Randy Jackson, Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Ryan Seacrest took up the entire hour of Larry King Live last night. After discussing Idol Gives Back, the gang opined on Season 7 and where they think each of the eight stand. They also predicted who would be the last two standing…
Watch the clips after the Jump…
Highlights:
- All four plan to donate their earnings for that night to Idol Gives Back.
- They agree that it will come down to a Battle of the Davids–David Archuleta and David Cook–for the Final Two.
- Simon predicts that Syesha Mercado, Kristy Lee Cook or Jason Castro will be eliminated Thursday.
- David Cook is favored by all 3 judges. Simon calls him “fearless” and says he’s his personal favorite.
- They agree that Carly Smithson has not figured out who she is as an artist yet.
- They think Michael Johns should stick to blue eyed soul. They don’t like him as a rocker.
- Brooke White should stick to what she does best–singer/songwriter stuff. She could make it into the Final 3 or 4 if she picks the right songs.
- All the judges agree that David Archuleta is the one to beat. He needs to pick the right songs to maintain his front-runner status.
- Simon says the odds of Kristy Lee Cook winning are “one million to one”. Randy thinks she could have a country recording contract somewhere down the road. Simon doesn’t think she’s a great country singer. “She’s forgettable,” he says.
- Randy thinks Jason Castro is “OK” as a singer–he’s just a “singer/songwriter in a bar”. Ryan challenges Randy. He says Randy said something different on the show. Paula thinks he has a very “definitive style”. Randy would not give him a recording contract, but he’d sign Kristy Lee Cook. Simon thinks Jason is all about song choice. Simon says, “the trouble is, he turns up every week and he looks like he doesn’t care.”
- Randy thinks Syesha Mercado is more of an actress/singer and that she’ll end up on stage. Simon doesn’t think her vocals are good enough.
- Simon’s favorite Idol is Kelly Clarkson. He thinks she brought legitimacy to the franchise, and he likes her personally since he’s gotten to know her.
- An email question uses the phrase “pimp spot” and the judges find that funny. They have NO clue whatsoever how performance order is picked. They think names are picked out of a hat!
- Randy thinks America has gotten the winner right every year. Simon thinks America got it wrong Season 5 with Taylor Hicks.
- Larry King is an idiot.
The gang discuss David Cook, Carly Smithson, Michael Johns and Brooke White:
The gang discuss David Archuleta, Kristy Lee Cook, Jason Castro and Syesha Mercado:
Scandals on AI, Simon’s favorite Idol, questions from the Audience:
How much longer will Idol go on? Who do they think will win? Simon’s boredom, Paula’s new single:
The gang discuss Idol Gives Back:
More discussion about Idol Gives Back and this season of Idol:
More on this Season’s crop. Simon and Ryan discuss their relationship:
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I would love for Jason to perform “Pieces” by Red, a lush, melancholy song with “Hallelujah” breakout appeal. The lyrics are open to interpretation by Christians and non-believers alike.
The Fray’s “How to Save a Life” would be a brilliant choice for Jason as it is fairly current and instantly familiar to much of the audience.
I think he could have a hit with “I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing,” but I expect him to choose something in his own comfort zone like “Shelter.” That is probably the best strategy at this point anyway.
LOL MJ!!!
If Randy wants to sign Kristy Lee over Jason, let him. Jason is far too talented to be wasted on a hasbeen like Randy Jackson. Randy may have forgotten that CD he produced tanked big time. What did it sell…12,000 copies?
Both Simon and Randy are two faced.
I hope Jason makes it further than they seem to think. He’s awesome. Simon and Randy wouldn’t recognize real talent if it ran them over.
Kristy Lee Cook indeed. What yutzes.
Jason’s so lucky Randy doesn’t appreciate him. We don’t want his music career dead before it even takes off. He’s 21 years old! How can anyone Randy’s age get a 21 year old?
I love that someone emailed them a question about “the pimp spot.” LMAO!!
I loved Ryan. He gave intelligent answers. After a little time with the judges, it was funny that Larry King said that we now know that Ryan really earns his paycheck. LOL.
I liked Paula when she could get her thoughts out.
I was torn about Simon. He had some good points which were nearly drowned out by Randy and Paula talking over him.
I am officially pissed at Randy. Not very professional, IMO. So, he would sign Kristy Lee. He’s done such a bad job on his own CD, she may want to refuse that offer.
I hate when they talk over each other. It was almost as bad as watching the ladies on The View.
I loved the clips of Elliott and Fantasia in Africa that they showed throughout the show.
Um, 4got, some of us “old folks” can appreciate Jason. It’s got nothing to do with Randy’s age.
MJ, my favorite part of your bullet points is the last “Larry King is an idiot” -
I couldn’t agree more.
Once again, they over talked Simon. I still don’t know what he feels about Carly’s dress. Abdul just overtalks Simon, I can see why he gets annoyed. And once again Simon is right.
Interesting about Syesha — “actress” singer. Larry looks “poor”. And he’s probably past his time to retire.
I think the judges comments about Jason will make those laid back Castro fans get out and vote! Go Jason!
They are the BEST judges - they don’t need replacing as much as people complain about their judgment.
I’d happily replace all three judges with the judges from Next Great American Band. That show may not have been a huge hit, but it was refreshing to listen to judges who admitted to having knowledge about music.
I don’t see Michael Johns rolling over and restricting himself to blue-eyed soul just to make the judges happy–which means the judges will go after him in a big way. They hate it when you don’t stay in your assigned box.
I am still hoping for a Michael Johns/David Cook finale, but am pretty sure I am not going to get one now. The judges have spoken.
Simon really has got to stop with the “America got it wrong in season 5.” I mean, good grief. Overkill, anyone? 3 words - GET OVER IT.
It kinda surprised me though, that he said that the only cd he’d listen to out of these contestants is David Cook.
Oh and just because of that interview, I’m voting for Jason on the landline tonight while I text for David Cook on the cell.
ETA: Yes, replace Randy and Simon with Dicko and Sheila, and we’d have one hell of a judging panel. I’d keep Simon though. I usually agree with him. :)
I’m definitely going to need spoiler info regarding order for tonight. I’m going to be out and want to be able to text for Jason. Need that order info by 7 EST MJ! LOL!
ETA: Sarah, I assume you meant Randy and Paula. Dicko and Simon on one stage? They might clash a bit. LOL. But I agree, the judging on that show was much better than on idol. Constructive criticism always wins over “yo dawg, I wasn’t feelin’ it” and “I love your outfit”.
Thanks MJ for the cliff notes! You rock!
Funny that they say that Carly hasn’t figured out who she is yet (meaning who she should be to be marketable, and I agree). Yet, what about David A. If all he sings are “uplifting” ballads where will he fit in? I still like this group a lot though. David C. is my fav, but I’d listen to CD’s by Jason, Brooke, Michael and Carly (if it doesn’t sound like her first). And I still listen to Josiah’s songs. Great season!
Funny how Simon said that Randy and Paula shouldn’t say that more than just the winner would get signed because it would cause people to not vote and then turned right around and said America got it wrong in season 5. Huh? Or to put it on Bucky speak… Do wut?
What is there to “get right”?? America votes for who they like. Period. That year the winner of the vote was Taylor Hicks. I missed the part where America was charged with voting through the person most likely to line Clive’s pockets by warbling Diane Warren’s greatest shits. Dumbasses!
When Taylor somehow (?) got out of his 19 Management contract
immediately after his win,
was there an agreement that Simon could diss him every chance
he gets??
Simon has the right to his opinion concerning any singer - but does it make
him feel better about himself by putting Taylor down every chance he gets.
It seems apparent that something went down big time between Taylor and Simon since Simon never misses a chance to put Taylor down. However, has anyone ever heard Taylor say anything but “he’s British” about Simon. It seems - Simon doth protest too much - and forever it will be.
LOL, yes jersey. Replace Randy and PAULA. Dicko and Simon on the same stage would be hilarious. But at least Dicko knows music.
Totally agree with Simon that knowing many will get signed kind of kills the voting thing. However, winning (except for Taylor) probably still means something. Coming in 2nd with one exception has been the kiss of death so far.
Maybe because I don’t really have a horse this year, I find the controversy funny. Without Simon, they’d probably have the same ratings as that band show. Simon is really what keeps this show alive.
If they replaced the judges, I probably wouldn’t enjoy the show as much. Also I won’t use the ‘tanking’ of Randy’s cd as a reason to not trust his judgement, as he has had too much success in the past to actually have that mean anything. To say he is an ass and disengenuous stands alone, no bashing of his career is needed. I mean didn’t Simon have something to do with the telletubbies?
I have always trusted only Paula when it comes to the actual judging as I find Simon tells the truth, but with an agenda. Randy is the one as far as I am concerned who tips the hand as far as the TCO is concerned cause dude can turn on a dime. Paula is too transparent to have an agenda, therefore if she says you look good, you’re toast, if she cries, that’s money.
I gave up watching Larry King around the time he died. I mean brain death, not physical. His body is there, his brain is on hiatus.
Or worse yet, Clive?
I can’t believe Randy would rather sign KLC than Jason. Jason’s light airy style is very big right now. I hear it all the time on commercials, in the grocery store; it’s everywhere. Maybe he means he thinks there are more country music fans than easy listening fans. I suppose he’s right about that.
Whoever signs Jason will have no shortage of sales. I played him for my 70 year old mother yesterday. “No wonder everyone likes him,” she says. “Look at his hips and his nice straight legs, and that NOSE!” (insert comments on another half dozen other body parts) I was starting to be uncomfortable. My 70 year old mother thinks Jason is HAWT! tee-hee.
Is anyone beginning to feel something about styling this season? We have had
no major “transformations” in appearance as usual by this time. I think Jason C
is wearing hand me downs and Brooke is in a janitor’s suit.
I was surprised the contestants didn’t dress up more for IGB.
Ugh…signing KLC over Jason (or ANY of the others for that matter) is completely absurd. She seems like a sweet girl, but a singer she is not. I bet she’ll belt out “Amazing Grace” tonight though, and send Syesha packing.
I think it’s pretty well been determined that Jason won’t get a recording deal unless he wins the thing…but that’s probably better off. It seems like they don’t want him anyway. I’m not really sure why not…as one of the posters above me pointed out, his style is popular right now.
Archie really appears to be a great kid, but I’m not convinced that he’ll sell well. Teenage girls like him because he’s cute and sweet, but they’ll have to prove to me that they like him on the radio.
As for Taylor, Simon needs to quit taking jabs at him every time he can. Taylor wasn’t my favorite, either, but America liked him. This is AMERICAN Idol, not Simon Idol. Ugh!
You’re so right about this, t2. I do believe they should remember that they seemed to love him doing Queen and Light My Fire.
I like the way Jason dresses. He is one of the best dressed, IMO. He’s looked pretty hot in everything that I’ve seen. I like his casual style. He wears jeans impressively well. (Now that he’s 21 I can say that. LOL.)
It’s just odd to me that the judges tell some contestants to step out of their boxes but they tell others to find a box and stay in it. Makes me want to scream.
I think Castro is anything but forgettable. I have this bond with him, normally would have just read the synopsis by MJ and then left but then I read the last sentence. Larry King is an idiot.
Bwahahahahaha! yes he is. I still think he’s dead and the studio just props him up and pulls his jaw strings for the question asking and we know how hard hitting his questions can be. My goodness they’re hard enough to bowl over a feather.
I think the dynamic between Simon and Taylor has always been fascinating. Talk about water and oil. In the end it will be up to Taylor to make a great CD and prove him wrong. If he doesnt or cant do it then Simon was right and America got it wrong. It wouldnt be the first time, there was an obscure season 2 with Clay and Ruben. The Idol upper echelon gave it to Ruben but we all know who won that season.
Slaps self in face, shut up Dingo and try to get on with your life. Its just that I have been “robbed” so many times in my lifeeeeeeeee. I mean there was that 2000 election with Gore and………nevermind, I’ll be ok.
SciFan, your mother has good taste. Heee
Watched LKL again. Randy has verbal diarrhoea, he didn’t give anyone a chance to complete a sentence.
Dingo, you know I love you, but if Taylor won, then so did Ruben. If the voters chose Taylor, then the voters chose Ruben. I did both times and think I was right both times. Can’t be one way when you support, and another when you don’t. Watch the rewind show, listen to the audience. They are the ones who voted. Now that election with Gore was another thing entirely, lol. Still pissed about that myself, so much that I still refer to him as Mr. President.
I think Jason should be extremely glad that Randy wouldn’t sign him. That’s hardly a slap in the face. Randy’s not exactly Clive Davis, for whatever that’s worth. I think Jason’s studio recordings are phenomenal, but post-Idol, when it comes to an actual music career, he could flop if he’s in the wrong hands. Jason’s a sensitive case, I think. But, that takes nothing away from his talent.
I guess KLC is marketable. Remember, she was semi- , partially- , kinda-sorta signed before the show.
Seaon 5 I look back and think year of the D and that is it meaning Daughtry of course who else. I really do think American Idol wanted Chris D to win with Kellie P for obvious reason . What if Taylor came in second to KAt or Elliott Yamin I really doubt they would done allot better also overshadowed . Thier may not be as many comments but always the undercurrent of how well Chris D did compared to the so-called winner. I think winning ment something in 5 You were named Daughtry and Kelly P the rest not so much including elliot and kat . That is how it was which really turned AI upside down and made it not meaningful to win the show . Remember it was a clsoe vote in the finale three an E or K would of won and that year a new word “excpet for” was invented.
The whole get in the box/get out of the box thing gives me a headache. Brooke should stick with the singer/song writer vibe, but Jason is too boring for doing so?
KLC more marketable than Castro? I guess strictly based on the fact that she’s “country.” Do these people even listen to the radio?
I think if David A wins it has the potential to be Taylor Hicks all over again … wildly popular while on the show but no carry over to real life.
I can’t help thinking they’re so hot on David C because they want to recapture the Daughtry win that got away. Talk about unimaginitive.
They slam Carly for being too tense and not having an artistic identity, while they criticize Jason as too laid back and predictable.
They couldn’t recognize current, marketable style if it bit them in the ass.
Abbysee and Sarah, I agree with the both of you. A: You are right on the money! S: I loved the judges on NGAB - even Jon - I thought they knew the music better.
Maybe they could guest judge one at a time until people were used to them.
BTW: Kristy Lee has grown on me. I like her a lot better than Syesha. I think with the right song, she could have a big country hit. Syesha does not stand out as a singer to me. I think she will be successful in acting. She is my pick to go home on Thursday.
Jason will be signed by someone, I’m sure. He is unique. He has a wide range of fans who will support him. I like that he doesn’t need to scream to be heard and gets his feelings and message across just fine! Go Jason!
Between Little Sparrow and Travelin Thru - my new cd is being majorly overplayed!
LOL at the “names are picked out of a hat” idea. I’m sure that’s true. I’m also sure that most weeks, and this week especially, there are about 25 pieces of paper with David A’s name to every one of the other Idolettes’ names.
Two years Simon let it go and deep down everyone knows that you think Daughty should of won . The runner up and third placer would not as done as well either it is a fact and would be compared.Elliott would not of gotton five hundred thousand in sales more to reach 1 milion and Kat would not either…quit dreaming.Thier both happy no to have won now.
Larry King is borring
I heard Randy’s asshat comment on my local radio station this morning. They made a point to play it. I hope his comments don’t turn casual fans away from Jason.
>>Can’t be one way when you support, and another when you don’t.>>
Abbysee, ya gotta come and live in my world some time. Its awesome, you can have conspiracy theories run rampant in your mind and you can use them whenever you dont agree. Besides, Im right and your wrong. Clay won and Ruben was the chosen one.
>>Watch the rewind show, listen to the audience.>>
Pfffftttttt, they were plants.
OK, I have always thought that Mr Aiken won and I think the vote was close enough for the big shots to call it for him (Ruben) and no one would be the wiser. Except me of course. kinda like the 2000 elect…….nevermind lol.
Love you too Abbysee!
sorry to ramble just tired of it. I find it disturbig the use of “except” or winning means nothein if ya not TCO antmore atmosphere AI has created . It is unfair to the future contestants and influenced the fan….Move on and I wish Simon would shut up about it………………………….he should stick to Leona. Realistically he will complain and fans will argue untill the cow comes homwhom hsould of won and why for thier past and present contestants……………………….enough said sociologicaly I find it intersting .
I thought I heard them say that the order they sing is shuffled around - one week someone starts, the next week someone goes near the end, then the middle, etc. I heard that but I can’t remember who said it!
I will say, however, that it seems that certain people seem to go last more often than others. Not mentioning any names……
Dingo, your world is truly interesting and colorful I must say, rampant with bunny slippers and cds used as doorstops.
I am so big on conspiracy theories and such, I have a grassy gnoll out back, and a closet full of tin foil hats, so I would be comfortable hanging with you, just not this time, lol. Then there are those nightmares about hanging chads. Arrgh!
You can also try Gizmo if you want to call from the computer. I have a cable modem with wireless, and it works fine for me on a Mac w/Firefox, and they have a Windows compatible version too. You may have to deposit a small amount of $, but the 866- calls are always free.
I doubt that Taylor was the best singer in season 5. But, neither was Chris. I would think Kat or Elliot were superior singers. But they may as well confess that Taylor got sucky material to put on a CD and didn’t have a chance in hell as far as sales.
I agree with Simon 90% of the time - was happy to hear what he said about Kelly. Imagine if Kelly’s sales were less than a million than first year on top of that horrible movie. Shaky for her back then… and thank GOD they gave her Miss Independent to put on that CD! (though personally i liked the whole thing)
Eh….Jason’s style of music is what’s popular right now? I could swear that the same things were being said about Blake (the non-stop comparisons to Maroon 5 and artists that Timbaland work with).
I’m not seeing anything big with him at all. I’d definitely sign him but I wouldn’t expect much.
mj’s right ! Stay tuned to CNN for Larry King ! (cue the attendants to slap him alive and start the voice recorder).
I like Simon but he’s way to full of Simon being uber-Simon. He needs to learn when to hold and when to fold. Take a smoke break.
I also suspect that Randy is really more confused than Pauler. Whatever way the winds blows. Either get a grip or some ritalin.
Terry, I agree on How to Save a Life — although, maybe he could get the Muslim vote with Peace Train?
Elliott sold 500K on an INDIE label. To suggest that he couldn’t at least double that with major label is a pretty bold statement, IMO.
4got
I’m older than Randy and appreciate Jason. It’s not the age. It’s the intelligence level. That’s what Randy is missing.
Simon doesn’t get it right, get over it.