I also don’t really like when they do original songs in the first audition. It makes it hard to judge their voice when you have no idea what note they’re supposed to be singing since you never heard the song.
I feel as if compared to when the show first began, they are attracting much higher quality talent! I like this threesome group of judges. They are very kind.
Empireapple, I personally think they have the same talent they are just airing LESS of the non-talent.
I didn’t watch the show but did watch all the audition clips on YouTube.
Katy seems to be more focused this season… at least from what they showed on the clips. Her ‘it’s all about me moment’ came outside during the gas leak (as everyone was evacuated from inside) when she faked a faint. Firefighters already have a challenging enough job to do handling all the real situations. Unless that ALSO was pre-scripted?
They have already leaked the Top-20, after just 2 weeks. Kind of sad…
Agree. In the early days, every episode would have some embarrassingly bad singers, some who really thought they were good, some getting really angry and storming off. Simon was insulting. And sometimes they’d pick one to keep replaying throughout the season. Remember “She bangs”? They don’t do that any more.
It is a kinder, gentler show now. They do show some who don’t get thru, but no one is insulting. And they don’t seem to be showing them to embarrass them.
I do think they get more talent now. But agree they have gotten rid of the joke/novelty acts. Serious talent now sees it as a real avenue to success. I know Simon was “ mean” but I also think he had a good eye for talent. That was his business , unlike the current judges. The wheels are turning when he watches people in a way the current judges don’t think of. He pegged the issues Adam Lambert, an incredibly talented guy, would have. He recognized he was unlikely to make it as a conventional pop star and he was right. Obviously the collaboration with Queen where he’s absolutely flourished and been a massive success is not exactly “ conventional pop stardom”
I have a question … were the judges serious in their praise and encouragement of the Broadway hopeful girl?
I agree Simon could be mean, but I also thought his criticism was constructive and I thought he often did singers a favor by being brutally honest. I didn’t get or appreciate the Broadway girl’s talent, so if the judges weren’t genuine in the praise they gave her, I think that kind of encouragement is meaner than honesty Simon would have delivered.
I remember Simon telling someone he was sure they had many talents, but singing wasn’t one of them, so they should move on. Harsh, but often true.
@maya54 Yeah, I agree. He was/is a better judge of talent that any other judge they’ve ever had. And many times his critiques were spot on, he’d say what everyone was thinking. But, he was also unnecessarily unkind…”that was horrendous”. He seems to have mellowed a lot on AGT. He still gives an honest critique, but he’s not quite as insulting.
The top 20 has been leaked, often before the first episode, for as long as I can remember. I personally refer to them during the auditions to I know which intro packages to FF through; no reason to get invested if they won’t continue.
@csfmap Do any of the judges have any Broadway experience? I told my H that they should have a similar show for Broadway hopefuls, but he said no one would watch it. I think they would.
I remember a similar show where they were auditioning specifically for the role of Sandy in Grease.
momzilla, I think I lean more in the direction of your husband, especially since there are obvious crossover artists anyway. Even more theater performer types on The Voice.
I feel that both American Idol and The Voice have morphed into reality TV shows more than singing competitions (especially The Voice). Maybe that’s what comes with the large double digit salaries that judges and coaches are earning on both shows for just a few months of work each season.
Skipped (most of) the auditions, jumped straight into Hollywood Week, and LOVED the new format!
Hollywood Week now starts off having artists performing by GENRE, with eliminations that follow. They still show condensed back stories of featured artists but I don’t think I will want to watch the auditions again.
I really like the talent this season, especially Jonny West. He is the boyfriend of quirky girl Margie Mays, from last season who came back and is competing again.
Check out the new format. I think you will be pleasantly surprised.
@jshain Do you think they’re going to eliminate the group round? I hope so. That was always my least favorite part. It’s like an endurance competition, and if you’re unlucky and get a group that doesn’t work well together, or even just one jerk, you could be out. I would much rather see something like duets.
Oh, and wonder what’s going to happen with the live shows?! Do you think they’ll postpone it? Given that so many are away from their homes for the duration.
momzilla2D, Was never a fan of the group round either. Too much time covering the inevitable sleeplessness, meltdowns, dysfunction, and/or drama for my liking. Yes, I think they will still be in play. I think the Live Shows might not have audiences. Skieurope will probably confirm or correct.
I also remember the show casting for Grease! I loved every second (except having to hear the same song over and over) - but I’m a musical theater geek, and musical theater was my first foot in theater.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grease:_You%27re_the_One_That_I_Want!
I just watched Hollywood Week 1 - I am head over heels in love with Just Sam. Her life has just changed forever! There you go Grandma, dreams do come true!
Did anyone else watch Hollywood week(s)?
I am head over heels in love with Just Sam - when she said (through tears) last night, that she was going to call her Grandma and tell her ‘it’s all over’ I seriously could not pull myself back together for a very long time. Her life is completely changed and I’m going on that ride with her!
@JustaMom Just Sam is doing great. I just wish she didn’t put soo much pressure on herself. Maybe the producers are coaxing it out of her, but I’m worried that she’ll crack under the pressure.
Other favorites: (had to go look for names)
-Julia Gargano, the singer/songwriter, though didn’t like her last performance, but I think she made it thru
-Jovin Webb, just love him
-Robert Taylor, though didn’t like the duet
-Cyniah Elise (girl with the bell bottom pants) she’s a pro and was so kind when her duet partner fell apart
-Kimmy Gabriela
I did like the duets vs. the group round.
Jonny West had a bad duet, with his girlfriend no less, but I really like him as well as Kimmy Gabriela. Maybe you shouldn’t do duets with your significant other?