'American Idol': Top 5 take on Neil Diamond
Tonight on American Idol, the finalists are taking on the songs of Neil Diamond. Wait, it gets better. Each one will sing two songs. Don't get overwhelmed by the hipness!
The contestants won't hear judges' comments until after both performances.
Jason Castro gives an acoustic guitar performance of "Forever in Blue Jeans." It's nice, but the usual -- sounds like exactly what it is, an acoustic performance of an old-fashioned song.
David Cook gives Neil Diamond goosebumps with his practice performance of "I'm Alive," which is not a super-well-known song. He rocks out, and it's his usual, too, but nothing really memorable.
Brooke White sings "I'm a Believer" for her first song. I get that she's trying to have fun, but ... how can you hear this song without thinking of the Monkees?
They are rushing through the performances, and in case you can't tell, it's pretty lame so far. And it's odd without the breaks for the judges to talk.
David Archuleta starts off with "Sweet Caroline" (dun-dun-dun!). Are we surprised he does pretty well with it? He's sweet and goofy; the song is sweet and goofy. It's a perfect match. Modern? No. Pleasant? Sure.
Syesha Mercado sings "Hello Again." It's nice, she's good, probably won't hear it on the radio any time soon.
After round one, Randy Jackson tells Jason he was "OK," says David Cook was "in the zone," Brooke was "a little karaoke," David A. was "the bomb" and Syesha was "in the zone, too." Paula Abdul says Jason's lower register was nice and then starts talking about his second song, which he hasn't even sung yet. She says, "I thought you sang twice." Simon sums it up: "Jason, forgettable, David Cook, just above average, Brooke, a nightmare, David Archuleta, amateurish, Syesha, I thought it was old-fashioned."
Here's hoping round two is more fun ...
Jason's back with "September Morn," and it's pretty bad. Randy says, "That was just another OK whatever performance for me." Paula says he took "the same liberty with each song," and he is being safe. Simon says they don't recognize him because he hasn't made any attempt to make the songs his own.
David Cook performs "All I Really Need is You." And ... it's a David Cook take on the song -- he turns it into a rock ballad. Randy says he "rocked the house tonight." Paula says she's proud of him, and that she feels like she is already looking at the American Idol. Simon says he thought the first song was "OK" and the second song was "brilliant." "You actually made it feel like that song was written this year. ... Well done."
Brooke sings "I Am, I Said" while in front of the piano. Remember all those previews of AI that ran during the Super Bowl with Brooke performing during Hollywood Week? She's basically in the exact same place now as then, only maybe a little bit more nervous. But also, I think her singer-songwriter-ly vibe isn't served by these darned themes. It's harder to make an older song sound modern when your sound isn't edgy to start with, you know? Randy says she did a nice job. Paula says she connected with the audience and that this really worked. Simon says he really, really hated the first song, but that "this is the Brooke we like. ... It wasn't incredible, but it was a million times better than the first song."
And immediately, here's David Archuleta with "America." (Of course.) Vocally, it's pretty great and shows off his strengths. Randy calls it "another good performance." Paula says this was the perfect song for him. Simon says, "That was a smart choice of song, that was clever. ... It was absolutely the right choice, check-check-check."
Syehsa closes the show with "Thank the Lord for the Nighttime." And that's a good choice, too, because it's upbeat and infectious, and she turns it into kind of a girl-group song, which is fun. Randy says she is finally realizing who she is. Paula calls Syesha Brooke and says that she loved the vulnerable side she showed in the first song, and that in the second song ... she liked it. But I don't know how she said it. Simon says it's pretty chaotic and strange tonight. But he says that tonight she showed she is a good actress/singer, but he thinks she might be in trouble tonight because he doesn't think she had a memorable second song like some of the others. Yes, this really is a strange night.
My regular readers know I hate filler, but it really was tough for them to cram 10 performances into one hour, and it made the whole show strange. That said, I think this was one of the worst themes the contestants have had to deal with. I'm so over this season and the weird themes!
Who do you think is in danger of going home? I'm going to say Jason and Brooke again even though that didn't remotely come to pass last week.
(Photo by Michael Becker / Fox)
Comments
Good assessment. I hate these theme weeks. Have they sang anything from a songbook before
2000 yet? I think Syesha will go home just because she doesn't have the voter base.
Posted by: Carrie Drake | April 29, 2008 9:42 PM
It as not a good night for anyone...Brooke's second song was very good but other than that, the whole night was bad...
Posted by: Eve | April 29, 2008 10:25 PM
OMG…a Double Dose of Diamond! Fox must really hate us!
First, let me say that I totally agree with Paula…Jason’s three songs weren’t very good.
David Archuleta pulled a Kristy Lee Cook and invoked the flag and country to avoid landing in the bottom two. (Hint: when Simon says a song choice was “clever” he isn’t giving you a compliment. “Clever” and “sneaky” are synonyms in that context.)
Was Neil’s advice to Brooke the dumbest thing you’ve ever heard? I mean, HE WROTE THE LYRICS. Why doesn’t he understand that if you change “New York City born and raised” to “Arizona,” that the next line, “But nowadays I’m lost between two shores,” makes no sense? It’s like talking to a chair…
David Cook wins the night because he picked two songs that nobody has ever heard of and because…
Syesha was given the coveted last performance, except she didn’t know Simon was going to sandbag her with the very last word.
Clever, Simon, clever indeed.
Posted by: Bucky | April 29, 2008 10:26 PM
I feel like crying for lil David. There is no joy in it for him anymore. I promise to stop voting for him if he really just wants to go back home and get his family out of the gossip columns. He is still the best vocalist, but Cookie is also great, and mature enough to handle the pressure. I think AI should change the age to 21 next year. Oh yeah, and Jason needs to go...he's practically begging to go.
Posted by: mitzi | April 29, 2008 10:47 PM
I think it is Jason week to go. I think Brook should have one more chance to move up, she won't win but I think she should be 3rd or 4th in what we have left. I still think the Aussie should be in the mix at this stage of the game.
Posted by: Denise | April 29, 2008 10:58 PM
Jason has to go.....I think he did sing the same song twice! Very bland....always sounds the same..............
Posted by: ncbeth | April 29, 2008 11:03 PM
I think Jason is in the most trouble tonight. The judges obviously hates him, and even Nigel thinks he's the weakest left. There's a good chance that he'll be gone tomorrow.
And that's sad news, because he's the only interesting contestant lfet in the competition. I sure won't be watching after Jason gets voted off.
Posted by: Jasonfan | April 29, 2008 11:06 PM
i love syesha
Posted by: linda Boorum | April 29, 2008 11:14 PM
Before blaming the songwriters, and the themes, think back to season two and what Clay Aiken did with "Solitaire"... a little known Neil Sedaka song.
As for ALW week, in Europe there have been top ten pop hits of dozens of his songs over the years. Just look at the music for "Whistle Down the Wind" which was all covered by current artists. Indeed the Boyzone take on "No Matter What You do" was number one all over the world...
No, I'm very much afraid that the real problem here is a generally subpar group of finalists who simple lack the tools to make really great picks from the material offered and then know what to do with them.
Posted by: straylight | April 29, 2008 11:18 PM
It seems to me the judges know who they want to win. I thought both of David A's songs were bad, the second was DREADFUL! I cannot fathom that they really thought it was good. Tonight was his worst night, but I guess he can do no wrong. They want Jason gone. I thought Brooke's second song was way better then they gave her credit for.
Posted by: KD | April 29, 2008 11:30 PM
Does anyone have any idea just how much Prozac Paula is on?????????
KOO KOO KOO KOO KOO KOO
Posted by: Shady McDuff | April 29, 2008 11:35 PM
American Idol better pray that David Archuleta doesn't win. They can't afford another Jordan Sparks. He's a good singer, but he's boring and completely unmarketable. Just like Jordan Sparks. They both are better suited for Adult Contemporary.
Posted by: Alex | April 29, 2008 11:55 PM
Simon ought to hang it up...The show is losing ratings and like a moron, he comes up with the KISS OF DEATH COMMENT for Syesha who clearly had the best night of anyone! This is BS that this nobody, Simon who can't sing a note, wears elevator shoes, Parts His Hair from his [deleted] and speaks from the same place is making MULTI MILLIONS for his ridiculous comments. Brooke and Jason were pathetic...Can anyone tell me if you have heard them sing one note collectively that was clear and what about range? Brooke sings like she is underwater and Jason bats his eyelashes at the end of each song to make up for his bad voice. This is a singing competition, not for guys that are only looking for TEEN IDOL LAND. This guy should go home and Brooke should join him in Idol Hell next week. Then we finally can watch the only good singers of the year in the Final Three. And quite frankly it's Syesha and D Cook if you know what the hell is up...Memo to Archeletta...enjoy your 10 seconds of fame...Disneyland is hiring.
Posted by: Drew Gillan | April 30, 2008 12:19 AM
Paula Abdul is crazy...
Posted by: wikiki | April 30, 2008 12:21 AM
Jason is the only Cd I would buy - the best voice to listen to in my car, in my kitchen, with a glass of wine.... the rest are foregettable.
Posted by: lslandloli | April 30, 2008 12:42 AM
Please have Brooke go home. I'm tired of her sweetness and lack of versitality. Jason should go home too.
Cook is my favorite. I wish that one of them does a breakout performance!
Posted by: Barbara Reising | April 30, 2008 12:49 AM
Paula Abdul saved tonight's forgettable performances. Thank you Paula Abdul. Thank you!
Posted by: spook | April 30, 2008 1:14 AM
Brooke must go.
Posted by: bonniesgirl | April 30, 2008 8:39 AM
Paula needs to be fired. Any other job, if someone was that nuts, they would be canned, checked into rehab, or something.
Posted by: Rich | April 30, 2008 9:04 AM
Everyone knows that the end of this season will be Ryan Seacrest saying "And the 2008 American Idol is David .......". Who cares when the other 3 get kicked off? The biggest change the show needs is for the producers to assign songs to sing rather than let the incompetent singers cause me to doze off at 8:30 p.m..gc
Posted by: giles couch | April 30, 2008 9:13 AM
Yes, Sarah, another bizarre theme leading to another bizarre show. My husband is worried for Paula - she seemed even more out of it than usual. I honestly don't mean this in a nasty way, but is she heavily medicated? And why did everyone keep mentioning that the show was live? Aren't they always?
I came away from that show feeling that there wasn't a single performance that made me say "YES!!!!"
What is next week's ridiculous theme, do we know?
And yes, it should be either Brooke or Jason going home, but one of them should have gone last week and didn't, so it will probably be Syesha, who has been consistently the best for the last two weeks, so clearly will be sent home.
I think part of what happened is that they didn't plan to do that segment between rounds with the judges giving their comments to everyone at once. I think she was totally taken by surprise, and, as we've seen, even when she's heavily prepared, she's not uber-articulate. Still, last night was baaaaad.
Posted by: Sharon | April 30, 2008 9:34 AM
I have a sad feeling that Syesha will be the one going home tonight. She just hasn't received a lot of fan support and that probably won't change. Jason really really struggled with both of his songs but his fans really dig him so I believe he will be in the next round. Brooke seems to have plenty of support as well,and her second song went over really well. I was pleased with both performances by the David's last night.
Posted by: Julie A. | April 30, 2008 9:35 AM
Note to producers: If you're going to feed pre-scripted lines to Paula make sure you warn her well in advance of the episode format.
Posted by: Robbie C | April 30, 2008 9:57 AM
Oh my...oh my oh my oh my...send a tape of last night's Neil Diamond Week American Idol to Guantanamo Bay to add to the torture device arsenal. It wasn't just bad, it was really, really BAD. I just don't get how these people represent the most talented of all of those people who auditioned so long ago. If Jason doesn't go home tonight, then it is pretty safe to say this show is fixed. Perhaps the producers decide who stays and who goes based on the level of shrieking the 'tweens in the audience can produce when names like "Jason" and "Archuletta" are spoken. I don't know...but if Jason stays and Sayesha goes, leaving that dried piece of white toast Brooke (who simply cannot sing), that gasping little creepy Archuletta who belongs on his high school stage musical and Dave Cook, the only one with a grain of talent and a mad desire to be Daughtry, then this show is fixed fixed fixed fixed fixed. I don't even know why Jason is there...he's not even that cute! They'll vote Sayesha off tonight I'm sure because she's been threatened so many times. And then I'll come back for more Paula insanity next week and watch how this horrible, torturous season plays out. I wouldn't be surprised if they crown the unbelievably un-marketable David Archuletta as America's Next Top Mod--er---Idol. (Sorry - had a Paula moment there and forgot my script!)
Posted by: Joanna | April 30, 2008 9:58 AM
Straylight's comments are dead on. Even though I hate the themes, the fact is these guys can't sing very well or interpret the lyrics( except for David C. and Syesha). Got a good laugh from Drew G's post. Maybe Paula should join David A. at the Magic Kingdom or follow Jason C. Over the Rainbow.
Posted by: Carrie | April 30, 2008 10:47 AM
I believe that David Archuleta chose to sing "Coming to America" because it means something to him -- his mother immigrated from Honduras as a young adult.
Still, if his choice works for him strategically, all the better. I want to see and hear him again next week.
As to his marketability, did you hear the screams from the mosh pit girls? Hello? Who is going to spend their money on a CD or concert ticket? Those girls.
And me.
One of his many adult fans.
Posted by: Kelly | April 30, 2008 10:54 AM
I am an avid AI fan but I almost fell asleep last night. Seriously I could not stay focused. This had to be one of the MOST boring shows ever. In my opinion David Cook is the only one who has anything going right now. He continually keeps things fresh with his ability to take a song and make it uniquely his. His arrangements are clearly that of someone with a great deal of creativity. As we all know the possibility of the person winning who should win are slim. I am afraid that Brooke is going to have a nervous breakdown if she doesn’t go soon. It's painful to watch her.
Posted by: K. | April 30, 2008 11:29 AM
We all know that Neil Diamond is a wonderful singer (On second thought, maybe not- I was born during the early 90's) but this was a wrong theme for a very tight week! I'm a HUGE Archie fan, but I'll try to be objective.. I'm afraid that Syesha would have to go even though she proved to be the strongest for the last two weeks. It's just that she doesn't have as much charisma/ fan base to support her all the way. Jason and Brooke are complete messes; the pressure of the competition evidently shows through their performances. DC's really getting into the rocker persona.. He's a good singer but I don't think he can sing a song memorable enough without the rocker screams and screeches. As for Archie, well, yesterday was okay I guess. I didn't appreciate "America" since I am Canadian... And I think Lord Webber's advice of opening his eyes all the time has gotten into him. He worries so much about it that he loses focus on connecting with the audience. I really miss the earlier Archuleta days. I think he seemed more lovable and genuine back then. I also agree that the age limit should be set higher. With a 17 year old competing with mid 20 y/o people, I don't think it's fair. If DA doesn't end up as the AI winner, I'll be fine with him setting off to Disney. He's a kid, a good role model (hopefully not a future male version of Hilary Duff) and would have a bright future ahead of him. Only if Disney takes him in, he kinda loses his individuality, which really makes me sad.
Posted by: melina | April 30, 2008 11:30 AM
Paula's "One Shining Moment" has made it to You Tube. Search on American Idol-Is Paula On Crack?
Posted by: Bucky | April 30, 2008 12:52 PM
I am a BIG Syesha fan, and I'll say it again as I have before, the judges never seem to want to give her the props she deserves. Even when she does well, their praise is lukewarm at best. Simon's final remark to her last night was intended to be a nail in her coffin despite her great performances.
The show never needs to do these archaic theme shows again...just terrible! My wife and I are watching AI out of habit, not enjoyment.
I must say, I became a semi-fan of David Cook last night. He is good and I agree that he probably SHOULD be this year's winner.
My wife made the comment that David A's heart isnt in it anymore...said if you look in his eyes he looks like a troubled kid dealing with some inner turmoil. She's usually right about these things.
Lastly, as far as eliminations, I too fear it will be Syesha. I love her and she's my fave, but she's been dodging the bullet for weeks now. I called in and voted for her for a solid hour last night (my first time voting all season) and her busy signals were few and far between. Too bad some of the fans and all of the judges cant see her stellar talent!
Posted by: BmoreMan | April 30, 2008 1:31 PM
Sarah, I look forward to your articles and find it hard to add anything. But of course I’ll try…
Brooke. You’re beautiful girl, but that rendition of “I’m a believer” made me a non-believer. May the fleas of a thousand Monkee’s deliver us from that evil. Its one of the many times my jaw has dropped during this season.
Syesha. Fun & well done. I think Simons comments will actually help her, stirring up her fan base – it’s a tough call though since in the past it hurt the singers.
David C. Gotta love him. Talented and songs that I would listen to on the radio without flipping the dial.
David A. Sorry, but I still love him. That beautiful deep voice is so easy to listen to. I thought the song choices were a bit weird too, while I was singing I couldn’t help but compare him to the original corndog that sang them.
Jason. Come on, that man could sing a phone book and the girls will still swoon. (sigh) If only he can kick it up a notch, or two, or three. …and maybe remove clothing while singing. OOPS! Sorry, didn’t mean to say that out loud.
(sigh) he’s so dreamy…
Paula: Let me speak for all blondes and tell you that we are eternally grateful to you. LOVE YOU GIRL!!! Keep it up.
Posted by: Daisy | April 30, 2008 5:33 PM
Ok...where do I begin. First let me say that I am a strong Archie fan. That being said, I offer the following.
Archie needs to not worry about what the blogs or judges say. He needs to stay true to himself. He will be a great singer someday...he's a really good one now...but his niche is not uptempo music...he'll be a crooner til the end...go Archie...do your thang son.
Now...for all you Cookie Monster fans out there...listen. David Cook is a performer. He should be after all his time spent on stage and failing to make it. HE sounds the same week after week...they ALL do. They all have their own styles.
Like who you're going to like...vote for the person that fits your style better. The true test will be in ten years...when the grundge sound has gone and the ballad is still strong...think about it...even rock bands (Kiss, Aerosmith, Rolling Stones) have given way to a ballad in order to sell records...it's the one style that never goes out of style.
Posted by: FedUp | April 30, 2008 5:36 PM
There are only 2 artists here that I can see having a long career. David Cook, as others have pointed out, is always good, and sometimes great. He takes songs, as well as arrangements, that suit him, and he performs them well. 3 weeks ago I wanted Syesha off. I thought she had a good voice, but was a bit boring. However, the last 2 weeks have shown that she has talent, and will probably end up on Broadway. Note on Broadway: You actually have to be able to sing very well to get to perform there. On the other hand, just about anyone can sound good on a recording, after it is enhanced by todays audio technology. David A will have his moment, but will be gone when he gets older and teens no longer buy his cd's . We'll never hear from the rest again.
Posted by: Dan | April 30, 2008 5:57 PM
Melina wrote "I didn't appreciate "America" since I am Canadian"...if I am not mistaking, Canada is part of North AMERICA, plus this is AMERICAN idol, so my advise to you is, don't watch the show if AMERICA bothers you.
Posted by: KV | May 1, 2008 12:47 AM
The judges are way off. David arch was totally out of synch. I like him but he was bad on both songs and I cant believe the way the judges kiss his butt. I know they are influencing the viewers for him to win. Syesha needs to stop trying to be whitney. Jason never belonged in the top 12 most boring kristies 2nd song was awsome. david c better on second song but nothing original we have not seen in the rock industry. wake up paula has been on drugs for years and it seems people only have noticed now what drugs are you on .
Posted by: john gunshefskj | May 1, 2008 2:24 PM