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 ‘American Idol’
During the interview, which you can view HERE, Simon also explained what happened to Paula on last week’s “American Idol†when she began critiquing Jason Castro on a song he had yet to sing.
“I was actually laughing on the night. The true story behind it is that they told us when the show started that we weren’t going to comment on their first song. I told them in no uncertain terms, this is absolutely the wrong thing to do,†Simon told Laura.
While he didn’t throw a notebook at “Idol’s†executive producer, Nigel Lythgoe, as has been rumored, he did make sure to share his feelings.
“I wasn’t amused,†he said. “In the end we agreed we would talk to them at the end of the first performances and it completely and utterly threw Paula.â€
Despite Paula’s critiquing snafu, she remains glued to her judges chair.
“We’ll only fire her when she actually becomes normal. So she’s safe,†Simon laughed.
Simon Cowell unleashed
Terri Seymour sat down with her main squeeze, American Idol’s Simon Cowell for The World According to Simon.
Responding to a recent “Extra†interview in which American Idol alum Clay Aiken revealed he no longer watches the show.
Cowell said, “So, that was Nancy Grace? That hair…I can’t listen to him…[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.â€
Although Idol’s ratings are lower in comparison to past seasons, Cowell said, “From when I go out and the reaction when the contestants are out, it’s like the whole country is watching the show…†According to Cowell, “I think all these shows including Idol in the future are going to have to go younger. We’re going to have to drop the age from 16 to 14.â€
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 there’s a new celebrity-studded benefit every week. And last night Hilary Duff, her boyfriend Mike Comrie, and Katharine McPhee were spotted at Allure magazine’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 — having already taken her heart and soul and crushed them upon the rocks of disappointment — 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 — 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 that’s it, brother. You had to know it was coming after Tuesday night…
But let me say this about Tuesday: it may not have been your finest moment, but “I Shot the Sheriff†was a way more interesting choice from the Hall of Fame songbook than the umpteenth version of “Stand By Me†and “Proud Mary.†And for Simon to have suggested “you don’t touch that song� Huh? As if anything is inviolable on “American Idol†— please. A sanitized version of “Imagine†is OK, stripped of its atheist, socialist teeth, but a “karaoke†version of Marley’s fight-the-power anthem is not? Spare me the double standard.
Not that I am making excuses for the performance, JC — not great. And then Dylan — fine choice, I’d rather hear it than that old classic rock radio wheezer “Baba O’Riley.†But you can’t go up on the lyrics. You said you were “thinking too much†and not just letting it flow. Bad time for that to happen. We all know that you weren’t the first one to do it this season, still…
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 — 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 — 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 reference—we knew you had it in you.) At least his semi-glazed expressions and “it’s all good, man” vibe made for good TV.
No moment this year? Really? How about “Billie Jean”, “Let it Be”, “Halleluliah”, “She’s a Woman” - all moments to me. Just like “My Funny Valentine”, “And I Am Telling You”, “You Give Love a Bad Name” and “I Who Have Nothing” last year. Am I the only one? Maybe I’m just easy to please. :-)
I really think that when a show is starting to lose steam, people just naturally go looking for a reason. Sometimes though, it’s not something all that tangible. The novelty wore off, some of the old AI magic seems gone, so now everyone can come up with things to fix - better themes! better contestants! better judges! - but really, would the themes have mattered a bit in season 2? Would Randy’s critiques really effect ratings if they improved? The truth is, the ratings may never go back to where they were and we may never know why. The show is old. It happens. I really feel that’s about all there is to it.
I agree - She’s a Woman was definitely a moment. I bought the iTunes version and it is dullsville. Chikezie was just so in the zone that night. I wish he could have kept that up.
For me, Let it Be wasn’t that great vocally, but Brooke’s emotions MADE it a moment. I cried right along with her.
She’s A Woman doesn’t hold up on ITunes, Karen? Aww, that’s disappointing. But I’m with you on Brooke, I cried with her that night. Fantasia made me do that when she sang her cheesy coronation song, but that was the only other time I cried while watching Idol.
And I forgot about “Imagine”. That was a moment too!
I didn’t think “Imagine” was a moment. The vocals were flawless but the song lost it’s soul (IMO). Like the guy in the MTV article above stated - it’s an anti-establishment, song that was washed and rung dry for AI.
ETA: The moments for me, have been “Billie Jean” , “Hallelujah” and “SOTR”.
LOL. It’s a bit early (as in, the season isn’t over), but so far, here are the Top 10 Memorable Moments from S7 for me (remember, they are Memorable…not necessarily MOMENTS):
1) Chikezie - “She’s a Woman” - Chikezie - At that point in the competition, I was ready for Chikezie to GO HOME. He was a good singer, but unimaginative. I was even going to skip over his performance. Man, was I glad I watched it before reading anything about it. He knocked that one out of the park. He was a man transformed that night. Lightening in the bottle. Truly demonstrated that one performance can get you back into the competition.
2) Michael Johns - “It’s All Wrong, But It’s All Right” - Here is another dude that I had started to give up on. He was great in Hollywood, but he hadn’t quite put it together for a performance night. He blew me away with this one. So much emotion. So much edge. Brilliant. iTunes version is just as good (if not better) than the performance night.
3) Luke Menard - “Wake me up before you Go-go” - Ei-yi-yi! What was this guy thinking? Wow. Quintessentially the wrong song to sing, but he looked like he was having fun. He did go-go, but I shan’t be forgetting him and his Bobby Bennett-style choice.
4) Syesha - “One Rock and Roll Too Many” - Let’s face it, Syesha never really connected with a song until she hit this one. She picked pretty boring and predictable songs just like Lakisha had before her (even many of the same songs). I did like her “Me and Mr Jones” and “Yesterday”, but they were just okay for me. This is the one where she picked an unpredictable (and almost unknown song), tricked up the arrangement to suit her and blew it out of the water. Sure, there were wonky notes, but I was having too much fun to notice the first time through.
5) Robbie Carrico his “wigs” and his “well, I dress like a rock star so I must be one”. LOL. Rock on, Robbie!
6) David Cook - “Hello” - I thought this guy was a smarmy git until he did this song. Then he became interesting.
7) Brooke White - “I am, I said” - She was done, but she put forth one more great performance to remind us how she got so far.
8) Kristy Lee Cook - “Eight Days a Week” - I shall never forget that as long as I live.
9) Jason Castro - “Daydream” - This was a textbook case of how cannon fodder should introduce themselves to the viewing audience. Pick a song that really reveals who you are and which is not a dirge. Come out with some life. Be memorable. Be fun. Jason went from fodder to front runner with one song. That’s how it’s done folks. Take notes.
10) Amanada Overmeyer - The hair. Woah. I also remember her for “You Can’t do That”. She’d had two rough weeks. Been picked by VFTW and she still came out and knocked our socks off. Never give up. Never surrender!
This was also a year that the scandals kept hitting the wire. From “ExperienceGate” to “StripperGate” to “SantaGate” to “StageParentGate” to “ArragementStealingGate” to “PaulaGate” to “IWantToGoHomeGate”. Two more weeks to go. I wonder how many “Gates” we can get in.
Just FYI - picked this off the HickHQ site -
“American Idol†winner Taylor Hicks performs at the 2008 A CAPITOL FOURTH, which offers an evening of patriotic and uplifting music followed by a stunning display of fireworks over the Washington Monument.
Of course, we were going to be in DC for the 4th. Switched it to June 20th to accomodate family. Damn family…
I think Kat’s best performance was “Black Horse & Cherry Tree” simply because she really stepped out and did something different & did a good job with it, even though it had a few too many “woo hoos”.
Anybody hear if Taylor is appearing on AI next week for sure?
I’m going to be controversial and say none of those were moments for me. By the time David did “Billie Jean” he had already pulled the “change up odd song to be perfect for me” trick one too many times. We knew he could do it. It’s like the dog that keeps retrieving the ball. Impressive the first time, but starting to get old by about the third time. New trick please. Plus, he was totally mired in “SongStealingGate” by that time.
“Hallelujah” and “OTR” used arrangements I already loved and had on my iPod. Jason just didn’t measure up to Buckley and Iz. He was good, but did not compare. IMO, of course.
That’s why “Imagine” didn’t make a memorable moment for me either. “Stand By Me” almost made the list (too soon to make the list for me) because it was a great arrangement and you could tell that David A really connected with that song. He was performing too much during “Imagine”.
To me, a moment isn’t just a great performance. It’s also a little unexpected. It must change my perception (e.g. Fantasia’s “Summertime”).
I am burned at the stake at 4 pm and 9 pm every night. New torch bearers are always welcome ;-)
Ahh. I see! Well, using your definition, “She’s a Woman” and “Hello” would have been my moments this season so far.
My good torch is in the shop, so I’ll have to catch you at the next stake burn. :-)
I wont burn you at the stake Kirsten. SOTR brought me to tears and brought me back to my sons birth, all in a minute 40, I saw such, light in that beautiful face of his and passion in the song. I did not expect that. It just depends on an individuals frame of reference I guess. You didnt say you hated it, just wasnt your cup of tea. Fantasia was never mine - so please dont burn ME now.
Exactly, that’s why it is so interesting to read everybody’s reviews of the show
Oh, but it was my cup of tea. I loved Jason’s performances of “Hallelujah” and “Over the Rainbow”. Well chosen, well sung, beautiful performances. I truly enjoyed them. A lovely cup of Earl Grey tea. But, I already liked Jason and knew his vibe at that point, so it didn’t surprise me. Remember, my moments require me to be surprised. If “Hello” had have followed “Billie Jean”, “Billie Jean” would have been more of a moment for me.
I seriously disliked Fantasia for most of the season, but when she did “Summertime” I had to admit that was fantastic.
My list of the best performances of the Season 7 would be a different list than the one I posted.
Kirsten, you must be a great admirer of “Joan of Arc” by Leonard Cohen. You know being burned at the stake as often as you are! Seriously, Kirsten, your posts are always the type I look forward to you. I admire your knowledge and your insight.
PS…You are so right on “Hallelujah†and “SOTR” as they were pale copies of Buckley and Iz. Funny, for all the conspiracy theories on JC, few ever accused him of the blatent theft of those arrangements.
No burning at the stake necessary, Kirsten. I understand your view completely.
A moment on Idol should be something people talk about for years. I skipped most of Idol S1-3 so I’ll list:
Kelly Clarkson - A Moment Like This (after she won)
Carrie - Alone (because Simon made that prediction)
Elliott - Moody’s Mood for Love
Chris - Hemorrhage
S7 hasn’t quite done it for me so I have no moments yet.
I hated when Simon said Kat’s SOTR was “the best in the competition” and never knew if that meant the season or just the night. He gave her the Simon stamp of approval. I don’t think a moment on Idol is for real unless the person reveals something unique about them and has later success. But I’d add
Melinda - My Funny Valentine (purely for vocal excellence)
Hemorrage - YES - I loved that and yea Kelly crying and singing that song was really touching
Despite what the press may try to force feed us (Or the Idol TPTB for that matter) as defining “moments” on Idol — or even laud a Great Performance on Idol — it is quite apparent that it certainly depends on the point-of-view of the viewer.
Many people pointed to Kelly Clarkson’s “Stuff Like that There” as a moment, but just as many picked “Natural Woman.” Personally, the Idol standout performance in S 1, for me, was Tamyra’s “A House is Not a Home.”
Ditto in S 2. Some say the moment was Clay’s “Solitaire” but others pointed to “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” Some picked Kimberly or Ruben as having the defining moment that year.
And on and on…..
The glory of this show is finding a very special song rendition that you or I the viewer just hands down get goose bumps over. There have been many of those for me, even in seasons I wasn’t crazy about.
It is one reason I keep coming back to watching year after year. Something is going to make me go “Wow!” ……(or not) …… But it may not be what makes someone else think he or she heard something special. Case in point: McPhee’s “Over the Rainbow.” Good, but not the best by a long shot. Kimberly Locke outshone her vocally on that one. But, then, that is MY perspective.
Second case in point: All the “best performances ever” lists. How many people agree with every single choice on those lists? Or feel something better was left off? (Raising my hand here)
OH, my bad Kirsten - (I will go crawl up on that stake myself and give you a match). I wasnt into him until that point so I guess that would be my surprise one and I can relate in that way. At that point I went backwards and really checked out the rest of his stuff and that was all she wrote.
No matches for me. I’m already covered in kerosene.
It is easy to misunderstand on the blog, because we try to be brief (not always succeeding) and that leaves room for interpretation. That’s why I clarified when I was not clear.
Ha - thanks Kirsten!
Hey, let’s not forget Clay Aiken doing Solitaire, or Bo Bice acapella, In A Dream. That was a MOMENT!
I disagree, of course, that Jason’s versions of SOTR, and, Halleujah were pale in comparison to the originals. I listened to both originals, and, then to Jasons, and, actually preferred his. But, to each his/her own, as they say.
No one has answered my question about little David, his dad, and, the bus tour. Having daddy Archuleta on board would put a huge restriction on the rest of the guys. Maybe they can just pull him along on his tricycle behind the bus???
Kirsten, I just read your comment above the SOTR comment and I swear I am not that dense, if I had read that first I would have got what you were saying in your following remarks. I have to laugh at myself sometimes. I think I have mentioned SOTR about a trillion times on this blog - I believe next time I see those four letters I will steer clear and contain myself.
I seem to agree a lot with you, skylight. Yes, Clay Aiken and Solitaire; Bo Bice acapella, In a Dream; Jason’s SOTR and Halleujah. As mentioned, Stand By Me is my favorite song, so David A. did provide a moment.
After watching all seven seasons, I have chosen Kimberley Locke as my favorite female (with Diana DeGarmo next). I am so happy she was in Season 2 and NOT Season 3. I wanted Clay and Kimberly in the Finale.
Yes, we all have different tastes.
That’s because the original arrangements were acknowledged at the time of the performance.
That said, I never had an issue with David C’s borrowing of arrangements, either. Sounds like he did try to acknowledge them, too.
The only one who seems to get away with borrowing arrangements and not acknowledging them is Archie.
ETA: Bo’s “Within a Dream” was most def a moment for me.
I would say I have my own criteria for what makes up a “moment” for me.
There’s something about witnessing a contestant fall completely into the “zone”. The stars align and something special and otherworldly happens–all on live TV. It’s something that can’t ever be recreated too. That’s why I hate when contestants re-perform the song. It’s never as special as that first time. I actually became SICK of “Summertime” by the time S3 ended. I think Fantasia sang it 3 times. The magic was gone.
That’s why I kinda hope Jason doesn’t sing “Hallelujah” next week on the talk shows. He probably will, though. It’s a good thing I have the live recording I can re-watch.
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.”
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.