Home to talk about ‘X Factor,’ week two
Loading ...I’m on vacation but I wanted to give the regular followers of “Idol” to kvetch (or even praise) “X Factor” during its second week on the air.
Ratings last week both nights were 12.5 million viewers. That was clearly a disappointing figure for Fox officials and creator Simon Cowell after all the publicity and build up over the months. “Criminal Minds,” “The Big Bang Theory,” “Person of Interest” and “Modern Family” drew more viewers. Both comedies drew more 18 to 49 year olds.
The only clear upgrade from “Idol” so far that I can ascertain is record executive L.A. Reid. He has gravitas and a track record that outweighs Randy Jackson. Otherwise, we have two personality black holes in Nicole Scherzinger and host Steve Jones, neither of whom have distinguished themselves yet. And even Simon himself seems oddly diminished. So far, what used to be his classic wordplay has been rather tepid. And the show itself focused absurd amounts of time on bad and mediocre singers, giving them even more time on stage to sing than “Idol” would.
Plus, the “naked” guy last Wednesday was a complete fake out. TMZ reports the guy wasn’t even naked! He was wearing a leopard print thong! It seems Simon courted the controversy by letting the guy stay on the stage a ridiculously long time and then airing the entire sequence. Simon wanted people to be outraged and talk about it. The Parents Television Council fell for it, saying it was an abomination and plans to file copious complaints to the Federal Communications Commission. Sure, there is a school of thought that controversy like this might fuel viewership but I thought it was a complete and utter turnoff. I’m 100% sure Nigel Lythgoe and Co. at “Idol” would never have allowed the guy to have done that for more than three seconds before security folks hauled him off. Even Piers Morgan would have buzzed him on “America’s Got Talent” before he had even gotten his pants off.
Maybe week two will be better. Maybe. At least the audition episodes only last two weeks, as opposed to four for “Idol.”
Other folks who write about the show were not any kinder than I was.
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126 comments Add your comment
JTesla
September 28th, 2011
3:58 pm
LA Reid is one thing I really like about X-Factor. He shouldn’t even be compared to Randy Jackson, because unlike Jackson, he has a real background in the industry.
Harriett
September 28th, 2011
4:18 pm
Agree with JT. I am gone for the day, so happy evening to all.
JTesla
September 28th, 2011
4:42 pm
I should also add that he has style. A sophisticated style as opposed to Randy’s unsophisticated style.
Rickster
September 28th, 2011
4:58 pm
I should also add that LA Reid has a much more varied and impressive vocabulary that Randy. Not a “dawg,” “dope” or “pitchy” that I’ve heard.
Rickster
September 28th, 2011
5:01 pm
Have a great evening, everyone. I’m outta here.
Deirdre
September 28th, 2011
5:57 pm
I agree on LA Reid. He is the one person on the panel who might actually be able to save the show.
And re the naked guy…I also agree that, what Simon thought would be controversial, is just icky and, as you said, a turn-off. I can’t imagine anyone actually enjoying that bit of circus-y sideshow.
I think this show had better come up with something soon if they want my loyalty. And I think a lot of people would agree with me.
BTW, thanks for the new thread.
Rodney Ho
September 28th, 2011
6:34 pm
Just came back from snorkeling! Staying in a cabana behind the home of the treasurer of Aruba, who is a supremely nice guy who took us out to dinner last night. Though the Aruba TV offerings include ABC, NBC and CBS, there is no Fox. So no X Factor for me!
Highlander
September 28th, 2011
6:35 pm
I don’t think it’s fair to say Randy Jackson doesn’t have a ‘real’ background in the music industry. He has worked with and produced albums with some major artists (and he never fails to remind you of it!).
But he definitely has NOT been the driving force behind those artists the same as L.A. Reid has been.
For my money, that makes L.A. an upgrade from Simon, too!
Highlander
September 28th, 2011
6:37 pm
“Just came back from snorkeling! Staying in a cabana behind the home of the treasurer of Aruba, who is a supremely nice guy who took us out to dinner last night.” – RH
Wow, can we refer to that as RoHo having a “Randy”-like moment??
JTesla
September 28th, 2011
6:40 pm
Yes Highlander, we can. Snorkling and hobnobbing with Aruba big shots. I don’t think Rodney is all that disappointed that he can’t watch X-Factor.
Home to talk about ‘X Factor,’ week two | ATLANTAboy.com - The Best of Gay Atlanta
September 28th, 2011
7:01 pm
[...] more Home to talk about ‘X Factor,’ week two at Radio & TV [...]
Branch Loveless
September 28th, 2011
7:28 pm
I missed all but just a few minutes of “X Factor” last week so I’m not yet prejudiced against it. Will give it a fair shot to capture my attention. If nothing else, there is definite “pretty” (Nicole) to keep me entertained!
Rodney in Aruba? Really? Does he not follow the news?
Deirdre
September 28th, 2011
8:50 pm
Branch, I made him promise not to let Helen wear a blonde wig.
Deirdre
September 29th, 2011
7:00 am
Morning!
I watched XF last night and…it was better. At least we didn’t have to wait 2 hours to see someone who can sing.
However…there was enough to annoy me that I still not even chasing the bandwagon, never mind on it. Paula and Simon started their 12 year old middle school crap again. It’s stupid, not even a tiny bit entertaining and another “been there done that” which XF doesn’t need.
Also, the last singer that Simon insisted was so good…wasn’t. He fought tooth and nail to get her on the show and she wasn’t worth it.
The philosophy major who uses both sides of his brain and still has no clue was sweet but not particularly talented.
There were a couple of very good people last night but I’m not inclined to think the girl who loved Justin Bieber was one of them…although she did deserve to g to the next round.
Deirdre
September 29th, 2011
7:07 am
Been there, done that moments:
The crowds of auditioners outside yell We hav the X Factor. Idol
Paula and Simon acting like middle schoolers. Idol
Cheering or booing audiences. AGT
Awful singers. Every show
The judges becoming coaches. The Voice
Old singers AGT
I have yet to see this show do anything that sets it apart from those who got here first.
Deirdre
September 29th, 2011
7:25 am
Personal note. Francesca Duncan, the girl who we saw(very briefly) singing Hero is the student of a friend of mine. If I hear any insider stuff, I’ll let you know.
Highlander
September 29th, 2011
7:56 am
Yeah, while I have seen a couple talented hopefuls, there’s still way too much “fluff”.
Impression thus far: Looks like the show could have been called “America’s Got Talent: The Vocal Edition.”
Harriett
September 29th, 2011
7:56 am
Morning!
I liked the XF much better last night, but thought of you, Deirdre, when Paula and Simon started their schtick. Distracting, to say the least. I did not understand for one moment Simon’s going to bat for that last girl. He would have laughed her off the stage on Idol. In fact, there were several acts I thought did not deserve a second look and was surprised when Simon voted them through. That guy who did the poor Sinatra thing was awful and why they let him through I simply do not know. But, all in all a much better show than last week’s. More talent showing, anyway.
Harriett
September 29th, 2011
8:01 am
In some Idol news, here’s the latest from the Charlotte, NC newspaper on Scotty:
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2011/09/29/2648177/idol-scottys-big-week-begins-in.html
Deirdre
September 29th, 2011
8:27 am
Harriett, agree on the Sinatra guy although I didn’t think he was any worse that the Sinatra guy who won AGT. There were a few people who got through that made me wonder about the judges. However, I did really like the guy who sang At Last although I think the judges were over-enthusiastic about him. The only truly, amazingly talented person I’ve seen so far is that girl from the end of Thursday’s show last week.
Deirdre
September 29th, 2011
8:28 am
Melanie Amaro…I had to go back and look up her name.
Sam-A
September 29th, 2011
8:40 am
Well, the “talent” really wasn’t any better last night, and I sat agape at some that went thru (the nut case who just made sounds in particular).
And regardless of the “banana hammock), I don’t care to see a ding dong with his slong in a thong flopping around the stage – still totally inappropiate and unappealing especially for childred and TV (and me)!
Just really don’t like anything about the show with the exception of the newly calm and charming Paula.
Harriett
September 29th, 2011
8:42 am
I liked the guy who sang At Last best of all last night. I am just incredulous at what Simon is putting through. We’ve all said “Simon would have never put that one through,” or “never would have made it past Simon,” in referring to contestants on both Idol and AGT and now th is? What the heck? Totally agree about Melanie Amaro. What a talent!!
Sam-A
September 29th, 2011
8:43 am
And even childreN
Woodpappy
September 29th, 2011
8:45 am
I saw some of X factor last night as well. I too was wondering what Simon saw in the last girl. It just wasn’t there in my opinion. Plus, you know that Mother (70+ yrs old) and daughter with the bleached blonde hair and red lips were both mentally challenged (I’m being nice) to have even thought that was singing.
Sam-A
September 29th, 2011
8:45 am
There’ve been maybe 4 people total (at least that we’ve been shown) who should have gone thru. The “At Last” guy was ok, but probably seemed better than he is because his looks made us think he’d be dreadful. (Do any of you older Atlanta area kids remember Bestoink Dooley who hosted the midnight scary movies on Sat nights on a local station – dude could play BD in a movie!)
Deirdre
September 29th, 2011
8:46 am
Unless they’re holding back on us, I saw better talent on season 9 of American Idol…and that’s not saying much.
Nana
September 29th, 2011
9:17 am
Morning.
Agree that LA Reid is better than Randy. I too, thought Paula and Simon were back to being childish in the behavior last night, especially when she knocked the bowl of peanuts from his hand after the last singer was finally put through. And why is beyond me. I think both Paula and Nicole were right in saying no and should have stuck to their opinion and NOT have agreed with Simon.
Also, after watching both weeks of XF. I will say that last night was some better than last week. At least we did get to see better singers. So far, my faves would have to be Melanie and the guy from last night who sung “At Last.” Of course, I’m sure my faves will change just like they do on Idol (with the exception of a few).
Gotta go and bake my dad a birthday cake. He’s celebrating his 95th today!!!!
Deirdre
September 29th, 2011
9:28 am
Happy Birthday to your dad, Nana!
Harriett
September 29th, 2011
9:31 am
Hey, Nana! Not bad–95 and a new bridegroom, to boot! Happy Birthday to Dad!
kelly&carriefan
September 29th, 2011
9:44 am
Hi y’all,
I still haven’t managed to catch an episode of X Factor…I have Xfinity/CrapCast and y’all know the limitations as discussed in the previous blog. That said, I do intend to start watching.
D, LOL. Yes, Rodney, no wigs!
Also, I was at the Braves game last night…
Deirdre
September 29th, 2011
10:15 am
Oh k&cf…I’m so sorry. Try to look at the bright side. At least we won’t have to watch the Braves collapse in the post season. They’ve already done it.
Harriett
September 29th, 2011
10:20 am
Yeah, KCF and D, that’s the way I feel. I was almost afraid they’d make it, only to collapse in the post season. They just didn’t have the gas to finish strong.
Deirdre
September 29th, 2011
12:34 pm
Last week I was bashing Glee and complaining about its deterioration. I just watched this week’s episode and it was FANTASTIC. What a difference! The return of Rachel’s birth mother and the fact that she is also the adoptive mother of Quinn’s and Puck’s baby girl opened a door that needed to be opened. Two excellent stories from the return of one former cast member! Kurt and his dad also had one of those heart-to not sappy heart talks which led to Kurt being more accepting of who he is. “Not a Rock Hudson style gay guy” Add all this to the auditions for the HS musical West Side Story and the episode was even better than anything they did in the first season.
If Glee keeps up this kind of storyline…I’m back in!
Deirdre
September 29th, 2011
12:54 pm
XF’s ratings were top for the night but down 11% from last Wednesday.
Deirdre
September 29th, 2011
12:56 pm
Explaining: Modern Family wolloped it again in the 9 to 9:30 time slot. Other than that XF lifted Fox to No. 1 for the night.
Harriett
September 29th, 2011
1:01 pm
Good to hear that about Glee, Deirdre. Maybe I’ll opt back in!
greg
September 29th, 2011
1:52 pm
I don’t remember the girls name but the second episode last week she sang a Beyonce song. She was INCREDIBLE!! The show is ok. I’m giving it a chance…
Deirdre
September 29th, 2011
2:17 pm
greg, her name was Melanie Amaro and she’s terrific. I’d put her voice up there with Kelly and Carrie.
Deirdre
September 29th, 2011
2:37 pm
I taped New Girl and I’m watching it right now. OMG, aside from the fact that she’s really cute, who was the idiot who first decided that Zooey Deschanel can act????????
G
September 29th, 2011
2:45 pm
I’m late checking in on XF. I actually thought that the talent last night was a bit better than last week. I believe once the show weeds out all the pretenders, we will truly get an idea of how strong the talent on XF really is.
I like the judges. Nichole stepped her game up on the show. People are really going to find out how talented and knowledgeable Nichole is, about music and technical aspects of singing. I’ve had the experience of listening to her judging skills on The Sing Off, and I’m impressed. When she told the last girl that she was singing in various keys, the common person wouldn’t pick that up. All a lot of people heard was that she has a strong voice. Judging is not ALL about the personality they bring, but the “educated” critiques they offer to contestants too.
JTesla
September 29th, 2011
2:50 pm
I don’t get Zooey or her sister. I watched Bones for a while and tried to “get” it, but nope.
Deirdre
September 29th, 2011
3:03 pm
Re what G said: I must be an “educated” critic then cuz I thought the last girl was awful.
JT, I never got into Bones so I don’t know whether her sister is any better but Zooey’s schtick gets old really quickly.
Harriett
September 29th, 2011
3:57 pm
I am just not with it today. Signing off for the weekend and hoping everyone has a pleasant and enjoyable one.
Simon Says
September 29th, 2011
4:01 pm
X factor is good, Talent is better because of less limits on age, and you have groups.
The guys that did Boyz to Men were good
The guy the makes Buritos was asesome
The girl that sang Justin B song was good, for 14 year old she changed it up real nice
The guy that sang Creep by Radiohead was real good and funny to watch but I really liked how he sounded, that was funny.
Talent is far and away better then AI. I guess there is a lot of good singers over 28 years old.
Nana
September 29th, 2011
4:07 pm
I’m hoping that XF will get better once the competition actually begans and all the bad talent is over. I will have to record it tonight, as we are taking my dad to Red Lobster to celebrate his birthday.
JTesla
September 29th, 2011
4:09 pm
I don’t buy the argument that the inclusion of old people will equal more talent. I think the judges/producers/coaches play more of a role in selecting what we will, in the future, define as talent than the expanded age range will provide. A show could limit the age to 38 to 40 year old singers and the talent could be phenomenal if selected and developed correctly.
Deirdre
September 29th, 2011
4:33 pm
I thought the Boyz 2 Men style group had really weird harmonies and sounded kind of old fashioned.
The only person older that 45 who has been any good at all was a woman last night who had a really nice voice. Other than that, the older singers have been pretty awful.
But yes, the burritos guy was very good.
Sam-A
September 29th, 2011
4:50 pm
Enter your comments here
Sam-A
September 29th, 2011
4:51 pm
Harriett: me too – just had a shock flash that this is only Thurs and not Fri. Poor delusional me!
G
September 29th, 2011
5:19 pm
One of these reality shows should go out on a limb, and undergo a major restructuring. Voice and Sing Off seem to be the only shows standing on there own, but most of them are “cousins” of AI.
It would be a nice twist to have a show with multiple winners based on gender or genre of music. Men have been dominating the wins on AI as of late. There could be two winners (one male and one female). Or maybe have 3 winners in genre (pop, country, and r&b). Just a thought to make things interesting.
G
September 29th, 2011
5:20 pm
Correction: there should be their. For all you proofers out there.
JTesla
September 29th, 2011
5:24 pm
Good idea G, dog shows have multiple winners, why don’t singing competitions have “best in breed”?
Deirdre
September 30th, 2011
7:12 am
Morning!
I have a little more respect for Nicole after yesterday’s XF. She seems to try very hard not to hurt someone’s feelings. During a particularly bad audition, when Simon’s case of the giggles also infected Paula, Nicole stayed quiet, didn’t join in and was careful not to insult the singer. LA Reid also waited patiently for Simon to get over it.
I think we got more good singers than bad last night although there were only a couple who stood out as excellent.
Deirdre
September 30th, 2011
8:08 am
Scotty McCreery will be joining Brad Paisley’s tour.
Deirdre
September 30th, 2011
8:19 am
Getting back to XF…there was a guy named Leroy Bell who claimed he was 59. The guy didn’t look a day over 40. I want his genes! He had a nice smooth voice too.
The first kid annoyed me. Yes he was a talented rapper but he was obnoxious and the kind of precocious that makes you want to throttle something.
There was a 12 year old girl that I’m pretty sure the guys were into until she said she was 12. Her mama needs to get a handle(or leash) on that.
Then there was handsome Brennin who sang a song he wrote beautifully and whose ego may be one step too far gone to be likeable…time will tell because with those looks and that voice, he’ll be around for awhile.
Deirdre
September 30th, 2011
8:34 am
XF, imo, still has done nothing to set it apart from the other competition shows. The only thing that will make it or break it now is the talent.
Woodpappy
September 30th, 2011
8:59 am
Last night my wife asked me if I wasn’t tired of “another singing competition”? Then she wanted to know what was so different about X-factor, it looked, sounded, and even the auditions were in her opinion, an exact copy of AI. Come to think of it, she’s may have a point. I think I’ll stick with the one that brung me to the dance. American Idol.
Sam-A
September 30th, 2011
9:15 am
The good looking guy has the most obnoxious personality of anyone so far – turns me way off even if he is cute and can sing. During last hour I was flipping around, so missed some. The 17 year old blonde girl was good and lovely. The last one, the 16 year old has a really great voice. Hope they both do well.
Some really truly bad stuff over the two nights. And sadly, as I said yesterday, they’re just bad singers, not adding the hilarity some of Idol’s truly bad ones have done.
Just don’t think this show is going anywhere. I will watch a bit more, to see if any of the few I thought good make it thru to the upper eschelons.
JTesla
September 30th, 2011
9:26 am
I watched one audition last night, the kid who had the hot mom. He had a point, people were probably checking out his mom, and they probably thought they were brother and sister. How far will he go? It doesn’t matter, it’s all about Simon.
That was the problem for me, after all these years, I can see the man behind the curtain. Simon’s response to him was crafted to garner the most drama, the most shock or whatever. It was simply a tool to showcase Simon and the show.
kelly&carriefan
September 30th, 2011
10:37 am
Hi y’all!
So, I watched a bit of X Factor last night. I was switching back and forth from that and Charlie’s Angels. I love Lyla Garrity, but man, the show is not good. Perhaps I’m too used to having that pesky thing called “plot” to enjoy the “boob tube” campiness? JT? Rickster? Branch? How do y’all do it? (If you do?)
Anyway back to X Factor. My first thoughts: It’s alright, but so far it’s the same old, same old. I found myself going “Where’s Ryan?” last night, especially whenever Paula and Simon interacted. Maybe once the move to “Boot Camp,” they will do enough to differentiate themselves from Idol…but for now? It’s a big ol’ pile of MEH for me.
The last girl Jazzlyn was really good, so I’m looking forward to her. Nashville boy was good, but I only heard him sing, don’t know anything about his personality (Which in these shows is almost more important than actual vocal talent!). The “Ausome” duet sounded like a bad Glee impression. Sorry, kids. Will I be back? Probably…but once the auditions are done.
Sam-A
September 30th, 2011
10:47 am
Actual “Idol” note, Kellie Pickler will be on “Ellen” one day next week – not sure which one. She is really hilarious when they get together. The show last year where Ellen sneaked Clint Eastwood in (KP’s Idol) and she sat on his lap was a true TV gem!
Rickster
September 30th, 2011
11:32 am
Wish I could help you K&CF, I don’t watch stuff like that. I would imagine, however, that there’s a certain segment of the population that really likes the mute button.
And, thankfully, K&CF, the auditions are over. So hurry on back!
kelly&carriefan
September 30th, 2011
11:44 am
HA! Well, thanks, Rickster. I’ll have to give it a try.
Deirdre
September 30th, 2011
11:57 am
Re Ausome…did you see the look on the boy’s face when he was getting all the praise and the judges were wondering out loud if he should dump the girl? Talk about mixed emotions. On the one hand he feels great hearing that he’s good while on the other, his best friend is not only not feeling the love from the judges but may, if the judges are right, be holding him back.
Deirdre
September 30th, 2011
12:04 pm
Last night’s XF was down 12% in the ratings from last Thursday’s show but still managed to win the night for Fox.
Rickster
September 30th, 2011
2:59 pm
My initial take on X-F:
The judges are much more of a factor than in AI. They made a mistake dumping Cheryl Cole for Nicole S. Cheryl would have been more entertaining compared to Nicole – who is a non-factor. That which shines the spotlight even more on Simon – which is exactly what he wants.
How many people auditioned for the emcee job? And this guy is the best they could come up with? He’s a non-factor, which shines the spotlight even more on Simon – which is exactly what he wants.
(Hmmm.. I’m noticing a pattern here.)
There are maybe 6 – 10 acts that I’ve seen that have a legitimate chance at winning.
Rickster
September 30th, 2011
5:06 pm
Everyone have a great weekend!
JTesla
October 2nd, 2011
8:13 pm
AI judges made it to Portland this weekend. A non-FOX station was able to air it and air “thoughts” from the judges. They didn’t even need to go into spy mode like Rodney did that one time.
tvboy
October 3rd, 2011
3:37 am
i love LA reid for one reason – he’s the former husband of my ‘girlfriend’ pebbles — ms perri reid. she’s awesome
tvboy
October 3rd, 2011
3:38 am
an hour of ellen makes me want to stab out both my eyes
Deirdre
October 3rd, 2011
7:36 am
Morning!
JT, I read that the AI judges and Ryan were going to do a press conference in Portland. That must be why you got a look at them when most cities don’t. Maybe they’re a little XF nervous. Did they say anything interesting?
Harriett
October 3rd, 2011
8:11 am
Good morning!
The powers that be around here did not get the memo about the temps. Brrrr! My office is freezing and the air is still on!! You know how I love the cold!
Deirdre
October 3rd, 2011
8:31 am
It’s that time of year when the heating and cooling systems run almost simultaneously. Cold at night, warm during the day.
So, can someone explain why last year’s Falcons played the first half and this year’s Falcons showed up for the second half. What’s up with that?
Harriett
October 3rd, 2011
8:41 am
The Falcons at least show up for a half. Remember the bad old days when they wouldn’t show up for a game–five or six in a row?
Sam-A
October 3rd, 2011
9:13 am
This was the most perfectly lovely weekend – No CA weather – wish it’d stick around forever!!!!!
Saw “Dolphin Tails” – loved it totally. Beautiful story, beautiful animal, wonderful ending. If you go, wait after the end of the movie. There are actual films of this precious girl helping kids, soldiers, etc with limb loss to accept and recover.
JTesla
October 3rd, 2011
9:23 am
Deirdre: Randy was the one whose comments they aired, even though all three judges and Ryan were at the table. So of course with Randy’s comments, nothing was really said. Portland is great… blah blah blah, great talent, Reggae, Jazz, etc. Nothing insightful. They picked a rather dull place for the judges to hold the auditions, but I’m looking forward to the episode.
Deirdre
October 3rd, 2011
9:38 am
What…no “a girl is in it to win it this year”???? Is Randy not feeling well?
Harriett
October 3rd, 2011
9:48 am
Rolling Stone has a fairly favorable review of XF this week. I will see if I can find it and post.
Harriett
October 3rd, 2011
9:52 am
Here is the one I read yesterday in my RS: http://www.rollingstone.com/movies/news/x-factor-the-bitch-is-back-20110929
Rickster
October 3rd, 2011
10:05 am
Looks like I’ll be spending this Saturday in the highly-secure, undisclosed, heavily-reinforced, well armed, highly secure but oh-so-comfy zombie-proof bunker.
This October flesh-eating corpses could be shambling the streets of a city near you. Oct. 8 has officially been coined World Zombie Day and events across the United States are searching for victims this month.
Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2011/09/30/zombies-in-city-near/?test=faces#ixzz1Zj9h0bEz
Deirdre
October 3rd, 2011
10:07 am
Thanks Harriett. This quote stands out for me:
But except for the different logo on the soda cups it looks exactly like Idol, just cranked up to spectacular levels of hype and with more dry ice.
Deirdre
October 3rd, 2011
10:14 am
It was a positive article if you can call basing the show on Simon’s ego positive. I love the author’s comments about Paula. I don’t agree with the focus of the success of Idol’s most recent season being about the judges. I think it has a lot more to do with the talent last year.
Which brings me to the question…do critics only see the judges and not the talent? Is the talent extraneous to the success of the show?
Deirdre
October 3rd, 2011
10:15 am
Rickster, we had quite a large number of zombies here in my town while The Walking Dead was filming here. They’re ok…not to worry.
Sam-A
October 3rd, 2011
10:18 am
Rickster: Between “Walking Dead” and “Vampire Diaries” – there’s quite a large number of “dead” creatures in and around the Atl area most of the time. And that doesn’t even take into consideration those of us ambling up to our office buildings every Monday morning!
Deirdre
October 3rd, 2011
10:23 am
Has anyone mentioned this yet? Scotty will be singing the National Anthem for game 1 of the World Series. That’s one advantage to having the series on Fox.
Harriett
October 3rd, 2011
10:25 am
I meant fairly positive in the sense they did not pan it. The article just validated what we’ve been saying about Simon’s ego being the reason for the thing in the first place. I think the critics here are critics of the show and not of the music. Does that make sense? There was another article that critiqued the talent. I will recover it and post.
Harriett
October 3rd, 2011
10:32 am
Here is the critque of last week: http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/x-factor-recap-auditions-go-out-with-a-bang-and-a-whimper-20110930
Deirdre
October 3rd, 2011
10:32 am
Yes Harriett, I think you’re right about the critics. I guess, since the talent comes and goes and the constants are the judges, the host and the production values, the critics focus on those things rather than the talent. However, imo, it’s the relatively consistent(seasons 6 and 9 being the exceptions that prove the rule)talent that actually makes this show as popular as it still is. That and, after 10 years, the comfort level of its audience.
Deirdre
October 3rd, 2011
10:38 am
Love this quote:
This collision of true talent, hot mess and utter exhaustion is what the episode was all about, and a final reminder of how different the auditions are with a live audience around.
Rickster
October 3rd, 2011
11:08 am
To Sam-A & her queeness: Those are the well-behaved zombies that just want you to think that zombies are harmless so laws will be passed to prohibit zombie discrimination or to create national “Invite a Zombie to Dinner” day.
Then BAM! they eat you and your entire family!
Them zombies is tricky!
Harriett
October 3rd, 2011
11:11 am
LOL @ the quote. And, you are right about the consistency of the talent, with noted exceptions. It has always been about the talent “for me.” And, I think that is true for others, seeing that the show’s popularity is still there, even with most of the original judging panel gone.
Deirdre
October 3rd, 2011
2:49 pm
mj is a big fan of former Idol hopeful(and sad case) Josiah Leming so she posts all his new songs. I like this one a lot and know that the kid has talent. I still think Idol was absolutely correct to cut him because he was emotionally unstable at the time. He still sounds a little like he’s from Liverpool but the song’s not bad at all:
http://www.mjsbigblog.com/josiah-leming-one-last-song-music-video-get-at-itunes.htm
Harriett
October 3rd, 2011
3:02 pm
Thanks for the link, D. I agree it’s a pretty good song.
JTesla
October 3rd, 2011
3:17 pm
Great, now I hope that Josiah comes here and blogs with us again. That kid is funny.
Harriett
October 3rd, 2011
3:52 pm
Amanda Knox free
Harriett
October 3rd, 2011
4:15 pm
I have to prepare for my class, so talk to y’all tomorrow.
JTesla
October 3rd, 2011
5:02 pm
You mean Foxy Knoxy? Maybe she can go on a book tour with Casey Anthony.
Deirdre
October 4th, 2011
8:09 am
Morning!
Glee gets a second chance from me tonight since I liked last week’s episode.
Watched Jurassic Park Meets Alfred Hitchco*k’s The Birds last night. Despite the sarcasm, I enjoyed Terra Nova very much.
Harriett
October 4th, 2011
8:33 am
Morning!
Yep, I thought of The Birds immediately, D. I did like the show, and I can see the intrigue coming.
On your recommendation, D, I am going to watch Glee tonight. I had given up on it. I noticed last night there were commercials saying that “Glee has rediscovered its heart.”
Sam-A
October 4th, 2011
8:42 am
Deirdre and Mercedes (I think): Did y’all happen to notice that last week Carson K danced to “Walking Back to Happiness”? Lordy, I hadn’t heard that song on at least 40 years, then I think it was Mercedes who brought it up in one of our “fave old songs” conversations, and there it was!
Don’t watch, just peek into DWTS, but seem to hit on China P every week – she really is lovely to watch – such graceful movements. Her hand positions remind me of skating’s Michelle Kwan.
Does XF start for real this week?
JT: I don’t think Amanda Knox falls quite into the same category as the baby killer. I have extremely serious doubts, from all the evidence I’ve read about, incl the fact the dude in jail has confessed, not indicated anyone else helped him, and his dna was all over the dead girl and crime scene. On the other hand, there’s not one iota of doubt in my mind, and apparently in just about everyone else except the lying, stupid mother, that CA is totally guilty!
Deirdre
October 4th, 2011
8:59 am
Harriett, I have no idea if this episode of Glee will be any good but I highly recommend that you try to see last week’s. Do you have On Demand? That will probably have the episode. If not, you can pull it off the internet.
Sam, I don’t watch DWTS at all but Walking Back to Happiness…wow! Long time,no hear!
The “boot camp” starts on XF this week. I’m looking forward to getting a better look at the talent but I fear that boot camp will be all about the judges…one in particular.
Harriett
October 4th, 2011
9:46 am
D, I will watch it today if I can.
And, Sam-A, totally agree re: Knox and Anthony. No comparison.
JTesla
October 4th, 2011
10:03 am
The media celebration, and rewarding, of the accused = the same. Tot mom Anthony and Foxy Knoxy were not the victims.
Harriett
October 4th, 2011
10:05 am
It won’t let me watch online, D. You have to have a Dish Network account to view it. They release it for everyone tomorrow, eight days after broadcast. Guess I will have to read a synopsis.
Sam-A
October 4th, 2011
10:19 am
JT: you are so very wrong. AK has spent 4 important years, her college and last of youth time, from 20 -24, in a prison. She’s been called horribly slanderous names by the idiot prosecutor, has lost any innocense you may have had at age 20, and probably will have nightmares for the rest of her life. Both girls have been victimized, and all for no reason in Amanda’s case, as the person in jail for the murder has not indicated anyone else was involved, and his dna were all over the dead girl and the scene. Both families are victims.
JTesla
October 4th, 2011
10:36 am
Innocent in the court of public opinion does not make her a victim. Meredith Kercher is the victim. Amanda has a lifetime, and a fat payday, ahead of her, what does Meredith have in front of her? We will never know what truely happened to Meredith, but the loss of four years and the mythical loss of innocence pales in comparison to the loss suffered by the true victim.
Does anyone even remember her name? I’ll admit it, I had to look it up.
JTesla
October 4th, 2011
11:42 am
Simon has addressed the ratings issue, saying (via AP) “I’m not going to lie. I wanted 20 million when we launched, but now I’m kind of back in the real world and I’m seeing this grow naturally. I’m as happy as I’ve ever been.”
Damage control?
Deirdre
October 4th, 2011
1:09 pm
Re Simon…definitely damage control. His ego has taken a beating and he’s backing off…for now.
Deirdre
October 4th, 2011
2:38 pm
I’m busy making eggplant parmesan for tonight. Preparing the eggplant takes a long time but it’s always worth it!
Harriett
October 4th, 2011
2:45 pm
Sounds wonderful, Deirdre! How do you make it? I think I asked you a long time ago but did not write it down.
See where The Playboy Club has been cancelled. Not a surprise.
Sam-A
October 4th, 2011
4:12 pm
We all seem to be too tired to get a conversation going today. I know I’ve needed a nap since I got up at 5:30 this am!
Harriett
October 4th, 2011
4:37 pm
And, it is time for me to head home. I am tired, too, Sam. G’night all.
Sam-A
October 4th, 2011
4:42 pm
19 mins more for me and I’m outta here.
Good evening to all.
Mo Schreibman
October 4th, 2011
11:33 pm
This dancing television program with the stars on it is a travesty and I will not be watching it again until next week.
Deirdre
October 5th, 2011
7:13 am
Morning!
LOL! Mo!
Today is a scheduled “new thread” day. This will be our last new thread until Rodney returns from his vacation. I think he anticipated that we’d have a lot to talk about with boot camp starting tonight.
Deirdre
October 5th, 2011
8:07 am
The review in the ajc gave Scotty’s album a B- and had some praise for it. Lauren Alaina’s new album got a D because she seems disconnected from the songs and over processed.
Deirdre
October 5th, 2011
8:11 am
Also, mj has lots of video of little Kellie Pickler’s appearance on Ellen yesterday. She is adorable, as usual:
http://www.mjsbigblog.com/kellie-pickler-is-adorable-on-the-ellen-degeneres-show.htm
Sam-A
October 5th, 2011
8:52 am
Kellie was indeed adorable, but a bit more subdued than her usual Ellen appearances. Loved her “Minn-a-sooo-ta” stuff and the interpretation on her mother-in-laws accent. She’s also actually quite a good singer.
Deirdre
October 5th, 2011
12:19 pm
Well, let’s hope XF sparks some more discussion tomorrow!
Harriett
October 5th, 2011
12:59 pm
Hey, everyone. I have wanted to chime in, but I have been in meetings today. Maybe later? XF should give us more to chat about and comment upon. I am actually looking forward to seeing what tonight will bring.
Woodpappy
October 5th, 2011
1:19 pm
Yes me too..Harriett. I think the next few episodes will make or break the XF as far as viewership.
Sam-A
October 5th, 2011
2:18 pm
I’m certainly hoping for more than the first two weeks afforded! I couldn’t even stay with them, just flipped back and forth.
Sam-A
October 5th, 2011
3:31 pm
Boy, we can’t even manage a comment an hour! Guess we need our leader to keep us going.
Harriett
October 5th, 2011
3:59 pm
And, I have to get out of here now. We should have things aplenty to occupy us tomorrow. Where was Nana today to offer her critiques of DWTS? They said there was a shocking elimination last night, but I wouldn’t know. Bye!
Deirdre
October 5th, 2011
4:23 pm
As promised, new thread.