'Idol:' We are the Champions
David Cook, David Cook, David Cook. Not only do we get some insight into the combover (lifelong obsession with his unusually large forehead) but we get a very risky, very cool, very unexpected performance in that final slot. My viewing party's reaction went from "He's doing 'Billie Jean?'" to "He's doing 'Billie Jean.'"
At first it sounded strange, like he couldn't quite lock into the tempo, and I worried that an iconic Michael Jackson dance track -- or rather, Chris Cornell's cover of an iconic Michael Jackson dance track -- wouldn't translate to 'American Idol' pseudo-rock. But then Cook locked in, and let go. Combover or no, I have a crush.
So if he wins Best Performance By a Mile, then Most Shameless Pandering to the 'Idol' Heartland award goes to Kristy Lee Cook, who turns in a heartfelt performance of America's red state anthem. (Voice from my viewing party: "She should have a picture of Sean Hannity behind her.") Simon was right: smart move. And he was also right that she turned in her best performance yet - I'll take that anytime over a Lee Greenwood version of "Eight Days a Week."
Other thoughts, as they come to me:
1) Poor Ramiele. She's sweet, and she tries, but she's just a little out of her league here: a karaoke singer trying to make it to the Show. I don't think she'll be here long.
2) Syesha has serious pipes, she sang well tonight, and she makes the diva stuff look fairly effortless, as opposed to Carly, who carries herself as the Hardest Working Woman in Idoldom.
3) Speaking of Carly, her choice of "Total Eclipse of the Heart" met with different and immediate reactions from my viewing party. (Those born in the '70s: "I love this song!" Those born in the '60s: "I hate this song!") Count me in the "love" category; I think this was a good choice for Carly, though I wish she'd ended it quietly -- like, you know, a broken-winged blackbird -- rather than with yet another glory note.
4) David Archuleta might miss his prom. The audience gives a sad little "awww," even though he's no Zac Efron. And Simon was right: this song did sound like something from a theme park, though instead of animatronic elves, I sort of pictured him surrounded by fresh-faced teens in rainbow-colored costumes.
5) Individually, I like all of Brooke's sad-barefoot-girl-at-the-piano performances. If you put them together, though, I think they'd all sound exactly the same. It would be like attending a Natalie Merchant concert, which perhaps is Brooke's point.
6) Does Jason Castro get honesty points or brainlessness-demerits for admitting that he could have practiced more? Or do we just chalk it up to the munchies?
7) Was I the only person yelling at the TV screen, "Chikeze! Don't do it! Don't sing a ballad!"? But no, he had to go and follow his heart. Remember the crazy dancing, America!
8) This was definitely my favorite Michael Johns performance yet, though he lacks the boldness of my boy David Cook. Michael might know how to rock us, but for tonight, Cook is the Champion of the World.
I agree with you on ALL points tonight. As soon as Ramiele and KL go, the decisions will get tougher, I think.
WIth regard to David Cook, who I love more than life itself (lol), I have been thinking lately that perhaps it would be better if he DIDN'T win the prize........look where Chris Daughtry is now. Do you think that if DC won, he would be stifiled by the rules and regs of Idol? Or even slightly "shunned" by the rock world for not having enough credibility........I don't know. I just hope this boy goes far. I have been constantly listening to his CD (released in 2006) and to me, it's the best thing I have heard in a long long time.......thanks for a great blog!
I love David C. From the first week, he is awesome! Now everyone else is paying attention too! Can't wait to see what he sings next week.
By far, David Cook is th best performer up there. My favorite is till "Hello". I never liked the song until Mr. Cook did it. I never thought I would buy any Idol music except for now. My only fear is that his head may get too big for his body. I thought that last week. He is still the one to beat.
DAVID COOK ROCKS!
David Good was a joke, that was chris cornell from soundgarden cover
Agree on all counts. I also thought "Billie Jean?" and yet again David Cook takes a song and turns it into something I would go out and buy today. David has the ability to morph from week to week and with the one exception of his rendition of Day Tripper and behaving as though it was his personal concert, he can do no wrong and while Michael Johns has an equally powerful voice, he doesn't try anything innovative.
Love Total Eclipse and do think it was the right song for Carly but she definitely goes over-the-top with her performances. If she tones it down a bit, she'll be OK. But what was up with the remark about having gone to the bathroom before her performance. Way TMI!
Did not care for Archuleta's choice of song; being 16 years old he had so many good songs to choose from, why THAT one? Very Disney-esque musical number but not in a good way. His voice and popularity with the girls will spare him.
Jason Castro has to break out of his comfort zone or his time is up soon. Those baby blues and I -want-to-adopt-you smile will only get him so far.
I like Brooke's style and she would have done well with a Bonnie Raitt song. Make the most of that raspy voice and do something bluesy. Would love to hear her sing I Can't Make You Love Me.
Syesha can belt it out and does nice renditions but not sure she has what it takes to beat out David Cook.
This leaves Ramiele and Chikezie. Ah, what to do with Ramiele? She'd be good in a touring company of Miss Saigon. You nailed it when you said she is out of her league but her adorability factor might save her over Chikezie who I think will be heading home tonight.
Seriously, Jason Castro is as high as a kite. He is so stoned you half expect to pull a Jeff Spicoli ("Dude that's my head") while rapping with Seacrest.
I don't understand tweener fascination with David Archuleta. It's obvious now that he can't sing an uptempo song and his "I'm not worthy" attiude is wearing thin.
At the end of the competition, it's obvious that only Johns and Cook have any serious chops ... Tattoo might stick around for the finals but having a husband with tats all over his face is a major handicap. Chikezie is a Dow Joneser (up and down) and Brooke stands out in an acoustic cafe but her vocal range is limited (to her credit, she chooses songs well).
Sorry, but David Cook's performance was plodding and ponderous. Really awful.
Why is it pandering to sing a patriotic song. Not everyone in America hates this country. There are even people in Boston who love America.
michael johns has it all! voice, looks and charisma!
David Cook sounded great, but again - its Chris Cornell's version (which thankfully Idol did say when introducing him). A version that David Cook did exactly the same as Cornell's, which came out about on his solo cd a year ago. So while good, its not exactly original and didn't turn it into his own.....cause its already been done.
Man, it's sobering when your "songs from my dorm" become someone else's "songs from my crib."
Loved David Cook's performance the best last night. Say what you want but the guy can really sing, just listen to the note he belted out and held on Billie Jean. Also, I think Carly is underrated. She has a very unique quality to her voice. I think she should be the dark horse.
As usual, I agree with Joanna on all points, esp. regarding Castro and Cook. David Cook has surprisingly grown on me. I absolutely loved his performance last night. I still think Michael Johns is great too, and really enjoyed his last two performances. Although I like Carly and Brooke, I think the guys might have more talent this season! Keep up the great blogs, Joanna!
Michael John's is a poseur. Stop signing Queen songs, they'll never compare to F Mercury amazing voice. Seacrest said it was a Cornell cover at the intro JOE... pay attention.
Why rip Cook for performing a Cornell version of Billie Jean? I dont see many "original" versions of songs coming out of anyone else! Sure, there HAVE been some, but not many.
Cook is only doing what everyone else is doing....he simply does it better.
It is obvious that the great ones, Carly - David and Michael outshine all the others!!!
I can't wait for Carly to pick out a song that lets hear her marvelous voice!
S Coleman, you forgot about Christy Lee Cook!
And that is why she will be gone soon :)
Love the blog. Little Miss Filipina will be gone tonight unless the karoke are furiously punching out the votes. Dave Cook rocks.
David Cook was awsome last night as he is every other week but Michael Johns really blew us away considering they don't give him enough credit ever. Everything about his performance was perfect. Brooke did really well even if she did do the piano bit once again we all know she can do a killer performance without it or even with a guitar. I think Carly could have picked a better song and she did not sing it well at all. My Jason had another bad week and I'm hoping he pulls it together and shows us what he really can do. David Archuleta is a cutie and sang his heart out but that song was horrible. Ramiele, Chekezie and Kristy Lee will be the next to go but not sure in what order. Lets hope next week is another good night for our boys and girls =)
poor big jim...Sad to see the "Flag decal next to the silhouette of a stripper" fad go out the door just as you got yours stuck on the 12-cylinder pickup to "prove" your love for America? The only thing worse than the pseudo patriotism of neo-con thickhead righties is using a song like that to keep yourself on a reality show, which is what she did. She mocked the job of fighting soldiers and everyday heroes. Not to mention, that KLC already had a record deal, video, and performance deal with Britney's company AND lived in Dallas, TX to do all that...far cry from "I have never left my little home town" - She is a liar, not a patriot.
People who love America question the path it is on. They don't drink the coolaid. 4000 dead isn't patriotic either...but then, AI gets more viewers than the war does.
David, Michael and Carly - they are the best of the best!!! I can't wait to hear them sing together.
It doesn't matter if they don't win the Idol, they will surely get some contracts.
Syesha has a great potential too but I don't see why Brooke is getting all the credit instead-her performances are all the same, like castro too...
David Cook really made "Billie Jean" his own. That was true originality - no small feat since is was an iconic song from the 80's and from Michael Jackson.
I love Brooke. All of my friends hate her. She has one style - she's limited, but what a genuine style it is. She is authentic.
Jason and Ramille have to go. Cute bubble gum kids, but won't make it to the final four.
I started to vomit when Kristy Lee Cooke sang that god awful "fried chicken, apple pie, chevorlet" song. But I think it was because I despise the song. It was a smart move on her part. She lacks charisma and stage presence though.
David Archuletta has the "aw shucks aint he cute" vote, but he needs more grooming and maturity. He'll probably make it to the top five.
Love Syesha. She should be in the final four. Star quality and pipes to boot.
Chikzee is a great entertainer and performer. He should stick with that - a la Taylor Hicks without the cheese factor.
Michael Johns started out during Hollywood week with great potential - he has stumbled since. Last night was pretty close but he can't keep doing "Queen" songs. He lacks the punch that Freddy Mercury delivered.
My prediction: final five will be (should be) David Cook, Brook White, Michael Johns, Carly, and Syesha. Gotta go: Kristy Lee Cook, Jason, and Ramille. On the fence with Chikezee and David A.
Joanna, agree with you nearly 100% today! Our work Idol discussion group has renamed Brooke...we call her Phoebe (or more affectionately..."Smelly Cat"). She should be singing at the Central Perk. I enjoyed her piano playing last night much more than her very limited vocal. Unfortunately, I believe that she is one of the favorites...so, more talented, versatile singers will hit the bricks much sooner than she will. OH well....that's the way the Idol cookie crumbles.
I hope that David Cooke continues to thrill! He is the real deal!!
Am I the only person annoyed by Brooke's pouting after her performance last night. She stuck out her lower lip and pouted better than Shirley Temple. I can only imagine how many doors THAT performance has opened for her
Matt
Yes I did forget KLC and for the reason Simon first said and you pointed out; she is forgettable. Also did not care for her use of a patriotic song to hopefully spare her elimination. Smart move on her part? Probably for this week. Will it ultimately keep her in the contest, no way!
Queue, why bring your politicing here? AI is the one place I can escape from you people and your control of the mass-media.
"Proud to be an American" was pandering and it has nothing to do with how much one loves America. Kristy has remained on the show not because of her talent but because she gets the heartland/country lovers vote. Which is legit. But last night she chose a song that would specifically rile up that fan base and keep her on even longer, regardless of how well she performed it. I mean, she did it well but she could have butchered it and gotten the same number of votes because of the subject matter. That's pandering.
When I saw the David Cook's Billy Jean again on Video at http://idol-mania.com/american-idol-fan I was impressed. Some are sparking a controversy that David C ripped off musician Chris Cornell's version.
Regardless David Cook was entertaining while David Archuleta's suck up to David Foster was just plain cheesy.
Michael Johns' performance was a joke, people!!! He didn't hit any of the notes ... and, AGAIN, he tried to take an eight minute song and condense it to ... two? Really, I think the people in the studio last night heard something the rest of us didn't. It was not very good. There are four or five others who have way more talent, Chikeze included. Sad to say, I don't think people feel the same way I do.
That girl who sang did a good job. And the other one. I think "Total Eclipse" sounded better to TV viewers than it did to those in the studio. Yes, the ending was a mistake. The other girls blew it. I really really want another girl to go, they are so bad.
The final order will be
1) David C
2) David A
3) Girl who sang that song last night
4) Piano girl
5) Michael Johns
6) Carly
7) Jason (we'll miss you!)
8) Weird looking girl (American)
9) Weird looking girl (Filipino)
10) Chikeze
No matter how you criticize ramiele, we still love her and will continue voting for her. she has charisma, good attitude and she can sing! AI is all about the whole package, not only on who has the biggest voice. as an amateur in a talent/singing contest, at least she's doing well among the bunch of professional singers.
For those who disagree that David Cook deserves the praise, I challenge you to listen to the full-length version of Billie Jean for sale at itunes. It is over four minutes of amazing music.
I know, I know it's a cover of Chris Cornell's cover (I've listened to it) but after you hear the full version, you cannot compare the two. David's is by far superior and really sounds very little like Chris' version. Chris Cornell is extremely talented and I love his music, but David's Billie Jean can definitely stand on its own.
david cook woz awsome,hope he doesnt win idol,he will make it on his own
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