5/25 Season Finale Part 1 *Spoilers*

[pillbeam]

Actually, I'm not so sure bias against Crystal's looks have anything to do with her probable loss of the big win. If there were such a significant bias, she would never have made it to Top 2, which is the pinnacle of the AI contest. Crystal did a fine job last night with great vocals and great stage presence, and she will make a great album that a lot of people will buy.

I think the real mystery is not why Crystal only got to the Top 2, but why Lee is so popular with some viewers that he surpassed several much better singers this year in votes. He has a great voice, but he butchers songs with off-key singing, poor pacing and odd rhythmic choices. I had to cover my ears listening to him last night.
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[Misty8723]

Actually, I'm not so sure bias against Crystal's looks have anything to do with her probable loss of the big win. If there were such a significant bias, she would never have made it to Top 2, which is the pinnacle of the AI contest. Crystal did a fine job last night with great vocals and great stage presence, and she will make a great album that a lot of people will buy.

I think the real mystery is not why Crystal only got to the Top 2, but why Lee is so popular with some viewers that he surpassed several much better singers this year in votes. He has a great voice, but he butchers songs with off-key singing, poor pacing and odd rhythmic choices. I had to cover my ears listening to him last night.
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I think some of us don't hear the supposed off-key stuff, I know I don't. I also happen to like his pacing and rhythmic choices. As for Crystal, I like her too, but she can come off as awfully contrived sometimes. Lee seems more genuine. Crystal would have done very well in the 60s, in my opinon, when folk music was in vogue.

[Misty8723]

I like them both adn like Lee a bit more sing he is my hometown guy! I think he might just win this. Crystal was outstanding, she is mad talented... I just wonder if the majority of the people who watch this show are ready for someone like her. I would listen to her, but does she have widespread marketability as Lee does? I don't know.

I hated both of Simon Fuller's picks for them. This was the best he could do? The should have let Simon Cowell choose, he does better.

I love Crystal's music, especially her original songs. But, then, I'm a child of the 60s and that's what she reminds me of. I don't see much marketability of her with the way things are these days. I also like Lee and will not be upset if either one wins.

[Misty8723]

The producers must REALLY not want Crystal to win. It's a good song, but the

On the other hand, it was that final song that caused me to pick up the phone and vote for Crystal. Last week I voted for Lee. I had no intention of voting either week. It doesn't matter to me who wins. I like Lee better personality wise, but since its a singing competition, they're both good.

It actually seems to me not ever having heard the song before (which I hadn't) is an advantage for the contestant because you don't have anything to compare it to. Crystal's Black Velvet I hated, because I love the original, and don't think she made it as good or better.

[famita]

I also have liked them both. I won't be too upset with either of them winning. I would buy Crystal's music over Lee's, though.

[Misty8723]

Joking aside, yes. The trip down the stairs was pretty precarious. Not that I think that's a valid criticism of her as a SINGER. It's just that the staging of the song was stupid.

I was a bit nervous with her in those heels walking down the steps. The heels and outfit didn't seem to suit her, in my opinion.

[pillbeam]

As for Crystal, I like her too, but she can come off as awfully contrived sometimes. Lee seems more genuine. Crystal would have done very well in the 60s, in my opinon, when folk music was in vogue.

Although the mainstream radio stations do not play folk music, there is a huge contemporary folk movement in this country, with young people like Crystal playing their own folk songs at thousands of smaller venues across the nation. The contemporary folk CD market is huge, too. Crystal herself has written several wonderful songs that firmly place her in that contemporary movement. Of course, AI rules did not allow her to play her original songs.

Nevertheless, Crystal reached Top 2 in this contest, which means millions of people did appreciate her roots music. To me, Crystal was the most genuine artist in the competition, because she expressed herself as an individual. Lee, in addition to being a terrible vocalist, seemed contrived when he tried to sing in different genres. I have no idea, even now, what kind of record Lee will make. I only know that it will employ a lot of Auto-Tune.
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[Bonbonlover]

to say that one contestant was great and the other not-so-great is really a matter of taste. I think both can sing, I just prefer the tone of Lee's vocals. When Crystal goes into her yelling it is like fingernails on a chalkboard for me... But for some she is hitting her peak... That is why there are contests and voting... different opinions is what make shows like these stay on the air.

[combatcutie]

to say that one contestant was great and the other not-so-great is really a matter of taste. I think both can sing, I just prefer the tone of Lee's vocals. When Crystal goes into her yelling it is like fingernails on a chalkboard for me... But for some she is hitting her peak... That is why there are contests and voting... different opinions is what make shows like these stay on the air.

You took the words out of my mouth. I like Crystal and think she is talented, but Lee is more my type of artist

[pillbeam]

to say that one contestant was great and the other not-so-great is really a matter of taste. I think both can sing, I just prefer the tone of Lee's vocals. When Crystal goes into her yelling it is like fingernails on a chalkboard for me... But for some she is hitting her peak... That is why there are contests and voting... different opinions is what make shows like these stay on the air.

I don't think it's always a matter of taste. I'm a huge fan of Crystal, but your assessment of "a screeching sound" is fair to me. I'm not bothered by her loud notes, but you techincally hear something that is part of her vocals, and that's probably correct. Likewise, comments about Lee being way off-key are fair and point out a technical issue that is not a matter of taste.
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