'American Idol': Top 10 perform
On tonight's American Idol, the Top 10 take to the stage to take on songs from "The Year They Were Born."
Well, I guess we're getting a little closer to modern songs. Kind of. I guess, really, it's mostly just 1980s night again.
Ramiele Malubay is up first. She was born in 1987, and her song is "Alone" by Heart. It is, of course, a huge song, but she belts it out and reminds us of the big voice that got her this far to start with. Judge Randy Jackson mentions that she's under the weather, but that regardless, it wasn't the right choice as far as he is concerned. Judge Paula Abdul says, "I give you a tremendous amount of credit and brave [sic]" for going through with it despite being sick. Judge Simon Cowell says, "I don't think it was as bad as Randy said. I thought the first part of the song was OK." He adds that if she survived on last week's "appalling" performance, she will be fine with this one.
Jason Castro was also born in 1987, and he chooses Sting's "Fragile." He's back with the guitar and looking a lot more comfortable. It's a lovely song, and he does well with it, but it's not a huge departure or anything. Randy says it was a very good choice of song, though he didn't do anything new with it, but still: "It was nice." Paula says he's staying true to who he is and his niche, but there wasn't a big wow factor. Simon says he's had two bad weeks, "and I think it's time for you to start taking this seriously." He compares it to someone busking outside the subway station. "You're not going to win if you keep doing that week after week."
Syesha Mercado is another 1987 baby. She sings "If I Were Your Woman." Except she sings it "If I was your woman ..." at the beginning (sorry, subjunctive!), but she goes back to "were" halfway through. (Hmm, upon doing a little research, it appears that Alicia Keys might have ditched the subjunctive on this song first. But enough about the grammar.) I think this is one of Syesha's best performances, especially lately. Randy says, "This is the best I have ever heard you sing, including when you auditioned. It was stellar, it was unbelievable. I am shocked." Paula says this is going to be the moment that everyone remembers as when "Syesha flipped it" and became a contender. Simon agrees that it was the best so far, but he thinks she was reaching her limit toward the end of the song.
Chikezie was born in 1985, and he sings "If Only for One Night." He tells Ryan beforehand that he was scared off of ballads for a while after getting ripped by the judges a couple of weeks ago, but he decided to follow his heart this week and sing something that was important to him. His voice sounds pretty good, especially after he warms up a bit, but for some reason the performance still doesn't do much for me. Randy says this came from a "very old-school" place and that he didn't love it. He missed the vibe and energy from some of Chikezie's other performances. Paula says he's a throwback, but "a good throwback." "I think that you did a great job." Simon says, "I think you sang it well. Having said that, the performance was actually very cheesy." After silencing the "wrap-it-up" music, Simon adds that he didn't see any originality.
Brooke White is a 1983 baby, and her song is "Every Breath You Take." Like Jason, she's decided to go back to her instrument, so she's behind the piano. She starts the first couple of words, then stops and starts again from the beginning. Once she starts, though, she's pretty good, though she starts rushing it toward the end. (I almost hate to bring this up, but doesn't her left hand look really odd? It looks pruney, like she was in the bath for too long, or like maybe she has a glove on or something? I've never noticed it before, and I'm a little perplexed.) Randy says he liked the first part, but he didn't love the arrangement toward the middle or end. Paula: "I enjoyed this performance so much more than last week's." She says Brooke has her own niche and her own voice, and she appreciates her consistency. Simon agrees with Randy, especially about the band joining in toward the end, which he says made it sound old-fashioned. Still, he says, she will be fine and through to next week.
Michael Johns is the first non-1980s person of the night -- he was born in 1978. He's taking on "two Queen classics." In 90 seconds? The first one is "We Will Rock You," and after a couple of lines, he launches into "We Are the Champions." I think he was right to go back to Queen (which he did so memorably in Hollywood week). This was his best in a while (as evidenced by the audience going crazy). Randy: "That was the best performance for me since you've been on this show." Paula says this was his moment, "and I'm so proud of you." Simon: "Michael, this is the first time with you that I've seen star potential. You just got it right. ... For me, it's the only memorable performance of the night so far."
Carly Smithson was born in 1983, and she's taking on "Total Eclipse of the Heart." I think she made the right choice with this song -- it really suits her range -- but the wrong choice with her final note(s). Randy says it was an interesting song choice, and that he didn't love the note at the end. "I don't like the whole rock thing," he adds. Paula thinks he's crazy and says Carly could take any song Paula didn't really like and make her a believer. But then I think Paula's crazy because she gives Carly credit for that last awful note. "That run at the end was not in tune, Paula," Randy rightly points out. Simon says that something didn't quite work. He says she seemed uptight and tense, which prevented him from enjoying the performance.
David Archuleta was born in 1990 (I am so old), and he's going to sing "You're the Voice," which I am pretty sure I've never heard before. (But hey, 1990 had some rough choices: Imagine if he'd gone with something off of 1990's Please Hammer, Don't Hurt 'Em.) It's a big song and suits his big voice, though the song itself is fairly cheesy and doesn't feel too modern even though it's the newest song we'll be hearing tonight. Randy says it was a strange song choice, "but if you can sing, you can sing whatever." Paula says she was also confused by the song choice, but that he "could sing the phone book." Simon says he sang it well in parts, but, "I actually didn't like the performance at all. I thought it was reminiscent of a theme-park performance. It was one of those ghastly songs you sing with animated characters around you, and everyone joins in."
Kristy Lee Cook was born in 1984, and she is going to sing "God Bless the U.S.A." Are you kidding me? Come ON. Is this a "ghastly" Fourth of July parade in some small town? I take back what I said about David's song being cheesy. This is the cheesiest song in the history of the known universe. I can scarcely bring myself to critique her performance, but, uh, her last note was nice. Randy says it was "a great song choice, I love that song." He thought it was a great performance. Paula says she has heard better performances from her, but her voice is getting stronger. Simon says this was her best performance by a mile. "That was the most clever song choice I have heard in years. ... That's going to keep you in the competition." I have had a lot of Twilight Zone moments recapping this show, but this one might take the cake.
David Cook is a 1982 baby, and he is going to sing "Billie Jean." Yes, that one. But not in a Michael Jackson-ish way at all; it's a rock-ballad take on the song. His voice sounds good, but it's a little weird to me. He's definitely making it his own, but it doesn't seem to have much in common with the original. No one seems to mind that much, though. Randy calls him the most original, most bold contestant ever, and adds that with that performance, he might win the whole thing. Paula says he's brilliant, and she thinks he can win this. Simon: "David, that was brave. It could have either been insane or amazing, and I have to tell you, it was amazing." He's very happy with that, as you would imagine.
Who's in danger? Who's got it made? Who made you go, "Huh?" (Or was that just me?)
Comments
Who would have thought it? American Idol...the most boring 90 minutes you'll spend this week.
(OK...right up until David Cook. Was that THE most original Idol performance ever? I think it might have been.)
Posted by: Bucky | March 25, 2008 10:43 PM
Sarah, I'm with you on pretty much all your comments. I personally think they should've retired "Alone" after Carrie Underwood blew it away 3 years ago. No one else can touch her version of it, and all who dare try will be unfavorably compared to her. Anyway, I also could not believe Kristy chose the unbelievably cheesy "God Bless the USA". I really can't stand that song, but I know why the judges didn't even attempt to criticize the choice. They're on FOX -- they can't even appear to be unpatriotic, even the British Simon, who you know thinks the song is awful. He can't say that, though, can you imagine the outrage on the blogs and in the right-wing media? I'm sure someone will post that I'm anti-American. No, just anti-cheesy-jingoistic-in-your-face-patriotism. And stupid lyrics. That said -- she sounded pretty good, which is the first time I've ever thought that about Kristy. I still think she's in trouble. I say it's her, Ramiele, and Chikezie in the bottom three. Chikezie needs to stick with upbeat songs, they show his personality. I thought David Cook, Michael, Michael, Carly, and Syesha were the best tonight. Archuleta's a cute kid and he has a wonderful voice, but that song was laaaaaame. Simon was right, it was theme park. He's as safe as safe can be, though.
Posted by: Julie | March 25, 2008 11:01 PM
It was refreshing to hear Kristy Cook sing a patriotic song. If being proud of your country is being "cheesey" then you are totally wraped up in your own self-importance and completly ignorant of the real world and real talent.
Posted by: joe huber | March 25, 2008 11:54 PM
Thank you for your early update on the A. Idol contestants. I am really digging David Cook. What an original singer and so much musical talent. Gotta love his music and the genius.
Posted by: SLL | March 25, 2008 11:59 PM
David C made me go "Huh?" too.
Loved Michael Johns. Finally! Again!
Loved Brooke, and also noticed her left hand, but thought it was a combination of lighting and camera angle doing funny things.
Jason's performance seemed to lack energy, and he seemed kinda space-cadet-ish in the post-critique interview. I do like him, but . . .
I like Chikeze too, but . . .
Kristy actually sang pretty well tonight, whatever you think of her song.
David A -- not a clue what that was about, but "It's a Small World After All" is more memorable than whatever it was he sang.
I liked Carly, despite that last run. She finally landed on an okay note, and the rest of the song sounded great.
Ramiele and Syesha have turned into dueling divas. I'd put them both in the bottom this week, and probably send Ramiele home.
Posted by: Barbara | March 26, 2008 12:24 AM
I think that Chikezie or Jason my be in trouble.
Who has it made?
David Cook, for sure.
Posted by: Sunshinenm | March 26, 2008 12:36 AM
I dont know if they mentioned it, but it sounds like Chris Cornells version - "tweaked" - almost like how chris daughtrey copied the version of Live's cover of I walk the Line by Johnny Cash
Posted by: harik nijjar | March 26, 2008 12:51 AM
Wow! Thanks so much Sarah. This recap is so thorough and funny. Keep doing a great job.
Posted by: KG | March 26, 2008 1:18 AM
listen to Chris Cornell do Billy Jean off his last album and then ask yourself if that was original and brilliant!
Posted by: Anonymous | March 26, 2008 2:22 AM
David Cook is the best performer on Idol since Chris Daughtry. He has the ability to put his own unique twists to a song and the powerful voice to pull it off. Bravo!
Posted by: Dennis | March 26, 2008 2:32 AM
Sarah, I am afraid your jealous of Kristy Lee Cook. You need to critique something else, because your opinion sucks and it's obvious you have something against this gal. She was awesome, I am a vet and it put chills in me.
Posted by: Dan Swwets | March 26, 2008 2:39 AM
They all are good but Ryan and Paula you both are excellent. Paula so enthused and Ryan nice personality
Posted by: Mazie | March 26, 2008 4:41 AM
You've got to give it to David Cook, it does take a lot of courage to tinker with a Michael Jackson song and I think it sounded strange at first because for those of us old enough to remember Thriller and Off the Wall, those songs are seared in our consciousness'. But he did a great job of making it seem fresh and new. I think it had sort of an 'unplugged' vibe to it. I always judge those kinds of things by asking myself "Would the artist like the new arrangement?" I think M. Jackson would like it. Don't you?
Posted by: Walter Hollman | March 26, 2008 6:17 AM
I loved David Cook's performance. I think he can win it all.
Ramiele saved herself with last night's performance. She should have been gone last week.
Carly looked so nervous. I think last week shook her up pretty bad.
Jason, Kristy and Chickezie should be in the bottom three. I would be fine with any of them going home.
Posted by: LC | March 26, 2008 6:37 AM
You call that a recap? Lighten up a bit.
Posted by: Teresa Rimmer | March 26, 2008 7:23 AM
David Cook has that X factor....more and more he reminds me of the reincarnation of Axl Rose including the intelligence.
Posted by: jbg | March 26, 2008 7:33 AM
Leave it to someone on like Julie to attack anyone's patriotism or attack Fox during a singing competition. Can't you liberals relax and enjoy life for one single minute???
Posted by: Ceecee | March 26, 2008 7:55 AM
I didn't realize disliking the song "God Bless the U.S.A." was the same thing as disliking the country. I guess you really *do* learn something new every day.
Like the song or not, it is not particularly relevant in a competition whose goal is to find a pop star. There's been a lot of that going on this season in terms of song choice (and the theme weeks), but this was the worst example thus far.
And no, to those who have emailed to suggest it, I will not be moving to Russia any time soon.
Posted by: Sarah Kelber | March 26, 2008 7:56 AM
Last night was the 1st night that I voted & it was for David Cook. I would definitely buy his mosic(espeacially the Billie Jean single). David is going to go far, but he will not win. He will be a great singer for a kids musical or a Disney movie. Syesha is good & she will definitely get a record deal.Ramiele is good too, but I am tired of her poking out her bottom lip whenever she gets negative feedback. It is no longer cute.Chikezie is the new Luther Vandross & ALL of the remaining idols will do MUCH better than Taylor Hicks. Is he even still alive??? I am still trying to figure out WHY he even won.
Posted by: N Jarrett | March 26, 2008 7:57 AM
"You're the voice" was my favourite song in 1987- I couldn't get enough of it on BBC's various music programs. I was surprised to hear it sung as a 1990 number, maybe that's when it was released here.
It's a shame that the judges come down on a song just because they haven't heard it before.
Posted by: sujai | March 26, 2008 8:16 AM
I really enjoyed the show last night. I think that Chikezie is definitely in trouble after that performance. Jason may be in trouble as well. Kristy did a good performance but since she has been in the bottom 3 every week I am going to say that she will probably be there again. David Archuleta's song way enjoyable and I thought he sang it very well.
Posted by: Julie Amedio | March 26, 2008 8:18 AM
Kristie Lee Cook is setting herself up for a country singing career. Pop-country, as I like to call what now passes for country music, eats up good looking blondes with mediocre talent. Judging from the posted comments, Simon was right when he said her song choice was brilliant. Some people treat "God Bless the USA" like it's Bible scripture and can't judge the voice that's singing it objectively. Attacking the girl Sarah who posted negative comments about KLC's performance is sophomoric, and shows how myopic we can be in this country whenever somebody waves a flag in our faces. For sheer talent, professional risk-taking, and performance, David Cook is the best one this season. Kristie Lee Cook is coming to a county fair near you. CeeCee, Joe, Dan perhaps you guys should meet and beat up random strangers who aren't wearing American flag pins on their shirts.
Posted by: Matt | March 26, 2008 8:22 AM
Now, now, everyone ... let's avoid the attacks on commenters.
The show is fair game, my post is fair game, and people's comments are fair game, but commenters themselves are not.
Posted by: Sarah Kelber | March 26, 2008 8:25 AM
Last night's show was an eye-opener. David Cook was terrific, imagine taking MJ's song and turning into a rock ballad and doing it so well!! That said, how many will love it, and vote for him? It is time for the little girls to go to bed, so that David A. won't be getting their votes, then he will be voted off. Ramiele and her pink pout should definately go next, after that maybe we can have a competition of voices and talent!
Posted by: Jude | March 26, 2008 8:46 AM
Cook's 'Billie Jean' performance was straight ripped from Chris Cornell's arrangement of the song. Original? Brave? Brilliant? Yea, if those are the qualities of one who steals from others to pass off as their own. Now, Ryan did say it was Chris' arrangement, but the judges were clueless and Cook did nothing to correct them. Lame. If you want to hear this arrangement of the song done properly by a truly original and brilliant artist, check out Chris Cornell's 'Carry On' CD or, if you can find it, his live performance in Stockholm, Sweden on Sept 7, 2006.
Kelber, do your homework next time.
Posted by: Kraven Moorehed | March 26, 2008 8:48 AM
I do not think that Kristi Lee Cook is that great of a singer. I agree with Simon it is the smartest song choice anyone has ever done though. I think she should have been voted off a long time ago, but who is going to vote her off this week after singing God Bless the USA?
David Cook is very talented, however, I think he should have given props to Chris Cornell formerly of Soundgarden and Audioslave, being as he already remade Michael Jackson's Billie Jean. It was not a David Cook original like the judges and America may think.
Posted by: Christie Moneypenny | March 26, 2008 8:49 AM
In the beginning, I didn't care for David Cook one way or the other, but he is really growing on me. I do believe that Ryan mentioned he was doing someone else's version of "Billie Jean" but I did not catch the name. So it probably wasn't entirely original. It sounded good, though. Kristy sounded better than usual. It may not have been my first song choice either (I'm not a big Lee Greenwood fan in general). But I think it worked for her and that's what matters. David A. did well. I don't think I was familiar with the song either but that's not all bad. Sometimes I get tired of hearing the same songs over and over. After some of the things I have been reading about David's father being so pushy and over-bearing, I think Simon got in a little dig directed at him. He said something to the effect that he would be very surprised if David was responsible for choosing that song. Maybe Dad needs to back off a bit! I always like Brooke. Carly, on the other hand, is a good singer but she just doesn't do anything for me for some reason. And that last little run did sound a bit off to me. I wouldn't mind seeing her go this week but I'm thinking it will be either Ramiele or Chikezie.
Posted by: Dee | March 26, 2008 8:53 AM
I think all of your comments/observations were right on. Kristy has a good voice but I agree with Simon - she is forgettable. David A. is quite talented and I love listening to him - but that's just it, I can only listen. I wish he was a bit more entertaining. I'm still leaning towards David Cook.
Posted by: Susan | March 26, 2008 9:19 AM
This has become one of the most boring shows on TV.
Posted by: ess | March 26, 2008 10:10 AM
OK...I wasn't familiar with the Chris Cornell cover of Billie Jean. So I take back what I said about the most original Idol performance ever and I'm left with...last night was the most boring 90 minutes I'll spend this week.
(It has to get back to form, right? I mean we have Dolly Parton and Neil Diamond theme nights coming up. And Mariah Carey night, which should really show off the guys' abilities...)
SKK: But the 62 minutes of results show tonight might be a close second, right?
Posted by: Bucky | March 26, 2008 10:23 AM
Simon was right, that was a clever song choice by Kristy Lee Cook, judging by the backlash on this blog. I was right, too -- any perceived criticism of America and all she stands for gets the right wingers hoppin' mad! Maybe next week she can sing "The Star Spangled Banner" or "God Bless America", only this time, she should shed a tear. I'm welling up just thinking about it! Sarah's right -- bottom line, we're supposed to be searching for the next pop star. Kristy and Archuleta sounded like they were auditioning for Up With People. As for people criticizing David Cook for not acknowledging that his version of "Billie Jean" wasn't original -- Ryan said in the intro it was Chris Cornell's version. That was enough acknowledgement. If the judges didn't pay attention, it's not his fault. Did he sing it well? Absolutely.
Posted by: Julie | March 26, 2008 10:42 AM
Sarah, I agree with most of your comments but thought David Cook's performance was a great reward for sitting thru a mostly dull show. Every week he comes up with something great, and I just hope either he or Carly wins the competition. Brooke would be fine, too, just please not David Archuleta.
There's something discomforting about a kid trying to sing adult songs - call it the "JonBenet" effect if you will, but I really hope David Archuleta doesn't win. In any event, I agreed with Simon and think David someday will be working at SeaWorld and warming up the crowds for Shamu.
As for Kristie Lee, she sang it well, but it's a horrible jingo-istic song and also a good choice for her as she is clearly going for wholesome, USO tour, Republican convention career path. And she'll do just fine there.
Posted by: JHThree | March 26, 2008 10:50 AM
In introducing David C, Ryan mentioned that he was doing Chris Cornell's version of Billie Jean, so neither David nor AI was trying to get away with a ripoff. Nevertheless, David's voice was gorgeous in his rendition - moody, husky, powerful in spots, controlled in others. Very, very nice.
And I would agree with those of you who said that Kristy covered a very cheesy, silly song, but she was in good voice last night, sounded much better than usual, and really did appear sincere about those lyrics.
Overall, I felt the group did a nice job - there wasn't anyone about whom I thought "Aha! Obvious bottom three for tomorrow." But someone has to be in the bottom three, and my feeling is that tonight we may see Ramiele, Chikezie and possibly Carly there. I'd be sad about that, because I particularly like Carly and think Chikezie is charming and lively (and with a very nice voice), but I think those three performances lacked some sparkle last night.
Posted by: Sharon | March 26, 2008 10:52 AM
Almost every single performance last night was a karaoke-like nightmare. The only exception was David Cook. I don't care who he "ripped off". I think his performance was brilliant and I'm hoping he wins. Please....no more torch singers or blues wannabes.
Posted by: Gina | March 26, 2008 11:06 AM
David Cook's version is not unique. It is a copy of Chris Cornell of Soundgarden fame version. Almost a copy of it. Otherwise, I agree with your comments.
Posted by: Deb | March 26, 2008 11:09 AM
I nearly puked when I heard Kristie Lee Cook come out with that Lee Greenwood song. She was on her way out the door. We have all wondered how she's been here this long. Now, there is NO WAY America will vote her off. Especially since most of the viewers are FOX advocates. I think that was a sneaky and underhanded thing to do. Fortunately for her, the song isn't difficult so she sounded alright with it.
Posted by: Danielle | March 26, 2008 11:15 AM
"Your the Voice" is a fantastic song and I was so excited that someone finally sang it! David A. did a great job and just because the judges didn't know the song doesn't mean the singer did a poor job or made the "wrong song choice." There are plenty of great songs that weren't necessarily in the top 10 of the Billboard charts. I think that it is great when someone tries a song that isn't all that well known.
Posted by: Debilg | March 26, 2008 11:33 AM
I always miss the first hour of the show (I tape it to watch later) so I came in during David A.'s and Kristy Lee Cook's songs. I thought the theme of the week was "I Love America." LOL!
I thought most of the song performances were adequate but not memorable except for David Cook and Michael Johns. I didn't catch Ryan's comment about David's cover of Billie Jean and was not familiar with Chris Cornell's version. So I thought initially he was being bold and original, too. However, now that I know, I still think it was a brilliant performance. I don't necessarily like his cocky attitude but I think he has really grown as a performer. Why were the judges so clueless that they didn't know about Chris Cornell's cover of Billie Jean? Don't they know in advance what songs the contestants are going to sing? Maybe not.
I really don't know who is going to get kicked off. I have been predicting Kristy Lee Cook for the last couple weeks but I think she'll be safe this week. Maybe Ramiele?
SKK:I didn't catch Ryan's comment, either, but I agree that the judges should be aware of what's going on. Kinda weird.
Posted by: Cyndy | March 26, 2008 11:34 AM
Really, Michael Johns he sang “we are the champions” right yeah not so good. Freddy Mercury has a distinctive voice, so his verison was not so good for me, I think he could go home or be on the bottom tonight. And he’s one of my favorites, oh well. Most have good voices but they aren’t challenging themselves, dread guy is cute but he cannot really sing all that great.
They are keeping him for eye candy but he will go soon. Sorry I know he's cute. This week I was really impressed by David Cook, I mean he redid Michael Jackson “Billy Jean” ha-ha when I heard about this I was waiting for him to sing, because it could have been a disaster. I was really blown away; he has a rock stars voice.
Posted by: Swank | March 26, 2008 11:50 AM
Hope Ramiele goes home...She seems wildly uncomfortable and scared with the bigger venue: think it'll be her, Chikezie and Carly in the bottom three......the judges are steering the votes that way......think the entire show is seemingly more and more orchestrated each week.....popular contestants should not only be likeable but also talented singers, too!
Posted by: Linda | March 26, 2008 11:52 AM
Sarah, I agree with your assessment of Kristy Lee Cook. Part of me HAS to admit the cleverness of it all. She has sucked the past 2 weeks and come within an inch of being given the heave-ho. So what's a talentless girl to do? Sing a simpering, ridiculous, "patriotic" song that appeals to the toothless redneck in everyone. Because of that, she is safe this week. By appealing to gun-toting and tobaccy-spittin' hillbillies and NOT through any actual talent of her own, she will continue on. And it make me a little sick in my stomach. Compared to David Cook, Chikezie (on a good day), Jason Castro, and Carly Smithson, Kristy is phenomenally boring and noticeably overmatched. She has as good of a chance of actually winning this competition as I do catching an asteroid out of the sky and windmill-dunking it at the b-ball court. She should have been gone a month ago. Enjoy this while it lasts, Kristy. It will all be over soon...
Posted by: Gabriel | March 26, 2008 12:23 PM
christie lee cook was way better then people are giving her cretit for. no it was not the best performance, but i thought it was one of the top 4 performances of the night along with johns, mercado, and david cook. and this will probaly not happen but my bottom 3 are chikezie, short girl (ramiele malubay) and the worst performer of the entire thing, archie.
Posted by: Anonymous | March 26, 2008 12:25 PM
I think Brooke, Jason and Kristy will be the bottom three tonight.
I agree with Simon about Jason comparing him with someone busking outside subway. Kristy Lee singing God Bless the USA is not a competitive song to sing on this huge competition. Brooke White, starts the first couple of words and stops, and started again from the beginning, I think that will get her out tonight
Posted by: Zee | March 26, 2008 12:42 PM
Kristy Lee secured the NASCAR vote last night.
Michael Johns needs to do his research: "We Will Rock You/We Are the Champions" was 1977 (I remember: I was in 6th grade. Ouch.) Is he fibbing about his age I wonder? Isn't there a cut-off at 30?
Carly bombed because that baby inside of her was kicking. That's just my theory.
Archuletta needs to stop this nonsense and join Clay Aiken on Broadway already. He's no American Idol.
Jason Castro has a future at some Key Largo coffee house as the featured entertainment.
Sayesha can scream and scream and scream and scream...
Jacuzzi - sorry...I just don't get it.
Ramiele --- oh, my...she can't sing those big 'ol notes so maybe she should stop it. (Or maybe we won't have to hear her sing those big 'ol notes anymore...hint, hint...)
David Cook didn't do anything original last night, but - gulp - I kind of liked his version better than Chris Cornell (sacrilege, I know Soundgarden fans.) He's Chris Daughtry with hair. I like him.
Who am I forgetting? Oh, yes...that little piece of white bread with creepy hands who tried to make a stalker song sound like a love song (does she even know what that song is about?) I don't know why people adore her so much - she is bland as hell...
Please let Ramiele go home. Or Chikeze.
What a dull, dull, dull season. Bring back Danny and Amanda!!
Posted by: Joanna | March 26, 2008 12:44 PM
"God Bless the U.S.A.". I'm glad she sang it well because of all the knee-jerk reactions to vote for it will have kept her in the competition even if she'd have sang it badly. The reaction to the song was pretty funny... I was fairly surprised to 'believe' the responses from Paula and Randy.. sounded very honest. The great choice of song comment was spot on. Like the song or hate it, you can't deny that was a good call. I thought they over-rated Syesha. Didn't like much about it despite liking her. Dreadlock boy needs to go. One trick pony and the act is wearing thin. strum strum strum
Posted by: Adrian | March 26, 2008 12:50 PM
I don't understand all of the Kristy Lee Cook bashing. Yes, she is an average singer who has no chance to win the competition. Her major assets are the fact that she is pretty, and that she seems to have a good personality.But think about this. Kelly Pickler got a recording contract. Kelly Pickler!!!! Talk about a no talent who actually does sound like Dolly Parton on helium. If people actually pay to here Kelly Pickler sing, I'm sure Kristy Lee can make some sort of living in music, if she chooses too. For my money, the worst singer in the competition right now is Ramiele. First of all, she is BORING. Yes she can hit the big notes. Unfortunately, she is off key on most of the small notes.
Posted by: Dan | March 26, 2008 1:33 PM
this is a totally frivolous comment, but seeing david cook's baby pictures made his hair make a lot more sense. maybe he's actually not doing a forward comb-over, but rather just has a weirdly large skull.
also, i liked his performance, even though it wasn't as original as the judges seemed to think.
Posted by: abby | March 26, 2008 1:51 PM
Actually, after I heard David C do "Billie Jean," I pulled out my old "Thriller" album. He made me want to hear the original. I still like the original. DC's performance showed off his voice, but I wouldn't go out of my way to hear it again.
Posted by: Lizzie | March 26, 2008 3:15 PM
I suspect Kristy Lee had some inside help on her song selection… perhaps from Simon himself. The song choice was perfect to save her another round. An all American song that tugs at the heart strings, right after they noted the 5th year anniversary of the war, it’s an election year, plus what’s the best way to take points from two non-Americans (Aussie & Irish) who can easily out sing her? Sheer brilliant. I sure wouldn’t call her a bad or non deserving singer, music is subjective and the girl can belt out a tune. This round, I pick David Cook – he sounds like he could walk into a record deal tomorrow and it would sell like crazy.
Bottom three: Ramiele, there’s no doubt this woman can sing, but she had an unfortunate scream/shouting episode in that song that was painful to listen to. There’s no room at the top to be sick. Chikezie, simply not a fan of his voice. Syesha, she’s too similar to Ramiele, I suspect they’ll cancel each other out. – but in the end it wont matter, they are all good enough to be famous without winning. Tonight will be very interesting!
Posted by: Kristy | March 26, 2008 3:17 PM
i thnk that tonights bottom 3 are going to be chekizie, carly and rimellle
Posted by: whitney | March 26, 2008 3:48 PM
i thnk that tonights bottom 3 are going to be chekizie, carly and rimellle
Posted by: whitney | March 26, 2008 3:48 PM
I think Kristy Lee was in the top 3 last night and what's wrong with a patriotic song? I'm not a redneck or a tobacco chewer and I loved her! David Cook and Michael were also in the top 3. I'm tired of Brooke and her pouty looks if things are just as she would like them to be.
Posted by: Linda | March 26, 2008 4:12 PM
Thank GOODNESS someone else thought Kristy Lee was ridiculous last night. And that has nothing to do with me being un-patriotic. I think choosing that song was the strangest choice you could make in that situation. I was appalled at the judges for liking it. A few of my friends liked it too and said I was being really biased about it and she did really well and deserves to stay for another week. I went back and watched it again on tivo, and it was worse the second time around! I was beginning to think I was crazy. But thank you for expressing my thoughts on that performance so perfectly. Ridiculous.
Tonight's bottom three in my opinion:
Kristy Lee
Chikezie
Ramiele
Posted by: Heather | March 26, 2008 4:43 PM
Did Carly seem - I don't know - wooden, maybe?I thought her singing was (mostly) good and a Bonnie Tyler song seemed like a good choice for her, but there was something oddly "Carly's body and a lot of her voice is here, but the rest of her didn't quite show up" about that performance. I am a fan of Carly's, so I don't mean this in a nasty way. Was she feeling fearful this week after her bottom three experience last week, maybe? Or is she just not going to live up to what looked like early potential.
Carly and David A seem to be proof that you can peak too soon in this competition.
About Michael: I thought he did a nice, attention-grabbing job of the Queen song combo, but I do think he clearly showed the limits of his voice's power on at least three notes.
Lizzie, your comment about preferring the original version of Billie Jean reminds me of conversations I have had with people about the rock/ballad versions of Clapton's "Layla." For me, the ballad version of Billie Jean has a big edge over MJ's original pop Billie Jean - but like the two versions of Layla, it is interesting to see how the song works in both formats.
Posted by: Sharon | March 26, 2008 5:44 PM
heres the deal, david a. is clearly good for his age. There has not been one person on american idol that simon hasn't criticized. So, David a still has a chance to prove that he could sing songs at a moderate time. David C. on the other hand is just shouting. He is the guy form of amanda overmyer. Based of the final ten, here is my ranking..... david a, michael johns, brooke white, syesha mercado, ramiele malubay, krisy lee cook, david cook, carly smithson, jason castro, and chikezie eze. Just my opinion people
Posted by: david allen clark | March 26, 2008 7:55 PM
I have a very scary feeling that Ramielle has an incredible phone bank of people that are keeping her in. If so - she's going to be around way too long - already has been.
Posted by: karo | March 26, 2008 11:58 PM
I TOTALLY agree with this about Kristy. She's definitely pandering to the southern country vote with that one, and obviously got it. Ugh. The sooner she goes, the better.
Carly was my favorite of the night, her song made me cry!
Posted by: Jesyka | March 27, 2008 2:35 AM
The judges praised David C. as if he created that version, and despite the fact that he sang Cornell's version .... he absolutely rocked that song. He sounded so good and kept me entertained throughout. So yeah he wasn't as original as initially praised, but by far the best performance this season.
Posted by: Will | March 27, 2008 12:00 PM