Watched and taped it Loved the opening scenes showing London's landmarks as it brought back happy memories

Our Ryan did his usual *fab* job. My sis gave me his cd for Christmas

Kurt sounds *exactly* like U2's Bono. I could close my eyes and WOW its Bono! then open my eyes and, nope, its the Hobbit hee hee (one of the judges described him as a Hobbit)

Bravo to the Arab lady who was the only person to not sing in English.

And, I must apologize profusely for our pathetic choice of a judge.... Simon-wannabe, Zack We could have sent Jake, or Farley, but nooooooooo we send *Zack* Tho I will add that the Polish judge was MUCH MUCH worse. He even tore apart Alex, the Polish contestant. She told him she hated him.

Was lost for a while wondering who the two guys were (what happened to our Ben?!?!?).

Lots of laughs. I enjoyed it.

(Edited by Persephone 06/01/2004 23:01)

I think the only one there who was deserving of the tag 'World Idol', and I was really surprised they didn't win, was Kelly Clarkson.

I think the little norwegian "hobbitt" really deserved it, he had both mine and hubby's vote (though we didn't actually pick up the phone and vote ) Always great to hear a good strong clear voice no matter what a guy or gal looks like.

I thought he sounded better than Bono, his voice gave a different crisp edge to the song - although to be fair, I don't know what he would sound like singing ballads.

Other favs were Kelly Clarkson - although the song she sounded was to trilled for my liking, her Independent Woman track is however fantastic (and I didn't know she was a pop idol winner when I first heard that )

Proud that Belgium did better than expected Go the rebel singing Nirvana tracks on a "pop" contest

Also Canada and South Africa were both mmmmm nice in their own ways (even if Mr S.A looked a little cheesy as white smile and should have lost that awful black blazer and thrown something shabbier on )

Persephone, Will Young is utter pants, he lacks the strength, emotion and natural rhythm in his voice and movement that many of the other entrants demonstrated.

I can't believe England had the gaul to subject viewers to Victoria Beckham's new track either.... Britney gets married for a stunt (allegedly) and VB gets herself onto World Idol

Question: What does "idol" actually mean. we had a few of the judges throwing fits (some bigger than others) about peoples looks and that they just didn't *look* like an idol. personally i don't think looks should in theory factor into the search for an idol. people may idolise singers for their voice and popularity rather than just plane old looks, which i thought was proven by the fact that Jurt got voted as World Idol and Michelle being voted as the British Pop Idol. People obviously like her and would buy her records, otherwise they wouldn't have voted for her. I personally think that many of the judges are shallow and that they think the vieing/voting public are as shallow as them. it aint *all* in the looks ya know.