As the group becomes larger things loosen up. Intentional and unintentional humor abounds in this segment.
Larry pronounces Syesha’s name wrong. Gah. Jason is asked about Paulagate. It was very confusing, “I was a little bewildered,” he says. Cook says they were standing next to each other and for a minute they thought she was talking about him. Jason laughs, “We weren’t looking but I was kind of glancing like…” Insert Jason making a hilarious face here. Syesha worked to stay positive, even when she was constantly in the bottom 3. Jason insists, again that he did not give up. Archie thinks Syesha’s performances were better than the judges gave her credit for, and he’s so passionate in his defense of her, he becomes tongue tied, and the group cracks up. Larry, who’s always on top of things, says to Jason, “Simon told you to pack your bags one week, but you didn’t.” Jason says, “Uh, I did…” The general consensus was to take Simon’s comments with a grain of salt.
Syesha Mercado and Jason Castro Join David Cook and David Archuleta on Larry King Live After the JUMP…
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Go Juan Castro!
:)
What I really like about the 3 guys in particular is the camaraderie that you can just feel. They like each other and it shows. David C is the leader as usual and pulls them all together. He jumps right in there defending Jason as David A does the same for Syesha. They will be so fun to see on tour
After watching this, I think that Carly was the only one who couldn’t get it through her head, that you had to sing for your fans, your audience,and, not for Simon. I think that was part of the reason for her early elimination. She wasn’t connecting with the viewers. I read an interview in which she said the others tried to tell her this, but, she had her mind set on pleasing Simon for some reason.
Dude, how annoying is Larry King? Uh, Very! Cook is so succinct! He is gonna breeze through the interviews and I think he will handle all of that jazz better than any Idol before him, he can just do it so well! Jason, you’re adorable, as usual:)
I watched the first half of the show, which was interviews with the Top 4. Cook is smart, witty, articulate, mature and great at interviews. Idol is very lucky to have him as their chief spokesperson and would be wise to take advantage of this. Little Archie is very endearing, but still awkward with the whole interview thing. He can get away with this being 17; it will be interesting to see how much he will mature in the coming years. Syesha seemed subdued on LKL in comparison to her on-show personna. Jason was bright eyed and quite chatty- I guess doing all the elimination interviews has helped him get over his interview apprehension. Looking forward to watching the rest of the Idols!
Don’t forget Syesha Mercaydo, Rahmeeeeel and Chicksy. And apparently Johnsy is a party kit all by hisself.
Larry King and Archie both need Nigel or Debbie in their ears, don’t they? Poor Archie. I was waiting for Jason to slap himself on the forehead and say, “And Seacrest says I’m a tough interview!” Jason has gotten so comfortable with the media, hasn’t he?
Haha, seriously, it reminded me of Ed MCMan trying to pronounce Christina Aguilara’s name, back in the day, and never getting it right, only different kinds of wrong every time! And as far as the interviews go, yeah, archie is still a bit awkward and Jason has really come SO far!
Yea, it would be nice if Larry had a pronunciation guide handy for everyone’s names…. I know he doesn’t watch the show, but is it really asking that much for him to get the names right– how much $$ does the guy make? So they Idols are back on his show on Monday with more viewer call-ins, right?
Jason was so cute tonight. He is funny as heck but yeah, he has come a long way as far as doing interviews. :)
Jason looked so goood. Yeah, I agree, hes improved so much on the interviews.
Love Jason - Love Jason - you are adorable, cute, charismatic and getting better with each interview as I am sure the technical side of your singing will become better to go along with all the passion you put into your songs. I am loving Cook even more with every interview. He is what AI needs and I hope they dont blow it with him. He jumps in there like the big brother, father of that group defending all, helping them out when they falter - LOVE IT. He is really an “Idol” in every way and so deserving of the win.
From Terrie:
That is SOOO true! Hadn’t really thought about the fact that it’s not really Jason with the awkward interviews anymore. LOVE seeing the way the guys get along. The top 7 seem to be having a lot of fun together. And so nice to see Jason relaxed and handling the interviews so well now. And he has one dang fine radio voice… Rumor has it Jason may be playing drums for a Cook song during tour, now THAT will be really interesting.
Larry King did OK, but the researchers should provide him with some information since he doesn’t seem to watch the show. Jason Castro says he’ll be “busting out the ukulele” and Larry King says, “Hawaii?” Although I guess that was funny. Jason was relaxed and didn’t appear to be ‘goofy’ the way AI protrayed him. Love him to pieces.
Carly still doesn’t get it.
I was trying to figure out why David A. didn’t join in the ‘Freedom’ song. Larry pointed this out to the viewers.
I loved the laughter.
Thanks for posting these vids, MJ. Larry King is not a show I regularly watch (gee, I wonder why) so I would have missed them otherwise. I agree with others that Jason seems much more relaxed in his interviews now than at the beginning of AI.
I’ve been so out of the loop because of prep/exams but am so happy to get my Jason fix here. Thanks a gazillion, MJ.
Oh MJ I am so appreciative of these videos - slaps self on forehead like Jason Castro- I forgot to set the DVR last night. So this was the first place I came this morning because I knew you would have them. Your site is awesome.
The friendships between the guys here is just fun to watch. And as a Jason fan I could not be more proud. He has used the experience on Idol to grow so much - what a difference in interviews from the Jason we first saw.
I hope that he gets a good label to produce a CD (waiting impatiently).
What a talented top 12! Yeah the season had its bumps but it sure is ending up on a fantastic note….very positive! Loving all of it.
Thanks again MJ! I’ve made sure all my iTunes purchases were made through your site, giving back a little for everything you provide to us.
I just have to say that Syesha is a lot more likeable here, when she’s not trying so hard to be liked. She seems genuine for the first time since her initial audition. Mind you, I haven’t seen a lot of her exit interviews so…
Well I tried this in the other forum and it was removed, so I’m going to post again and hope it stays up. Syesha has re-released with Boney James a CD (google Boney james and Syesha). Rickey has her performance of If I Aint Got you. Now at Rickey they got all heated because Randy chose a song she sang before….but that’s not fair because most of the Idols previously recorded or performed songs before.
http://www.rickey.org/?p=7888
MJ, can you explain why this would be taken from the blog if you remove it?
Thanks for these, mj - I was watching the Lakers trounce the Spurs and forgot to set my DVR for this.
Jason reminds me of Kelli Pickler, in that, they were both portrayed one way on the show, and proved afterward, that they are both more intelligent & down-to-earth than they were given credit for. I see Jason with many opportunities, other than just music (though I want a CD), once the tour is over.
The song that David C was singing at the beginning of this interview “if you dont have me” what is the title of that song? I want to hear the whole thing
I understand what people are saying about Carly. Carly seemed so tense and was so worried about what Simon had to say, she didn’t really perform for the audience. I feel like Syesha really gave 100% everytime even though the judges never agreed on it and was trying to please the audience and the people at home and that’s why she made final 3. In a lot of ways, Syesha is better than Carly.
I really like this interview, although Larry King probably hasn’t even looked at the show. I like these 4 together getting interviewed, you know if Carly gets interviewed it was going to be like Simon was so mean to me, actualy he felt the same way we did, she underperformed and it wasn’t really that shocking when she got eliminated or Michael.
Watched this again and it’s so obvious that Larry King doesn’t watch the AI. When questioning Syesha about being in top 3 and she replies about the negative comments, King asks “about what?” and Syesha has just a little reflex in her voice that made me think she was thinking “fool, didn’t you see the clips!?
I can’t wait until the silly, redundant, predictable questions are over and some intelligent interviews happen. How cool it would be for Michael Slezak to follow the Idol tour and give a behind the scenes report. LOL, maybe we need a Larry King vs. Michael Slezak boxing round. Slezak is definately the better interviewer.
I think all the contestants will relax and more or less “come into their own” now. I’m very interested to see where Jason is going to gravitate with music. He’s still new at this but based on his style and what he has said I think he has some great musical sensibility. I believe he is one that will go out of the “popular” box and go on some musical adventures.
Slezak rocks. I would love to see him and other fair-minded, intelligent, and musically knowledgeable critics more involved with the show. I guess it’s too much to wish the stooges could be replaced but a guest judge every week would be nice. Slezak seems to be getting more popular every year. It could happen.
I’m not a regular LKL watcher but I can’t believe he can have a successful talk show and be such a lameass interviewer. How hard is it to educate yourself a little on your guests. At the very least his people should have come up with some decent questions.
I thought they all did well and it sure did look like they were having a blast. I don’t sense any resent or animosity amongst them and agree they seem to really respect each other’s strengths.
Based on Jason’s original songs that are out there, his AI song choices and interpretations, I wholeheartedly agree.
ETA: I agree that Carly trying to please Simon instead of showing who she is as an artist and building and playing to her audience was her downfall.
I think it’s lovely that we continue to point out LK’s lameness on each of these threads. And, this little comment will have me giggling all day.
I have to say that I found these 4 very impressive in this format. David Cook is very nicely direct and articulate. Syesha is well spoken as well, although does she realize she brings every answer back to herself? Syesha really only cares how she feels she did? She never once mentions connecting to the audience. I think I’ll start having to call her Symesha.
Jason is just adorable. But also very smart with a lovely sense of humor. He gets his point across very well, and obviously doesn’t take himself too seriously.
I’ve busted Archie’s chops quite a bit about his “aw shucksness”. But, in this forum that humble, self-depracating attitude serves him well. I like that he’s a normal teenage kid who’s a little goofy and gets tongue-tied. He obviously has a lot of admiration for his fellow contestants, and I loved his ardent defense of Syesha. He’s obviously saying to the judges “what the fuck are you talking about”, but he says it in such a way that I don’t think even they would be offended.
Would love to be a fly on the wall with the contestants when they come away from cameras and microphones. Be such a hoot to hear their reactions to LK’s questions.
Something I admire about Slezak is that he checks in with the interviewee; he gives his perception and than asks if that was what was eally going on. He gives the person respect and doesn’t condescend or pander. Slezak would be good in LK’s chair.
Thanks, MJ. I really appreciate all that you do for us who read your blog.
Jason was great. They all were. I look forward to Monday night. Jason seems much more comfortable in interviews now. Earlier this week week someone him asked how many interviews he had done since he was eliminated. He said that he had stopped counting after 150.
It’s good that all of the Idols seem to like each other. They will have a blast on tour.
I wish pulling teeth were as pleasant an experience as Jason being interviewed is. (Then I would go to the dentist more often. Heh.) He is very articulate and quick-witted and seems so comfortable now.
As for Larry King, I’m still laughing remembering the interview that had Elliott and Bucky on.
Not really sure where to put this, but since Jason’s picture is on this thread, I’ll use this one.
I just clicked over to itunes to look at Brooke’ pre-idol cd, which is currently number 34 on the itunes album chart, and while there, I happened to notice that “Legend” by Bob Marley, with “I Shot the Sheriff” on it, is number 23 on the itunes album chart.
I wonder why that is!
You’ve come a long way, baby. I agree with everyone that Jason seems a lot more comfortable with interviews now. Since I’m in love with his voice I’m hoping he’s going to have some great opportunities to keep singing for us for many years to come.
Does anyone know what the ranking of Idol iTunes releases for the season were? Rickey had American Idol vs. Itunes rankings up for Cook and Archuletta. Billie Jean was #3, Imagine #7, # 8 Always Be My Baby, with the two of them also ranking at 10,18,20,21,23,24,25,27 and 30. Was wondering what #1 and #2 were- I have an idea, but wondering if anyone knows how to pull that info off iTunes?
I love Archie’s defense of Syesha. I thought that all freaking season. The judges didn’t get it. I am glad she was finally given a little credit for her talent in the end.
It’s interesting that you can’t find that info anywhere, isn’t it?
As do I. And I also agree that he gotten really good at these interviews.
And could David Cook be any nicer? I love how he jumped in to defend his roomie.
Cook was fairly consistant in his style and deserves the AI title. He has a recognizable sound that will be commercial. He’s the whole tamale: sound, look, smarts, leader, etc.
I sense Jason will be more diverse once he gets going. His voice lends well to folk, alternative, and Sting-like jazz fusion (”Fragile”). I would like to hear him sing in Spanish. Can’t you just hear a samba rhythm in the background? You know, some of that Latin jazz….slow and cool?
David A. will learn so much on the tour. I think hanging out with big brother Cook will help him alot and he’ll become more articulate. Would like to see him when he is Cook’s age (in 8 years).
I’m happy for Syesha. I like the spark that happens when she is in theatrical mode on stage. It’s fun. This can be her ticket if she plays it well.
I really love this group. Their interaction is fun to watch.
Everyone pointed to DC when asked who the class brain is, but Jason is very smart, too. During one of the first interviews he did after his elimination, the reporter asked about his SAT scores. He scored very high. You would never guess that from his first interviews. I know I was a little taken back. His laid-back personality is so endearing, but I’m glad to see that he is becoming more articulate and comfortable in front of the camera.
There have been so many comments about Larry King’s lack of knowledge about the show. Why not have him watch the show? The researchers should provide Larry with some basic facts. It will be interesting to see how he handles Monday night with 9 of the contestants. It sounds like Michael won’t be there?
Yes, Jason is endearing. I wonder if Ryan watched the show?
“Yes, Jason is endearing. I wonder if Ryan watched the show?”
I doubt it Grammie or else he would never have made the comment that Jaosns voice was just “pleasant”!!!
Syesha continues to bug me. I did think at times she was judged harshly but other times not so much. I got the feeling all season that she was pissed if they didn’t gush.
Jason is a cute guy and I do like his manner. I still probably wouldn’t buy his cd but think he’ll do okay.
Michael will be there on Monday, Grammie.
I really do love the group interacting together! They really seem to get along, and it is so good. A really nice team.
Everybody has it wrong about Carly playing for Simon being her downfall. Her problem is that there is just something about her that doesn’t connect to an audience. Watching her on the group sings and her duet with Michael on Wednesday night, it was the same as watching her during the competition. THere is something that just doesn’t open up when she performs.It’s probably why she never connected with her original CD and it’s definitely the missing ingredient in her AI performances.
She seems nice and open as a person, but as a performer there is a wall there. If she can make it without tv, just on recordings, she might do okay. Otherwise she is in trouble. She’s technically proficient but she’s just not that likable when she sings.
In my opinion the nicest bunch of idols yet. There is such a spirit of comraderie. David Cook has such a PRESENCE. Not only will he sell a fortune of records but he is able to represent the Idol label so well. He is so intelligent and yet so at ease with himself and funny. Loved this interview.