the judges’ hypocrisy about Norman. Who the hell put him through to the top 36? ---
**Author:** ![Dung\_Beetle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dung_beetle/32/7945_2.png) [@Dung\_Beetle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dung_Beetle)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2009, 8:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-2-25-26/487406/106 "2009-02-26T20:48:22Z")
I love Nick/Norman! Our whole household was laughing and cheering last night. I especially loved the last “…me.” when everyone is expecting the long, held-out glory note. I’ve never voted before, but if it looks like he’s got the least chance of winning, I’m going to start. (I know, I should be doing so already). Conversely, if they make him leave tonight, I’ll be done watching this season of AI. That was the least sincere version of Satisfaction that has ever been sung. However, other than Nick, Adam gave the only semi-decent performance of last night’s show. ---
**Author:** ![Fiddle\_Peghead](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fiddle_peghead/32/3506_2.png) [@Fiddle\_Peghead](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fiddle_Peghead)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2009, 8:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-2-25-26/487406/107 "2009-02-26T20:58:15Z")
Criticizing Mishovanna for being too serious is idiotic. So, if you’re 18 years old, you can’t sing a serious song? Every thing has to be like Miley Cyrus or Taylor Swift? ---
**Author:** ![Millit\_the\_Frail](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/51bf81/32.png) [@Millit\_the\_Frail](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Millit_the_Frail)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2009, 9:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-2-25-26/487406/108 "2009-02-26T21:19:17Z")
> [@jsc1953](#): > > I’m getting a bit weary of the judges’ hypocrisy about Norman. Who the hell put him through to the top 36? Yeah, it’s kind of bizarre. It’s really tiring to hear the judges say “we liked you in Hollywood, but you apparently suck now” over and over, but it’s completely WTF when they’re like, “Um, yeah, you’re not going anywhere in the music biz.” The cards have been in their hands up until this point, so they should have chosen people they believe in. It’s not like the pickings are slim. That said, the idea is obviously to get ratings. The show needs to be shaken up a little to keep us interested, and this is one way to do it. They keep on claiming that AI is first and foremost a Singing Competition, but…no, it’s first and foremost a TV show. One that is making huge amounts of money for all involved. Hey, does anyone else think that the producers and PTB need to \*want \*these kids (heh) to succeed a little bit more? With the number of bad, crap-tastic performances these past two weeks, I’m starting to wonder if they set the contestants up to fail. Why doesn’t someone step in and work with the contestants on song choice, stage presence, etc. during the semis? Give them a good transition from auditioning to a national stage, help them express their talent, and then set them loose for the Top 12. I’m really disappointed in the performances so far, especially considering how great some of the contestants sounded previously. What the hell happened to Matt G., for example? Damn. Coldplay ruins everything. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![BetsQ](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/fbc32d/32.png) [@BetsQ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BetsQ)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2009, 9:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-2-25-26/487406/109 "2009-02-26T21:21:14Z")
I finally got through all 12 performances. Ok, well, I cut a few off early. Matt the piano player - wow, that was not good. I liked Welder Matt and Mishavonna’s song choices, despite the judge’s criticisms, but then I generally prefer bands to solo artists, so not surprising that I’m into Tonic and Train covers. Megan is fun. I’d like to hear more of her. Loved Adam. That boy can sing. And he’s clearly more comfortable on stage that pretty much anyone else. I’m just confused by Nick/Normund. ---
**Author:** ![jsc1953](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/5daacb/32.png) [@jsc1953](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jsc1953)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2009, 10:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-2-25-26/487406/110 "2009-02-26T22:05:22Z")
> [@Millit\_the\_Frail](#): > > Yeah, it’s kind of bizarre. It’s really tiring to hear the judges say “we liked you in Hollywood, but you apparently suck now” over and over, but it’s completely WTF when they’re like, “Um, yeah, you’re not going anywhere in the music biz.” … They keep on claiming that AI is first and foremost a Singing Competition, but…no, it’s first and foremost a TV show. One that is making huge amounts of money for all involved. Someday, in the not-too-distant future, someone involved with this show is going to write a book, and I bet we’ll hear lots of stories about knock-down-drag-out fights, over talent vs marketability vs ratings. ---
**Author:** ![Millit\_the\_Frail](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/51bf81/32.png) [@Millit\_the\_Frail](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Millit_the_Frail)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2009, 12:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-2-25-26/487406/111 "2009-02-27T00:35:13Z")
T minus 30 minutes. While we wait, a really great article that I agree with 100%: [Put Your Broken Records On](http://www.whatnottosing.com/#hped) And yes, there is going to be a tell-all book someday, and I’m ashamed to admit it, but I’ll probably devour every page. I’m particularly interested in who the producers/PTB decide to prop up and who to sabotage, and how those decisions have been made. I’m sure there are knockdown drag-out fights over that too. There’s a ton of fertile ground there–looks and image, especially with the women; the fact that we never see openly, vocally gay contestants make the semis; race/ethnicity, which is an unspoken but obviously relevant factor in the contestant selection…and then all the little things too. Because there’s a lot of sketchiness going on there, and it’s apparent to anyone who watches for a few seasons. :dubious: ---
**Author:** ![Risha](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/5fc32e/32.png) [@Risha](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Risha)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2009, 1:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-2-25-26/487406/112 "2009-02-27T01:20:25Z")
The first one in is: to no one’s surprise, Allison. ---
**Author:** ![River\_Hippie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/river_hippie/32/26_2.png) [@River\_Hippie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/River_Hippie)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2009, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-2-25-26/487406/113 "2009-02-27T01:23:26Z")
Oh man that was badass! Better tonight! ---
**Author:** ![Risha](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/5fc32e/32.png) [@Risha](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Risha)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2009, 1:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-2-25-26/487406/114 "2009-02-27T01:32:23Z")
Huh. I did not expect that. #2 is: Chris. ---
**Author:** ![LilyoftheValley](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/54ee81/32.png) [@LilyoftheValley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LilyoftheValley)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2009, 1:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-2-25-26/487406/115 "2009-02-27T01:33:36Z")
> [@Risha](#): > > Huh. I did not expect that. > > #2 is: Chris. No, there goes my AI pool score this week. When I went to choose, I could not even remember _spoiler person_. Weird. ---
**Author:** ![Washoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/ecae2f/32.png) [@Washoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Washoe)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2009, 1:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-2-25-26/487406/116 "2009-02-27T01:34:18Z")
> [@Batsinma\_Belfry](#): > > Adam creeps me the hell out. Oh good—I thought I was the only one. If I met him on the street, I would most likely size him up as a possible predatory sociopath. ---
**Author:** ![River\_Hippie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/river_hippie/32/26_2.png) [@River\_Hippie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/River_Hippie)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2009, 1:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-2-25-26/487406/117 "2009-02-27T01:36:31Z")
I fear that means Mishavonna’s out. ---
**Author:** ![Risha](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/5fc32e/32.png) [@Risha](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Risha)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2009, 1:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-2-25-26/487406/118 "2009-02-27T01:43:35Z")
> [@LilyoftheValley](#): > > When I went to choose, I could not even remember _spoiler person_. Weird. No worries, I couldn’t even remember who he was tonight until he started singing his song. ---
**Author:** ![Risha](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/5fc32e/32.png) [@Risha](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Risha)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2009, 1:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-2-25-26/487406/119 "2009-02-27T01:53:24Z")
For those not following along at home, we’re down to a dramatic two for the last slot. Nick/Norman and Adam. ETA: Annnnnd: Adam takes it. ---
**Author:** ![Risha](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/5fc32e/32.png) [@Risha](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Risha)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2009, 1:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-2-25-26/487406/120 "2009-02-27T01:59:06Z")
And I must say, I actually hate this more than last night’s version. Can I punch him on the nose? ☹ [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-2-25-26/487406.md?page=5) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-2-25-26/487406.md?page=7)