'American Idol': Top 6 perform
Ah, yes, it's going to be another hip, cutting-edge and totally current episode of American Idol -- the night's mentor is Broadway icon Andrew Lloyd Webber, and the top six will be taking on his compositions.
Judge Randy Jackson says this is probably going to be the toughest night of the season because the songs are not easy. Ryan asks Simon Cowell how the contestants can overcome a criticism he's thrown at them before -- well, not this group -- that of sounding "too Broadway" if Broadway is actually the theme. Simon says they've got to sound "memorable but also contemporary."
Syesha Mercado sings "One Rock and Roll Too Many" from Starlight Express for Webber, and she's excited to show off some personality. Let's not forget, this girl has an acting background, and tonight, it shows. She has personality and sells the story of the song. Not sure whether she pulled off the "contemporary" vibe that Simon requested, but that seems like a tall order for everyone. Randy says this is her element and her "best performance to date right there." Paula Abdul says "this is a big part of your love." Simon says it was "very sexy. ... I think this was one of your strongest performances so far. You showed masses of personality we haven't seen before."
Jason Castro sings "Memory" for Webber and surprises him because he says he never expected to hear the song sung by a guy with dreadlocks. (I'm surprised because I would have put money on Archuleta or Brooke White singing this one.) Webber explains that the song is sung by an ancient cat, but he's not sure that Jason quite understood. He tells Jason that he has to let himself go more than he ever has in any song. He is really nervous, and the low parts are pretty rough. He just seems very closed off from the audience instead of connecting with them. Randy says vocally it was a little bit of a trainwreck. Paula says she thinks most people are used to hearing this by a female balladeer, but it was still a wise choice for him. What? Simon says it felt to him -- and probably to Jason -- like the longest two minutes of his life. He says Jason seemed miserable throughout and, "it was a struggle."
Brooke White's choice is "You Must Love Me" from the Evita movie. Webber: "I don't think that girl had a clue what that song was about." So he explains the meaning of all of it to her, and she sings it again for him, and he declares it "terrific." She starts her performance and she stops -- STOPS -- and makes the band start over, too. Wow, no, that is not OK. Is it me, or is she getting more and more nervous as the season goes on? Randy says for him this was not great, but he did like that she listened to Andrew Lloyd Webber. Paula pauses and takes a long time to finally tell her: "You must never start and stop." But she does like that Brooke didn't overact the performance. Simon says this is why he loves live TV -- "I mean, it was so dramatic." But he says she became so tense trying to remember the song that it became quite uncomfortable. Pressed by Ryan, Simon does say that he would have done the same thing in her shoes.
David Archuleta takes on "Think of Me," which Webber says is a song "written for a diva, written for a girl" and that he couldn't imagine how it would sound. Webber tells him to open his eyes when he's singing to keep the connection with the audience. Well, who would have thought that little Archuleta would be the one to put a modern twist on one of these songs? But somehow, it does sound like a pop song. Huh. Randy says it was the bomb and, "This boy's the one to beat." Paula calls it absolutely perfect. Simon says he thought it was "pleasant and one of his weakest live-show performances," calling it forgettable. Oh, please. I haven't been his No. 1 fan or anything, but so far, I think David Archuleta is the first person to do exactly what Simon said at the beginning and make his song sound at least somewhat "contemporary."
Carly Smithson starts out singing "All I Ask of You" from Phantom, and Webber stops her and says she should go with her other choice, "Superstar." And yeah, dude knows what he's talking about because Carly rocks it out and shows off her big voice and even shows some personality. Plus, she seems to have lost some of that uptight vibe she's had for some previous performances. Randy says he doesn't know whether this was her best performance, but, "It was definitely good." Paula says she loved it and thought it was unexpected. Simon says, "Other than the fact that it got a little bit shouty in the middle, it was one of my favorite performances of the night."
David Cook is taking on "Music of the Night," which Webber says is one of the most sensual songs he's ever written, and that if David really gets into, "maybe he'll pull it off." He performs, and I really don't think his voice has enough depth for this song. Maybe I've heard the soundtrack too many times, but he's a little too quiet with it except for one big note in the middle, and the rock-ballad note he pulled at the end was just kind of annoying after such a traditional take on the rest of the song. Randy says it was an amazing vocal and calls it "another molten hot bomb." Paula says it proves he's well-rounded as an artist, and she thought it was fantastic. Simon says he made the most of it, but it wasn't his style. Still, "you were good," he closes.
So, what think you? I think Brooke and Jason are in some dire trouble after that. But please, next week can these kids sing something current? Is that really too much to ask?
(Photo of final six with Andrew Lloyd Webber by Michael Becker / Fox)
in American Idol
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Comments
Maybe it's because I got confused switching back and forth between Idol and the Pennsylvania primary results, but at one point I thought to myself, "David Archuleta, I've listened to Sarah Brightman and you, David Archuleta, are no Sarah Brightman."
Hold that thought for a minute...
Here's where I am after tonight's performances:
Syesha: I wouldn't buy a CD, but I might buy tickets to see her in a musical, especially after tonight's performance.
David Cook: I wouldn't buy a CD (I'm not a big rock fan; don't take it personally) and I wouldn't buy tickets to a concert, but, tonight, he surprised me the most. Pleasantly so.
Carly Smithson: I'd buy a CD, I'd buy tickets to a concert and I might even get a tattoo. Not THAT big a tattoo, but something tasteful and Irish.
Jason Castro: I might buy a CD but, for sure, I'd pay to see him in a small, intimate venue. And of all the contestants, he would have me smiling when I left, I think.
Brooke White: I wouldn't buy...wait, let me start over...I might buy a CD, especially to play on my long drive home from work when I need something mellow and relaxing to wind down from the stress of the day. Her "Let It Be" is my favorite performance of the season, I think.
David Archuleta: I say the same thing week after week, but that's because he sounds the same, week after week, after week. So, Paula says he took a theatrical song and made it a pop ballad.
Well, DUH.
He takes every song, every week and makes it the SAME pop ballad.
He can sing pop ballads with his eyes closed.
He could turn the Notre Dame Victory March into a haunting pop ballad.
He can sing, no doubt. But he's a one-trick pony.
The bell tolls for Jason or Brooke this week, is my guess. And since Brooke has VFTW supplying her with some support, I think it might be Jason.
That will be sad. Very sad.
Posted by: Bucky | April 22, 2008 11:44 PM
I agree that Brooke and Jason are in trouble. I really enjoyed David A.,Syesha,Carly and David C. so a third person in the bottom 3 would be very ard to choose for me.
Posted by: Julie A. | April 23, 2008 9:45 AM
I like Simon and agree with him a good portion of the time but I agree with you that David A. did exactly what Simon told him to do and made the song contemporary and then Simon criticized him for not making it memorable....???? Can someone please tell me how David Cook gets away with not going first ever single week and ending up at the end or near the end week after week? Come on AI you're making it a little obvious that you want the rocker to win this year.
Posted by: Nancy | April 23, 2008 9:57 AM
Is it just me, or does Syesha always perform within the first three singers and David Cook always one of the last? I seem to remember that the singing order was supposed to change and spread out to be fair. To me, singing early puts you at a disadvantage for those who tune in late and those who sing late are better off because by then, viewers are finally comfortable in front of the TV. I like David Cook and Syesha both, but I think the producers have been trying to get rid of Syesha since the beginning. Maybe it's just me...
SKK: David Cook has been performing toward the end a lot. The other advantage to performing at the end is that the performances are fresh in viewers' minds when the voting lines finally open. I think they could mix it up a little more this season.
Posted by: Tig | April 23, 2008 11:18 AM
I agree Bucky, Syesha should go straight to Broadway. And thank goodness ALW switched Carly's song, she did awesome, which she needed after the last few weeks of so-so songs. And did anyone else love the shirt she held up that said "SIMON LOVES ME (this week)"????
I found a site, in case anyone is looking http://www.simonlovesmetshirt.com that also has Paula and Randy ones, so funny!! LOL
Posted by: anne | April 23, 2008 11:48 AM
After Jason finished singing, I thought, "Poor Jason - I think he's going to be the one to go this week." Then I heard Brooke sing. It could/should be either one of them. I would prefer it be Brooke because I really like Jason and love watching him sing.
I really enjoyed Carly's performance. She was my favorite this week. I agree with everyone who says that while David A. is a very talented singer, he does sing the same type of song week after week and is getting boring. Syesha did a great job and belongs on Broadway. David C. started out rough I thought, but did a pretty good job. Not his cup of tea but like Simon said, he made the most of it.
Posted by: Cyndy | April 23, 2008 11:52 AM
Despite Brooke's restart I thought it was a beautiful performance. She is a natural actress and I felt the emotion of the song.
Jason should go, it was miserable to listen to him.
Posted by: Melissa | April 23, 2008 12:44 PM
I agree with everyone else saying Jason and Brooke are in trouble. Quite frankly, it does not matter because the one that does not go this week is going next week. At least if Jason goes, Brooke could be a little entertaining. Jason is just BORING. He has no personality whatsoever. If he were to somehow survive and win the whole thing, they can cancel next season because I would never watch it again.
Posted by: Scooter | April 23, 2008 12:53 PM
I think the producers should read the LA TIMES and other reviews of Idol this season. While the ratings have dropped drastically, the judges are with their agendas of who they want to win. Non of this bodes well for the future of the show. And Ryan needs to move on from his boring week after week antics with Simon. Boring.
Posted by: callin | April 23, 2008 1:03 PM
The interesting thing is that if David A had sung the song straight as is from the show, he still would have gotten criticized for being a 'one trick pony.' People who don't like him can't think of anything more clever to say than that.
Posted by: Kathy | April 23, 2008 1:46 PM
David Archuleta may not connect with everyone, but he thrills quite a few fans. His performance last night was beautiful. I'll be in line to buy the CDs and attend the concerts. I am well over 12, by the way.
David Cook was terrific. He's a great performer. I feel as if I can hear his kind of song already, on the radio, so I'm not buying into Idol's efforts to push him on me.
I'm a bit fed up with Ryan's antics. What was the deal with the Mormon girls coming up to hug Archie?
And Simon seemed grumpy to me. If that was Archie's worst effort to date, then dang I want to see the best.
Posted by: Kathy | April 23, 2008 1:48 PM
I, too, am perplexed by Simon's mixed message regarding David A's performance. I personally like my musical theatre to sound like musical theatre, not like contemporary pop, but you can't deny that little David was doing as directed by Simon, and I would say he actually did it well.
While Carly sounded great doing JCS, it's a pretty dated and hokey song (which speaks to our recurring point that the show themes are really silly this year). I would have preferred her to tackle something that has aged better - maybe "I don't know how to love him" from the same show?
And at last I think Syesha is getting the praise that she has always been due. My 19-year-old son loved her performance - thought she was sexy, sassy, charming and in great voice. Yes, get that girl a gig on Broadway!
Going home tonight? I'm with the rest of you - Brooke or Jason, though I like them both. Still, we're at the point when talented people have to leave. I didn't think Brooke's version of "You Must Love Me' was as dreadful as the judges seemed to think it was. Last night was about selling a song, more than a musical performance, and I thought she did that reasonably well.
Who is everyone picking for The One Left Standing at the End?
Posted by: Anonymous | April 23, 2008 1:58 PM
Wow. They're all such mediocre singers, and Andrew Lloyd Webber songs such tripe.
I give props to Syesha and Carly, but only for doing uptempo songs. The name of this show should be changed to "American Heart-Wrenching Over-Emoting Power Balladeer."
Posted by: Flipkid | April 23, 2008 2:09 PM
David Cook's horrific ending to "Music of the Night" sent us scrambling for our "Phantom" DVD so we could hear the real thing. Cook took one of the most seductive songs ever written and jolted the girl right out of the mood at the money moment. Sheesh!
Posted by: Lizzie | April 23, 2008 3:25 PM
Thank you Sarah, finally someone who actually watched the show before writing an article. Simon completely contradicted himself when he commented on David Archuleta's performance. What David did was exactly what Simon said at the beginning of the show, make the songs contemporary. If making the song modern and more approachable to the young generation for Simon is not contemporary then please enlighten us. David A. is the only contestant who took the risk and completely put his personality into the song for rearranging it. There are many people saying unpleasant things about the kid but still one thing's undeniable, among the contestant he's the most likely to be the winner and eventually become a great artist and performer as he matures and for sure I'll be one of those who'll pick up his album once it comes out. God bless and good luck keep up the good work!
Posted by: Elle | April 24, 2008 2:42 AM
i love David Archuleta....he is the best
vote vote vote 4 him he deserves it not david cook..........and dont listen to simon ...1st he said david a's performance was this that watever........ he finally admitted on the result show that david archuleta's performance was good ......yeah!!!!
Posted by: pinkyyy | April 24, 2008 7:35 AM