Carly Smithson is eliminated tonight…
Bottom 2
- Syesha Mercado
- Carly Smithson
Videos
- Group sing - “All I Ask of You”
- Andrew Lloyd Webber talks about the Idols
- “Tainted Love” - Ford Commercial
- Leona Lewis Performs “Bleeding Love”
- Brooke and Syesha
- Carly Smithson is eliminated
Stay Tuned: Next week Brooke White’s head explodes on the Idol stage! Seriously, I wish her fans would take Brooke’s mental health into consideration and stop voting for her. The poor girl appears to be on the verge of a nervous breakdown. Her major meltdown on Tuesday night was not a pretty thing to watch. But somehow, her vulnerability is appealing to the voters. Perhaps more appealing than Carly Smithson’s intense need to please and succeed.
Recap and Photos After the Jump…
After Carly dodged a few bullets earlier in the season, I thought she had the potential to go deep in the competition. A David/David/Carly Top 3 seemed reasonable to me. On the other hand, it’s really not surprising she was eliminated this week.
To those who think Jason Castro should have been eliminated instead, I say this: Not only has Jason Castro had more truly memorable moments on the Idol stage than Carly, it’s important to have a strong musical identity on the Idol stage. Whether you appreciate Jason or not is one thing–but he does have a musical style that’s all his own. Carly doesn’t seem to have a clue who she is. From one week to the next, she’s a different artist. She introduces herself to the Idol audience during 60’s week as Shirley Bassey, next she’s Ann Wilson from Heart and then Celine Dione with tattoos. She’s a cipher with a huge voice. And that huge voice sounds best in her velvety lower register, rather than the screechy high notes she loves to belt. And I have to say, I wasn’t that impressed with her performance this week. Her vegas-ized take on “Jesus Christ Superstar” left me a bit cold.
The last thing, she always seemed way more interested in pleasing the judges–particularly Simon Cowell–than the viewing audience. Her need to be liked by the judges reeked of desperation. It was a turn off. She never connected with the viewing audience. She never even tried.
So there you go. My predication at this point: Brooke White and Jason Castro will be eliminated in the next two weeks, leaving a David Archuleta/David Cook/Syesha Mercado Top 3…
An hour long results show with only 6 contestants = lots and lots of time to waste. The group numbers have been really disappointing lately. Tonight’s song, “All I Ask of You” with Andrew Lloyd Webber on piano, was totally lame. When was the last time we had a really goofy cheestatstic group number featuring horrible choreography? It seems like ages. There better be a Neil Diamond medley featuring his most hacktastic songs. It’s been too long.
After the re-cap of last night’s performances, Ryan sits down to chat with ALW. He sticks up for Brooke White’s decision to start and stop her song, and adds that her performance in dress rehearsal was flawless. He says that Jason Castro wouldn’t have taken his advice no matter what, and that his song choice was “the most curious I’ve ever known in my career.” He agreed with Simon that he didn’t seem happy singing it. Whoa, throw Jason under the bus! Nevertheless, ALW is candid and charming–an excellent mentor.
The Ford commercial this week is a good one. It’s a take off of 80’s videos, complete with a-ha style rotoscoping. Cool! The song is “Tainted Love”
A video of President Bush and First Lady Laura Bush wastes a few more minutes. What did they say? Big props to IGB for raising over 65 million dollars. Now–off my Tee Vee please.
This week, with only 6 contestants we’ve got a Bottom 2. Ryan is now suddenly referring to the couches as “the safety zone”. The Davids–David Archuleta and David Cook–are called out first, and of course they are safe, safe safe. No surprise there. Jason Castro yawns backstage while he awaits his fate.
After a video clip featuring Clay Aiken and Tamyra Gray on Broadway–and a shout out to Lakisha Jones who is in the audience–Ryan introduces Simon’s protege Leona Lewis. She’s wearing a pretty gold dress, and she’s got a pretty voice. Wow, she sings those runs, and they don’t make my ears bleed. Idolers take note.
After Leona, Ryan brings Brooke White and Syesha Mercado out onto center stage. Guess who is safe and who is not? Brooke White is safe. She looks shocked. Syesha smiles and clutches her hair. Brooke apologizes to Syesha. She pulls away and puts her hand over her mouth. Paula explains all about ginormous fan bases. Thanks for adding a little levity to a tense situation Paula! As the show goes to break, Brooke has her head in her hands. She’s ready to go home people!
After the break, Ryan brings out Carly Smithson and Jason Castro. Jason looks like he’s going to throw up. Unlike Brooke, Jason is not ready to go home. He says, “I really don’t want to sing right now.” Carly says she plans to have more fun going forward. Hm. That fun might have to take place off the Idol stage. Ryan breaks the news–Jason is SAFE. His eyes grow wide. Carly smiles. Simon tells Brooke he’s not surprised she’s safe because she made herself human the night before. He tells Jason he wasn’t very good, but he was charming. Yes people, connecting to the audience is the most important thing in this competition.
Ryan informs the Bottom 2 that they both have to sing their song. He hands the mic to Carly and she belts her way through it, smiling. Next, Syesha performs. Carly and Ryan have an animated conversation off to the side. I wonder what that’s about. Meanwhile, Syesha sashays past the judges to perform on the catwalk. Well, if she’s eliminated she goes out on a high note.
But it’s Carly that’s eliminated. She and Syesha hug for a really long time. Carly takes it well, she’s all smiles. During her goodbye video, the other Idols have joined her on stage. Simon tells Carly she can leave with her head held high. Carly says she’s proud of herself and really happy. Big hugs all around, and we’re out. Next week: Neil Diamond.
Related Posts
Longsong - I like it when he says chim min y tops the best.
mocha- Here’s a really helpful list of Neil Diamond songs–not all of them, but many of the popular ones. It even has media for each of them.
http://www.castrocopia.com/index.php?itemid=532
thanks primeminister. whoa, someone has some serious time on their hands to put that selection of Neil Diamond songs together.
I like Cherry Cherry for Castro, he could do that with the guitar and he would make it hip.
I forgot about September Morn, I actually remember and like that one, maybe DC? I actually prefer the more mellow Neil Diamond stuff; his uptempo stuff seemed a tad hokey to me.
I’m gonna be like a kid in a candy story picking out ND songs! I own everyone one of his songs in some form or another. You can be sure my choices will be vintage.
David A should sing “Girl you’ll be a woman soon, soon I’ll be your man” I think those are the words
MNSue
I look forward to hearing your N Diamond suggestions for all of the Idols! I think I just missed his era, I remember being a little kid when “America” was all the rage, and he was sort of off the radar once I was a teen. My mom liked him, though.
I know a few off the top of my head, but I gotta listen to Rhapsody. Syesha will sing “You Don’t Send Me Flowers” or belt out “September Morn” or “Love on the Rocks.” Peeps think this is out of her element. I say no way. She can glory note that shiz. Not that I’ll like it, but she can do it.
Archie may have more issues, if he has to sing two unfamiliar adult songs.
Thanks Primeminister - Jason should sing Soliamon and play the bongos?? Show us his drummin skills maybe - Shilo is one of my favs from yesteryear.
I sure hope it is not 2 ND songs. I have never been a Neil Diamond fan at all. When I was growing up all the Aunties liked him. Hopefully DC can spin one into something good.
Does that really matter?
People who post here are entitled not to like Jason AND to express that opinion. Since this blog isn’t a fan board, everyone has to suck up and deal with some hating on their favorite.
Mocha, with very few exceptions, do not venture into the sparkly shirt area of the 80’s and early 90’s. I much prefer the more heartfelt deliveries prior to that time. Jason could have a field day with his more introspective stuff. Brooke will connect with much of his early stuff found on “Moods” or “Serenade”. I’m compiling my list for later, but Brooke would kill “A Gift of Song”.
MrRJ, it sounds as though you were exposed to the bombastic Neil. Too bad.
Can Jason play the guitar like on Cherry Cherry - he could be moving with the guitar or maybe cook for that song. Girl You’ll be a woman soon - I would LOVE to hear Jason sing that. Someone said if he had the drums out there it would be cheesy but a lot of Diamond songs have bongos - he could amaze with his drummin skills Oh I could see Cook do Holly Holy NOT cracklin rosie ! ugh Now that I am reminded of these songs I can see a lot that David, Jason and Brooke could do with them -
Forever in Blue Jeans….meh
I was finding folks like Elvis Costello then and there was no going back.
I love this theme. I will say this. I had a huge fight with my BFF in school (aging myself) over him. She loved “Love on the Rocks” and I did not. To this day we let go of our disagreements (and there are many) by saying “Neil Diamond.” LOL.
Ok, I can see Syesha playing this song up, Ive Been this way before Brooke - story of my life Oh Oh oh Solitary Man for Jason can he please play the drums for us with one of these, yes he can yes he can work that with these songs bongos or drums or the trumpet (just kidding)
Seriously?! I loved him from day one! Not my favorite, but still loved him.
Mocha, I just looked on itunes. I only knew like “America”, “Forever In Bluejeans”, “Sweet Caroline” and “I’m a Believer”. His stuff is so not my cup of tea, but Johnny Cash did some of his stuff, so that’s cool. DC might pick up on it?
pj, drunk vid?
Pj, my new friend, I am lovin this theme too
PJ, tell your BFF, MrRJ says you were right….blech
Sorry, joydrop, wish I could provide a link, but PM posted a vid of him singing and playing guitar at a party in college and it was removed from youtube. There’s discussion about it in the daily news thread. It’s no scandal. LOL. Just kinda funny.
joydrop- Dave from VFTW saved the video.
http://www.zshare.net/video/11066728d8189106/
Family friend on IDF said he was 19 in the video, and that he had been drinking but was not drunk.
It may offend some conservative fans…but drinking aside, I thought he sounded really good on Badfish.
LOL, MrRJ. Thanks.
I think Jason’s camp needs to shut it. He clearly says he’s effed up. Thanks for the link, PM. And yes, he does sound good to me.
Oh dear lord ….Do not let Archie sing “Girl, you’ll be a woman soon” I think that would be about the creepiest thing I would ever hear or imagine. JUST.NO.
No a shy 17yr old boy, a devote Mormon, does not go on national tv and sing THAT song.
EWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW…….
Thanks pm! =) He did sound really good. He doesn’t seem wasted in that video, just relaxed. That video plus some others I’ve seen of him makes me think he gets pretty nervous when he goes on stage, causing him to be tense. If he was more like he is in some of these videos I think he might get even MORE people to like him.
And my goodness that boy is flirty.
baxter, he won’t sing that. No chance.
I wish I could view that flirty video.
Hope to see some of these done on the show or in a group medley.
America >>>>>>> Syesha
Brother Love’s Travelling Salvation Show
Cherry, Cherry
Cracklin’ Rosie
Forever In Blue Jeans >>>>>>> JASON
Girl, You’ll Be a Woman Soon
He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother
I’m a Believer >>>>>> Archie Holly Holy
I Am… I Said
I Thank the Lord for the Night Time >>>>>>> DavidC.
Kentucky Woman
Red Red Wine >>>>>>> Brooke
Solitary Man
Sweet Caroline
I wish I could view that flirty video.
Hope to see some of these done on the show or in a group medley.
America >>>>>>> Syesha
Brother Love’s Travelling Salvation Show
Cherry, Cherry
Cracklin’ Rosie
Forever In Blue Jeans >>>>>>> JASON
Girl, You’ll Be a Woman Soon
He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother
I’m a Believer >>>>>> Archie
Holly Holy
I Am… I Said
I Thank the Lord for the Night Time >>>>>>> DavidC.
Kentucky Woman
Red Red Wine >>>>>>> Brooke
Solitary Man
Sweet Caroline
Count me in as a 2 hour voting fan for Jason, just don’t tell my kids.
He’ll probably sing that and wear the leather pants again. No seriously, I heard that his father is a “lyric checker”, hence the…more “inspirational” songs.
Oh dear lord ….Do not let Archie sing “Girl, you’ll be a woman soon” I think that would be about the creepiest thing I would ever hear or imagine. JUST.NO.
I was KIDDING when I said that
Ahhh please NOT Crackin Rosie - it is the hokiest song of Neil Diamonds and I am COMPLETELY dating myself too. Sooliamon with the bongos???
Ahh thanks Primeminister - Jason - the video is adorable and I love his song choices.
America >>>>>>> Syesha
Brother Love’s Travelling Salvation Show
Cherry, Cherry
Cracklin’ Rosie
Forever In Blue Jeans >>>>>>> JASON
Girl, You’ll Be a Woman Soon >>>>>>>>>>David C
He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother
I’m a Believer >>>>>> Archie
Holly Holy
I Am… I Said
I Thank the Lord for the Night Time
Kentucky Woman
Red Red Wine >>>>>>> Brooke
Solitiary Man;>>>>>>>>>>>>DavidC
Somebody made these selections for DC on another website and I agree. If he sang Solitiary Man from H.I.M and the other one like Urge Overkill it would be great.