# American Idol 3/3-3/5 **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [March 3, 2009, 5:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-3-3-3-5/488160 "2009-03-03T17:05:29Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![LilyoftheValley](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/54ee81/32.png) [@LilyoftheValley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LilyoftheValley)\ **Post date:** [March 4, 2009, 3:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-3-3-3-5/488160/81 "2009-03-04T03:00:59Z")
Wait, is “Lil Rounds” her real name? Poor thing, I’ve been hating on her thinking it was an obnoxious stage name with “Li’l”… ---
**Author:** ![Drain\_Bead](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e47774/32.png) [@Drain\_Bead](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drain_Bead)\ **Post date:** [March 4, 2009, 4:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-3-3-3-5/488160/82 "2009-03-04T04:11:21Z")
It’s short for Lillian. ---
**Author:** ![Rachael\_Rage](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/71c47a/32.png) [@Rachael\_Rage](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rachael_Rage)\ **Post date:** [March 4, 2009, 5:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-3-3-3-5/488160/83 "2009-03-04T05:03:49Z")
Wow, I’ve heard everyone now and there’s no one I love other than Norman Gentle (single tear falls). I want to see Anoop in Wild Card, and I want Felicia to go far since I picked her to win it all in the prediction game, but so far I’m having a hard time caring about any of them. I don’t even hate anyone. Come on, Idol! Give me _some_ reason to watch this year! ---
**Author:** ![Polerius](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/d78d45/32.png) [@Polerius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Polerius)\ **Post date:** [March 4, 2009, 5:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-3-3-3-5/488160/84 "2009-03-04T05:49:15Z")
Kara is annoying. Even Paula, which gets criticized a lot, is better. I can’t stand Kara’s attitude and vacuous comments. ETA: Oh, and the judge’s comments often bear little correlation with the performances. Do they agree beforehand who they want to promote? ---
**Author:** ![David\_B](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/51bf81/32.png) [@David\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/David_B)\ **Post date:** [March 4, 2009, 12:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-3-3-3-5/488160/85 "2009-03-04T12:31:20Z")
I don’t think they agree amongst themselves who they want to promote, but they certainly have their favorites. Still, one reason we often scratch our heads and wonder what they were listening to is because they were listening to it _live_, right in front of them, while we heard it through our TVs. That means things like sound and techincal issues can have an effect on what they/we hear differently. ---
**Author:** ![Rachael\_Rage](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/71c47a/32.png) [@Rachael\_Rage](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rachael_Rage)\ **Post date:** [March 4, 2009, 1:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-3-3-3-5/488160/86 "2009-03-04T13:17:15Z")
> [@Only\_Mostly\_Dead](#): > > Yeah, I’m not crazy. The audio is horrible tonight. A combination of the mic being too sensitive and the singers screaming into it from half and inch away. My BF, who works with sound equipment, says AI uses super-shitty mics. All they would need, at least, to improve things would be a foam cover (to reduce the pops) but then they wouldn’t be all shiny! :rolleyes: The highest-rated show on television, a _singing competition_ no less, and they don’t bother to buy decent mics. The priority is clearly not singing, sound, music or anything in that realm. He also pointed out that the “favorite” singers (ie. Adam Lambert) always get better lighting. These are things that sail right by me, but they have a subtle effect on the viewer; more ways to manipulate us. Speaking of Lambert, do you think “America” will react poorly to his big gay Internet photos? I mean, his orientation isn’t a surprise, surely, but Idol has _never_ let an out homo get past the top 12. Clay only managed by being closeted and he still didn’t win. I am not a fan of Adam, but I’d want him to win over Danny Gokey, if it came down to that, for that reason alone. ---
**Author:** ![corkboard](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e9bcb4/32.png) [@corkboard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/corkboard)\ **Post date:** [March 4, 2009, 1:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-3-3-3-5/488160/87 "2009-03-04T13:34:01Z")
> [@Rachael\_Rage](#): > > \ Speaking of Lambert, do you think “America” will react poorly to his big gay Internet photos? I mean, his orientation isn’t a surprise, surely, but Idol has _never_ let an out homo get past the top 12. Clay only managed by being closeted and he still didn’t win. I am not a fan of Adam, but I’d want him to win over Danny Gokey, if it came down to that, for that reason alone. His\* what\*? ---
**Author:** ![Invisible\_Chimp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/f05b48/32.png) [@Invisible\_Chimp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Invisible_Chimp)\ **Post date:** [March 4, 2009, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-3-3-3-5/488160/88 "2009-03-04T15:01:16Z")
> [@Rachael\_Rage](#): > > Speaking of Lambert, do you think “America” will react poorly to his big gay Internet photos? I mean, his orientation isn’t a surprise, surely, but Idol has _never_ let an out homo get past the top 12. Clay only managed by being closeted and he still didn’t win. I am not a fan of Adam, but I’d want him to win over Danny Gokey, if it came down to that, for that reason alone. I didn’t know about any big gay phots, but if true then I think not. He would be more a Neil Patrick Harris gay than a Jack from “Will and Grace” gay. It’s the flaming type that America (no quotes) would react negatively about. I think that Lil Rounds, Jorge Nunez-Mendez, and Felicia Barton make it from this week. If I’m right, then the wild cards will have two females and one male. I have my fingers crossed that Tatiana gets one. I think Mishavonna or Megan from Week 2 gets the other girl slot. Given the way they gushed over him, even though he sang poorly, I think Matt G from Week 2 has a good shot at a wild card. Or the SDMB’s beloved Anoop. ---
**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:** [March 4, 2009, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-3-3-3-5/488160/89 "2009-03-04T15:26:21Z")
> [@Rachael\_Rage](#): > > My BF, who works with sound equipment, says AI uses super-shitty mics. That’s something I’ve been meaning to comment on since they top 36 began – obviously it’s hurting the sound quality, but the distraction factor alone is killing me. When someone is singing, I should be focusing on the song, not on how fricking shiny the mic is. ---
**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:** [March 4, 2009, 3:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-3-3-3-5/488160/90 "2009-03-04T15:29:05Z")
> [@Ataraxy](#): > > I didn’t know about any big gay phots, but if true then I think not. He would be more a Neil Patrick Harris gay than a Jack from “Will and Grace” gay. What? His life revolves around singing show tunes. ---
**Author:** ![Invisible\_Chimp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/f05b48/32.png) [@Invisible\_Chimp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Invisible_Chimp)\ **Post date:** [March 4, 2009, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-3-3-3-5/488160/91 "2009-03-04T15:41:39Z")
> [@Labrador\_Deceiver](#): > > What? His life revolves around singing show tunes. And Neil Patrick Harris is a Broadway star. Lambert isn’t lisping and mincing though. That’s the difference. America isn’t ready for a overtly effeminate man as its Idol. ---
**Author:** ![LilyoftheValley](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/54ee81/32.png) [@LilyoftheValley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LilyoftheValley)\ **Post date:** [March 4, 2009, 4:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-3-3-3-5/488160/92 "2009-03-04T16:02:37Z")
> [@Rachael\_Rage](#): > > Speaking of Lambert, do you think “America” will react poorly to his big gay Internet photos? I mean, his orientation isn’t a surprise, surely, but Idol has _never_ let an out homo get past the top 12. Clay only managed by being closeted and he still didn’t win. I am not a fan of Adam, but I’d want him to win over Danny Gokey, if it came down to that, for that reason alone. Yes, I’ve already seen it happening. The mothers on a parenting message board I post on are freaking out. **corkboard** , see here: http:// [votefortheworst.com](http://votefortheworst.com) /20090301/adam\_lambert\_likes\_take\_pictures\_himself\_making\_out\_some\_dude (may or may not be workplace safe, depending on your workplace’s opinion on glitter and scantily clad men). Dlisted has more. ---
**Author:** ![jsc1953](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/5daacb/32.png) [@jsc1953](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jsc1953)\ **Post date:** [March 4, 2009, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-3-3-3-5/488160/93 "2009-03-04T16:26:15Z")
> [@Polerius](#): > > Kara is annoying. > > Even Paula, which gets criticized a lot, is better. > > I can’t stand Kara’s attitude and vacuous comments. > > ETA: Oh, and the judge’s comments often bear little correlation with the performances. Do they agree beforehand who they want to promote? Case in point: last week, Sick Mom Guy sang a no-frills version of a 60s Motown song (“When a Man Loves a Woman”) and got slammed for being old-fashioned. This week, some other dude sings a no-frills version of a 60s Motown song (“You’re All I Need to Get By”) and gets heaped with praise. I thought it interesting how Paula, who gets so much abuse for vacuous commentary and .. uh… impaired presence, is the only judge who remembers names and previous performances. ---
**Author:** ![vivalostwages](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/d07c76/32.png) [@vivalostwages](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vivalostwages)\ **Post date:** [March 4, 2009, 7:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-3-3-3-5/488160/94 "2009-03-04T19:48:07Z")
> [@David\_B](#): > > My predictions to go through to the finals: Scott, Jorge, Lil. My expectations match yours. Nathaniel needs to rip out those facial studs and take off the damn headband. Then I might actually like him a little better. I don’t suppose he’ll be around much longer, though. ---
**Author:** ![cactus\_waltz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/74df32/32.png) [@cactus\_waltz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cactus_waltz)\ **Post date:** [March 4, 2009, 9:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-3-3-3-5/488160/95 "2009-03-04T21:14:08Z")
Kara drives me insane with her ‘criticism’ regarding personality. “That song is not you! You’re cute as a button, I \*told \*you so, remember?!” ---
**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:** [March 4, 2009, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-3-3-3-5/488160/96 "2009-03-04T21:23:59Z")
> [@Ataraxy](#): > > And Neil Patrick Harris is a Broadway star. Lambert isn’t lisping and mincing though. That’s the difference. America isn’t ready for a overtly effeminate man as its Idol. He puts plenty of emphasis on his "S"s (what’s the plural of s?), which emphasizes his feminine speaking voice. From the minute I saw him, I guessed he was gay. I had no clue about NPH until he came out. Taking Lambert’s internet photos, singing voice, and effeminate qualities into account, I’d say he’s the most overtly effeminate gay man in the top 12 since Clay Aiken. He may not be as effeminate as Jack on _Will & Grace_, but I wouldn’t say he’s all the way on the other end of the spectrum either. ---
**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:** [March 4, 2009, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-3-3-3-5/488160/97 "2009-03-04T21:25:29Z")
> [@cactus\_waltz](#): > > Kara drives me insane with her ‘criticism’ regarding personality. > > “That song is not you! You’re cute as a button, I \*told \*you so, remember?!” Is it me, or does she try to be overly dramatic in her criticism? Like she’s going to stun us with her brilliance when she’s critiquing these singers. ---
**Author:** ![Lama\_Pacos](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/d6d6ee/32.png) [@Lama\_Pacos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lama_Pacos)\ **Post date:** [March 4, 2009, 10:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-3-3-3-5/488160/98 "2009-03-04T22:04:15Z")
I actually thought this was the most solidly talented of the three nights, unless I’m thoroughly misremembering. **Liked** : Taylor – I liked this! Beautiful voice. The judges’ comments on this were really insipid. Alex W-T – Nice. It was not boring, which in an ideal world would be practically enough to be in the top, say, five this season. Kristen – Good voice. Not the best rendition of the song, but I think she has a lot of potential. Kendall – Wow! Great. Second-best of the night. I think if Carrie Underwood never had happened, Kendall would be one of the clear frontrunners right now. I think she’ll have to branch out from country to keep moving forward. Lil – Dang! Best of the night, IMO. She’s really got it all. I think unfortunately she’ll have to actively fight against the pigeonhole that Idol tries to thrust on all its black women in order to stay fresh. **Ugh** : Arianna – Oh God. Horrible. And I even like her personality! Loved that she called out Idol’s emphasis on appearances. But there’s no getting around that this performance was just the pits. Nate – Hate it hate it hate it. I see what he was going for and it didn’t work. Von – Bleh. So, so cheesy. I have no idea why the judges were slobbering all over this. Nice voice – in theory. **Eh** : Ju’Not – Nice voice but “Delilah” is a sinking ship so heavy it could take down Aretha Franklin. Felicia – Looks and sounds exactly like Alicia Keys but not as good. Why not just listen to Alicia Keys? Scott – Wanted to like him for the human-interest angle but this was just cheesy. Didn’t like the song at all; he could have a nice voice if he wielded it for the forces of good. Jorge – Again, nice voice, horribly cheesy song. Endearing personality. At least it was more tolerable than Von. ---
**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:** [March 5, 2009, 12:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-3-3-3-5/488160/99 "2009-03-05T00:40:10Z")
Lotsa people in the pool who haven’t put in their picks. 20 minutes to the deadline! ---
**Author:** ![tnetennba](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7993a0/32.png) [@tnetennba](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tnetennba)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2009, 1:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-3-3-3-5/488160/100 "2009-03-05T01:13:59Z")
I just want Piercings Headband to go home. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-3-3-3-5/488160.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-3-3-3-5/488160.md?page=6)