1. How many minutes, hours or days have you put in to "really listening" to the finalist you say are substandard?

2. Kelly, Clay, Jennifer, Carrie, Eliot, for example. Name of CD's? What tracks are crap "vocal performance" wise? What lines stuck out as being sub-par from the rest of the songs?

My point was,,,,,without really knowing the singer's work, day in and day out, track after track, album after album, or even show after show, how they and others raised their game, (with the pressure of the lights and camera that I mentioned as something they DID handle like pros), then one can not really judge as quickly saying crap, or sub par.

To give a friendly intended way of how you may be coming off, it does seem unprofessional to bash anyone, (especially blanket statements without facts of opinions to back it up). As in pitch problems on certain keys, or non control over vibrato, or just an awkward feel to some songs, or whatever specifics could have been laid out to help prove your case. Without any of that, and just to say they are this or that, and you or this or that, just doesn't fly with any air under it,,,,,Know what I mean?

Many factors goes into what makes a good singer and entertainer.
Really listen,,,I mean open minded listen to some of those names up there, and hear their phrasing. Their commitment to the lyric. Their feel for the melody and tempo. Then their skills as a singer. They, among others, have many of the i's dotted!

The ones that you claim are better yet, (in general identities of off the street singers, and karaoke singers? Wow! Then they might want to have Clive Davis hear them NOW! If that can't,,,,then that would say a lot about many things to do with them, sorry to say. (as I really don't take pleasure in saying that).

"THEY" might not be as polished as thought,,or committed to being a professional. That is a possibility you and all should at least "honestly" consider. I have. And I have expert trained ears for pitch, 32 years concert level piano tuning by ear for many pro acts, including some of the top singers for their shows, (about ten years ago and before). I could name drop the heck out of this post, but just know I have stood next to great singers.

I KNOW singers of all levels, including myself. I am not in the top 20% of "singers". I may do alright on good nights for my style of music, (Brit Pop Rock), but nothing to take home an award for, or to always be in first place or so. I used to think I was,,,(hope mainly,,,,the "want to"). But real is real. Recordings don't lie. They enhance either good or not so good, IF you are really listening to the pros,,,,then to ourselves.

I listen to John and Paul sing a lot, (among others), and then do my songs in similar fashion,,,,,BUT no where near their skills of singing and range. Some are born to sing. I was born to do music in many ways. Once you hear and see your true self as compared to "meant-to-be-pros", it becomes obvious as to who can really do what, especially ourselves.

Those AI people are NOT in the middle, by my ears, and knowledge of vocals. The middle area is where most of us are, if being real.

Thanks for listening! That was a lot, I know. I hope most was valid.
John

Actually a Member Since 1996 or 97 (Number One Hundred Something).
https://www.soundclick.com/bands3/default.cfm?bandID=1409522