@ Lawyerchap. You had me in hysterics. Your sum up of nominations was nothing short of brilliant Remember you from last year , you have a gift. If you ever need a job, I think BB should hire you to write the daily reviews.

Something that has just clicked in my head. I wanted Latoya gone because I feel the other two are more confrontational and exciting, however, I think we need Latoya to go to the rubbish bin, come back next week when Ricco has moved on to Mimi or Lucille, (which he admitted in his diary room today were also women he liked) and then the explosions start. Latoya will try to make Ricco jealous and will start with Morris. Uti who is after Lucille and who Ricco might move on will get jealous, Uti and Munya are already heading for drama over Lucille. Things could get really crazy.

Next scenario is Latoya leaves for good, Sheila goes to the rubbish bin and returns to the house, TK, the vegetable has moved on without her, sharing Tawana's? bed, and she and Tawana have a huge fight. Do you know Tawana and TK were together on saturday night and she is hoping for more?! Confessed to BB today what really went down on Saturday night.

At this stage Sheila has lost her spark, and third scenario is Tawana comes back from rubbish bin and just generally states her outspoken thoughts. She got away with a lot because she was HOH, but she is actually very domineering and bossy, and she has not begun to have the tantrums we are going to see from her.

Ok, now I have confused myself, which two should be back in the house after next week's rubbish bin

Would be a great idea, but I live in South Africa. 

@Icon, hope you will blog in detail, please,  about the party.  The only way, us outside of Nigeria, can  keep up  to date with what is happening with Timi,   is by reading about all the interviews, articles, shows and any information anyone can give us.

@ Imani

Two weeks!!! that is nothing, people are still discussing 4 years later whether Ruben should have beaten Clay in American Idols and that includes the press in America. That is the nature of the "Idols game". Fan base rivalry and competition that never ends in comparison be it cd sales, concert appearances, most tv appearances, etc who has made the most money, etc.

@ Chukky76.

Daughtry outsold Taylor Hicks who was the winner last year. Daughtry was the original chosen one, but went out fourth. Daughtry put out an excellent cd, was given huge radio play and the main reason why he sold so much is that Idols used one of his songs as the song which was played every week when somebody was sent home on Idols. That was tremendous exposure for his cd, more people hear it, more buy it, the more it is played on radio, more people hear it, buy it, etc. etc.

@ lawyerchap


You wrote,
"However we all agreed that the Idols title should go to someone who is as close to the finished product as possible and that package would include looks, communication skills, stagecraft, intelligence, self-confidence and of course a good voice"

I have to disagree here, where did we all agree that the Idols title should go to someone who is as close to the finished product as possible,  etc.?

I would say it is impossible that we all agreed, because human beings will never all agree on something, especially not on a forum where we debate and express our own opinions.

In your next sentence you wrote
"As the competition wore on and i began to get more revealing insights into Timi's personality, it dawned on me that here was an immensely talented artiste with crucial deficiences in other departments. If you watched his Interviews, you'd realise that Timi is not the brightest chap around, and for me i felt it wasn't only about the voice, there was more to being the Idol."

I understand that these are your  views and opinions, but it is not everyone's feelings or beliefs.  What you want in an Idol is not necessary what others require. 

I go back to American Idol history, do you know Fantasia who won the third year of Idols confessed that she was "illiterate".  She is generally not considered to be "a good looking package".  But,  her performances and passion when she sings, translates and connects with some people.  People would not generally say  Ruben Studdard has good  looks, great communication skills or stagecraft.  What he has is a great voice and a certain likeability factor that endeared him to his fans.

Last year, Taylor Hicks a 29 year old gray haired guy, who some said looked 40, won.  He tried for years to get signed by a record label, but his "package" was not good enough for the record executives.  Kelly Clarkson also could not get signed by a record company in the normal way. 

There is no set  formula, of why people choose their Idol.  Each and every Idol is so different from the year before.  It is simply at the end of the day,  who connects most with the viewers to get their votes. 

Jodie, a brilliant singer, who the judges really tried to sway the public with, just did not connect with the viewers enough to get their votes.  The person this year who some said was the best "singer" in American Idols just did not get the viewers to vote enough for her.  The Idols winner is  the choice of the PEOPLE,  this year for the majority of people, their choice was Timi.

I chose my Idol , Timi,  based on  the fact that I absolutely love his voice, it affects me emotionally, for me, he was the best singer,  and  his performances (stagecraft)  mesmerised  me.  I was blown away by him numerous times.    That is my criteria.  Each person has their own requirements on what they want from an Idol.

@ mazia

To  see performances go to west africa idols (say google) and then link on to west africa idols, once opened,  then link on the top of the page near the right  to "video gallery" or "image gallery" to see pictures, or search www.youtube.com, then type in west africa idols and you will see some of the performances.

Nobody is disagreeing with the fact that if you had never heard of either of them, Omawumi's cd cover would appeal to a buyer more.  I think I mentioned before, cannot go back and read 20 pages of this thread, but the whole genius of Idols is exactly that it gives someone who would never normally have made it into the industry because of not having great looks a chance. i.e. Ruben Studdard, Clay Aiken, Fantasia, Taylor Hicks,  Taylor tried for years to get a record deal, but with his gray hair he looked 10 years older.   Do you know Kelly Clarkson stood outside a record label many years ago and would not leave till they let her sing, and until Idols she could not get signed to a record deal. .  One of the reasons people love Kelly, besides her voice, is her girl next door persona.   Clay Aiken, before his make over was really an awkward nerd, he admits it himself.  That is part of the appeal they have for the audience.  People identify with them because they are ordinary and even an underdog.  Jordin Sparks is beautiful, but she is not threatening to young girls because she is a little overweight.  Carrie Underwood is beautiful but the story they painted of her was a country girl, never left her little hometown and is now appearing on stage.  Truth was she had entered contests before, but you will generally notice there is a story around every winner and those that come somewhere near the top.  Chris Daughtry, was portrayed as the rocker guy, but married to someone whose children he adopted, so was this nice nonthreatening good guy and a great husband.  Ruben was the harmless overweight  velvet teddy bear.  Clay, was  the guy who was originally a nerd, no one would have given him time of day,  but turned into a hearthrob for young girls and older ladies who actually had a crush on him or those that wanted to take care of him and protect him.    Timi is the humble guy,  seems a  tough childhood,  not particularly good looking,   but with raw talent who some people, also wanted him to get a "break" and  who ordinarily would not have been taken notice of by the "record labels.   The people record executives  sign are generally the marketable georgeous package.  The record industry what with downloading is in huge trouble. That is why Idols has been so successful worldwide, the public get the chance to vote and choose their Idol, someone who for whatever reason, connects with them. There have been countless articles  done on why Idols make people so passionate about their Idols.   You root for them, you vote for them, you then want to prove to yourself and  others right that they did or did not win, so you buy their cd's, vote for them on polls, support them however you can.  It creates a certain loyalty and devotion.  Carrie, Kelly, Chris are three of the biggest cd sellers for their label in the last few years.

I do think the main reason why Omawumi was not going to win, she was in the bottom 3 many times.   There was one week, where all three judges predicted she would leave.  She had her fans, sure, but towards the end she picked up other fans (who were previous contestants fans).  Those, that she then picked up,  therefore liked her, but were not passionate fans.  Timi was never in the bottom three, so he had a larger core dedicated fanbase.  In Jordin's case (this years American Idol winner) this worked for her, because she ultimately picked up Melinda's fans (she was a front runner for many weeks and had a large fanbase and she picked up Lakisha's fanbase) who once they were voted out, their fans transferred their votes to her.   Besides which, Jordin was never in the bottom three.  Not to say, you can't win and be in the bottom three, the year Fantasia won, she was actually in the bottom three one week. But, as I say, she was up against Timi, who  I actually think and could be wrong, that Timi was the lead vote getter most weeks.  He probably also benefitted by picking up Eric's voters.   

There has never or will ever be an Idol, Actor, Actress, Singer or entertainer,  who everyone agrees on.  Not possible.  That is why you have fan wars going on all the time.  Britney Spears fans hated Christina Aguilera, because many years ago they were considered rivals.  There are many Britney Spears hate sites,  where their entire mission is to run every thing she does or say down.  There are a lot of artists that have the same thing "hate sites" and well as fan sites.    It seems ludicrous to spend hours watching everything an artist you claim to hate, and then spend hours running them down, but that is what they do. 

To sum up Omawumi may well still  be very successful, she may even be more successful than Timi.  Time will tell.  Daughtry from last year has sold 5 times the cd's Taylor Hicks has from his album.  It is getting radio play non stop and that in turn creates sales.   Clay Aiken was the runner up and has outsold Ruben on all three cds they have both released.    However, Carrie and Kelly as winners have way outsold their runner-ups.  It all depends on the cd they make, whether your fan base supports you,  and sometimes,  you just need a good song, which gets played on radio which helps you to pick up new fans and  to make you a success. 

@ Lawyerchap.

Just to sum up, I did not need to say "honestly" twice to convince myself, I was convinced from the minute Timi opened his mouth to sing.     I have been blown away by Timi from the beginning and have  never denied being an ardent  Timi supporter.   For me, he was the very best.  I love his performance style, I love his voice, he stirs something inside of me. He connects with me.   


I have watched every Idols show 6 in America, three in South Africa and two UK pop Idols  and really  enjoy the shows, but I have only ever supported, become a fan of  and posted about two people.  One being Timi.

If we all agreed on everything and had the exact same taste, how boring life would be.!!

Been thinking about whether Omawumi would have done "I love you" as well as Timi and my honest, honest opinion, is a resounding NO. It goes back to that emotional connection thing, Timi's fans really LOVE him, It was easy for the fans there to sing back at him "I love you.". (because they meant it) When he sang to the crowd and the tv audience "I love you" they believed it. Timi has always thanked and been grateful for his fans. Every blog he ever wrote on the main board, he showed his humility and gratitude to his fans. They are devoted to him. They are affected by him for many reasons, the voice for one and something about him just makes you want to root for him. That song with that ad libbing he threw in to the judges, to the crowd, thanking everyone, was incredible.

One thing, this year and only one other time, (I think) on American Idol, they got the same song. On South African Idols and we have had 3, they always have diffeent songs for them to sing on the finals.

Some interesting thoughts there Lawyerchap, however, one thing, Timi won before he sang his final song.  The results were not based on his final song as results were already in.  That result as you know was not even close, as it was  63% to Timi.  I agree just looking at the cd cover, Omawumis face would sell more cd's, however, I know I don't buy a cd, without listening to a few songs, so face is unimportant.  Secondly,  the main reason I think Timi won, is he connected emotionally to the audience, for various reasons, one being that voice which for me affects me deeply.  and secondly, his sensitivity and humility won a lot of people over.   The difference with Omawumi is, .  she definitely impressed the audience the last few weeks, but did she connect?!

@ BenDan.

I agree with your post, distinctive voices in the competition were Joan, Uche, Eric , (even though I don't like his tone of voice), Jerrilyn (help!!!), and Timi , they are very recognisable voices. I could close my eyes and know who was singing.

I cannot say the same for Omawumi and even Jodie. Jodie was very good, and what made her recognisable was her style of singing, repeating certain words, like you.you.you. and a certain way of phrasing, but I am not sure I would know it was her singing immediately.

Actually Kelly and Carrie are both great outstanding singers, but neither are the best entertainers. Both Omawumi add Timi are better performers and entertainers than both of them.

Voting percentages are in. Timi had 63% of the votes.

I love his new song, cannot stop listening to it. I went to bed singing it and woke up with it in my head. Think I have watched it a dozen times today.

@chukky 76

Never said diversity was not a good thing.  For me, I like a particular type of singer, a voice who I immediately know who is singing, that is why I am a fan.  Firstly, for the voice.  I can listen to any new song on the radio by Phil Collins, Elton John, Joe Cocker, Aretha Franklin, Percy Sledge, Michael Jackson,  Celine Dion, Barbara Streisand, Otis Redding,  Bryan Adams, Andrea Bocelli, Rolling Stones,  etc. etc.  even Kelly Clarkson (no matter what she sings)their/ her voice is distinctive.  You know it is them, because they have distinctive voices.   That is what I like in a singer, a very distinctive and recognisable voice.   I do not know what Omawumi's REAL VOICE sounds like.  

I am also entitled to feel that Omawumi  was using her  femine wiles and her sexiness to attract votes.  That does not make me anything, but alert to her game.  Nothing wrong, it has worked for some in the past.  This season on American Idol, there was a contestant who Simon said "Your strategy is to wear shorter and shorter skirts every week". She had great legs and it kept her there for longer than she would have been, had she not used that ploy.   Good for Omawumi doing that, but it did not mean I did not see the tactic.  .     Idols is a singing contest,but it is also a popularity contest.  Each person does what they feel will ensure the result they want.  

For me, I am more drawn to a more humble, down to earth person with a voice that connects deeply to my soul.  

It does not mean I don't think Omawumi can find success, she will definitely do so,  but she needs to find and explore who she really is as an artist. With  Kelly, on her 2nd cd,  she defined herself , which had a rock edge.  She let people know she was not the simple girl next door , it was a gamble from her original style  and it paid off.  But either way her voice is her voice, I can tell immediately whether it is Kelly singing.   She did not combine it with 5 different types of voices, and sounds.  There was a co-hesive sound and feel to her album, and that is why it gelled and was such a huge success.

A fan club is now an essential.  Fans need to keep up with the artists they supported, follow their career, know when they are doing appearances, what magazines they are in, promoting concerts, spreading the word about what is happening,  buying cd's,  Voting for your idol is one thing, afterwards comes supporting them.  Every Idol that has won or even runners up, have numerous fan clubs that more than play their part in helping further their career.  As an example, I know Clay Aiken's fans are known to be one of the greatest most passionate fan base.  He appears on television and within 30 minutes, someone has downloaded his appearance on the internet for the international fans to watch, and people who were not available to  see it.   He does live concerts, they take a video recorder and record the songs and within 2 hours after the concerts end, it is available on the fan sites to watch.  They have someone take cell phones into his concerts and one person speaks and connects live to the fan club and they report on what he is wearing, what he is singing, what the crowd is like, etc.  It is all part of the hype.  I know Kelly Clarkson fans do the same.  Look for any tv show she has been on, and you will find it on one of the fan sites.  That is what keeping the momentum is, spreading the fan base, talking, analysing what songs she is sung, which is their favourite, etc.  They discuss weight, hair, management, which magazines they should write to, to get her to appear on, which shows they should try get her on, etc.  It is endless.   Fan clubs spend hours daily discussing their Idols every move. 

It is more than just a song to be played on radio that will keep you famous.  It is your fans who ultimately make you.

I love Timi's new song. It has a catchy hook, it is fun, a crowd pleasing, fist pumping, feel good song. I cannot get the chorus out of my mind, I am singing it non stop already.

I am so happy right now. I loved Timi from the beginning. He takes that stage and commands it. He also has true humility and a gentle and sensitive soul which shines through

My problem with Omawumi, is, I don't know who she is. She will be anything they tell her to be, she has yet to find her true style and who she really is as an artist. What did not impress me, was at the end, I feel she was using sexual appeal for votes. She started off always ladylike in her cocktail dresses and the last few weeks, the dresses got really short, see through and she became too loud and overconfident.

I love Timi's voice, performance style and there is something in him that just touches my soul and that is what has captivated me from the beginning. Each week, he just hooked me more.

Did I say I am happy?. I lied, I am ecstatic, and deliriously happy.!!!

Could not be happier. Will give my usual long winded rundown after the show, but right now I am so happy, I could scream. It had to be. He was as Paul Play said "Timi cannot be stopped". He is a real find and the real deal.

Voting officially closed. Finished voting, now I start praying and (shaking).

Just throwing in an opinion from the last week's guest judge. Here is an excerpt of it.

(For those who are still undecided!! and would like to vote!)


Mr Kuboye's Predictions (21 May 2007)

Our guest judge at the Top 3 Spectacular show says Timi was his fave for the night. The Veteran music producer anchors Timi’s point of differentiation from others on the lad’s ability to deliver comfortably, sweatlessly and naturally. He also believes Timi is adroit at choosing songs because he’s consistently picked songs that help his seamless expressions.

Though he acknowledges that other contestants are awesome and wonderful but advised them to discretionally choose songs that will not pigeonhole them into any hard box. Tunde Kuoye who runs the popular Jazz 38 center in Lagos counsels that it is important the contestants pick songs that suit their spirits.

He says Omawumi’s second performance at the Top 3 Spectacular show magnetized applause from the audience but that the song didn’t suit her[b] personality [/b] well. “Though she did a great job but she started the Christinia Aguillera’s song off key. She was at home with the Bob Marley song.”

Icon, you summed that up brilliantly, if this is about diction, Temitayo would have won this contest hands down. If it were a public speaking competition, she would win this hands down. It is a singing and performing competition. The most consistent, while some more breathtaking than others has to be Timi. Even the ones that didnt get as high praise as others, if you listen, really listen, that voice is that voice, like Flying without Wings, which was overshadowed by the Michael Bolton song, was really good . He knows who he is as an artist and his cd will sound like the Timi who his fans voted for.

My thoughts on who should win and why 

Omawumi may be more versatile, but they have to make  a cd quickly, while the buzz and hype is still on.  That is the way it works on Idols.  What, oh what should they make Omawumi record to satisfy her fanbase (which likes different aspects of her) maybe her R & B, her pop, her soul, her reggae?!.  They have not time on their hands to really look for good material.  Strike while the iron is hot.

Timi, it is simple, he will put out exactly what he has shown us on Idols.  His fans will not even have to listen to it, beforehand, they know what they will get.  For that reason, my thoughts are at this time, he is going to be easier to market, record and sell.

One other thought I have, is  if I were Temitayo's (power behind her), I would rather see Timi win, than let another girl, reach her dreams and eclipse her before Temitayo either  has time to go for her singing lessons, or get signed independently on a label (there are other labels out there that I am sure with the publicity she has received would sign her), a studio has the ability to make anyone sound good, with the technical equipment they  now have.

Besides which, I have no doubt that Jodie wil be signed and  will be releasing a cd and that would mean too many women from the show all competing to sell cd's . 



Simon Cowell of American Idols once said he would like to sign Prince William to made a cd.  When asked "But can he sing"?, his answer was  something like "Anyone can sing in a studio with PRO TOOLS.  a Recording studio  has the facility, the equipment, to make anyone sound good,

Obviously the problem with this, is that certain artists cannot sing LIVE,( see Britney Spears,  Paris Hilton, Hilary Duff,), etc. they have to lip sync when they go do shows.  They are successful because  they are marketed correctly and appeal to the demographics  that they are marketed to.

I am not so sure Omawumi's  fanbase is made up of die hard fans, but as has been stated rather the contestants  fans who were voted off and have transferred their votes to her. I also have to agree that Omawumi peaked too late and might not have developed the necessary fan base to take her all the way.   I think she is entertaining to watch, she is a great little actress, as said "a mimic". however,  I am not so sure she will be so great recorded on a cd.   I disagree with one statement made and that is "how you get an audience to give you a standing ovation on "I bruise easily", Timi did mostly slow ballads and got standing ovations, so slow or fast, if it is good, the crowd reacts.

I do find it strange that on the week the producers chose songs, Omawumi had her best night of the season and Timi faltered.  I do think they tried (to be polite) equal the playing field. 

There have been many winners of Idols shows, but to gain votes is one thing, to sell cd's is another.  Timi has a devoted and loyal fanbase, that I think will support him no mater what.
   

I make no bones about the fact that I am a Timi fan, because for me an artist has to touch my soul and his voice has to emotionally connect with me.  He has done so, from the first audition, I heard his voice and I was stunned as I was not expecting him to even be able to sing, let alone pour out his soul and passion and power in that audition.    Jodie, is a perfect example for me, while I acknowledge her as a great singer, emotionally she never touched me.  I just didn't "feel her".

There is also a part of me that because of his faults, perhaps low self esteem, maybe not as smart as Temitayo, etc, makes me root for him more.    I found Temitayo rehearsed, like a pageant beauty  queen answering the questions, always so diplomatically and never showing her true emotion.  I like the way Timi cried when he got through the top 24, it touched me deeply, he showed humility, gratitude and he let his heart show.   

For me Timi has delivered more outstanding performances than anyone else, and for what I feel when I hear his voice,  makes me really  want him to win the title of WAI.

My summation of tonight.

Timi - think he did the song well.  Maybe not as great as a performance as some others he has done in the past, but vocals excellent, as good, if not better than Lemar. 
Temitayo - sorry to her fans, but her voice is always shaky, offkey, she cannot change pitch and she is not good at all.
Omawumi, different performance, not sure I loved it, but maybe I don't know Reggae very well.
Timi Bryan Adams, great performance, slightly more restrained than normal, but I love his voice. 
Temitayo, once again, I cannot find anything decent to say about her singing. I will admit she is well spoken, fairly good looking, but vocally, several notches below the others.  Honestly, I think as bad as Jerrilyn.  I don't know what she is doing in the top 3.  Would much rather have Joan, Jodie, Uche, but that is life.
Omawumi, great little actress, I agree she is versatile, but here is where my problem lies with her.  I do not find her voice distinctive, she is a good entertainer, but as a voice, just to listen to, on the radio, I am not sure it is my kind of voice.  It leaves me cold.   While she is a good versatile performer, I still say she does not connect or make eye contact  with her audience/

On the American Idols shows, you have to give back when you release a cd, what your fanbase expects.
Ruben Studdard won American Idol, but when he released his first cd, he did not stick to his r & b sound, but rather went a hip hop style, he did not sell as well as Clay Aiken, who delivered exactly what his fans expected.  The second cd Ruben released was a Gospel, once again the fan base he had cultivated on Idols were not wanting that sound.  He did not sell well as expected.  His last cd he went back to being soulful, but 3 years later and he had lost a lot of momentum.  He did not do tours and his fan base had dwindled. 
Carrie Underwood in Season 4  was always country, won Idols and that is what she released.  She has won countless awards and is catching up to Kelly Clarkson as the biggest seller ever on Idols.  She delivered what was promised on her Idols shows.

Last year Chris Daughtry was the rocker, he was voted off fourth, there was a huge outcry,  but  he released a cd of rock mostly  rock ballads and is selling extremely well.   He has been in the top 10 sales in the U. States for the last few months.   Once again, he stuck to what he promised on Idols and  therefore maintained his   fan base.

Now to get to Timi, while some will accuse him of not being versatile, and having a definite sound,  the people voting for him, know exactly the kind of cd he will release and they will not be disappointed.  They like his soulful, type of voice.  His fans will not even have to listen to what he releases and will support him, because he has been consistent in what his sound is.

Omawumi is versatile, but what should she release.?  Has she got her own SOUND.  Will you know it is her on the radio?.  There are people, that may like her voice for her pop, others for her reggae,others for her R & B, will she please her fans, when everyone will expect something different.


The artists that last for years and years, and reach longevity are the ones whose voices are distinctive and recognisable instantly  and those that stand the test of time , have had a definite sound, Otis Redding, Sam Cooke, Joe Cocker, Barbara Streisand, Celine Dion, Brian McNight, ArethaFranklin,  Ray Charles, Andrea Bocelli,  Josh Groban,   Christina Aguilera.  It does not matter what they sing, when you hear their voices, you know it is them.   Unmistakeable and totally recognisable.   There are many others,  could carry on, but  their  sound is unmistakeable.  

That is what Timi has, I would know his voice instantly, he has his own sound, a mixture of a few artists, but in the end, he is Timi,  with his  own sound.    He could sing anything and I would know it is him.  For me, that is why I would support his career and be interested in what cd he puts out, because the type of music he sings and the voice he has, is the kind of voice that I love. His voice touches my soul.  .

I think Blake Lewis's voice is absolutely ordinary. He might be a musician, and might know how to beatbox, but his voicy is weak. I think he is competely overrated. I would never buy a cd with his voice. He came in with his gimmick of beatboxing and that has taken him far, but for me, he leaves me stone cold.

Also let me say Barbara Streisand who is considered one of the best voices in the world, and who has sold 70 million cds worldwide, forgot her lyrics on a live show many years ago. Never stopped her career.

Once again great post Lawyerchap, but I have to disagree with you with the Oprah thing as the chances of being on Oprah are remote. As much as they are talking International Idol, the sad truth is that there have been hundreds of Idols shows around the world and they do not necessarily break internationally, So far, only Will Young, Kelly Clarkson and Carrie underwood,initially Ruben Studdard, have been able to go really big internationally and that is because they were given huge radio play. Also, the exposure they were given with an audience who watch American Idol of 40 million weekly. Even this does not necessarily translate to worldwide success as without excessive radio play it is virtually impossible to spread your fan base around the world. Clay Aiken in America has sold over 4.7 million cd's and yet they will not play him on the radio in United States as they say his sound is not current to fit with top 40. Trust me on this, I have followed his career and seen how he can sell out concerts, but the dj's and radio programmers barely give him a chance to be heard. He has existed on his own fanbase but it has not spread internationally. So to get to my point, the chances of West Africa idol ever getting to sit on Oprah are really remote, unless they have a hit that breaks massively to the point where it spreads around the world. Even Robbie Williams who is huge in the UK was not successful in the United States. They have their own stars who are trying to make it.

I happen to believe Timi is a world class performer, in fact I have NEVER on any American Idol seen a contestant that can perform so well, and seem so comfortable on stage. Timi is a born performer. His performances are spellbinding. But, do I believe he will even if he won, be a huge star internationally, and I say no, the publicity and exposure needed to break big is just not going to be given to an Idol. Timi will be a brilliant live entertainer, he will sell out concert halls, for his performances are a must to view, and he has a great recording voice, But the truth is, the stars that make it, have huge publicity machines behind them. Trust me, Idols franchise want to make quick money by selling a cd, and then, they are onto the next Idol, season two and three . Have any of the South African or Australian, or Canadian Idols, etc, etc, made it internationally!?. Most people have never heard of them I have watched this game for 6 years now. I know the ins and outs.

Most consistently delivered good performances have to go to Timi and to me that means the title. I really think his forgetting the lyrics, was the music was too fast, the key too low, and you could see he was not comfortable from the minute he started to sing. Besides which, I do think they handicapped him with a jazz song and a lousy arrangement of it.

I do think Omawumi is a good singer, but besides her African song, and two this week, she has not had spellbinding performances. I don't believe she knows how to truly connect emotionally to the audience. I, myself would not go watch her in concert.


As for the intelligence part, well, may or my not be true, but this is a singing competition. The formula why Idols is so successful is that you invest time and money voting for your contestant. This breeds a very devoted and loyal fan.
Another think that is true in a show like this, is that the public likes an underdog and would like to give an opportunity or a break to someone who would never have made it in the normal way. How many people can struggle in bars singing to a few people at a time, until they are DISCOVERED. Today, especially it is virtually impossible for this to happen, as today, you have to have looks, (see Britney Spears, Ashlee Simpson, Hilary Duff), all no talent, but a good package. The fact that Timi probably comes from an unpriveleged background, unlike Temitayo, makes him even more endearing and makes the public root for even more, besides the great talent.

Ok, that is my five cents worth

I believe Eric and Temitayo should not have lasted this long. His speech was nice and he seems a fairly likeable guy, he just never had the voice or true performance skills from day one. He was trying too hard to be like Timi when performing, but he never had the true passion that emanates from Timi when singing.

Last week Omawumi 's first number was dreadful, in the wrong key for her and then she redeemed herself in her second song. This week Timi had a great first song and then a problem in his second song. I pray and hope the public will still recognise that he deserves to be in the finals. I mean who else can it be, it cannot possibly be Eric . just because he is supposed to be good looking, can't see it, never have, and who has never received a standing ovation and sings through a blocked nose, or Temitayo who cannot pitch or change keys, but looks good. Most of her performances have been with a few cracked notes, or horribly flat.

My summary of tonight.

Temitayo, both performances flat and dreadful. I am beginning to think she is worse than Jerrilyn ever was. She is attractive and a nice package, but her voice is really bad.
Eric, has developed a new habit of pushing his tongue in his cheek, that simply irritates me, I am not sure if it is a smug expression, or what. His songs specially the second one should have been tailormade to suit him, they were not challenging at all, however, and I have made no disguise of the fact that I hate his voice, it is totally nasal and one dimensional.
Omawumi, was excellent. Both songs suited her well and the producers gave her good songs that did her justice. In fact she had the best songs given to her. I could picture Timi singing First cut is the deepest.
Timi, although excellent on Faith, was not a song that I would have expected him to do well in. George Michael's voice is about as extreme from Timi's as you can get. George Benson, second song, was the most challenging song given to anyone by far . It is firstly a jazz song, there are parts in that song, that you just cannot sing and requires back up singers for them, and was not a song to show off Timi's strong vocals. He was not happy with the song from the minute he stepped up, his normal confidence was just not there.
Somebody mentioned on the main forum they should have been given one slow song and one fast song and I wholeheartedly agree.

Mercy's problem was not only her height. It was her facial expressions, she screwed up her face and eyes terribly when she sang and that made her lose all stage presence. She also did not know how to sing to the audience and connect with them. Eric is desperately trying to copy Timi's stage moves, but he just lacks the intensity and passion of performaning. He does not connect with his lyrics. I have said it many times, but his big ears and terrible smile just do not do it for me. Let alone his voice, which is not great.
Temitayo is too erratic, from not bad to shocking, but she lacks a distinctive voice, although her stage presence is good.
Omiwamu, can be excellent and then sometimes very ordinary and Sunday's first song was absolute disaster.
The top 3 in my opinion should have been Joan, Timi and Jodie, but for me Timi was always the one, because he has the performance edge over everyone as well as his voice moves me,

I am not sure if I agree with you that Timi went off, is it not that he tries to change the song to make it his own?. In his own style and way.

Tonights show, Jerrilyn first song, no words can describe how flat and awful she was. Second song, Christina Aguilera's song, surprised me . She was actually good, still do not like her tone of voice, but she was on key, and her best performance yet.
Temitayo, first performance, flat, horrible, Second performance as bad, she is the second worst on this show.
Timi, Timi, Timi, first song Flying without Wings, good, put his own unique flavour and sound to it, made it into a good song, even though it is a song I don't particularly like. Thought it was the best of the night until, Second song, Michael Bolton , How am I supposed to live without you, left me stunned and with my heart racing. What a performer, what a singer, what passion, what style. Blew me away. Re-watched it 6 times already. Powerful awesome performance. In his own league.
Omawumi, first song, a Mary Blige song, I think, very disappointing, sounded flat, in my opinion her worst performance ever. Second song, I will survive, she was good with attitude, sassy, very good, a distant second however, to Timi
Eric, first song, boring, dull , Seal's Kiss from a rose, not good at all, second song, Lionel Richie, tried to be a performer, all over the place, his voice as nasally as ever, I just don't get him, his voice or his performances, or for that matter, his supposed good looks which I do not see at all.

I have loved Timi from his first audition and nothing has changed. He is a one in a million performer, I really believe he could hold his own internationally. I also believe that American Idol has never had a performer as good as Timi in 6 seasons.

I would have loved a final with Jodie/Timi just to make it exciting, but Timi is my guy and has had my votes from the beginning.

I have not posted my thoughts on Sunday, as firstly I was away. I have only just returned, but I do feel I do not know these songs, or the style, so cannot judge them properly. But I will give my opinion anyway, because I just have to voice my opinion, (can't help it), I do know that Omawumi seemed to excel, she had attitude and her voice was good. For me, best of the night and jumped a few spaces on the tier. Timi, not his best performances, compared to the last 2 weeks, where he was world class, but I still love his voice and actually think he has the best recording voice of all. Temitayo proved to me more than ever, than she is just confidence, her vocals were totally off and flat. Shocking performance. Jerrilyn, some not too bad moments, but generally that tone of her voice irritates me, it is whiny and I just hate her tone. Jodie was excellent but she had definitely lost some momentum during the last 2 weeks, especially last week's Tina Turner performance was really bad. Karoake and her look just was copycat. Eric just always leave me stone cold, I say it every week, but he is just not believable to me, his performances always seem like he is trying too hard to be smooth and he lacks emotion and passion. His voice is also very nasal. I thought for sure we would have a Timi/Jodie final. With the way things are going, who knows. I love Timi and he has been my favourite always, but for me, a distant second now would be Omawumi and then, no one.

Also, lawyerchap, please don't stop posting , I look forward to your impressions. However, if Timi goes, you have permission to stop (only joking, well not really)

TCUBE, I beg to differ, I have watched every season except the 1st season of American Idol I have watched two of Pop Idol UK and 2 South African Idols, yes, you could say I am a fanatic. And in my opinion, Timi's last performance of "Stuck on you"(which is not yet online), as a performance is better than any male performance and probably the best allround performance I have ever watched on any of the shows. This year the men in A. Idols are absolutely pathetic.

I just don't see where Eric is supposed to be so goodlooking. He has a horrible smile and his ears are big. He is insincere and does not sing from his heart in his performances and his voice is mediocre.
Jodie has lost confidence or something, she is not the same over the last 2 weeks. She is good but put her on a world stage and she does not stand out or shine, there are many singers like her in the world.
Omawumi has or should have it all, but she lacks performance skills in knowing how to connect with the audience. She seems to perform for herself and does not make eye contact with the tv or the audience. That is her problem
Mercy was never going to win, so whether she went this week or not made no difference. She is a good singer, but does not perform well and pulls awkward faces when she sings.
Temitayo as I have said before has tremendous confidence which covers the fact that she is not an exceptionally good singer.
Jerrilyn has has tried to improve but she just does not have enough talent.
Timi is a star, born performer, he transforms when he hits the stage and he has incredible stage presence and charisma when performing. His strength, besides his voice is his incredible connection with the lyrics and to make the audience feel and believe in what he is singing. He is unique, there is no other Timi anywhere in the world the way he performs and for me that is what makes him the winner.