‘Idol’ wins with all-David finale
The dueling Davids vying for American Idol’s crown share an aim and a name. The similarities end there.
David Archuleta, 17, is the squinting, boyish crooner with an aw-shucks demeanor and a penchant for dreamy ballads.
David Cook, 25, is the gel-coiffed, unshaven emo-rocker with quiet self-assurance and versatility.
Archuleta and Cook are locked into the tightest sing-off since Season 2’s Clay Aiken-Ruben Studdard bout, Idol’s most-watched finale and the only other to feature two male finalists.
‘Idol’ Hopeful Josiah Leming Signs To Warner Bros.
Seventeen-year-old Josiah Leming — known as the teary-eyed “American Idol” contestant who just missed making it through the show’s Hollywood audition rounds — has signed with Warner Bros. Records for a record and publishing deal.
The Morristown, Tenn., native saw a surge of interest in his performances after his abrupt elimination, including appearances on Ellen DeGeneres’ talk show and a story on MTV News.
Leming will start recording his album this week, according to Warner Bros.
It’s a split prediction of ‘Idol’ winner
Idol’s final showdown is here, and the consensus is that either contestant could emerge victorious. Never without an opinion, our coaches wind up a season of sage advice, candid commentary and the occasional busted prediction by each picking a David (conveniently, it turned out to be a 2-2 deadlock) and explaining why he should and will win Wednesday night.
The Davids Speak Out About the ‘Idol’ Finale
It’s DAVID COOK vs. DAVID ARCHULETA when the “American Idol” finale takes place tonight — live from the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles, airing at 8 p.m. on FOX. This will be the first time the two Davids sing on the Nokia stage, so how do they think it’s going to affect their performances?
“You know, it’s interesting, ” Cook comments. “I’ve always been really kind of confused by the idea, like the smaller the crowd for me, the more nervous I tend to get. Having the Nokia full, should be great. But you know, win or lose; I think we both win, so for me now, it’s just kind of enjoying the moment.”
Archuleta chimes in, “I don’t think it’ll be too different because the audience is still going to be big on the other side of the camera, watching on TV, so while there’s more people live ¦ I don’t know. I guess I’ll have to see once I go and rehearse and stuff.”
The Best and Worst of the Dueling Davids
Before we gather around the tube to watch the battle of the Davids on AI next week, we thought we’d take a trip down memory lane and discuss each contestant’s best and worst performances from this season. I know you all love David A. and David C. and balk at any mention of a “worst” performance, so let’s just say these songs weren’t their brightest moments. Today, we begin with the 17-year-old who we lovingly refer to as, “Archie.”
Forget ‹Idol! ‹Dance perfects the formula
“So You Think You Can Dance” is, on paper, very similar to “American Idol.” Both shows are talent competitions that air twice a week on Fox. Both let viewers select a winner with guidance from panels of judges who offer both biting and crazy feedback to people of varying degrees of talent. The two series even have the same producers.
So why is “So You Think You Can Dance” so much better than “American Idol”? The answer lies in subtle but key differences that separate “Dance” from its sibling reality competition series.
Four ways to improve ‹American Idol
It may feel as if “American Idol” has been around forever, its format set in stone since the Jurassic period, but that’s not really true. The show has made changes. Upping the age limit resulted in an entire new field of possible “Idols.” Dropping Brian Dunkleman as co-host resulted in, well, a whole lot more money for Ryan Seacrest.
But “Idol” is slow to make changes, and some viewers are impatient. Four of our writers share their suggestions on what the show should do to stay fresh and improve. Note that no one has suggested Simon try a different color T-shirt.
Seven Ways To Fix ‘American Idol’
Lopping off 30 minutes is a start, but isn’t nearly enough. At FOX’s up-fronts last week, the network’s executives made the startling announcement that “American Idol’s” results show will be limited to a half-hour next season. A great cheer rose up from “Idol” nation at the news, as this will surely limit the time for ex-contestants pretending to have music careers on the nation’s biggest show.
Of course, this news was met with a drop of cynicism. Lisa de Moraes of The Washington Post wrote that FOX’s announcement of the time reduction was simply the executives’ “way of reminding us the network still has a sense of humor.”
It’s not surprising that the news would be taken with a grain of salt. After all, “Idol” is such a money machine that to reduce the amount of airtime advertisers can buy during its airtimes would be like tearing up a license to print money. It seems that is precisely what “Idol”‘s producers are doing, and the result should be a much tighter “Idol” season with far more suspense.
Why has ‘Idol’ fallen into predictability?
In retrospect, don’t you miss Sanjaya Malakar?
As this season of “American Idol” hurries to its end, I’ve been thinking about last year’s bugaboo, the twiggy teenager with the enterprising hair who got so many people talking. And when I came across a recent magazine picture of Sanjaya, hoisted in a chair as he visited a fan’s bat mitzvah, I had a small “Idol” epiphany. This kid still is – and always was – willing to do anything for entertainment. And the great deficiency of “Idol” this year is that it largely forgot to entertain.
Kimberly Caldwell Discusses the Final Two Contestants
Even though the talent this year has been outstanding, I think all of America has known since the Top 24, that the finals would come down to David versus David.
David Archuleta has been pegged to take the crown since his very first audition. That infectious smile and innocence was just undeniable. Every time he opens his mouth, it’s like a choir of angels rise behind him. For 17, or any age, he has handled this crazy experience in front of America with such poise and humility.
And now, on to David Cook. He possesses every part of the formula to becoming a true Idol. His intensity, his passion, and his drive to deliver not only unique, but consistently unforgettable performances, is the reason why he deserves to own his spot in the finale.
David, the next ‘American Idol’
There may be two Davids in the “American Idol” finale, but there’s no Goliath.
Either would be OK as a winner. Both are good singers. One doesn’t overpower the other. The hip choice is David Cook, 25, because he’s older, has a rock edge and is less likely to flash a nervous, squirmy smile than sweet boy wonder David Archuleta, 17.
‘American Idol’: David vs. David, Week to Week
Who was more impressive during auditions? Who did the better Mariah Carey cover? Watch Archuleta and Cook go head to head, then vote for your favorite.
The year in ‹Idol
Ratings down. Paula using a cheat sheet. Ryan wearing out his welcome.
…Ominous Signs for ‹American Idol, ƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’Å¡ was the headline over a Los Angeles Times story in mid-April that pretty much summed up the media elite impatience with TV biggest show. …Could it be that the singing smash, which has entirely reshaped television over the past seven seasons, is finally proving mortal? the writer asked.
The only proper and polite response to this question, posed over and over this season by …Idol critics, is as follows:
You. Wish.
Who will (and who should) win season 7 of ‘American Idol’?
Dawnie Walton, Annie Barrett, and I ponder the two most important questions of the modern era the week while chowing down on Central Park vendor treats. Watch for yourself, then join the Great Idol Debate in the comments section below.
‘Idol’ events planned around Utah
“American Idol” fever is burning up Utah with Murray sensation David Archuleta in the finals.
Murray High School is hosting an “Idol” viewing party during Tuesday’s performance show at the school’s auditorium, 5440 S. State St., beginning at 7:15 p.m. The event is free to the public.
A free viewing party for Wednesday’s two-hour finale is at the EnergySolutions Arena in downtown Salt Lake City, where “Idol” will cut to during the live show.
Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday. The show begins at 6 p.m., which means the crowd will see the finale on the Jumbotron an hour before the rest of Utah. Food kiosks are expected to be open in the arena. No tickets are necessary.
Official David Cook American Idol Watch Party at Power & Light in Kansas City
American Idol has announced it will broadcast live from the Power & Light KC Live! area on Wednesday night for the Idol two hour finale.
The Power & Light District has been hosting American Idol watch parties Tuesday & Wednesday nights.
Report: David Cook’s Brother Unlikely to Make Idol Finale
According to people.com, David Cook’s brother, Adam Cook, is unlikely to attend the American Idol finale in Los Angeles.
Adam Cook suffers from brain cancer. Donations allowed him to take a medical flight to see David perform earlier in the season. And, fans have been raising money for his return trip ever since.
However, people.com reports Adam will stay home this week because of his health. Adam lives in Terre Haute, Indiana.
‘Idol’ forecast
Was this the most balanced batch of Top 10 “American Idol” finalists ever? Or the most boring?
Frankly, there hasn’t been one defining “wow” performance all season. There hasn’t been one contestant whose talent demands a big-time recording contract. No one truly deserves to be an American Idol.
Still, these 10 singers have captured America’s attention for four months, creating some kind of fan base for future endeavors. Here are some predictions on what each will be doing a year from now:
Local ‘Idol’ debate: My David will beat your David
We here at Seacoast Media Group are passionate about “American Idol.” We just don’t always agree on it.
And so The Truth About Dating columnist Steve Penner and Features Editor Gina Carbone are taking sides on which David should walk away with the “Idol” title on Wednesday, May 21.
Related Stories.
Archuleta’s Fame Won’t Fade Anytime Soon
Win or lose, life is going to change for David Archuleta. “After being on a reality show, especially if it’s a popular show like ‘American Idol, ‘ life is never the same. Every aspect of my life is different, ” said Carmen Rasmusen, the Utahn who finished sixth on “Idol’s” second season. “I will always be Carmen Rasmusen from ‘American Idol.’ That will always be what people know me as first.”
At this point, Utah’s “American Idol” finalist has had only a glimpse of how different life will be. Even though he’s been performing in front of 20 million to 30 million people a week for months, Archuleta and the other finalists have been leading a life sheltered by the “Idol” machine that restricts and controls public appearances, interviews and just about every other aspect of their lives.
Cynics Just Back Off Archuleta is the Real Deal
The next time I hear somebody say that David Archuleta is somehow practicing false humility, I’m going to scream.
Anyone who makes such a pronouncement is telling us more about himself than he is about the 17-year-old Utahn who, improbably enough, is one of the final two in this year’s “American Idol” competition.
The kid is for real. And not just a real talent, but a real nice teenager who is clearly and genuinely touched ‘ even overwhelmed ‘ by his newfound fame and his newfound following.
I happened to be standing just a few feet away from Archuleta when he made an appearance at The Gateway during his triumphant return to Utah on May 9. I saw his face as he surveyed the screaming fans; I heard his voice start to break as he tried to thank them.
Those who knew David Cook in his pre-‹Idol days inundated with interview requests
So, Fredalyn Gentry, how many interviews have you given since David Cook made it big on …American Idol?
…Oh, good grief, says Cook grade-school music teacher in Blue Springs. …I cant remember.
But she gives it a shot anyway.
People magazine interviewed her. She been on TV several times. And radio stations keep calling, wanting to talk to her on air. During the day.
American Idol Adds Second Tour Date in Kansas City
KANSAS CITY, MO. — The American Idol concert tour has added a second date in Kansas City. You can now catch the top 10 Idols including Blue Springs native David Cook at the Sprint Center on August 29 & 30. Tickets are available now at ticketmaster.com.
‘Idols Live Tour’ adds a second show
A second show has been added for the “American Idols Live Tour” performance in July at the E Center, a center spokeswoman said Saturday.
Tickets for the first show July 14 sold out in less than an hour with 11, 000 seats, said Julie Hoffman, the center’s director of marketing. The second show will be at 7:30 p.m. July 15 in the E Center.
Tickets are available at the E Center Box Office and all TicketMaster outlets, by calling 801-325.SEAT or at ticketmaster.com.
Snap judgment: Jennifer Hudson’s ‘Spotlight’
I’m not gonna lie: I was a little worried listening to the opening verse of Jennifer Hudson’s new single, “Spotlight.” True, the pretty piano riff is reminiscent of Alicia Keys’ “No One, ” and the lyrics about dealing with a suffocating relationship ‘ “Are you a man who loves and cherishes and cares for me?/ Are you a guard in a prison, maximum security?” ‘ are more interesting that your average pop-R&B clichà ©s. But it all seemed just a wee bit, well, low-octane. I mean, we didn’t fall in love with J.Hud back on season 3 of Idol because of her vocal restraint; we want big, unabashed belting from the woman who won an Oscar for hollerating “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” right through the theater walls and directly into that 2 p.m. screening of We Are Marshall next door.
Former ‘Idols’ are finding success
When thinking of past “American Idol” competitors, it’s often confusing trying to remember which ones actually won the televised singing competition and which have found their own fame merely by being on the show.
Here’s a list. Some seasons were better than others. The breakdown:
AI Aftermath: 3rd place finishers – VIDEOS
Welcome back to “AI Aftermath, ” where we explore Idol’s past. Each installment, as one more American Idol hopeful is eliminated from the competition, we take a look back at contestants past who were eliminated at the same point. We’ll examine how they did on the show and what they’ve been up to since their eliminations. In honor of Syesha Mercado’s elimination this week, we’ll be looking at other fourth place finishers.
FBLA Exclusive: Rabbi Richard Rushfield Explains the Importance of Being Idol
2. You often employ literary (and biblical) allusions to your stories. Is this a tongue-in-cheek effort to add gravitas to the subject matter? Not a bit! How dare you. I spend months tracking what is an epic journey for these contestants from their table waiting jobs in middle America to the pinnacle of American reknown. I am constantly striving for analogies that can capture the immensity of that journey.
American Idol Scott Savol Shares Chicken Soup
Today we continue our interviews with the contributors to Chicken Soup for the American Idol Soul as we talk with Scott Savol. Scott made it to the Top 5 in Season 4 on American Idol and has a brand new single “Don ´t Rush” (featuring L ´il G from Silk), which is available at iTUNES.
Thanks for joining us today, Scott. It ´s great to have you with us.
Let ´s get started by finding out a bit about you. Where did you grow up? What is it you loved best about your hometown?
I grew up in Cleveland, Ohio. I loved the fact that it was the city. Not the quiet, laid back country (that I enjoy now in Tennessee).
Casting call: Ryan Seacrest has a new dating show
Are you a “momma’s boy”? Or are you a mother who is really overprotective about who your son dates? Well, if you are, you might want to try out for Ryan Seacrest’s (American Idol) and Andrew Glassman’s (Average Joe) new show Momma’s Boys. NBC’s new reality series will air after the Summer Olympics in Bejing. The show will center around a group of mothers choosing the perfect woman for their sons. According to the press release, “drama ensues when numerous mothers and their eligible bachelor sons are housed together with several single women.” So, they have to live together too? This sounds like The Bachelor meets Sister Patterson from I Love New York.
