The Boston Globe's Joanna Weiss was online May 7 at 1 p.m. to field all your "American Idol" questions and comments. Curious what Joanna thought of this week's competition? Catch up here.
The transcript follows.
Joanna_Weiss: Hi everyone, thanks for chatting.
Joanna_Weiss: I'll start by saying that my colleague Sarah Rodman thinks Syesha will go tonight instead of Jason...
Toine__Guest_: What did everyone think of AI last night?
Joanna_Weiss: I thought Jason HAD to go.
jkstraw__Guest_: JoJo - Ohmigod, ohmigod, ohmigod!!! Jason is a joke...Right? We're being punked...No? Hey, Mr. Mites in the Dreads Head, butcher a tune for me...He's killing me quickly with his schtick. Again, with the instruments as male enhancement...And that goes for D. Cookie Monster too. How tiring is his act? Yes, he has something going on, but it's all the same...just like his maniacally contrived hair day. S'yisha can sing, but I wonder if last year's African-American ladies would have sent her packing weeks ago. And Archie picked really good songs for him. He sounded good and sniffled appropriately at the praise bestowed by the judges. Where, in the music industry, do you see each potential finalist fitting in? How will this Idol Tour do? Do you talk as fast as you type, Ms AIT?
Joanna_Weiss: First off, I probably do talk as fast as I type. Secondly, I think there's musical precedent for both David Cook (Daughtry) and David Archuleta (Josh Groban).
Joanna_Weiss: I prefer David Cook - both to David Archuleta AND to Daughtry.
Michael_Johns__Guest_: How good do you think Sayesha is? I think both songs were disasters last night. First, she showed how weak her voice is by trying to mimic Tina Turner. David Noreiga did better with Proud Mary. While the second song was emotional for her, it was screechy torture for the rest of us.
Joanna_Weiss: I think she is a fine singer, better than most, but not remotely in the league of Whitney, Mariah, or Tina Turner. By choosing those songs, she invites comparison, and it's never a good one.
NS_Gal__Guest_: Hello Joanna; OK, so what gives with Jason? I am convinced, as are others, that he wants out, knows he is in way over his head, maybe feels a twinge of guilt and is in fact sabotaging his own performances the last few weeks. He is probably more surprised than the viewers and judges that he has been spared up to this point. It is time for him to go; take those dreads and twinkly blue (glassy) eyes and let the truly talented have a chance. Carly Smithson and Michael Johns can sing circles around Jason and just as Sanjya proved to be a spoiler last year, Jason is this year's Sanjaya, although more likeable and a bit more talented. All three judges looked disgusted and fed up with him last night, agreed?
Joanna_Weiss: I agree with the Jason/Sanjaya analogy. Where I disagree is about whether Jason feels guilt or shame himself. I'm not sure - I think it's really possible that he's not thinking or analyzing this at all.
Joanna_Weiss: Why else would he start every week by saying that he picked the songs he had actually heard of (i.e. "Memory"). How about getting online and doing a little research?
Linda__Guest_: Who should be the next American Idol? None of the above. Last night's performances were less than stellar. It was more like watching Community Auditions.
Joanna_Weiss: I agree about last night, and I agree that there's no one who feels totally breakout this season.
Joanna_Weiss: David Cook is my personal favorite, but I know some are Archuleta devotees. If either won, I don't think there'd be anything wrong with the world.
Joanna_Weiss: If Jason won, on the other hand...
Linda__Guest_: They all should go!
Joanna_Weiss: If only.
Susan_2__Guest_: Hey Joanna, did you think something was up with Cook last night? He seemed...sad.
Joanna_Weiss: Hard to say. He is going through a tough personal time, as his brother is sick.
lmd__Guest_: Call me crazy, but I think Jason may have been worse last week, no? Was it really that bad this week?
Joanna_Weiss: It all blends together in my head by now. His "Memory" might have been the worst for me.
Joanna_Weiss: But then, my editor liked it, and thought it solidified Jason as an "interpreter." I disagree. I don't think he has that kind of artistic vision. It's too clouded by the smoke.
Susan_2__Guest_: Randy seems to be unnaturally supportive of Archie. Why is that?
Joanna_Weiss: Randy loves him some runs. And Archie is all about the vocal gymnastics.
ginny__Guest_: Hi Joanna I know you're not a Jason Castro fan but can you agree at all that they seem to give more time/credit to the other contestants? Especially last night, it was all about Syesha and Jason was trashed and rushed.
Joanna_Weiss: Syesha helped herself by crying. It extended the Ryan interview. As for Jason, part of the problem is that he's not very articulate and doesn't have much to say, so it doesn't make for good video or TV.
trixxie__Guest_: I think Jason is trying to get voted off...
Joanna_Weiss: I've heard that theory. I just don't know if he's quite that analytical.
Susan_2__Guest_: I think Castro should have done something like John Mellencamp, Tom Petty or Jackson Browne. That's the kind of music he's really suited for. When he tries, he very very good.
Joanna_Weiss: He's come the closest to doing really great stuff this season. And yeah, it was kind of a cop-out to do Duran Duran.
lmd__Guest_: You don't think DC is breakout?
Joanna_Weiss: I really, really like him. I think I'm maybe being a little too hard on him. But I so LOVED his "Billie Jean," and I've been waiting in vain to get goosebumps again.
Joanna_Weiss: But he will have a career after "Idol," I agree.
Susan_2__Guest_: See now I thought Memory was actually really great. I think you have to like his style in order to appreciate his performances.
Joanna_Weiss: You're right that it's partly a matter of personal taste. I get kind of bored with the folky/coffeehouse stuff, myself, and I like rock. But again, I get bored at the sameness of his performance every week.
trixxie__Guest_: It might not be a bad thing for D. Cook to lose to Archuletta. Watching Archuletta on the interview portion is just painful for me...he is so stunted socially. He will have a hard time if he wins.
Joanna_Weiss: There are definitely David Cook fans who are worried about his fate at the hands of the "Idol" machine. And I agree that Archuleta seems pained. Too much time performing, not enough time going to high school, I say. (Don't you love pop psychology?)
Susan_2__Guest_: Now wait! That's not fair. Jason (even apparently stoned) is actually more articulate than Archie. Archie creeps me out when the criticism come. He breathes in through his nose and out his mouth like he's trying to stop himself from passing out.
Joanna_Weiss: Hmm. Archie is scared, but he's still more articulate than Jason. Jason has beautiful, vacant eyes.
Linda__Guest_: Jason doesn't have to be analytical to get voted off.
Joanna_Weiss: No, he apparently doesn't have to try at all!
Joanna_Weiss: But like Sarah Rodman, I'm a little worried that he's going to stick it out.
lmd__Guest_: I was surprised that DC admitted that he should have done more with "Hungry Like the Wolf." It seemed like the judge's comments got to him.
Joanna_Weiss: Yeah, I think maybe they did. I appreciate the honesty a bit. Kind of a crack in his armor, but not simpering like Brooke.
Jason_is_a_Riot__Guest_: I don't think Jason knows what he is best suited for - which is too bad because he could be good. Last night was a disaster but it was definitely entertaining. I am always waiting for him to take a risk, belt it out and he never does.
Joanna_Weiss: Right. That's what I like about David Cook - he always goes for the big note. Syesha, too, I guess, but somehow with her it always feels more like an impression. I think Archuleta also plays it a bit too safe. Or WAY too safe.
MikeG__Guest_: How much did Syesha hurt herself by taking what could have been a very poignant thought about the significance of "A Change is Gonna Come" and then turning it into a comment about herself? If she does go this week, I think that's going to be the biggest reason.
Joanna_Weiss: I was really struck by that, too. I'm not sure how much the contestants' commentary really matters - not as much as the judges' thoughts, I'm guessing - but that was definitely a turnoff.
Linda__Guest_: Jason C does not want to be the next AI. I get nothing from these contestants. At least last year, I got goosebumps.
Joanna_Weiss: I think last year's crop was more interesting to watch.
Joanna_Weiss: As for goosebumps, sometimes.
Zip__Guest_: I feel like we've been stuck in a funk on Idol for about a month, since Michael Johns' elimination. Do you think it's time Idol tried something new and allowed a second chance night for previously voted off contestants?
Joanna_Weiss: That would be another good idea for producers to consider as they rejigger the formula for next year. It works sometimes for "Project Runway."
Jason_is_a_Riot__Guest_: I try and try to like Syesha but I am always bored - turn the channel - during he performances. Archie too for that matter - yawn
Joanna_Weiss: That's my big beef with this season: There's a sameness to most performances, and it gets dull fast.
lmd__Guest_: I loved Billy Jean, too, but I also loved "Always Be My Baby" (not a fan of the original), and I thought "Music of the Night" was really strong, if not goosebump material. I think he's been as consistent as a contestant could be (I know your a fan and I'm preaching to the choir).
Joanna_Weiss: I liked "Music of the Night," too. He's by far the closest to goosebumps for me.
Aubrey__Guest_: Yeah, but isn't Cook the same every week with his rock style performances and Archuleta with his message ballads and Syesha with her poor imitations of the big divas?
Joanna_Weiss: No, I think he shakes it up a bit more. See: "Music of the Night," in which he did the surprising thing by singing it straight. He often chooses surprising arrangements (even if they're not his own). That's what was disappointing about "Hungry Like the Wolf:" compared to what he can do, it was flat.
Jason_is_a_Riot__Guest_: I saw on your blog that you thought that DC's arrogance is really confidence - comes across as so schmarmy and cocky. I really like him, think he is great but I like the humble DC.
Joanna_Weiss: I think it's confidence, but I have heard complaints.
Susan_2__Guest_: They all do the same thing every week. The only one who changed things up was Michael Johns and he got criticized and ultimately voted off because no one could get a bead on him.
Joanna_Weiss: He had tough standards to live by. And toward the end, he was getting close to goosebumps, too. I was mad when he left: He had potential. He was much better than Jason or Brooke.
Linda__Guest_: It pains me that one of them will be the next AI.
Joanna_Weiss: Well, after the show is over, the title holds very little interest or significance for me. Or for a lot of other people.
Jinglejangle__Guest_: Jason's goodbye song should be riveting. Either another forget the lyrics or he sticks it to the judges and does Bob Marley again. I actually gave him some credit for shot the sheriff. He really tried to emote for the first time ever, but sadly it only served to illustrate that all he can do is quietly strum and mumble (literally!) folk tunes.
Joanna_Weiss: I agree that he tried to put a little energy into it. But it was still very weak.
RC__Guest_: Do you think Paula Abdul in a way discredits Randy and Simon with her always positive comments? Or is it more of a matter of her trying to keep the contestants in a positive frame of mind?
Joanna_Weiss: I think that's just Paula. And on some level, I actually respect it. She has done a lot of performing, for better or worse, and she sees it as her duty to point out that performing under pressure is hard. It's actually worth remembering. I think she gives the show a little bit of heart (as well as ditziness).
Linda__Guest_: Maybe they are all just tired?
Joanna_Weiss: I'm sure they are. But that's no excuse when you're in a competition like this.
Michael_Johns__Guest_: With the exception of Baba O'Reilly, were any of those songs rock songs? They were the typical idol drivel. Insipid and syrupy. With so many great upbeat songs to choose from, why do they continue to select such sappy songs?
Joanna_Weiss: They were on the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame list, but yes, "rock" is clearly defined broadly there. I think all of them (Cook a little less so, but I'm biased) are limited by the narrowness of their interests as singers.
Joanna_Weiss: I do sort of wish the producers/judges would have acknolwedged this problem earlier in the season and stepped in and chosen more songs for them. The rules are ever-changing here, and that would have improved the show.
Zip__Guest_: I'm dedicating my performance on the chat today to the women's sufferage movement, and also to me, myself and I and the difficulties I face when voting for Idol
Joanna_Weiss: Perfect! Will it incur the readers' sympathy or wrath? And are you crying right now?
Jason_is_a_Riot__Guest_: I liked Brooke and thought she did a good job with Diamond week. I truly think she has a heart of gold and while the goodie, goodie is sometimes over the top, it's just us cynics - I felt badly for her.
Joanna_Weiss: I agree that I'm a cynic. Maybe too much so, but journalism will do that to you. Still, I thought there was also something calculated about Brooke's goody two-shoes image that really irked me.
trixxie__Guest_: You could argue that everyone has suffered from "sameness" this season...Dave A with his ballads, Dave C with his EMO stylings and Castro and Brooke with their folksyness...No one has really crossed their comfort zone.
Joanna_Weiss: Again, I appeal to the producers: If the contestants can't shake it up themselves, force them to do it.
becky__Guest_: The main problem is that a few really good performers were vited off too early. Carley and Michael were really trying and had something to offer.
Joanna_Weiss: Agreed, agreed. It kind of disproves any voting conspiracies, no?
jkstraw__Guest_: Those aren't goosebumps...they're hives!
Joanna_Weiss: Hee.
paluaisdelicious__Guest_: Did Paula look unusually hot last nite?
Joanna_Weiss: Um, not my territory. But if you say so.
Linda__Guest_: And I literally run home on Tuesday nights for this? Sigh.
Joanna_Weiss: Right. I'll bet a lot of people were saying that last night.
Jason_is_a_Riot__Guest_: Does anyone know what David Cook's "AC" on his guitar and jacket stand for?
Joanna_Weiss: It stands for his brother - Andrew Cook, I think - who is suffering from cancer. (It is not, contrary to some belief, half of AC/DC.)
RC__Guest_: How much does Archuleta's stage presense effect him? I feel like he does the same routine every time with his arms/hands out and never really moves around or does anything showy
Joanna_Weiss: I think it's a problem for him - contributes to the anti's. But it's offset by the fact that he's a much better singer than Jason or Syesha.
lmd__Guest_: IMO, I think the themes this year stunk. Neil Diamond?? Don't they know their demographic?
Joanna_Weiss: I thought Neil Diamond was actually better than Mariah Carey, as a theme. Her songs are indiscernable from each other. In the past, they've done well with 50s week. It's a matter of giving the singers interesting tunes.
Jinglejangle__Guest_: I agree that Syesha has stepped up her performances, confidence and look since ALW week. 1st song was very good, 2nd mediocre, but she certainly didn't deserve to get ripped to shreds by Randy. Simon definitely switched his analysis after she cried. That's the only NEW thing we learned last night - Simon actually can be merciful.
Joanna_Weiss: True. Maybe the first-kiss reveal during last week's results show truly got to him.
Joanna_Weiss: And I hadn't thought of whether he actually switched his analysis, but you could be right.
becky__Guest_: Maybe now I can understand the people who only like the auditions (sort of). At least at that stage there's hope for greatness from some of these kids. At this point in the show, we've been disappointed by all of them.
Joanna_Weiss: I don't know. I find the auditions excruciating, whether the wannabes are good or bad.
MikeG__Guest_: Seems to me that David Cook's been spending waaaaay too much time singing in his lower register lately, ever since that ordinary Our Lady Peace song (which sounded to me like he was trying to imitate that band). Do you agree that he's better off sticking to stuff that utilizes his higher notes a bit more?
Joanna_Weiss: I thought last night he was going for a Pixies/Nirvana sort of thing: start off slow, then blast into the upper register. I agree that he sounds better in the upper notes, but I sort of appreciate what he was trying to do.
RC__Guest_: Why does Syesha continually sing diva songs? The way to stick out on AI is to sing something nobody expects you to and rock it in your own way a la David Cook
Joanna_Weiss: She's been warned, and she doesn't listen. All I can think is that she considers herself a Whitney type, and won't be persuaded otherwise.
Michael_Johns__Guest_: I'm in a pool in which we select the order of the voting. I had Syesha being voted off as #12. Why is she still here? She's a weak and unmemorbable performer. While Paula congratulates her for her magic and her journey, I think she compares poorly to her peers. When comparing her to others who sing in her style, she does not fair well. Cook and
Joanna_Weiss: Oops, this got cut off. And yeah, Syesha falls short for me, too. If she chose smaller songs that she could master, I'd probably like her more.
Linda__Guest_: I wish we could turn back time, and start this season all over again.
Joanna_Weiss: Maybe Paula can help us!
Joanna_Weiss: (Sorry, that was a gimme.)
Michael_Johns__Guest_: Cook and Archuleta do compare well.
Joanna_Weiss: It'll be interesting to see who gets more votes. It will say a lot about the "Idol" voting population, I think.
Michael_Johns__Guest_: Anybody else think the mix was way off last night? I could hardly hear the band on
Joanna_Weiss: I've heard that complaint a lot.
lmd__Guest_: Yes, after the show is over we just pity the person who gets sucked into that contract.
Joanna_Weiss: Right. Although Carrie Underwood is doing OK.
Aubrey__Guest_: It bugs me because sometimes the judges tell the contestants that they didn't make the song original enough or "their own" and then when they just don't like what they did they say you changed it too much or that didn't sound like the original. They did it last night with Jason saying the Bob Marley song was "nothing like the original" Well isn't that what they want, they love David Cook for doing his original stuff. They are just so hypocritical and have predetermined notions of who should win.
Joanna_Weiss: I think it's sometimes imprecise, what the judges say. But there's a difference between putting an original spin on a song and running every song through the exact same filter. I think that's what they're trying to get at.
ozzie__Guest_: Jason Castro has not only hurt himself on Idol but any chance of getting a record deal. WHo would sign someone who appears to not be serious about his future......Is he stoned or just stupid? David Cook has an attitude that rubs me the wrong way.....Syesha...wow ..I never realized how beautiful she was until she started getting into her zone....no chance of winning.....David A is the one who will take the Blue Ribbon as he seems to the most consistent and the little girls just love him........I have a 9 year old daughter at home who said to my wife and I last night that she thought he was soooo cute. I just about swallowed my chewing tobacco as it was the first time she has ever talked about a boy in those terms
Joanna_Weiss: My 3-year-old doesn't like him. She misses Carly!
Jason_is_a_Riot__Guest_: Tonight will be amusing watching Jason go - his reaction (or lack thereoh) will be hilarious. I agree with one chatter that he doesn't care about being the next AI. Probably did it as a bet with friends for a bag of weed. Actually, what will be more amusing (and really too bad as I like him but he has bombed) is his reaction if he stays
Joanna_Weiss: To the extent that there are synapses in there, he will be confused.
jkstraw__Guest_: Were you surprised not to see Pete Townshend windmill/scissor kick and R. Daultry ads from DC on Baba O'R?
Joanna_Weiss: He's not much for the movements, actually. It's kind of a weakness of his. But better to skip the rocker moves than to do them really badly.
Joanna_Weiss: Taylor Hicks notwithstanding.
Jinglejangle__Guest_: Bottom line on Michael Johns and Carly is they weren't AMERICANS. Killed them in my view and Carly combined that with her un-attractive tatoo that was on display too often and then her husbands absolutely nasty tats totalled three strikes.
Joanna_Weiss: I do think the image stuff hurt. And the foreign stuff probably didn't help either one of them. It's too bad, though.
Linda__Guest_: I agree with RC, I think Paula is trying to keep the contestants in a positive frame of mind.
Joanna_Weiss: And really, there's nothing wrong with that. It IS brutal up there. And I hope none of them are reading blogs or chats!
Bethy__Guest_: Back to what Zip said about bringing back voted off contestants - I would love to see like a 4 week contest between past contestants from previous seasons. Have the judges pick some and have fans vote for some. I think that would be great to watch.
Joanna_Weiss: Who knows...I'm going to put together a wish list for the "Idol" producers. Because I know they would listen to me.
trixxie__Guest_: I saw Jason's attempt at emotion during I shot the sheriff more as...how hilarious am I...I on national tv, baked and singing Bob Marley and I probably still won't get voted off...
Joanna_Weiss: I have so much trouble deciding whether he's thinking or not! But there's definitely a "Dude, Where's my lyrics" sense of amusement around him.
Linda__Guest_: Good one, Zip!
Joanna_Weiss: Three cheers for Zip. Nigel Lythgoe, take note.
Zip__Guest_: I am willing to cry for as long as I am still on camera
Joanna_Weiss: Keep those tears rolling. They kept Brooke White in for a good three weeks.
Jason_is_a_Riot__Guest_: "Limited by the narrowness" that is what I am finding surprising with Jason - he doesn't seem to have a favorite artist (Marley?) or even a label. We all have favorite artists...is he a Dead head, does he like Dave Matthews, Bruce Springsteen etc
Joanna_Weiss: I think his musical horizons are very limited. And very recent. He has probably heard of the Grateful Dead, but has he listened?
Aubrey__Guest_: Here's a question - How many of the reviweers of Idol have any kind of musical background to be used a basis of judgment? I read so many things where the person is writing about the contestants ability, but do they really know? I thought Cook sounded awful doing Music of the Night but I guess he was good, according to the music critics.
Joanna_Weiss: How many people who buy pop records have a musical background? You don't have to have a trained ear (or even a sense of pitch) to be able to recognize what you like.
Jason_is_a_Riot__Guest_: You and my Mom - who likes Syesha - who also is a "fake" :)
Joanna_Weiss: Syesha is a fake? Or your mom?
MikeG__Guest_: Seems like any time the contestants try to "shake it up," the judges chastise them for doing something that's not right for them. And when they don't, they're called boring. Seems like they're sort of stuck to me.
Joanna_Weiss: But that's Jason's problem, and Syesha's, and David A's: They don't shake it up, they just put every song through the same filter. Not the same thing.
lmd__Guest_: I think Brooke really was that goody-goody; I think some of it is the LDS connection.
Joanna_Weiss: Wait, she's LDS? I thought that was just David Archuleta. Not that I want to get into a whole religion thing.
Michael_Johns__Guest_: My wife says that it's the teenage girls sitting at home playing with themselves and voting for Jason. This is who is voting. It's no wonder why the best singer , Carly, was voted out. She doesn't get the teenage girl vote.
Joanna_Weiss: There is something to be said for playing to a demographic. And Carly didn't have the same kind of natural base.
Joanna_Weiss: Oh my, did I just let something dirty into this chat? Don't tell my editors.
Bethy__Guest_: I think it's just me, but I have this pet peeve where people say someone was "voted off." Because it's not like Survivor where some is actually voted off, people are eliminated for not having enough votes. Just wanted to see if I'm the only one who thought that.
Joanna_Weiss: I'll put it to the crowd. Hadn't thought of it that way, myself.
lmd__Guest_: But as much as I like MJ, he was stalled for quite a while. Remember "Light My Fire"? He didn't reach that intensity again for weeks.
Joanna_Weiss: Right, he wasn't consistently goosebumpy. But then, neither was (beat dead horse) Jason.
Michael_Johns__Guest_: Is Sayesha still in the contest because she gets the African American vote? I can't imagine any other reason for her to be standing and Carly is at home.
Joanna_Weiss: I think she is a good singer (if not great) and that has helped her. There are some voters who do choose based on technical ability.
jkstraw__Guest_: The show is so slow and boring now, perhaps it should be renamed American Idle...
Joanna_Weiss: I'll inform the producers right away.
JJ__Guest_: I really think they should raise the minimum age...there's something that bugs me about these kids like David A singing love songs when I have to assume he knows nothing of heartbreak or love...
Joanna_Weiss: I've been saying that for weeks! 21 to 35, I say.
Jason_is_a_Riot__Guest_: While his song choices are sappy (never sang a love song? what) I think Archie is actually pretty good on stage for a 17 yr old. It is when he is being judged that is painful. If he wins, he will faint for sure.
Joanna_Weiss: He's very poised for a 17-year-old, but he projects unhappiness.
star__Guest_: i am sure this has been said multiple times so far today, BUT song choice this year is pathetic. and i really think that past contests that didn't win could beat anyone of this kids - Bo Bice??
Joanna_Weiss: I agree. Maybe not Diana DeGarmo, but definitely Katharine McPhee. Or my boy Blake.
jkstraw__Guest_: If the judges were still voting, would the performances be better?
Joanna_Weiss: I doubt it.
JJ__Guest_: I think we all agree that Jason should go...he clearly has the least talent or appeal, but am I the only one who kind of expects he'll stay, if only because reason doesn't seem to enter into it usually?
Joanna_Weiss: My colleague Sarah Rodman agrees. As do some chatters, I think. I wouldn't be surprised if he stayed, given how this season has gone.
IdolFan22__Guest_: You may have answered this already but do you believe that Jason Castro has basicailly had enough of this competiion, like he has basically checked out? Or do you believe its possible that he may already have some sort of record deal or believes he can get one without the competition?
Joanna_Weiss: I think he's been on the same autopilot for weeks. He won't be crushed if he's knocked off, but he also isn't actively trying to go.
Linda__Guest_: I laughed out loud when Syesha did the Tina Turner dance!
Joanna_Weiss: I gave her points for trying...
paluaisdelicious__Guest_: What do you think Carly was thinking sitting behind the judges? Man, how did I get voted off and Jason is still doing his Tiny Tim imitation?!
Joanna_Weiss: I would not be surprised if that thought crossed her mind...
Jason_is_a_Riot__Guest_: Remember the kid that lived in his car - wonder how he would have done?
Joanna_Weiss: I'm not sure he had it in him, either. He couldn't stay in time with the band, which would not have been fun to hear.
Michael_Johns__Guest_: Should I shell out the money to take my 7 year old to see the tour when is comes around here?
Joanna_Weiss: It's not something I would do. But it depends on how happy it would make her, no?
star__Guest_: also does anyone else not that that david cook is all he is cracked up to be? everyone just keeps saying he is soooo original - but i really have only heard him doing covers of other real rockstar's versions of ballads or pap songs, when he is supposed to be making it his "own"
Joanna_Weiss: I know there are some people who take issue with his covers. And I agree that he's not as original as Blake could be last season. But given that almost everything the "Idols" do is a cover, I don't subtract a lot of points from him for that.
Aubrey__Guest_: I read an article today that said that if Jason doesn't actually get the least amount of votes then the producers should "intervene" and send him home anyway. Now even if you're not a fan, you can't agree that they should do that. Isn't the show about America and who they want to win?
Joanna_Weiss: I agree with you - at this point, when the die is cast, it's cast. If the producers interfere with the voting, THEN "Idol" loses its credibility.
mel__Guest_: I think of the three Archuleta is the least likely to sell a lot of records....I could be way off, but I wouldn't buy his music. He has a phenomenal talent, but is so sterile and not connected.
Joanna_Weiss: Two words: Josh Groban. (Am I spelling his name right? Because I would never buy his records in a zillion years.)
jkstraw__Guest_: Chats with guys chewing tobacco...Will you be covering NASCAR for the Globe next?
Joanna_Weiss: Are you chewing right now? Thanks for the info. And, um, as for NASCAR, probably not.
Michael_Johns__Guest_: Jinglejangle, Michael and Carly are Americans. We
Michael_Johns__Guest_: We are all imigrants.
Joanna_Weiss: This will be an interesting general election...
NS_Gal__Guest_: I'm thinking Castro should be known from now on as Jingle Jangle Jason.
Joanna_Weiss: I'm in.
Michael_Johns__Guest_: I just reviewed the list of 500 songs. It's official, they chose 7 of the worst songs last night.
Joanna_Weiss: Hmph.
Jason_is_a_Riot__Guest_: Yes, I am always surprised when the contestants are not familiar with ANY of the music from the week's theme. Didn't they have parents (like Chickeze - hey, what about Chickeze) that brought them up on all types of different music. Using me as an example, I like rock but my family exposed me to 50's music, rockabilly, R&B, dance, grunge etc.
Joanna_Weiss: Oh, yeah, I do still miss Chikeze. And yeah, it does make you wonder what Jason Castro's parents listen to at home.
Linda__Guest_: Aubrey: One does not have to have a musical background to know that these contestants are not good. C'mon.
Joanna_Weiss: Even if you don't know yourself, Simon will gladly tell you!
CookeCRAZY__Guest_: I swear I had a dream last night that there was a big shock and Syesha was voted off . . . . it was so *real* and vivid, that I actually had to ask my husband this morning what day it was. Am I crazy to have dreams about this stuff? And do you see a *shock* coming when we all expect Jason to go?
Joanna_Weiss: Trust me, I've had weirder dreams. And this was the week a couple of seasons ago when Daughtry - then the favorite - got knocked off, so anything could happen.
CookeCRAZY__Guest_: I've said since the beginning that the viewers should be voting for who they want out - not in. Basically since everyone pretty much can agree on who is the worst - just can't always agree on who's the best. Thoughts?
Joanna_Weiss: I've heard that before, and haven't yet spent a lot of brainpower really thinking about how it would work. I guess it works for "Big Brother," so it might be worth a try. I'd rather seem them limit the voting per household, though, I think.
catnap_2__Guest_: I think the voting for Idol should be more like Dancing with the Stars - limit the number of votes per phone and have the judges have some say in who goes.
Joanna_Weiss: I'm not sure I love that calculation, either - adding in the judges. But it's worth considering.
M__Guest_: I miss Michael and Carly they would have made the top 4 much more interesting. The end will be David v. David. And next year I think they should have mentors that aren't trying to sell their new albums.
Joanna_Weiss: Good luck on that! Too much of TV is about promotion.
MikeG__Guest_: On what Bethy said--I think we'd be better off if we were allowed to actually vote people off, an idea that I think may have been raised in previous chats.
Joanna_Weiss: Another vote for Big Brother. Worth considering.
mikbos__Guest_: I dont think ANY of these contestants are goosebumpy .... they all lack true charisma and stage presence which were apparent with Daughtry, Underwood and Clarkson. Ironically - although many people think Sayesha is week - I think she has the brightest future out of this season's entries - She will be a HUGE success on Broadway.
Joanna_Weiss: She'll do better on Broadway than in a pop studio, that's for sure. And there's nothing wrong with Broadway as an aspiration.
Linda__Guest_: Well, instead of them singing two songs, why can't they just sing one song (with more time).
Joanna_Weiss: I think 90 seconds of Jason singing "I Shot the Sheriff" was enough for me.
Jason_is_a_Riot__Guest_: Yes, and Archie also projects the stress levels of a 45 yr old -poor kid. Hear, hear to raising the age
Joanna_Weiss: 21!
JJ__Guest_: ewww Blake?
Joanna_Weiss: Don't diss him! (not that I've heard any of his new stuff)
RC__Guest_: They should have a week where the contestants pick songs for each other...I don't think they've ever done that have they?
Joanna_Weiss: I agree, that would shake it up, too. But would they be nice, or try to sabotage?
Joanna_Weiss: I'm actually afraid they'd be too nice.
Jo__Guest_: What could David A's career look like if he wins - an album of ballads? Would they try to spice him up?
Joanna_Weiss: It would be ballad-mania. Blurg.
M__Guest_: Syesha - I said to my husband before she even said what artist/song she was going to due that in that get up she was doing Tina. I wish I could predict the lottery so well.
Joanna_Weiss: Predicting the lottery is much harder than predicting this crop of contestants. (No disrespect to your triumph!)
ross__Guest_: Jason Castro may not be the best, but he is DIFFERENT...something Idol needs to be a better show. There are so many "typical" and "predictable" contestants and winners....its getting old.
Joanna_Weiss: He's different, and that was refreshing at first, but by now...
nickname__Guest_: How much influence does votefortheworst.com have in the voting?
Joanna_Weiss: I honestly think it's minimal.
MikeG__Guest_: How much choreography goes into these performances? Syesha looked a little too choreographed to me during "Proud Mary." And it cracked me up earlier in the season when Chikezie, during his farewell song, reached into the crowd at the exact same point he did during the previous night's performance.
Joanna_Weiss: Good question, Mike, and I don't know the true answer. Clearly when there are instruments onstage, the producers have some hand in setting it up. As for Syesha's exact dance moves, I don't know. It could have been her.
Jason_is_a_Riot__Guest_: You might find that you daughter has moved on to other interests by the time the tour gets here. As Joanna indicated, many of us quickly forget about AI, its winner and contestants shortly afterwards.
Joanna_Weiss: Bravo for saving someone upwards of $100!
Zip__Guest_: When Kristy Leigh Cooke was a disaster it was sort of entertaining in an appalling way, wasn't it? WAIT Am I being wistful for KLC!!! Oh No!
Joanna_Weiss: Wow. This is what "Idol" has come to.
JJ__Guest_: I may be alone but I actually thought Syesha's Proud Mary performance (the vocal and the dance) was good
Joanna_Weiss: I give her credit for bringing the energy. But she's no Tina.
Joanna_Weiss: And all I can think about when I see someone dancing around to Proud Mary is Tina.
MikeG__Guest_: Don't know if I'm the only one, but I've found that the only way to stomach Archuleta's performances is to NOT look at the screen. At least during last night's first round, he was the best vocally by far (as much as that pains me to say).
Joanna_Weiss: I do think it helps...
Joanna_Weiss: Alas, folks, it's 2 already, and I'm going to have to sign off soon. I'm going to try to post a lot of the remaining comments. Can't wait to see more comments tonight, too...
Michael_Johns__Guest_: Mr. Tamourine Man is enterd as a Byrds song, not Dylan
Joanna_Weiss: Interesting. On the Hall of Fame list. But Dylan wrote it.
Linda__Guest_: Jingle Jangle Jason! Love it!
RC__Guest_: What percentage of the voters do you think actually vote based on performance versus who they will vote for each week no questions asked?
Joanna_Weiss: Hmm, 50/50 maybe? Good question.
mikbos__Guest_: i dont really understand your comparison of Groban and Archuleta - groban sings with more feeling than archuleta could ever dream of...
Joanna_Weiss: Same sap.
Linda__Guest_: Bring back Chickeze!
JJ__Guest_: About song choice...imagine you were trying to choose a song to sing in a competition like this that was a hit thirty years ago...if I were 20 and doing that, I would have been looking for songs from the early 50s...and would have as little clue as they do. Then again, they did sign up for this.
Jason_is_a_Riot__Guest_: I really like the process on SYTYCD - also Nigel produced. Good feedback, quick process, none of the banter etc.
JJ__Guest_: Mariah Carey is good for scaring away wild animals...there was seriously a news story about this. Scientific study of how to keep the wild beasts away...the only thing that ALWAYS worked was Mariah music.
mikbos__Guest_: i disagree with adopting dancing with the stars voting logic - it is clearly flawed since that heavy girl seems to keep hanging on - talk about awkward television she is about as graceful as a cow on ice skates
MikeG__Guest_: Do you think the show will stick around long enough that we'll eventually end up with a former winner--or, better yet, someone who didn't win but made it big anyway--as a guest mentor?
jkstraw__Guest_: Do you think Rush Limbaugh is having DWTS watchers call in and vote to create chaos?
lmd__Guest_: 21 to 30
paluaisdelicious__Guest_: 21 to 40
JJ__Guest_: sorry to diss your beatbox boy. i just never saw the appeal
Linda__Guest_: Good point, Joanna (about Jason singing 90 seconds of "I Shot the Sheriff").
M__Guest_: David A's album of ballards - that would make him the next Barry Manillow.
Linda__Guest_: No-one under 21 should be admitted to AI.
Jason_is_a_Riot__Guest_: Yeah, or make it opposities week - rock for Archie, country for Syesha, R&B for Cook, uh, Jason - I couldn't say......grunge?
stoner_castro__Guest_: will this chat end by 4:19?
Zip__Guest_: Syesha has badly imitated all the greats at the top of Mt. Diva -- Tina, Whitney, Mariah, who could possibly be next?
jkstraw__Guest_: Do you see David Archuleta following the same path as past child actors like Danny Bonaduce?
mikbos__Guest_: good lord how can ross_guest say that jason is different??? maybe his first performance was different - but ever since all we get is a whole lot of the SAME ... talk about predictable???
lmd__Guest_: I think most of the contestants have been different this year; not consistent, but different. They play instruments, they have different voices and singing styles. The inconsistency comes from the pressure of performing on live TV week after week, and all the other crap they have them do.
Linda__Guest_: I wonder if Tina watched the show!
JJ__Guest_: the singing is fine--she hit the notes--and the dancing was tight. Broadway bound she is.
Linda__Guest_: Yeah, lunch break over.
lmd__Guest_: Who's going to see the summer show?
lop__Guest_: Any reaons it wasn't mentioned that Proud Mary was actually written and preformed by Creedance Clearwater Revival?
Jess__Guest_: how does any american not know the words to tambourine man? castro is number one for me, but come on!
Jess__Guest_: i love jason castro.
Joanna_Weiss: Thanks again, everyone...See you next week!
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