Debbie Stewart wrote on Mar 19, 2006 10:32 AM:
" Ayla was set up from the first week in L.A. by Simon. He spoke about her in terms of "everything coming easy" for her and even showing her Mom, Gayle sitting there shaking her head "no" wasn't going to help. The image was set in stone. It is too bad that contestants are not able to be judged on talent alone, but I guess that is Hollywood for you. My vote now will go to Chris or Taylor, two guys I hope will remain true to who they are and not change due to pressure. Keep going Alya, you have what it takes to make it on whatever road you choose to travel. "
Ayla Fan wrote on Mar 13, 2006 1:28 PM:
" Simon made it clear - be blonde, cutesy, dumb and have a hard luck story - and you are an American Idol. Ayla - you were great, but let your intelligence and grace take you to a higher ground. You've got the world in the palm of your hands. "
Helen Barclay wrote on Mar 11, 2006 11:35 PM:
" Yes, it was completely her "perfect" annoying image that did her in. She was also partly responsible for that. When she spoke in her video's or to Ryan after her performances, she always mentioned something about how perfect she was - basket ball scholarship, straight a's, her dad playing football in her video like JFK, ect. Simon said it best, she sounded empty & robotic. And she did. She sounded like she was interviewing for The Apprentice - they were more talking points, rather than "real" genuine moments. "