I am really enjoying Michael on AI. I also went to youtube and listened to his earlier work with the two bands, Film and The Rising. Listening to those made me like him even more!

I thought he did a terrific job on Across the Universe but he did not get the appropriate props for it from the judges. First, it is a hard song to sing. Next, he did conect emotionally to the song.

I am bothered by the judges comments and what I am reading on some fan boards about his performance. People are parroting Randy and Simon's comments. Some out there are still fans, but others say he is boring and hasn't lived up to his potential, etc.

I read on MJ's Big Blog that he did not do so well at rehearsals....I think sometimes the judges listen to the rehearsal and put together their comments from that performance and don't listen as closely to the "real" performance. Of course there are exceptions, like David Archuleta's performance--rumored to be good in rehearsal and we know it bombed on the show. The judges then had to comment on his forgetting the lyrics, etc.

A couple of times this season Simon has made comments "like Randy said" about someone and goes on to say things Randy did not say on the real show--so those comments had to come from watching the rehearsals.

In any event, I have watched AI from the beginning and let me assure you that the judges DO shape people's thoughts about a performer. Yes, performers can rise above Simon's comments, for example, Taylor Hicks went on to win even after Simon tried to put him down week after week saying he sang like he was a someone's drunk uncle at a wedding or something like that.

Simon also tried to slow down Blake's fans last year, and it didn't work so they threw him a completely off base song for the Final Two performance--one that was suited to diva Jordin. So, the producers use other tactics to keep someone from doing well so they can "pimp" their chosen one. Not clearing a song, giving their first, second or third song requests to someone else, etc.

But both Blake and Taylor had quickly developed strong fan bases early in the AI process. I don't see that happening yet for Michael.

Michael was much discussed early in the season in the press. Michael has the talent. So, what is happening?

Why isn't he connecting with more people? Has AI picked him as someone who will show "growth" over the season, so he will draw in more fans each week? (so the best is yet to come?) Or did they move on to another favorite, like David Cook? (I believe David A is an early frontrunner the way Lakisha and Melinda were last year and that someone else will emerge to be the "real" frontrunner the way Jordin did last year. A lot of that happened with the judges' fawning on her, pimping her, her song choices, her singing placement, etc.).

Is Michael taking the AI opportunity seriously enough? I liked Across the Universe, bought the itunes version, etc. I am just wondering why more people don't see/hear what I do. And as for Michael, does he really get what a huge opportunity this is for him? How many people in America know his face and name? He has lived here for ten years but that doesn't mean he has watched the show or gets the nuances of how to manuever through its land mines.

Blake Lewis said that he was the one contestant to make all his song requests early in the process, so when the guest artist came along, his song request was already known. He didn't wait.

At least Michael isn't arguing with the judges to try to gain some fan support. That can backfire. Taylor and Blake learned to just smile through any ridiculous comments.

I remain hopeful for Michael to have the performance that really "connects". As for me, I have already connected.

On a positive note, one professional who does see/hear what Michael's fans do is "Master Class Lady". She reviews the performers each week, starting with the top 12.

I'll post her comments in another post because I would like this discussion to be about Michael's path on AI.

Mods--would you please change the title of the thread to Michael on AI--will his fan base grow?

Editing wouldn't let me fix the headline. Thanks!

Slow and steady wins the race.If you start at the top the only place to go is down. Michael has been consistantly good each week,his performances and vocals have been excellent.He needs one great song which will showcase his vocals and leave the audience in awe.I believe he already has a strong fanbase and will continually add more as the competition heats up.While there are many good singers this year he is the total package. I think he can win this thing if he plays his cards right. I am a huge fan of Taylor Hicks and I believe by remaining focussed and staying true to yourself which he did ,there is nothing that you can't accomplish. I think if he wants it bad enough,he will win ! If you visit the AI boards promote Michael to the hilt,regardless of what others may be saying,eventually someone is going to take note and become interested,a fan at a time is all it takes ! Great subject Dusty !

I don't read the AI Fox board site--just other boards, like MJ's. Michael has fans, certainly, I just don't feel the groundswell of interest like there was with Taylor. Maybe it was the magic of Gray Charles, but in addition to that site and the AI Fox site, there were at least a half dozen other Taylor specific fan boards that sprang up.

Maybe it is too early in the AI season. I just don't want Michael going out in the middle of the group...I would like to see him in the F4, F2, and the winner! He may not want to be the winner--he may want to just get to F3 or 4...and not be as shackled, but I think there are perks that the winner gets that gives them additional exposure to the American public, like Taylor's cover of People or Jordin's singing the national anthem at the Super Bowl.

In any event, I'll enjoy Michael however long he is on the show and follow his music afterwards as well.

Dusty the fan board question is a good one. I haven't ventured to far from this one site for Michael,maybe I will do that tonight and see what I come up with ! Gray Charles was a unique site,because it was all about the music. I would also love to see Michael win,but the perks from going this far are amazing too ! I think he'll have a great career no matter what ! By the way I forgot to say welcome,it's a pleasure to talk with you !

i'm on IDF ... and Michael definitely has his share of fans on there, and from what i hear from people that i work with or other people that watch the show around here, he has fans, his fans just might not get online and talk about him as much who knows.

i definitely believe that the producers pick the people they want to pimp though, i think Michael is still one of their favorites so i'm not too worried about that at the moment.

plus there are always going to be haters of any contestant whether they are great or bad.

You have a point, Even If Michael don't win(hope that don't happen) ,Nigel Lithgoe, ( sorry, If I spell it wrong) the execucutive producer of AI said Michael was terrific when he sang Bohemian Rhapsody, Ellen Degeneres said Michael was incredible so.... I think if he don't win he will go to hollywood.

I must have missed where Nigel mentioned Michael...was that several weeks ago?

Ellen mentioning Michael is a really good thing.


IMO: I think she is very tied in with the show. Look how she participated with IGB. Assuming the producers have an agenda, really pimping someone that they want to win, then I think Ellen reinforces that choice. She has the bootees on her show but she does not act the same with all of them. Season 5 the producers wanted Chris D to win and had the media whipped into a frenzy for him. Their plan backfired when he wore the sunglasses on Elvis night and the judges panned him. They underestimated the Soul Patrol...and the Kat Fans, and those who really wanted Elliot to stay in the contest. The Chris fans thought Chris was a lock and didn't try as hard. Ellen had both Chris and Taylor on her show but she was barely nice to Taylor... so this year I am going to watch to see who she is really pulling for...


The producers didn't leave it to chance last year and worked a slow and steady build up for Jordin. At this same point last year people were not talking about Jordin being the winner. The focus was on Lakisha and Melinda. Blake fans were building ... the judges kept trying to pigeon hole him as the beatboxer. (But Blake kept it interesting).

As the season unfolded Lakisha got less pimping and Jordin got more. Jordin sang last at top 12 and again at top 6 and at top 4. The top 6 night was the IGB inspirational songs night--right in her wheelhouse for a diva song. (She also sang last at F2 but Blake let her --after he saw what a crap song they were making him sing that was suited to Jordin and not him). The only time Blake sang last in the top 12 was top 7 country night--not exactly showcasing his strengths.

This year I was surprised to see them have David A sing last at top 12, when he had just sung last two weeks before --the week of the top 10 guys. I wonder if they are starting to follow the Jordin pattern...and David will get to sing last again on Idol Gives Back week because inspirational songs are in his wheelhouse.

So, I am trying to figure out this season. Is David A's fan base like the Soul Patrol? There to vote for him no matter what the judges say? Is David A the producers chosen one or just the early frontrunner, only to fade as others get the slow and steady build? Is David Cook this year's Blake? Where does Carly fit into this year's plan?

At this point here's how the season looks to me: I will be surprised If Syesha, Kristy, Chikeze, Ramiele, or Amanda make the top 5. I know a strong fan base can lift a less talented singer to top 3, like Jasmine in season 3, but I think they had too many divas splitting the vote that year. This year there are many other strong performers that will crowd these 5 out of the top 5.

Jason C or Brooke, take your pick which one of the two makes the top 5. Brooke has more polish than Jason C, but it depends on theme nights, judges' comments, singing placement, etc.

That leaves the core four: Carly, David C, David A, Michael J. Each of these has years of being on stage and performing for audiences. I think some of their eventual success rests on their performing and some rests on the producers help and judges' comments. Seeing Michael get a lot of screen time in the group sing was encouraging this week. Michael had a good video package when they were giving background a few weeks ago, while others had wimpy ones, like Alaina not letting her food groups touch or Kady singing opera in the bathroom.

So, Michael has had some support and has a strong shot. I am still back at my original question--will his fan base grow--as much as it needs to, to get him to the top 4 and beyond?

Off to read the Idol forums board for Michael .

wow those were lon gposts. I hope his fan base gets the biggest cuz theres a lot of bigger fan bases now

I know that's the problem this year for Michael. Most of the guys seem to have big fanbases, it's going to be very competitive from now on. You have to gain undecided voters every night, so MJ really needs a breakout performance soon. I know he will get there. But Michael hurry up, the clock is ticking..

Is MJ competitive enough? Does he really care which place he ends in the competition? I am not sure.

This guy David C IMO seems very competitive and I think Michael really needs to step it up in order to compete for fans that might go from one side to the other. MJ is such a nice laidback guy, but I do think he needs to plan his strategy well at this point. It's his only chance.

He has the chops to make it all the way. He just needs to want it more IMO. After hearing all of his PRE AI stuff and watching some old videos with his former band I am convinced Michael has all that it takes to be a star. JMHO.

that's the only problem here. But when you mention Jasmine Trias...she is so popular in the Philippines.(I'm not her fan) My point is... I saw an article here that's mentioning news about michael buzzing in Australia especially in perth and other non-michael fans said that Michael will be something like Daughtry and they are 100% sure about this even I. And Australia will make Michael a celebrity singer, he sure will be!

I sometimes think he coudn't make it....but even if he didn't someone will get him and make him a big singer! Cheer up!
I'm 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,00
,000,000% sure!

way too many fans for david archuleta hes not even the best. But hes so inoccent looking or something idk..

This is a great thread. Dusty and Judy – you should consider posting over in the Michael folder at the AI boards. We need more (and better) representation there! INXS, I believe you post there already? I’ve also thought about the same things discussed here. I think we can all agree that Michael is on the show for exposure (and hopefully a recording contract), similar to everyone else. I have been wondering if he lacks the “want” of some others, thus the “coasting” comments that keep popping up. Or perhaps he is just a very mellow, easygoing person. I also remember an article with a quote from his friend who said that he auditioned as a joke (http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,23297696-1702,00.html). Could it also be that since he has had some disappointments in his career as a musician, he doesn’t think he could advance too far on this stage either?

For his fanbase to grow, I think that he will need the support of the judges (read: Simon) and some more exciting (not vocally better – because his vocals, especially in the last two weeks have been excellent) performances. That will pick up casual voters and hopefully more “hardcore” voters – the ones who will vote 2 hours weekly, help spread the “buzz” about him on boards, blogs, polls, etc.

One thing I’ve always admired about the Soul Patrol was their unity and organization during Season 5. Taylor made sure to let them know he wanted to win, and they were determined to make it happen for him. They got organized quickly and early enough to make an impact from the first week of voting. I don’t see that with Michael’s fan base. I myself have tried to reach out to people who are friendly with him, to let them know how important it is to get organized fast and garner as much support for him as possible. I have an awful feeling that some fans are expecting that he will advance weekly with minimal effort and we here at least know that this isn’t true.

Thank you, Chaotica, I appreciate the discussion.

Thank you, too, for trying to reach out to people connected with Michael. You put your finger on one key component--what the Soul Patrol did for Taylor and how Taylor interacted with them.

I was disheartened to hear Simon named the front runners on Oprah's show yesterday:

---------------

First he said last season was AI's weakest season.

Next he said Tayor's winning in Season 5 was winning of a popularity contest (the best singer didn't win, talked about Daughtry, etc.)

Then he said in this season David A was a front runner and then mentioned Brooke, David C, and Jason C as well.

He did NOT mention Michael. Neither did he mention Carly.

He then said the competition gets really great when there are the 7 good contestants left.

----------------

Reflecting on what Simon said yesterday, it just reflects what we see in TV Guide and EW polls. Carly and Michael are not in the top 4 in those polls. Now, this time last year, Jordin was not in the top of the polls either. That is some comfort.

Looking over some articles on the top 12 and elimination this week, some liked Michael and some said he was boring. That was disconcerting.


David C had some good PR this weekend--distributed by the AP no less. I am wondering if Michael J and David C are interchangeable in the producers' plans. On the other hand, it is not too late for Michael J to "grow" in the competition. Look at the buzz Chikeze got in just one good performance.

Thanks chaotica for your input and dusty for starting this thought provoking thread.chaotica,you make a valid point about Michael .Perhaps he is holding back ,or saving the best for next ! It's got to be a bit intimidating to know that millions of people are watching your every move each week.I'm hoping that this weeks performance is going to be the BOMB ! His popularity will sky rocket with the right song choice.You're right about unity and organization being key,lets hope we are loud enough to be heard and that many who are not on any of the fan boards are as taken with Michael as we are ! I think tonight is going to be crucial for Michael !

FWIW, Simon mentioned his top 5 favorites to OK Magazine. They are bit different from what he said on Oprah.

He mentioned:
Brooke, David C, Michael,Carly and Jason C. No David A. What?
Here is the link to the article.
http://www.okmagazine.com/news/view/5314

Simon changes his mind very frequently I guess, or he is still not sure. But in any case I am happy he still mentions Michael every now and then.

Thanks inxs93,I'm happy to see Michael on his ever changing list LOL!

Thanks for posting that INXS! So glad to know that Simon is still rooting for Michael. Now all we need is a buzz generating performance and a couple of other interviews with the producers talking about how he has "grown" and we'll know he is the real chosen one. If not, still rooting for him to be in the F4!