I am as hooked this season, and because the final 12 were so good it makes the show more entertaining to me; I agree though that Pia gone last night makes no sense , that was a shocker, it makes me think they should not have used their "save" on Casey but I'm sure they never thought they'd need it for Pia, I was certain Pia would win the whole thing, she had the whole package, she was mainstream, etc....

i am liking ai alot more this season... i was finding all the 'bantering' with simon very tiring, to be honest.

i do think the talent pool is higher---am shocked pia was voted off-what a shame!! though, i do think that the tina turner song she chose was terrible-she is no tina turner so probably shouldn't have chosen a tt song, BUT out of all the fun tt songs there are, why would she choose that tina turner song?? really bad choice on her part...

There's no disputing that Pia has an amazing voice, but even when her song was supposedly "upbeat" she still sounded almost like an opera singer trying to sing pop music. In our house, we thought she was too robotic. I was still completely shocked when she was booted off, though. I thought Stephano was going.

I think James will win. I'm rooting for him partly because of his story but also because I think he can sing anything. And he can work the crowd like no one else in that group!

I know he's quirky but I also really like Paul.

I have been watching AI for maybe 6 seasons and this has been my favorite.

I've watched since season 6, but got bored early on with last year's show. This year is by far the best!

I liked Jacob's performance and Casey's "Have You Ever Seen the Rain". Also thought Casey's reaction to something about Kelly Clarkson was funny.

Sometimes Ryan gets on my nerves a little bit-- too slick or something?

I am enjoying more this season than I have in a long time. Thought maybe I would stop watching this year. Was getting bored in the last couple of years. But, the talent pool is so amazing this year I am totally hooked. And, I love the new judges. I think they are so much better than before.

I was totally shocked that Pia was eliminated. I thought she was better this week because she wasn't so robotic. Showed more emotion and energy than in the past. Her voice is just amazing. Well, someone will sign her to a recording deal, so she'll be ok.

I love Casey and was glad they used their save on him. But, I wonder if they will make some change next year regarding that? 2 saves allowed? The judges were obviously shocked and upset that Pia was kicked off.

I am rooting for Casey, but I don't think he'll win. I agree that James has the best shot. Very talented, can sing anything and probably has the biggest mass appeal.

I really just cannot wait for Paul to go already. I just don't get it. Creepy is the only word that comes to mind. But, it's clearly just me because he's getting lots of votes and the judges love him too.

Guess it depends on how you define creepy. I've liked Paul since the very beginning.

Iggy Pop's appearance last night was the epitome of creepy in my book!

Yes, he's not exactly a wild CHILD! As for no shirt, ewww!

LOL. Totally agree about Iggy Pop.

Oh, totally agree about Iggy. So gross. My 10 yr old DS made me change the channel! He was very grossed out.

I think Paul is sweet, not a great voice, but a uniqueness and charm; not an Idol though. isn't it funny that I say sweet and another person finds him creepy.
It's just that he seems genuinely nice.

Iggy Pop, what a shocker, I had heard the name before but couldn't remember seeing him ever, so last night was enough, lol.... Is he always shirtless, is it his trademark ? I feel so out of the loop. And trust me, I don't cringe easily.

I'm also not enjoying it as much. As gorgeous and talented as Pia is, both DH and I said "Something is missing." She seemed very two-dimensional to me. A singer of her magnitude should be compelling to watch; she's not.

I read a review which stated that the judges should have focused less on her talent and more on helping her improve her stage presence. One of the three judges needs to take Simon's former role of brutal, not cruel though, honesty.

I was originally a big Casey fan, but now I like James more.

Our television was on another station during Iggy Pop's weird performance.
Dee

I only watched the last two seasons. I think we got started because there was nothing else on tv. I could take it or leave it.

Iggy - Oh my. Seriously, why was he on the show? I was waiting for them to talk with him afterwards.

I liked Paul's performance this past week. He projected his voice more!

I didn't care for Pia's song. It was upbeat but still similar to her other songs. I guess that's fine that it's her style but you know if the old judges were back they'd push them all to do more/different.

I was surprised Pia went. DH called it. She gets to go on tour and I'm sure she'll get a deal so I wasn't too upset over it. Even if her voice wasn't as great I believe she'd make it based off her looks. I did think it was kind of rude how the judges reacted. I know they were shocked but I felt really bad for Stefano! I thought he would've been gone weeks ago but can you imagine how he felt with how everyone was?

I still want James to win.

"One of the three judges needs to take Simon's former role of brutal, not cruel though, honesty."
I agree.

I'm quoting a quote:>) ""One of the three judges needs to take Simon's former role of brutal, not cruel though, honesty."
I agree."
Heartily agree. Earlier, I'd bemoaned Steven Tyler's total lack of worthwhile input. I do really like him! Not a hater, but oh man.....in the role of judge he is utterly worthless.
I'm still not sure why I'm less into it this year. Seems I should be more tuned in with the great talent. As for
Simon, I hated his occasional unnecessary cruelty, and last season (or two), I was as over him as he seemed to be with the show. However, when he cared, he would really zero in on what the contestant needed to be told. Everyone waited to hear what he had to say. The contestants held their breath waiting for it. He was usually "spot on", too.
I didn't think so, but maybe I do miss Simon...the earlier days Simon.

Oh! Iggy Pop? Double ewwwwwww!

Iggy Pop was disgusting - especially the no shirt thing. Did you notice his upper arms how the skin was flabby and "old". Just not attractive.

I too felt Pia was a bit of a wooden soldier out there. She is so stiff, can't figure out if she just can't dance in those 6" stilettos or what. She didn't deserve to go home, and I do think they used their save way way too early.

Casey is an amazing musician and interesting entertainer, but he is not a main stream pop artist - his looks, his voice etc. He will make it in the entertainment world perhaps somewhere - jazz? But he's not an AI type star. He will not sell records, so he shouldn't have been saved.

I like Lauren and James. Scotty too.

Iggy would probably be surprised to read these. I'm sure he thinks he's God's gift to women!

(do people still say that?) :)

Pia signs record deal (see link).

Here is a link that might be useful: Pia

That iggy guy was just plain gross. It's weird that they would have him on when it's obvious they're trying to step it up a notch this year. Ha! Can't imagine what Simon's reaction would have been had he been there. It's almost like who ever they had booked originally canceled at the last minute or something.

I've liked Paul since the very beginning.
Me too! Something tells me he might not make it to the end, but I hope the exposure he (and others) get would lead to a recording contract. I'd buy his CD :)

I agreed that it was time for Paul to leave!

I liked Rob Reiner's segment.

I can't think of the name of the country star who sang with Kelly Clarkson, but I didn't like that big hat he wore- and a lot of them wear- you can't even see their faces. I thought she did a nice job as usual.

Loved the paired performances they did in the beginning of the show ... especially Casey and Haley's.

Like Moon, I hope someone realizes Paul's potential and signs him to a deal. The fact he's not mainstream is what makes him appealing to me. Same with Casey.

I agree with you, Natal. I loved Casey and Haley last night. I don't think Paul has anything to worry about. It's time American experienced a new Rod Steward.

I think the people who don't win AI are often luckier than than the one that does. They aren't constrained by the contract.

I was a Paul fan but I was afraid it was his time last night. I haven't been a Hailey fan at all, but her duet with Casey was amazing! She needs to stick to the jazz -- that's where she belongs. I know it's not Top 40, but Diana Krall isn't hurting for coin. I'm glad hailey made it through.

Pretty disappointed Paul's gone, but imho it's not the lat of him. (ST actually looked disappointed, too.) Did anyone see him sing Landslide in early weeks of AI? I saw a reference to it on the web somewhere, but I can't find a video yet.

I remember Paul singing "Landslide". And he also did a duet of "Mockingbird" in the Hollywood/Vegas rounds with Kendra, the blonde who made the top 24. He's an old soul. He's just cool, you know?

Blackbird

American Dreams

Didn't realize he had a band. Think I need to finally learn how to use that empty iPod and download a few tunes.

Here is a link that might be useful: The Grand Magnolias

Yes jakabedy, 'he's just cool' :)
Thanks Natal (love Blackbird duet). You're the queen of elusive video finds, I'm surprised you haven't found Landslide ;D One of my all time favorite songs, no one sings it like Stevie, but I'd sure like to hear Paul's cover of it.

I read about Grand Magnolias while looking for Landslide this a.m. Prior name of his band was Hightide Blues (like that name). I was looking for a song, Dancing With The Angels (Meg's Song). Written the night before the funeral of a girl who was a close friend of theirs. From what I can hear on iTunes, it's pretty. I really like the snippet of Far From Home. Hope this link takes you to iTunes preview of that album.

Thanks Moon! What I could hear of Meg's Song was beautiful!

I searched for Landslide like you, but came up empty. Did you happen to catch Oprah with Stevie and Sheryl Crow?

Here is a link that might be useful: singing Landslide

I had not seen that. Absolutely amazing, thank you!

OK, I'll be the anti Paul poster...I'm glad to see him go, I had to fast forward through his performances.

Should be interesting who goes next...Poor Stefano has been in the bottom 3 just about every week, but he's still hanging in there. My three least favorites are Casey, Stefano and Jacob. But after them, I like them all so it will be sad to see some favorites voted off.