Spoiler - Top 4 Theme - Songs that shaped/inspired Rock n’ Roll

A reliable spoiler at Idol Forums spilled the beans.

At last, a theme broad enough that allows the contestants a little breathing room to choose a song that really reflects who they are as artists.  Even though it’s a rock theme, there really is room to stretch the boundaries  beyond rock n’ roll.

The songs will supposedly come from this list of songs from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Just about every genre of music can be thrown into the R n’ R pot.  This could be a very good week for the remaining Top 4.   Just about anything would be better than this week’s speed-wreck.

Also, Natasha Bedingfield will be the musical guest for tonight’s results show.  Have they given up on featuring past Idols?  Maybe the producers are hoping that a known star will boost their sagging ratings…


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49 Responses to “Spoiler - Top 4 Theme - Songs that shaped/inspired Rock n' Roll”


  1. 1 Bobbi Apr 30th, 2008 at 12:20 pm

    There is some great music on that list and lots of different genres. Hopefully this will produce a much better show than last night’s.

  2. 2 longsong Apr 30th, 2008 at 12:21 pm

    While I’m resigned to the strong possibility of Jason leaving tonight, having him miss this next them makes me :furious_tb:

  3. 3 sammwiz Apr 30th, 2008 at 12:26 pm

    I completely agree longsong……

  4. 4 MrRJ Apr 30th, 2008 at 12:33 pm

    DA singing Rock and Roll? Please let him be voted off tonight. I don’t think I could take it….”Tutti..iiiii.iiii, ohhhhhh Ruuuuuudiii-iii” Gak

  5. 5 primeminister Apr 30th, 2008 at 12:34 pm

    Gah, I am not looking forward to seeing Brooke do this if she stays.

    While I’m resigned to the strong possibility of Jason leaving tonight, having him miss this next them makes me

    Agreed. With his rock background, he’s bound to know some excellent songs.

  6. 6 Bobbi Apr 30th, 2008 at 12:38 pm

    There are a lot of songs on that list that Brooke could sing well!

  7. 7 GwendolynD Apr 30th, 2008 at 12:39 pm

    I think Brooke’s leaving tonight. I really do.

    But, this theme gives me hope. May they rock out, and may DA go home.

  8. 8 Bobbi Apr 30th, 2008 at 12:41 pm

    Yeah, I think she is too, Gwendolyn but I wish she wasn’t.

  9. 9 MN Sue Apr 30th, 2008 at 12:56 pm

    SCREAMS AS LOUD AS I CAN: They’re still not allowed to do current stuff? It shouldn’t bother me ’cause I’m an old fart. But, gahhh!

  10. 10 PrplDva Apr 30th, 2008 at 12:56 pm

    oh, oh! I vote for “Pride and Joy” for DC. Although he may do AC/DC….

  11. 11 SpenserJ Apr 30th, 2008 at 12:57 pm

    Yeah, I think she is too, Gwendolyn but I wish she wasn’t.

    Well, it’s no secret that I’m on this train too :)

    Longsong - I firmly believe that Jason is NOT going home tonight. I texted for him furiously! (While using the land line for Brooke, and a David C vote here and there).

    I would love to see both Jason & Brooke perform songs from that list next week. But, Idol does not typically grant my wishes so I’m prepared for disappoint. I’m pretty sure that of my two favorites, the one to sacrificed tonight will be Brooke.

  12. 12 JudyOhio Apr 30th, 2008 at 1:22 pm

    I think they would like Jason gone, because the sooner he is gone, the sooner they can put last night’s “Paula thing” behind them and get on with the show. It would also put the competition at an even girl/boy/girl/boy matchup. Personally, I would like to see DA go and let Brooke, Jason, and Syesha live to compete against the obvious TCO at this stage of the game. (Give it up Randy, DA is slipping fast). For the record, I power voted for Jason.

  13. 13 MrRJ Apr 30th, 2008 at 1:24 pm

    OK another change to idol…5 count em 5 votes per phone line. Eliminate power voting.

  14. 14 purplesmile Apr 30th, 2008 at 1:25 pm

    Longsong - I firmly believe that Jason is NOT going home tonight.

    For TPTB’s sake, Jason had better not be going home tonight. They wouldn’t want him out and giving interviews after THAT. The boy finally showed some reaction (”choking”) to what was happening instead of just shrugging and smiling and going on his merry way. That has to be nipped in the bud.

    If he stays (which I now think I hope he doesn’t), maybe he should sing What’s Going On next week (or maybe not since he probably already has a clue).

  15. 15 primeminister Apr 30th, 2008 at 1:25 pm

    You’re right bobbi. I took a look at the songs and there seems to be something for everyone.

    We don’t know who’s going home, but…
    Syesha can sing Aretha.
    Archie will probably do Stevie or Jackson 5.
    Brooke can try anything more down-tembo, maybe bring out her guitar again.
    Jason should try some Bob Dylan (Blowin’ in the Wind or The Times They Are a-Changin) or Bob Marley
    DCook can pick anything and it will be fantastic.

  16. 16 PrplDva Apr 30th, 2008 at 1:27 pm

    DCook can pick anything and it will be fantastic.

    Primeminister- I agree!

  17. 17 lilq Apr 30th, 2008 at 1:33 pm

    Honestly, it wouldn’t surprise me if David Cook went home. So many people think he’s doing so well that they spend the 2 hours casting their votes to save Brooke and Jason who should’ve gone home weeks ago. If everyone keeps assuming that they don’t need to vote for David Cook because everyone else will, then he’ll never get any votes. No wonder Syesha is at the top on dialidol; people were voting like crazy to save her. This is what happened to Michael Johns. People assumed other people would vote for him because he did so well. While, they spent their time casting charity votes for the ones who stunk. They can’t all stay, so why do so many people keep wasting votes on people they know should go home, but they’re just not ready to see them leave yet? We can’t assume anyone is safe, no matter how well they do and how much the people like them. I love David Cook and want him to win, but that’s not enough. I have to vote. Jason and Brooke haven’t done well over the last few weeks. I don’t want to vote like crazy to save them when I don’t think they’re good enough to win. i really don’t understand this charity voting thing.

  18. 18 jersey Apr 30th, 2008 at 1:45 pm

    I voted like crazy to save Jason because I LIKE JASON. There was no charity involved.

  19. 19 JudyOhio Apr 30th, 2008 at 1:46 pm

    Same here Jersey.

  20. 20 cheese Apr 30th, 2008 at 1:51 pm

    I don’t think DC will go home, lilq. If he does, I’ll blame his song choices rather than Jason’s fans. I believe that both of them will survive at least one more week and Brooke is gone tonight.

    At least next week’s theme has a few songs from the 90s in it. That’s kinda/sorta contemporary. If they actually have the freedom to pick from the whole list, it could be really good. But that will never happen. I wonder which 8 songs Nigel will give them to choose from? I want to hear Archie sing “U Can’t Touch This.”

  21. 21 SpenserJ Apr 30th, 2008 at 1:52 pm

    So many people think he’s doing so well that they spend the 2 hours casting their votes to save Brooke and Jason who should’ve gone home weeks ago.

    I voted for Brooke and Jason because they’re my favorites. I’m not voting out of charity or pity. I actually like them.

    They can’t all stay, so why do so many people keep wasting votes on people they know should go home, but they’re just not ready to see them leave yet?

    While I’m fairly certain Brooke will go home tonight, I’m not of the opinion that she should.

    You don’t vote for Jason & Brooke because you don’t think they’re good enough to win. I do vote for them because I think they are good enough. If Jordin Sparks is good enough to win this show, then in my opinion Jason & Brooke are.

    David Cook is definitely my third favorite. And, I believe he has a pretty rabid fan base. He’ll get all of my votes once my two favorites are out. I’m also fairly certain he’s going to win. I think David C picks up more of the casual-TV-viewing-once-in-a-while votes than anyone. Of the people who are not completely committed to one contestant at this point and vote only based on performances, I think he gets more of their votes than the rest of the contestants combined.

    I don’t believe there is even the slimmest chance he is going home.

  22. 22 GwendolynD Apr 30th, 2008 at 2:10 pm

    DCook can pick anything and it will be fantastic.

    I’ll believe this until next Tuesday. Then, I’ll see his song choices and start hyperventilating all over again.

  23. 23 mj Apr 30th, 2008 at 2:11 pm

    Jason and Brooke haven’t done well over the last few weeks. I don’t want to vote like crazy to save them when I don’t think they’re good enough to win. i really don’t understand this charity voting thing.

    You were the poster lecturing people on how to vote yesterday. You worded your post today a little differently to avoid my modding. Nice try, but you aren’t going to escape. :)

    My blog is not the place to rally the troupes. People vote for who they want and for a variety of reasons. Please respect their opinions. Ditch the finger-wagging, please.

  24. 24 colette Apr 30th, 2008 at 2:14 pm

    I’m probably alone, but man would I like to hear David Cook do “Don’t Worry Baby” by the Beach Boys or “Many Rivers to Cross” by jimmy cliff. He can really handle the ballads beautifully and uniquely. He may grab onto a more recent rock tune instead, but this is where he truly connects……

  25. 25 holeighannie Apr 30th, 2008 at 2:18 pm

    I’m still gunning for Jason singing some Van Morrison because that would = LOVE. Of course, Paul McCartney’s “Maybe I’m Amazed” just came up on my iTunes and that wouldn’t be too shabby either. :)

    PLEASE tell me Jason made it through to next week where he has some awesome music to choose from!

  26. 26 lilq Apr 30th, 2008 at 2:22 pm

    I’m not trying to tell anyone how to vote. I just don’t understand why people expect/want David Cook to win, yet they don’t vote for him. The same with Little David. It makes no sense to want someone to win, yet vote for someone else. If someone votes for Jason or Brooke because they want them to win, think they should win or like them the most, I understand. But if you go back and read several entries from today and the past, you’ll see a lot of people writing about how great this person or that person was and how they want them to win, yet they end up dialing their fingers off to vote for someone they don’t want to win or think should win. I just don’t get it? People can vote as they please, obviously, or else they wouldn’t be allowed to vote at all. All I’m saying is people can’t expect someone to win if they’re constantly voting to keep the people they don’t expect/think should win. When you vote 10 times for Jo Schmo and five for the Sally Sue, basically it’s the same as voting 5 times for Jo Shmo and 0 times for Sally Sue. I just don’t get the wasted votes thing.

  27. 27 CarieB Apr 30th, 2008 at 3:26 pm

    I am looking forward to next week’s theme! Finally, something that doesn’t completely box everybody in.

    As for tonight, I’m in the camp that Jason is B2 but not going home, and Brooke, sweet Brooke, will be leaving us.

  28. 28 lg Apr 30th, 2008 at 3:39 pm

    Thank Gawd! I can deal with this list.

    After suffering through the Neil Diamond theme, which was actually worse than I had anticipated, this is good news.

  29. 29 SpenserJ Apr 30th, 2008 at 3:43 pm

    I just don’t understand why people expect/want David Cook to win, yet they don’t vote for him.

    I fully expect David Cook to win for reasons I’ve already stated, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to quit voting for my favorites and attempting to get them as far as I can.

    When you vote 10 times for Jo Schmo and five for the Sally Sue, basically it’s the same as voting 5 times for Jo Shmo and 0 times for Sally Sue. I just don’t get the wasted votes thing.

    No see, I think it’s still basically 10 votes for Jo Schmo and 5 votes for Sally Sue. My theory is that the power voters who vote for a full 2 hours straight are a minority. And, I think the majority of the voters who just throw in a few phone votes for whoever they think did the best are a vast majority who far outnumber the power voters.

    That’s why (assuming the votes themselves actually count) I think every vote counts. Even a small amount of votes added to those huge majority vote numbers makes a difference I think. Of course, my theory could be completely wrong - but we’ll never know because AI will never reveal the vote breakdown, nor tell us where the votes are coming from.

    So, I have my little voting strategy, and it may make senses to no one but me - but I’m an optimist.

    As a side note, I think David Cook is going to be a star, regardless of where he finishes in this competition. I think both Jason and Brooke have taken so much venom in the press that they’ll have an incedibly difficult time creating a recording career without finishing very close to the top.

  30. 30 liza41 Apr 30th, 2008 at 3:58 pm

    I hate that there is another theme next week. Yes, it will be better than this week (which was godawful - both the theme and the performances), but LET THEM SING WHAT THEY WANT. We are to the top 4. I want to hear them sing something modern and something that they would pick.

  31. 31 mj Apr 30th, 2008 at 3:58 pm

    I’m not trying to tell anyone how to vote.

    You are lecturing your fellow posters. Not only is it against the guidelines, but totally off topic to this post. Please keep your posts on the topic of next week’s theme.

    Please read my guidelines if you haven’t already:

    http://mjsbigblog.com/?page_id=1172

    The posters here will vote as they will, so please stop lecturing them and questioning their motives.

  32. 32 dvls Apr 30th, 2008 at 4:02 pm

    Natasha Bedingfield? WHAT? I thought they were done with giving airtime to random current singers with no connection to the show! Oh wait, didn’t Archuleta say he would like to do a duet with her? Perhaps that’s her connection. Well, I would prefer they give the airtime to past Idol finalists!!! I’m sure plenty of them have music they would like to promote!

  33. 33 Bobbi Apr 30th, 2008 at 4:09 pm

    Yeah, I didn’t get that either, dvls. If they needed to fill more time, why not just have the mentor sing another song or have him do a medley with the contestants? Why Bedingfield is going to be on totally excapes me.

  34. 34 SpenserJ Apr 30th, 2008 at 4:14 pm

    Why Bedingfield is going to be on totally excapes me.

    Me too. Although the song list MJ posted seems to have lots of opportunities for everyone to pick well - I would still like to see them have broader choices. I’m a little worn out on the themes. I guess that’s because they started to them so early.

  35. 35 LaFonda Apr 30th, 2008 at 4:27 pm

    I’m excited about next week’s theme. I like a lot of those songs. However, I am sorely dissapointed that there was no ITunes Top 100 theme this year.
    The judges say the artist need to be current and relevant, yet they get no chance to do so. 60s, 70s. 80s, Beatles, Neil Diamond, Dolly Parton, Mariah Carey, ALW, none of that is current or relevant. This should be a show where they get to sing whatever the hell they want.

    Syesha should sing James Brown’s “I’m Black and I’m Proud”. Simon will say “That was the perfect song choice”

  36. 36 Jolene Apr 30th, 2008 at 5:00 pm

    Finally, a theme I can really get excited about! I mean, seriously, after Mariah, ALW, and Neil Diamond, it’s about time for something a little less restrictive. I see a lot of potential in that list.
    Plus, it’s right up Cook’s alley, and the thought of him being able to put his stamp on two rock classics is very appealing. To me, at least.

  37. 37 teedubs Apr 30th, 2008 at 5:15 pm

    I’d love to hear David Cook sing a U2 song. Either one on this list. He’d do good with Jeremy too.

  38. 38 LaFonda Apr 30th, 2008 at 5:36 pm

    David Cook should turn this song into a rock song in the final three. Simon will love it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gC8GTmX2G5w

  39. 39 abbysee Apr 30th, 2008 at 5:39 pm

    My vote is no damn themes. Why not try this.

    1. A personal composition
    2. A song that made you want to become a singer
    3. Your favorite song now heard on the radio
    4. Why note have a hat with x amount of songs, all genres and you pick one learn it cold, no research, or You Tube, just do it.
    5. A duet with an artist you’ve dreamed of working with, that way you can still pimp current artists for ratings, but in the context of the show. I can’t think of too many people who would say no.

  40. 40 Hisaki Apr 30th, 2008 at 6:53 pm

    Oh, GREAT. The ONE week we that have a broad theme, and Cocky might not be there…

    On the bright side, I’ll probably watch just to see Archie trying to “rock ‘n’ roll”. *snort*

    Woah, I can’t believe I’m not staring weirdly at the list of songs this time around. I’ve heard of at least about a quarter of this alleged list, and I have a fair few of those aforementioned songs on my iTunes. FINALLY, a night where I won’t be so lost. Hopefully.

  41. 41 Nikki Apr 30th, 2008 at 7:21 pm

    David Cook is definitely my third favorite. And, I believe he has a pretty rabid fan base. He’ll get all of my votes once my two favorites are out. I’m also fairly certain he’s going to win. I think David C picks up more of the casual-TV-viewing-once-in-a-while votes than anyone. Of the people who are not completely committed to one contestant at this point and vote only based on performances, I think he gets more of their votes than the rest of the contestants combined.
    I don’t believe there is even the slimmest chance he is going home.

    Love it

    i really don’t understand this charity voting thing

    Me either

    I’m probably alone, but man would I like to hear David Cook do “Don’t Worry Baby” by the Beach Boys

    That would be so HOT

  42. 42 Sarah Apr 30th, 2008 at 7:21 pm

    As long as Cocky McSmugface does not sing “Suspicious Minds” next week, I will be at ease with whatever song choices he makes from this list. If he sings “Suspicious Minds”, *I* will be the one freaking out and will need to be calmed down (*flashbacks to bad memories of top 4, season 5*).

    I like this theme. There do seem to be songs on this list that all of them could probably do - and some of them have already been done this season.

  43. 43 Nikki Apr 30th, 2008 at 7:22 pm

    Oh, GREAT. The ONE week we that have a broad theme, and Cocky might not be there…

    Lol, um - Cookie is safe!

  44. 44 SpenserJ Apr 30th, 2008 at 7:29 pm

    If he sings “Suspicious Minds”, *I* will be the one freaking out and will need to be calmed down (*flashbacks to bad memories of top 4, season 5*).

    LOL Sarah - I don’t think there’s any chance of that happening. That song is cursed.

    I think next week will be great. Hopefully, we’ll lose the super rushed feel that we had last night, and I think the contestants could really do well with some of these songs.

    I’m sure I’ll be a little sad that one of my favorites didn’t make it to a theme week that I can actually enjoy (since I’m sure tonight’s bootee is not named Syesha or Archie), but I’m looking forward to it anyway.

  45. 45 pj Apr 30th, 2008 at 7:37 pm

    1. A personal composition
    2. A song that made you want to become a singer
    3. Your favorite song now heard on the radio
    4. Why note have a hat with x amount of songs, all genres and you pick one learn it cold, no research, or You Tube, just do it.
    5. A duet with an artist you’ve dreamed of working with, that way you can still pimp current artists for ratings, but in the context of the show. I can’t think of too many people who would say no.

    Great ideas! I especially love #1.

  46. 46 Hisaki Apr 30th, 2008 at 7:46 pm

    LOL Sarah - I don’t think there’s any chance of that happening. That song is cursed.

    Didn’t that Ellen DeGeneres kid do it this season and get voted off for it? Daughtry too. I remember thinking to myself how mediocre both performances were. Well, Daughtry was miles better than the Ellen dude, but I still wouldn’t have categorized his performance as any better than “okay”. JMO.

    …but if he’s stupid enough to do it and consequently send Sarah into bax-level panic, he’d better come up with a fucking amazing arrangement. Otherwise, he’s TOAST (if he isn’t already now).

  47. 47 Bobbi Apr 30th, 2008 at 8:10 pm

    I don’t know that having them sing a personal composition is a good idea. They shouldn’t be judged on their songwriting skills, imo. What if one of them doesn’t write songs? If Syesha does, I’ve missed this. The contest doesn’t require they be singer/songwriters even though some of the best contestants are and have been. It just seems to be adding a different level to the contest that I don’t think should be added if the show is supposed to be looking for a vocalist.

  48. 48 MrsTrep May 1st, 2008 at 7:54 am

    I so hope that Jason sings Buffalo Springfield’s “For What It’s Worth” ~ I think it’s up his alley.

    In reading this list I find it kind of funny that some of these songs are at the ‘root’ of rock’n roll!!

  49. 49 linda4262 May 1st, 2008 at 11:04 am

    Song suggestions for next week
    David Cook-Baba O’reilly(The Who)
    Archie- Livin in the City (stevie wonder)
    Jason-Help Me (Joni Mitchell)
    Syesha-Tell Mama (Etta James)

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