May 21, 2008Simon says hate your opponentRight after Simon said "you've got to hate your opponent," David Archuleta said "I just love this guy" about David Cook. Round 1 David Cook opened the show and kicked it off with U2's "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For." (Duh, at first I wrote The Police...thanks to the commenters who corrected me). Once again it was nearly perfect, complete with star presence as he perused the crowd and took center stage right behind the judges. Randy loved the song choice. Paula pulled out one of her puns ... "You may have not found what you're looking for, but WE have found it." Simon pointed out David's nervousness and said even with him being so nervous he did a phenomenal job. Little Archuleta sang "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me." A good choice for him, although he skews a little older in his song choices. At least this one has a little more beat to it so he had to really show off his pipes. He did a good job with it. Randy called it one of the best performances of the season. Paula got chills. Simon agreed with Randy that this was the best performance so far. May 13, 2008Not really 'With You' on this one, David A.So David A. does finally shake it up a bit. He sang Chris Brown's "With You." He mentioned that he wanted to change things up a bit and sing something younger. It was very funny hearing him say "Boo." Randy agreed. Again, he flubbed when he had to sing something fast. I'm not trying to pick on the kid; he has a great voice. He just needs more practice. Simon said it was like "a chihuahua trying to be a tiger." Looks like he might've needed Daddy's help afterall on song choice. Continue reading "Not really 'With You' on this one, David A." » Judges choices and hometown visitsPaula Abdul chose Billy Joel's "And So It Goes " for David Archuleta. I have been gone for two weeks and am now reminded as I listen to David sing that I didn't miss him one bit. He's got a good voice, but still ... snoozeville. (Thanks for the sappy song choice, Paula.) Randy just said David can sing anything, but what else has he sang to prove this? He sings the same slow stuff over and over and over. I agree with Simon that there were "no surprises" and it was a "bit predictable." May 6, 2008Second round of songsCook’s second song is The Who’s “Baba O’Reilly,” one of my all-time favorite songs. He’s singing it to an audience of kids who will relate Who songs to the themes of CSI shows, so I hope that helps with the recognition factor. He does a good job, and I am a harsh critic when it comes to this song. I am now, finally, a Cook fan. Randy loves it. So does Paula if anyone cares. Simon said “welcome back David Cook.” Mercado’s second song is “A Change is Gonna Come” by Sam Cook. I hate the dress she’s wearing so much it’s hard to pay attention to the song, but she belts it out big time. Randy did not like it at all. Paula gave her a standing ovation, and fawns all over her through tears. Simon rolls his eyes while Paula talks, but he agrees with Paula. Mercado is bawling through her glittery eye makeup. She said she researched the civil rights era-song, and it meant a lot to her to sing it tonight. Simon chastises Randy for making Syesha cry. Showtime! First round of songsRock and Roll Hall of Fame night: here are quick notes as I am watching, slightly delayed on TiVo: Seacrest reveals that three of the remaining four contestants have been number one in the vote totals at some point through the season. Hmm…hard to believe it’s Mercado since she hangs out in the bottom two so much she gets her mail delivered to those ugly stools. April 22, 2008The Broadway blow-by-blowNo one sang "Don't Cry for Me, Argentina." I was sad. It's one of those songs I always sing, but only know like 5 words (like don't.cry.for.me.argentina). Anyway, on to the summary. Syesha Mercado did a great job on "One Rock and Roll Too Many." I thought parts of it were a bit forced; she was trying to split her attention between the lyrics and the animation, but she pulled it off in the end. I think her performance was solid enough to keep her in the game. April 16, 2008Bottom three: Carly, Brooke, Syesha?
If you've been reading any of the comments posted to this blog, you likely ran across one from Nona saying she's noticed a pattern lately: The contestant who performs first is usually the one who goes home. I don't think this will be true in the case of David "Golden Boy" Archuleta, who kicked off the night with Mariah Carey's "When You Believe." Of course the judges just luuuuuuved it. I thought it was yet another snoozer by David No. 1. (And, seriously, what was with those leather pants??) Carly Smithson, who looked stunning in that dress, did a decent job of "Can't Live," although her confidence waned part of the way through it. (Did y'all notice a lot of shaky confidence this evening?) Carly certainly cleaned up for the audience, didn't she? She was (consciously) smiling throughout and doing her best to be as sweet as pie to Ryan and the judges. Although her comment about the week being boring without Michael Johns might not have pleased her fellow contestants. Still, Carly has the best vocals of the remaining female performers. April 10, 2008'Idol Gives Back' is a machineAdmittedly, I haven't even finished watching it. I know, I know. What kind of dedicated blogger am I, right? It's just that it's so looooong. And I've never been into the big celebrity telethon extravaganza. And I was sad when I heard Ellen had backed out of hosting. At least she would've made it fun. I get tired of Ryan Seacrest. Don't y'all? I'm not going to recap the show. You can read recaps all over the Web, if you're that interested. I'm interested in how many of you actually devoted 2.5 hours to the whole thing?? Please comment if you did. Do you think someone will be kicked off tonight? Or do you think they'll be given a pass this week? Doesn't it seem kind of in the spirit of giving back to let them slide this week? Am I asking a lot of questions? :-) April 9, 2008Kristy Lee Cook got to sing her knock-out songI think I need to take back what I said about Kristy Lee Cook in my previous entry. Last night's performance was indeed her best. She finally got to sing that song she's been practicing in front of the mirror for years (in this case Martina McBride's "Anyway") and it showed. I think she saved herself this week. She may not need her "Kristy's seat" card afterall. My prediction for the bottom three after last night? Syesha Mercado, Brooke White and either Carly Smithson or Michael Johns. (Hopefully not Carly!!) Continue reading "Kristy Lee Cook got to sing her knock-out song" » April 3, 2008The Clark Brothers a little over the top
I was really excited to see the Clark Brothers perform on the show last night. We've written a lot about them recently because they are from this neck of the woods (Franklin County). I didn't watch "The Next Great American Band," but I heard only rave reviews about the Clarks. I wasn't bowled over, to say the least, by their performance of "This Little Light of Mine." In fact, I felt like I'd been hit over the head with a lamp. It was a weird performance. Lead singer Ashley seemed nervous and you could barely hear his vocals, which were drowned out by his brothers' instruments. They are definitely a talented crew; I just think they were trying too hard last night. Almost like killing an ant with a bulldozer. April 2, 2008It's a wrap on DollyBrooke set the stage with Dolly's "Joleen," which was a good song choice for her. It was a little rushed, but the acoustic ensemble was a clever way to switch gears after being called out by Paula and Simon ... go with the band, don't go with the band ... the past two weeks. Brooke is pretty consistent and was in her element singing a Dolly song. It's hard to stack these kids up against the icons, though. Simon felt she lacked emotion, which is a total crock. The day Brooke White lacks any emotion is the day we should all be afraid. David Cook brought his usual greatness with "Little Sparrow," but honestly, I'm getting a little bored. He's awesome, don't get me wrong. And I still dig him a lot, but it would be nice to see something a little different. He's talented, sure, and I have to appreciate the fact that he makes these songs his own, never going to that place other contestants go when they mimic other singers. But it's all starting to sound the same. April 1, 2008My thoughts on the bottom threeMy prediction for the bottom 3 after tonight's performance of Dolly Parton songs: Kristy Lee Cook sang one of my all-time favorite Dolly songs. "Coat of Many Colors" always makes me cry, but Kristy Lee's version only made me giggle. Sorry, KLC. Bottom three. Ramiele Malubay sang "Do I Ever Cross Your Mind." It wasn't terrible, but it wasn't something we'll remember, either. Sorry, Ramiele, it's time for you to visit the bottom 3 stools once and for all. Jason Castro, who I love, by the way. But his performance just pales in comparison to the actual stars of the show. But, I'll pitch a tent next to your stage at FloydFest, Jason. I swear! My favorites tonight? Syesha. Yep. I loved it. And Michael Johns. He's sneaking up on David Cook. He nailed it tonight. More analysis coming. Keep an eye out. Add your two cents. Or three. Or four. March 26, 2008David A.'s 'theme park performance' and more ...This one might be short, so feel free to add your feedback. I'll probably leave out some stuff. First off, WHAT was Paula wearing? Were her Dominatrix gloves for after the show? Anyway, my favorite of the night, surprisingly, was Michael Johns. He was in his element singing Queen's "We Will Rock You." And honestly, he was the first performer I remember from last night. The five before him were snooze-worthy. And I'm talking about people I really like, too, like Brooke White and Jason Castro. (Keep reading on the next page.) Continue reading "David A.'s 'theme park performance' and more ..." » March 19, 2008Ramiele, my belle, it's time to go
Not much to say about Carly other than she brought it yet again. That's all I'm going to say; I don't want to jinx her run. Jason Castro sang in French. How many hearts were aflutter during his performance of "Michelle"? He's destined for the pages of Bop, Tiger Beat and Seventeen (if he's not there already). Simon was right, though, he wins America over with his charm and good looks, not his voice. Syesha, what can I say? Her voice is great, but I've heard it. Many times over. I'm bored. And, lastly, Ramiele. I think she might be sent packing tonight. There's just no conviction behind her voice. Her insecurity shines through. And what was that outfit? It was sort of Mariah Carey meets Paula Abdul (the hat) singing the Beatles' "I Should've Known Better." Fitting. I almost forgot Chikeze! His voice was so awesome this week. I'm digging the bluegrass because it's so unpredictable. And anyone who can play a harmonica gets my vote. I tried many times growing up and all I could muster was "Here Comes the Bride." I think Simon had a good point when he said, "I'm not so sure we should've done Beatles again this week!" Uh, really Simon?? Thanks. Grow your hair and buy leather pantsDavid Cook is the closest thing to those old hair bands of the late '80s, early '90s that I've heard in a long time. People compare him to Daughtry, but I think he's more in line with the old Bon Jovi or Whitesnake. I feel like Tawnie Kataine is going to slither onto the stage at any minute. Besides, Daughtry is more like Creed ... he's got the late '90s rock sound. This David's my favorite so far, although he did seem a tad cocky last night. But I guess it's par for the course. I don't remember Bon Jovi being sheepish when he belted it out. And way to get all Frampton with the talk box. Where was your sun, Brooke?
In sports, a team or a player works toward a peak performance at the clutch time during a season, a championship game for example. My fear is that Brooke peaked last week when she kicked A with her performance of "Let It Be" on the piano. She even agreed with the judges, who didn't dig her show last night, admitting that "this week was inevitable after last week." Boring ballads, part IIBoring ballads = David Archuletta. He's on when he sings slow songs, isn't he? But if he wins, and he very well may because America adores him, I'm sad to say that I will not purchase his CD. It will be filled with slow songs. Like Michael Bolton. His voice is destined for elevators everywhere. Not that that is a bad thing. It's just not my thing. Jenny, are you reading this? If this was the late 90s and we were in your car headed out on the town, you'd be blaring David Archuletta's love songs. (Inside joke, sorry!) Two for two on attitudeKristy Lee Cook, like Amanda, also gave it back to Simon a little when he showed disappointment in her song choice, "You've Got to Hide Your Love Away." Her response: "I can blow you out of your socks and you know it!" Yeah, maybe when you sing "Amazing Grace," but that's it. Kristy Lee has been less than impressive during these performances, but I wonder how Carrie Underwood would've fared having to sing Beatles songs twice in a row. Let the poor girl since country, would ya?? 'Ballads are boring'
Yes! I agree! This was Amanda's response to the judges when Simon told her she's becoming "predictable and quite boring." Let's face it, Amanda's voice isn't that great, but neither is Madonna's, right? And when you think about Janis Joplin (who Amanda's been compared to), do you think of ballads? No, you think "Me and Bobby McGee" or "Piece of My Heart." My point is if Amanda ever won this competition, which she won't, she would never sing ballads. So why do they expect it from her? She's got my vote on personality alone. Especially when she looked at America and said, "I'm showing you what my show would be like if you came to see me." Rock on, Amanda. The highs and lows of Beatles 1.2I wrote so many notes last night (about 5 pages) on each contestant. I've been on the early shift at work (it's 5 a.m.!) and I just realize I left all my notes at home. Sigh. I can rehash some of them from memory, but I might have to add more later. So, keep an eye out for my breakdown. I'll throw you a bone, though, and tell you who I think should go tonight: Kristy Lee and Remiele. Who do y'all think? March 11, 2008Country-fried Cook and the fall of the golden boyHere's a rundown of the six participants who performed during the last hour of the show. The boys had to leave at 9 to go home, get showered and ready for bed, so there are only a couple more quotes from them. Continue reading "Country-fried Cook and the fall of the golden boy" » The first six and a couple of boysTonight, my cousins (I always want to call them my nephews because their mom, Leslie, is more like my sister) came over to give the boys' point of view of the performances. (A couple weeks ago, I got the girls' point of view from a 7- and 8-year-old. Trey and Shane are 11 and 9, respectively. I learned that boys and girls around that age are very different. In a good way. OK, I'm going to put my thoughts into two entries instead of 10 or 12. Does that defeat the purpose of a blog? I don't know, maybe. March 4, 2008Boys of the 80s ... and Paula's long-windednessLuke Menard sang "Wake Me Up Before You Go" and it was such a lame rendition. And he didn't hit the high notes. I think that could be the worst opener ever. I completely agree with Simon that it sucked. Flat-out. And Paula is in rare form tonight. (Random thought: I wonder if stripper-boy David Hernandez will get kicked off.) I'm going to put all my thoughts in one entry tonight. Hope that's OK ... keep reading... Continue reading "Boys of the 80s ... and Paula's long-windedness" » February 27, 2008Watching the ladies ... with the ladiesI had a little help tonight evaluating the women's performances. A couple little ladies from down the street, Valee and Sarah, were happy to share their two cents with me after each performance. So I thought we'd look at tonight's show through the eyes of pre-tween girls. (And pre-tween girls know talent ... um, hello "High School Musical" and Hannah Montana?) Now, Sarah, 9, and Valee, 8, don't usually watch "American Idol," which is good. They weren't at all biased. Continue reading "Watching the ladies ... with the ladies" » February 26, 2008I bite my own tongueRather than dig through my previous comments to find my exact quote, I'll just summarize here. Last week I think I said something along the lines of "What do they see in David Archuletta?" Or, "Am I missing something when it comes to David Archuletta?" Something like that. I bite my tongue this week. That kid can sing. Not only did I get chills when he sang "Imagine," but I also got chills again when they recapped the dang performance. It's one thing to say "OK, who does he think he is to try to sing a Freddie Mercury song?" (um, that Luke guy, yeah give it up), but to even ATTEMPT to sing John Lennon? Has any Idol-wannabe ever tried to pull that off? David did. And he nailed it. It was pretty amazing. So amazing, in fact, that I tossed my notes and decided to only write about him tonight. Because, frankly, no one held a candle to that performance. |
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