'American Idol': Top 3 perform
It's top three time on tonight's American Idol. And that means three songs apiece, too, as each contestant will sing a judge's choice, a producers' choice and their own choice song.
(Random celeb sighting: It's Lloyd -- aka Rex Lee -- from Entourage in the audience! And there's Justin Guarini.)
First round is judge's choice.
David Archuleta will be singing Paula Abdul's choice, "And So It Goes" by Billy Joel. She says she picked it to showcase his vocals and because it has a level of difficulty she knew he could handle. His voice sounds nice, as usual, but for the first part, he sings with no backing, then some violins, but the tempo is a little weird -- it seems so much slower without the piano in the original. When the piano comes in later, it helps a lot. Randy Jackson says, "Paula chose a dope song. ... You are in the zone, you are in it to win it, baby." Paula calls is "a pure and stunning performance" and says he was a storyteller. Simon Cowell says it was good, but "no surprises and a bit predictable."
Syesha Mercado is assigned "If I Ain't Got You" by Alicia Keys, and she is excited. She does a really nice job with it, but all it makes me think is how nice it would have been to have seen these contestants singing current songs for the entire season. (Pardon the broken record syndrome.) Randy says she did an amazing job and he's so happy she peaked at the right time in the competition, and, "That's why you're standing there number three." (Hey, did he just say she's already come in third place? I don't think it's that much of a foregone conclusion!) Paula says she did a great job with something so identifiable with another artist. Simon says it was great, but he does wish Randy had picked something she could change up a little more. Randy says she did change a lot. And Simon closes by saying that she looks gorgeous.
David Cook will be singing Roberta Flack's "First Time Ever I Saw Your Face," as chosen by Simon. Simon says it's one of the great songs of all time and he wanted to give David a chance to show some originality. It starts out a little weak, maybe too much in his higher register, but he gets more into it and really shows off his voice in an unencumbered kind of way as it goes on. Randy says he can sing anything, and he loved the high note at the end, but he wishes that Simon hadn't picked an older song for him. Heh. Paula reminds us that it's about the contestants and says it's one of her favorite songs, and he's now the second favorite performer of it. Simon says it was one of his best performances. "This is what makes you brilliant -- you take risks. ... Round one goes to Cook and Cowell."
Round two is constestants' choices.
David Archuleta has chosen "With You" by Chris Brown because he wanted to give something new a shot. And ... it's not bad. It's a little weird to see him doing an upbeat R&B song and kind of dancing after all these ballad-y weeks, but you won't see me complaining about something unexpected. (Hey look, it's Gavin DeGraw in the audience.) Randy gives him credit for trying something new but found it a little odd to watch him singing, "My boo." Paula thought it was perfect and in the right tone for his voice. "I think you did a great job." Simon also applauds him for not doing a "treacly ballad," but it was "a little like a chihuahua trying to be a tiger. ... It was all a little bit awkward."
Syesha Mercado's song is Peggy Lee's "Fever," and she plans to work the chair in the middle of the stage. Oh yeah, somebody is angling for a Broadway career. She is not messing around tonight, and she does a great performance yet again. Randy says it was an interesting song choice, but she "sang it amazingly well." Paula is surprised at the choice because she's not sure it shows "who Syesha is as an artist." Simon says she will probably regret that decision because she could have proven she was a contemporary recording artist, and instead, "you did a rather lame cabaret performance."
David Cook is going with Switchfoot's "Dare You to Move." He has another slow start -- the beginning doesn't do a lot for him, but he kind of gets more into his element at the end. Not his best, though. Randy says it was a great song choice (and he name checks his friend in the band), but that performance-wise, it wasn't his best: "It was a little pitchy, baby." Paula says she knows it's hard to get all of a four-minute song into 90 seconds, and the challenge is to give the audience a beginning, middle and end, and that it felt like he just got through the beginning, and then it was the end. "I wanted more," she says. Simon says all three had "an OK middle round."
Last is song choices from the producers.
David Archuleta returns with Dan Fogelberg's "Longer." I guess the producers didn't want to see whether he could do anything besides ballads. It's sweet and nice and the usual, but not unexpected or contemporary. Randy says it was an interesting song choice ("for me for you"), but vocally he was "in the zone." Paula says it was "very lovely." Simon says he sang the song very well, however he thought the song and lyrics were "horrible" and "gooey." But he thinks David's still making the finals.
Syesha Mercado is back with "Hit Me Up" by Gia Farrell. I appreciate that they're giving her something modern to work with, but I don't think I've ever heard this song. Still, she handles the cheesy pop-song well. Randy says he could see her doing a song like that, but "it was just OK for me." Paula points out it is from the Happy Feet soundtrack. She says she isn't sure this is the type of song that defines Syesha as an artist, and she's afraid it's not going to be enough to get her into the finals. Simon says nothing this week has surpassed her Sam Cooke song last week, and that he would have liked to see a "defining moment" this week.
David Cook sings "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing." I don't know whose idea this arrangement was, but the whole first part is ... weird, and again, not great until he goes for the big notes at the end. Randy says he loved the song, but, "It was OK for me. Very predictable for me." Paula is crying and says, "See ya in the finals." Simon says it is one of the great songs of all time and, "David Cook wins the night."
So ... this was a weird night. I'm so not a conspiracy theorist about these sort of things, but that producers' choice really felt like sabotage of Syesha -- especially after she got so little credit for her other performances.
I expect to see her out tomorrow mostly because the Davids' fan bases are so devoted and strong.
What did you think of the top three tonight?
Comments
The whole night seemed rushed and awkward....again. The producers have been making lame song choices all season. Syesha was OK, I liked David A's 2nd song( go figure?). The best of the night; David C. singing Roberta Flack...his other 2 songs were not great for me. Wierd night.
Posted by: Carrie | May 13, 2008 9:57 PM
I have not written alot about the Idols but had to tonight. I have been a David Cook fan from the beginning, but have been awed by some of the vocal performances of David A. And though I think Syesha Mercado has one of the better voices in the competition, have always thought it would come down to David vs David. But tonight was completely unsettling. Syesha I thought sang relativly well but got bombed by the Judges. Archie was given the last song 'Longer'. that has got to be the worst song selection in the history of the competition. I thought David did the best that could have been done with the song but come on guys you need to give the kid who is suppose to have the best vocals in the competition something better to work with. And even though Cook is my favorite, can not agree with the judges less on the final song thought it was terrible. the whole musical scheam with the strings in the background was a train wreck.
but what i did not get most tonight was the judges who I thought were doing everything they could to make sure there would be an all David finale
Posted by: jim walker | May 13, 2008 10:44 PM
I think Randy, Paula , and Simon were all DRUNK tonight. I think Syesha did really well this week . Then that David A. he really mess Chris Brown song up. Chris ought to find him and shoot him in the vocal cords. David C. he did rather well. tonight. My prediction are Syesha should win David C. should be runner up and David A. should be booted off tomarrow
Posted by: qtmama | May 13, 2008 10:56 PM
You, Syesha, should be the one to win because your voice is BEAUTIFUL! And also I like your dresses. Bye. Love, Zoe Ko and my mother Beth.
Posted by: Zoe Ko | May 13, 2008 10:58 PM
Very disappointed in the song choices tonight. David Cook is the only one who mixes it up at all, and unfortunately he didn't need to with the last song - it was already perfect for him, but what could he do - he had to change it, that's what makes him so good. A valiant effort, but just a bad night for song choices.
Posted by: LouLou | May 13, 2008 11:36 PM
I agree that it was weird tonight. It seems like the judges were really trying to manipulate the vote. They want Syesha to be voted out and the two Davids to be in the finals. It seems that they want David C. to win. I agree that the producers chose a bad song for Syesha, but I also think they chose a nice, but boring song for David A. that really didn't show off his vocal abilities. I was disappointed in this obvious manipulation. I wasn't that impressed with David C. either. He seems to be pretty stressed. You can see it in his body language after he has sung last week and this.
Posted by: LK08 | May 13, 2008 11:37 PM
I agree wholeheartedly with the conspiracy theory. Not only did I think Sayesha's 'Fever' was better than the credit she received, but the producer's song choice for her was even worse than "Longer" for poor David A. I still think the final battle might be between Sayesha and Archuleta.
Posted by: olr3 | May 14, 2008 12:18 AM
I don't like to think conspiracy either, but it's hard not to when Syesha did all she could with all of them and got knocked down with each one...she and Archie both got knocked on their song choices...even on the ones they didn't pick! Cook definitely is getting the pimping now!
Posted by: Mitzi | May 14, 2008 12:53 AM
Totally agreed with you. I'm kinda DC fan but the beginning of I Dont want to miss a thing make me feel awkward.
Posted by: gerekriss | May 14, 2008 7:35 AM
I really, Really think David Cook is going to win. I mean his talent, his singing. He's amazing! And with his brother, not having long to live. They should let some slack, he should totally win. Not only the fact of his brother, but he is also one of THE most talented singers in american Idol History
Posted by: abrianna | May 14, 2008 7:37 AM
I mean im not a big syesha fan and I think the final would be less interesting with her in it, but the judges were so incredibly bias against her, and the strings on cooks last song were terrible. Personally I prefered second cook song.
Posted by: will | May 14, 2008 8:04 AM
Well, of course I am a Syesha fan and I think she did well last night. Her elimination has been impending for weeks now and tonight might be the end of the road for her. The judges have never given her the praise she deserves. Even some of her most phenomenal performances only received lukewarm responses from the judges. I'm glad she's stayed around this long, so if she does go tonight, I'll be okay with it.
If Syesha goes tonight, I am definitely rooting for David Cook. The Archuleta kid (once again) is so one-note. He tried to step out of the box and do that Chris Brown song last night, and it was a mess, really! All he seems to be capable of doing is sappy ballads, and that is not an American Idol.
Posted by: BmoreMan | May 14, 2008 9:10 AM
It's a David-David final.
Thus spoke Simon.
(I am a conspiracy theorist, Sarah.)
And if there is sombody out there who can sing really well and who is planning on auditioning next season, could you do me a favor? Could you sing the phone book in your audition? Apparently Randy thinks that would be a good idea...he now brings it up multiple times every show.
Posted by: Bucky | May 14, 2008 9:59 AM
This is my first year watching the show (from the 12 finalists to the end). We all know it's a popularity contest so does it really matter who "wins"? Not really. Oh yeah, the winner gets a guarenteed recording contract. Big whup. What I predict is that Sayesha will drop out tonight and Cook will win. However, Sayesha will be the big winner, ultimately, with a huge career in show business. Great voice, great stage presence, and phenomenal charisma. She has it all! Unfortunately, there aren't enough pre-teens in the universe that will vote her in. Cook is a great 2nd choice as his musical originality is quite apparent (he's more of a teen idol for sure). As for Archeleta, I don't get it. Excellent voice but zero stage presence. He definitely deserves to get the boot tonight. Maybe when he's older . . .
Posted by: Jay Berg | May 14, 2008 10:32 AM
Ok! Let's be for real. Syesha is the only female left because she has a good voice and is still standing between the two Davids. The one that is left standing will be David C. because Simon stated he won the night. Hint-Hint!! They already have contracts signed and will be on tour soon so they are alright. Truthfully, David A.should be the next American Idol but don't hold your breath because the winner was picked last night. Play it back and you will see.
Posted by: tiny | May 14, 2008 10:38 AM
Simon said David C. won. Play the tape back and see for yourself. The judges gave Syesha a hard time and picked on her choice of songs. The judges were picky on David A. Everybody knows that David A. should be the next American Idol but Simon is the one who calls the shots and decides who wins. Watch the show and you will see. It's like the song-"What ever Lola wants----Lola gets".
SKK: Simon said David "won the night," but he was also giving himself credit for his song choice. I thought he was being cheeky at that moment. But I don't disagree that there was all kinds of manipulating going on last night.
Posted by: Anonymous | May 14, 2008 10:43 AM
this show was a waste of time. after watching last night you could figure who should win--David A. but it will be David C.
Posted by: tiny | May 14, 2008 10:47 AM
tonight reminded me of last year... how i always like Jordin Sparks from .. i think da top 8 or something. i mean, of course there were other favorites... Lakisha, Melinda, Blake and maybe some other 2... but i always wished Jordin would win ... Now Syesha reminds me of Jordin..... Syesha should win.... the 2 Davids are ok but Syesha's got it ... i wish that she would win.... David A is good but i think that he's not really ready for this .......
Syesha should win and she's gonna win!
Posted by: tongan_brownie | May 14, 2008 11:51 AM
Last night was sooo manipulated by the judges it was sick! Syesha keeps coming out and giving her all and the judges are like hum ho yeah whatever while the other guys are sure as heck no better than her and the judges love them.
Oh and by the way this review is very well done and unbiased :) good job!
Posted by: moi (haha) | May 14, 2008 12:41 PM
I think that last nights performances were ok. I've never been a Syesha fan, but I think she has a bright future in the theater arena. David A has a wonderful voice but is balading all he can do? He makes current upbeat songs look goofy! I can totally see David A singing songs that are more spiritually based.
For me, David Cs got it even though I'm not a rocker fan. His sound might be better suited for light rock?! Anyway, I think that Cook will win in the end and Syesha is out tonight!!!
Posted by: Karen from CO | May 14, 2008 2:04 PM
David Cook has not been at the top of his game the past couple of weeks--I hope he can let loose and really shine for the final, because he's very talented.
Also, did anyone else notice that the clip of his third song in the recap (which as I understand it is compiled from the rehearsal before the show) was way better than his actual live performance? As Randy pointed out, it was a little pitchy.
Posted by: Abby | May 14, 2008 3:59 PM
I missed last night's show, but what they did to Syesha sounds a lot like what they did to Jason last week. I'm still not happy that Fox45 showed Jason's picture on the "Did American get it right" news teaser BEFORE the elimination was announced.
Posted by: Lizzie | May 14, 2008 5:35 PM
It was quite a boring night. No "WOW" performances. David Cook's "The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face" was the best. The most awkward was David A's Boo song. It seems more like it was the battle between the two judges, Simon and Randy rather than the contestants. Yeah, it was weird that Randy said that Syesha is in third place after she sings her first song. I sure do miss Jason.
Posted by: sillyme | May 14, 2008 5:47 PM
After David A and Syesha got those horrible producers' choice songs I turned to my daughter and said, "Okay, if David Cook gets a good song, it just proves what some people have been saying on the net - that the show is pushing for Cook to win." And then they give him one of the best rock ballads of all time. My whole family just burst out laughing.
I agree with those of you who think that the Davids' voting blocks will mean the end of the road for Syesha - too bad she didn't do the Sam Cook song last night instead of last week. Maybe it would have been enough.
I thought that last night David Cook showed us both the best and worst of his voice, and I applaud David A for stepping out of the ballad box.
Overall, a more interesting night than many on this season, but still not as special as other final 3 shows in some previous seasons.
Posted by: Sharon | May 14, 2008 6:39 PM
I LOVE DAVID COOk!!! i think that his last song last night was the best song of the season! I loved it, he always makes every song he sings his own. I definately think he should be the winner!!! David A. has e very goood voice but i don't think he is good enough to win. Syesha i think is going to be gone tonight even though her voice is beautiful. But she will still go far if she is done with the competition.
Posted by: Hayyyyyyhay24 | May 14, 2008 7:16 PM