Pertinent to that discussion, of course, is whether Baby Boomers comprise a significant portion of AI’s target market, whether Melinda appeals to them aesthetically, and whether they are likely to buy her records. I think one point made by the hijacker, however unintentional it might have been, was that Melinda’s appeal divides sharply along generational lines. And on that particular point, I would agree.
Still waiting on either an apology or a withdrawal, Fear Itself.
Not in this thread. I’ve already mentioned that the hijack needs to stop, so if you want to carry this on any further, do it in the Pit thread. This thread needs to return to the discussion of the show.
Then lock it, because Liberal has done an excellent job of derailing it.
I’m generally on my best manners, but I pay much stricter attention when I’m a guest.
I love Melinda I believe in her sincerity and I vote for her.
I don’t see that Liberal derailed this thread.
No.
Any further comments from you concerning this matter will need to be made in the Pit (the appropriate place for questioning moderator decisions). Do not continue this hijack.
Very cute that this thread started in the Pit but was moved here because it was so “civil”.
First off, she’s not my favorite, and I think, despite her talent that she’s getting a bit bland. But people insisting she’s being fake and phoney are silly.
There is nothing Jekyll and Hyde about being really good, (or at least comfortable) at something, and then not very good at accepting the human interaction that goes along with it, or even in being truly shy and a bit awkward outside of one’s talent area. There are quite a few performers who have this problem. Anyone see Kim Basinger accept her (what was it 1998?) Oscar? She was shaking like a leaf, (apparently she’s got awful stage fright?) and yet she’s the same one who sizzled in 9 & 1/2 weeks.
People who expect Melinda to be who she is when she’s “on” at all times are pretty shortsighted and don’t have much understanding of human nature. It would be quite normal for her to "forget herself and lose herself in her great love of performing, and then when she comes back to reality and has to face the judges and the audience, for her to experience an “UH OH” moment and get all shy and awkward, resulting in her surprised looks and actions.
Jeez, some of you folks are pretty jaded and judgmental.
FYI, just saw a show called “American Idol Extra” on RealTV (who knew there was such a program? Who knew there was a cable show devoted to Reality TV?) and here’s what Melinda had to say (I tried my best to transcribe it faithfully):
Interviewer:
Now you seem, Simon’s busted you on this, so I have to ask. But, but, that look of surprise on your face when he says, “I really thought it was great.” and you go (he mimics being surprised) “Me? Really?”
Now what is that, cause some people say, “Nah, she’s faking it, she’s faking it.” What is the reaction that you’re having when you hear that?
Melinda:
First of all, does Simon give out a lot of good comments? No.
Interviewer:
Not across the board, not always, no.
Melinda:
So a lot of times, um – the first week was just shocking to me. After that, I felt like, okay, is this my time to let them down? Is the time that I’ve let them down?"
Interviewer:
Yeah.
Melinda:
And to hear what he would say was so shocking, because it would be like, something like, “That sounded like Gladys Knight.’ who I look up to, so of course, I’m going to be like, “What?”
Interviewer:
Me? Huh?
Melinda:
You know? So, I get shocked by his comments because he’s so amazing with them, you know.
Interviewer:
Mm hm. And you never know standing there what’s going to come out.
Melinda:
If he just said, “That was good.” I’d be like, “Thank you.” But he’s like, “That was like Gladys Knight.” and I’m like, “Whoa.”
Interviewer:
And it’s flattering by comparison.
Melinda:
So I’m totally honored by some of the things he said.
I don’t think she’s faking it, but YMMV.