Someone must have helped them stage the settings. But I don’t think there was a cameraman present. At least in a couple of them, you could see the cameras and they seemed to be remote. They also seemed to jump from camera to camera too often, like it was programmed.
I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the production and of the talent.
The women are good singers but the men have more uniqueness and artistry, for the most part.
Dillon James is a star already. And that last guy, the one whose girlfriend got booted out, he is the most musically talented.
If I closed my eyes I couldn’t really tell most of the women apart. I like Just Sam, though.
I agree. Much better than I expected.
Wonder how/where Just Sam is staying in LA? Looked like she was in a really nice apartment. I don’t think they are allowed to pursue anything musical while they are on the show and where could she be working to make $$? Would the producers put her up in an apartment?
I like Dillon, the girl with the disabled brother, and the last guy, wish he would lose his annoying girlfriend.
Dillon James is my favorite overall but, unlike many of you, I did not love his song choice tonight.
I don’t think the producers should have allowed the kids dancing during DeWayne’s performance. Kind of gives him an unfair advantage with voters who would think it was really cute. It was.
These at-home performances give the singer-songwriters a leg up on the competition.
I agree the guys this season are more interesting. My 10 favorites:
Dillon James
Just Sam
Jonny West
Grace Leer
Arthur Gunn
Frankie Boone
Jovin Webb
Julia Gargano
Cyniah Elise
Kimmy Gabriela
@jshain I agree that the singer-songwriters had an advantage in the more intimate setting. DeWayne’s song would probably have been better in front of a live audience. The kids dancing were really cute, but I actually felt bad for DeWayne. He was the only one who got negative comments from all the judges.
And I love Cyniah, but thought she didn’t do as well in this format. But Makayla did surprisingly well.
@MAmom111 I love Jonny West, but honestly don’t think he has much of a tv personality. He seems very introverted. I like his quirky girlfriend. She adds some flavor to him.
Overall, i like the format, more than I thought I would. Gives a completely different view of the contestants. I hope they keep it once they can get back to live shows. But I really wish they could also do live shows this season. Sad, but I don’t think that will happen.
I like Aliana a lot. She and Just Sam and Grace Leer are my favorite girls. All the others kinda sound the same to me.
I’ve always like Dillon James and Francisco, although I don’t even remember what he sang last night, so that might be a problem if he’s not memorable.
I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the production - it’s really great for these young singers that Idol figured out a creative solution, and didn’t just cancel. My favorites from Sunday are: Jonny W (best he’s sounded since his first audition), Dillon J, Julia G, Francisco M, Grace L, Just Sam, and Sophia James. I think I am in the minority of not loving Louis K. Nice to have this diversion while stuck at home!
I don’t love Louis, either. Seems like a nice kid, though.
Loving Just Sam and Dillon! Interesting format. I’m also glad to have the show as a diversion.
I’m questioning whether the performances are actually live. When Jovin was singing on his front porch, it appeared to be dark outside, but sunset in NOLA was still 10-15 minutes later. Hmmm.
And why did Just Sam have to call her grandma to tell her she made the top 10? Surely Grandma is glued to the TV and already knew it, if it is truly live.
The lady that did New York State I’d Mind was awesome. Head and shoulders above the rest tonight.
Jovin despite the judges sucking up was not good.
Johnny West did not really add much to Faithfully but he is still great.
Over the Rainbow was a weird and cheesy choice.
Found the answer to my question about is it actually live:
According to Kinane, the show will be “as-live — not live-live, but we will have taped it the day before [airing].” When the episodes air, America and the judges will see the pre-recorded performances. The judges will then provide commentary, and then voting will open.
I agree that Julia did a great job on NY State of Mind. I am also still a big fan of Jonny, Just Sam, and Sophia - although tonight’s wasn’t my favorite performance of Sophia’s. All of my favorites made it to the top 11, which was sort of surprising to me:) I was a bit surprised Jovin made it, though I appreciate his distinctive voice.
I hope that both Dillon and Grace (if she makes the top-7 and I hope she does since she lives just down the road from me) stay in their Country lanes from here on out! Thought Katy’s critique of Dillon was spot-on with the metronome comment and needing him to allow the song ‘Yesterday’ places to breathe.
I don’t like Louis’ voice either. Also still not a fan of Francisco. Always sounds like he’s straining when he hits the notes in his upper range.
Top-5: Dillon, Just Sam, Jonny, Julia, and Grace. Would be happy to see Arthur and Sophia (or Jovin) make the Top-7.
I have not been impressed with Francisco the last two weeks. I also was not fond of Arthur’s reggae version of Country Roads, and Dillon could have done way more with that song.
Maybe this quarantine mess had made me delusional, but there was one camera shot of Dillon without the hat and his hair down that looked (for just a moment) like Michael Jackson. Maybe it was the bright light making his face gaunt. Just humor me. LOL
I thought Julia’s New York State of Mind was far, far above the rest.
In a whole different league.
I agree about Julia. She made me like that song, which I’ve never really enjoyed.