[BusyBee]

Anyone else been watching this year's version?

My favourites are George Huff, somebody London (cant remember her first name) and the girl who wears a flower in her hair all the time.

I hate John Stevens (who can only sing Dean Martin/Frank Sinatra type songs) and Jennifer (who oversings everything).

So far I've seen them do a soul week and tamla motown - very good choices.

[BusyBee]

Anyone else watching this - they are down to the last six now and some of the voting is unbelievable. This week for instance the best three singers of the night were all in the bottom three. Got that for the site, so wont say who was thrown out for anyone who is watching tonight.

It is definitely of a higher level than our Pop Idol.

[LEE]

Hi BusyBee, I've watched this most weeks as well and agree that the standard is mostly very high. I've just watched the repeat of fridays show and was amazed by the bottom three, Latoya and Jennifer were amazing and even though I am not that struck on Fantasia she was miles ahead of either of the two guys who are still left.

I can't remember his name but I think the ginger haired guy who looks like Steve Davies should have been the one to go.

[Romantic Old Bird]

He certainly should have Lee.

He is John Stevens, 16, American as apple pie and obviously appeals greatly to middle America.

This despite the fact he has a dull monotonous faux Crosby-esque drone of a voice. He is ginger haired, fresh faced and no doubt loves his mommie. His delivery is devoid of energy or excitement and invariably flat.

The girl who went out had a rip roaring rock/soul/gospel voice that shook the whole place. She was attracive, feisty and note perfect. She was also getting even better every week.

In fact the bottom three contained the major talent of the competition. Two explanations for this bizarre public voting spring to mind:

1. They all thought those three were safe.

2. They are completely biaised against a strong black woman winning.
I go for the second, because although Reuben won last year, he was a black guy who was soft and cuddly (the velvet teddy bear)

Jennifer, the one who went, was a strong, feisty girl.
Fantasia is confident, brash with amazing personality. These were the bottom two.

Next Latoyah London. Also black and excellent, but demure, classy and feminine. (Less threatening)

Next George Huft. Black, but sweet and self-effacing. Not his best performance though.

Let's just look at the so called top group.

Diana De Gamo - pretty, cheerleader-type. Often off key.

Jasmine Trias - pretty Hawiian girl. Ususally out of her depth. Did a little better this week, but not a patch on the 'bottom three'.

And of course John Stevens, as mentioned above. I truly despair if he goes any further than next week.

[BusyBee]

It was obvious who they felt was in the top group of the two because George didnt think twice when asked to join the top group - he went for the one containing the bottom three.

Just a thought, maybe they were all a little bit alike - all with strong voices and as they were called the divas, may have split the vote.

However that Jennifer although having a great voice sometimes had what I would describe as a very scary face when she sang and sometimes oversang.

As for John Stevens - he is truly awful and made Westlife's version of Mandy sound unbelievably good.

I must admit I cheat and check on the website on Thursday afternoons to see who has gone - cant wait until Friday.

[kaphc]

I've been watching this too. I couldn't believe that John Stevens wasn't voted off - even in the highlights clip they couldn't find 15 seconds of him singing in tune!

Latoya London is by far the best, I agree, but it is good to have the "battle of the divas" going on. I wonder if the voting public in America is more female than male and that's why the two guys stayed in?

[BusyBee]

Has anyone else checked out the American Idol site? There is a section on there by someone called JadedJournalist who does a report of what went on during the schow. It is really good, he tells the **** out of the host, judges and gives a good critique of the singers. Worth a read.

[Romantic Old Bird]

Just one word of warning to anyone checking it out tonight who likes to watch it on Fridays.

DON'T!! You'll find out who went this week! They have the show on Tuesday and the vote off on Wednesday.

Otherwise, it's a good site indeed. Videos, interviews, forum etc.

[BusyBee]

Sorry should have pointed that out, but you can always visit on Saturday. Me, I just can wait for anything.

[avriljayne]

Having looked at fox's web site one week to check who had been voted off I decided not to do it again as it spoilt it for me........

Having just watched tonight well, words fail me.

How anyone could have voted to keep in Jasmine Trias at the expense of LaToya London leaves me speechless.

[Romantic Old Bird]

I know, completely insane.

I had a horrible feeling that Jasmine would be kept on. In a way it was Simon's fault for being SO blunt about her performances (and spot on, by the way).

When a tear coursed down her bravely smiling face, I thought: 'Uh-o, she's going to get a massive sympathy vote!'

And she did.

How silly the public are.

Now I can only hope Fantasia wins.

I am sure Diana Degamo is a lovely girl, and she sure is as American as apple pie, but only Ms Burino has the x,y and z factor.

[BusyBee]

I couldnt believe it when Latoya was voted off, but maybe it was because she was so self-confident and very often people dont like that. I think she thought she was going to walk it. They have defintely lost the best singer. Her version of Dont Rain on my parade was brilliant.

I hope Fantasia wins now because she is a performer, though I've got a feeling it might be Diana.

[LEE]

I didn't see it this week as I was down in London meeting James Marsters (Spike from Buffy/Angel) so I didn't see any TV at all.

Latoya was my favourite and I am gutted she has gone, I'm not bothered who wins now. I thnk it will probably be Fantasia, but even though she is miles ahead of the other 2 who are left I just can't stand her voice - I think she sounds like Bart Simpson

[avriljayne]

Well after last week I was'nt sure I could be bothered to watch tonight but.....
I had a look on fox and now I know who is in the final.

I will watch tonight now

[kaphc]

Originally posted by LEE
I didn't see it this week as I was down in London meeting James Marsters (Spike from Buffy/Angel) so I didn't see any TV at all.

Oh. My. God. !!! You met James Marsters??!!! I know this is completely off-topic but you have to tell all LEE!! He is one of my top 3 men, along with Sean Bean and Matthew Perry!!!!

What was he like? What happened? Is he is gorgeous in real life as he is on screen?

[LEE]

Hiya Kaphc

If you like James you must come visit my freind Jeaj's fansite LOVES BITCH She also runs DARIUS DEVOTEES and is absolutely mad on our blonde vamp friend.

Jeaj and I went down to London that weekend for a double dose of James. He sings with a rock band called 'Ghost of the Robot' and they were over in the UK touring, playing 'The Forum' in Kentish town on the Friday night.

We also went to a fan convention thingy on the saturday called 'An Audience with James Marsters', also in London. It was a good day, we met members of the band as well as James and there were a couple of question and answer sessions. Everyone got to meet James and get his autograph and he was so nice, lovely big eyes and a nice squeezy handshake lol. Mind you it did seem really funny to hear him talking in an American accent Also he had recently had his head shaved for charity which meant that, even though it was growing back, it was his normal brown colour and not the blonde we are used to from Buffy.

So yes he was as gorgeous in real life and seemed a really nice guy. Its such a shame they pulled the plug on Angel, still he said he has just auditioned for the lead role in something called 'The Dresden Files' which is a supernatural dectective thingy - here's a write up of it from 'Sci-fi.com'

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Based on the best-selling "Dresden Files" novels by Jim Butcher, this 2-hour backdoor pilot film will be executive produced by Academy Award® winner Nicolas Cage and Norm Golightly of Saturn Films.

Erik Dresden is a detective with extraordinary powers, the kind that could belong only to the descendant of a long line of wizards. Where others see the typical crimes of assault,
kidnapping and serial killings, Erik sees otherworldly forces at work -- which only he knows how to combat. Whether consulting for the police on inexplicable crimes or following his own cases, Erik has a unique outlook on the world, and
wields a wry sense of humor as one of his most potent weapons.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

I really like the sound of this and hope it actually happens.

Sorry I haven't got around to replying to your email btw - I will, I will, I promise

[BusyBee]

Seeing as I shall be otherwise engaged on Friday evening, I think I may have to take a trip to the IdolonFox website to find out who won tomorrow.

But then I may have the dilemma - Big Brother or American Idol. No difficulty in choosing there - will look tomorrow.

[LEE]

I think its a bit of a forgone conclusion it will be Fantasia anyway - even though she sounds like Bart Simpson lol.

I wish Latoya was still in it lol

[BusyBee]

I checked the web site today so I know who won, and therefore tomorrow night I can watch BB and Friends without the temptation to turn over to ITV2. A martyr to myself I am.

[Lance]

Well done Fantasia u did it!From your biggest Irish fan!!!!!!!111

[BBBB]

American Idol......Dear me the Americans always have to go one better. We make awful shows they can make worse.

[Lance]

Congrats Fantasia on your 1st US #1!!!

[LEE]

Not only is she number one, but she is the 1st artist ever to have their debut single go straight into the Billboard charts at Number 1.

She wasn't my favourite (still wish Latoya had been in the final) but this is an excellent achievement - well done Fantasia.

[Lance]

Ya go girl!!!!

I don't know if Latoya would have done as good a job on that song?!Maybe!It's hard to tell over here in Ireland Because hardly anyone watches or talks about it!So most people over here liked Fantasia!

[LovesTania]

My favourite on American Idol is Camile, but shes been voted off