Two more nights to go, and I’m having withdrawals already. Tonight, the hopefuls sang three songs each: one song chosen by a judge; one song selected by the contestant and the last song chosen by the producers.
Round One -- Judges Pick
OK, so I missed the first 10 minutes of tonight’s show (long story), so someone will have to fill me in on lil D’s performance.
But I came in just as Syesha sang Randy’s pick for her: Alicia Key’s “If I Can’t Have You”. I thought she did a good job –she sounded youthful and contemporary. It was a song everybody knows. Good pick.
Randy: I thought this was a good pick for you; you did an amazing job. That’s why you’re in the top three.
Paula: blah blah blah
Simon: You sang it very well, but I wish Randy had chosen a song that didn’t force you to sound like the original. But you look amazing. [Translation: we can sell the heck out of your body.]
Simon chose Roberta Flack’s “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” for David Cook, who was obviously shocked when the choice was revealed. To Simon’s credit, it is one of those folksy ballads that can be interpreted a number of ways –which is David’s strength.
Johnny Cash put a twang to it
Leona Lewis put some English soul to it
And true to form, David put the DC spin on it.
Randy: I wish Simon hadn’t picked something so predictable and traditional. I want the rocker. [I don’t think Randy was listening. The edge was definitely there.]
Paula: blah blah blah
Simon: one of your best performances. [I disagree –not the best. Let’s not forget “Hello” from 80s night and “Always Be My Baby” from Mariah Carey night.]
Round Two – Contestant’s Pick
OK, if there was ever any doubt that David Archuleta is NOT ready for prime time, his performance of cutie patootie Chris Brown’s “With You” was proof. He looked uncomfortable. The dancing was pitiful. It just all seemed so contrived and forced -- like Taylor Hicks trying to sing Bobby Brown. For those of you who have not heard of Chris Brown (and I can’t imagine who you are), this is how that song is supposed to sound.
Randy: I applaud the fact you’re trying something young and hip, but it wasn’t believable. [true dat!]
Paula: …
Simon: It was a little like a Chihuahua trying to be a Tiger, It’s not really you. It was a bit awkward – the dancing. [Translation: You’d never make it on MTV.]
Syesha chose “Fever” by Peggy Lee. OK, my issue now with Syesha is that she’s talking too much. She spent three months barely saying a word and now she’s chatty Cathy. “I wanted to use the cherrrrrr,” she purred. She’s too old for the baby talk. And out of all the songs in all the world, she chooses a song originally written in 1937. Now, she’s been singing Whitney and Mariah all competition long, but tonight she goes old school??? I’m reminded of Katharine McPhee’s writhing- on-the-floor performance of “Black Horse and the Cherry Tree.” True –sex sells. But Beyonce’s sexiness sells today, not Eartha Kitt’s.
Randy: interesting choice [translation: what’s with the sexy thang?] but you sang it well
Paula: repeat of Randy, which is basically what she does
Simon: You’ll regret that choice. Instead of showing your contemporary side, you gave a cabaret performance. [too bad]
David chose a song I’d never heard of “Dare You to Move” by a band I’d never heard of, Switchfoot. The only issue I had with this choice is that for the first time, he chose a song that he absolutely did not have to alter to fit his style. This song IS his style.
Randy: wasn’t your best tonight. A little pitchy. [dude!]
Paula: …
Simon: not the best melodic song. All three of you had an OK middle round…
Which brings us to Round Three: producers pick
Lil D was given “Longer” by Dan Folgerberg. This is soooo him, which doesn’t say much. It’s like the Dem primaries – forget the delegate count; who’s the most electable? In this case, who will sell records? Not this guy. Also, was it just me or were the background vocals amazing on this song?? I think the backup singers stole this show.
Randy: you could sing the phone book; another hot one from you
Simon: not going to criticize you; however the song and lyrics were horrible. Something you choose for a 90 year old and you’re 17. [my point exactly …] But you’ve done enough to get into the finals. [unfortunately so]
Syesha sang Gia Farrell’s “Hit Me Up” from the Happy Feet soundtrack. After this breathy performance, I’m not sure Sy Baby is ready for prime time either. If Beyonce can dance full-throttle in heels for three hours while singing live, surely Syesha can sing three songs (not even consecutively) without running out of breath. Come on!
Randy: just OK
Simon: Better than the second song, but [and I’m paraphrasing here] not good enough to make it to the final two.
David Cook sang Aerosmith’s “I Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing” (from the Armageddon soundtrack) Now, I love, love, love Aerosmith so he could have just mouthed the lyrics and I would have been happy. But he did a good job. All the judges were on target here…
Randy: predictable [true]
Paula: testimony to amazing songwriters like Dianne Warren (who was in the audience). We’ll see you in the finals [true]
Simon: David Cook wins tonight [absolutely]
So who wins next week … I don’t know. I really don’t. America will either vote with their hearts (lil D) or heads (DC). The only thing is –for me—David Cook is not really an amateur. He’s already had a professional singing career –first as lead singer of Axium, voted best band in Kansas City in 2004 (lisa, is that a blog post?) and then as a solo artist. It’s like when the Olympic basketball Dream Team beat up on all those poor countries during 1992 games – just didn’t seem like a fair fight.
I-dol Loves Rock and Roll
Put another dime in the jukebox baby ... It’s rock n roll night for the final four. Just one question – what do you call all that other stuff they’ve been singing for the past three months?
Round One
So David C. kicked off the show with Duran Duran’s “Hungry Like the Wolf.” For those of us over the age of 18, hearing him talk about the song being released the same year he was born was a bit depressing. And for me, his performance of it wasn’t much better. It was so basic – so cover band. For those of us who cut our teeth on androgynous English bands – you gotta come better than that to impress us.
Randy: OK choice and solid performance but overall, just OK
Paula: Your Hungry Like the Wolf left me with a big appetite
Simon: a little bit copycat. Didn’t make it your own. But it was good enough to make it through to next week.
Syesha singing “Proud Mary” I just want her to tackle less iconic songs and artists. She’s not THAT good. [And tonight’s performance really proved that point.] Her best performance was when she chose one of Mariah Carey’s more obscure songs and worked it out. Her critics are right – she does come off a bit Obamish “I looked in the mirror and said ‘Syesha, just do it.’” Really? Is that what you said?
Randy: Second week Syesha has shown up and Syesha is in the house
Paula: You look like a star
Simon: Bad, shrieky version; a bad impersonation of Tina Turner
[I have to go with Simon on this one. It really wasn’t very good – and that dress was fugly.]
Jason Castro sang Bob Marley’s “I Shot the Sheriff.” Let me break something down for you Jason -- just because your hair is twisted in nasty turd plaits does not you a rasta make. Get over yourself. And get a freakin haircut. Bob Marley is turning over right now.
Randy: a really karaoke Bob Marley; there was nothing special about it. At this point, you have to prove you deserve to be here.
Paula: I wasn’t crazy about the performance or the song, but you’re so real and so genuine. [Paula, just say it – you suck.]
Simon: utterly atrocious. That’s a song you do not touch …. That was honestly a first-round audition massacre.
[Unfortunately, he’ll be here next week.]
David A. sang Sam Cooke’s “Stand by Me.” OK, This kid annoys the crap out of me, but this tribute to Cooke, one of my favorite crossover artists , was off the chain! I loved his riffs and runs and how he even brought in some new school flavor with that Sean Kingston "Beautiful Girls" reference.
Randy: At least there’s one guy on the stage trying to win. It was hot! [I agree]
Paula: womp womp womp womp womp womp.
Simon: Best performance so far. You could have whistled the last song and it would have sounded better than the last song. [Ouch!]
Round Two
I have to give David C. credit for choosing a song that not too many people know --“Teenage Wasteland” by The Who. Unlike dumb and dumber (Syesha and Jason) who chose songs that few people had NOT heard, David let the audience judge his performance rather than his performance of that particular song. The judges were pleased.
Randy: Be you cause you were great.
Paula: I want more. [Yeah, I bet you do Paula]
Simon: Welcome back David Cook.
Syesha. I give up. First of all, this girl is comparing her run on American Idol with the Civil Rights Movement. Pu-leeeeese! And THEN she has the audacity to sing one of the most moving, the most pivotal, the most significant songs of this century – Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come.” You can’t even hear the intro to that song without getting teary-eyed. It is NOT an American Idol song. And THEN she butchered the ending. That was just sacrilege.
Randy: The first song I loved. This one –not as much. Didn’t like the arrangement or the vocals. Sam Cooke is the greatest singer in life – you didn’t need to change it.
Paula: For me, you turned this into a superstar performance.
Simon: Agreed with Paula. Randy got it wrong. I thought you sang it really, really well.
[What?! I am in disbelief.
Syesha…. Shut up! So she’s crying and talking about how important this is to her, and then she feels the need to educate America on the Civil Rights Movement because you know, she “researched” it before her performance. She’s my new least favorite.]
Jason, Jason, Jason. Finally, you choose a song and an artist that embodies your weirdness, I mean style, and you forget the lyrics!!!! I'm gonna tell Wayne Brady.
Randy: How do you think that was? [It’s never a good sign when the judges ask you how you think you did.]
Paula: It didn’t blow me away, but you blow me away.
Simon: Pack your suitcase.
[He’ll be here next week. I mean, this kid should have BEEN gone, but the Jo-Bro (that’s Jonas Brothers for all you non-parents) crowd thinks he’s sooooo cute and keeps blowing up the voting hotline.]
David does Elvis [sounds like a George Michael-inspired B-movie]
Again, I say … this kid is a radio star [can you see him in a video on MTV? Or guest-starring on The Hills?] But man, can this little guy blow!
Randy: Hot vocals of the night.
Paula: One of my favorite performances from you.
Simon: You didn’t beat the competition; you crushed the competition. [again … ouch!]
Personally, I wish we could vote Jason AND Syesha off and skip next week. This thing has dragged on like the Democratic primaries. Enough already! Let the Davids face-off – if we must (we know David A is going to win, and David C. will continue his career – did you know he already has an album? – only with a sweeter contract) but let’s get it over with. And this year’s finale better be good. No guest appearances by anyone over the age of 60 and/or a member of the Beatles. :)
Round One
So David C. kicked off the show with Duran Duran’s “Hungry Like the Wolf.” For those of us over the age of 18, hearing him talk about the song being released the same year he was born was a bit depressing. And for me, his performance of it wasn’t much better. It was so basic – so cover band. For those of us who cut our teeth on androgynous English bands – you gotta come better than that to impress us.
Randy: OK choice and solid performance but overall, just OK
Paula: Your Hungry Like the Wolf left me with a big appetite
Simon: a little bit copycat. Didn’t make it your own. But it was good enough to make it through to next week.
Syesha singing “Proud Mary” I just want her to tackle less iconic songs and artists. She’s not THAT good. [And tonight’s performance really proved that point.] Her best performance was when she chose one of Mariah Carey’s more obscure songs and worked it out. Her critics are right – she does come off a bit Obamish “I looked in the mirror and said ‘Syesha, just do it.’” Really? Is that what you said?
Randy: Second week Syesha has shown up and Syesha is in the house
Paula: You look like a star
Simon: Bad, shrieky version; a bad impersonation of Tina Turner
[I have to go with Simon on this one. It really wasn’t very good – and that dress was fugly.]
Jason Castro sang Bob Marley’s “I Shot the Sheriff.” Let me break something down for you Jason -- just because your hair is twisted in nasty turd plaits does not you a rasta make. Get over yourself. And get a freakin haircut. Bob Marley is turning over right now.
Randy: a really karaoke Bob Marley; there was nothing special about it. At this point, you have to prove you deserve to be here.
Paula: I wasn’t crazy about the performance or the song, but you’re so real and so genuine. [Paula, just say it – you suck.]
Simon: utterly atrocious. That’s a song you do not touch …. That was honestly a first-round audition massacre.
[Unfortunately, he’ll be here next week.]
David A. sang Sam Cooke’s “Stand by Me.” OK, This kid annoys the crap out of me, but this tribute to Cooke, one of my favorite crossover artists , was off the chain! I loved his riffs and runs and how he even brought in some new school flavor with that Sean Kingston "Beautiful Girls" reference.
Randy: At least there’s one guy on the stage trying to win. It was hot! [I agree]
Paula: womp womp womp womp womp womp.
Simon: Best performance so far. You could have whistled the last song and it would have sounded better than the last song. [Ouch!]
Round Two
I have to give David C. credit for choosing a song that not too many people know --“Teenage Wasteland” by The Who. Unlike dumb and dumber (Syesha and Jason) who chose songs that few people had NOT heard, David let the audience judge his performance rather than his performance of that particular song. The judges were pleased.
Randy: Be you cause you were great.
Paula: I want more. [Yeah, I bet you do Paula]
Simon: Welcome back David Cook.
Syesha. I give up. First of all, this girl is comparing her run on American Idol with the Civil Rights Movement. Pu-leeeeese! And THEN she has the audacity to sing one of the most moving, the most pivotal, the most significant songs of this century – Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come.” You can’t even hear the intro to that song without getting teary-eyed. It is NOT an American Idol song. And THEN she butchered the ending. That was just sacrilege.
Randy: The first song I loved. This one –not as much. Didn’t like the arrangement or the vocals. Sam Cooke is the greatest singer in life – you didn’t need to change it.
Paula: For me, you turned this into a superstar performance.
Simon: Agreed with Paula. Randy got it wrong. I thought you sang it really, really well.
[What?! I am in disbelief.
Syesha…. Shut up! So she’s crying and talking about how important this is to her, and then she feels the need to educate America on the Civil Rights Movement because you know, she “researched” it before her performance. She’s my new least favorite.]
Jason, Jason, Jason. Finally, you choose a song and an artist that embodies your weirdness, I mean style, and you forget the lyrics!!!! I'm gonna tell Wayne Brady.
Randy: How do you think that was? [It’s never a good sign when the judges ask you how you think you did.]
Paula: It didn’t blow me away, but you blow me away.
Simon: Pack your suitcase.
[He’ll be here next week. I mean, this kid should have BEEN gone, but the Jo-Bro (that’s Jonas Brothers for all you non-parents) crowd thinks he’s sooooo cute and keeps blowing up the voting hotline.]
David does Elvis [sounds like a George Michael-inspired B-movie]
Again, I say … this kid is a radio star [can you see him in a video on MTV? Or guest-starring on The Hills?] But man, can this little guy blow!
Randy: Hot vocals of the night.
Paula: One of my favorite performances from you.
Simon: You didn’t beat the competition; you crushed the competition. [again … ouch!]
Personally, I wish we could vote Jason AND Syesha off and skip next week. This thing has dragged on like the Democratic primaries. Enough already! Let the Davids face-off – if we must (we know David A is going to win, and David C. will continue his career – did you know he already has an album? – only with a sweeter contract) but let’s get it over with. And this year’s finale better be good. No guest appearances by anyone over the age of 60 and/or a member of the Beatles. :)
Diamond in the Rough
The hopefuls got to sing two songs each tonight, but the catch -- they both had to be Neil Diamond songs. Like so many of the great songwriters, Diamond’s songs only became famous after being covered by other artists. For instance UB40’s “Red Red Wine,” Barbra Streisand’s "You Don’t Bring Me Flowers" or Urge Overkill’s “Girl, You’ll be a Woman Soon” from Pulp Fiction. Would the contestants fare as well?
Round One [The contestants weren’t officially “judged” until after their second performance, although Ryan allowed them a very brief critique before cutting to commercial.]
Jason Castro kicked off the night with “Forever in Blue Jeans” during which he shocked everyone by strumming a guitar!
Randy: OK
Simon: not good
David Cook rocked out to “I’m Alive.” It really could have been a Grammy performance. He’s the only contestant left with any originality or with any understanding of what it takes to be a star. You can’t just cover a song. You have to own it. Jennifer Hudson didn’t just re-sing “And I Am Telling You.” She sAng it – so well it brought the ditty’s original songstress out of retirement to try to reclaim her Diva crown.
Randy: great
Simon: just above average
Brooke White’s first attempt was “I’m a Believer,” during which she, too, stunned America by strumming the guitar. I liked Eddie Murphy’s rendition in Shrek much better. It was, pun intended, more believable.
Randy: better than last week, still karaoke
Simon: a nightmare
David A. decided to sing “Sweet Caroline” and actually put a little soul into it. America
and September Morn
Randy: the bomb
Simon: all right
Syesha Mercado sang “Hello Again.” Vocally, I thought she did an OK job. I have to admit… I now see what some critics have said about her Diva-like attitude. She does seem to pick the Whitney-esque songs, which would be fine if … she could sing like Whitney. But she’s not there yet. Pick an easy song for once girl!
Randy: good vocals but not your best
Simon: old fashioned
Paula got so confused, she commented on David’s two song choices before he had even sung the second. If tonight wasn’t proof that this woman is ripe for an intervention, I don’t know what is. She obviously has no family or friends or they would have pulled a Dr. Phil on her ass a long time ago.
Round Two
Huh? Oh sorry, I dozed off for a minute while Jason Castro was singing “September Morn.” Is that the taste of throw-up in my mouth?
Randy: Duuuuude. Nuff said.
Simon: There was no attempt to make the arrangement your own. You struggled through both performances.
David Cook tried to show us his soft side on “All I Really Need Is You.” But it wasn’t really “soft.” I would have liked to see him step outside his Creed comfort zone and sing something really soft and/or bluesy. But all in all, he still stands head and shoulders above the rest of those guys.
Randy: You rocked the house.
Simon: I thought the first song was OK. I thought the second song was brilliant. You made it sound like that song was made this year.
Brooke White. I want to smack her. She wrote the “tricky lyrics” to “I Am I Said” in her palm so she wouldn’t forget. And then she really went crazy and … played the piano. She is so not Sara Bareilles.
Randy: tough vocals, nice job
Simon: really, really hated the first song. But this is the Brooke we like. It wasn’t incredible but it was a million times better than the first song. Well done.
What the he&*!! kinda backhanded compliment was that?!
The All-American boy sang “America.” I’m as patriotic as the next gal, but this song annoys the crap out of me. And even more so when Gizmo sings it.
Randy: I think Randy has a boy crush on this kid. He never had a bad word to say.
Simon: That was a smart choice of song. Very clever.
[Notice – I haven’t included any Paula comments because she has become so irrelevant, I’d be surprised if she lasts another season. She’s like the Janice Dickinson of the show – so over-the-top that the joke (which is always on her) isn’t even funny anymore.]
Syesha tried to channel her inner Tina Turner with “Thank the Lord for the Nighttime.”
She’s no Tina either…
Randy: I like you in this. He’s pretty much destined her to be cut with all his “you’d be perfect for Broadway” references.
Paula (I have to note this – said Syesha could be a mix between Corinne Bailey Rae and Minnie Riperton (who, by the way, is SNL Maya Rudolph’s mom) Is Paula for real???? Yeah, Real crazy.)
Simon: I think you might be in trouble tonight. I don’t think you had a really memorable second song like the others tonight.
Simon’s right. Syesha is going home tomorrow. Jason Castro deserves to go, but he won’t. Brooke will go next week. Then Jason. It’ll come down to the two Davids and David Archuleta will win. BUT David Cook will be the only one to have a sustainable career.
Round One [The contestants weren’t officially “judged” until after their second performance, although Ryan allowed them a very brief critique before cutting to commercial.]
Jason Castro kicked off the night with “Forever in Blue Jeans” during which he shocked everyone by strumming a guitar!
Randy: OK
Simon: not good
David Cook rocked out to “I’m Alive.” It really could have been a Grammy performance. He’s the only contestant left with any originality or with any understanding of what it takes to be a star. You can’t just cover a song. You have to own it. Jennifer Hudson didn’t just re-sing “And I Am Telling You.” She sAng it – so well it brought the ditty’s original songstress out of retirement to try to reclaim her Diva crown.
Randy: great
Simon: just above average
Brooke White’s first attempt was “I’m a Believer,” during which she, too, stunned America by strumming the guitar. I liked Eddie Murphy’s rendition in Shrek much better. It was, pun intended, more believable.
Randy: better than last week, still karaoke
Simon: a nightmare
David A. decided to sing “Sweet Caroline” and actually put a little soul into it. America
and September Morn
Randy: the bomb
Simon: all right
Syesha Mercado sang “Hello Again.” Vocally, I thought she did an OK job. I have to admit… I now see what some critics have said about her Diva-like attitude. She does seem to pick the Whitney-esque songs, which would be fine if … she could sing like Whitney. But she’s not there yet. Pick an easy song for once girl!
Randy: good vocals but not your best
Simon: old fashioned
Paula got so confused, she commented on David’s two song choices before he had even sung the second. If tonight wasn’t proof that this woman is ripe for an intervention, I don’t know what is. She obviously has no family or friends or they would have pulled a Dr. Phil on her ass a long time ago.
Round Two
Huh? Oh sorry, I dozed off for a minute while Jason Castro was singing “September Morn.” Is that the taste of throw-up in my mouth?
Randy: Duuuuude. Nuff said.
Simon: There was no attempt to make the arrangement your own. You struggled through both performances.
David Cook tried to show us his soft side on “All I Really Need Is You.” But it wasn’t really “soft.” I would have liked to see him step outside his Creed comfort zone and sing something really soft and/or bluesy. But all in all, he still stands head and shoulders above the rest of those guys.
Randy: You rocked the house.
Simon: I thought the first song was OK. I thought the second song was brilliant. You made it sound like that song was made this year.
Brooke White. I want to smack her. She wrote the “tricky lyrics” to “I Am I Said” in her palm so she wouldn’t forget. And then she really went crazy and … played the piano. She is so not Sara Bareilles.
Randy: tough vocals, nice job
Simon: really, really hated the first song. But this is the Brooke we like. It wasn’t incredible but it was a million times better than the first song. Well done.
What the he&*!! kinda backhanded compliment was that?!
The All-American boy sang “America.” I’m as patriotic as the next gal, but this song annoys the crap out of me. And even more so when Gizmo sings it.
Randy: I think Randy has a boy crush on this kid. He never had a bad word to say.
Simon: That was a smart choice of song. Very clever.
[Notice – I haven’t included any Paula comments because she has become so irrelevant, I’d be surprised if she lasts another season. She’s like the Janice Dickinson of the show – so over-the-top that the joke (which is always on her) isn’t even funny anymore.]
Syesha tried to channel her inner Tina Turner with “Thank the Lord for the Nighttime.”
She’s no Tina either…
Randy: I like you in this. He’s pretty much destined her to be cut with all his “you’d be perfect for Broadway” references.
Paula (I have to note this – said Syesha could be a mix between Corinne Bailey Rae and Minnie Riperton (who, by the way, is SNL Maya Rudolph’s mom) Is Paula for real???? Yeah, Real crazy.)
Simon: I think you might be in trouble tonight. I don’t think you had a really memorable second song like the others tonight.
Simon’s right. Syesha is going home tomorrow. Jason Castro deserves to go, but he won’t. Brooke will go next week. Then Jason. It’ll come down to the two Davids and David Archuleta will win. BUT David Cook will be the only one to have a sustainable career.
They Say the Neon Lights Are Bright ...
Dust off your tap shoes and practice your jazz hands. It’s Broadway night kids!
The Idol-hopefuls traveled to Las Vegas to get schooled by this week’s inspiration and celebrity mentor, the legendary Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber.
At the start of the show, Randy predicted that this would be the most difficult week of the competition. And for some it was. But others saw this as an opportunity to shine.
Enter Syesha Mercado.
Syesha’s choice of “One Rock n Roll Too Many” from the New Starlight Express was ironic considering she doled out just enough rock n roll to please the crowd and the judges. Randy said it was her best performance ever. Simon said it was the first time her personality came through and called the performance “very sexy.” And for good reason. They straightened her hair into a sultry 20s updo and poured her into a fire engine red dress. Combine that with animated and near-flawless vocals and this could be the performance that gives her that “New Hampshire bump” she needs to stay viable in this contest. She’s still tops for me, and I still think she’s the only one left in this contest (besides maybe David Cook) who is actually marketable.
Jason, Jason, Jason. “Memories?!” Lord Webber says he never imagined a guy with dreadlocks singing “Memories.” (from Cats) In fact, the singer gave Webber “a little bit of a jolt.” On Jason’s interpretation of the classic, “He kind of understood it, I think” After this pitiful attempt, Jason might as well be singing about his stint on the show cuz surely this is his last night. Randy called his vocals “a bit of a train wreck.” But he was really nice about it. Even Paula couldn’t clean this up… Simon said it seemed forced and suggested that both he and Jason were miserable during what he suspected were “the longest two minutes of [Jason’s] life.”
Brooke White, the resident hippie, chose “You Must Love Me” from Evita. Webber said he didn’t think Brooke “had a clue what she was singing about.” Thankfully, he filled her in. This was a good choice. Evita was made into a mainstream movie and so most people remember Madonna’s rendition of the song. Not hard to compete with the vocal stylings of the Material Girl. Or is it? She started off strong but started to unravel midway. Paula’s criticism was that she stopped mid-verse and started again (Brooke said because she forgot the words) BUT interestingly enough, Brooke was praised for stopping and starting again three weeks ago. Simon called it brave again this week. But this critic calls it sloppy. Kind of like Paula was during the rest of her critique. What the heck was she talking about?????
OK, how many kids are in David A’s family?? I keep forgetting he’s Mormon. Not that I find anything wrong with Mormonism. My issue is with having that many kids – period.
So David tackled “Think of Me” from Phantom of the Opera. It was OK -- very “adult contemporary.” Like if Michael Bolton were to sing Broadway. Randy says he’s the one to beat and Simon called his performance “pleasant” adding that it was not his strongest. L’il David has skills, no doubt about it. I just don’t know if they will easily transfer to a mainstream (and mostly young, fickle and Pop-crazy) audience.
Maybe he and his 8,000 siblings can form a Mormon Jackson 5.
Carly Smithson started to sing a Phantom song, but Lord Webber stopped her and persuaded her to sing “Superstar” from Jesus Christ Superstar instead, She looked the part. (I want that dress) She sang the part. And she almost won the part. Simon called it one of the best performances of the night. Girls 2, Boys 0.
*But then she flashed her “Simon Loves Me (this week)” T-shirt and lost half a point. How presumptuous! Girls 1.5, Boys, 0. With last week’s “come on over” gesture to safe but definitely not sound David A and then this week’s T-shirt stunt, she’s turning into the one (everyone wants) to beat.
David Cook ended the show with “Music of the Night” from Phantom. Webber (who I am LOVING for his British/theatrical candor. He could give Simon a run for his money.) said if David could show some emotion when he sings “maybe it will work.” Dang Andy, tell us how you really feel. I’m normally a David Cook fan, but I didn’t get this performance. It’s one of those songs that, I think, needs the set and costuming to bring it to life. But the judges thought otherwise and gave him a very positive critique. But hey, I like Big David, so hopefully he’ll stick around for another week.
By the way, what happened to the green-powered finale?
If “America” chooses reason over “rhyme,” then Brooke, Jason and David Cook will be in the bottom three. And Jason will go home.
But I have a feeling the bottom three will be Brooke, Jason and Syesha (I don’t know why “America” isn’t feeling Syesha). Jason will unfortunately stick around for another week. And they’ll go ahead and send Brooke home.
The Idol-hopefuls traveled to Las Vegas to get schooled by this week’s inspiration and celebrity mentor, the legendary Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber.
At the start of the show, Randy predicted that this would be the most difficult week of the competition. And for some it was. But others saw this as an opportunity to shine.
Enter Syesha Mercado.
Syesha’s choice of “One Rock n Roll Too Many” from the New Starlight Express was ironic considering she doled out just enough rock n roll to please the crowd and the judges. Randy said it was her best performance ever. Simon said it was the first time her personality came through and called the performance “very sexy.” And for good reason. They straightened her hair into a sultry 20s updo and poured her into a fire engine red dress. Combine that with animated and near-flawless vocals and this could be the performance that gives her that “New Hampshire bump” she needs to stay viable in this contest. She’s still tops for me, and I still think she’s the only one left in this contest (besides maybe David Cook) who is actually marketable.
Jason, Jason, Jason. “Memories?!” Lord Webber says he never imagined a guy with dreadlocks singing “Memories.” (from Cats) In fact, the singer gave Webber “a little bit of a jolt.” On Jason’s interpretation of the classic, “He kind of understood it, I think” After this pitiful attempt, Jason might as well be singing about his stint on the show cuz surely this is his last night. Randy called his vocals “a bit of a train wreck.” But he was really nice about it. Even Paula couldn’t clean this up… Simon said it seemed forced and suggested that both he and Jason were miserable during what he suspected were “the longest two minutes of [Jason’s] life.”
Brooke White, the resident hippie, chose “You Must Love Me” from Evita. Webber said he didn’t think Brooke “had a clue what she was singing about.” Thankfully, he filled her in. This was a good choice. Evita was made into a mainstream movie and so most people remember Madonna’s rendition of the song. Not hard to compete with the vocal stylings of the Material Girl. Or is it? She started off strong but started to unravel midway. Paula’s criticism was that she stopped mid-verse and started again (Brooke said because she forgot the words) BUT interestingly enough, Brooke was praised for stopping and starting again three weeks ago. Simon called it brave again this week. But this critic calls it sloppy. Kind of like Paula was during the rest of her critique. What the heck was she talking about?????
OK, how many kids are in David A’s family?? I keep forgetting he’s Mormon. Not that I find anything wrong with Mormonism. My issue is with having that many kids – period.
So David tackled “Think of Me” from Phantom of the Opera. It was OK -- very “adult contemporary.” Like if Michael Bolton were to sing Broadway. Randy says he’s the one to beat and Simon called his performance “pleasant” adding that it was not his strongest. L’il David has skills, no doubt about it. I just don’t know if they will easily transfer to a mainstream (and mostly young, fickle and Pop-crazy) audience.
Maybe he and his 8,000 siblings can form a Mormon Jackson 5.
Carly Smithson started to sing a Phantom song, but Lord Webber stopped her and persuaded her to sing “Superstar” from Jesus Christ Superstar instead, She looked the part. (I want that dress) She sang the part. And she almost won the part. Simon called it one of the best performances of the night. Girls 2, Boys 0.
*But then she flashed her “Simon Loves Me (this week)” T-shirt and lost half a point. How presumptuous! Girls 1.5, Boys, 0. With last week’s “come on over” gesture to safe but definitely not sound David A and then this week’s T-shirt stunt, she’s turning into the one (everyone wants) to beat.
David Cook ended the show with “Music of the Night” from Phantom. Webber (who I am LOVING for his British/theatrical candor. He could give Simon a run for his money.) said if David could show some emotion when he sings “maybe it will work.” Dang Andy, tell us how you really feel. I’m normally a David Cook fan, but I didn’t get this performance. It’s one of those songs that, I think, needs the set and costuming to bring it to life. But the judges thought otherwise and gave him a very positive critique. But hey, I like Big David, so hopefully he’ll stick around for another week.
By the way, what happened to the green-powered finale?
If “America” chooses reason over “rhyme,” then Brooke, Jason and David Cook will be in the bottom three. And Jason will go home.
But I have a feeling the bottom three will be Brooke, Jason and Syesha (I don’t know why “America” isn’t feeling Syesha). Jason will unfortunately stick around for another week. And they’ll go ahead and send Brooke home.
Come to MiMi
Me and Mariah
Go back like
babies with pacifiers
RIPODB
Go back like
babies with pacifiers
RIPODB
So, tonight’s celebrity coach is the one, the only Mariah Carey (see Six Degrees). Of course, it’s no coincidence that the high-octave diva was scheduled for tonight’s contest. Her 11th studio album E=MC2 dropped today (I pre-ordered last weekend, so it should be arriving soon! I’ll post a review later) as one of the most highly anticipated releases of the year. OK, moderately anticipated. And in homage to MiMi, the Idols are tackling some of her greatest hits, of which (by the way) there are some 18 number ones – more than any other solo artist in history. Plus she’s Randy Jackson’s BFF and FND (favorite name drop).
Interestingly enough, Ryan opened up the show with a “disclaimer” about last week’s elimination. He warned “America” that apathetic voting could cause another fan favorite to go home early. Hey – the Democrats should use that line.
Mariah showed up in true diva fashion – little dog in tow. But I was impressed at how fully clothed she was. And I was also impressed that she was actually giving the contestants real vocal coaching. Talk about a once-in-a-lifetime … voice lessons from “The Voice.”
Disclaimer #2: Ryan and Randy considered the difficulty of singing a “Whitney” or a “Mariah” and how usually contestants are advised against it. And later Simon commented “we won’t be seeing a lot of laughs tonight.” Makes you wonder if they’d been sitting in on rehearsals.
David Archuleta tackled “When You Believe” (her duet with Whitney from the Prince of Egypt soundtrack) and the judges were impressed. Even Simon had praise for the cutie patutie. Mind you, he steered clear of the verses, which are probably the most moving and most difficult parts of that song – especially Mariah’s verse. But I thought it was an OK opener, and he’ll probably end up in the top 3. Hear the original.
Carly Smithson singing Mariah – what a strange combination. But not nearly as strange, though, as her lengthy lamentation of Michael Johns. What’s up with that????!!! Carly chose “Without You”which in my opinion is cheating because it’s actually a cover of a song originally recorded by Badfinger and then covered by Harry Nilsson only to be covered again by Mariah. But it was an obvious choice for the songstress who has become the resident screamer, a la Pat Benetar. The judges weren’t impressed; they didn’t think she lived up to her potential. Smithson needs to make a believer out of Simon. But I was so glad to see her looking soft(er) and feminine in her periwinkle dress WITH SLEEVES! (is that sexist?) Hear the original.
OMG! When I heard Syesha was singing “Vanishing” (from Mariah’s self-titled debut album), I got so excited. This is by far my absolute favorite Mariah song and has secretly been the one song I’d sing for my own Idol audition (stop laughing) since the show began. Could she pull it off? Could she capture the emotion? That would be a resounding YES – I couldn’t have sung it better myself. And I’m so glad. As the remaining member of the “underrepresented population,” I need her to stick around. Simon had a good point though – it’s always tough when the audience doesn’t know the song, but that’s what’s so cool about this show – it introduces these kids (13-year-old girls) to some really great music. I wouldn’t have changed a thing – I thought it was a perfect choice. Now that Michael Johns is gone (booo!), Syesha is my ultimate fave. She’s got the whole package – the pipes, the body, the face, the hair. Rihanna – watch out. For a while, I thought Simon was just hatin’, but I remembered he did the same thing to Fantasia. And look how that turned out. Hear the original.
Brooke White – have a little whine with that cheese? Let’s see … life-changing opportunity? Sister’s dumb wedding? What a choice. And speaking of choices … “Hero”? Come on!!! How typical. And in my opinion, the only redeeming factor of that song was the piano playing, and there was nothing complicated about that. For one thing, she rushed the song. If she were trying to up the tempo, sure … but I don’t think she was doing that. Let’s see what Randy says … Randy attributed it to a lack of confidence. (Or talent.) Paula agreed with me – that she sped the song up. Simon compared it to a meatless burger … Where’s the beef, Brooke? Where’s the beef? And what’s with this whole singer-songwriter business? Everybody who sits at a piano is not a singer-songwriter. Hear the original.
Christie Lee Cook chose “Forever,” another little-known Mariah ballad from the Daydream album. This was a great choice for Christie and I applaud her for knowing it. The song already has a slight twang so it didn’t seem like she was countryfying a soul ballad. Considering I regard her in the same light as Kelly Pickler, I have to say I thought she did a pretty good job. The judges weren’t as kind. Too bad. Hear the original.
David Cook worked it out on “Always Be My Baby.” I’m still rooting for Syesha, but if he ends up in the final two, I won’t be mad at him at all. His soft-rock rendition of this playful pop-tart was really cool. I mean really cool as in hold your lighters in the air and wave ‘em like you just don’t care “cool.” I wouldn’t have known it was the same song – but I liked it just as much as the original. It reminded me of 80s rock ballads like Guns and Roses November Rain – sweet and sinister all at the same time. And isn’t that what makes a great cover? That the artist can have a totally different vision of the song while maintaining the integrity of the lyrics. Bravo David. Bravo. The judges were even more complimentary. He received a standing “o” from Randy and Simon says he’s like a “breath of fresh air after coming out of karaoke hell.” Hear the original.
Jason Castro … and here is another artist looking for the words to describe him. Dolly called him “funky.” Mariah called him “interesting and different.” He chose “I Don’t Wanna Cry” from Mariah’s first CD and totally altered the arrangement to add Cuban/reggae undertones. But unlike David before him, he stripped the song of its essence. He dumbed down what is an absolutely dynamic song. I mean this song will bring chills every time I hear it. She sings “I don’t wanna cry, don’t wanna cry” and I feel like crying. Jason’s version made me want to cry, but for different reasons. Randy wasn’t impressed, either. But surprisingly, Simon praised his originality. Hear the original.
Simon was on the money though when he said the boys outshone the girls. I think that’s been a trend and now, I am officially eating my words. In one of the first posts, I ranted that the boys couldn’t hold a candle to the girls and were taking up valuable space in the top 12. Oh, how the script has flipped ….
In the words of Miss Tyra Banks: So who goes home? The girl who seems to have everything – looks, voice, personality -- but who just can’t seem to package it in a way that impresses the judges? Or the girl who gets better and better every week, but who the judges feel still has too far to go at this stage in the competition?
____, you’re still in the running to become the next American Idol.
Who do you guys think will (or should) go home tomorrow night? Chime in, and let’s see whose predictions come true.
(use the comments field)
Not Very Inspiring
Guest Blogger Kevin Litwin
Tuesday was called Inspiration Night on American Idol, with contestants choosing songs they especially enjoy. I liked a couple of the performances, was bored by many of them, and disliked two or three.
Since Teree asked me to guest blog this week, I'm going to rate the performances from best to worst -- in my opinion. Here goes:
David Archuleta
David is the contestant I want to win it all, so he has to really butcher a song for me not to like his performance. He sang the gospel song Angels, and did a good job.
Randy said it was David's hottest moment of the whole season, calling it “crazy hot.”
Paula simply said that Randy's words summed it up for her, and Simon said it was the best song choice of the night, but not David's best vocal ever.
“But I'm nit-picking here because you are going to sail through to the next round,” Simon said.
Kristy Lee Cook
Kristy Lee Cook with the second-best performance of the night? Yes, she did very well because she stuck to country music, which she sings with ease. She sang Anyway by Martina McBride, and all three judges raved about it.
“I thought you were very, very good indeed,” Simon said. “Tonight, you look like a star. Very smart song choice by you.”
Syesha Mercado
I thought she did okay, but not great. She sang I Believe by Fantasia, and Randy called her out on it.
“You took on a tiger of a song that Fantasia sings the living daylights out of, and you didn't,” Randy said.
However, Paula said it was one of Syesha's most shining nights, while Simon questioned the choice of song.
“Last week you take on Whitney, and this week Fantasia. I would actually like to know what you, yourself, are all about,” Simon said.
David Cook
Okay, I've run out of contestants I thought performed well last night, so next comes David Cook. He sang Innocent by a band called Our Lady Peace, and I thought he was adequate. However, my wife thought it sounded monotone and bland.
“I'm a huge fan of yours, but I’m not sure if this was one of your strongest weeks,” Randy said.
Simon agreed.
“I didn't like this performance very much at all, and actually thought it was a teensy, weensy bit pompous,” Simon said.
I don't know what that means, but I usually agree with Simon so I guess David Cook was pompous.
Jason Castro
I just don't like this guy to begin with, but everybody seemed to enjoy his Somewhere Over the Rainbow performance, accompanied by a ukulele. Singing about lemon drops and bluebirds? It was so bizarre that the 14-year-old girls in the mosh pit weren’t even waving their hands ,like the producers tell them to do each song.
“I thought it was fantastic,” Simon said.
But I sure didn't. I would have given him a zero out of 10, but I’m not on the judging panel.
THE BOTTOM THREE
Brooke White
She sang You've Got a Friend by Carole King. What a yawnfest – and I like Brooke.
“It was okay, but not one of your best performances,” Randy said.
“Was it nice? Yes. Was it original? No. Was it pleasant? Yes,” Simon said.
Michael Johns
He sang Dream On by Aerosmith, and he stunk.
“I don’t like when you do an impersonation of a rock star,” Simon said. “I thought it was a little wannabe-ish.”
Randy concurred.
“There were some pitch problems and you aren't anything like Aerosmith,” he said.
Carly Smithson
I thought she gave a pathetic rendition of The Show Must Go On by Queen, but I probably hated it because Queen is one of my top-5 favorite bands ever.
“I think you oversang it, and you actually lost control of the song,” Simon said. “It came off as an angry performance that was out of kilter with the inspirational theme of the evening. You might be in a bit of trouble after tonight.”
Whew. This blogging is work.
Sweet T -- it's all yours.
I'm Back
OK, so it’s Dolly Parton night… I guess Idol could do worse. At least it wasn’t another Beatles night. And Dolly is still relevant. Even Maimee knows who she is… In her words “She plays Hannah Montana’s godmother, and she owns Dollywood.” (Maimee’s favorite place on earth) And quiet as it's kept, I'm a big Dolly fan. Don't let the big chest and blond hair fool you -- that lady's got soul. The Beatles are the opposite of soul. (Sorry, Jeff, I'll get off the Beatles)
So, Brooke White opened with her version of Jolene. And I thought she did a pretty good job. I think Randy was right about the pitchiness in places, but overall, I thought it was a solid performance. Way better than some.
David’s Little Sparrow rocked! Metaphorically speaking. He’s one of the most versatile performers to come through the Idol process. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately – look at Chris Daughtry) he won’t win for that very reason. America loves to put people in boxes.
Ramiele is a mystery to me. If she were drop dead gorgeous, I could understand how she keeps making it through every week. But she’s not. Bless her homely heart.
And what’s up with Simon’s constant reference to cruise ships … think he needs a vacation?
Dolly described Jason Castro as funky (not funny) looking …. nuff said. OK, I’ll say this last thing: I would pay good money to take some scissors to those natty turd plaits. I’m sure Bob Marley is turning over in his grave!
Ooh Dollywood plug! Simon mentioned losing his season pass to Dollywood … was just there Saturday. Chillin with the glass blowers, eating some taffy and funnel cakes …
I have nothing against tattoos, but it’s like Carly is trying to force her “coolness” it down our throats –do they not have any shirts or dresses with sleeves? Don’t get me wrong, I think she has an awesome voice, but I’m not sure if she has the whole package. For that matter, I’m not sure any of them are “American Idols” except maybe Sayesha, but America’s trying to get rid of her –what’s up with that.
Speaking of former Idols and the total package –saw the Jordin Sparks and Chris Brown No Air video for the first time this morning. Little Jordin looked so grown up and cute.
David Archeletta is another one who has an awesome voice, but might not look so hot in a video … and that’s what it’s really about. That is if American Idol wants to continue its tradition of turning out pop stars. If they want to turn out radio performers (Ruben Studdard, Taylor Hicks), then David’s their man. It’s not right, but that’s the business.
Kristy Lee Cook …. Kelly Pickler 2.0
Sayesha -- can't say the girl don't have guts --to tackle a Dolly/Whitney song ... I didn't think she'd pull it off, but considering the size of this song, I thought she performed pretty well. And her hair looked amazing ...
But just when I had made up my mind who I would vote for, Michael Johns blew me away with It's All Wrong, But It's All Right (amen!) ... he has that blue-eyed soul thing going on, and Sweet T is liking it.
My predictions for Wednesday's elimination: either Brooke or Sayesha ... like the song says, it's all wrong, but it's all right.
You know who I'd like to see them cover -- Aretha Franklin or Lionel Richie (Lionel Richie is one of the most prolific songwriters of our time...) And how cool would it be if they covered Prince songs? Brooke (if she's still here) could sing Nothing Compares to You. Ramiele could try and belt out If I Was Your Girlfriend. Carly could throw down on How Come You Don't Call Me Anymore. David A would sound great on something sultry like The Ladder, and .... you know what, I don't think there are enough PG-rated Prince songs to choose from ... Oh well.
Ain't Nothin Like the Real Thing
Dolly Parton, Coat of Many Colors
Dolly Parton, Jolene
Dolly Parton, I Will Always Love You
Dolly Parton, Here You Come Again
Dolly Parton, Travelin Thru
So, Brooke White opened with her version of Jolene. And I thought she did a pretty good job. I think Randy was right about the pitchiness in places, but overall, I thought it was a solid performance. Way better than some.
David’s Little Sparrow rocked! Metaphorically speaking. He’s one of the most versatile performers to come through the Idol process. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately – look at Chris Daughtry) he won’t win for that very reason. America loves to put people in boxes.
Ramiele is a mystery to me. If she were drop dead gorgeous, I could understand how she keeps making it through every week. But she’s not. Bless her homely heart.
And what’s up with Simon’s constant reference to cruise ships … think he needs a vacation?
Dolly described Jason Castro as funky (not funny) looking …. nuff said. OK, I’ll say this last thing: I would pay good money to take some scissors to those natty turd plaits. I’m sure Bob Marley is turning over in his grave!
Ooh Dollywood plug! Simon mentioned losing his season pass to Dollywood … was just there Saturday. Chillin with the glass blowers, eating some taffy and funnel cakes …
I have nothing against tattoos, but it’s like Carly is trying to force her “coolness” it down our throats –do they not have any shirts or dresses with sleeves? Don’t get me wrong, I think she has an awesome voice, but I’m not sure if she has the whole package. For that matter, I’m not sure any of them are “American Idols” except maybe Sayesha, but America’s trying to get rid of her –what’s up with that.
Speaking of former Idols and the total package –saw the Jordin Sparks and Chris Brown No Air video for the first time this morning. Little Jordin looked so grown up and cute.
David Archeletta is another one who has an awesome voice, but might not look so hot in a video … and that’s what it’s really about. That is if American Idol wants to continue its tradition of turning out pop stars. If they want to turn out radio performers (Ruben Studdard, Taylor Hicks), then David’s their man. It’s not right, but that’s the business.
Kristy Lee Cook …. Kelly Pickler 2.0
Sayesha -- can't say the girl don't have guts --to tackle a Dolly/Whitney song ... I didn't think she'd pull it off, but considering the size of this song, I thought she performed pretty well. And her hair looked amazing ...
But just when I had made up my mind who I would vote for, Michael Johns blew me away with It's All Wrong, But It's All Right (amen!) ... he has that blue-eyed soul thing going on, and Sweet T is liking it.
My predictions for Wednesday's elimination: either Brooke or Sayesha ... like the song says, it's all wrong, but it's all right.
You know who I'd like to see them cover -- Aretha Franklin or Lionel Richie (Lionel Richie is one of the most prolific songwriters of our time...) And how cool would it be if they covered Prince songs? Brooke (if she's still here) could sing Nothing Compares to You. Ramiele could try and belt out If I Was Your Girlfriend. Carly could throw down on How Come You Don't Call Me Anymore. David A would sound great on something sultry like The Ladder, and .... you know what, I don't think there are enough PG-rated Prince songs to choose from ... Oh well.
Ain't Nothin Like the Real Thing
Dolly Parton, Coat of Many Colors
Dolly Parton, Jolene
Dolly Parton, I Will Always Love You
Dolly Parton, Here You Come Again
Dolly Parton, Travelin Thru
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