How Jeffrey Ou made it through the first round is anyone’s guess. This may seem like an unfair assessment, but can anyone tell exactly what musical score it was that he was playing during the open call? It sounded like the score performed by the young David Helfgott right before his nervous breakdown in the movie Shine.
That is the problem with Ou; he plays like a madman. He has raw energy, but he releases it freely into his music, the finale result of which is an apparent manic episode – an apparent glimpse into Ou’s mind.
Looking at him perform, you would never think that this was the guy who cried for Rashida Jolley. This in turn ties into his other drawback: most of America only knows Ou as the guy the judges picked over Jolley, one of the early favorites to win it all.
In other words, Ou has a target on his back. When the judges made their decisions, the acts they were rejecting received more attention than all but the worst of the acts they were putting through. Jolley was in many ways an early favorite to win it all, so by arranging for Ou to be directly associated with Jolley’s rejection, they have effectively sabotaged any chance of Ou making it into the Top 10 in turn.
Ou is in a very poor position because, all things considered, there is very little he can do to convince America he deserves to be in the Top 40 and is not the insult he is presumed to be. If he tones down his act, America may disregard him as boring and forget about him. Should he once again attempt to murder his piano, however, America will consider it an insult that he was even included.
The best Ou can do, in all honesty, is perform a soft and processional piece. It won’t save him from an early elimination, but he can at least be voted off with his dignity intact.
Comments
I thinkk you need to hush upp...I realize it's yur job to report things, I really do, bc I, too, am pursuing journalism. However, I know him &* he's one of the most talented, nicest people I know. Maybe I sound biased, but that doesn't matter to me right now. It's a shame that you feel so low about yurself that you feel the need to pick on someone that has more talent than you. Do you even have any musical knowledge? I sure do;; I have years of it. You need to wise up before you want to give yur input on anything.
You are a jerk. Happening to know this kid personally, you have no idea what you are talking about! The talent that this kid has isn't even shown on the show.
I, too am someone who knows Ou personally. However, it's apparent that Christen and "you don't need to know" are bashing this review purely because it's a negative review of Jeffrey. If, indeed, "The talent that this kid has isn't even on the show", as Christen explains, then it obviously makes it more difficult for him to win if the voters and judges can't see it. As for "you don't even", It's sadly just a bunch of baseless Ad Hominem attacks.
While I want to see Jeffrey succeed and wish him all the best, I don't think this article is as baseless as the other comments make it seem, and perhaps Ou can learn what others think about him, and try to incorporate it into his performances. Keep the spirit and energy, but maybe tone it down a little.
To the writer, I understand that since people are going to get voted off it merits a more negative review of the performers, but yeah. It is kind of harsh.
you seem to have a very harsh opinion of this guy based on a performance of a song you've never heard before. have you ever touched a piano in your life?
Okay, this review is incredibly harsh and rude.
Knowing or not knowing a person means nothing, one thing Jeffrey Ou has that you probably don't have is PASSION. He plays his own music, that's the thing...his intent is not to copy but to create, ever thought of that?
You don't have talent, so you don't know what true talent is Mr. Ross... your title means absolutely nothing. What are you are is a lame version of Simon, at least Simon is good looking....
Since when do you need to have talent yourself to be able to recognize whether anyone else does or not?
Heidi Montag and Paris Hilton have passion too, but that doesn't mean they are good, and just because none of us can sing, that does not mean we are not in any position to tell them they can't either.
Really, now would be a good time for you to start growing up. I'm sure Ou is a wonderful human being, but there are plenty of people who deserve to be in the Top 40 more than he does.
I don't know why there is a smiley face;; well excuse ME, AES, I believe the last part where I mentioned being curious as to whether or not the writer has any musical knowledge was a good point, because someone who has no knowledge regarding music really cannot say what exactly he is or doing is wrong regarding his piano playing skills. &* Michael Ross, even if there are people who "there are plenty of people who deserve to be in the Top 40 more than he does", this writer could have chosen to allow his thoughts to be known in a less harsh manner. A writer, generally, wants to be appealing to their audience...this, in no way, is appealing. Please choose your words more wisely next time. If you don't like his work, then that's your opinion. However, there is a fine line between tearing someone down &* giving constructive criticism.
&* what does his mannerisms during his performance have to do with whether or not he would cry for Rashida Jolley leaving? If you're supposed to be writing about his PERFORMANCE, why would you bring such unnecessary material into the article?
Talent is just like beauty, it truly is in the eyes of the beholder. For example, you may hate Mozart and I may think he's marvelous. It's all about taste, I'm sure there are many who absolutely die to play the keyboard so full of emotion. His piano skills are quite amazing but you see, America is all about sex and girls and vulgar language so they wouldn't have fun watching his real music talent, Jeffrey has this light, being around him can completely do a 3-6-0 on somebody's day, hearing him play has brought tears to many eyes.
Heidi Montag and Paris Hilton are complete idiots, I think they truly suck but I know some whom love them dearly and think they're creative and wonderful.
And all TV shows are the same, they pick a mix of people to do different things, the thing is, I think you should realize that your words hurt this boy dearly, I barely know him and on his facebook, he has your link, I hope you like tearing people down because that is what you have done to the poorboy.
Mr. Ross-
I formally apologize for all that has been said to you on behalf of viewers out there in America but the reality is, we all do have feelings. You, a journalist are supposed to do your job but in this article it seems you have gone above and beyond to destory the ego of this great young man who aspires to study music and be great. I watch him on TV and I see the look of majesty in his eyes. He looks like a caring individual who savors the many beauties that surround us in our everyday lives. Please just don't be so critical and pinpoint everything this young man does, I'm sure he receives enough from his friends, let alone his family.
I'll have you know that boy is one of the only people I know that can play so beautifully that for just a second, life seems very tranquil and peaceful. His music is grand like a river, long and flowing freely. As a person, he is nothing less. I think the words you have said here have hurt the mentioned, Jeffrey Ou more than you can imagine. Do not get me wrong, I completely understand you're obligated to write what you think but at the end of the day you're just another person with feelings, just like the rest of us. Constructive criticism is one thing completely different from destructive criticism. He actually plans on going to the University of North Texas to study music, please don't ruin the one dream he has of making it, and making it big. Thank you. I hope you have a splendid afternoon.
Another thing, he was brave enough to get on that stage and try, he NEVER puts people down. Quite the contrary, he thinks anything is possible and he always does the most he can to aid others to have faith in their dreams.
"Jeffrey Ou, a crazy piano prodigy that I swear to God I've seen somewhere before"
and
Jeffrey Ou recieved 12%, he came in second after Ciana on an online survey.
If he's so bad, why does America like him?
I'm glad the judges let through a classical musician for once. Let's hope pianist extraordinaire Jeffrey Ou (Audition show 10) doesn't magically disappear as that amazing saxophone player from a previous season. I can't wait to hear him play on a real piano and with proper lighting and set staging. That was from tvsquad, So sweetheart, obviously somebody thinks he's got it!
Matt Carter from Dallas TV Examiner said;
24. Jeffrey Ou (piano player is quite good, but it's not entertaining enough)
Jeffrey Ou, a very eclectic pianist with classical overtones and SQ Entertainment, a dance crew from the East coast.
And that came from Fred Dame.
Just so we're clear, I do not personally wish Jeffrey Ou any ill will. This is, however, how Ou has been depicted on America's Got Talent, so even though I seriously doubt he is genuinely crazy, he should be aware that he is being portrayed as such.
Keep in mind that MILLIONS of Americans are going to be watching this. I personally wish him all the best, but as a journalist, I'm required to play the devil's advocate every now and then.
Ou is PRESENTLY being viewed as an insult act, but it is within Ou's capacity to change that. Fixing the problem, however, will require him to recognize it. That's why, for his sake, I hope he gets a chance to read this before he has to perform for America.
WOW. Jeffery Ou is my brother, and i can say that this review is completely ignorant. Like dpick mentioned,
"you seem to have a very harsh opinion of this guy based on a performance of a song you've never heard before. have you ever touched a piano in your life?"
go try to learn how to play something on the 88 keys. then put the score of the music piece he is playing in front of you and see if you could even get through the first 2 measures. how is that not talent? stop being so judgemental and critical over something that you have no idea about. if can he play this piece the way he is playing it, and you call it "talentless", then what does that make you, somebody who probably has no idea how to even read time signatures or move your fingers at 650 beats per minute
I understand what your saying as far as how America may view him, but even if that is true you cannot say if he will make the Top 10 for sure or not. Nobody is guaranteed a spot in or out as of now and you being a journalist should no better than to simply rule out a possibility based on a presumed opinion. You also have no business stating that many other people deserved to be in the Top 40 before Jeffrey. The judges decision is final and most people think it to be a very good one so do not take away from a victory by disregarding it as undeserved. Like you said earlier, the review should not be based on your opinion solely but Americas opinon as a whole, SO DO THAT, and stop adding your own commentary and claiming it to be "Americas view". While you may know Americas view, you are surely not presenting it clearly and accurately, your biased opinion is overtaking the entire article.
I just wanted to agree with everyone who posted here. This guy seems like a real talent, and to even able any of these acts as "insults" is ridiculous and outlandish. Your reviews are utterly garbage, and have absolutely no source of merit. By receiving this job with no formal education is the real insult.
Im a good friend of jeffry's, and that may very make me biased. But i am also a music lover and know both art and what i like. Jeff represents both of these things. He is extraordinarily talented (which is more than i can say for you, when it comes to writing), and if america is not simply a pack of petty revenge seekers (one can only hope), they will see this and put him through. as for you, find a different line of work. Your opinion doesn't need to be heard
dude i dont know if you guys agree but Jeffrey really should try playing the dark themes from various video games to get those type of fans to totally kick in his fan base certain songs like themes from final fantasy 7 the shinra mansion theme or other games with dark Latin themes so that it would complement his awesome craziness while he plays. well i dont know if hed be interested at all but i know a lot of people who can get him tons more votes
No offense, but I hope the next guy that challenges me to try the piano for myself gets struck by lightning.
No, I can't play the piano, but that doesn't mean I can't recognize whether or not someone else can. Jeffrey did restore some of his dignity during his first performance, but the only reason he got through is because his piano got unplugged and America felt sorry for him. He DESERVED a second chance, but he didn't EARN it.
God help Ou if he takes Sharon's advice and comes back as "the mad professor." The only two people that want to see Ou become a maniac once again are the two people that should find themselves in the unemployment line at the end of this season; Sharon Osbourne and David Hasselhoff's advice is NEVER to be taken seriously.
Michael Ross, You are not a pianist, and Your opinion possibly is not very interesting for these guests here. But I've been a professional concert pianist for many years now and Ou's making it to semifinals was a spit into my musical ear.
First, he was banging the piano, then he performed a Canon (which is doable for any child in 2nd grade) on a very poor average level, showing only skill he got - memorising the text. Then he got to Elton John and BLESS THE GOD, he was then disconnected. My ears felt like born again. Then came the results... Together with the great compassion to whole world of music I felt a great disgrace of America's Knowledge in music performing. The average amateur may be a hero for those, who never touched the piano, but the whole world of professional musicians will possibly take it as a deep insult, that he was put in front of Rashida (she was SO great in playing harp and singing, while Jeffrey was nobody in everything he did on the stage) and BRI.
Regard
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!