Who should win American Idol?
But who’s the most deserving of the win? David Archuleta has wowed the judges and audience week after week with his polished vocals, but lacks a commanding stage presence. Syesha Mercado has played the role of the underdog throughout this competition, but has been coming on strong these past few weeks with passion and conviction. David Cook quickly emerged as a front-runner with his powerful rock vocals and innovative arrangements, but is he too limited to be the next Idol?
Let’s just look at each of them, one at a time.
‘American Idol’ hits another ratings low
Another Wednesday, another win for Fox’s “American Idol” — and another five-year ratings low.
“Idol” (22.9 million viewers, 8.2 national 18-to-49 rating and a 21 share) continued to decline at a time of year its ratings usually increase. Aside from its “Idol Gives Back” special, “Idol” has not shown any week-to-week growth since February. Lead-in ” ‘Til Death” (6 million, 1.9/6) was average, but “Back to You” (7 million, 2.1/6) hit a series low.
Television: Means fails to see big picture on Archuleta’s many talents
You may have noticed The Salt Lake Tribune’s movie critic, Sean Means, wrote a commentary on the cover of today’s Mix section about Utah’s “American Idol” phenom, David Archuleta.
Specifically, he opined that Murray’s golden boy isn’t good enough to win the competition and can’t project sincerity in his music – that he’s too young to experience the kinds of emotions he sings about.
Well, Sean, you’re wrong.
Simon Cowell On Hasselhoff, Abdul & Who Will Win à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹American Idolà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢
During the interview, which you can view HERE, Simon also explained what happened to Paula on last weekà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“American Idolà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ when she began critiquing Jason Castro on a song he had yet to sing.
à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“I was actually laughing on the night. The true story behind it is that they told us when the show started that we werenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t going to comment on their first song. I told them in no uncertain terms, this is absolutely the wrong thing to do,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ Simon told Laura.
While he didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t throw a notebook at à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Idolà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢sà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ executive producer, Nigel Lythgoe, as has been rumored, he did make sure to share his feelings.
à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“I wasnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t amused,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ he said. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“In the end we agreed we would talk to them at the end of the first performances and it completely and utterly threw Paula.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬
Despite Paulaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s critiquing snafu, she remains glued to her judges chair.
à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Weà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll only fire her when she actually becomes normal. So sheà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s safe,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ Simon laughed.
Simon Cowell unleashed
Terri Seymour sat down with her main squeeze, American Idolà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Simon Cowell for The World According to Simon.
Responding to a recent à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Extraà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ interview in which American Idol alum Clay Aiken revealed he no longer watches the show.
Cowell said, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“So, that was Nancy Grace? That hairà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦I canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t listen to himà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦[But] to be fair to Clay, he was actually one of my favorite contestants in a way because he was so ambitious and so desperate to win.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬
Although Idolà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s ratings are lower in comparison to past seasons, Cowell said, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“From when I go out and the reaction when the contestants are out, ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s like the whole country is watching the showà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ According to Cowell, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“I think all these shows including Idol in the future are going to have to go younger. Weà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re going to have to drop the age from 16 to 14.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬
Simon Cowell spouts off about ‘Idol’
Critics say the show may still have life, but it’s lost its zing.
Cowell agrees. He sees “tweaks” that need to be made — and hints some will be done in the next season. “Idol” has changed the format over its seven seasons. Cowell says it’s time for that to happen again.
Among the problems:
– The theme nights need to be “more current,” he says. While Neil Diamond and Andrew Lloyd Webber are legendary, they might not be the right fit for “Idol” to devote an entire evening to.
Simon’s Chest Hair Is “Like a Rain Forest”
It seems like the trick to getting Paula Abdul to talk is by tickling her funny bone.
As the American Idol judge made her way out of Hollywood hot spot Mr. Chow Wednesday night, one of the paparazzi managed to break through the gossipy questions that poker-faced Paula was ignoring by interjecting a humorous request.
“Tell Simon his chest hair is like a rain forest,” said the photog. “Like a rain forest!”
Nightline Playlist: Clay Aiken
Today Aiken, 29, still knows how to please a crowd and remains the most successful of the male “American Idol” contestants. His first three albums played it safe, with few original songs and lots of crowd-pleasing covers. Critics complained Aiken wasn’t revealing enough, and after belting out Brian Adams and Mr. Mister, Aiken himself has admitted that it was tough for him to make a statement via repackaged music.
But unlike his previous albums that conform to a particular genre, Aiken considers his newest album, “On My Way Here,” which arrived in stores this week, to be an eclectic mix that reflects his personal style. Aiken only wrote one song on the record, “Lover All Alone,” but selected the remaining songs to represent experiences he’s had in the past five years.
Toby Keith, Kellie Pickler, LeAnn Rimes Set to Perform, Sara Evans, Jewel, Dr. Phil and More Set to Present at the 43rd ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC(R) AWARDS
The Academy of Country Music today announced that country music superstars Toby Keith, Kellie Pickler, LeAnn Rimes will perform during the 43rd ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS and that Kenny Chesney and George Strait will perform a special live duet for the first time ever. The ceremony honoring country music’s top talent and the industry’s hottest emerging talent will be broadcast LIVE from MGM Grand in Las Vegas on Sunday, May 18th, 2008 at 8:00 PM LIVE ET/tape delayed PT on the CBS Television Network.
The Academy also announced that Criss Angel, Clint Black, Brooks & Dunn, Kaley Cuoco, Sara Evans, Jewel, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Brad Mates of Emerson Drive, Dr. Phil & Robin McGraw, Randy Owen, John Rich, Carrie Underwood, Clay Walker and Trisha Yearwood will make special appearances.
Hilary Duff and Katharine McPhee Get Alluring
It seems like thereà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s a new celebrity-studded benefit every week. And last night Hilary Duff, her boyfriend Mike Comrie, and Katharine McPhee were spotted at Allure magazineà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Most Alluring Bodies photography exhibition.
The whole shindig, held at Skylight Studios in New York City, was to benefit Skin Cancer Research and included a silent auction, and plenty of celebrity skin.
Former finalist Sligh brings tour to Macon
Six weeks of scathing critiques from “American Idol” judges such as Simon Cowell should prep anyone for big stage performances. However, former “Idol” finalist Chris Sligh relates a different, more insightful account.
“It was a great experience,” he said, noting the extraordinary exposure the popular talent contest ensures. “It puts you in front of 30 million people on a regular basis. But I doubt if you really learn a lot singing versions of cover songs.”
On the Scene: ‘Idol’ Top 4 results night
Magic nearly happened right about here, PopWatchers, as Debbie suddenly summoned Carly to the stage. Ms. Smithson timidly walked forward, clearly nervous about what on earth those people wanted from her now à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’ having already taken her heart and soul and crushed them upon the rocks of disappointment à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’ but Debbie convinced her to come all the way up and sit on the couches, taking her (rightful) spot between Syesha and Cook. Nigel must have made eyes at this gesture, since Debbie walked over and explained, “David goes, ‘Let’s confuse America à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’ when we come back, Carly’ll just be sitting here.’” As the Ford commercial and pre-taped segment begin blaring completely without warning, Rickey Minor goes and takes Carly’s old seat next to Kim Caldwell, and Joely Fisher’s toddler begins playing in the aisles. “That was deja vu,” Debbie said as the pre-tape came to an end. “Hey Corey. Do you think anyone would be confused if we came back from commercial and Carly was sitting on the couch?” Corey decided to pose the question to us. “Should we leave Carly on the couch?” he asked. “YES!!!” I screamed, with all the passion my little lungs could muster, but it was no use. After some chatter about Carly taking Rickey Minor’s post on the bandstand, Debbie gives us the bad news that Carly’s being booted back to gen pop after all. “I tried,” Debbie says, regretfully. I’d like to know just who went over our heads on that.
American Idol Week 11: Saying Goodbye to Jason Castro
I’m going to miss Jason Castro. I’m not going to miss him because he was a particularly great American Idol contestant or anything; in retrospect, he was a pretty terrible fit for the show’s ballad-hawking chops-intensive blueprint. In terms of pure vocal skill, Castro couldn’t come anywhere near any of the other serious contenders this season. He had no particular range, cooing everything in a near-whisper and never letting loose with the big crashing song-ending notes that have long been the show’s money-shot moments. As a performer, he rarely ventured out from behind his guitar, awkwardly bobbing across the stage whenever he wasn’t parked on a stool. And he showed no real acumen for the show’s PR-hustle element, famously telling Entertainment Weekly that he didn’t especially care how long he lasted on the show. But that last point is actually what made Castro a fascinating figure in an otherwise near-unwatchable season. I can’t think of a single other contestant in American Idol history who so visibly disdained the whole structure of the show.
With Jason Castro Gone, Idol Can Get Back to Being Polished Scrubbed and Boring
So thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s it, brother. You had to know it was coming after Tuesday nightà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦
But let me say this about Tuesday: it may not have been your finest moment, but à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“I Shot the Sheriffà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ was a way more interesting choice from the Hall of Fame songbook than the umpteenth version of à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Stand By Meà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ and à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Proud Mary.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ And for Simon to have suggested à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“you donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t touch that songà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ? Huh? As if anything is inviolable on à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“American Idolà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’ please. A sanitized version of à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Imagineà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ is OK, stripped of its atheist, socialist teeth, but a à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“karaokeà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ version of Marleyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s fight-the-power anthem is not? Spare me the double standard.
Not that I am making excuses for the performance, JC à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’ not great. And then Dylan à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’ fine choice, Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢d rather hear it than that old classic rock radio wheezer à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Baba Oà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢Riley.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ But you canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t go up on the lyrics. You said you were à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“thinking too muchà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ and not just letting it flow. Bad time for that to happen. We all know that you werenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t the first one to do it this season, stillà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦
End is a beginning for ‘Idol’ finalists; Archuleta is the one to beat by Carmen Rasumsen
Jason Castro left “American Idol” this week and is no doubt already on his way to New York to do follow-up interviews. So what is a finalist’s life like after being voted off “American Idol”?
Some might assume that life would get a little less crazy à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’ that things would maybe slow down a bit. Actually, the opposite is true.
Immediately after the results show concludes, the judges come backstage to shake our hands and give us some final advice. I remember Paula Abdul taking me by the shoulders after I was voted off and saying, “Carmen, the magic is just beginning.” I had no idea how much my life would change after the show.
After a goodbye dinner with the remaining contestants and crew, I went back to the mansion to pack up my stuff. I flew to L.A. with five outfits à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’ I left with three jumbo suitcases and boxes and boxes of memorabilia.
Jason Castro: In Memorium
And so we bid farewell to Jason Castro, the singer who brightened this season’s American Idol proceedings with his song choices (think about it: dude brought Leonard Cohen and Bob Dylan to the Idol stage, even if the results were decidedly mixed), big dreadlocks, and the fact that he generally seemed to be having a good time on stage, unlike some stage-managed kids who seem to be on the verge of passing out every time they’re forced to stand on stage while not singing. Some may have referred to him as a Sanjaya-like figure because of his unquenchable goofiness, like his line last night about shooting the tambourine man, and his hair, but I kind of appreciated the fact that he was actually having fun with the proceedings, and not being as deadly self-serious as some of the other people still in the running. (Congratulations, Syesha, on making that Presidential race referenceà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’ we knew you had it in you.) At least his semi-glazed expressions and “it’s all good, man” vibe made for good TV.
longsong, this professional experience thing bothered me even before the show started. I finally came up with how I feel it should be. IMO, if a contestant has had a recording contract AND released a CD, they should not be on the show. That takes out Carly, but allows Kristy Lee because her CD was shelved. It allows David Cook because he wrote and self-produced his CD, and did not have a recording contract.
The prize is a contract with a recording company and the release of a CD. If a contestant has already done this, give someone else the opportunity.
I also hope they mix in the amatuers more with the professional singers. Clay, Anthony, Elliott, and Jason all were terrific for the show!
mj, the previews of the Ellen Show showed Jason singing Daydream.
When I saw ‘Change Gonna Come’ at work Tuesday night, my first thought was, ‘Thanks Syesha for single handedly destroying what life I had on the internet.’
It has to be considered a defining moment in AI7 because in 5:38 minutes an inconsistent belter who had good taste in clothes and a hot boyfriend suddenly became the evil villian, suddenly guilty of pandering for votes, (tho I’m not to sure which demographic she was pandering to)a self obsessed artist on an ego trip, who is now using T&A to advance.
What boggles my mind is how manufactured the whole segment was, and nobody is picking up on it.
Randy’s phoney reaction, to Paula’s overaction(complete with the shot of Carly behind Paula joining in the standing ovation) to Simon’s dramatic break of the tie. Then the waterworks….
Did it work???? Well according to Ryan, the top three were all within two million votes of each other so Syesha did gain some ground
So what the heck, on Wednesday night let’s just put Syesha with Jason never mentioning who was in the bottom two thereby prolonging the myth of the kid who keeps succeeding against all odds.
It just never ends with these people.
Grammie – I agree. They just need a more balanced mix. This season seemed a bit light on the “ordinary joe” side.
I think Jason singing “Daydream” is an EXCELLENT choice! It perfectly captures him. I don’t recall if he played the guitar for himself on that – I hope so, there’s nothing worse than a rinky-dink piano brought in for just that purpose.
I’m trying to figure out what you’re trying to say, J.S.G. Can’t…break….code….
I totally agree. I didn’t want Blake to reprise “You Give Love A Bad Name” on the finale last year. When I think of ~moment~ performances I think of that, Kelly’s “Stuff Like That There” and (as much as I hate to admit it) Constantine’s “Bohemian Rhapsody.” :lol_wp: Carrie’s “Alone” was good but it didn’t floor me the way those did. I think her jacked-up hair that night ruined it for me. Katharine’s “Over The Rainbow” was lovely too, but eh…it definitely felt like TPTB were trying too hard there so the effect was lost on me. I actually enjoyed Kat’s “Black Horse & The Cherry Tree” way more too. I still wish she’d done an album more in that style of music.
LONGSONG – LMAO
Archuleta’s Dad Banished from “Idol”
http://www.tmz.com/
Woo..
The old double team. That’s scary.
OMG! I’d wondered if they’d gotten permission for Archie to add the “Beautiful Girls” tag to “Stand By Me”…TMZ just answered my question. Ruh-roh.
Thanks for the Scooby laugh Star! The guy,JA, seems to pick until the scab comes off.
My personal list of great Ai moments when the contestants listed were totally “in the zone”:
Kelly Clarkson “You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman”
Tamyra Gray “A House is Not A Home”
Clay Aiken “Bridge Over Troubled Water”
Jennifer Hudson “Circle Of Life”
Fantasia “Summertime”
Bo Bice “In A Dream”
Carrie Underwood “Alone”
Daughtry “Dead Or Alive”
Taylor Hicks “Try A Little Tenderness”
Blake Lewis “You Give Love A Bad Name
David Cook “Billie Jean”
Jason Castro “Hallelujah”
I agree with mj that Jason’s Hallelujah was a special moment. The Buckley version is a personal fave, and hearing it on Idol, sung passionately by Castro was, for me, a complete surprise. I also agree that I hope he doesn’t sing it on the talk show circuit this week. It will lose something in that setting. I actually think he will do either SOTR or Daydream, both of which would sound great with him on guitar/ukelele, no need for a piano. I think he would probably like to have the guitar to “hide” behind on those shows. With the right staging, Hallelujah would be incredible on the tour, the full song is soooooo emotional and leaves you with such a feeling of yearning.
The moment of the whole show for me was when Jason sang “I Shot the Sheriff”. I don’t know him, and I don’t claim too but I believe that was as close to being THE Jason song (on American Idol) as possible, and I loved it.