What are your thoughts on flashes of the family sitting in the audience on the overall perception of the singer?
David's family always seems enthusiastic. Chikezie's Mom was so into his performance. Brooke's hubby always looks like he's beaming. Ramille's parents were always grinning ear to ear. Carly's husband doesn't seem to smile. David A.s father is always wearing a ball cap (inside) and he has already been tagged a "stage dad".
Do you feel this has an weight on the vote count?

Actually, I was really excited to see David's family for this show and his brother looked really excited to be there haha.

I think it really reminds us watching that these idol's are real people. They're not actors or professionals, they're everyday American's just trying to make it to the top.

I think it's wonderful that family is shown. I think it means a lot for the contestant to know he or she has family in the audience.

Anyone know on which episode I can catch a glimpse of Carly's husband? I've heard a lot about his tattoos on the news articles and how "she loses 1,000 votes every time they show him", but I've never seen him. I guess I only pay close attention when Cookie is on.

i'm pretty sure they show him every time she performs.
and yes his tattoos are something..
they're literally everywhere..
his face included...


but hey, if he likes it.. that's fine with me

I don't know how you can miss him! He's covered in tattoos.. even on his face! lol. Check the last episode, From Tuesday (inspirational songs)... I know for sure I saw him on that one.

What's funny is that they try to make him invisible. It always says "Carly's friends and husband" or something along those lines, and the "friends" are always visible, but the hubby is usually cast in some shadow like he's the Elephant Man or something. I didn't notice this until it was pointed out in a recap on Television Without Pity, and I went back and watched a few of Carly's performances just to see, and it's true! Funny stuff.

Hmmm...I don't notice them trying to make him invisible.

And I really don't see anything wrong with him either.

She loves him, and look at her...just from looks, you can tell that they fit together. I think it's cute.

Wow, I just saw her audition video which shows a lot of him and he looks crazy. They must be casting him in a shadow because I had never noticed him in the audience.

i notice him EVERY week in the audience. Especially after Carly's performances.

I love seeing their families
it sort of shows you that these people are...I don't know, real?

huh y does she lose 1,000 votes everythime they show him???

I love that they show their families, too. I'm sure it means a lot to the contestants to have their families there, especially if the judges are particularly snarky. Also, if they're nervous they can focus on their families while performing. I love seeing David's mom beaming at him, and usually Andrew. Good for them for being there. It's nice that they're able to be there. I'm sure that it's a hardship for some families. Remember Eliot Yamin's mom had to sleep on folks' sofas to afford to be there for Eliot?