im not surprised. the last time they did the spitting into groups, the top 3 shoe ins(fantasia, jennifer, and the other one) were in the bottom group.

We all knew she wasn't going to win anyway.

I think, like most people do, we're gonna end up with a Taylor/Chris showdown. Unless we get the mother of all upsets with Kellie winning over Chris. Now THAT would make me quit this show.

This now firmly puts Katharine in as the top female, her and Chris will be meeting in the finals. Now was the whole Mandiva abeing against homosexuality controversy her downfall or did everyone just think she might be safe and not vote for her? 2nd worst week of Idol ever, but really interesting outcome. BTW someone help me stop watching Unan1mous...

The top three singers were in the bottom three last night.

I'm sick of America. Mandisa consistently gives great performances. Kellie, Ace, Bucky, they've had no good performances, in my opinion.

This show isn't based on singing, its a popularity contest. Whoever can please the audience with their sob story, or hot body will go far.

I think America was afraid of Mandisa and did not want to see her in their living rooms each week. Elliot won't be around too much longer either.

Kellie (suck my) Pickler is the perfect example. She's cute, stupid, has a sad story, but can't really sing. Her drama will take her far.

I can't explain Bucky's appeal. He looks like a recently fired bowling alley snack bar employee. Anyone else?

KH

I wasn't all too shocked about the results. Kellie's and Katherine's performances were the best last night, which isn't really saying much unfortunately. I definitely didn't think that Mandisa should go before Bucky or Ace even though I didn't really think she'd win. Her coming off as overly religious (not necessarily the whole anti-homosexuality thing) was probably part of her downfall. I couldn't help but compare her to some of the past divas on AI and I preferred the likes of Jennifer Hudson over her.

I got sick of Chris ever since he murdered "Broken" in the pre-top-12 (I'll never forgive him for that! NEVER!!!) and I thought his performance last night was very blah. To me, he's all hype, which is why I think that, if he wins, the show is-- (dun-dun-dunnn) rigged! After all, they do need a rocker and another male to help complete their little menagerie. Of course, it could just be everyone buying into the hype, but who knows?

Seriously though, Bucky not even in the bottom 3 again after not doing very well at all in "his element"? Fer rilly? Whaddafuh?

I think it's absolutely ridiculous that Mandisa goes so early, just because of one week where the theme was outside of her element. I mean come on! I'm not her biggestfan but she does have pipes and legitimate talent. It doesn't make sense that Bucky and Ace are still there. Mandisa should have been top 5 or even top 3 easily.

I confess that I'm guilty of not voting for her b/c I thought she was safe. I only voted for my faves: Elliot, Katharine, Chris, and Taylor. I thought that it was Taylor and Elliot that needed my votes that night, not her.

Wow. I missed last night's elimination because I had to work late, but I guess I am not all that surprised to read this update here. This show is following the same pattern that the Fantasia season did. Exactly. As was mentioned above, there was that one week where the three divas (arguably three of the best singers on board that year) were in the bottom three and Jennifer Hudson went prematurely. And now this. It's almost as if they do it just to jostle things up. What also makes me suspicious is that Simon is always foreshadowing the person that evetually wins, weeks in advance. He did it with Ruben, Fantasia, Carrie, and now it seems he's set his sights on Chris. On the Carrie season he even went as far as to say: "I not only predict you'll win this competition but I predict you will have higher record sales than Kelly Clarkson". So yeah, it does suggest the competition is somehow rigged. It's almost as if the whole thing is a sham, just a big promotional push for a singer they discovered and were going to sign anyway. Who knows?
It will be interesting to see if Chris does win this year. I am not his biggest fan but I did think he did a good job of showing a more sensitive side this week and changing it up.
Too bad about Mandisa, the soul vote must be going to Paris, meaning she'll be around for a while, I quite like her now so I'm not at all unhappy about that. Her Beyonce take last week was great fun and she sang well again Tuesday too.
For me Elliott is terrific, something about that voice, still my personal favorite and though I do not think he will win I hope he doesn't get voted off too soon.
Kellie is the prettiest but her singing is just OK. Between her and Ace (no comment there) it's obvious that a lot of people are voting with the wrong head.
My second fave is still Katherine, she's gorgeous and sexy like some of the others have been but the difference is that she really can sing well too, which puts her in a different league than Kellie and Ace whose chops don't quite measure up to hers.
The others all did OK with the country week although Simon was right, Taylor was uninspired and in general the whole show was just a little dull. To me the whole thing came off as kind of "old".
Bucky wasn't all that great with his song this week. He never seems to be able to get any power out of his voice, it's very thin. I'm surprised he's still around and has lasted this long, to be honest. Maybe he will bomb with Queen week and go next week. But then again the way it turned out this week there's no way of predicting.

-Rick

This was kinda like an episode of "Lost", where what is isn't and vice-versa. BTW, can't wait for the recap of last night's ep of "Lost" Killer ending!

America's voters totally defied reason last night. One performance does not a career make (or break) and big ol' Mandisa (well, she IS!) deserved to make it to the end. Can't figure how inferior "talent" like Pickler, Ace and Bucky got around her. Hell, getting around her is a THIRTY BILLION trek!

As far as Chris goes, his major gaffes with the previous two shows, what with the embarrassing deal with "Walk the Line" and then doing Creed just about did it for me. Like I said once before, the judges must have felt like total idiots not recognizing the version of Cash's masterpiece had been done before. Loved it when Vicodin-addled Paula again repeated her tired line of "you really made it YOUR song, Chris". Ha!

It's beginning to look like like the McPheever is going to take it, far as I'm concerned. She's consistently good, if wardrobe-limited and she's easy on the eyes. That's one thing that Smurf Paris can't match her in and, btw, loved the fact Paris got pushed to the bottom three. I think she, Ace and Bucky will be the next three ousters, to be followed by Alf. The boy can sing, but his stage presence is zero. Fickle America will consign him to voiceovers, where orthodontia is not important at all.

One last small rant: Ryan Seacrest is a major tool and a detriment to the show. His lame attempts to spar with Simon's superior intellect are making him look like Pee Wee Herman. he should declare a truce before the Englishman bitch-slaps him all over the stage.

OK, one more thing: B_side, the term is SHOO-IN, not shoe in.

OMG Mandisa was my homegirl. I was pulling for her since day one. I was like you and just sat there with my mouth hanging open. I could. not. believe. it. I almost called in sick to work today. I couldn't believe that Ace and Bucky were safe. And I couldn't believe that as shitty as Taylor did that he got to stay. I mean, he sang John freaking Denver! (No offense, I mean, I know the man is dead and all, but hey) I mean, what is up with that? What the hell is going on around here? It's fixed. It's fixed. That's the only explanation.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to write my Senator too.

I sat watching with my son and actually cheered (ok, we high-fived if that isnt a lame enough visual or what) when Manbeasta..umm..Mandiva...ummm..Mandisa was voted off instead of Elliot. That would have been a travesty of major proportions!

Zoobabe said it right - I only voted for my favorites - Taylor, Chris, Katherine and Elliot. I figured Mandisa was safe with Ace and Bucky being and easy one two slam - either or this week and next. Now America has gone and messed up the planets alignment and who knows what will happen. Paris is a goner as far as I am concerned (or hope - she hasnt given a truly good performance since her audition and I was sure she would be the fav). I am hopeful for a final four with the above mentioned Katherine, Taylor, Chris and Elliot. I would be happy if any of those four won but really hope its Katherine or Taylor. Katherine has the best voice on stage but if it is going to a guy this year I hope it goes to Taylor - only because he is a diamond in the rough if he lets himself go back to the spastic, soulful style he started with. He has become a bit to TV for me lately but I love that mans sexy voice. I just cant look at Elliot (although the new strategic goat and microphone lip level is helping) and Chris is like too many other wannabe hardrockers- he should have been on that INXS show - he probably wont win because hard rock doesnt sell on the contemporary top 40 charts that Simon promotes...

B-Side - this was the best line EVER!! "She's my double-wide dose of gospel goodness! If she leaves, I will shit a brick." Where's that brick baby??

I said it before and I'll say it again, who are the tone deaf freaks voting for Bucky and Elliot?!?! I put Ace and Kellie in the same category, except they have the looks that make people swoon and pick up the phone to vote for them.

Elliot, Bucky, Paris, Kellie, and Ace need to go home...RIGHT NOW!! Although I have never understood the fascination with Taylor, he is much, much better than those five.

This is the absolute LEAST talented singers ever on this show.

I...you...see...just...oh, my gosh! Unbelievable!!

Tony (#10) I hate to tell ya man but B-Side is right. It is "shoe-in".

Is it just me or is there something erotic about Elliot. By erotic I mean it looks like he'll do anything nasty in bed to please you. I was rooting for him just for that. Sorry Mandiva.

This was Bucky's and Jessica Simpson's little sister week to slide through because of the country theme. So we knew there was gonna be an upset vote. However, Mandisa performance was leagues better than Taylor "the seizure" Hackford. Next week look for Paris to get the boot and yes A man will win this year.

Congratulations Chris or Taylor.

Wow! Poor Mandisa. I doubt her religious politics got her voted off. As someone mentioned a few weeks ago, I've never voted because it never occurred to me. Duh! But it's true.

Bucky, with his mouthful of marbles, is ridiculous. Surely women aren't voting for him because he's attractive, right? We've had our fun with Elliot's teeth, but Bucky's back teeth are longer than his front teeth. He's really a reverse Bucky. That's hard to look at.

I'm so excited about Queen night. Chris should NOT sing "Stone Cold Crazy". It will be so microphone twirling predicatable. He should definitely sing "Fat Bottomed Girls" which, incidentally is EdHill's theme song.
Elliot should sing "Love of My Life".
Taylor can do "Somebody to Love"
Paris "Who Wants to Live Forever"
Kellie "You're My Best Friend"
Bucky McNastyface can try rocking out to "The Show Must Go On" but maybe Taylor should do that one.
Ace can come out of the closet with a whimsical rendition of "Seaside Rendezvous"
How about "Under Pressure" for the McPheever? Someone will undoubtedly do "Crazy Little Thing Called Love". So many amazing songs to choose from and they will pull out the ones we get to hear via Clear Channel 100 times a day. Am I just setting myself up for disappoinment? Is there any way these kids will not blow it?
Have I mentioned that I'm a little bit into Queen? I truly feel that Freddie Mercury makes all other singers bow their knee in honor and worship of the greatest voice of the 20th century. Suck it Mariah.
My personal AI queen song is "Melancholy Blues". I regularly torture friends and family with it. That and "Love of My Life".

One more thing, I think the 10 seconds of silence when Ryan made the announcement also spoke volumes. It was truly stunned silence in the whole place. Then you kind of heard the polite rally clap as people gradually began to recover.

Queen night? I hadn't heard that one yet. That's so cool! Who is going to be the guest celebrity?

I hope they finally talk Prince into doing the show. He says he'll do it but only if he doesn't have to coach the kids. Hope they work it out cause that man has a hellafied of a music catalog and would love to see him perform on TV. The show would have to go an hour 1/2.

Must we go through this nonsense every year? Last nights dismissal of Mandisa triggered my still vivid flashbacks of Tamyra Gray getting unjustly voted off Season 1, leaving us to listen to kareoke queen Nikki. I wanted to throw something at the screen. Mandisa probably woulda thrown her shoe too but she realized that Ryan never gave her her pair back.

Did she fall victim to people thinking she was easily safe? Without seeing actual stats..do we know if your votes really do count? The IDOL machine wants a white male this year and are doing everything in their power to make sure that happens. The show just got that much more boring. I always looked forward to seeing what Disa would bring to each song. Many nights she made her competition look like high school talent show contestants. To put a new twist on an old Fantasia quote "her thighs may have been big but her talent was BIGGER!" I dont think Mandisa needs this show as much as this show needs her. And we will see that soon enough.

btw..does anyone have it on TIVO..what did Elliot say to Mandisa right after they announced her name?? Inquiring minds want to know.

Mandisa IS scary and deserved to go. She's homophobic, obese, patronizing and way too religious for this show. Even middle america likes it religion in smaller or more understated doses.
I think this bodes well for Kathryn though - as she had the next most polished, adult contemporary voice of the bunch. Paris may pick up some votes too.
But that Kellie, Ace and Bucky are all in the top 8 - I think - is a reflection of the shifting demographic of the audience. This show will soon be like America's Home Video's and Mama's family - marketed to middle and lower middle income Americans.

I guess what people don't understand is that the show is called American Idol. Not America's Best Singer. The person who wins the show is going to have to appeal to the majority of America. Let's face it, the final show will probably have over 60 million votes, so the Idol winner, needs to be able to put out a record that those 60 million people will want to buy. I like Mandisa, great voice, but I would NEVER buy her record. I don't listen to gospel music and the times of "whitney houston" sounding music is way over. I think Mandisa getting voted off this week was the right one to go. I don't think that American Idol is a popularity contest, America is voting for the people that put out the best performances that week, and Mandisa's was poor.

oh yah, that whole thing with Alf getting fresh with Diva -- creeps me out!

Also, there's only one African-American singer in the top 8. Seems like every year there are less and less making it to the final rounds. Gotta wonder why?

#23 - "there's only one African-American singer in the top 8"

I thought Paris was from Georgia?

its not about race; unless you think that Fantasia and Reuben aren't black.

What's really freaky is that I just bought Queen's Greatest Hits 1&2, and as I was listening to it the other day I thought to myself, I hope A.I. doesn't ruin this for me. Three days later, Seacrest tells me they're doing effin' Queen. I'm gonna cry. I swear, if they bastardize Somebody to Love or Under Pressure, I quit. I mean, Mandisa is gone, so what's the point in really watching, ya know?

What also makes me suspicious is that Simon is always foreshadowing the person that evetually wins, weeks in advance. He did it with Ruben, Fantasia, Carrie, and now it seems he's set his sights on Chris. On the Carrie season he even went as far as to say: "I not only predict you'll win this competition but I predict you will have higher record sales than Kelly Clarkson". So yeah, it does suggest the competition is somehow rigged.

Simon says that stuff and stupid people watching belive it and vote for who he says is the best. All three of them hype someone up and everyone starts believing they are great and people vote for them. Simon's not really predicting who will win, he is leading people who can't think for themselves.

yea... it's shocking that Mandisa went home, but not as shocking as the time LATOYA LONDON was sent packing super early AI3. That girl could sing! and was so absolutely beautiful. I wonder what she's up to now...

I liked Mandisa, but never thought she would win. I'm just glad my girl Katherine wasn't in the bottom like last week.

I can't believe I have to sit through another week of Bucky and Elliott, and they send home Mandingo. At least she brought some excitement to her performances. Everyone else is BOR-ING!

cansnuts, during all the seasons of American Idol, the only person I have ever called in to vote for was Latoya London. She is one of my favorites, out of any season, and I could not believe it when she left the show. She was robbed.

All of the comparisons to when Tamyra Gray or Jennifer Hudson were voted off misses one key point--both of them made a lot farther, to the top 6 (Jennifer) or top 4 (Tamyra.) Mandisa just got voted out in 9th place. There isn't just one inferior "Nikki McKibbon" singer left after her, there are several.

I think her downfall came from a combination of factors--people thinking she was safe, people who like her not liking country music and not caring about this week because of that, and others who like her having another favorite to whom they gave their votes. And of course, some people have never liked her.

It's interesting to me that people who often complain about so-called Middle America being too religious now think that America didn't vote for Mandisa because of her strong beliefs. If religion really were a major factor in how people vote on this show, her choosing a gospel song last week should have cemented her place in at least the top 5.

I think a lot of people were motivated to call in for Ace, Katherine and Bucky to keep them out of the bottom three because they've been in danger before. Mandisa had never even been in the bottom three and maybe a lot of people assumed she was safe with or without their vote.

Also, to be honest, that outfit may have really hurt her. She looked incredibly obese with a lot of unpleasantness exposed up top and that may have turned people off. Sad to say, but many people react that way.

The thing is, it was a shocking outcome but at work this morning, many more people are talking about Kenny Rogers' obscene plastic surgery then who was voted off!!

That homophobe needed to go. How offensive - and really "I bless you in the name of Jesus?"

I was feeling a tiny bit bad for her being voted off until that comment. Then I hollered out "Boo!" at the TV.

I think its not about race in that's its overtly racist. Its a fact that Fantasia and Reuben didn't sell well and I think that they're more indicative of a blue state voting pattern and we're not as sticky or devoted a fanbase (we'll watch and maybe vote, but we dont' bother to buy records). Carrie's fans and Ace's, Bucky's and Kellie's are probably younger, dumber and more devoted. I think Simon is realizing where he wants to take this competition and who he wants to watch the show and support a winner. There's more money to be made in the middle.

Why is Mandisa a homophobe? Did she make some comments? I think you are using the "homophone" excuse to cover your racism.

Thank God, Mandisa is gone!

It may be a surprise to B-side, but anyone who reads the gay blogs knew her time had come. The gays abandoned her en masse this week and I am sure they were the bulk of her support. To Mandisa, take your "lifestyle" elsewhere.

P.S. - Go Elliot Go! Every Elliot fan better vote for him this week!

Why all this hating on Mandisa for being religious, and when did she ever do anything homophobic? All of you who criticize her for having beliefs are being hypocrites. Take her "lifestyle" elsewhere? Isn't that what you accuse HER of saying?
The gays can have Ace!

Mandisa has a great voice, but would all of you by her album? I wouldn't. She sounds like Fantasia and Whitney. We already have enough of those out in the mainstream. I want someone more original like Taylor or Katherine to win this.

Mandisa is no Linda Weaver. I hardly think it's a big deal that she "bless you in the name of Jesus" 'd. She wasn't anti-homo on the show. Somewhere she said she liked books by an author who believed in the overcoming of homosexuality. Am I right so far? Big deal. Would she have garnered more votes if she had been a satan worshiping abortionist who sold her butt sex vidoe on the web? Who cares? It is a singing competition, to quote one Simon Cowell. Gays, you're here, you're queer, we get it. Stop being the thing that you hate. Go volunteeer at the soup kitchen or sit in a rocking chair with some crack babies.

I love gay people. ALL my friends are gay. And black.(Ba dump bump). But seriously, what does Mandisa's choice of reading material and source of inspiration have to do with anything? Incidentally, the gay friend that I see regularly is a Jew for Jesus. He kinda ruins all the stereotypes. And a big shout out and smooch to all my favorite fairies juddfan, Tim Gunn, jash, and the others. One human family.

eh . . . i don't know if there's any chicanery going on with rigging votes, etc., but, given the fact that the two weakest singers in the competition--bucky and kellie--are also the show's two country music specialists, country music week seemed suspiciously well-timed to their advantage. is simon trying to rig the competition to help his favorites? maybe, but remember: with the exception of the audition and this week, simon has consistently praised mandisa's talent, even when he wasn't crazy about her song selection.

furthermore, contemporary country music is a MASSIVE market, full of loyal, dedicated fans. consider: what is the most popular and lucrative professional sports organization in america? the NFL? nope. MLB? not a chance. NBA? not even close. NASCAR is by far the most profitable professional sports league in the US. and contemporary country is to the recording industry what NASCAR is to pro sports. there were probably a million people out there who voted for kellie just because she sang a song by reba, for pete's sake.

is there racism involved? please. 2 out of 4 AI winners have been african-american, compared to less than 13% of the general population. jennifer hudson got the early boot that season because she was too similar to latoya and fantasia, who were older, better looking, and unquestionably more polished performers. elton john is an idiot.

i think it's much more likely that mandisa got the boot for letting the stylist talk her into wearing jeans 2 weeks in a row than for being black or for being overbearing with her jesus-love.

people vote for who they like. taste is subjective. how many people whining about mandisa getting cut actually vote? not me. i'm perversely obsessed with this show, yet i've never been tempted to pick up the phone (that would sort of be like switching from powdered coke to freebase), and i'd sooner swallow broken glass and wash it down with drano than buy an AI finalist's record. the people who vote and buy the albums are the teeny-boppers, who are far more likely to identify with kellie or have a crush on ace than they are to respect mandisa's vocal talents.

similarly, there are always odd surprises, such as the unexpected run of kevin covais--arguably the worst AI finalist EVER--or the popularity of taylor, who doesn't really fit but has developed a fan base for having grey hair and being weird.

as good as her voice is, i'm amazed mandisa made it this far, given how superficial and body-image-oriented pop culture and music are these days. whether she went out 9th or 3rd, mandisa was not going to win this competition, because it's not aimed at her market. she'll do great with the gospel stuff, and now she can quit fooling around with the karaoke, get into the studio, and start blowing the roof off of billy graham revivals, where she'll be welcomed with open arms.

bottom line: the only people left in this competition with the voice, looks, and presence to sell pop records are chris and katherine, and as much as i loathe his preferred music style, chris is bar-none the safest bet to win and to have a successful pop career. there are several strong singers left, but chris's poise and charisma put him on a level above the others. i wouldn't be surprised if chris's vote tally is higher than the combined total for all the others.

Um, I don't think I would want to be outed like that.

Listen people. I just read everyones comments, and I hate to break it to you....AI now sucks. Yes the show is called American Idol, but it is about SINGING. Nothing else. Unfortunately America can't seem to figure that out. If it were about a popularity contest then they should also include in the contest, a dance, wardrobe, swimsuit and other stupid ass portions. This is exactly why Brittney Spears made so much freaking money, America buys music of non-talented corporate made over crap. Every week the contestants are to SING. Not dance or any thing else, SING. There is no way in hell that Ace (tool), Bucky (&^%%$) even Chris and Taylor compare to Mandisa's vocal talent. To be honest, vocally I would have it: Katherine, Mandisa, Paris and the rest. Chris sounds the same every freakin weak, as does Taylor. The others are okay. But if you listen to the vocal talent, Katherine and Mandisa are head and heels above the rest. It is that simple. This is the problem with America, they like people based on "looks" and other stupid ass reasons. I just don't know if I can watch the show any more. I think it is fixed.
Aah, I'm disgusted. I have to go now.....I can't take it any more.

Hey now! Don't go sayign Elliott should be the one going home!! He is such a sweetheart and can sing his ass off. If he cold just control that vibrato(is that the word?) thing he does a little better he'd be perfect.

AS for Mandisa going home....I'm really speechless. She should NOT have gone home before Ace or Bucky and even Paris.

Definitely Taylor should sing "Someone to Love" next week. He would do such a great job with that song!!! He had a horrible week, but he is still my favorite.

LQ, well put! I wish it were somehow possible to have a duet so two of them could sing "Barcelona". Though technically not a Queen song, Freddy Mecury wrote it. For some reason, I really love it.

I agree with Americas Next Top Fan. You shouldn't out people Lizard Queen. You obviously don't know gay people that well, or you would know that most of the time, we prefer to out ourselves.

Let's see---Kelly could do the bicycle song (it's more her speed), Ace will probably attempt to do "Bohemian Raphsody" and totally butcher it, Bucky can do "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" since it has a country sound, and Taylor maybe "Somebody to Love".

By the way, Mandisa got robbed.

I was shocked about Mandisa. But not totally shocked..and seeing the flashbacks i thought how striking she is..and how sad it was to see her go.
But I still couldn't take that honkey tonk song sge sang. She could have blown everyone away with a real torchy vulnerable country tune, but she didn't.

I thought for sure the Kellie Ace Bucky trio would be it, didn't all of you? I thought, they all suck, i don't know which one i hate more.

I take a perverse pleasure in seeing Ace being called out to the stage during these results shows. He always looks like he's shitting his pants.

DDE (#42), you say you are disgusted because this is a singing competition, but then you bash Ace based on personality. I totally agree with you about not liking him, but you can't blame everyone else for looking at things beyond pure vocal talent but then do that very thing yourself. Besides, when you're talking about the music industry, it is obvious that a good many things beyond voice matter--looks, style, personality, attitude, musical genre, showmanship, etc. And even if you're talking about only the voice, there's a huge amount of personal taste that comes into play. Some people like Chris better than Mandisa based on his voice. That's just how it is.

Jack - Seriously, man. I read your posts and think you have something valuable to contribute to the group, but do they have to be so blasted long? One love. :-)

You can't be serious that this was any surprise. It's exactly what DialIdol.com predicted.

ANTF, since I've never actually met any of the people on this busy comment board I go on what they say about themselves. I almost mentioned you in my smoochinesss, not to offend, of course. juddfan referred to himself as a "fairy" which I thought was cute and funny. I f'd up to say it towards anyone else, but was trying to make my point in a friendly way. I wouldn't know to out anyone. Far be it for me to say that I know gay people better than anyone else. I just know people. Some of them are gay. I also think Tim Gunn is out. Sometimes I'm a jerk, but never on purpose.

The more I think about this Queen business the more nervous I get. Let the butchering begin. Chris should sing the very obscure but rockin' "Ogre Battle." But he won't. Anyone else think he needs to lighten up a little?
I LOVE Barcelona. Way out of the range of any of these people.

What Jack said.

The idea of Ace, Bucky, and Kellie singing Queen makes my skin crawl.

Jack is the man!

LQ,

okay okay okay you got me. I'm flying my freak flag. Yeeehooo

Was anybody able to make it through what Jack said? That was a chapter of someones book. just kidding.

Go Kathryn & Chris. Vote for Paris too.

strange how everyone seems not to notice the new dialidol.com polling that came out this week. They tweaked their system and the results for this week were dead on accurate. the one thing that has always been consistent is that Taylor is always #1, and by a comfortable margin. I think his lead will only increase, because when more of them get booted, i don't see the votes going to someone as obscure as chris or tiresome as kellie. i think people will gravitate to taylor and he will win the show.

He is the best on the show right now, not in terms of vocals, because you can't compare vocals when they don't match up in their genres, but you can compare stage presence and how great an overall performer they are. I would be so bored with all of these people performing live except taylor (and maybe elliott).

Ok, I just read what Jack said. Whew. I agree with Jack amd I must admit I bought a Fantasia cd. Yes I did, and it was good.

Uh-oh looks like Paula is going to be on the painkillers for a while longer. Check this out http://tmz.aol.com/article2?id=20060406145909990001

I was really disappointed with the results. I've enjoyed watching Mandisa perform.

But for God's sake, someone get Ace, Bucky, and Paris the hell out of there. I'm still pulling for my boy Elliott, although I'm doubting now whether he has any real chance to win.

One other thing...what's with so many of the women singing in such a low key? It sounds awful!

Paula's losing it FAST: Breaking news: LOS ANGELES - Police are investigating a report by "American Idol" judge Paula Abdul that a man slammed her into a wall during an argument at a party, giving her a concussion and back injuries, a police spokeswoman said Thursday.

LizardQueen.."reverse Bucky"...awesome.

The one thing this show is doing is showing these "singers" they have to be versatile, creative, & spontaneous which is what most are having problems with. I thought country would bring out a lot worse performances, instead they were just plain boring. Now Queen songs-that will definitely bring some crash & burn to the house!

Hmmm...Ryan's "beard"...Queen songs next week...methinks the producers are having a little fun, at Seacrest's expense.

Mandisa IS scary and deserved to go. She's homophobic, obese, patronizing and way too religious for this show. Even middle america likes it religion in smaller or more understated doses.
I think this bodes well for Kathryn though ...This show will soon be like America's Home Video's and Mama's family - marketed to middle and lower middle income Americans.
Posted by: billy be bad

SOON? It already is. I know nobody who still watches it -- I am getting my fill reading TVgasm recaps, and thank heavens for you guys, you give me so much more free time now that I don't have to waste hours on actually watching TV...

Bottom line: A white male is going to win, because one hasn't yet. (I don't count Clay Aiken; regardless of his success, he was "2nd"). Take a look at who's been picked off, and who remains. This has nothing to do with racism, so don't beat on me. My partner works in TV, and has called it Ace, and I'm going with Chris. If anyone (on this board or otherwise) thinks their phone votes are making a difference (or even doing ANYTHING), I have a bridge to sell you.

Oh, and I'm obese AND gay, and wasn't offended by Mandisa at all; I'm glad she made it as far as she did. Now I just wait for that wonderful day when TvGasm reports that Pickler has gone down in flames...

As someone who is very much NOT a Queen fan, I am still intrigued by Chris singing "Another Bites the Dust". Please, however, no "We Will Rock You" or "We are the Champions".

Also, it will be interesting for the women to try to sing Freddy Mercury's vocals. Ironically, he had a very male voice...

er, that ironically could be read wrong. Please take it as referring to the band name, and not some stereotype of gays having high-pitched voices.

I've been a huge AI fan for years. Now I only watch the Tuesday show (and even that I fast forward through all the filler). Wednesday I just read the news to see who's off. Season 5 is the worst so far.

If you ask me, the only one who has both talent and marketability is Katherine. I love her.

Ace has the image but lukewarm talent. Taylor has some talent and is mildly interesting, but can't be taken seriously as a pop star. Paris has amazing range but sings like she has marbles in her mouth. Elliott is 4'5" and only has half a set of teeth. Kellie Pickler's head is stuffed full of fiberglass insulation and I cannot BEAR her squat-and-point-to-audience version of "stage presence" any longer. (Seriously, someone needs to get that girl a back brace so she stops with the Squatty McSquatterstein. I am afraid she's going to poop her pants.) Bucky doesn't even know that a cowboy hat obscures his face under the lights - also, I'm just waiting for him to drop the mic one of these days. Chris' shtick is getting tired and he will never escape his dubious past of Creed and ripped-off Live songs. Otherwise he has a nice voice, but don't know if he's talented and versatile enough to be a pop artist, which is what AI is about.

Of all the non-Katherine performers, I thought Mandisa had the best voice and in a season of spotty performances, she definitely brought it week after week. Though she wasn't my favorite to win, I think the show is less-watchable without her.

Didn't Queen also do the Bohemian Rhapsody from Wayne's World, and that kick ass Flash Gordon song....yay can't wait. Hope I go deaf for a week. Wizzard what's our boy going to sing? And can Tim Gunn please show up to "make it work."

Manilow
Wonder
Rogers
Queen

I can't wait for Hip Hop night! (sarcasm intended)

hb

Flash - Ah A - Savior of the universe

Flash - Ah A - He'll save every one of us!

Come on BigMax. Maybe you just haven't heard enough Queen. One of the things that I think is so cool about them is that they have transcended the pigeonholing of musical genres. Queen has capably and without pretension produced scores of songs from a large variety of music types. Brian May is regarded as one of the greatest guitarists on the planet. Freddie Mercury could have easily been at the top of the opera or Broadway world. Which leads me to ask, what in the hell are the remaining members of Queen doing on American Cheeseball? At any rate I just want to encourage people to listen to some less well known Queen records. I can agree that you may not LOVE it, but you will appreciate it.

Mandisa may not have been the best singer on the show but she was fun and always had her game up when she performed. And I don't think her weight was that much of a factor. Look at how far Ruben went in his year and he was twice her size. I'll miss her in future weeks, for sure. And what's the deal with the so-called homophobia? Will someone please clarify what that was all about? I totally missed whatever it was she said that was taken as homophobia but I'd like to know.
Katherine as the winner is a nice thought but may be a bit of a stretch, seeing as she'll have to bypass Chris and Taylor.
I am surprised that so many people are put off by Elliott's teeth. I hardly even noticed, too distracted by his great singing and nice voice I guess. And yes, it is called a "vibrato".
If Ace wins I will forever swear off American Idol. Can't stomach that man.
If Elliott wins (he won't) I will definitely buy his CD, and that will be a first for me. Love the sound of that boy's voice. -Rick

My wife and I were pretty upset about Mandisa. I don't think she did very well last night, but she was not the worst.
As far as the homophobia, I am so tired of this word being used.

1)It is just calling someone names if they so much as diasgree that homosexuality is even a good, healthy activity. Most of the folks (even the wacky religious folks-sorry calling names) I've seen do not fear gays, they just don't think it is right. More power to them, I say.

2)When is it ok to make fun of or deride someone if they truly have a fear of something...well unless it is of something silly like spiders or snakes...I may be afraid of chocolate. That would suck. Hersheyphobic. :-)

dbright - i don't think you are right. i think the way you live your life is wrong and scary and evil and that I am better than you. But hey.

On another note, I can't believe that out of all the auditions in all the cities, that these people are the best America has to offer. Especially, Ace, Bucky, Kellie..

Oh Billie,
Even if that's how you feel..I might think you were starnge or way off base or any of the same things you just said, but I wouldn't call you brightophobic.

BTW, I was surprised at the final three. I thought Paris did well-even if she annoys people. i thought Elliot probably should have been there, though he is better than Ace or Bucky (though Bucky did do well last night.)

Hey BJ, I'm just curious-what kind of scary life do you think I live anyway? :-) You must be psychic..cause I never said what I thought..That's a pretty neat trick..hmm. or scary. Ha.

Hey dbright?

While you are spouting off your superior knowledge about all those pesky evil gays, why not go back into your cave and try and make some fire by rubbing sticks together, or maybe get rid of your headaches by attaching leeches to your head?

Because clearly if you think anyone would choose to be homosexual, and thus be forced to put up with the likes of people like yourself, you are living in the dark ages.

Nothing qualifies more as a "lifestyle choice", IMHO than plain stupidity.

I don't remember even giving my view on homosexuality. Look at post #70. I say "more power to them" because in America we are given the freedom of speech and with that freedom comes the fact that some people will be offended. But I would rather we have the ability for dialogue and the possibility for offense than to be silenced for having an unpopular view.

Using your logic, those who speak against homosexuality would be silly to choose that lifestyle because they would "be forced to put up with the likes of people like yourself".

Thanks for illustrating the point I made earlier: anyone who speaks contrary(or in my case-is assumed to have done so) to homosexuality is called names. Though living in a cave could be nice...I wouldn't have to deal with people answering their cell phones in line to order food.

Go Katherine and Chris!!

BTW, what evidence would you say there is for being born with a homosexual gene?

The whole homophobia thing stems from a question she was asked that's on the AI website.

"Who is your AMERICAN IDOL?

An author and speaker named Beth Moore. She inspires me to live more like Jesus and I want to do the same."

There was controversy because Beth Moore is an anti-gay writer and people assumed that because she liked the writer they must share the same views. She recently had an interview with The Advocate about it.

Basically she doesn't agree with the lifestyle because of her religion, but says "I know that at the end of time we all face the judge and his name is not going to be Mandisa, so I cannot place any judgment on anyone." She also said that she wouldn't feel comfortable "performing or singing at a gay event". That's also caused a lot of controversy.

Sadly, a post made on the Perez Hilton site is the one that has the most comments about the interview. There's a wide range of reactions to it, from gay bashers who are using her publicity as an excuse to spew hatred to those who says she doesn't seem to hate gays, she's just not comfortable with them.

Jesuslovesyou (#66), if I had to pick a Queen song for Chris I'd say it would have to be either Tie Your Mother Down or Fat Bottom Girls. The only thing is that I don't know if he would go that heavy again ever since the Creed fiasco. I hope he doesn't go the other extreme and sing something sappy like Your My Best Friend but he may want to finally show another side to his singing. I guess we'll find out next Tuesday. What do you think?

Thanks Jersey,
That is the big distinction isn't it? The difference between hate and discomfort.

I would not be comfortable with a thief house-stting my house. But I would not hate him.

Some would not be comfortable hanging out with Mandisa because of her views, but I doubt they would hate her or be afraid of her.

Rumored upcoming themes...sorry but it doesnt get any better as it goes along...why in the world would u want them to sing former Idol contestants songs? So they can compare them and complain?

Top 9 (Country)
Top 8 (Queen)
Top 7 (Rod Stewart)
Top 6 (Songs of Past American Idols)
Top 5 (Disco)

Themes through the Top 7 have been announced officially. The Rod Stewart theme will concentrate on the 4 CDs Rod has recorded of the Great American Songbook, rather than his rock music. "Songs of the Past American Idols" as a theme is a rumor that's been floating around on the message boards. According to "informant" it includes songs from the CDs of the following Idols: Kelly Clarkson, Clay Aiken, Fantasia, Ruben Studdard, Diana DeGarmo, Carrie Underwood, Bo Bice, Josh Gracin, Kim Locke, and Justin Guarini.

Is there really that big of a gay voting block that it could drop a frontrunner like Mandisa out of the show just like that? I don't think that had anything to do with it. Basically, she's a great singer, but due to her age, girth, maturity, and manner of speaking she came off like somebody's churchgoing aunt (or as Simon would say "auntie") or neighbor, not a pop star. I hate to tell all you folks who keep saying "it's a singing competition", but it isn't just a singing competition. It's American "Idol", not America's Best Young Singer. Ever since MTV debuted around '81, you just don't see ugly people in pop music anymore (however it is much more tolerated in hip hop or goth/mope rock). Even in classical and opera the labels are pushing young hotties who are competent but not necessisarily the best talent out there. It may not be fair but as in any other field appearances count. How many surveys have there been showing that good looking people go farther in the business world and when shown picture of two people, the viewer always puts the more positive attributes to the better looking subject. It's too bad because Mandisa is a beautiful girl, and could probably be a model if she dropped about 215 lbs. Win or lose AI her destiny is to be a very successful Gospel singer and/or TV preacher. She is going to do just fine.

So can I claim ugliness as a disability, quit my job and live on welfare now?

Sorry, but as far as I know the courts have not yet designated uglies as a "protected class" under the Civil Rights Act. There's always telemarketing or phone sex, I guess.

Here's why I'll miss Mandisa: I looked forward to seeing her every week to see what she'd be wearing. That's right. I was fascinated to see which ill-fitting outfit she would have on night after night. She was a disaster (couture speaking) every week except for the black dress. There had to be other ways to try to disguise that ass...She was, though, one of the best singer on the show though...
I'm for Chris all the way. He makes me feel all tingly down below.

September, if Houdini, David Copperfield, and Siegfried & Roy combined all their powers of illusion they couldn't make that ass appear any smaller.

Point well taken JasonR. I guess you are right.

I had a nightmarish thought this morning. What if the idols had to sing (butcher) Bob Marley... I would die.

Thanks dbright.

I think it's a case of everyone being afraid of what they don't understand. She's been taught to believe the homosexuality is not ok, therefor she probably hasn't been friends with many gay people and doesn't understand that they don't talk about butt f*cking all the time and that they're just like everyone else. And the people that bash her seem to be doing it solely because their opinion differs. What ever happened to just accepting that people have different views?

"What ever happened to just accepting that people have different views?"

Perhaps because it is easier to call anmes than it is to seriously consider someone's views and either rufute them or be changed by them.

Tolerate people, not ideas. Not all ideas are created equal just as not all people who sing should.

For example, Bucky and Ace: you are ok for another venue, but you're out of your league...Oh wait, that league just went down a notch..Welcome to the big time, boys.

Wizzard,

I not sure what to think, I'm challenged to think of even one other Queen song Chris can sing that would be good for him. He completely buys into Simon's critiques, which he should the mans a genius. So he will probably continue with another "light" song. We just have to trust in his talents that he'll pull it off.

Thank you, Jersey, for actually finding something that was actually said and going with it. People are always so quick to pass judgement and label -- something they don't want done to themselves. Never has Mandisa criticized or condemned. She said she isn't the one with final judgement and so she passes none down here -- what is wrong with that? We should all live like that. People hating on her because of what she has been labeled as saying are worse than she is; but go ahead and pass judgement all you want. Hypocrites.

She was a great talent and I looked forward to her weekly performances. I think the person who helped with her wardrobe (for the performance episode) should be fired because that outfit was tragic. It may have turned some people off -- or so said one of my friends. It was not a good choice for her. Someone said she performed her song 10 times better the following night; but which of our ousted contestants (besides Kevin) hasn't? The whole scenerio is a Jennifer Hudson flashback although Mandisa wasn't my overall favorite this season like Jennifer was that season (her performance of Imagine was outstanding). I think she went home b/c people assumed she was safe -- I assumed she was, anyway.

Elliot is a great singer, I can't believe he has so many against him on this board.

I also think Katharine is far from a front-runner. She is my favorite this year, but I don't think she has connected with others (or those who actually call in and vote). She will last a few more rounds, but I don't think she is making it to the finale. We saw the final three this week in the group of Taylor, Chris and Kellie.

I actually enjoyed Bucky's quiet, slow country song this week. I think it was one of his better ones and was glad that he made it through. Ace is the one who needs to go next.

I agree with just about everything T Williams says in the last post, except I am not so sure Kellie will make it to the top three. I am inclined to agree with the consensus of a Chris and Taylor showdown though, but just who lands just under them could be anybody at this point, after the Mandisa stunner nothing would surprise me, even the dreaded Ace who seems to be sailing along based on his looks and camera-gazing. My ideal top 4 would be Taylor, Chris, Elliott, and Katherine. When do they start doing two songs each?
-Rick

I agree that many people do tend to jump to conclusions, but we do need judgment of others in order to survive. If you came across someone who has caused harm to others before, it's only natural to be wary of that person. Of course, many people can and do change, which is why we also need to keep a reasonably open-mind (not so open that everything falls out though).

Something about the "I don't have final judgment, so I won't pass it" shtick always seemed back-handed to me. I believe it's very rare to actually find people who say that and actually don't pass judgment even if they don't share their judgment with others.

Anyway, I do think many were being harsh on her without just cause. However, even though she may not have been anti-homosexual, I guess she was supporting/praising someone who was, which is almost as bad.

dbright, I believe it's apt to call someone homophobic if he/she disagrees that homosexuality is a good, healthy activity because he/she seems to be so afraid of the subject to gain enough knowledge to learn that homosexuality is not an activity (I haven't been around much, but I haven't heard of people going out and "homosexualing" yet). I also wouldn't give power (not to be confused with freedoms) to those people you've come across who "just don't think it is right" because I'd rather have reasons behind decisions. In addition, I do think it's silly for people to choose to speak against homosexuality since there doesn't seem to be anything reasonably wrong about it. Also, just because there may not be a "homosexual gene" (insert joke about homosexuals named Gene here...) doesn't mean it can't be biological. Anyway, all that said, many people do tend to be ultra-defensive and, therefore, jump the gun when it comes to homophobia most likely because they've experienced/witnessed/heard of something, so they may be extra sensitive to it.

At any rate, regarding Mandisa's style, I don't want to sound so superficial, but I doubt there were many ways to dress her up. Yes, she might look best in a dress, but you can't expect her to keep wearing them. For the most part, I think she carried herself well. Of course, I wasn't really paying that much attention, so I can't really be a good judge.

TWilliams, I have to disagree that we didn't see the top 3 with Taylor, Chris, and Kellie (especially if Taylor sings like he did last week). I think Katherine has a sort of nice, slightly shy, girl-next-door thing going on. She also seems to be the least prone to having a bad week than the others. Also, I have to say that, during one of my "I'm too lazy to get the remote and change the channel" states a little while back, I caught part of Nashville Star (I know, I know...) and what little I heard was way better than Bucky (and the guys were much more aesthetically pleasing by most standards, too). Sort of eerily, Kenny Rogers was a guest on that show, too...

DJRick, I think they'll start doing two songs each next week.

Forget about Jack . . . this whole post is most verbose, and I'm not even sure anyone's still coming here, but as an "outed" gay on the LQ list, just want to agree that I don't think there's anything wrong with being a beer-bellied digging "fairy", and I DO joke about it all the time. (hence my name here . . .)

As to Mandisa, perhaps she's a recovering lesbian, and that's her interest in the book and topic. Any reference to "jesus" is too religious for me, it's so much more feverish than just "god" to me . . . but to each his/her own. I don't think my fellow "fairy" peeps (or poople) could affect the votes that much, but who knows. As a gay, even if Ace is, he's about as appealing as Tom C to me--but then, consider the source . . . LOL!

I should be digging Taylor . . . what's wrong with me!? I will continue voting for Elliott, and Shollia, yes, that's vibrato, and I TOTALLY agree--love the guy, but please, lose the nerves and reward me with the joy of your singing--that's why I keep voting, Paris too, pull it out girl, I know you've got it in you!!!!

I doubt this thread is read again, but a few have disagreed with my final three. I don't pick them as MY final three, but they are the ones Simon stated a few weeks ago. I am in agreement -- I think they are the three who have connected the most with a part of the viewing audience. Taylor, Chris and Kellie . . . that'll probably be it. This show is no longer a talent competition after it is turned over to the voting audience . . . it is popularity; hence -- Taylor, Chris and Kellie.

Nothing would make me happier than to have a final two of Katharine and Elliot; but that isn't going to happen. Ace, Katharine and Elliot are the next to go . . . Sad, but I think that is the way it is going to be.