http://www.thestate.com/mld/thestate/living/15145626.htm
QUOTE
‘Idol’ has passed, but our bloggers’ opinions remain strong
We checked in with two of thestate.com’s “American Idol†bloggers from last spring — Rhonda Hunsinger and Lorien Owens — to ask each to rate five of the singers on the American Idols Live tour.
As on the blog, they didn’t mince words.
RHONDA HUNSINGER
Paris Bennett: I found Paris’ pop numbers rather ordinary and unimpressive. She caught my attention when she auditioned with a Billie Holiday number, though. She has the talent of jazz legends.
Bucky Covington: At first I did not like Bucky. He came across like a backwater hick. As he continued to hang in there, I started to admire his ability to stay on top week after week, and his voice grew on me. But really, was he better than Lisa Tucker and Mandisa, who got voted off first? The answer is no.
Katharine McPhee: Katharine was my choice for winning “Idol†this year. I loved her rendition of “Black Horse and the Cherry Tree,†which rocketed K.T. Tunstall’s version to the top of the charts. “Over the Rainbow†was goose-pimple material.
Kellie Pickler: I was charmed at first, but the naive country act got old after a while. Regardless, Kellie had some talent. I thought she was headed to the top three.
Elliott Yamin: Elliott was my Clay Aiken for 2006. He went from nerdish fellow with a good voice and small stage presence to a vocal powerhouse that owned the stage. I especially loved that he remained genuinely humble from start to finish.
LORIEN OWENS
Kevin Covais: Only made it to the finals because the producers like an underdog. They turned a regular old high-school nerd into an overnight sensation. Shares of earplug stock rose sharply during his performances.
Chris Daughtry: The girls may go for Ace, but the real women love Chris. And with very good reason. I was relieved he didn’t win. Could you imagine him singing “Do I Make You Proud?†As long as he stays true to his original style, I’ll be first in line for his album.
Taylor Hicks: I know “Do I Make You Proud?†is not the type of song Taylor’s been dreaming to sing all his life, but hey, you have to start somewhere. I’d love to hear him sing original, non-sappy material. I do really like his voice and I anticipate him having a decent career.
Mandisa: Big girl with a big, beautiful voice. She has a great fashion sense and an (unrelenting) positive attitude. I’m sure Mandisa is working on a great gospel album right now. If not, Lane Bryant needs her on the runway.
Ace Young: Aka Joey from New Kids on the Block. He plays up the sweet, sensitive guy who all the tweenies fall in love with. I’ve never been an Ace fan and will never be.
We checked in with two of thestate.com’s “American Idol†bloggers from last spring — Rhonda Hunsinger and Lorien Owens — to ask each to rate five of the singers on the American Idols Live tour.
As on the blog, they didn’t mince words.
RHONDA HUNSINGER
Paris Bennett: I found Paris’ pop numbers rather ordinary and unimpressive. She caught my attention when she auditioned with a Billie Holiday number, though. She has the talent of jazz legends.
Bucky Covington: At first I did not like Bucky. He came across like a backwater hick. As he continued to hang in there, I started to admire his ability to stay on top week after week, and his voice grew on me. But really, was he better than Lisa Tucker and Mandisa, who got voted off first? The answer is no.
Katharine McPhee: Katharine was my choice for winning “Idol†this year. I loved her rendition of “Black Horse and the Cherry Tree,†which rocketed K.T. Tunstall’s version to the top of the charts. “Over the Rainbow†was goose-pimple material.
Kellie Pickler: I was charmed at first, but the naive country act got old after a while. Regardless, Kellie had some talent. I thought she was headed to the top three.
Elliott Yamin: Elliott was my Clay Aiken for 2006. He went from nerdish fellow with a good voice and small stage presence to a vocal powerhouse that owned the stage. I especially loved that he remained genuinely humble from start to finish.
LORIEN OWENS
Kevin Covais: Only made it to the finals because the producers like an underdog. They turned a regular old high-school nerd into an overnight sensation. Shares of earplug stock rose sharply during his performances.
Chris Daughtry: The girls may go for Ace, but the real women love Chris. And with very good reason. I was relieved he didn’t win. Could you imagine him singing “Do I Make You Proud?†As long as he stays true to his original style, I’ll be first in line for his album.
Taylor Hicks: I know “Do I Make You Proud?†is not the type of song Taylor’s been dreaming to sing all his life, but hey, you have to start somewhere. I’d love to hear him sing original, non-sappy material. I do really like his voice and I anticipate him having a decent career.
Mandisa: Big girl with a big, beautiful voice. She has a great fashion sense and an (unrelenting) positive attitude. I’m sure Mandisa is working on a great gospel album right now. If not, Lane Bryant needs her on the runway.
Ace Young: Aka Joey from New Kids on the Block. He plays up the sweet, sensitive guy who all the tweenies fall in love with. I’ve never been an Ace fan and will never be.
Thanks!
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