All right, here we go. Can Brooke survive for another week? Will Jason, the bubble within the bubble, finally be sent home? Will one of the Davids go home in a shocker? Will Syesha be the earliest contestant to leave after getting the pimp spot? Tonight we find out!
First we're treated to a Neil Diamond medley. I think the group numbers get better as the season goes on, because each contestant can be featured more. The first song is "Cracklin' Rosie", which I had thought Jason should've sung last night. He sings it here, and his voice sounds different for some reason. This song spotlights the guys, and Syesha and Brooke are used mainly as Archuleta's backup dancers. The girls get their spotlight when the medley abruptly transitions into "Song Sung Blue". They finish off with "Brother Love's Traveling Salvation Show", and Cook gets the chance to ask for a witness from the congregation at the end. You know what? No one sang on-key during this medley, the transitions were awkward, and everything seemed forced, but it still ended with me wishing it were longer. Call me crazy, but I loved it. What can I say? You can't go wrong with the songs of Neil Diamond!
We see that Constantine Maroulis and Gina Glocksen are in the audience together again. They talk about their hosting gig, and most of the attention is on Constantine. I'm not a huge Gina fan, but she deserves more attention than that greaseball.
Ryan decides to address the talk about Paula and her miscue last night, and all he can say is that Paula is a part of their family and they love her. Ummm, what? Way to dodge that one, producers.
Time for results. Jason Castro is up first. Most of us are predicting he'll go home, but when Ryan reads the results we find out that Jason is...safe?????? Wow. I guess that means Brooke's leaving tonight. The real question though, is if Jason even cares.
David Archuleta is next to learn his fate. Judging by DialIdol he may be in for a shocking Bottom 2 appearance. He's safe too! Wow. Now I'm sure Brooke's going home. Oh well. She had a good run.
We see a preview for "So You Think You Can Dance". I don't need to tape this. Since Nigel Lythgoe's a judge on that show, he gets some completely unnecessary face time here.
More results. David Cook is safe. No surprise. That leaves Brooke White and Syesha Mercado as the Bottom 2. Syesha was first on DialIdol and Brooke was last, so if Syesha goes home a lot of people will strongly suspect the show is rigged. Also, it looks like a guy is going to win. As I mentioned in my last post, the 5th place finisher is always the opposite gender of the winner. I guess a male winner is exactly what most people want though.
Natasha Bedingfield performs next. I think it's safe to pause this, as the only song of hers I know is "Unwritten" and I don't get the impression that she's the type of artist I'd be into. I'm sure David Archuleta loves this though, as he's expressed his admiration for her. You know, this song is actually pretty catchy. I'm still humming it. I kind of wish I hadn't paused the tape. I'll get over it someday, though. After the song ends Natasha goes over to give Archie a kiss on the cheek, which sends him into his usual state of giddiness.
They do the useless viewer questions again, and the only interesting thing about this session is that the girl who gave Simon his first kiss calls in. He actually remembers her. Other than that funny moment it was the usual drivel.
The Ford commercial is promoting a new environmentally-conscious hybrid, and the song is Donovan's "Catch the Wind". It seems like they're recycling some of the effects from earlier videos. Oh well. I guess recycling is good for the environment.
The man himself, Neil Diamond, performs next. He's doing a song from his new album called "Pretty Amazing Grace". This song isn't that great, but I'm sure his fans will love it. It's incredible that this guy is 67 years old and still going strong. Neil's mother is in the audience tonight. I guess he's not the only one still going strong.
Finally we get the results, and we learn that Brooke is leaving. Brooke bursts into tears immediately upon hearing the news, which is no surprise given how emotional she usually is. After her "Idol journey" video she makes sure to tell the audience at home "thank you". You're welcome, Brooke. You're welcome. She can barely sing "I Am...I Said" through the tears during her final moment in the spotlight. I hope this girl gets the rest she needs now that she's off the show. Jason Castro is smiling throughout the entire elimination and sing-out with a glazed look on his face, apparently oblivious to the fact that he should be the one going home.
Well, I'm bummed. I'm glad Brooke outlasted Carly, but it was sad watching her go from one of the most loved contestants to one of the most hated. I felt like I was the only one who still liked her after a while, and it's sad to me that the haters won. I wish she could've been the last girl standing, but it wasn't to be. After reading the other recaps around the internet I discovered that I'm the only person in America who liked her performance of "I'm a Believer". I even watched it on YouTube again today and I still loved it. If I ever meet Brooke I'll be sure to let her know that I hold that distinction.
Syesha has now survived the Bottom 2/3 six times. I don't know how she does it. Look at any internet poll for favorite contestants and you'll see her name at or near the bottom. Somehow she keeps holding on and is now the final girl standing. Who'd have thought? Do her fans just not have the internet?
I'm not going to bother with the Power Rankings anymore. I no longer have a horse in this race and everyone pretty much knows what's going to happen, so what's the point? In all likelihood Jason and Syesha will go in the next two weeks and we'll have the all-David finale everyone's been expecting. I do think David Archuleta could be a possible shocking elimination, but a Final 2 with Syesha or Jason would be pretty odd, since Syesha doesn't seem to have any fans and Jason doesn't seem to care about the competition. This "Best Season Ever" has failed miserably to live up to the hype. At least now that Brooke's gone I can get to bed earlier on Tuesday nights because I won't have to worry about voting for her.
Apparently next week's theme is the Rock 'N Roll Hall of Fame. I wonder what that's all about?
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Top 5 Recap
Carly-free at last, it's time for the Top 5 of "American Idol", this time featuring a mentor I'm more familiar with. I was unfamiliar with several of the songs sung tonight, but it was better for me than Dolly Parton, Mariah Carey and Andrew Lloyd Webber weeks. I actually enjoyed the show tonight more than I have in a while. Ryan acts sad when mentioning Carly's departure last week, which confuses me. Is he under the impression that anybody misses her?
This week they're doing things differently. In order to pack ten performances into one hour the judges won't comment until after each contestant's second performance.
Getting the death spot is The Code Man. His first song is "Forever in Blue Jeans". My mother can only laugh at this performance, saying it's "way too weird". It's the same old Jason thing for me. It's nice, but not something I'd buy if I had iTunes. Yeah, you heard me, "Idol". You're wasting your time telling me to download these performances.
Up next is Combover. He's doing "I'm Alive", which is apparently an obscure song. I don't know it, but then again, I don't know many of Neil Diamond's songs that weren't played on the Oldies station when I was growing up. Combover's jacket has the "AC" from the AC/DC logo on it, apparently serving the same purpose as the fraternal initials that adorn his guitar. The vocals aren't the best, and my mother thinks he's trying to impersonate Neil Diamond. I think the song is sort of catchy, but because of the jam-packed nature of tonight's show the performance seems way too short to have any sense of completeness.
My girl Brooke White is next, and she's doing "I'm a Believer". All right! Finally we get the first Monkees performance since Rodesia Eaves' horrific "Daydream Believer"! With a guitar in her hands and a groovy purple and green backdrop behind her, Brooke rocks out for the first time. I'll admit it's not outstanding, but it's fun, doggone it. I love The Monkees, I love Brooke, and so far I've enjoyed this performance best out of the three we've seen so far. Rock on, Brooke!
Next up is Mini-Carmen. He's doing "Sweet Caroline", probably Neil Diamond's most well-known song. With all the bandwagon jumpers who joined "Red Sox Nation" in the last five years, this song has suddenly become one of America's most cherished songs. I hate the Red Sox, but I like this song. Mini-Carmen sings it well, but there are a few too many vocal licks for my liking and this chopped up arrangement doesn't work. Too much of the verse is cut out, which doesn't allow the song to build properly. This was a solid performance that could've been much better had the singer had more time.
Last (and arguably least) is Snoha. Her first song is "Hello Again". I don't know the song, but Snoha surprises me by actually singing it very well. If you can make an unfamiliar slow song interesting and somewhat memorable to the viewer you know you're doing something right. I still don't like Snoha's personality, but I'll give her credit for a pretty good performance here.
Ryan tries to get the judges to do a quick recap of what they thought of the first round of performances. Randy says Code Man was just OK, Combover was very good, Brooke was better than last week, Mini-Carmen was the bomb and Snoha was strong. Paula then gives us the most hilarious moment of the night when she says that she liked hearing the lower register on Code Man's first song, but the second song left her cold and she didn't think he seemed like he was fighting hard enough to make the Top 4. Two song comments for the price of one! For those who think the judges' comments are scripted, you may have something to make your case. Simon says Code Man was forgettable, Combover was just above average, Brooke was a nightmare, Mini-Carmen was amateurish and Snoha was too old-fashioned. Onto the second round.
Code Man gets his chance to leave Paula cold for real now with "September Morn". This guy apparently either wants to go home or just doesn't grasp the concept of picking songs strategically. Picking a slow song where you don't have the voice to give it anything special isn't the way to "wow" people. My mother says she's ready for him to go, and with the death spot that's a very real possibility. I don't think this performance is horrible, just very nondescript. Randy says it was just OK. Paula says it was too safe. Simon says it was forgettable, and that he doesn't recognize him anymore. Honestly, this guy hasn't done anything that interested me since he played the ukelele three weeks ago. I'd have no problem with him leaving.
Combover gets another turn at bat with "All I Really Need is You". The arrangement isn't quite as grungy as Combover's songs have been in the past, but it's just about as boring. I get a slight classic rock vibe from it, which I like, but overall I'm just not feeling it. Combover's voice sounds like it's wearing out, as it's grittier than usual. I'd say this performance was only slightly more memorable than either of Jason's. This is apparently another obscure song. My mother points out that he's smart to pick this obscure stuff, because not many people will compare it to the original. I guess when you're a frontrunner you can take those types of risks. Randy says he rocked the house. Paula says she feels like she's looking at the next American Idol. Simon says it was brilliant. I say "whatever". Interesting bit of trivia: The person who's performed second in the Top 5 has always gone home on "American Idol". Something tells me that will no longer be true after this week's results.
Brooke is doing "I Am...I Said". I know of this song, but I couldn't sing it for you. My knowledge of it is mainly from a really funny Dave Barry article where he makes fun of the line "And no one heard at all/Not even the chair". Dave Barry is a genius. Brooke is playing the piano this time, but she still has the lyrics written on her hand in case she forgets them like last week. I don't know how she'll be able to look at them, but perhaps it makes more sense than it appears to. Brooke seems a lot more confident behind the piano, and she really makes this song her own. It's very enjoyable, and Brooke is two for two tonight in my opinion. Randy says it was one of the tougher songs to sing and that it was nice. Paula says it worked. Simon says that it wasn't incredible, but it was a million times better than the first song. I'm nervous for Brooke's safety tonight as usual, but if she goes home this week I'm glad she'll be going home on a high note. Of course, it seems that they're trying to get rid of Jason, so perhaps Brooke needn't worry.
Mini-Carmen is next with "America". I don't know this one, but judging by the lyrics it would seem that he chose it because it was the closest thing to "inspirational" he could find in the Neil Diamond catalog. I enjoy this one much better than the first one, perhaps because I don't know the original and therefore am not comparing it. He seems to connect with the song better this time too. So yeah...this performance is cool. Randy says it was another good performance. Paula loves it. Simon says it was good and a smart song choice. I think Little David has another week of safety in him.
I was hoping Snoha would go home this week, but the producers decided to spare her by giving her the pimp spot. She's singing "Thank the Lord For the Night Time", another that I grew up hearing on the radio. She completely rearranges the song and gives it a more soulful rhythm with handclaps added in between the lines in the verse where the guitar riff usually is. My mother thinks she's really good, and I begrudgingly have to agree. Though the bad notes are there as usual, Snoha's finally showing some personality and originality in her performances. Randy says she's finally realizing who she is. Paula loves it. Simon says he liked it, but she may be in trouble tonight. Sorry, Simon. Her strong performances and the pimp spot will keep her around for another week. Of course, he was probably just trying to get her sympathy votes, since Jason seems to have fallen out of favor with the judges and he has a much bigger fanbase. I understand why Snoha got the pimp spot this week. The other four have all had it more recently than her, and she's performed early in the show the past three weeks. They owed her one. Still, I'd have no problem if she went home and broke Anthony Fedorov's record for "earliest pimp spotter to be eliminated".
I won't bother with the tiers for the predictions this week. At this point the only real shockers would be either of the Davids. I was pathetic enough to spend an hour and a half voting for Brooke, and I hope it's enough to save her.
Bottom 2: Jason, Brooke
Going Home: Jason
The 5th place finisher has always been the opposite gender of the eventual winner. If Jason goes home this week it means Brooke could possibly win this thing, which is an exciting thought for me. If Brooke goes home, things will probably go the way everyone's been expecting. Yawn.
This week they're doing things differently. In order to pack ten performances into one hour the judges won't comment until after each contestant's second performance.
Getting the death spot is The Code Man. His first song is "Forever in Blue Jeans". My mother can only laugh at this performance, saying it's "way too weird". It's the same old Jason thing for me. It's nice, but not something I'd buy if I had iTunes. Yeah, you heard me, "Idol". You're wasting your time telling me to download these performances.
Up next is Combover. He's doing "I'm Alive", which is apparently an obscure song. I don't know it, but then again, I don't know many of Neil Diamond's songs that weren't played on the Oldies station when I was growing up. Combover's jacket has the "AC" from the AC/DC logo on it, apparently serving the same purpose as the fraternal initials that adorn his guitar. The vocals aren't the best, and my mother thinks he's trying to impersonate Neil Diamond. I think the song is sort of catchy, but because of the jam-packed nature of tonight's show the performance seems way too short to have any sense of completeness.
My girl Brooke White is next, and she's doing "I'm a Believer". All right! Finally we get the first Monkees performance since Rodesia Eaves' horrific "Daydream Believer"! With a guitar in her hands and a groovy purple and green backdrop behind her, Brooke rocks out for the first time. I'll admit it's not outstanding, but it's fun, doggone it. I love The Monkees, I love Brooke, and so far I've enjoyed this performance best out of the three we've seen so far. Rock on, Brooke!
Next up is Mini-Carmen. He's doing "Sweet Caroline", probably Neil Diamond's most well-known song. With all the bandwagon jumpers who joined "Red Sox Nation" in the last five years, this song has suddenly become one of America's most cherished songs. I hate the Red Sox, but I like this song. Mini-Carmen sings it well, but there are a few too many vocal licks for my liking and this chopped up arrangement doesn't work. Too much of the verse is cut out, which doesn't allow the song to build properly. This was a solid performance that could've been much better had the singer had more time.
Last (and arguably least) is Snoha. Her first song is "Hello Again". I don't know the song, but Snoha surprises me by actually singing it very well. If you can make an unfamiliar slow song interesting and somewhat memorable to the viewer you know you're doing something right. I still don't like Snoha's personality, but I'll give her credit for a pretty good performance here.
Ryan tries to get the judges to do a quick recap of what they thought of the first round of performances. Randy says Code Man was just OK, Combover was very good, Brooke was better than last week, Mini-Carmen was the bomb and Snoha was strong. Paula then gives us the most hilarious moment of the night when she says that she liked hearing the lower register on Code Man's first song, but the second song left her cold and she didn't think he seemed like he was fighting hard enough to make the Top 4. Two song comments for the price of one! For those who think the judges' comments are scripted, you may have something to make your case. Simon says Code Man was forgettable, Combover was just above average, Brooke was a nightmare, Mini-Carmen was amateurish and Snoha was too old-fashioned. Onto the second round.
Code Man gets his chance to leave Paula cold for real now with "September Morn". This guy apparently either wants to go home or just doesn't grasp the concept of picking songs strategically. Picking a slow song where you don't have the voice to give it anything special isn't the way to "wow" people. My mother says she's ready for him to go, and with the death spot that's a very real possibility. I don't think this performance is horrible, just very nondescript. Randy says it was just OK. Paula says it was too safe. Simon says it was forgettable, and that he doesn't recognize him anymore. Honestly, this guy hasn't done anything that interested me since he played the ukelele three weeks ago. I'd have no problem with him leaving.
Combover gets another turn at bat with "All I Really Need is You". The arrangement isn't quite as grungy as Combover's songs have been in the past, but it's just about as boring. I get a slight classic rock vibe from it, which I like, but overall I'm just not feeling it. Combover's voice sounds like it's wearing out, as it's grittier than usual. I'd say this performance was only slightly more memorable than either of Jason's. This is apparently another obscure song. My mother points out that he's smart to pick this obscure stuff, because not many people will compare it to the original. I guess when you're a frontrunner you can take those types of risks. Randy says he rocked the house. Paula says she feels like she's looking at the next American Idol. Simon says it was brilliant. I say "whatever". Interesting bit of trivia: The person who's performed second in the Top 5 has always gone home on "American Idol". Something tells me that will no longer be true after this week's results.
Brooke is doing "I Am...I Said". I know of this song, but I couldn't sing it for you. My knowledge of it is mainly from a really funny Dave Barry article where he makes fun of the line "And no one heard at all/Not even the chair". Dave Barry is a genius. Brooke is playing the piano this time, but she still has the lyrics written on her hand in case she forgets them like last week. I don't know how she'll be able to look at them, but perhaps it makes more sense than it appears to. Brooke seems a lot more confident behind the piano, and she really makes this song her own. It's very enjoyable, and Brooke is two for two tonight in my opinion. Randy says it was one of the tougher songs to sing and that it was nice. Paula says it worked. Simon says that it wasn't incredible, but it was a million times better than the first song. I'm nervous for Brooke's safety tonight as usual, but if she goes home this week I'm glad she'll be going home on a high note. Of course, it seems that they're trying to get rid of Jason, so perhaps Brooke needn't worry.
Mini-Carmen is next with "America". I don't know this one, but judging by the lyrics it would seem that he chose it because it was the closest thing to "inspirational" he could find in the Neil Diamond catalog. I enjoy this one much better than the first one, perhaps because I don't know the original and therefore am not comparing it. He seems to connect with the song better this time too. So yeah...this performance is cool. Randy says it was another good performance. Paula loves it. Simon says it was good and a smart song choice. I think Little David has another week of safety in him.
I was hoping Snoha would go home this week, but the producers decided to spare her by giving her the pimp spot. She's singing "Thank the Lord For the Night Time", another that I grew up hearing on the radio. She completely rearranges the song and gives it a more soulful rhythm with handclaps added in between the lines in the verse where the guitar riff usually is. My mother thinks she's really good, and I begrudgingly have to agree. Though the bad notes are there as usual, Snoha's finally showing some personality and originality in her performances. Randy says she's finally realizing who she is. Paula loves it. Simon says he liked it, but she may be in trouble tonight. Sorry, Simon. Her strong performances and the pimp spot will keep her around for another week. Of course, he was probably just trying to get her sympathy votes, since Jason seems to have fallen out of favor with the judges and he has a much bigger fanbase. I understand why Snoha got the pimp spot this week. The other four have all had it more recently than her, and she's performed early in the show the past three weeks. They owed her one. Still, I'd have no problem if she went home and broke Anthony Fedorov's record for "earliest pimp spotter to be eliminated".
I won't bother with the tiers for the predictions this week. At this point the only real shockers would be either of the Davids. I was pathetic enough to spend an hour and a half voting for Brooke, and I hope it's enough to save her.
Bottom 2: Jason, Brooke
Going Home: Jason
The 5th place finisher has always been the opposite gender of the eventual winner. If Jason goes home this week it means Brooke could possibly win this thing, which is an exciting thought for me. If Brooke goes home, things will probably go the way everyone's been expecting. Yawn.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Top 6 Results Recap
All right, let's get this results show over with. Brooke White is probably going home tonight, which will leave me as a bored spectator who's only watching to finish what he started. It's hard when everyone else seems to want the only contestant you really like to go home. I'll never apologize for loving Brooke though.
After Ryan kisses Simon on the head we get a group performance of our Idols singing "All I Ask of You" from Phantom of the Opera. Hey, that was the song Carly was going to do last night but changed her mind on. The three guys sound weird singing together, since their voices are all so different. The three girls then sing. They also sound weird together, but not quite as much as the guys do. Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber plays the piano for them. It's a sweet performance. The Season 7 Idols still haven't topped the 70's Medley from the Semifinals, but it's a pleasant group number.
Ryan chats with Lord Drew a bit. He says performing on "Idol" is different from performing in the theater because they have to entertain both the studio audience and the home audience. He gives Brooke some props for her performance, saying that she was flawless in dress rehearsal. He doesn't think Jason took his advice at all.
The Ford commercial song is "Tainted Love". The commercial reminds me of a-ha's "Take on Me" video, which just happens to be my favorite music video of all time. I think I just confirmed everyone's suspicions that I'm a nerd with a cheesy sense of taste. At least I'm not ashamed to admit it.
We see a video message from President Bush and the First Lady thanking America for donating to Idol Gives Back. That's nice.
Tonight they're showing only the Bottom 2, not the Bottom 3. The first people called to the stage are Davids Archuleta and Cook. There's way too much pointless chatter with them before they're both shockingly declared safe.
They do their Alumni Spotlight again, this time catching up with Idols who've gone to Broadway. They do interviews with Tamyra Gray and Clay Aiken, who are in Rent and Spamalot, respectively. Clay's sense of humor always makes me smile, since he's a nerd just like me. Hey, LaKisha Jones is in the audience!
We see a performance from Simon Cowell's "discovery", Leona Lewis. I'm pausing the tape for this. I keep hearing about her, but I've never heard her single until tonight. It's actually kind of catchy, since I still have it in my head as I'm writing this, but it's not the type of thing I'd ever buy. The lyrics are a bit gory too. "Bleeding Love"? I'm sure several people have fainted listening to this song.
More results. Syesha Mercado and Brooke White are on stage next, and Brooke's probably going to be in the Bottom 2. They chat with them again, and Brooke apologizes for blabbering over the judges. I hope it redeems her in the eyes of some of the people who find her annoying, since this may be the last show where America sees her. Time for the moment of truth and...Brooke is safe!!!!! Syesha is in the Bottom 2! This is awesome! Now I get to be nervous for Brooke again next week, but at least I also get to see what she does for the Neil Diamond theme. I guess that hour I spent voting for her paid off.
Now it's down to Carly Smithson and Jason Castro. Some people insist Jason's going home tonight, but I think he has too many fans for that to happen. America voted and Jason is...safe! Carly's in the Bottom 2! Tonight we say goodbye to either Syesha or Carly! I can't lose! This went from being the end of this season for me to a great night! The Bottom 2 are both forced to perform their songs again. I guess if they have to fill up time it's better than sitting through the stupid phoned-in questions.
Finally it's time to send someone home. I hope it's Carly, but we've been teased with the possibility of her leaving several times already without it happening. Even if it's Syesha going home it'll be all right with me. Ryan calls Carly's name and tells her...that SHE IS GOING HOME! YES!!!!!! We're finally rid of the tattooed monster! This is the best moment of the entire season! Michael Johns' elimination was pretty cool, but this is incredible! I guess singing a song questioning Jesus Christ is not the way to win votes on this show. Carly is really smiley after learning she's going home. Good. Now I don't feel so bad about rejoicing over her ouster. See you later (though I hope I don't), you Irish terror!
Power Rankings
5. Brooke White - I'm thinking that the people who rushed to save her this week may not try quite as hard next week. I keep hoping she'll have a performance where she redeems herself and returns to "dark horse" status, but she keeps disappointing me. Maybe if the judges decide to start pimping her more she'll seem better to the audience. I'll be voting for her regardless of how she does. The not speaking while the judges are talking thing would be good for her to keep in mind next time.
4. Jason Castro - His lack of talent and carefree attitude are catching up to him. I think his days are numbered.
3. Syesha Mercado - How odd it'll be to see this fanbase-less contestant as the last girl standing. She's survived the Bottom 2/3 five times now, so she seems to be invincible.
2. David Archuleta - This week he actually wasn't in the green on DialIdol for the first time. He may make it to the finale, but I don't think he'll win.
1. David Cook - He seems to be the most widely-liked contestant, so I think we're looking at our next winner here.
Next week the mentor is Neil Diamond. Finally, someone whose music I'm familiar with and enjoy. I'm a nerd, remember? Actually, I'm not a huge fan, but I do like the songs of his I know. I wonder if anyone will tackle either of the hits he wrote for The Monkees? "I'm a Believer" and "A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You" are both great songs. Whatever happens, I'm going to like next week a lot more now that the oversinging sympathy case is finally gone.
After Ryan kisses Simon on the head we get a group performance of our Idols singing "All I Ask of You" from Phantom of the Opera. Hey, that was the song Carly was going to do last night but changed her mind on. The three guys sound weird singing together, since their voices are all so different. The three girls then sing. They also sound weird together, but not quite as much as the guys do. Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber plays the piano for them. It's a sweet performance. The Season 7 Idols still haven't topped the 70's Medley from the Semifinals, but it's a pleasant group number.
Ryan chats with Lord Drew a bit. He says performing on "Idol" is different from performing in the theater because they have to entertain both the studio audience and the home audience. He gives Brooke some props for her performance, saying that she was flawless in dress rehearsal. He doesn't think Jason took his advice at all.
The Ford commercial song is "Tainted Love". The commercial reminds me of a-ha's "Take on Me" video, which just happens to be my favorite music video of all time. I think I just confirmed everyone's suspicions that I'm a nerd with a cheesy sense of taste. At least I'm not ashamed to admit it.
We see a video message from President Bush and the First Lady thanking America for donating to Idol Gives Back. That's nice.
Tonight they're showing only the Bottom 2, not the Bottom 3. The first people called to the stage are Davids Archuleta and Cook. There's way too much pointless chatter with them before they're both shockingly declared safe.
They do their Alumni Spotlight again, this time catching up with Idols who've gone to Broadway. They do interviews with Tamyra Gray and Clay Aiken, who are in Rent and Spamalot, respectively. Clay's sense of humor always makes me smile, since he's a nerd just like me. Hey, LaKisha Jones is in the audience!
We see a performance from Simon Cowell's "discovery", Leona Lewis. I'm pausing the tape for this. I keep hearing about her, but I've never heard her single until tonight. It's actually kind of catchy, since I still have it in my head as I'm writing this, but it's not the type of thing I'd ever buy. The lyrics are a bit gory too. "Bleeding Love"? I'm sure several people have fainted listening to this song.
More results. Syesha Mercado and Brooke White are on stage next, and Brooke's probably going to be in the Bottom 2. They chat with them again, and Brooke apologizes for blabbering over the judges. I hope it redeems her in the eyes of some of the people who find her annoying, since this may be the last show where America sees her. Time for the moment of truth and...Brooke is safe!!!!! Syesha is in the Bottom 2! This is awesome! Now I get to be nervous for Brooke again next week, but at least I also get to see what she does for the Neil Diamond theme. I guess that hour I spent voting for her paid off.
Now it's down to Carly Smithson and Jason Castro. Some people insist Jason's going home tonight, but I think he has too many fans for that to happen. America voted and Jason is...safe! Carly's in the Bottom 2! Tonight we say goodbye to either Syesha or Carly! I can't lose! This went from being the end of this season for me to a great night! The Bottom 2 are both forced to perform their songs again. I guess if they have to fill up time it's better than sitting through the stupid phoned-in questions.
Finally it's time to send someone home. I hope it's Carly, but we've been teased with the possibility of her leaving several times already without it happening. Even if it's Syesha going home it'll be all right with me. Ryan calls Carly's name and tells her...that SHE IS GOING HOME! YES!!!!!! We're finally rid of the tattooed monster! This is the best moment of the entire season! Michael Johns' elimination was pretty cool, but this is incredible! I guess singing a song questioning Jesus Christ is not the way to win votes on this show. Carly is really smiley after learning she's going home. Good. Now I don't feel so bad about rejoicing over her ouster. See you later (though I hope I don't), you Irish terror!
Power Rankings
5. Brooke White - I'm thinking that the people who rushed to save her this week may not try quite as hard next week. I keep hoping she'll have a performance where she redeems herself and returns to "dark horse" status, but she keeps disappointing me. Maybe if the judges decide to start pimping her more she'll seem better to the audience. I'll be voting for her regardless of how she does. The not speaking while the judges are talking thing would be good for her to keep in mind next time.
4. Jason Castro - His lack of talent and carefree attitude are catching up to him. I think his days are numbered.
3. Syesha Mercado - How odd it'll be to see this fanbase-less contestant as the last girl standing. She's survived the Bottom 2/3 five times now, so she seems to be invincible.
2. David Archuleta - This week he actually wasn't in the green on DialIdol for the first time. He may make it to the finale, but I don't think he'll win.
1. David Cook - He seems to be the most widely-liked contestant, so I think we're looking at our next winner here.
Next week the mentor is Neil Diamond. Finally, someone whose music I'm familiar with and enjoy. I'm a nerd, remember? Actually, I'm not a huge fan, but I do like the songs of his I know. I wonder if anyone will tackle either of the hits he wrote for The Monkees? "I'm a Believer" and "A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You" are both great songs. Whatever happens, I'm going to like next week a lot more now that the oversinging sympathy case is finally gone.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Top 6 Recap
Time for yet another theme on "Idol" that doesn't particularly interest me. We're going Broadway tonight with the songs of Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Snoha starts us off with "One Rock and Roll Too Many" from Starlight Express. I don't know the song or the play, but it sounds catchy. Lord Andrew says she could bring the house down. Snoha starts with her silhouetted back turned to the audience while snapping her fingers. Oh, great. Now she's going to steal from Chris Richardson? She really gives a performance this time out, flirting with Rickey Minor and the rest of the band. The vocals are off-key several times, but compared to her usual dull performances this is an improvement. It didn't bring the house down for me, but it may be enough to help her survive the death spot. Randy says it was her best performance to date. Paula thinks she did bring the house down. Simon says it was very sexy and agrees that it was one of her best performances. I think it was a bit overrated, but with this lackluster group you have to take whatever entertainment value you can get.
Ah, yes. It's time for The Code Man. He's singing "Memory" from Cats. Ryan chats with him before the performance, and as usual he seems to be off in his own world. He does have the funniest line of the night though, when he says "I didn't know a cat was singing it!" about his song. All Code Man can do with this song is sit there and sing it. On a technical level it's not good at all. He seems to be trying to put feeling into it, which makes it sort of work in his own dreadboy way, but without the guitar he just looks pained and awkward. I don't know what to make of it. I probably wouldn't choose to listen to this performance, but it wasn't as bad as it could've been. Maybe if I were familiar with the original I'd have some point of reference here. Randy says that vocally it was a trainwreck. Paula says it was a song meant for a female power balladeer, but she likes that he added his own unique style to it. Simon hates it, and he can tell that Code Man doesn't love it either. Code Man even nods his head in agreement when Simon says it was probably the longest two minutes of his life. Does this guy even want to be here anymore? Oh well. If they're doing a Bottom 3 this week he'll probably be in it.
Now it's the moment I've been nervous for since the beginning of the show: Brooke White is taking the stage. She's doing "You Must Love Me" from Evita. ALW tries to help her find the feeling behind the song, since he doesn't think she really understands it. After he helps her he says that this performance could potentially show us something we've never seen from Brooke. Oh boy. Please Brooke, come through for me. The song starts and then...she forgets the lyrics and asks to start over??? Brooke! What are you doing? This girl is a nervous wreck! After she restarts the performance you can't help but get the feeling that she's now more desperate to win us over because she knows she screwed up badly. It's just uncomfortable. It almost seems like she's trying too hard at times. Still, I think this is one of her better vocals, even if it isn't great. I do love you, Brooke. Even though you've lost a lot of fans over the course of the competition you'll always have me. Randy likes her vulnerability but says that vocally it was a bit rough. Paula says that she must never stop and restart, but that she liked the emotional connection. Simon says her vocals sounded strained and that it was uncomfortable. I fear that tonight may be the end for my girl.
Next it's Mini-Carmen. Ryan has him in the chat chair, but all he does is allow some girls in the audience to come onstage and give Mini-C a hug. Don't forget that, American tween girls. He's the one you're supposed to love and vote for! He sings "Think of Me" from Phantom of the Opera. The Webb Man is surprised to hear a male singer choose that song. Mini-Carmen starts out with just an acoustic guitar backing him, which actually gives it sort of a contemporary feel. Eventually the rest of the band joins in to give it the full Broadway treatment. My mother comments that it's too lightweight, and that his voice isn't as full as a Broadway singer's. That's true. He does have sort of a whiny tone. Overall this performance is just OK to me. This kid is basically a one-trick pony, and this week didn't show us anything new. Randy says it was the bomb. Paula says it was absolutely perfect. Simon says it was pleasant but one of his weakest performances. We all know he'll be back next week though.
Carpetbagger Carly is doing the title song to Jesus Christ Superstar. Everyone who reads this blog knows I can't stand this girl, and because she's the one singing I can't get into this performance at all. The song seems to fit her voice well, but once again there are times when I feel like she's just yelling at me. Carly does that way too much. My mother says she sounded out of sync with the backing vocalists during the chorus, and she's not sure if it was intentional or not. Randy says it wasn't her best but it was good. Paula says she loved what she did with the chorus. Simon says it was shouty at parts, but it was one of his favorites of the night. Carly holds up a t-shirt that says "Simon Loves Me (This Week)". Wow. How obnoxious and gimmicky can you get?
Finally, pimp spotting us out is Combover. He's doing "Music of the Night" from Phantom of the Opera. There's a funny mentor moment when Combover and Andy are singing together in a somewhat sensual way. Honestly, I find the vocals shaky. Combover's voice is gritty, and he misses several notes on this slow song. There's something about the way he pronounces his words that annoys me too. He finishes with a huge glory note, but my mother points out that it seems out of character with the rest of the song. Randy says it was an amazing vocal performance. Paula says it proves that he's a well-rounded performer. Simon says he made the most of the song, though it didn't show the side of him that he prefers. I think it was one of his weaker performances, but it doesn't matter what I think.
Let's get these predictions over with.
Bottom 3: Jason, Brooke, Carly
Going Home: Brooke
Also Vulnerable
Syesha
Probably Safe
David A.
David C.
Whom I Voted For: Brooke
Since this is looking like the worst season of "Idol" ever it's only fitting that Brooke will go home this week, leaving me with no one to vote for. I guess I can always join Vote For the Worst, though I'd much rather support a contestant I like than support a contestant just to mess with the show. I can't believe we're in the Top 6 and I'm already looking forward to Season 8.
Snoha starts us off with "One Rock and Roll Too Many" from Starlight Express. I don't know the song or the play, but it sounds catchy. Lord Andrew says she could bring the house down. Snoha starts with her silhouetted back turned to the audience while snapping her fingers. Oh, great. Now she's going to steal from Chris Richardson? She really gives a performance this time out, flirting with Rickey Minor and the rest of the band. The vocals are off-key several times, but compared to her usual dull performances this is an improvement. It didn't bring the house down for me, but it may be enough to help her survive the death spot. Randy says it was her best performance to date. Paula thinks she did bring the house down. Simon says it was very sexy and agrees that it was one of her best performances. I think it was a bit overrated, but with this lackluster group you have to take whatever entertainment value you can get.
Ah, yes. It's time for The Code Man. He's singing "Memory" from Cats. Ryan chats with him before the performance, and as usual he seems to be off in his own world. He does have the funniest line of the night though, when he says "I didn't know a cat was singing it!" about his song. All Code Man can do with this song is sit there and sing it. On a technical level it's not good at all. He seems to be trying to put feeling into it, which makes it sort of work in his own dreadboy way, but without the guitar he just looks pained and awkward. I don't know what to make of it. I probably wouldn't choose to listen to this performance, but it wasn't as bad as it could've been. Maybe if I were familiar with the original I'd have some point of reference here. Randy says that vocally it was a trainwreck. Paula says it was a song meant for a female power balladeer, but she likes that he added his own unique style to it. Simon hates it, and he can tell that Code Man doesn't love it either. Code Man even nods his head in agreement when Simon says it was probably the longest two minutes of his life. Does this guy even want to be here anymore? Oh well. If they're doing a Bottom 3 this week he'll probably be in it.
Now it's the moment I've been nervous for since the beginning of the show: Brooke White is taking the stage. She's doing "You Must Love Me" from Evita. ALW tries to help her find the feeling behind the song, since he doesn't think she really understands it. After he helps her he says that this performance could potentially show us something we've never seen from Brooke. Oh boy. Please Brooke, come through for me. The song starts and then...she forgets the lyrics and asks to start over??? Brooke! What are you doing? This girl is a nervous wreck! After she restarts the performance you can't help but get the feeling that she's now more desperate to win us over because she knows she screwed up badly. It's just uncomfortable. It almost seems like she's trying too hard at times. Still, I think this is one of her better vocals, even if it isn't great. I do love you, Brooke. Even though you've lost a lot of fans over the course of the competition you'll always have me. Randy likes her vulnerability but says that vocally it was a bit rough. Paula says that she must never stop and restart, but that she liked the emotional connection. Simon says her vocals sounded strained and that it was uncomfortable. I fear that tonight may be the end for my girl.
Next it's Mini-Carmen. Ryan has him in the chat chair, but all he does is allow some girls in the audience to come onstage and give Mini-C a hug. Don't forget that, American tween girls. He's the one you're supposed to love and vote for! He sings "Think of Me" from Phantom of the Opera. The Webb Man is surprised to hear a male singer choose that song. Mini-Carmen starts out with just an acoustic guitar backing him, which actually gives it sort of a contemporary feel. Eventually the rest of the band joins in to give it the full Broadway treatment. My mother comments that it's too lightweight, and that his voice isn't as full as a Broadway singer's. That's true. He does have sort of a whiny tone. Overall this performance is just OK to me. This kid is basically a one-trick pony, and this week didn't show us anything new. Randy says it was the bomb. Paula says it was absolutely perfect. Simon says it was pleasant but one of his weakest performances. We all know he'll be back next week though.
Carpetbagger Carly is doing the title song to Jesus Christ Superstar. Everyone who reads this blog knows I can't stand this girl, and because she's the one singing I can't get into this performance at all. The song seems to fit her voice well, but once again there are times when I feel like she's just yelling at me. Carly does that way too much. My mother says she sounded out of sync with the backing vocalists during the chorus, and she's not sure if it was intentional or not. Randy says it wasn't her best but it was good. Paula says she loved what she did with the chorus. Simon says it was shouty at parts, but it was one of his favorites of the night. Carly holds up a t-shirt that says "Simon Loves Me (This Week)". Wow. How obnoxious and gimmicky can you get?
Finally, pimp spotting us out is Combover. He's doing "Music of the Night" from Phantom of the Opera. There's a funny mentor moment when Combover and Andy are singing together in a somewhat sensual way. Honestly, I find the vocals shaky. Combover's voice is gritty, and he misses several notes on this slow song. There's something about the way he pronounces his words that annoys me too. He finishes with a huge glory note, but my mother points out that it seems out of character with the rest of the song. Randy says it was an amazing vocal performance. Paula says it proves that he's a well-rounded performer. Simon says he made the most of the song, though it didn't show the side of him that he prefers. I think it was one of his weaker performances, but it doesn't matter what I think.
Let's get these predictions over with.
Bottom 3: Jason, Brooke, Carly
Going Home: Brooke
Also Vulnerable
Syesha
Probably Safe
David A.
David C.
Whom I Voted For: Brooke
Since this is looking like the worst season of "Idol" ever it's only fitting that Brooke will go home this week, leaving me with no one to vote for. I guess I can always join Vote For the Worst, though I'd much rather support a contestant I like than support a contestant just to mess with the show. I can't believe we're in the Top 6 and I'm already looking forward to Season 8.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Just a Quick Note
I just recently discovered that you can change the time and date of any post. It means Blogger posts aren't that reliable if you want to find exact times and dates of postings, but it's a feature with some usefulness.
With that in mind, I moved all the "American Idol" posts from my other blog over to this one and changed the times and dates to match their original postings on the other blog. Now they're all in one place for easy accessibility. My writing has probably improved a bit since then, but you can enjoy my older posts in all their craptacular glory nonetheless.
With that in mind, I moved all the "American Idol" posts from my other blog over to this one and changed the times and dates to match their original postings on the other blog. Now they're all in one place for easy accessibility. My writing has probably improved a bit since then, but you can enjoy my older posts in all their craptacular glory nonetheless.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Top 7 Results Recap
It's time for the dreaded Wednesday results show. One of these contestants is going home, and I'm nervous that it could be Brooke. I'm trying to relax and tell myself that it's not the end of the world if she goes home, but the idea of a Top 6 without a single contestant I love is kind of depressing considering how much time I spent looking forward to this season. Oh well. I can always join the Vote For the Worst movement if all else fails.
Argh! Ryan has to throw in another reference to Michael Johns' "shocking" elimination last week! Enough already!
Our group number for this week is "One Sweet Day". It starts out with an off-key Jason, leads into an off-key Kristy and then the rest join in. At the end they're all randomly singing and belting in what my mother describes as a "cacophony". This was a weird group number.
Time to find out the results! Jason Castro is up first. Ryan tells him to stand to his left. Oh, they're doing this again, huh? Next is David Cook. He talks about stuff going on in his life, apparently going out of his way not to mention his brother. Good for you, David. He's on Ryan's right? I assumed the three guys would be the Top 3! Oh well. I guess Ryan's right is the safe group. Now it's Carly Smithson. She confronts Simon about his being hard on her, but Simon replies that he believes Carly could be great, and he's trying to give her a push to get there. Next is Kristy Lee Cook. She calls Simon a "butt" and is then sent to the right.
After the break we get a Ford commercial, this time featuring Queen's "I Want to Break Free". In this video the Idols are portrayed as office drones with marionette strings on their arms. I have a feeling some of these people will end up working office jobs someday. This commercial wasn't that great.
We then go straight into a performance from Elliott Yamin, who's singing "Free". Another song with "free" in the title, huh? I hope it means we're finally free of Carly tonight. I own Elliott's album, but I've never particularly liked this song. Is this his latest single or something? I hope the public likes it more than I did. He pulls a David Cook and holds up a message on his hand at the end of the song. It says "We miss you Mom". They talk about the recent death of his mother, and Elliott says he knows she's watching him. Call me a sentimental sap, but I'm actually touched by this moment.
Back to the results. Syesha Mercado is sent over to Jason and Carly. Brooke White, who seems to be stifling some anger tonight, is sent over to David and Kristy. Should I be excited? Brooke's with the apparent safe group!
Oh boy. More dumb viewer questions. There's nothing much to talk about here, except that the man who owns Kristy's horse doesn't want to sell it back to her. Awwww. All those people voted her into the Top 12 for nothing. She'll be gone next week.
Mariah Carey performs. I don't care.
It's finally time to finish up the results. David Archuleta comes onstage, and he's declared safe. We all knew he would be. We know how the rest of this works. Mini-Carmen now has to join the safe group. But wait! Ryan throws a monkey wrench into my plans for relaxing and enjoying Brooke's safety. He has Syesha and David C. switch groups! Holy cow! That was brilliant, Nigel! Now it's obvious that Carly is in the safe group! Crap! Who's voting for that goblin? David A. pulls a Melinda Doolittle by sitting on the ground and refusing to join a group. Eventually it comes out that Jason, David C. and Carly are the safe group, leaving Brooke, Syesha and Kristy as the Bottom 3.
At this point I'm just going to assume that Brooke's going home. While I got a break last week with Michael, I've lost too many of my favorites this year to expect any of them to stay. This has been the worst season ever. The first person back to safety is Syesha. Argh! That's the fourth time she's survived the Bottom 3. Stop voting for her, America! They chat with the judges about if America got this Bottom 2 right. Oh, for crying out loud. Just tell Brooke she's going home and get it over with! Kristy always survives the Bottom 2 and DialIdol has her as safe! I'll be shocked right now if Kristy goes home. The person who's staying is...Brooke???? Yes! How can it be? My favorite beat out The Indestructible Mannequin! I told myself all night that I wouldn't get too emotional about the results, but I can't help myself. I still wanted Carly gone more than I wanted Kristy gone, but truthfully, I'll take anyone but Brooke going home at this point.
Kristy starts her off-key sing-out sitting on the judges' table in front of Simon, and she changes the lyrics to add a reference to trying to get a good comment from him. Kristy's personality is really hard to pinpoint, since everything she does is so robotic. Is she a sly, witty charmer or a vapid Barbie doll? I have no idea, but I do know that we won't be hearing from her again until the finale. Hopefully Brooke will pick up the blonde vote.
Power Rankings
6. Brooke White - I'm keeping Brooke here because the person at the bottom of my power rankings never goes home the next week. As the only contestant left that I love, I need to keep her in it. In all honesty though, I do think the next person going home is a girl, and with Andrew Lloyd Webber week coming up her voice is the least suited for Broadway.
5. Syesha Mercado - Once again, she'll likely stick around because she's getting the black vote. Has a contestant ever gotten this far with virtually no fanbase?
4. Jason Castro - He seems to be liked by the judges and fans, but I don't think they like him enough to get him into the Top 3.
3. Carly Smithson - For some reason she gets votes. I can't explain it, but she keeps pulling through. I'm going to hate it when she's the last girl standing.
2. David Archuleta - He's good and he's popular, but he seems to be riding his fanbase rather than overwhelming public support. When it comes down to the final two he may not have the votes.
1. David Cook - I have him back at number one. I don't want him to win, but everywhere I go it seems that people love him. Unfortunately, I think he may be our next American Idol.
Next week the Idols are going Broadway, as Andrew Lloyd Webber will be mentoring them on his songs. I guess doing Broadway songs is a substitute for Standards week, just like it was in Season 4. The only Andrew Lloyd Webber musicals I'm familiar with are The Phantom of the Opera and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, so once again I probably won't feel any connection with the material being sung.
I don't like these restrictive themes where they can only do the mentor's songs. I'd have preferred a general Country Music week rather than a week of Dolly Parton's songs. I hardly knew any of them. This week was another example. I'm not a Mariah Carey fan, so none of the songs meant anything to me. Oh well. I do like Neil Diamond, so I'm looking forward to his week as mentor. That could be a good one for Brooke, so I hope she holds on long enough to be a part of it.
Argh! Ryan has to throw in another reference to Michael Johns' "shocking" elimination last week! Enough already!
Our group number for this week is "One Sweet Day". It starts out with an off-key Jason, leads into an off-key Kristy and then the rest join in. At the end they're all randomly singing and belting in what my mother describes as a "cacophony". This was a weird group number.
Time to find out the results! Jason Castro is up first. Ryan tells him to stand to his left. Oh, they're doing this again, huh? Next is David Cook. He talks about stuff going on in his life, apparently going out of his way not to mention his brother. Good for you, David. He's on Ryan's right? I assumed the three guys would be the Top 3! Oh well. I guess Ryan's right is the safe group. Now it's Carly Smithson. She confronts Simon about his being hard on her, but Simon replies that he believes Carly could be great, and he's trying to give her a push to get there. Next is Kristy Lee Cook. She calls Simon a "butt" and is then sent to the right.
After the break we get a Ford commercial, this time featuring Queen's "I Want to Break Free". In this video the Idols are portrayed as office drones with marionette strings on their arms. I have a feeling some of these people will end up working office jobs someday. This commercial wasn't that great.
We then go straight into a performance from Elliott Yamin, who's singing "Free". Another song with "free" in the title, huh? I hope it means we're finally free of Carly tonight. I own Elliott's album, but I've never particularly liked this song. Is this his latest single or something? I hope the public likes it more than I did. He pulls a David Cook and holds up a message on his hand at the end of the song. It says "We miss you Mom". They talk about the recent death of his mother, and Elliott says he knows she's watching him. Call me a sentimental sap, but I'm actually touched by this moment.
Back to the results. Syesha Mercado is sent over to Jason and Carly. Brooke White, who seems to be stifling some anger tonight, is sent over to David and Kristy. Should I be excited? Brooke's with the apparent safe group!
Oh boy. More dumb viewer questions. There's nothing much to talk about here, except that the man who owns Kristy's horse doesn't want to sell it back to her. Awwww. All those people voted her into the Top 12 for nothing. She'll be gone next week.
Mariah Carey performs. I don't care.
It's finally time to finish up the results. David Archuleta comes onstage, and he's declared safe. We all knew he would be. We know how the rest of this works. Mini-Carmen now has to join the safe group. But wait! Ryan throws a monkey wrench into my plans for relaxing and enjoying Brooke's safety. He has Syesha and David C. switch groups! Holy cow! That was brilliant, Nigel! Now it's obvious that Carly is in the safe group! Crap! Who's voting for that goblin? David A. pulls a Melinda Doolittle by sitting on the ground and refusing to join a group. Eventually it comes out that Jason, David C. and Carly are the safe group, leaving Brooke, Syesha and Kristy as the Bottom 3.
At this point I'm just going to assume that Brooke's going home. While I got a break last week with Michael, I've lost too many of my favorites this year to expect any of them to stay. This has been the worst season ever. The first person back to safety is Syesha. Argh! That's the fourth time she's survived the Bottom 3. Stop voting for her, America! They chat with the judges about if America got this Bottom 2 right. Oh, for crying out loud. Just tell Brooke she's going home and get it over with! Kristy always survives the Bottom 2 and DialIdol has her as safe! I'll be shocked right now if Kristy goes home. The person who's staying is...Brooke???? Yes! How can it be? My favorite beat out The Indestructible Mannequin! I told myself all night that I wouldn't get too emotional about the results, but I can't help myself. I still wanted Carly gone more than I wanted Kristy gone, but truthfully, I'll take anyone but Brooke going home at this point.
Kristy starts her off-key sing-out sitting on the judges' table in front of Simon, and she changes the lyrics to add a reference to trying to get a good comment from him. Kristy's personality is really hard to pinpoint, since everything she does is so robotic. Is she a sly, witty charmer or a vapid Barbie doll? I have no idea, but I do know that we won't be hearing from her again until the finale. Hopefully Brooke will pick up the blonde vote.
Power Rankings
6. Brooke White - I'm keeping Brooke here because the person at the bottom of my power rankings never goes home the next week. As the only contestant left that I love, I need to keep her in it. In all honesty though, I do think the next person going home is a girl, and with Andrew Lloyd Webber week coming up her voice is the least suited for Broadway.
5. Syesha Mercado - Once again, she'll likely stick around because she's getting the black vote. Has a contestant ever gotten this far with virtually no fanbase?
4. Jason Castro - He seems to be liked by the judges and fans, but I don't think they like him enough to get him into the Top 3.
3. Carly Smithson - For some reason she gets votes. I can't explain it, but she keeps pulling through. I'm going to hate it when she's the last girl standing.
2. David Archuleta - He's good and he's popular, but he seems to be riding his fanbase rather than overwhelming public support. When it comes down to the final two he may not have the votes.
1. David Cook - I have him back at number one. I don't want him to win, but everywhere I go it seems that people love him. Unfortunately, I think he may be our next American Idol.
Next week the Idols are going Broadway, as Andrew Lloyd Webber will be mentoring them on his songs. I guess doing Broadway songs is a substitute for Standards week, just like it was in Season 4. The only Andrew Lloyd Webber musicals I'm familiar with are The Phantom of the Opera and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, so once again I probably won't feel any connection with the material being sung.
I don't like these restrictive themes where they can only do the mentor's songs. I'd have preferred a general Country Music week rather than a week of Dolly Parton's songs. I hardly knew any of them. This week was another example. I'm not a Mariah Carey fan, so none of the songs meant anything to me. Oh well. I do like Neil Diamond, so I'm looking forward to his week as mentor. That could be a good one for Brooke, so I hope she holds on long enough to be a part of it.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Top 7 Recap
Tonight the Idols pay tribute to the woman many credit with ruining singing: Mariah Carey. I guess your average pop music fan might be familiar with her songs, but I'm not your average pop music fan. I may not know her music that well, but I can look up the titles of tonight's songs as easily as anyone else can.
Mini-Carmen leads us off with "When You Believe", a song I'm slightly familiar with. Darn, Carly didn't get the death spot like I'd hoped. I guess they figure Mini-Carmen is in no danger and it's OK to put him here. This performance is OK. It's about what you'd expect from Archie: an "Up With People" song with a plethora of runs. I wouldn't call it one of his better performances, but it's good. He uses his head voice (erroneously called "falsetto" by most people) tonight, which is something we rarely hear from him. I'm not a fan of performances where the lead singer belts over the backing vocalists singing the chorus, but I'll let it slide since I sort of like this kid. Randy says it was the bomb. Paula says he did Mariah proud. Simon says it was very very good. They're really upping the pimpage for Mini-Carmen tonight. He'll be safe, as usual.
Next up is Carlybagger. Well, she got the semi-death spot, so I guess it's OK. They do a little interview with Carly before her performance, and all they can talk about is Michael Johns and his "shocking" elimination last week. Could we shut up about him already? He wasn't that good and he's not on the show anymore. What's the point? In the mentor clip Carly acts as if she's never met Mariah, even though she has. When will this girl go away? Her song is "Without You", originally by Badfinger but later covered by Mariah. My mother comments that Carly seems to be getting uglier each week. I can't disagree all that much. She also comments that the beginning of this song is too low. Her voice cracks several times at points where it's supposed to come through clearly, and even the parts where she sings well seem to be lacking something. Honestly, this performance is not helping her cause to stay in this competition. Randy says he likes that she challenged herself, and that it was pretty good. Paula says she showed some restraint. Simon says he doesn't think she pulled it off. I think Carly's in trouble again.
Snoha is next. She's doing "Vanishing". I don't know this song, but apparently it's a more obscure one. It's the same old Snoha performance we see every week: way too many runs and lots of belting. That seems to be all she knows. I don't like the sound of her voice either. Randy says she picked the toughest song so far, and that she did a good job. Paula says it was unbelievably magical. Simon says it was technically very good, but that it was risky to choose such an obscure song. I think Snoha may survive another week for the technical skill she showed, but the Bottom 3 is a possibility due to her practically non-existent fanbase.
My girl Brooke White has the next slot. Before they roll the clip they talk to Brooke about how she missed her sister's wedding. We also learn that the cardboard cutout that was supposed to be there in her place ended up not being made. She's doing "Hero", another that I'm actually familiar with. She's back behind the piano, which I think is where the magic happens for her. My mother says she's growing to dislike the cracking in Brooke's voice, and that she wishes the song were slower and sweeter. I actually like this performance a lot, and not just because Brooke's my favorite. There are the usual pitch problems, but she really makes this song her own. Why am I suddenly sounding like Randy? Anyway, I like it. Randy says he didn't like the vocals on the bridge, but it was pretty good. Paula likes it. Simon says it was like ordering a hamburger and only getting the bun; the meat was missing. Brooke looks bewildered by that statement. As usual, she'll be getting my vote, though she may be back in the Bottom 3.
The Mannequin is incredibly still in this competition, and this week she's doing "Forever". They show the clip of her singing to Mariah, and it's hilarious how bad she sounds. Mariah tells Mannequin that she gave her goosebumps. There are so many mysteries surrounding this girl that I'm not even going to try to figure out that one. The low beginning to this song is off-key, though she sounds decent when the song picks up. The unemotional belting is the only thing keeping this performance from being total crap, but it's still far from great. I have a question: Is every Mariah Carey song really boring? This has been one lackluster night so far. Randy says it wasn't amazing but that she stepped it up at the end. Paula says she was blown away. Simon says she managed with what she could, but it was whiny at times and not great. I think Kristy's in trouble, and this could be her week to go. I won't be surprised if she pulls through yet again though.
It's Combover time! He's doing the song "Always Be My Baby". I think I may have heard of this one, though I don't know how it goes or anything. Combover actually surprises me tonight. Instead of going grungy on us like he usually does, he sings over an orchestral arrangement. Finally we see a different side of him that isn't totally dull. Even though I don't know this song, it's kind of catchy. I never thought I'd say this, but for the first time I actually liked David Cook. I'd even say that he's proven himself to be better than Chris Daughtry. Randy says it was his best performance yet and that he's ready to make an album. Paula says it sounded like it could be on a movie soundtrack. Simon says it was a breath of fresh air. David is the most emotional I've ever seen him. I think it's partly because he got such good comments from the judges and partly because his brother, who has cancer, is in the audience this week. I still don't want this guy to win, but tonight he deserves all the praise he gets.
The Code Man gets his first pimp spot of the year, leaving The Mannequin as the only one who hasn't had it yet. His song is "I Don't Wanna Cry". He's not playing a stringed instrument this week, but there is a band onstage consisting of two guitars and an African drum. I'd say this is one of his better vocal performances, but overall it's just OK. Once again I have very little to say about Jason, since the performance didn't do much for me. Randy says he didn't love it and compares it to a weird beach luau. Paula says she'd love to be at that luau and thinks it was amazing. Simon agrees with Paula, saying it was a cool version. I wasn't blown away, but he'll be back next week.
Time for predictions!
Bottom 3: Carly, Brooke, Kristy
Going Home: Carly
Perhaps it's wishful thinking, but after two straight bad weeks Carly may have used up all the benefits of early pimping. She gets less likable all the time, so maybe (hopefully) this will be the end for her.
Also Vulnerable
Syesha
Probably Safe
Jason
I'd Be Shocked
David A.
David C.
Whom I Voted For: Brooke
I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little bit nervous about Brooke's chances this week. As Michael Johns proved last week, anyone who's a Bottom 3 candidate can end up going home. Still, this season is already pretty much a joke to me. If Brooke goes home tomorrow I won't be totally shocked, since the people I like have been dropping like flies from the get-go. Even though I know Brooke won't win, she's the only bright spot left for me. I guess all I can do is give her a bunch of votes, which is exactly what I did tonight. Please, America. Keep her in this thing.
Mini-Carmen leads us off with "When You Believe", a song I'm slightly familiar with. Darn, Carly didn't get the death spot like I'd hoped. I guess they figure Mini-Carmen is in no danger and it's OK to put him here. This performance is OK. It's about what you'd expect from Archie: an "Up With People" song with a plethora of runs. I wouldn't call it one of his better performances, but it's good. He uses his head voice (erroneously called "falsetto" by most people) tonight, which is something we rarely hear from him. I'm not a fan of performances where the lead singer belts over the backing vocalists singing the chorus, but I'll let it slide since I sort of like this kid. Randy says it was the bomb. Paula says he did Mariah proud. Simon says it was very very good. They're really upping the pimpage for Mini-Carmen tonight. He'll be safe, as usual.
Next up is Carlybagger. Well, she got the semi-death spot, so I guess it's OK. They do a little interview with Carly before her performance, and all they can talk about is Michael Johns and his "shocking" elimination last week. Could we shut up about him already? He wasn't that good and he's not on the show anymore. What's the point? In the mentor clip Carly acts as if she's never met Mariah, even though she has. When will this girl go away? Her song is "Without You", originally by Badfinger but later covered by Mariah. My mother comments that Carly seems to be getting uglier each week. I can't disagree all that much. She also comments that the beginning of this song is too low. Her voice cracks several times at points where it's supposed to come through clearly, and even the parts where she sings well seem to be lacking something. Honestly, this performance is not helping her cause to stay in this competition. Randy says he likes that she challenged herself, and that it was pretty good. Paula says she showed some restraint. Simon says he doesn't think she pulled it off. I think Carly's in trouble again.
Snoha is next. She's doing "Vanishing". I don't know this song, but apparently it's a more obscure one. It's the same old Snoha performance we see every week: way too many runs and lots of belting. That seems to be all she knows. I don't like the sound of her voice either. Randy says she picked the toughest song so far, and that she did a good job. Paula says it was unbelievably magical. Simon says it was technically very good, but that it was risky to choose such an obscure song. I think Snoha may survive another week for the technical skill she showed, but the Bottom 3 is a possibility due to her practically non-existent fanbase.
My girl Brooke White has the next slot. Before they roll the clip they talk to Brooke about how she missed her sister's wedding. We also learn that the cardboard cutout that was supposed to be there in her place ended up not being made. She's doing "Hero", another that I'm actually familiar with. She's back behind the piano, which I think is where the magic happens for her. My mother says she's growing to dislike the cracking in Brooke's voice, and that she wishes the song were slower and sweeter. I actually like this performance a lot, and not just because Brooke's my favorite. There are the usual pitch problems, but she really makes this song her own. Why am I suddenly sounding like Randy? Anyway, I like it. Randy says he didn't like the vocals on the bridge, but it was pretty good. Paula likes it. Simon says it was like ordering a hamburger and only getting the bun; the meat was missing. Brooke looks bewildered by that statement. As usual, she'll be getting my vote, though she may be back in the Bottom 3.
The Mannequin is incredibly still in this competition, and this week she's doing "Forever". They show the clip of her singing to Mariah, and it's hilarious how bad she sounds. Mariah tells Mannequin that she gave her goosebumps. There are so many mysteries surrounding this girl that I'm not even going to try to figure out that one. The low beginning to this song is off-key, though she sounds decent when the song picks up. The unemotional belting is the only thing keeping this performance from being total crap, but it's still far from great. I have a question: Is every Mariah Carey song really boring? This has been one lackluster night so far. Randy says it wasn't amazing but that she stepped it up at the end. Paula says she was blown away. Simon says she managed with what she could, but it was whiny at times and not great. I think Kristy's in trouble, and this could be her week to go. I won't be surprised if she pulls through yet again though.
It's Combover time! He's doing the song "Always Be My Baby". I think I may have heard of this one, though I don't know how it goes or anything. Combover actually surprises me tonight. Instead of going grungy on us like he usually does, he sings over an orchestral arrangement. Finally we see a different side of him that isn't totally dull. Even though I don't know this song, it's kind of catchy. I never thought I'd say this, but for the first time I actually liked David Cook. I'd even say that he's proven himself to be better than Chris Daughtry. Randy says it was his best performance yet and that he's ready to make an album. Paula says it sounded like it could be on a movie soundtrack. Simon says it was a breath of fresh air. David is the most emotional I've ever seen him. I think it's partly because he got such good comments from the judges and partly because his brother, who has cancer, is in the audience this week. I still don't want this guy to win, but tonight he deserves all the praise he gets.
The Code Man gets his first pimp spot of the year, leaving The Mannequin as the only one who hasn't had it yet. His song is "I Don't Wanna Cry". He's not playing a stringed instrument this week, but there is a band onstage consisting of two guitars and an African drum. I'd say this is one of his better vocal performances, but overall it's just OK. Once again I have very little to say about Jason, since the performance didn't do much for me. Randy says he didn't love it and compares it to a weird beach luau. Paula says she'd love to be at that luau and thinks it was amazing. Simon agrees with Paula, saying it was a cool version. I wasn't blown away, but he'll be back next week.
Time for predictions!
Bottom 3: Carly, Brooke, Kristy
Going Home: Carly
Perhaps it's wishful thinking, but after two straight bad weeks Carly may have used up all the benefits of early pimping. She gets less likable all the time, so maybe (hopefully) this will be the end for her.
Also Vulnerable
Syesha
Probably Safe
Jason
I'd Be Shocked
David A.
David C.
Whom I Voted For: Brooke
I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little bit nervous about Brooke's chances this week. As Michael Johns proved last week, anyone who's a Bottom 3 candidate can end up going home. Still, this season is already pretty much a joke to me. If Brooke goes home tomorrow I won't be totally shocked, since the people I like have been dropping like flies from the get-go. Even though I know Brooke won't win, she's the only bright spot left for me. I guess all I can do is give her a bunch of votes, which is exactly what I did tonight. Please, America. Keep her in this thing.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Top 8 Results Recap
For the past two days I've been salivating over the prospect of someone I don't like finally getting the boot this week. I predicted Kristy would go home, but DialIdol has her as safe, along with Jason and David A. I'm happy about those last two being safe, and I can live with Kristy a little longer, since she's not as annoying as Carly, Syesha, Michael and David C., all of whom DialIdol lists as vulnerable tonight. Brooke is vulnerable too, but I think she'll be fine after having the pimp spot on Tuesday. The lowest two on DialIdol are Carly and Syesha, either of whom I'd be happy to see go. If I had to choose, I'd rather it be Carly. I'm tired of her painful faces and ugly tattoos cluttering my TV screen every week. For the first time since this season began I actually feel somewhat good going into the results show.
In case you're curious (which you probably aren't), I sort of watched Idol Gives Back, but since the first half hour conflicted with "Jeopardy!" and I have better things to do than watch every minute of a telethon where I'm not planning to donate and most of the performers are of no interest to me, I have little to say except that I hope the money they raised helps a lot of people. Now that I've gotten the obligatory touching tribute to human goodwill out of the way, let's recap these results.
Jason mouths the words "This is 'American Idol'!" behind Ryan during the teaser. Heh heh. That guy's funny. Hey, Mandisa's in the audience! It's good to see her.
They do a recap of Idol Give Back, and judging by the stuff I don't remember from last night, I didn't miss much. Ryan pimps iTunes for the billionth time this season, and they introduce the Idols, who reprise their performance of "Shout to the Lord" from last night. I have to wonder why they'd do such an overtly Christian song. As a Christian myself I take no offense, but what does a song like this mean to the contestants and viewers who aren't Christians? It doesn't make sense to me that they would choose this song. The only line that actually uses the word "Jesus" is sung by Brooke, David A. and Kristy, who are two Mormons and a Christian. I'm guessing that was done intentionally. The performance is glory-noted to death at the end by David C. and Carly, but I'm sure Mandisa is enjoying it.
They show us another celebrity lip-sync video. Last year the song was "Stayin' Alive", this year it's "I'm a Believer". How interesting is that? Last year Micky Dolenz was part of the lip-sync video, and this year they're using a song he sang, even though he's not in the video this time. He was in the audience for the Top 8 in both Seasons 5 and 6, and this year they used his voice in the Top 8. I just figured it out! Next year they're going to have a Monkees theme for the Top 8, and Micky himself will be the mentor! That would be awesome. I have to try out now just so I can be a part of that.
Time for results. Brooke White is first. She talks about how her sister is getting married and she may not be able to be there because of "Idol". Perhaps so, because she's safe. Now I can breathe easy, because the one I was most worried for isn't going home. David Cook is next, and looking as evil as ever. He talks about how Simon has called him smug, arrogant and pompous throughout the entire season. Simon speaks the truth, Combover Boy. Despite his attitude, he's safe. Now it's David Archuleta. He's safe, as if there were ever any doubt. It's odd that the first three are all safe. Usually one of them is sent to the Bottom 3. I just had a terrible thought. They're still pimping Idol Gives Back tonight. Could it be that this extra result show is just a cheap tactic to keep promoting their charities, and they aren't going to eliminate anyone? Oh, please don't tell me that's the case.
Jordin Sparks and Chris Brown perform their song "No Air". This song is OK, but nothing I'd ever care to buy. After the song is over they present Jordin with some Gold and Platinum records for the downloads of her singles and sales of her album. Good for her. So far she's the most successful contestant to come out of Season 6 (as you'd usually expect the winner to be), but we'll see how well Chris Sligh and Phil Stacey's albums sell in the next few months.
The Idols do a psychedelic-ish commercial where they're painting the Earth on the ground with the wheels of a Ford car, all set to Rare Earth's "I Just Want to Celebrate". It's kind of cool, I guess. I've grown nervous of the possibility that there's no elimination this week though. Why can't I ever relax during a results show?
Jason Castro is safe, as expected. All the people I like are now safe. Still no Bottom 3 yet. Now we get Kristy Lee Cook. She's safe! That leaves Syesha Mercado, Carly Smithson and Michael Johns as the Bottom 3. I've never seen them narrow it down like that. I love this Bottom 3, as I hate all the contestants in it. The only question though, is if one of them is actually going to go home. It's a shame we can't send all three of them packing.
Before eliminations we get a message from Bono about one.org and the upcoming election. They show us videos of "the three candidates", Hillary Clinton, John McCain and Barack Obama, talking about how we can make a difference, or something we've heard a million times already. Whatever. I don't plan on voting for any of these clowns.
Finally it's time to read the results. Ryan tells us that Carly and Syesha are safe, which means Michael is the lowest vote-getter! Yes! It's about time! This guy has been dead weight since the beginning! The death spot claims another victim! Woo-hoo! Ryan then mentions that last year at Idol Gives Back they didn't eliminate anyone. Oh no. Please don't tell me they're going to save The Coaster. He then says that this year they aren't doing that. Phew! That was close! It would've been better if it had been Carly, but beggars can't be choosers. This is the best results show of the season! Someone I hated went home and everyone I liked stayed! It only took eight weeks to get here! I just hope Carly performs first next week.
Hey, I just realized we didn't have any inane viewer questions this time! One more reason this has been the best results show of the season!
Power Rankings
7. Brooke White - I got a result I liked this week, so that probably means that next week I have to see my favorite go home to make up for it. All over the internet it seems that people are losing interest in Brooke, so sadly, I won't be surprised if it happens this way.
6. Jason Castro - See my reasoning for Brooke. Jason seems to have a lot of fans, but the curse of me liking him may be his downfall.
5. Syesha Mercado - Being the only black contestant left has its advantages.
4. Carly Smithson - I know everyone's getting sick of her, but the look on her face when Kristy outlasts her will be priceless.
3. Kristy Lee Cook - There's no explanation for this girl except perhaps that a country song will always get you votes. She's been hanging by a thread since the beginning, but she's always managed to pull through. She may just shock us all the way to the hometown trip.
2. David Cook - He's too smug to win, but he seems to be pretty popular.
1. David Archuleta - This guy still rules the DialIdol roost. I maintain my belief that he has the fanbase to go all the way.
I'm not sure what next week's theme is, but I know it'll be slightly more enjoyable due to the lack of a certain Australian waste of time.
In case you're curious (which you probably aren't), I sort of watched Idol Gives Back, but since the first half hour conflicted with "Jeopardy!" and I have better things to do than watch every minute of a telethon where I'm not planning to donate and most of the performers are of no interest to me, I have little to say except that I hope the money they raised helps a lot of people. Now that I've gotten the obligatory touching tribute to human goodwill out of the way, let's recap these results.
Jason mouths the words "This is 'American Idol'!" behind Ryan during the teaser. Heh heh. That guy's funny. Hey, Mandisa's in the audience! It's good to see her.
They do a recap of Idol Give Back, and judging by the stuff I don't remember from last night, I didn't miss much. Ryan pimps iTunes for the billionth time this season, and they introduce the Idols, who reprise their performance of "Shout to the Lord" from last night. I have to wonder why they'd do such an overtly Christian song. As a Christian myself I take no offense, but what does a song like this mean to the contestants and viewers who aren't Christians? It doesn't make sense to me that they would choose this song. The only line that actually uses the word "Jesus" is sung by Brooke, David A. and Kristy, who are two Mormons and a Christian. I'm guessing that was done intentionally. The performance is glory-noted to death at the end by David C. and Carly, but I'm sure Mandisa is enjoying it.
They show us another celebrity lip-sync video. Last year the song was "Stayin' Alive", this year it's "I'm a Believer". How interesting is that? Last year Micky Dolenz was part of the lip-sync video, and this year they're using a song he sang, even though he's not in the video this time. He was in the audience for the Top 8 in both Seasons 5 and 6, and this year they used his voice in the Top 8. I just figured it out! Next year they're going to have a Monkees theme for the Top 8, and Micky himself will be the mentor! That would be awesome. I have to try out now just so I can be a part of that.
Time for results. Brooke White is first. She talks about how her sister is getting married and she may not be able to be there because of "Idol". Perhaps so, because she's safe. Now I can breathe easy, because the one I was most worried for isn't going home. David Cook is next, and looking as evil as ever. He talks about how Simon has called him smug, arrogant and pompous throughout the entire season. Simon speaks the truth, Combover Boy. Despite his attitude, he's safe. Now it's David Archuleta. He's safe, as if there were ever any doubt. It's odd that the first three are all safe. Usually one of them is sent to the Bottom 3. I just had a terrible thought. They're still pimping Idol Gives Back tonight. Could it be that this extra result show is just a cheap tactic to keep promoting their charities, and they aren't going to eliminate anyone? Oh, please don't tell me that's the case.
Jordin Sparks and Chris Brown perform their song "No Air". This song is OK, but nothing I'd ever care to buy. After the song is over they present Jordin with some Gold and Platinum records for the downloads of her singles and sales of her album. Good for her. So far she's the most successful contestant to come out of Season 6 (as you'd usually expect the winner to be), but we'll see how well Chris Sligh and Phil Stacey's albums sell in the next few months.
The Idols do a psychedelic-ish commercial where they're painting the Earth on the ground with the wheels of a Ford car, all set to Rare Earth's "I Just Want to Celebrate". It's kind of cool, I guess. I've grown nervous of the possibility that there's no elimination this week though. Why can't I ever relax during a results show?
Jason Castro is safe, as expected. All the people I like are now safe. Still no Bottom 3 yet. Now we get Kristy Lee Cook. She's safe! That leaves Syesha Mercado, Carly Smithson and Michael Johns as the Bottom 3. I've never seen them narrow it down like that. I love this Bottom 3, as I hate all the contestants in it. The only question though, is if one of them is actually going to go home. It's a shame we can't send all three of them packing.
Before eliminations we get a message from Bono about one.org and the upcoming election. They show us videos of "the three candidates", Hillary Clinton, John McCain and Barack Obama, talking about how we can make a difference, or something we've heard a million times already. Whatever. I don't plan on voting for any of these clowns.
Finally it's time to read the results. Ryan tells us that Carly and Syesha are safe, which means Michael is the lowest vote-getter! Yes! It's about time! This guy has been dead weight since the beginning! The death spot claims another victim! Woo-hoo! Ryan then mentions that last year at Idol Gives Back they didn't eliminate anyone. Oh no. Please don't tell me they're going to save The Coaster. He then says that this year they aren't doing that. Phew! That was close! It would've been better if it had been Carly, but beggars can't be choosers. This is the best results show of the season! Someone I hated went home and everyone I liked stayed! It only took eight weeks to get here! I just hope Carly performs first next week.
Hey, I just realized we didn't have any inane viewer questions this time! One more reason this has been the best results show of the season!
Power Rankings
7. Brooke White - I got a result I liked this week, so that probably means that next week I have to see my favorite go home to make up for it. All over the internet it seems that people are losing interest in Brooke, so sadly, I won't be surprised if it happens this way.
6. Jason Castro - See my reasoning for Brooke. Jason seems to have a lot of fans, but the curse of me liking him may be his downfall.
5. Syesha Mercado - Being the only black contestant left has its advantages.
4. Carly Smithson - I know everyone's getting sick of her, but the look on her face when Kristy outlasts her will be priceless.
3. Kristy Lee Cook - There's no explanation for this girl except perhaps that a country song will always get you votes. She's been hanging by a thread since the beginning, but she's always managed to pull through. She may just shock us all the way to the hometown trip.
2. David Cook - He's too smug to win, but he seems to be pretty popular.
1. David Archuleta - This guy still rules the DialIdol roost. I maintain my belief that he has the fanbase to go all the way.
I'm not sure what next week's theme is, but I know it'll be slightly more enjoyable due to the lack of a certain Australian waste of time.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Top 8 Recap
Prepare to have your spirits lifted, America! This week is Idol Gives Back! Tonight our Idols are doing an "Inspirational Music" theme! If that doesn't do the trick, you can always go to YouTube and find some performances from past seasons that were much better. If I'm being honest (to quote Simon), this was one of the more disappointing weeks of the season.
We start off with The Coaster. He's doing "Dream On" by Aerosmith, a song choice that makes my mother laugh. He sings it in his typical Coaster way. It's nothing spectacular, but I guess it could be worse. He copies Steven Tyler's original vocal too much by going into the screechy head voice at the end. I can't say I'm impressed. Randy says it was a pretty good song choice, but it had some pitch problems and he doesn't see him as an Aerosmith-style singer. I'm not sure how it was a good song choice if that's the case, but whatever. Paula loves it, as she does anything by a male performer. Simon says it was very good, but that it seemed like he was impersonating a rock star. Going first could hurt him, but his poor performances in the past haven't landed him in the Bottom 3 yet. We can always hope this is the week though.
Up next is Snoha, who's continuing her inexplicable run as a complete nonentity on this show. She's doing LaKisha Jones' legacy of predictable diva-dom proud by performing Fantasia's "I Believe", which LaKisha herself did for Idol Gives Back last year. This performance is exactly what you'd expect from Snoha. It's boring, oversung in parts and feels completely artificial. Please get rid of this girl, America. Randy says it was OK, but she didn't have the special connection with the song Fantasia had. Paula says it was one of her most shining nights. Simon says she sang it well but that it lacked the wave of emotion of Fantasia's version. I think she'll be in the Bottom 3 this week, and hopefully this is the last we'll see of Snoha until the finale.
It's time for The Code Man. He's doing "Somewhere Over the Rainbow", and apparently based it on a version some guy did with a ukelele. This is actually pretty cool. I never expected someone to play the ukelele with a performance this year. The lyrics seem to be oddly jumbled, but somehow he puts them all together well. There are rainbow-colored lights on the audience and the backdrop while he sings. I really like this, and I don't think he'll have any trouble getting votes tonight. My mother even likes the originality of it. Well, I'm not sure how much of it is his arrangement and how much is the original ukelele guy's, but it's different than what we're used to hearing. Randy says it was the hottest performance so far tonight. Paula says he has the most definitive sound and loves it. Simon says it was fantastic. If Jason's not back next week I'll be surprised.
The Mannequin is up next. Ryan tells us that she's "determined to stay out of the Bottom 3". OK, this is getting ridiculous. Everyone, including Mannequin, knows she doesn't deserve to be here. The fact that they make light of her not belonging in this competition tells me that this season has officially become a joke. She's singing "Anyway" by Martina McBride. It's no surprise that she's doing a country song, since it's the only genre where she can perform reasonably well. Mannequin gives us a dull, mediocre vocal with poorly-feigned emotion, a few off-key moments and very little body movement. In other words, it's a typical Kristy Lee Cook performance. This girl is frustratingly boring. Randy loves it. Paula says it was her best performance by far. Simon says she did a very very good job of showing who she is as an artist. Why oh why are they trying to pimp this girl? I think she could hit the Bottom 3, but after all that positive feedback she might avoid elimination yet again.
Combover, who's looking more sinister every week, has the next spot. He's doing "Innocent" by Our Lady Peace. I don't know this song, and most of the audience probably doesn't either, but since he's one of the pimped ones he can get away with doing something obscure. This performance may be worse than his "Happy Together" from the first week. The vocals sound like they're totally off the whole time, and the song itself isn't even that good. At the end the camera zooms up to reveal that the words "give back" are written on his hand. This guy is starting to creep me out. Randy says it wasn't one of his strongest weeks. Paula says he has the whole package. Simon says he didn't like the performance and thought it was a bit pompous. I learned tonight that my mother actually likes this guy. Good thing I'm the one who does all the voting around here. At least she agreed that this performance was bad. I think Combover has a small chance of being in the Bottom 3 this week, but I wouldn't put money on it.
Carpetbagger Carly is next, and she's doing Queen's "The Show Must Go On". For the most part this performance is technically good, but I still don't enjoy it. I can do without her screaming and making weird faces every week. There's not much else to say. She's just boring and unlikable. Randy says it started good and then got pitchy, so it was just OK overall. Paula says that Carly's voice is "pretty perfect" (would that be considered an oxymoron?) but that she didn't feel engaged by the performance. Simon says she oversang and lost control of the song, and that it came across as angry rather than inspirational. Well said, Simon. I won't be surprised to see Carly in the Bottom 3 again this week, but there were so many bad performances tonight it'll hard to predict.
Now it's Mini-Carmen's turn. All right! Brooke gets the pimp spot! Maybe someone I don't like will finally go home this week! Mini-Carmen is singing "Angels" by Robbie Williams. I know this song was huge in Europe, but I'm not that familiar with it. He plays the piano, which seems to cause a slight disconnect with his vocals. There are a few bad notes, but overall this performance is pretty good. I'm not sure what's so great about this song, since I've already forgotten how it goes as I'm writing this, but I may start voting for this guy tonight. Randy says he loves the runs, and that it was David's hottest moment all season. Some girls in the audience scream that they love David, and Paula simply agrees with them. Simon says it was the best song choice of the night but not his best vocal. As usual, there's no doubt that this guy will be back next week.
Finally, we close with my girl Brooke White. She's doing "You've Got a Friend", originally by Carole King but more commonly associated with James Taylor. Brooke seems to be quivering the entire time, thus making her vocals shaky once again. I'm not sure if she's nervous or if she's just emotional. This song suits her better than last week's did, as it's much more positive. I can't help but love Brooke, even if she doesn't have the best voice. Yes, I realize I say that every week, but it's true. It's hard for me to hate anything she does. I'm starting to think she may not last as long as I've been predicting though, and that makes me sad. Randy says it wasn't her best, but it was OK. Paula likes it. Hey, it looks like Amy Davis is in the audience again, and this time she brought Luke Menard with her! If only Amanda Overmyer had joined them all of this season's Hoosiers would be reunited. I recall Luke talking about loving last year's Idol Gives Back in his website questionnaire, so perhaps that's why he's here tonight (yes, I realize I'm a dork for knowing that). Simon says it was pleasant, but not original or great. Oh well. The pimp spot and a decent performance should keep her safe for another week.
This week's predictions are going to be tough. I thought David Archuleta and Jason were the best, Brooke was OK, and most everyone else did poorly. Of course, those three I mentioned are currently my three favorites in the competition, so I might be a tad biased. After giving it some thought, here's how I see it:
Bottom 3: Syesha, Kristy, Carly
Going Home: Kristy
Perhaps it's wishful thinking, as I don't like any of these three girls, but this is the first week where I've had reason to believe that someone I don't like is finally going home. Syesha may hang on a little longer since she's the only black contestant left, but without a strong fanbase she can hardly rest easy. Carly made a bad song choice, but I think she'll hang on because for some reason there are enough people who seem to like her. Kristy got more pimpage this week than she normally does, even though she wasn't that great. I know I'm taking a risk by picking her to leave us, as country music fans seem to be a powerful voting bloc, but I have a feeling that she's finally going to go home now that we least expect it.
Also Vulnerable
Michael
Probably Safe
David C.
Brooke
I'd Be Shocked
Jason
David A.
Whom I Voted For: Jason, David A., Brooke
I'm not going to bother recapping Idol Gives Back tomorrow. I may not even watch the whole thing. Check back in two days for my recap of the results show, when one of the people I don't like should finally bite the dust!
We start off with The Coaster. He's doing "Dream On" by Aerosmith, a song choice that makes my mother laugh. He sings it in his typical Coaster way. It's nothing spectacular, but I guess it could be worse. He copies Steven Tyler's original vocal too much by going into the screechy head voice at the end. I can't say I'm impressed. Randy says it was a pretty good song choice, but it had some pitch problems and he doesn't see him as an Aerosmith-style singer. I'm not sure how it was a good song choice if that's the case, but whatever. Paula loves it, as she does anything by a male performer. Simon says it was very good, but that it seemed like he was impersonating a rock star. Going first could hurt him, but his poor performances in the past haven't landed him in the Bottom 3 yet. We can always hope this is the week though.
Up next is Snoha, who's continuing her inexplicable run as a complete nonentity on this show. She's doing LaKisha Jones' legacy of predictable diva-dom proud by performing Fantasia's "I Believe", which LaKisha herself did for Idol Gives Back last year. This performance is exactly what you'd expect from Snoha. It's boring, oversung in parts and feels completely artificial. Please get rid of this girl, America. Randy says it was OK, but she didn't have the special connection with the song Fantasia had. Paula says it was one of her most shining nights. Simon says she sang it well but that it lacked the wave of emotion of Fantasia's version. I think she'll be in the Bottom 3 this week, and hopefully this is the last we'll see of Snoha until the finale.
It's time for The Code Man. He's doing "Somewhere Over the Rainbow", and apparently based it on a version some guy did with a ukelele. This is actually pretty cool. I never expected someone to play the ukelele with a performance this year. The lyrics seem to be oddly jumbled, but somehow he puts them all together well. There are rainbow-colored lights on the audience and the backdrop while he sings. I really like this, and I don't think he'll have any trouble getting votes tonight. My mother even likes the originality of it. Well, I'm not sure how much of it is his arrangement and how much is the original ukelele guy's, but it's different than what we're used to hearing. Randy says it was the hottest performance so far tonight. Paula says he has the most definitive sound and loves it. Simon says it was fantastic. If Jason's not back next week I'll be surprised.
The Mannequin is up next. Ryan tells us that she's "determined to stay out of the Bottom 3". OK, this is getting ridiculous. Everyone, including Mannequin, knows she doesn't deserve to be here. The fact that they make light of her not belonging in this competition tells me that this season has officially become a joke. She's singing "Anyway" by Martina McBride. It's no surprise that she's doing a country song, since it's the only genre where she can perform reasonably well. Mannequin gives us a dull, mediocre vocal with poorly-feigned emotion, a few off-key moments and very little body movement. In other words, it's a typical Kristy Lee Cook performance. This girl is frustratingly boring. Randy loves it. Paula says it was her best performance by far. Simon says she did a very very good job of showing who she is as an artist. Why oh why are they trying to pimp this girl? I think she could hit the Bottom 3, but after all that positive feedback she might avoid elimination yet again.
Combover, who's looking more sinister every week, has the next spot. He's doing "Innocent" by Our Lady Peace. I don't know this song, and most of the audience probably doesn't either, but since he's one of the pimped ones he can get away with doing something obscure. This performance may be worse than his "Happy Together" from the first week. The vocals sound like they're totally off the whole time, and the song itself isn't even that good. At the end the camera zooms up to reveal that the words "give back" are written on his hand. This guy is starting to creep me out. Randy says it wasn't one of his strongest weeks. Paula says he has the whole package. Simon says he didn't like the performance and thought it was a bit pompous. I learned tonight that my mother actually likes this guy. Good thing I'm the one who does all the voting around here. At least she agreed that this performance was bad. I think Combover has a small chance of being in the Bottom 3 this week, but I wouldn't put money on it.
Carpetbagger Carly is next, and she's doing Queen's "The Show Must Go On". For the most part this performance is technically good, but I still don't enjoy it. I can do without her screaming and making weird faces every week. There's not much else to say. She's just boring and unlikable. Randy says it started good and then got pitchy, so it was just OK overall. Paula says that Carly's voice is "pretty perfect" (would that be considered an oxymoron?) but that she didn't feel engaged by the performance. Simon says she oversang and lost control of the song, and that it came across as angry rather than inspirational. Well said, Simon. I won't be surprised to see Carly in the Bottom 3 again this week, but there were so many bad performances tonight it'll hard to predict.
Now it's Mini-Carmen's turn. All right! Brooke gets the pimp spot! Maybe someone I don't like will finally go home this week! Mini-Carmen is singing "Angels" by Robbie Williams. I know this song was huge in Europe, but I'm not that familiar with it. He plays the piano, which seems to cause a slight disconnect with his vocals. There are a few bad notes, but overall this performance is pretty good. I'm not sure what's so great about this song, since I've already forgotten how it goes as I'm writing this, but I may start voting for this guy tonight. Randy says he loves the runs, and that it was David's hottest moment all season. Some girls in the audience scream that they love David, and Paula simply agrees with them. Simon says it was the best song choice of the night but not his best vocal. As usual, there's no doubt that this guy will be back next week.
Finally, we close with my girl Brooke White. She's doing "You've Got a Friend", originally by Carole King but more commonly associated with James Taylor. Brooke seems to be quivering the entire time, thus making her vocals shaky once again. I'm not sure if she's nervous or if she's just emotional. This song suits her better than last week's did, as it's much more positive. I can't help but love Brooke, even if she doesn't have the best voice. Yes, I realize I say that every week, but it's true. It's hard for me to hate anything she does. I'm starting to think she may not last as long as I've been predicting though, and that makes me sad. Randy says it wasn't her best, but it was OK. Paula likes it. Hey, it looks like Amy Davis is in the audience again, and this time she brought Luke Menard with her! If only Amanda Overmyer had joined them all of this season's Hoosiers would be reunited. I recall Luke talking about loving last year's Idol Gives Back in his website questionnaire, so perhaps that's why he's here tonight (yes, I realize I'm a dork for knowing that). Simon says it was pleasant, but not original or great. Oh well. The pimp spot and a decent performance should keep her safe for another week.
This week's predictions are going to be tough. I thought David Archuleta and Jason were the best, Brooke was OK, and most everyone else did poorly. Of course, those three I mentioned are currently my three favorites in the competition, so I might be a tad biased. After giving it some thought, here's how I see it:
Bottom 3: Syesha, Kristy, Carly
Going Home: Kristy
Perhaps it's wishful thinking, as I don't like any of these three girls, but this is the first week where I've had reason to believe that someone I don't like is finally going home. Syesha may hang on a little longer since she's the only black contestant left, but without a strong fanbase she can hardly rest easy. Carly made a bad song choice, but I think she'll hang on because for some reason there are enough people who seem to like her. Kristy got more pimpage this week than she normally does, even though she wasn't that great. I know I'm taking a risk by picking her to leave us, as country music fans seem to be a powerful voting bloc, but I have a feeling that she's finally going to go home now that we least expect it.
Also Vulnerable
Michael
Probably Safe
David C.
Brooke
I'd Be Shocked
Jason
David A.
Whom I Voted For: Jason, David A., Brooke
I'm not going to bother recapping Idol Gives Back tomorrow. I may not even watch the whole thing. Check back in two days for my recap of the results show, when one of the people I don't like should finally bite the dust!
Monday, April 7, 2008
Season 6 vs. Season 7
Last year we heard it over and over again: "This is the worst season of 'American Idol' ever!" Because everybody apparently agreed that Season 6 was terrible, the producers attempted to stack the deck as much as they could in Season 7. Several contestants this year have had past record deals, and others have recorded albums independently before coming on the show. They don't want another boring, amateurish group like last year. The powers that be at "Idol" have gone out of their way to tell us that this year's group is the most talented ever, but is it really? Certainly, if they are the best ever they'll compare favorably to last year's lackluster contestants, won't they?
I thought it would be interesting to look at this year's Top 12 next to last year's and determine which season was better. Obviously, this piece will be based on my subjective opinions, but I'll attempt to support my positions as best I can. It might be unfair to start these comparisons before the season has ended, but I think we've seen enough by now to have an idea of how good each contestant this year is.
I won't compare these contestants on a purely technical level. Rather, I'll try to determine who has the better overall package. I would consider a less technically competent singer "better" than a more technically competent one if he/she was more entertaining or enjoyable in his/her performances. A contestant who picks the right songs, knows how to engage the audience and keeps you interested is certainly what most people are looking for from this show, not just someone with a good voice.
I figured that the best way to compare these contestants would be to match each Finalist from Season 6 up with the one from Season 7 who was most similar. Some of these comparisons work better than others, but I think I came up with the best match for each one.
Brandon Rogers vs. David Hernandez
They both went home in 12th Place and they were both pop singers with a bit of an R&B flavor. To be honest, I was never a big fan of Brandon. While he was an OK singer, I found him boring. David, on the other hand, seemed like a determined underdog from the very beginning. He seemed like he was putting his all into every performance because he wanted it badly. Brandon talked about how much he wanted it, but his performances never warranted much attention. I know some people found David a bit bland, but I thought he was one of the more entertaining contestants during the Semifinals. His rendition of "Papa Was a Rolling Stone" was one of the top three performances from Top 10 Guys night. The only thing most people will remember Brandon for is his ill-fated performance of "You Can't Hurry Love" where he forgot the lyrics and was promptly sent home. David had several good performances before a weak version of "I Saw Her Standing There" (and possibly his past as a stripper) got him booted.
Edge: Season 7
Stephanie Edwards vs. Ramiele Malubay
They were the weakest "divas" from their respective seasons, and they're similar in that their first performances ("How Come You Don't Call Me" for Stephanie and "You Don't Have to Say You Love Me" for Ramiele) were both very good. The problem was that they both became boring pretty quickly. Stephanie was sent home in 11th Place after a weak performance of "You Don't Have to Say You Love Me" (which didn't make the same impact as Ramiele's). Ramiele made mediocre song choices throughout the competition, and she eventually went home in 9th Place after an awful version of "Do I Cross Your Mind". The problem with Ramiele was that she seemed to have the potential to do better, but her poise and performance skills weren't up to par. Stephanie was more confident on stage, but it was hard for her to stand out when competing with the personalities of Melinda Doolittle and Jordin Sparks. While Stephanie didn't have Ramiele's cute charm, there's no doubt in my mind that she had a better grasp of how to maximize her talent.
Edge: Season 6
Chris Sligh vs. David Cook
I put these two together because they both have an alternative rock style. This should be a no-brainer, right? Cook is currently considered the frontrunner by most people and Sligh went home in 10th Place. Actually, it is a no-brainer to me, but not in the way you might expect. Chris Sligh was one of my favorites last year. I thought he had the best voice of all the guys and I loved his distinctive tone. When he was eliminated I was actually still disappointed about it the next day. David Cook is an undeniably talented singer, but his performances are nothing I have any desire to listen to. His post-grunge arrangements are boring, and I don't find his vocal tone that appealing. There's also personality. While some of Chris Sligh's humor got old after a while, I liked that he tried to make the show fun. David does seem to have a sense of humor, but for the most part his personality is kind of dull. If David Cook goes home I'll probably be happy about it the next day, not disappointed.
Edge: Season 6
Gina Glocksen vs. Amanda Overmyer
Rocker chicks! While this was one of the easiest matches to make, Amanda and Gina were very different. Some of Gina's critics thought that her rocker persona seemed more like a role she was playing rather than a true reflection of her personality. Her style was along the lines of today's edgy alt-rock, though she seemed to have an affinity for Céline Dion as well. Amanda, on the other hand, was about as authentic as they come. Her style was a more bluesy, classic rock-influenced one, and she never strayed from it. Personally, I was never a fan of Gina. She only gave one performance I actually liked, and that was "I'll Stand By You" (a song that hardly fit her "rock" style). Amanda, while she took a while to find her groove, gave performances that made me want to pump my fist. She was exciting to watch and listen to, whereas Gina usually bored me. I'd definitely give Gina the edge in terms of technical singing ability. Amanda was more of a shouter, and she didn't handle rangy melodies very well. There's no way Amanda could've pulled off "I'll Stand By You" as well as Gina did, but I also know she never would've attempted it, as her belief was that "ballads are boring!" Still, as far as overall performing ability goes, I prefer Amanda.
Edge: Season 7
Haley Scarnato vs. Kristy Lee Cook
They're both pretty girls who lasted longer than most people expected. While Kristy has established herself as this year's "country singer", Haley revealed after her elimination that she had hoped to go in a country direction too. Vocally, I'd say Haley was better. While Kristy has shown an ability to hit the occasional big note, her vocals are completely devoid of any emotion or personality. Haley could hit those big notes too, but she actually put some feeling into the rest of her singing. Then there's performing ability. Kristy didn't earn my "Mannequin" nickname for nothing; her performances are robotic. Haley actually worked the stage sometimes. While you could easily categorize both of them as mediocre singers who got by on their looks, I would say Haley is clearly superior.
Edge: Season 6
Sanjaya Malakar vs. Jason Castro
Don't get mad at me, Dreadheads. It was the best one I could come up with. Both of them stand out because of their hair, and neither one is an outstanding vocalist. While Jason hasn't had any trainwreck performances like Sanjaya did, I think Sanjaya actually had more singing ability than Jason. Just listen to Sanjaya's "Bésame Mucho". He actually sounds really good on it. I'm pretty sure Sanjaya has taken voice lessons, whereas Jason basically taught himself to sing a few years ago. I think the biggest reason for Sanjaya's weak vocals (especially early on) was that he was a shy teenager whose nerves got the better of him. Jason is older, more laid back and has been on TV before, so he's probably more able to handle the pressure. Another thing in Jason's favor is that he has his own musical style that sets him apart on the show. People know him as the folky guy with the guitar, but Sanjaya didn't really have an artistic persona. Still, I think the biggest area where Sanjaya wins is that he was more entertaining. I'll admit that I hated Sanjaya last year, but after he was off the show I started to appreciate him more. While he was both bad and boring in the beginning, he became more creative and confident over the course of the competition (how's that for alliteration?). Love him or hate him, you couldn't ignore his presence. Jason himself stands out, but many of his peformances are forgettable.
Edge: Season 6
Phil Stacey vs. David Archuleta
This comparison might seem a little awkward, as one was a bald, deep-voiced family man and the other is a shy, Eric Carmen-voiced teen heartthrob, but stylistically I think they're the best match, as they're both big-voiced male singers. I'll admit that I didn't like Phil at first last year. I didn't hate him, as he seemed like a nice guy, but his pitch was usually off and his voice often seemed strained. He got more confident as the competition went on though, and eventually he won me over. I plan on buying his album when it comes out this month. David has a similar story. At first I thought he was a bit overrated, but I never hated him as he seemed like a humble kid. Recently though, he's been growing on me. I even think I could eventually vote for him, but I don't think I'd ever buy his album. While they're both very talented and likable, I'd say David is a little better than Phil as far as pure singing and performing ability goes.
Edge: Season 7
Chris Richardson vs. Michael Johns
I put these two together because they both have rock and soul elements to their styles and they're both considered sexy by many female fans. While neither one has an especially strong voice, Michael may have a slight advantage in that area. Personally though, I liked Chris more. He came across as humble and affable, and he knew how to own the stage. Michael doesn't seem to have much of a personality, and his performances aren't very engaging. All the swooning women may disagree with me on that, but as a straight man I can say that he's one of those contestants whose performance I usually want to get over with. He's just not interesting to me at all. While Chris' style of music wasn't really my thing, I at least thought he was entertaining and likable.
Edge: Season 6
LaKisha Jones vs. Syesha Mercado
These are the two divas whose styles are/were most confined to gospel-ish oversinging. Honestly, I thought LaKisha was boring and only had two memorable performances during the entire season ("And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" and "This Ain't a Love Song"). It's almost surprising in retrospect that she avoided the Bottom 3 until the Top 7. She was good, but she was too one-dimensional and forgettable. Her backstory about trying to make a better life for her daughter was probably what kept her in it. Syesha is pretty much the same thing to me, except worse. Everything she does seems affected, and her voice is much more screechy and obnoxious than LaKisha's was. While LaKisha didn't have the most inviting personality, Syesha just comes across as self-absorbed. I may not have been a LaKisha fan, but she was much better all around than Syesha.
Edge: Season 6
Melinda Doolittle vs. Carly Smithson
They're the two women with the strongest technical singing voices of their respective seasons. Honestly, this one is too easy. Many people consider Melinda to be the best singer in "American Idol" history. She gave so many great performances it's almost hard to keep track of them all. In addition to her vocal chops, she had an extremely lovable personality. She was genuinely surprised early on by how much the judges liked her, and she never came across as entitled or pretentious. Then there's Carly. While Melinda had only one performance that I didn't think was very good ("I Believe in You and Me") Carly has had several. Part of the problem was that she was sick early on in the competition, but even now that she's supposed to have recovered she still underwhelms. Since we're discussing personalities as well, there's no way Carly can win here. She's tried to portray herself as an unfortunate victim of bad luck, but it just comes off as whiny, as she's already gotten more chances at fame than most people ever get. I loved Melinda. I can't stand Carly.
Edge: Season 6
Blake Lewis vs. Chikezie
This comparison was painful to make, as Chikezie was one of my favorites and I hated Blake. Still, I think they're similar in that they were the contestants who changed things up the most. Other than that there wasn't much they had in common. As far as singing talent goes, there's no question that Chikezie has the advantage. Chikezie's voice was strong and soulful, whereas Blake had little range and used his beatboxing to cover up his mediocre singing. I think Blake was better at consistently picking the right songs and keeping the audience interested, but I don't think he ever knocked one out of the park like Chikezie did with his two Beatles performances and "I Believe to My Soul". Some would argue that Blake's "You Give Love a Bad Name" was incredible, but Simon said that half the people would love it and half would hate it, and I'm personally among the ones who thought it was crap.
Edge: Season 7
Jordin Sparks vs. Brooke White
This is what we're left with, but I think it sort of works. Their sunny, likable personalities were a big part of what made them both successful. While I always liked Jordin, she was never my favorite (until the finale), and Brooke has been my favorite girl since the beginning. Vocally, Jordin wins hands down. Brooke's singing is more about interpretation and feeling than technical skill. Jordin had one of the biggest voices in the competition, and she was no slouch at putting feeling into her performances either. Jordin had several performances that weren't very good or memorable, but when she was at her best she was incredible. Brooke hasn't given a performance yet that I thought was terrible, but she hasn't blown me away yet like Jordin did with "I (Who Have Nothing)" either. Perhaps this wasn't the fairest comparison, but as much as I like Brooke I have to say that last year's winner was better than her.
Edge: Season 6
To sum things up, I'd consider eight of Season 6's Top 12 to be superior to their Season 7 counterparts. We aren't hearing that this group is the most talented ever as much as we used to, perhaps because it clearly isn't. People can hate on Season 6 all they want, but I hope they realize after Season 7 is over that it wasn't any better.
I thought it would be interesting to look at this year's Top 12 next to last year's and determine which season was better. Obviously, this piece will be based on my subjective opinions, but I'll attempt to support my positions as best I can. It might be unfair to start these comparisons before the season has ended, but I think we've seen enough by now to have an idea of how good each contestant this year is.
I won't compare these contestants on a purely technical level. Rather, I'll try to determine who has the better overall package. I would consider a less technically competent singer "better" than a more technically competent one if he/she was more entertaining or enjoyable in his/her performances. A contestant who picks the right songs, knows how to engage the audience and keeps you interested is certainly what most people are looking for from this show, not just someone with a good voice.
I figured that the best way to compare these contestants would be to match each Finalist from Season 6 up with the one from Season 7 who was most similar. Some of these comparisons work better than others, but I think I came up with the best match for each one.
Brandon Rogers vs. David Hernandez
They both went home in 12th Place and they were both pop singers with a bit of an R&B flavor. To be honest, I was never a big fan of Brandon. While he was an OK singer, I found him boring. David, on the other hand, seemed like a determined underdog from the very beginning. He seemed like he was putting his all into every performance because he wanted it badly. Brandon talked about how much he wanted it, but his performances never warranted much attention. I know some people found David a bit bland, but I thought he was one of the more entertaining contestants during the Semifinals. His rendition of "Papa Was a Rolling Stone" was one of the top three performances from Top 10 Guys night. The only thing most people will remember Brandon for is his ill-fated performance of "You Can't Hurry Love" where he forgot the lyrics and was promptly sent home. David had several good performances before a weak version of "I Saw Her Standing There" (and possibly his past as a stripper) got him booted.
Edge: Season 7
Stephanie Edwards vs. Ramiele Malubay
They were the weakest "divas" from their respective seasons, and they're similar in that their first performances ("How Come You Don't Call Me" for Stephanie and "You Don't Have to Say You Love Me" for Ramiele) were both very good. The problem was that they both became boring pretty quickly. Stephanie was sent home in 11th Place after a weak performance of "You Don't Have to Say You Love Me" (which didn't make the same impact as Ramiele's). Ramiele made mediocre song choices throughout the competition, and she eventually went home in 9th Place after an awful version of "Do I Cross Your Mind". The problem with Ramiele was that she seemed to have the potential to do better, but her poise and performance skills weren't up to par. Stephanie was more confident on stage, but it was hard for her to stand out when competing with the personalities of Melinda Doolittle and Jordin Sparks. While Stephanie didn't have Ramiele's cute charm, there's no doubt in my mind that she had a better grasp of how to maximize her talent.
Edge: Season 6
Chris Sligh vs. David Cook
I put these two together because they both have an alternative rock style. This should be a no-brainer, right? Cook is currently considered the frontrunner by most people and Sligh went home in 10th Place. Actually, it is a no-brainer to me, but not in the way you might expect. Chris Sligh was one of my favorites last year. I thought he had the best voice of all the guys and I loved his distinctive tone. When he was eliminated I was actually still disappointed about it the next day. David Cook is an undeniably talented singer, but his performances are nothing I have any desire to listen to. His post-grunge arrangements are boring, and I don't find his vocal tone that appealing. There's also personality. While some of Chris Sligh's humor got old after a while, I liked that he tried to make the show fun. David does seem to have a sense of humor, but for the most part his personality is kind of dull. If David Cook goes home I'll probably be happy about it the next day, not disappointed.
Edge: Season 6
Gina Glocksen vs. Amanda Overmyer
Rocker chicks! While this was one of the easiest matches to make, Amanda and Gina were very different. Some of Gina's critics thought that her rocker persona seemed more like a role she was playing rather than a true reflection of her personality. Her style was along the lines of today's edgy alt-rock, though she seemed to have an affinity for Céline Dion as well. Amanda, on the other hand, was about as authentic as they come. Her style was a more bluesy, classic rock-influenced one, and she never strayed from it. Personally, I was never a fan of Gina. She only gave one performance I actually liked, and that was "I'll Stand By You" (a song that hardly fit her "rock" style). Amanda, while she took a while to find her groove, gave performances that made me want to pump my fist. She was exciting to watch and listen to, whereas Gina usually bored me. I'd definitely give Gina the edge in terms of technical singing ability. Amanda was more of a shouter, and she didn't handle rangy melodies very well. There's no way Amanda could've pulled off "I'll Stand By You" as well as Gina did, but I also know she never would've attempted it, as her belief was that "ballads are boring!" Still, as far as overall performing ability goes, I prefer Amanda.
Edge: Season 7
Haley Scarnato vs. Kristy Lee Cook
They're both pretty girls who lasted longer than most people expected. While Kristy has established herself as this year's "country singer", Haley revealed after her elimination that she had hoped to go in a country direction too. Vocally, I'd say Haley was better. While Kristy has shown an ability to hit the occasional big note, her vocals are completely devoid of any emotion or personality. Haley could hit those big notes too, but she actually put some feeling into the rest of her singing. Then there's performing ability. Kristy didn't earn my "Mannequin" nickname for nothing; her performances are robotic. Haley actually worked the stage sometimes. While you could easily categorize both of them as mediocre singers who got by on their looks, I would say Haley is clearly superior.
Edge: Season 6
Sanjaya Malakar vs. Jason Castro
Don't get mad at me, Dreadheads. It was the best one I could come up with. Both of them stand out because of their hair, and neither one is an outstanding vocalist. While Jason hasn't had any trainwreck performances like Sanjaya did, I think Sanjaya actually had more singing ability than Jason. Just listen to Sanjaya's "Bésame Mucho". He actually sounds really good on it. I'm pretty sure Sanjaya has taken voice lessons, whereas Jason basically taught himself to sing a few years ago. I think the biggest reason for Sanjaya's weak vocals (especially early on) was that he was a shy teenager whose nerves got the better of him. Jason is older, more laid back and has been on TV before, so he's probably more able to handle the pressure. Another thing in Jason's favor is that he has his own musical style that sets him apart on the show. People know him as the folky guy with the guitar, but Sanjaya didn't really have an artistic persona. Still, I think the biggest area where Sanjaya wins is that he was more entertaining. I'll admit that I hated Sanjaya last year, but after he was off the show I started to appreciate him more. While he was both bad and boring in the beginning, he became more creative and confident over the course of the competition (how's that for alliteration?). Love him or hate him, you couldn't ignore his presence. Jason himself stands out, but many of his peformances are forgettable.
Edge: Season 6
Phil Stacey vs. David Archuleta
This comparison might seem a little awkward, as one was a bald, deep-voiced family man and the other is a shy, Eric Carmen-voiced teen heartthrob, but stylistically I think they're the best match, as they're both big-voiced male singers. I'll admit that I didn't like Phil at first last year. I didn't hate him, as he seemed like a nice guy, but his pitch was usually off and his voice often seemed strained. He got more confident as the competition went on though, and eventually he won me over. I plan on buying his album when it comes out this month. David has a similar story. At first I thought he was a bit overrated, but I never hated him as he seemed like a humble kid. Recently though, he's been growing on me. I even think I could eventually vote for him, but I don't think I'd ever buy his album. While they're both very talented and likable, I'd say David is a little better than Phil as far as pure singing and performing ability goes.
Edge: Season 7
Chris Richardson vs. Michael Johns
I put these two together because they both have rock and soul elements to their styles and they're both considered sexy by many female fans. While neither one has an especially strong voice, Michael may have a slight advantage in that area. Personally though, I liked Chris more. He came across as humble and affable, and he knew how to own the stage. Michael doesn't seem to have much of a personality, and his performances aren't very engaging. All the swooning women may disagree with me on that, but as a straight man I can say that he's one of those contestants whose performance I usually want to get over with. He's just not interesting to me at all. While Chris' style of music wasn't really my thing, I at least thought he was entertaining and likable.
Edge: Season 6
LaKisha Jones vs. Syesha Mercado
These are the two divas whose styles are/were most confined to gospel-ish oversinging. Honestly, I thought LaKisha was boring and only had two memorable performances during the entire season ("And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" and "This Ain't a Love Song"). It's almost surprising in retrospect that she avoided the Bottom 3 until the Top 7. She was good, but she was too one-dimensional and forgettable. Her backstory about trying to make a better life for her daughter was probably what kept her in it. Syesha is pretty much the same thing to me, except worse. Everything she does seems affected, and her voice is much more screechy and obnoxious than LaKisha's was. While LaKisha didn't have the most inviting personality, Syesha just comes across as self-absorbed. I may not have been a LaKisha fan, but she was much better all around than Syesha.
Edge: Season 6
Melinda Doolittle vs. Carly Smithson
They're the two women with the strongest technical singing voices of their respective seasons. Honestly, this one is too easy. Many people consider Melinda to be the best singer in "American Idol" history. She gave so many great performances it's almost hard to keep track of them all. In addition to her vocal chops, she had an extremely lovable personality. She was genuinely surprised early on by how much the judges liked her, and she never came across as entitled or pretentious. Then there's Carly. While Melinda had only one performance that I didn't think was very good ("I Believe in You and Me") Carly has had several. Part of the problem was that she was sick early on in the competition, but even now that she's supposed to have recovered she still underwhelms. Since we're discussing personalities as well, there's no way Carly can win here. She's tried to portray herself as an unfortunate victim of bad luck, but it just comes off as whiny, as she's already gotten more chances at fame than most people ever get. I loved Melinda. I can't stand Carly.
Edge: Season 6
Blake Lewis vs. Chikezie
This comparison was painful to make, as Chikezie was one of my favorites and I hated Blake. Still, I think they're similar in that they were the contestants who changed things up the most. Other than that there wasn't much they had in common. As far as singing talent goes, there's no question that Chikezie has the advantage. Chikezie's voice was strong and soulful, whereas Blake had little range and used his beatboxing to cover up his mediocre singing. I think Blake was better at consistently picking the right songs and keeping the audience interested, but I don't think he ever knocked one out of the park like Chikezie did with his two Beatles performances and "I Believe to My Soul". Some would argue that Blake's "You Give Love a Bad Name" was incredible, but Simon said that half the people would love it and half would hate it, and I'm personally among the ones who thought it was crap.
Edge: Season 7
Jordin Sparks vs. Brooke White
This is what we're left with, but I think it sort of works. Their sunny, likable personalities were a big part of what made them both successful. While I always liked Jordin, she was never my favorite (until the finale), and Brooke has been my favorite girl since the beginning. Vocally, Jordin wins hands down. Brooke's singing is more about interpretation and feeling than technical skill. Jordin had one of the biggest voices in the competition, and she was no slouch at putting feeling into her performances either. Jordin had several performances that weren't very good or memorable, but when she was at her best she was incredible. Brooke hasn't given a performance yet that I thought was terrible, but she hasn't blown me away yet like Jordin did with "I (Who Have Nothing)" either. Perhaps this wasn't the fairest comparison, but as much as I like Brooke I have to say that last year's winner was better than her.
Edge: Season 6
To sum things up, I'd consider eight of Season 6's Top 12 to be superior to their Season 7 counterparts. We aren't hearing that this group is the most talented ever as much as we used to, perhaps because it clearly isn't. People can hate on Season 6 all they want, but I hope they realize after Season 7 is over that it wasn't any better.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Top 9 Results Recap
Well, this week's results show wasn't quite so bad. I wasn't thrilled with the result, but at least my favorite didn't go home this time. That's a small victory on this season where nothing is going my way.
The group number this week is "9 to 5". I assume they picked that one in memory of Chikezie, who said he would've performed that song had he been in the competition this week. Ramiele's microphone doesn't work for a split second when she starts her solo part. That's the second microphone malfunction involving Ramiele in a group performance this season. Michael sounds like crap on his torturously long solo part, but then again, it's not too different from the way he normally sounds. Taylor Hicks could wipe the floor with this guy. At one point they sing their song crowded around the judges. Carly sits seductively on the table right in front of Simon, and I can't imagine how anyone would be turned on by Carly of all people doing that. Overall I'd say this was the first good group performance since the Finals began. It's right up there with the 70's Medley from Top 20 Week. My mother thinks the group number is cheesy, but isn't the cheesiness the whole reason we love this show? Hey, Chikezie's in the audience! Ya shoulda been on stage, pal!
Time for some results! Coaster is first, and he's wearing a Dolly Parton t-shirt. After all the pimping he got last night for sounding like he was passing a kidney stone we know he's going to be safe. Sure enough, he is. Mini-Carmen is next. Oh, the drama. He's safe, of course. Now it's the Carlybagger. I didn't predict she'd be in the Bottom 3, but DialIdol said she was vulnerable. Unfortunately, she's safe.
I won't waste too much time on the dumb viewer questions. Here's a quick summary: Syesha misses hanging out with her family and friends, but "Idol" is her new family, David C. wants to be more organized, Randy would love to do a song with this year's winner, Michael and David C. want to perform "Islands in the Stream" on tour, and Simon will never apologize for his nasty critiques again. Wasn't that educational?
Next up is The Clark Brothers performing "This Little Light of Mine". I voted for them on "The Next Great American Band", and since I was the only person in America watching that's probably why they won. This performance, like pretty much every Clark Brothers performance, is awesome. These guys give it 100% every time. I can't wait for their album to come out.
The Ford commercial has the Idols playing street basketball to the tune of Run-D.M.C.'s "It's Tricky". Ramiele can't play because she's too short. Kristy shows off her mad shot-blocking skillz. Brooke makes a basket while standing in the sunroof of a vehicle. This may be the cheesiest Ford commercial we've seen this season.
It's time for more results. Combover talks about his trip to the hospital last night. He says it wasn't a big deal and that he's fine. I'm glad he's OK, but maybe America ought to vote him off before the stress becomes too much for his heart to handle. It won't be this week though, as he's safe. OSC (my nickname for Ramiele sure is crappy, isn't it?) finally hits the Bottom 3. The Mannequin has a piece of paper to mark her spot on the stools handy, and she needs it, as she's in the Bottom 3 too.
We get a segment about former Idols who've relocated to Nashville, and it features Bucky Covington, Phil Stacey and Bo Bice. Bo has to introduce himself, as most people have probably already forgotten him these three years later. We get a brief update on what they're doing now, and they all have albums out or coming out soon that we can buy. Phil looks weird with a beard. It appears that his youngest daughter (the one whose birth he missed to audition for "Idol") is already walking. Bucky has had two singles released. I've heard them both, and they're OK. There's not much to say about this segment except "good for all of them".
Three more Idols have to learn their fates. Snoha is next, which means she's safe. They're not going to tell her she's in the Bottom 3 and then send the last two to safety. They need drama! Sure enough, she's on the couches. It's down to Brooke and The Code Man, and as I predicted, Brooke is in the Bottom 3. That first performance spot is a killer. Brooke has to stay at center stage while the other members of the Bottom 3 join her. What exactly is the point of that third stool if it's never used?
I got two out of three right for my Bottom 3 prediction this week. My only mistake was picking Snoha instead of Mannequin. At this point, the one person in the Bottom 3 I don't want to see go home is Brooke. The way it's been every week so far is that the Bottom 3 consists of one I want to stay and two I want to go, and the one I want to stay goes. If that continues this week I'm going to sue America for being full of idiots.
We get another video about how the money from "Idol Gives Back" helped a girl in Africa find her missing sister. I'm glad to hear it.
Dolly Parton finally performs, and she's doing a song called "Jesus and Gravity". Her voice has not aged well, but it seems like most singers from the old days have lost it by their 60's. I don't know if it's because vocal training wasn't as advanced back then or if it's because voices generally don't age well. After the performance Dolly has some dumb country blonde banter with Ryan and the judges. This lady has a great sense of humor. Somewhere Kellie Pickler is taking notes.
Time for the moment of truth again (the results, not that sordid game show). Ryan asks Simon who he thinks is going home. Simon says definitely not Brooke, but it could be either of the other two. Don't jinx it, Simon! Brooke is emotional, because everything from being in the Bottom 3 to watching the Africa video to hearing Dolly's song is making her that way. Make sure you vote harder for this sweet girl next week, America! The first person sent back to safety is Brooke. FINALLY! The one member of the Bottom 3 I want to keep remains! Now stay in it until the finale, Brooke! As soon as Brooke has sat down Ryan tells Kristy she's safe, which means Ramiele is going home and Kristy has survived the Bottom 2 yet again.
Ramiele, emotional girl that we know her to be, is brought to tears by the announcement. The four remaining girls all stand behind her while she sings us out. Once again, someone I voted for or once voted for is gone. I think it was her time though. I was getting tired of defending the fact that I kind of liked her, and after that bad performance last night she didn't deserve to stay. I'm glad she got to leave before she turned into too much of a joke. This is the third straight week where I've picked the person going home correctly. Either I'm really good, I'm really lucky, or this show is just too darn predictable.
Power Rankings
8. Kristy Lee Cook - She's survived the Bottom 2 three times now in the Finals, and twice in the Semifinals she at least appeared to be on the verge of elimination. She's been lucky to get this far, but I think next week will finally be the end of her run. Yeah, I know I've said that before, but I've got to be right sooner or later.
7. Syesha Mercado - As the only black contestant and the only R&B diva left she probably has some support. Still, I don't get the impression that she's very widely embraced. She shouldn't make it too much farther.
6. Jason Castro - I once read an article that called 6th Place the spot for quirky fan favorites. With 6th Placers like Kellie Pickler, John Stevens, Carmen Rasmusen and Constantine Maroulis it makes sense (Christina Christian and Phil Stacey don't fit the mold quite as well). If there's anyone left in this competition who could be called a "quirky fan favorite" it's Jason. His act can be fun, but it's clear that he doesn't have a huge bag of tricks and that his voice isn't anything special.
5. Carly Smithson - I know I'm repeating myself as usual, but I don't think America is as in love with her as they want you to think. She's boring, her wardrobe choices are unfortunate, her tattoos are ugly, and her face is scary. The sooner we dump this girl the better.
4. David Cook - As I've said before, a frontrunner goes home in 4th Place every odd-numbered season. I don't see David holding America's interest with his bore-rock forever.
3. Michael Johns - He's been heavily pimped the last two weeks, so he may have gained some momentum. He hasn't seen the Bottom 3 yet, so perhaps he can fool America into thinking he's good for a while longer.
2. Brooke White - Nothing new to see here.
1. David Archuleta - Once again he gave the best performance of the week and blew everyone else away on DialIdol. If he can keep it up he deserves to win the whole thing.
Next week is "Idol Gives Back". Will the theme be "Inspirational Music" again? More importantly, is it possible to be inspired by anyone from this lackluster group? I'm sure the theme will be right up Mini-Carmen's alley. We'll see how the rest of them do.
The group number this week is "9 to 5". I assume they picked that one in memory of Chikezie, who said he would've performed that song had he been in the competition this week. Ramiele's microphone doesn't work for a split second when she starts her solo part. That's the second microphone malfunction involving Ramiele in a group performance this season. Michael sounds like crap on his torturously long solo part, but then again, it's not too different from the way he normally sounds. Taylor Hicks could wipe the floor with this guy. At one point they sing their song crowded around the judges. Carly sits seductively on the table right in front of Simon, and I can't imagine how anyone would be turned on by Carly of all people doing that. Overall I'd say this was the first good group performance since the Finals began. It's right up there with the 70's Medley from Top 20 Week. My mother thinks the group number is cheesy, but isn't the cheesiness the whole reason we love this show? Hey, Chikezie's in the audience! Ya shoulda been on stage, pal!
Time for some results! Coaster is first, and he's wearing a Dolly Parton t-shirt. After all the pimping he got last night for sounding like he was passing a kidney stone we know he's going to be safe. Sure enough, he is. Mini-Carmen is next. Oh, the drama. He's safe, of course. Now it's the Carlybagger. I didn't predict she'd be in the Bottom 3, but DialIdol said she was vulnerable. Unfortunately, she's safe.
I won't waste too much time on the dumb viewer questions. Here's a quick summary: Syesha misses hanging out with her family and friends, but "Idol" is her new family, David C. wants to be more organized, Randy would love to do a song with this year's winner, Michael and David C. want to perform "Islands in the Stream" on tour, and Simon will never apologize for his nasty critiques again. Wasn't that educational?
Next up is The Clark Brothers performing "This Little Light of Mine". I voted for them on "The Next Great American Band", and since I was the only person in America watching that's probably why they won. This performance, like pretty much every Clark Brothers performance, is awesome. These guys give it 100% every time. I can't wait for their album to come out.
The Ford commercial has the Idols playing street basketball to the tune of Run-D.M.C.'s "It's Tricky". Ramiele can't play because she's too short. Kristy shows off her mad shot-blocking skillz. Brooke makes a basket while standing in the sunroof of a vehicle. This may be the cheesiest Ford commercial we've seen this season.
It's time for more results. Combover talks about his trip to the hospital last night. He says it wasn't a big deal and that he's fine. I'm glad he's OK, but maybe America ought to vote him off before the stress becomes too much for his heart to handle. It won't be this week though, as he's safe. OSC (my nickname for Ramiele sure is crappy, isn't it?) finally hits the Bottom 3. The Mannequin has a piece of paper to mark her spot on the stools handy, and she needs it, as she's in the Bottom 3 too.
We get a segment about former Idols who've relocated to Nashville, and it features Bucky Covington, Phil Stacey and Bo Bice. Bo has to introduce himself, as most people have probably already forgotten him these three years later. We get a brief update on what they're doing now, and they all have albums out or coming out soon that we can buy. Phil looks weird with a beard. It appears that his youngest daughter (the one whose birth he missed to audition for "Idol") is already walking. Bucky has had two singles released. I've heard them both, and they're OK. There's not much to say about this segment except "good for all of them".
Three more Idols have to learn their fates. Snoha is next, which means she's safe. They're not going to tell her she's in the Bottom 3 and then send the last two to safety. They need drama! Sure enough, she's on the couches. It's down to Brooke and The Code Man, and as I predicted, Brooke is in the Bottom 3. That first performance spot is a killer. Brooke has to stay at center stage while the other members of the Bottom 3 join her. What exactly is the point of that third stool if it's never used?
I got two out of three right for my Bottom 3 prediction this week. My only mistake was picking Snoha instead of Mannequin. At this point, the one person in the Bottom 3 I don't want to see go home is Brooke. The way it's been every week so far is that the Bottom 3 consists of one I want to stay and two I want to go, and the one I want to stay goes. If that continues this week I'm going to sue America for being full of idiots.
We get another video about how the money from "Idol Gives Back" helped a girl in Africa find her missing sister. I'm glad to hear it.
Dolly Parton finally performs, and she's doing a song called "Jesus and Gravity". Her voice has not aged well, but it seems like most singers from the old days have lost it by their 60's. I don't know if it's because vocal training wasn't as advanced back then or if it's because voices generally don't age well. After the performance Dolly has some dumb country blonde banter with Ryan and the judges. This lady has a great sense of humor. Somewhere Kellie Pickler is taking notes.
Time for the moment of truth again (the results, not that sordid game show). Ryan asks Simon who he thinks is going home. Simon says definitely not Brooke, but it could be either of the other two. Don't jinx it, Simon! Brooke is emotional, because everything from being in the Bottom 3 to watching the Africa video to hearing Dolly's song is making her that way. Make sure you vote harder for this sweet girl next week, America! The first person sent back to safety is Brooke. FINALLY! The one member of the Bottom 3 I want to keep remains! Now stay in it until the finale, Brooke! As soon as Brooke has sat down Ryan tells Kristy she's safe, which means Ramiele is going home and Kristy has survived the Bottom 2 yet again.
Ramiele, emotional girl that we know her to be, is brought to tears by the announcement. The four remaining girls all stand behind her while she sings us out. Once again, someone I voted for or once voted for is gone. I think it was her time though. I was getting tired of defending the fact that I kind of liked her, and after that bad performance last night she didn't deserve to stay. I'm glad she got to leave before she turned into too much of a joke. This is the third straight week where I've picked the person going home correctly. Either I'm really good, I'm really lucky, or this show is just too darn predictable.
Power Rankings
8. Kristy Lee Cook - She's survived the Bottom 2 three times now in the Finals, and twice in the Semifinals she at least appeared to be on the verge of elimination. She's been lucky to get this far, but I think next week will finally be the end of her run. Yeah, I know I've said that before, but I've got to be right sooner or later.
7. Syesha Mercado - As the only black contestant and the only R&B diva left she probably has some support. Still, I don't get the impression that she's very widely embraced. She shouldn't make it too much farther.
6. Jason Castro - I once read an article that called 6th Place the spot for quirky fan favorites. With 6th Placers like Kellie Pickler, John Stevens, Carmen Rasmusen and Constantine Maroulis it makes sense (Christina Christian and Phil Stacey don't fit the mold quite as well). If there's anyone left in this competition who could be called a "quirky fan favorite" it's Jason. His act can be fun, but it's clear that he doesn't have a huge bag of tricks and that his voice isn't anything special.
5. Carly Smithson - I know I'm repeating myself as usual, but I don't think America is as in love with her as they want you to think. She's boring, her wardrobe choices are unfortunate, her tattoos are ugly, and her face is scary. The sooner we dump this girl the better.
4. David Cook - As I've said before, a frontrunner goes home in 4th Place every odd-numbered season. I don't see David holding America's interest with his bore-rock forever.
3. Michael Johns - He's been heavily pimped the last two weeks, so he may have gained some momentum. He hasn't seen the Bottom 3 yet, so perhaps he can fool America into thinking he's good for a while longer.
2. Brooke White - Nothing new to see here.
1. David Archuleta - Once again he gave the best performance of the week and blew everyone else away on DialIdol. If he can keep it up he deserves to win the whole thing.
Next week is "Idol Gives Back". Will the theme be "Inspirational Music" again? More importantly, is it possible to be inspired by anyone from this lackluster group? I'm sure the theme will be right up Mini-Carmen's alley. We'll see how the rest of them do.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Top 9 Recap
It's time to recap another episode of "American Idol", or as I now think of it, "The Brooke White Show". Yeah, I'm still bitter about Chikezie going home. All we have now is a group of boring one-trick ponies. Somehow though, I'll find a way to get through the rest of this season.
Ryan starts out by telling us that tonight's show has been pre-empted due to industrial action by the League of Vocal Coaches. In its place will be a special celebrity edition of "The Moment of Truth" starring Simon Cowell. Predictably, it's only an April Fool's joke.
Tonight's theme is the songs of Dolly Parton, with Dolly herself serving as mentor. I'm not familiar with much of her work, but I know she's one of country music's superstars. Throughout the show I notice that she sounds sort of like she's had a stroke. She seems to relish her role as mentor, but there's nothing much to recap from the mentor segments. Dolly doesn't give that much advice, although she's very encouraging.
Leading things off is Brooke White. Oh crap. They gave Brooke the death spot? If she goes home this week I'm joining Vote For the Worst. I'm not even joking. She's singing "Jolene", and she's accompanied by a band on stage consisting of a washboard player, a fiddler and a backup singer. This song suits her well, and she does her typical Brooke thing with it. It's nothing to jump up and down about, but since Chikezie was eliminated I doubt there'll be many performances the rest of this season worth jumping for. Sorry, I'll stop. This is kind of a sad song, so it's odd that they'd start the show with it. Still, I enjoy it. Randy says it wasn't stellar, but it was all right. Paula says Brooke's been consistent. Simon says it was lacking in emotion and that the group on stage looked odd together. I think she could end up in the Bottom 3 this week after going first, but there's no way this was bad enough that she deserves to go home.
Up next is Combover. My mother says she likes the way his hair looks this week, but he'll always be Combover to me. Before the performance he chats with Ryan, and (surprise, surprise) they address the controversy over the uncredited arrangements he's used on the show. I guess that Doxology band that no one cares about can shut up now. The real surprise comes when we find out that Combover's using his own arrangement this week. He's doing the song "Little Sparrow", and as usual it's dark and moody. I'm not sure what the original song is like, but I do know that this guy gets more depressing each week. He goes into off-key head voice several times, and I'm not sure what I'm supposed to enjoy about this performance. For the alleged frontrunner he sure is boring. Randy and Paula love it, of course. Simon says it wasn't as good as last week, but that it was good. I know it'll be a while before Combover has to worry about leaving, so he'll be fine in the voting.
Now it's OSC's turn. She's singing "Do I Ever Cross Your Mind". I'll get right to the point: This performance is terrible. Her voice sounds weak and is drowned out by the band most of the way. Her pitch wavers too much, and it's clear that despite her potential she isn't ready to win a competition like this. Randy says it was kind of all right and pretty good. Paula says she thinks she connected with the audience. Simon says it was cute but forgettable. I don't think I'll be voting for Ramiele this week. I have more important things to do, such as keeping Brooke on.
The Code Man is up next, doing "Travelin' Thru". Honestly, this song fits his style very well. His laid-back groove really works here, and I enjoy it. It's probably his best performance since the Finals began. Argh, these contestants are just so bland there isn't much to say about them when they're good. Randy says it started rough but he worked it out. Paula says it was one of his strongest performances. Simon says he didn't like it all and didn't think it suited him. For crying out loud Simon, what else do you want from him? This acoustic folk thing is all he succeeds at. I think it was good, and he'll be safe after last week's Bottom 3 scare.
Carpetbagger Carly is doing "Here I Come Again". She's wearing too much makeup and has the guitarist on stage with her, but she actually sings it pretty well. My mother says she likes the slowed-down arrangement. Her diction sounds odd to me at several points, but then again, the fact that she's still in the competition annoys me. She may have given a good performance, but I still don't like her. Randy says it will probably be remembered as one of the better performances of the night. Paula can't stop raving about how great she is. Shut up, Paula. Simon says it was good but not great and criticizes her clothes. My mother agrees that her outfit looks bad. Carly will probably get through again this week, but hopefully her time will be up soon.
Next up is Mini-Carmen, doing "Smoky Mountain Memories". Once again it's a slow song, but I actually like it. The lyrics have some religious references in them, so perhaps he's using the Kristy Lee Cook song choice strategy. Even though it's nothing groundbreaking, I actually think this may have been my favorite performance of his. His voice sounds as strong as it ever has, and he seems to connect well with the song. Randy says it was the best of the night. Paula says he has a beautiful aura about him. Simon says that his song choice was absolutely on the money. My mother says that she thinks Mini-Carmen's a star. I have to agree. Even though he could arguably be considered a plant, the little guy has really grown on me (no pun intended). I think I've said it before, but I really wouldn't have a problem with him winning. Still, I don't think he needs my votes right now.
It's The Mannequin's turn to take the stage, and she'll be performing "Coat of Many Colors". She's got a tough act to follow, but to my surprise she actually pulls it off respectably. She connects with the song well, as it suits her country style. I would even dare to say that this was her best performance. I wouldn't say it was great, but it was actually somewhat good. Congratulations, Mannequin! It only took you seven weeks! You wouldn't have gotten that many chances if it hadn't been for the early screen time, but when you try for your third record deal after this show is over you can pretend it was your talent that got you this far. Randy says it was right in her wheelhouse. Paula says it was her best performance. Simon says last week's performance was better, and that it was pleasant but forgettable. I think she could be in the Bottom 3, but she'll probably survive to sing again next week.
Now we get to sit through Snoha, the most boring, obnoxious cliché of a diva ever. She's doing (prepare to fall out of your chair in shock) "I Will Always Love You". Could she be any more predictable? I'm just glad she didn't get the pimp spot, because now there's still some hope of her going home. She starts out softly, but it sounds like she misses several notes during the chorus. When the song picks up and turns into the Whitney Houston version there are plenty of pimpage lights all over the stage. She holds a glory note for way too long near the end. Great, we're impressed you can hold that note. Now stop oversinging, you screech owl. I'm sorry, but I just can't like this girl. Randy says it was pretty good. Paula says she's connecting with the audience better. I can't stand the way they try to brainwash the voters into thinking these people are good. Simon says it didn't compare to Whitney Houston's version, and that it was good but not fantastic. I think Snoha could potentially go home this week, but I have a sad feeling it's not going to happen.
Finally, the contestant being propped up by the pimp spot is Michael Johns, who's doing "It's All Wrong, But It's All Right". He seems to be more in his element this week than he has in the past, but his movements and facial expressions still seem too affected to me. He's trying to play up his more "soulful" side this week. He's no Taylor Hicks, though. My mother says she doesn't like the song, and that it all just seems so fake. I have to agree. Randy says he keeps bringing it up a notch every week. Paula calls him a rock star. Simon says it's the best he's heard him sing. It looks like we're stuck with the Coaster for another week.
Once again I'm not completely happy with the result I'm predicting. I got last week's Bottom 3 and elimination pick exactly right, and if I repeat the feat this week I'm going to be somewhat disappointed, even though I didn't vote for the person I have going home.
Bottom 3: Brooke, Ramiele, Syesha
Going Home: Ramiele
I know I predicted that she'd stay a while, but after the mess that was this week's performance I think Ramiele's fans may be tired of bailing her out. The past three seasons the person who went home in 9th place had never previously been in the Bottom 3 (although if you want to get technical, Nikko Smith had been eliminated for being one of the lowest two vote-getters in the Semifinals before they brought him back to replace Mario Vazquez). Since I once voted for Ramiele, it'll continue the trend of someone I liked or sort of liked going home each week.
Also Vulnerable
Kristy
Probably Safe
Jason
Carly
Michael
I'd Be Shocked
David C.
David A.
Whom I Voted For: Brooke. Everyone else either didn't deserve or didn't need my votes.
Just once I'd love to see a contestant I hate go home. There have been a few that I specifically didn't want to see anymore who went home (namely, Danny Noriega and Robbie Carrico), but the ones I truly can't stand are all still in it. Perhaps I'd have grown to hate Danny and Robbie more than I did, but I've never liked Michael, Carly, Syesha, Kristy or David C. The way this season is going they'll probably end up being the Top 5, but I can always hope one of them leaves us soon.
Ryan starts out by telling us that tonight's show has been pre-empted due to industrial action by the League of Vocal Coaches. In its place will be a special celebrity edition of "The Moment of Truth" starring Simon Cowell. Predictably, it's only an April Fool's joke.
Tonight's theme is the songs of Dolly Parton, with Dolly herself serving as mentor. I'm not familiar with much of her work, but I know she's one of country music's superstars. Throughout the show I notice that she sounds sort of like she's had a stroke. She seems to relish her role as mentor, but there's nothing much to recap from the mentor segments. Dolly doesn't give that much advice, although she's very encouraging.
Leading things off is Brooke White. Oh crap. They gave Brooke the death spot? If she goes home this week I'm joining Vote For the Worst. I'm not even joking. She's singing "Jolene", and she's accompanied by a band on stage consisting of a washboard player, a fiddler and a backup singer. This song suits her well, and she does her typical Brooke thing with it. It's nothing to jump up and down about, but since Chikezie was eliminated I doubt there'll be many performances the rest of this season worth jumping for. Sorry, I'll stop. This is kind of a sad song, so it's odd that they'd start the show with it. Still, I enjoy it. Randy says it wasn't stellar, but it was all right. Paula says Brooke's been consistent. Simon says it was lacking in emotion and that the group on stage looked odd together. I think she could end up in the Bottom 3 this week after going first, but there's no way this was bad enough that she deserves to go home.
Up next is Combover. My mother says she likes the way his hair looks this week, but he'll always be Combover to me. Before the performance he chats with Ryan, and (surprise, surprise) they address the controversy over the uncredited arrangements he's used on the show. I guess that Doxology band that no one cares about can shut up now. The real surprise comes when we find out that Combover's using his own arrangement this week. He's doing the song "Little Sparrow", and as usual it's dark and moody. I'm not sure what the original song is like, but I do know that this guy gets more depressing each week. He goes into off-key head voice several times, and I'm not sure what I'm supposed to enjoy about this performance. For the alleged frontrunner he sure is boring. Randy and Paula love it, of course. Simon says it wasn't as good as last week, but that it was good. I know it'll be a while before Combover has to worry about leaving, so he'll be fine in the voting.
Now it's OSC's turn. She's singing "Do I Ever Cross Your Mind". I'll get right to the point: This performance is terrible. Her voice sounds weak and is drowned out by the band most of the way. Her pitch wavers too much, and it's clear that despite her potential she isn't ready to win a competition like this. Randy says it was kind of all right and pretty good. Paula says she thinks she connected with the audience. Simon says it was cute but forgettable. I don't think I'll be voting for Ramiele this week. I have more important things to do, such as keeping Brooke on.
The Code Man is up next, doing "Travelin' Thru". Honestly, this song fits his style very well. His laid-back groove really works here, and I enjoy it. It's probably his best performance since the Finals began. Argh, these contestants are just so bland there isn't much to say about them when they're good. Randy says it started rough but he worked it out. Paula says it was one of his strongest performances. Simon says he didn't like it all and didn't think it suited him. For crying out loud Simon, what else do you want from him? This acoustic folk thing is all he succeeds at. I think it was good, and he'll be safe after last week's Bottom 3 scare.
Carpetbagger Carly is doing "Here I Come Again". She's wearing too much makeup and has the guitarist on stage with her, but she actually sings it pretty well. My mother says she likes the slowed-down arrangement. Her diction sounds odd to me at several points, but then again, the fact that she's still in the competition annoys me. She may have given a good performance, but I still don't like her. Randy says it will probably be remembered as one of the better performances of the night. Paula can't stop raving about how great she is. Shut up, Paula. Simon says it was good but not great and criticizes her clothes. My mother agrees that her outfit looks bad. Carly will probably get through again this week, but hopefully her time will be up soon.
Next up is Mini-Carmen, doing "Smoky Mountain Memories". Once again it's a slow song, but I actually like it. The lyrics have some religious references in them, so perhaps he's using the Kristy Lee Cook song choice strategy. Even though it's nothing groundbreaking, I actually think this may have been my favorite performance of his. His voice sounds as strong as it ever has, and he seems to connect well with the song. Randy says it was the best of the night. Paula says he has a beautiful aura about him. Simon says that his song choice was absolutely on the money. My mother says that she thinks Mini-Carmen's a star. I have to agree. Even though he could arguably be considered a plant, the little guy has really grown on me (no pun intended). I think I've said it before, but I really wouldn't have a problem with him winning. Still, I don't think he needs my votes right now.
It's The Mannequin's turn to take the stage, and she'll be performing "Coat of Many Colors". She's got a tough act to follow, but to my surprise she actually pulls it off respectably. She connects with the song well, as it suits her country style. I would even dare to say that this was her best performance. I wouldn't say it was great, but it was actually somewhat good. Congratulations, Mannequin! It only took you seven weeks! You wouldn't have gotten that many chances if it hadn't been for the early screen time, but when you try for your third record deal after this show is over you can pretend it was your talent that got you this far. Randy says it was right in her wheelhouse. Paula says it was her best performance. Simon says last week's performance was better, and that it was pleasant but forgettable. I think she could be in the Bottom 3, but she'll probably survive to sing again next week.
Now we get to sit through Snoha, the most boring, obnoxious cliché of a diva ever. She's doing (prepare to fall out of your chair in shock) "I Will Always Love You". Could she be any more predictable? I'm just glad she didn't get the pimp spot, because now there's still some hope of her going home. She starts out softly, but it sounds like she misses several notes during the chorus. When the song picks up and turns into the Whitney Houston version there are plenty of pimpage lights all over the stage. She holds a glory note for way too long near the end. Great, we're impressed you can hold that note. Now stop oversinging, you screech owl. I'm sorry, but I just can't like this girl. Randy says it was pretty good. Paula says she's connecting with the audience better. I can't stand the way they try to brainwash the voters into thinking these people are good. Simon says it didn't compare to Whitney Houston's version, and that it was good but not fantastic. I think Snoha could potentially go home this week, but I have a sad feeling it's not going to happen.
Finally, the contestant being propped up by the pimp spot is Michael Johns, who's doing "It's All Wrong, But It's All Right". He seems to be more in his element this week than he has in the past, but his movements and facial expressions still seem too affected to me. He's trying to play up his more "soulful" side this week. He's no Taylor Hicks, though. My mother says she doesn't like the song, and that it all just seems so fake. I have to agree. Randy says he keeps bringing it up a notch every week. Paula calls him a rock star. Simon says it's the best he's heard him sing. It looks like we're stuck with the Coaster for another week.
Once again I'm not completely happy with the result I'm predicting. I got last week's Bottom 3 and elimination pick exactly right, and if I repeat the feat this week I'm going to be somewhat disappointed, even though I didn't vote for the person I have going home.
Bottom 3: Brooke, Ramiele, Syesha
Going Home: Ramiele
I know I predicted that she'd stay a while, but after the mess that was this week's performance I think Ramiele's fans may be tired of bailing her out. The past three seasons the person who went home in 9th place had never previously been in the Bottom 3 (although if you want to get technical, Nikko Smith had been eliminated for being one of the lowest two vote-getters in the Semifinals before they brought him back to replace Mario Vazquez). Since I once voted for Ramiele, it'll continue the trend of someone I liked or sort of liked going home each week.
Also Vulnerable
Kristy
Probably Safe
Jason
Carly
Michael
I'd Be Shocked
David C.
David A.
Whom I Voted For: Brooke. Everyone else either didn't deserve or didn't need my votes.
Just once I'd love to see a contestant I hate go home. There have been a few that I specifically didn't want to see anymore who went home (namely, Danny Noriega and Robbie Carrico), but the ones I truly can't stand are all still in it. Perhaps I'd have grown to hate Danny and Robbie more than I did, but I've never liked Michael, Carly, Syesha, Kristy or David C. The way this season is going they'll probably end up being the Top 5, but I can always hope one of them leaves us soon.
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