My first-ever attempt to Live blog last night was an interesting experience. Between frantically trying to take notes and not miss anything…I missed some stuff! It also kept me from taking in the show as a whole. I’m re-watching the show today, and have to say kudos to the producers for putting together a highly entertaining show. I’d have to say this year was as at least as good as the fine Season 5 finale two years ago.
I’d been predicting a David Cook win for a few weeks. I figured he’d been picking up fans for awhile, including those of the eliminated Idols. He was knocking it out of the park with creative and versatile performances, while the assumed front-runner, David Archuleta, had a hard time leaving the comfort of his big ballad box. However, I had no idea how big Cookie’s fan base had become. After Tuesday’s Archie triple-whammy–delivering show stopping performances, receiving the pimp spot advantage and securing the judges stamp of approval–I thought the casual vote would give Archie the win. I completely underestimated the fan base. Cookie’s lead going into this thing must have been HUGE.
What were the judges up to Tuesday night? One poster here suggested that the negative judges comments for Cookie were an attempt to close the very wide gap between the Davids. Maybe Simon was simply trying to motivate the fans of his favorite contestant by using reverse psychology. Or, perhaps Simon was merely disappointed in his favorite, and blurted out the truth for once. Who knows. Too much time on the grassy knoll makes my head hurt. All I know is, at the end of Tuesday’s broadcast, what appeared to be a decisive win for Archuleta threw the Cookie-loving segment of the population into a tizzy. The stage was set for a nice buzz-creating “upset”. Good for ratings, good for the show. But bad for Simon, who had to apologize to Cook in order to save face.
However, for those of us who’d been watching this race closely, it wasn’t that big of an upset. We knew–as he sat at the top of Dial Idol and the iTunes charts–that Cookie had people. We just didn’t know quite how many.
Ya’ll know it. I’m happy with the outcome. Cookie played a great game. It was thrilling to watch. He was the stealth Idol. Who saw it coming? Well, I did a little. I jumped on the Cook Train at “Happy Together”. But at that point, most peeps were focused on The Chosen One, David Archuleta, and the so-called plants, Carly Smithson and Michael Johns–who seemed destined to go deep. Cookie came from behind and pwnd them all with his strong musical identity, smart song choices and confident performances. While Archie started off big, in the end he couldn’t match Cook’s maturity and experience. But, despite his youth, Archie didn’t give up the fight. In the end he proved to be a tough and gracious competitor. Archie needs more life experience to inform those beautiful vocals. A big door has just opened for him. When he walks through it, the opportunities to grow will be limitless. Take them Archie!
After re-watching the finale I realize I was a little bit of a cranky-pants in some my assessments last night. That’ll happen when you’re live blogging and trying to keep your website up at the same time!
Although they weren’t entirely on the same page, Syesha Mercado and Seal weren’t really the hot mess I thought at first.
The girls group number: Donna Summer did look a bit creaky, but she’s still got the chops. Her new single “Stamp Your Feet” could be a club chart success. The girls danced and sang their faces off–just what a big production number should be. Poor Amanda Overmyer looked really out of place. I missed Ryan Seacrest jumping into the number and dancing like a dork the first time around. That was all kinds of awesome.
Archie and Cookie sang a duet. They were OK. The song was not. Me no likey Nickelback.
The guys number was all kinds of off key and awkward until the Davids took the stage. Even then, the vocal blending? Not so hot. Things improved considerably when Bryan Adams showed up. Still, I love the big numbers. The singing! The dancing! Even when it’s bad, it’s good. The finale had plenty of them, keeping me way entertained.
OMG. Carrie Underwood forgot her pants!
I read that Brooke White and Graham Nash only rehearsed “Teach Your Children Well” once. It showed. Still, singing with Nash must have been a thrilling moment for Brooke.
Even with the element of surprise taken away, Jason Castro’s performance of “Hallelujah” was simply stunning. The second coming of Sanjaya/John Stevens? I don’t think so!
So glad the producers kept the trainwreck audition nonsense to a minimum this year.
Carly Smithson and Michael Johns were all kinds of Hot. Too bad they didn’t play the game better. TPTB: We really thought you’d last longer! Here, have a duet.
David Cook jams with the Z. Cook is cool ’cause he’s game for everything. He seemed to be having a blast.
David Archuleta did a nice job with One Republic. Maybe there’s hope for Archie on the Pop charts yet.
Forget the last few tedious weeks, where the kids were freaking out and wearing out. Idol Season 7 had some great moments, some fantastic performances. Taken as a whole, this is a real talented bunch of kids. Thankfully, finale week brought back the energy, and the season ended on a high note. I do believe a few of the contestants will move on to very successful careers.
Bye Season 7. As always, I’m a little sad it’s over.
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Hoppy: No problem; as I said on the other thread, I can laugh at myself easily enough. One thing though; I think we’re using two different definitions for the term “invested.” In fact, I was using it more as a play on words. As usual, my rather “unique” way of using the language ,sometimes, is lost in translation.
Carry on, everyone.
thank u mj such nice pictures and reviews
YES!
YES! 
So Happy!
MJ-as always, a fantastic job!
American Idol Extra ran here at its usual time.
Last half hour was an interview with DC. He said the one criticiam that hit home was when Simon said he lacked charisma after DC had performed ‘All Right Now’ by Free. Second week in, I think.
Cook said the next week was difficult because he realized he had built a wall btwn himself and audience. To break down the wall, the had to deal with issues(in relationahsips and such) that he would rather have not dealt with.
He performed ‘Hello’ that week.
Amanda tried to cut Jason’s hair but was unsuccessful.
MJ and Carl ended up with the microphones. Sort of like last night.
Archie was gracious in his interview and I think he really has that likeability factor working off stage. The humility seems real and it is very endearing. Says he can’t stand to watch his performances.
I found this from a few sites.. I’ve been reading like a fiend today ( My work is suffering today .. good thing I’m self employed)
Archie sounded soo much better live, he sounds amazing on TV, but it was a bazillion times better in person his voice was huge.
Just some things that were really cute
(Haha this is alot, but i wanted to share since its Archie’s last American Idol performance )
Rehersal:
In the beginning right before the American idol theme song comes on, David and David are supposed to knock gloves and i dont know what happend to Archie, i think he tripped or something, but he kinda missed Cooks gloves and Cook started laughing and kept laughing the whole way up the stairs and Archie looked all embarassed and started laughing
When they announced that Cook was going to go first (after the “commercial break”) Archie started to walk off the stage.. but then he was gonna hug cook at the same time so they both kinda went back and forth for a few seconds before deciding on a (kinda akward) hug LoL
There was this girl who had a cut out chihuahua and taped Archie’s face on it and at the end of one of his performances he saw it and started laughing really hard. Then at the end of the show Cook saw it so he laughed and pointed to it and Archie and him started laughing so hard
At the end they were bringing down that big light up sign (that says american idol on it) from the ceiling and David standing right by it and the stage manager kinda told him to look out and so he pretended to get hit in the head with it and started to giggle, it was so cute
When the davids walked away and Ruben came out to sing everybody started to cheer for him, but Cook and Archie kinda thought the crowd was cheering for them, so they kept waving and stuff and then once they got to the side of the stage Cook turned around and saw Ruben standing there and he started laughing and tapped Archie to show him
Live show:
Not much happend at the live show, but at the end of the show after Archie sang his last song and was crying, Ryan turned him around to watch the recap, and he stood there for a while with his arm around David, and then the stage manager lady came over and hugged him and comforted him for a while. Then Cook came out and gave Archie the biggest hug ive ever seen them hug,(this was a two handed like 10 second hug people) it was too adorable. Cook seemed really happy for Archie
At the end everyone was filing out and i heard people scream so i turned around and i saw Cook carrying Archie like a baby, and hes swinging him around pretending to throw him in the mosh pit and Archie freaked out and started yelling “no, no dont!” and when Cook put him down Archie almost fell cause he was flailing his arms everywhere and laughing so hard
There was so much other cute stuff like when they would stand on stage people would started screaming and they kept nugging each other and giggling and pointing at the signs they liked
Don’t forget during the day, every day, too. You’re welcome. ;) I heart my internet BFF. :)
*sigh* What a great year this has been. My head is still a bit in the clouds… I can’t believe he won. My favorite actually won for once… it’s crazy to think that! And damn if I’m not starting to actually LIKE “Magic Rainbows” (not even gonna attempt to learn the name of this song, since cheese so aptly renamed it in chat last night LOL). It may be cheesy and schlocky and 150% dreck, but he sings the hell out of it, that’s for sure. I just lurve that raspy voice.
MJ - thank you. So much. I know you know how much I love it here. This blog is my crack… I have no idea what I’d do if you ever shut down. You’re amazing. :)
I haven’t posted this year, but I have been lurking all along. I lost my password, etc., but just wanted to thank MJ for making yet another year of Idol fun. I am totally in love with David Cook, and here I sit, married for 15 years with 4 children. It has been quite a fun Idol season, and it ended perfectly for me.
Thanks MJ!
Sarah,
I’m still in the same mode just over 24 hours later. I had myself prepared for either outcome last night and when his name was announced, my jaw dropped and I just screamed. I couldn’t believe it had really happened. It still somewhat seems like a dream even to me.
Yeah, the coronation is cheesy as heck but I love the studio version of it. LOL
MJ That was a great recap. I had many of the same opinions. I was at
the Nokia Tuesday night and I would like to say something about Simon’s
comments and the speculations as to why he made them. On that
particular night in that theatre David Archuleta clearly won the night.
David Cook’s performances were awesome but by comparison Archie’s
were spectacular and magical. Simon commented based on what he
heard live. I have been a Cook fan from the beginning and throughout
the season became quite bored with Archie. But that night he found
something magical within and it filled the room. I left there with a new
appreciation for David Archuleta and his talent.
When I watched the playback, the differences in their performances were
not as apparent as they were in the theatre. Being there, I agreed with
Simon at the time and as people were leaving the theatre all comments
seemed to be about Archie’s unbelievable performances. People had been
completely wow’d by the little guy.
I was very pleased to hear Simon’s comments last night indicating that
he had also watched the playback. After Simon heard what the television
viewers heard, I applauded his apology to David Cook and thought it was fair.
I hate to hear talk that this was all a conspiracy even though I completely
understand those comments. If any of you were there, please
speak if you disagree. I think in both cases Simon was fair. I heard it the
same as he did.
And I am thrilled that Cook won.
Just moseying through the finale now and for no good reason the camera settled upon Janice Dickinson mouthing “I love you” like she’s accepting an award from the Academy of Model Has Beens and Reality Show Trainwrecks.
If you look up “cougar” in the dictionary, her picture is probably there, huh? So she’s probably a Cooktard. Not his fault, though.
Anybody else here think the best duet was Seal and Syesha? I’m biased because I heart the song, I heart Seal, and I think Syesha finally looked naturally contemporary. It wasn’t the ideal song for her voice, but he was a perfectly complementary partner and they sizzled.
More props to Cook for having the top four slots on iTunes!
And to Archie as well– now at #8 (DLTSGDOM) and #10 (In This Moment)!
This week was a fantastic ending to this season of idol. Best final two episodes in seven seasons, in my opinion.
I just wanted to post my big THANKS to MJ for all the hard work that goes into keeping up with AI….it is the BEST place for info and I would’ve been lost all season without it
I hope I’m not being a nitpicker but the song Hero was written and recorded by Chad Kroeger (Nickelback) and Josey Scott (Saliva)….they wrote it while their bands were on tour together and recorded it for the Spiderman 2 soundtrack. I’m sure if you don’t like Nickelback then the fact that the lead singer wrote it doesn’t change much opinions but I just thought I’d throw that out there…
Terrie
I saw a smidge of Janice Dickinson on the pre idol show-she and her daughter are huge archie fans. she is a strange one. she was talking about simon’s butt.
Wanted to give a shout out to Kirsten for all the facts/numbers you have supplied us with everyday.
To caffiend-loved getting all the spoilers and your reactions to what you saw in the tapings.
to hisaki-for giving cookie the win. woooooooooooo.
to finding mj’s chat-what fun every tuesday night. can’t say how fun it was to watch the show and be in chat.
to caro-thanks for keeping me company on the blog tuesday night. u must be more of a night owl than i am especially if you are on the east coast.
to mj-for all you do. there are too many things to list them all. i have a blast coming here. looking forward to season 8. and when u get so famous that you need a promo picture-i’d love to help with that.
http://thumbsnap.com/v/Q8UL3bfQ.jpg
Thanks for the recap MJ. You were dead on. Even an Archie fan saw the writing on the wall. The guys are both keepers, Cook played the game with panache.
Scary Janice Dickenson is an Archiefan. Poor kid, run Archie run! She intimated her ‘crowd’ was into him. Either she hangs with tweens or Archie better run faster!
This season was full of surprises, but was a good solid season. I think it needs to be tweaked a bit. But it still has legs.
The insider on EW said the same sorts of things you did. He’s a Cook fan (so he has said in past articles), but he was blown away by how Archie’s voice just filled the room.
Here’s the strange thing: After the show, as I was driving home, I called up my sister just after the first round had been broadcast on the West Coast, and she wasn’t nearly as hot on D’Archie’s performance either. When I watched it back on the DVR with my neighbors later that night, they, too, were fine to let the sun go down on Archuleta. And I can understand why: The audio mix on his performance was, yep, totally janked on TV, dropping the volume on Little David’s vocal track just as he took to his feet and ripped out “bliiiiinded by the liii-iii-iiiight!” It made his voice sound under-powered and a bit tinny when, in the Death Star, it was anything but; so much so, in fact, that I suspect what caused the audio techs to drop the volume so quickly was the audience responding with its own ear-splitting cheers of appreciation
Link for those who missed the article in the headlines thread.
Simon has clearly been a huge supporter of David Cook for weeks. He’s been very positive about Cookie in the press. Clive gave Cookie an awesome and prestigious song to sing. The Producers let them pick something other than “Magic Rainbows” on performance night. And Cookie got to sing a finale song he had wanted to sing for a while. I don’t think anybody was trying to throw him under a bus. It seems from all insider reports I’ve read, that Archie was just amazing live that night and sometimes, magic just happens. Doesn’t mean that Cookie isn’t also fantastic live or that he didn’t deserve to win (voters tend to vote for more than just one performance and the television audience got a different view of that night). So, it’s all good.
Archie’s performance had to be through the roof live for Simon to go off script and critique a performance honestly. That’s so unlike him. Simon almost always sticks to his agenda, no matter what.
After Cook sang his last song, Simon was pissed off, like he’d let him down.
I thought Archie won that first round. Even on TV, “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me” was fantastic.
Thank you mj for all the videos this season. I found your site because of teamplaid. I like your commentaries and recaps of the shows. I want to thank
IGetCranked for that post. I love reading about rehearsals and about how happy DA was and the hugs that DC gave DA. You just made me a fangirly mess. , lol. I love the interactions between those two. Being an Archie fan, I am just proud of him for doing his best on finale night and for being happy with what he has accomplished this season. I commend DC for being such a raw talent and I know he is going to sell a gazillion albums. The whole i-tunes thing was really interesting. I wonder how the show would of gone down if i-tunes was prevalent in the past seasons. I miss Season 7 already but I can’t wait for their albums. Thank you everyone on mj’s blog for making this season truly memorable.