So, ever get forced to eat your words musically? Like I did about American Idol?

Well, I just had to eat my words a few minutes ago when you posted that link on my question! I was shocked, the guy is really good. I haven't watched the show for years, because It was always the same thing, a Nirvana cover here, a Madonna cover there and none of the music or the singers ever really sparked a huge interest with me, unlike most American Idol nuts who become completely obsessed.

I think it's great that he reintroduced the operatic Metal vocals to all the hipsters out there and seemed to shake everyone in their seats while doing it. I think he had some guts to get up there and sing a Judas Priest song in today's society. Hopefully someone in the crowd went "Hey what's that thing called? Oh Heavy Metal? Wait, why do we listen to ____ again???"

I agree on the show sucking as a whole and because of that I haven't been keeping up with this season or a lot of past seasons for that matter, but this guy has inspired me to at least stay in the loop. I hope something comes out of this. I actually thought David Cook would turn out a good Rock album a couple of years ago, but IDK, I guess something happen, maybe the record company laid down an iron fist and said "do as I say!"

So my girlfriend has watched this show for a while now which means I watch this show and I have to say I give it up to Steven Tyler. The show definitely has more of a rock edge this year than it ever has. When I heard old boy sing Priest I was in shock, my girlfriend was like 'why is this a big deal?' 'This is the tv show of Paula Abdul and Top 40, come on now'. They got a soul singer on there too that'll just break you down, not a bad season this year at all as far as AI goes.

even though I like Randy Jackson I am anti-American Idol. seriously the show is a fu*king joke now. in addition I can't tolerate the sight of Steven Tyler, how he had such a beautiful daughter is beyond me must be the mothers side. he is ugly as sin and a repeat substance abuser. however, in the first stages of the show each season I would take a watch here and there just to watch Simon Cowell bash people, out of every judge that's been on there and is on there no one was as good at bashing as Simon. I mean the guy made several contestants cry many of time. HOWEVER, I am not that awful there were many contestants that didn't deserve it.

I eat my words that Trent Reznor is nothing but electronic wankery with no musical abilities as far as melody and theory, and a terrible producer. I was wrong, very wrong. that's all I got to say.

Well obviously you haven't been watching. I'm a musician singer/songwriter and have found many a talent on the show. Some don't make it into the "top 24".

For example: this season Caleb Hawley. This guy is an incredible musician. You can check out his songs on his web-site, good songwriter. (Here's a video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91r3OflAqw0.) He tours for a living. This doesn't even touch what he can do on the guitar.

I also really like Paul McDonald, rare voice he has. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1ntozBchRY)

James is good, but I think that Casey Abrams and Jacob Lusk are just as good vocally. Casey has a better advantage because he plays several instruments pretty well.

*Add* There was another girl, Emily Anne Reed. You could watch her audition, I really liked her.

*Add2* I like this one of Caleb: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4SgrprYOwU. He's also a nice guy, I left him a comment and he emailed me back personally.

I will say they do pass people who don't deserve it and based on looks. It was a crime they cut Caleb and Carson.

MQ: For sure he can sing. My cousin has autism and watches the show, I think it's cool what's he's doing.

MQ2: I always thought Lady Gaga was just a bunch of crap, but she can actually sing and play the piano. Hmmmmm, I avoided Coldplay for awhile b/c everybody liked them, I have to admit they have some good songs and he writes some pretty moving lyrics.

He's my favorite, by far, this year. He really does have chops and he seems to have a following. I hope he can push past some of the lesser talent. Unfortunately, AI is all about who is popular (just like pop music) but he has done great so far. I wish him luck, and even if he doesn't win, he will have a career.

Carrie Underwood

I think it's kind of sad that a guy like that couldn't start his own career by himself. But I'm guessing he was desperate cause he already has a family he needs to support. Or he just doesn't care about his credibility among other rockers.

Actually American Idol picks up a lot of great singers, it's just that they don't have any songwriting talent or experience once they come out. I just hope it doesn't happen to him, cause I think he's great so far.

I watch American Idol, more or less, although the wrong contestants almost always win (exceptions: Kelly Clarkson, Fantasia Barrino [I liked her quirkiness], David Cook) and the contestants I like (paging S4's Nadia who sang 'Time After Time,' please come to the front desk) almost always get voted off way too early. I didn't mind Adam Lambert in his year, but that's not because I'm a 14-year-old who couldn't tell he was gay, but because I liked his song choices a lot. Last season's winner was boring as hell.

MQ: James what's-his-face probably has the best voice this year, but, see above, that doesn't always win.

MQ 2: I tended to hold a jaundiced view of a lot of red-state country acts until the Dixie Chicks came along. Although I didn't necessarily mind them (I bought the 'Fly' album on the strength of 'If I Fall, You're Going Down With Me,' 'Goodbye Earl,' and 'Sin Wagon,' and don't regret the purchase) their 'Screw George W. Bush' speech caught my ear, and made me pay more attention to _current_ country acts' political diversity, which I hadn't really known existed before. So I stand corrected there.

You've probably heard Goodbye Earl, but listen to these two:

If I Fall, You're Going Down With Me: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwGJ7mfwwag

Sin Wagon: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fD0B_4VZ7Zs (probably the best song on the album)

ma: he is a good singer, just good enough to make a better than average living playing in a bar band or possibly having a hit or two. i can't comment on american idol, i have very rarely watched tv since the mid 80's.

ma2: being the stereotype myself i learned early on not to place my expectations on people.

I actually really liked the Priest cover. This is wierd. I like an Idol singer? wut.

Curse you for ruining my sense of self! >.<