'Idol': I'll Cry If I Want To

I was late adding this to yesterday, so I'll include it here, as well...

All season...nay, every season...they are asked to be unique, while still playing to their strengths, avoid predictability, and deliver vocals worthy of a "singing" competition.

I know where the battle lines are, and now, I know how it all went down. But, in truth, the only one who delivered on the concept of the show was Syesha. Already slated to sing two current songs that showed her as a modern R&B recording artist, she chose a song that played to her strengths (celebrated by the judges in past weeks, I might add) and beauty with "Fever." Abdul never says things like she did last night...this was a planned, manicured, ushered in flogging of Syesha so that the producers could have their orgasmic "The Davids" headlines.

For me, Archuletta and Cook plateaued a few weeks ago and never moved off the straight, dull line. I want to be blown over by Cook like I had been, but in truth...it hasn't happened in a long time. Personally, I will find the whole finale a tad dull.

Speaking of Fantasia, there may never be a performance as solid, interesting, and honest as her rendition of "Summertime"...if the producers use that as their benchmark maybe they can ressurect this dying pig.

David Cook is the best contestant ever to hit the AI stage. If there is any justice in the world, he will take the crown next week and be put in the hands of producers and engineers who will be respectful of his style - the result? An incredible album that pays tribute to the amazing artist he is. :)

GOOD LUCK COOKIE!

Actually, I have a feeling that more Syesha fans will go to Archuleta. Cook is the rocker; Syesha and Archuleta are the vocalists. Archuleta pulls in teens, yes, but he also pulls in their mothers, and grandmothers--the same audience that Syesha was pulling in. So I see a large portion of Syesha's female fans to flock to Archuleta rather than Cook. If Syesha fans are more into the style of her music, I think they would still go to Archuleta. The only Syesha fans I can see making a big move towards Cook are her male fans; and I don't believe she has as many male fans as she does female fans.

David Archuleta is by far the best!!!! We knew and clearly noticed him right out of the gates and he has been so, so impressive considering his young age. I think the finale will be awesome but David A. will win and just you watch....his CD sales are going to be off the charts hot hot hot!

I can reel off the names of 20 artists who bring to the party what Cook does. But despite the fact that Ms. Weiss and her Archie-bashing colleagues are to jaded, too calloused, or too dim to get it, you'd have to combine Michael Buble, Elton John, and George Michael to get one David Archuleta. I'll grant that he's nowhere near his prime and that Cook is cresting and may well deserve the crown, but comparing a talent like Archuleta to the likes of a 70s flash-in-the-pan just because they both happen to be cute is just lazy and fatuous.

Fandam: I think Fantasia's Summertime, while an absolutely amazing performance, is what has ruined Syesha. I think Syesha has been searching all season for that Summertime-moment. That was the driving force behind her choice of Fever.

That was a great results show! The homecomings were well done and showed each finalist at their best. David Cook is indeed a mensch - bringing flowers to his elementary school music teacher (awww), gesturing toward David A when his safety was announced and simply hugging Syesha with not an ounce of relief or glee on his face when his own safety was announced. I was never one that found him smug or full of himself but rather nicely dorky. I think the "receiving criticisms from the judges" part of the show is the most difficult for each contestant - who knows what to say or how to act? David A was so sweet and gracious too - I read that he said that he was expecting to sign a few autographs and maybe do some shopping at the mall and 10,000 people showed up.

BLAH!! This year's competition was so blah I didn't even watch last night. Sorry I missed Fantasia though. I agree with the post about her singing Summertime. Blew me away! Made me a Fantasia fan.
Better people were voted off last year than were in the top ten of this year's competition.
I can't get excited about either David- background stories don't make up for singing talent.
BLAH!!
Won't vote- probably won't watch!
When is Fox bringing back Prison Break? How about Tuesday night baseball?
Anything but this year's IDOL.

I had this horriffic nightmare last night. I dreamt that I was being chased by a scary monster with pink hair. BUT wait...that's not the terrifying party. This creature was wearing a black spandex jumpsuit that was drizzled in silver and it's only communication was through singing...but it wasn't really singing at all, it was more like blood curdling screams. !!!

HEY WAIT!...THIS WASN'T A DREAM.......IT WAS FANTASIA!!!

Syesha, will still work it and David Cook will be our next American Idol!

PEACE!

Ok, rascal, I've give you Michael Buble and George Michael, but I think we have to reserve judgement for, say, another 20-30 years on the David A./Elton John comparison. Yeah, the kid has a very nice voice, but will anyone know what you talking about if you bring up his name in 2030? And will he be able to WRITE as well as perform? That remains to be seen.

Anyway, the final is as everyone predicted. You have to wonder if it is skewed, especially based on Paula giving Syesia a review that wasn't her usual gush. I just hope that next week is interesting and that the "single" isn't too terrible.

I went through a 1/2 box of tissues last night- the reception (and reaction) of both David's homecomings were pretty overwhelming. The sweetest reaction came from little David because he genuinely didn't realize how "big" he was. Talk about unassuming!! Plus, I thought he was going to swallow his tongue he was so nervous about making it to the finals.

David C is "big brother" ... I watched him intently, taking little David by the shoulder, walking to the couch after Sy got the ax . Next week is going to be very difficult. As far as I'm concerned, both Davids are winners, and both are going to have great careers.

At this point, the only thing I can say is the competition is going to come down to their last performances. I think Sy's voters are going to split 50/50, so I really don't think there are any advantages there. It's going to be all about the music next week.

And regardless of the outcome, I'll probably use up that other 1/2 box of tissue next Weds.

David A. and David Cook are the two that we all figured would be in the finals. I was surprised that Syesha made it as far as she did but once Carly was out of the picture, Syesha sparkled. She will definitely get a record deal or a Broadway show. She's beautiful and talented. Good luck! As far as the finals, David Cook would be the best choice. Not that I don't like little David A., he is adorable, however, you could see how overwhelmed he was in the crowd of screaming girls. He's young and has plenty of time to develop without getting swallowed up by the celebrity machine. David Cook has star quality and what it takes to be the next American Idol. He is comfortable on stage and can really rock. His sound and music choices are what is played on the radio today. Good luck to both Davids - you deserve to be in the top two. My choice to win - David Cook!! He is sexy!

What do you mean by " regardless of what David A.'s father does?".
What does his father do?

Wow, what a shocker! The two Davids are in the finals. Who'd a thunk it?
Even Syesha appeared as though she had prepared herself for the less than surprising outcome. She was poised and gracious. As for Fantasia's performance there is no mistaking her distinct voice and powerful vocals yet thought I was watching a musical episode of Alias. The look on Simon's face was priceless and pretty much summed it up.
As for the Chaka Khan gaffe; American Idol is a reality show that is 200% about the music and their researchers could not come up with Roberta Flack even when she was mentioned several times from the previous night? As Ryan was reading it he should have known it was wrong and corrected it. Seriously, that is like the President not knowing the White House is in DC....wait...bad example.
David A has a sweet voice but all he gives all his songs the same runs and he seems a bit too young and socially awkward. David Cook has an amazing voice, is confident and more innovative with the songs and think between the 2, David Cook is the next AI.

i hate all you people

"you'd have to combine Michael Buble, Elton John, and George Michael to get one David Archuleta"

ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Elton John is a legend, Michael Buble is just amazing (I mean no one else could ever effectively bring back the Rat Pack sound and make it COOL) and George Michael well I don't know where that came from.... but you are saying David Archuleta equals all of them put together! That is just outrageous. David A is BORING to the tenth degree. I'll admit he has a sweet voice and while Joanna and Simon hated his Dan Fogelberg I really enjoyed it and his Billy Joel. I even liked his Chris Brown but everything he does sounds the SAME! He is completely devoid of personality and seems like a puppet. He brings nothing to the songs he sings and never once has "amazed" me outside of having a "nice voice." I'll even admit that Cook hasn't really blown me away since his version of Music of the Night but still he's better than Archuleta

Since both have to sing the exact same "original song" it comes down to the style of that song. If it is a soft, mushy ballad, then you can assume the producers of Idol want David A to win and are giving him a song that will help him do so. If it more rock - things go the other way. Look at last year, Blake was forced to sing a soft ballad that wasn't even close to his style and surprise, we came in 2nd. As much as people want to think it comes down to the votes, the producers definitely play a big part in who ultimately wins this popularity contest.

Did I just read this right? "(Y)ou'd have to combine Michael Buble, Elton John, and George Michael to get one David Archuleta. " Seriously. The kid is, what, 17? And you are putting him above Elton John? Have you ever heard Michael Buble? It's night and day. Even though George Michael has become a wee bit of a punchline, he was, in the day, a top talent. Take Archie out of his comfort zone of song choices and he's, well, more of a Jughead.

I haven't been an Archie fan all season for the fact that it's been one ballad after another, and the performances the other night didn't change my thinking. That being said, I really hope Archie doesn't win, but not for the fact that he doesn't have talent, he's got a boatload (sorry, but an Elton John comparison, was that his Dad who posted that?)or the fact that I don't like his style. What I saw last night in the going home sequence was a young man who really isn't ready for the pressures that come with making it in the music business. It's bad enough he's got Daddy dearest pushing him from the wings, he'll be under the microscope with appearances, touring and recording. IMO, that's just way too much for someone his age to handle. Look around the entertainment industry, it's littered with former child actors/performers who can't handle everything that's thrown at them when they become famous. Let the kid grow up a little first, then when he thinks he's ready, put out an album, tour, make all the appearances he wants. I just don't want to see this kid get crushed before he even has a chance to enjoy what he's accomplished.

Did anyone see the FOX25 news after when they showed a clip of Blake Lewis complaining about last year's final? He said the producers would not let him alter the "crappy" (his word) song he and Jordin had to sing in any way. Since he wasn't allowed to beat-box it up, he was at a clear disadvantage to Sparks. Not that he actually would have won anyway....

All this leads me to say, that if the song the Davids have to sing is a mushy, sappy, yes gooey, song and they are not allowed to rearrange the song to reflect their own style....David C is going to be the runner up.

Even my almost ten year old loves David Cook. As for me, he could sing a Campbells soup commercial and I would be listening! David Archuletta has a great future on Radio Disney, right there with Hannah Montana. David Cook has more saleability (if that could be word) to the 18-30 year olds and us over 40's who still love to rock out.

Tara The Terror is right on the money (and made me laugh out loud at work, which startled my co-workers). My wife thought Fantasia reminded her of Lucille Ball, in some crazed I LOVE LUCY skit...right down to the frantic, unintelligible singing.

And, who was the Mush Mouth (remember the Cosby Kids?) guy with the black hat pulled over his face doing the obligatory, snooze inducing rap-in-the-middle-of-the-song-to-give-it-street-cred nonsense?

She has some load of energy, though, doesn't she, that Fantasia?

As for the finale, it's only right that it's the Two Davids.

And I hope it's Cook who wins, because I've got $100 to win in the pool!

Did you see the look on Simon’s face when Fantasia was performing. I was laughing so hard, I almost peed my pants. And then the eyeball rolling to Randy - priceless.

Pretty drawn out last night but I thought the sappy montages were good. It is clear that these kids are exhausted from the Idol machine. I thought Archie looked green when he was headed to the safe couch – poor kid.

With that being said and the comments from Tiny Tim, we might find that DC actually wins it because it is clear that DA is overwhelmed and not really sure how to handle the pressure. In his defense, he had a pretty chock full day and that would be hard on anyone but I am starting to get the vibe that America wants him to have a childhood first.

Finally warmed up to Syesha and wish her well. As for Fantasia, they only good thing about her performance was when Ryan asked her about her hair and she said, "I don't know, I just tried it." Always honest, refreshing, kookie. Still am picturing Simon with his mouth agape though - too funny.

B_O_R_I_N_G. Geez, like we didnlt see that coming. I can see next weeks greatest hits and the new power-crud ballad for the finale already. Somebody stop the bleeding!

Fantasia: wow! Really. Not sure what happened but that was certainly a tornado of entertainment. Of course, that could have been Nona Hendryx standing in.

Word to the Blakers and other complainers...the show is built to present quality vocalists...like it or not, that is the intent, despite the producers sending us many who are not that good. There is no denying that there are many things that can be considered talent...and maybe they need to do a show that celebrates that talent...but on this show it is not beat boxing. What the finale did last year was expose Blake as being talentless without the beat boxing. He has done nothing but complain about being nobody since the show was over.

In my world, that kind of person is labled a loser. Take your lumps. He had exposure to millions of people and couldn't capitalize on it. It had nothing to do with the lame song at the end of the season.

ps: michelle? we all love you.

Michelle - what's your problem??? .this is not a blog for hate or haters. Go somewhere else if you don't like it.

I loved last night's show and am glad that Syesha was voted off. She was good but the other two are and have been consistently better.

Anyway, I am voting for Cook because I can't stand to see a Mickey Mouse Club member become the next AI. If David A. wins, I will NEVER watch Idol again. I can't even call his fans teenyboppers - they are all in ELEMENTARY School!! YIKES. Question: Why did Ryan ask David Cooke's brother "We are going to see you again next year, right?" I thought that was really rude considering I heard that David's brother is terminally ill (or is that just incorrect gossip?).

I agree with bostonam1525 - Archuletta is BORING, all his songs sound the SAME and his personality is far from "star" quality. I think Syesha's vocals blew both Davids away, but then again why should the competition actually be based on vocals instead of popularity, looks, personality or any other reason people seem to keep mediocre contestants in far beyond their time? I have watched Idol since it's first season and have to agree with others - this was the worst season, the good talent was eliminated much too early and we were left with slim pickings! I hope David Cook prevails - at least he has originality and a voice that appeals to a larger audience. Archuletta is definitely a Disney kid and will soon be forgotten, like other Idols before him!! As for Fantasia's performance (if one could call it that) it was disgraceful and the look on Simon's face was quite appropriate - I think alot of us had the same look on our faces!! Rock on David C. - hope you win it all!!

Totally predictable - and probably reasonable outcome with the two Davids.

But am I alone in thinking the judges - and the producers - are being a lot more active this year in directing things? Mabye after the Sanjaya nightmare of last year, they've become more assertive?

For instance, Paula's uncharacteristic bashing of Syesha for no good reason. Randy's unrelenting postivism about David A even when his singing is not so good. And Randy choosing an Alicia Key's song for Syesha that was bound to set up his on-going critique of her. I could go on, but...

I don't think the actual voting is being played with at all, but I do think they are setting up the contestants more than in the past. Or am I being paranoid?

Fantasia really should stick to Gershwin. Yes, she has a lot of energy, but that was as entertaining as a car wreck.

Simon is so lucky that he gets to roll his eyes for all of us. Props to the person (producer? director?) who had the honesty to put that shot in.

#8 "BLAH!! This year's competition was so blah I didn't even watch last night. Sorry I missed Fantasia though. I agree with the post about her singing Summertime. Blew me away! Made me a Fantasia fan. " Be glad you missed last night, fantasia was so bad as to make you forget the magical Summertime proformance. I couldn't beleive they were the same person, she screams so much and so out of tune, I had to switch channels. it was a complete embrassment for Fantasia.

If you believe what David A's vocal coach said to a Utah Fox station, we don't have to worry about Cook being able to arrange his "coronation" number -- allegedly he got permissions to arrange his Tuesday songs, and allegedly Archie wanted "Don't Wanna Miss a Thing". I'm not sure I believe it, or if this is trash talking, nevertheless, Cook should be fine next week.

Archie's talented, but not ripe yet. After he's got some college and perhaps his religious mission behind him, he'll be ready to be a major star if he wants it. But if he reprises "Imagine" and "Stand By Me", it will be a tight race.

Daizy - David's brother auditioned and convinced David to audition too. I think Ryan was suggesting Andrew go back and audition again next year (although I noticed his mother mouthing "no he won't" or "no way"). Still, it came out awkwardly knowing that he is ill.

I have voted for David A all season but I will vote for DC next week for the reasons given by Tiny Tim, IdolFan and Jason is a Riot. I don't think he is mature enough to deal with winning and it would be best for him to take a step out of the spotlight. David C can handle it and will do just fine.

Was Syesha singing in the final song of the night? I have watched this over and over at least 5 times and at the very end of her farewell song she took the microphone away from her mouth and smiled but her voice continued ?????? ANYONE else see this?????

Rosemary - it's so blah yet you post online about it?

OK, allot to cover: That would be Leif Garrett (No "Y") and he was linked romantically to Nicky Sheridan and then Justine Bateman. Archie, on the other hand, is more likely to hook up with Justine's brother Jason...Not that there's anything wrong with that. Also, Garrett had a personality and wasn't so much of a momma's boy...Again, it's OK to need your parents at 16, but our boy Leif was living at his mother's house with Nicky Sheridan at 15. Take it to the hoop! And the drugs that Leif did were not to be confused with DA's occasional shot of Robitussin. The Archie's haven't even had the STD/Safe Sex talk yet. Besides, DA can lose the number for Planned Parenthood. I see the best scenario as DA winning and touring as the AI, while DC avoids the poppy culture and settles off into Alt Rock Land...Whoa Yeah!

songs given to syesha are just not bound to be good. even a gifted performer can't make it extraordinary. It was really unfair.

To JLK- If you are paranoid , you are in good company. I think most of us feel as you do. This was a "Forgettable" "Atrocious " (quoting Simon) year! What a disaster! No more Idol for me!

Daizy - David Cook has two brothers. The one on stage last night is not the one who is ill -- he is the one who tried out with David for the show. So when Ryan said "we'll see you again next year, right?" he was referring to the auditions.

GO DAVID COOK... if you don't win, then it proves that the show is a complete joke (think Taylor Hicks)

Probably the best entertainer was killed by her tattoos.

Grey hair is fine. Tattoos, no.

It has been not a very strong season.

David Cook is the most talented and ready for the exposure and David A is not. He's still just a boy and needs to get out of the pressure cooker. I was not impressed with Fantasia and for once Simon was right. in his reactionto Fantasia. The screaming and bizarre hair and mobtster-type isinger in the balcony was ridiculous. I wonder if Randy thought he was the bomb. We need new judges and a whole restructuring of the voting process.

Rascal is out of their mind! You're going to compare Archie to Michael Buble, Elton John and George Michael (well he may have something in common with the last 2, but it's not singing style)? This kid can't even catch his breath and keep up the tempo on anything slightly up-tempo. Those other guys have depth and power in their voices. I'm certainly not saying that he's a bad singer, but it just shows the difference between someone with a "good voice", and someone that can project and fill a stadium with a powerful performance.
If you're going to compare Archie to anything it should be Art Garfunkel, John Lennon or some other 60/70's folk singer. Dan Folgeberg (while a really old song) is exactly the type of singer that kid is. Sorry!

Jump the shark it has, my young apprentice.

Time to re structure, for sure.

Scott...John Lennon? John Lennon had an incredible voice, pal. Go listen to TWIST AND SHOUT, MONEY, YER BLUES, ROCK AND ROLL MUSIC, HEY BULLDOG, REVOLUTION, EVERYBODY'S GOT SOMETHING TO HIDE EXCEPT ME AND MY MONKEY, I WANT YOU (She's So Heavy), and DON'T LET ME DOWN...and that's just with The Beatles. After you wipe the blood out of your ears, you can then listen to some of these solo songs of his: WELL, WELL, WELL, COLD TURKEY, GIMME SOME TRUTH, WHAT YOU GOT, POWER TO THE PEOPLE, and MOTHER.

Get back to me on the folk singer tag after all that.

Obviously, the only song you're aware of is IMAGINE, I'm guessing. Before you speak of what you don't know, do some research. It will make you sound a bit more intelligent when you talk about music.

Hi Scott,

Just to reiterate again...Art Garfunkel, Dan Fogelberg...and LENNON? Nope...think again my friend. Lennon was not a folk singer. While some of his stuff could be categorized as folky...he was a rocker through and through. Give some of the music mentioned in the previous post a quick listen...or maybe a really GOOD LONG listen. John was MUCH MUCH more than "Imagine". :)

Did anyone else happen to discover that the song that Simon chose for David Cook this week (The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face) was just recently remade by the singer that he is promoting at the moment, Leona Lewis? It is included on her new album. If you go to itunes and type in the song title, her face pops up EVERYWHERE. That's a little too sneaky... even for Simon...

Just one note: "Leif Garretty" is an adjective, as opposed to "Leif Garrett," which is a noun. A proper noun.