Actually, it’s a moot question at this point. We already know half the songs the Idols are singing–there is only a little room for speculation.
Here’s how it works: The Final 3 sing 3 songs apiece. Each Idol is assigned a judge who picks a song. The Idol picks a song and The producers pick a song. The Idols have no control over two-thirds of the song choices. It’s a process that allows TPTB to control the outcome. Want to throw an Idol under the bus? Make them sing the dour “Vincent” (Clay Aiken, S2) and then change the arrangement at the last minute! It’s a veritable minefield for the remaining Idols.
Here is what we have so far:
David Cook
- Simon Cowell chose: “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” by Roberta Flack
- David chose: “The World I Know” by Collective Soul
- The producers chose: undetermined
Syesha Mercado
- Randy Jackson chose: “If I Ain’t Got You” by Alicia Keys
- Syesha Chose: undetermined
- The producers chose: undetermined
David Archuleta
- Paula Abdul chose: “And So It Goes” by Billy Joel
- David chose: undetermined
- The producers chose: “Longer” by Dan Fogelberg (this is a brand-new spoiler)
I’m not going to attempt to pick songs for the Idols this week, but I do have a few thoughts.
The last two weeks of Idol performances have–in a word–sucked. Nobody seems to be enjoying their time on the Idol stage these days. Fun times spent flying to Las Vegas last weekend to see the Cirque du Soleil meant less time practicing and resting. It showed in the Idols’ performances last week. While all 4 appeared burnt out, the surviving 3 seemed as serious as a flipping heart attack. The playful camaraderie between the constants has slowly evaporated as each Idol has been eliminated. It’s hard to imagine the kids left–at this point–pulling off an exuberant group number. The energy and chemistry required are MIA. Hopefully, the hometown visits recharged the kids’ batteries, and there will be some new attitudes emerging on the Idol stage come Tuesday. As far as the producers are concerned: Sleep. It’s a good thing. Fit it into the kids’ schedules, will ya?
ETA: I’m also wondering how Papagate is going to affect the proceedings this week. Daddy Archuleta, who appeared to be micro-managing David’s performances and song choices won’t be with David backstage as he rehearses with the band and the vocal coaches. Will little Archie wither under the strain? How will the controversy affect the voters? I’m thinking he’s going to get a ton of pity votes if he tanks on Tuesday. America may think it cruel and unjust to separate a minor from his own father at such a crucial time of the competition. I mean, poor David is only 17! It looks like a win-win situation from here, at least as far as the competition is concerned. From a personal standpoint–not so much. Poor little David, for reals…
So, peeps, what do you think? What should the Idols sing? What should the Idols do? Are you looking forward to the Final 3? Discuss!
