'Idol' Marooned

Too bad the Idols will be busy touring as a group this summer. There's a lifetime of singing National Anthems at major league baseball games for David A ahead of him!

The Voting Gods have made up slightly for their past gaffs and sacrificed the proper Idol this week. I think Joanna has it down...it was slacker don't care: I didn't think he gave a rats a-double what the judges told him last night. This show is a bubble...listen to the studio work they do and you get a sense of whether they will have a career. (which, sadly, Bo Bice may not) Jason sounds ametuerish in the studio. He will be play college bars forever, but that may just be fine with him.

For the record, I now agree that Randy is pulling for Archuletta in a big way. Despite not always loving Syesha, her second tune gave me chills. I would put it in the top 10 Idol performances...clearly, he didn't think so. I felt that for the first time she understood her place in the performance...she understood the song (unlike her smiling through Hello Again)

David Cook...not sure what he was thinking with the song choices considering the body of work at his disposal. I'm also not sure where the band was...they were harldy audible which made his relatively dull version of "Hungry Like The Wolf" even less interesting.,,,and was it me, or was the second tune about 30 seconds long?

This isn't exactly Clay, Rueben and Kimberly Locke, but it's better than David A, Brooke, and Jason as the final 3.

I have to disagree with Fandam a bit. I do think Castro ended up being in over his head in the show. I do think it was his time to go. But I have been really pleasantly surprised by his studio songs. I think they have been really good. In particular, I love his Travelin' Through. But we all have different types of artists that appeal to us.

I do think that Jason flamed out in the last three weeks, but I do think he has a nice voice and if his studio recordings are any indication- I would buy an album of his in the future. He was a true neophyte on the show, having only sung for two years- so I think he could very well have a future as he becomes more experienced.

I agree with you Peanut, comment #3. Jason has had a tough time these last three weeks but Jason's studio versions are really very good and I would buy and album of his anyday! And like you said with a little more experience I think he has great things to come! So I wish that those to whom his style does not appeal would chill a little themselves and let us enjoy what we enjoy.

I think Fandam's comment about the audio wasn't David C.'s fault. It seemed to me that the mix wasn't right for any of the singers. I could hardly hear the band during Jason's "Sherrif" song. Was that a good thing;-)?

Being new to the whole AI universe (this is the first time watching the entire season), I think the entertainment value is what it is. Amateur performers singing professional songs.

Since I'm here, I think Syesha has improved tremendously over the past 3-4 weeks. Her confidence grow with each song. David A? I don't get it. He's good, he's young, and he seems to be the saddest singer in the world (read that somewhere else). My kids like him. I'm a David C. fan. I like his spin on songs (even if they are someone else's arrangements).

Of the three left, I guess I'd ask myself, who's album would I buy? That should be your next American Idol.

I was glad to see Jason finally sent home - he hasn't really been into the whole thing for several weeks. I was glad to see that Syesha made it - she has some serious talent. I would really love to see David Archuletta get sent home and not be in the final two but I think that the teenage girls who are so busy screaming at him that they truly cannot hear him sing. It must be that stupid look he gets on his face before, during and after he sings that the little kids like so much.

I believe David Cook is the most talented and versatile but it would not shock me if he did not win the whole thing and I honestly believe he might be better off not winning. Look at how much Chris Daughtry has done!

Actually it was "the brain being dead". You should quote it right if you are going to write up a review of the show (DVR is a wonderful thing).

Any young person who listens to pop music knows that Jason has a modern sound. He could make an amazing, Jack Johnson like CD. Syesha on the other hand would be a ballad, rub her ego some more, CD. David C. could have a great modern rock album. David A. albums will be the music you will hear at the dentist.

Syesha has really grown on me. It's amazing how many times she's been in the bottom two or three but she keeps plugging along. I really look forward to her performances and she really seems to be enjoying the experience and the opportunity she has and she certainly is making the most of it. I'm not a David A fan at all but I think this was the first week when he appeared nearly normal and showed a little personality. David C is what he is and he's usually pretty good but I agree that he could have picked some better songs considering what was available to him. But, again as Fandam said this is nowhere near the best final 3, or most talented season overall for that matter.

Syesha is rallying. She may be a suprise finalist with Cook. David Archuletta is this year's Melinda Doolittle, technically good but zero charisma.

The funniest comment was when Jason said he was nervous that he'd have to learn 3 songs for next week if he wasn't voted off. Woah......that IS difficult. You auditioned in hopes of launching a singing career and might have to learn the words to THREE songs! Brain dead indeed. Life after Idol for him will be some hometown notoriety, a spot in a funky iPod commercial or perhaps a little modeling fro Abercrombie since he has such an interesting face.
Now on to the three finalists and for the life of me I can't see Syesha being able to rise above the popularity of the 2 Davids but wish her luck for hanging in there. A big thank you to all the voters who snapped out of the Jason love-fest and voted based on talent.

My husband thinks Archuletta looks like Alfred E. Neuman! He does have that goofy smile!

I was sad to see Jason go last night. I really liked him. I’m not saying he didn’t deserve to go, because he did. He should have gone along time ago. I’m still sad. I really enjoyed seeing Bo Vice and Maroon 5 perform last night. I thought they were both great. I can’t wait to see want the last three will do with the rest of the show.

No quote will ever beat, "I didn't know a cat sang it."

John hit the nail right on the head. I've been saying for weeks that, when all is said and done, Archie and Kristy Lee Cook should have nice careers traveling the country doing national anthems at minor league baseball games... Maybe they can take turns, one does the anthem and one sings God Bless America. Because that kids is never going to make it as a pop singer. Nobody buys an album full on ballads, and certainly no pop radio station is going to play it.

although i think David A. is good....something about him scares me..maybe it's the Utah/mormon thing but he has an odd look about him..you know like he's been drinking the Kool-Aid

Does anyone else out there feel like David A. is a little boring? That his voice sort of lacks depth or texture or... something?

I'm still angry Melinda Doolittle didn't win last year...or at least finish in the Top Two
(where oh where is Flavor of the Month Blake these days Huh??). As good as Archuletta is, he wasn't as good as Doolittle...but, then, Doolittle was a pro and had a good ten-12 years on Archuletta.

Cook needs to up it a notch...and not his singing so much as his choices. But, he might not have to worry about that if this is the week ol' Clive Davis picks a song, and the judges pick a song. Then, all he needs to do is pick ONE.

Syesha needs to be spectacular this week to have any chance. Kind of agree with Joanna here on her. She has the look, she has the voice...but there is something not quite the sum of the parts with her. She's lacking something that you can't quite put a finger on...and it will probably keep her OUT of the Finals.

Agree w./boston gal, Jason not into the AI thing for several weeks. His comments last night - trouble learning 3 songs if he made it through, etc. - plus the weekend before the Neil Diamond songfest hanging with his bro in LA instead of practicing (read in EW this week) shows lack of being "into it". But, still he made it a lot farther than I thought! Also agree with Cambria that Jason will have recording career because of his sound - just needs to pick the "right" songs; maybe some updated Jim Croce, more Izzy, more "Hallelujah"-like songs, and he'll be Billboard Top 20 material. Like Syesha (the only New England connection left - born in Bridgeport, CT) but agree w./Simon: She's made for Broadway musicals, could be a future Tony award winner. Love David C. - has a great voice, terrific ear for arrangements, definitely marketable. But, quit hating on Archuleta - the teen may have a "stage Daddy" issue with which to deal, but he's talented, got a great voice, plus folks buy lots of Josh Grobin/Michael Buble CDs, don't they?? He'll be successful, win, lose or draw, as will Cook and Syesha. Disagree with Cambriam though: Archuleta's year's away from being Muzak, and Season 7 final 3 may not be the best (Ruben, Clay, Kim Locke possible the best; Jordin, Blake, Melinda 2nd - but Fantasia, Diana D., and...Jasmine?, or "Soul Patrol" Hicks, Busty McPhee, and Elliott?, or Carrie, Bo, and...Vonzell Solomon?), but '08's one of the best Top 3's. Plus Season 7 ranks 2nd to Season 2 for overall talent (Ruben, Clay, Kim, Josh Gracin, Trenyce, Ricky Smith...).

I was amazed by the judges love of David Archuletta's recent performance. He sang two of the most vocally simplistic songs possible. Stand by Me and Love Me Tender require minimal vocal range. In addition, he made minimal, if any, changes to the arrangement of both songs, yet Randy and Simon praised his performance. All this dispite Randy and Simon comments that they want each artist to "make the song yours." Bottom line, I feel like David Archuletta is being held to a lower standard. Meanwhile, David Cook on the other hand has to completely change the arrangements of every song in order to get some recognition.

When watching David Archuletta, I feel like Mugatu in Zoolander:
" The man has only one look, for Christ's sake!.....They're the same face! Doesn't anybody notice this? I feel like I'm taking crazy pills!"

Yes he has an amazing voice, but his talents do not even approach David Cook's.

I LOVE JASON CASTRO AND I ALWAYS WILL!!! Ya know, I cried when Chris Daughtry got the send off, but as for my boy Castro.... He deserved the boot, I hate to say, but.... he did. And how could I feel sad? He seemed THRILLED to not have won American Idol. Say what you want, Castro DOES in fact have talent. The older generation is NUMB to his style because it is so SO SOOO modern. But I bet we will see more of Jason Castro and even though he has ALWAYS been my favorite, I am ok with him being gone because it's clear that it's what he wanted. :) WOO!

So, does this mean I can't vote for Jason anymore?

Okay, Fandam and Cambria: If Season 7’s Top 3 and Top 12 aren’t some of the best – if not the best – then what AI Season’s Top 3/12 were? Season 1 with Kelly, (the original Sanjaya) Jason Guarini, and Nikki McKibbin? (Aside from Kelly, the only other good thing about Season 1 was Tamyra Gray – she should’ve been in the Top 3!) How about Season 2 – aside from Ruben, Clay, Kim Locke, Josh Gracin, Trenyce, there was the yodeling Carrie Rasmussen (who Simon LOVED?) and the disqualified Corey Clark (that Paula (possibly) LOVED – literally!)? How about Season 3, with Fantasia, Diana D., and…Jasmine (Season 3’s Sanjaya, now a top selling artist in the Phillipines – really!), plus redhead crooner John Stevens outlasting Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson!?!? What about Season 4, with Carrie winning, and last night’s guest performer/AI blast-from-the-past Bo Bice (and his hair) as runner-up, with the immortal Vonzell Solomon (who?) 3rd? (Aside from Carrie, Constantine Maroulis was the next best thing out of that Season – which isn’t saying much!) Or, what about Season 5 (2006), with “Soul Patrol” Hicks, Kat McPhee, and Elliott Yamin as a Top 3? OY! The best thing about Season 5 was Daughtry, who came in 4th, but is more successful than that Season’s Top 3 combined! (BTW, whatever happened to Paris Bennett?) And, Ace Young’s guest starring on next week’s “Bones”!? YIKES! What about last year, with Jordin Sparks, human beatbox Blake Lewis, and the incomparable Melinda Doolittle – with LaKisha Jones, “bad dad” Phil Stacey, and snarky/funny/talented Chris Sligh? No, I’ll take the David’s (Archuleta and Cook), Syesha, Brooke, Carly, Michael Johns, Jason, even Ramiele and Chikezie (but NOT the pandering Kristy Lee Cook) over many pat AI Season’s Top 3/12, thank you!

If this was a vote based on talent, the entire season would have ended 5 weeks ago.

Ok here goes:

Jason Castro - maybe he can be a junior Jack Johnson and I love Jack Johnson.

Syesha _ I just don't get it. She has the big voice but absolutely no feeling or soul behind it.

David Cook - Clearly the most overall talented in the group.

David A. - Enough already. We know that he can sing ballads. His voice is special in that regards.

I still with they had kept Josiah and the other kid Simon wanted.

Randy and Paula went for metrosexual kids this year and they all got voted out except for David A.

Time to vote David Archuletta off!! He has only proven that he can sing ballads. I cannot picture him singing a modern song that will be played on Top40 radio. He is exaclty like Cambria said - you listen to songs like his at the dentist. David Cook should win it all - I love anything that he sings. And he is good to look at, very sexy. Syeesha has improved greatly and will definitely have a musical/acting future, even if she comes in at #2 or #3. Good luck to all three and I'm glad to see that the voters did the right thing this week.

Don't know about you but if my eyesight is correct I saw Jason mouth "Don't vote"
on Tuesday night after that second performance during Ryan's informational
"vote for" segment.
Words need not be spoken for that which is already understood Jason!!!!

Please, please do NOT vote for David A. next week!

He is tooooooooooo booooooring.

Whoever it is out there that loves him, give it a rest.

He may be a good singer technically, but he puts me to sleep every time. Actually, thanks to tivo, I skip his performances once i verify that it's a carbon copy of every other one he's done so far. I guess you've got to give him that: he's consistent. Consistently boring.

I'm at a loss why the judges, especially Randy, are so unerringly up on him. Haven't they noticed how BORING he is?

The other two are much more interesting people and, therefore, their songs and their singing are more interesting.

I think David A is a bit to young for this competition.
Last night he just giggles and bows and whatever. When they showed him in Vegas with all the people around him.. He didnt know what to do and just giggles and puts hit head down. he need to stand up and smile and thank people. I think he is still a bit to young for this competion and the aftermath of what could come if he indeed is chosen this years AI

Also, about Marooned. Is Maroon 5 always that bad?

I would have loved to hear the judges rate that ridiculously bad performance!

And Bo Bice. Next.

AL NEWBIE

Of the three left, I guess I'd ask myself, who's album would I buy? That should be your next American Idol.

IF EVERYONE APPLIED THIS THEORY (who's album would I buy or who would win in november) TO THE DEMOCRATIC NOMINATION HILLARY SHOULD MOVE ON. AT ANY RATE DAVID A. WILL WIN IDOL, HOWEVER, WE WILL BE FORCED TO LISTEN TO DAVID COOKS ALBUM ALL THROUGH THE END OF 08 AND WELL INTO 09. ANOTHER DAUGHTRY UGH...! .

American Idolatry -

You gotta be kidding me. Kat McPhee, Elliott Yamin, Kelly Pickler, Daughtry, yikes even Ace Young has acting talent, Bucky C, and believe or not Taylor Hicks CD ain't that bad.

Talent Wise - I mean acting and singing, Season 5 and nothing else compares.
That's 7 people with very successful acting or singing careers.

And someday I will typo correct my writings.

is it me or does every David A. song sound the same? it doesn't matter if he's singing Elvis, Phil C or anyone for that matter. he is as boring as a trip to Pittsburgh. David Cooke should run away with the win.

David A's version of Angels and David C's version of Billy Jean were the best 2 songs all season. I've watched every episode and they are the 2 most "memorable" taking a page from Simon's book. I have to admit that using the fact that something is "memorable" as a judging critieria might be flawed... i tend to remember the more popular songs (ones we've all heard before) and forget the others even though judging technically some of the songs I've never heard before have been good.... its just the Angels and the Billy Jeans that I remember. Michael John's We are the Champions also comes to mind... even David C's Mariah song because I already had heard it..

A poster here said "the older generation is NUMB to (Jason's) style because it is SOOO MODERN."

I think the poster sees this as a good thing. I'm not so sure. Here are some other things that are relatively "SOOOO MODERN" as well:

The Iraq War...Global Warming...Daisy the cloned sheep...the latest Flavor Flav show on MTV.

This old SOB will take talent, thank you. The remaining three, at least, have some semblance of that commodity...to varying degrees. Jason's act was getting OLD...and if that's MODERN, you can have it.

JOANNA, Archuletta singing the Sex Pistols? How about Friggin' in the Riggin'?

Type your comment here...
Was it my imagination or not but on Tuesday night during Ryan's informational how to vote after Jason's gastly performance he mouthed "don't vote" rather than "please vote".

Jason!!!!! That spoke volumes.....words need not be spoken for that which is already understood.

VOTE OFF ARCHULETTA - he is not an American IDOL - however he could be the next ANNOYING closeted celebrity to be dragged kicking and screaming out of him Morman Closet.

Do we really need to have another CLAY AIKEN hiding in the closet ?

Jessica, Not sure what you mean that the older generation is "NUMB". You think Jason is SOOOO modern. Honey, your way too young. He's like out of the 60's. He is the most "old" idol contestant there has ever been. There is nothing modern about him.

I just want the audience to stop waving their arms at every freakin' ballad. They don't even do it in time. Bugs me.

Having Bo Bice out there is a good reminder of the absolute mediocrity of many contestants. I thought he looked like a cross between Gregg Allman and Cher....Wait, that's Elijah Blue. Fidel Finally Flunked: President Castro took his spleef party to another universe, dude. You could tell he would not be a willing participant in the Idol walk and talk train. You need to be "ON" for that...like Miss America and Playmate of the Year. Alas, Jason was more surprised than almost anyone that he made it this far. For the folks who think he's the next Jack Johnson, you're being fooled by a prop guitar. JC finishes school, cuts the dreads, gets married, discovers he has a low sperm count because of the dope, divorces over his infertility, but has a nice career in insurance...This is your brain on dreads.

I think it's amusing that while Syesha feels that her life is mirroring the civil rights movement and the current presidential election, you have David C. coping with a serious family illness while he's doing AI and not publicly discussing it. I give him a lot of credit for not trying to garner sympathy votes, as Ryan keeps giving him an opening to talk about it (he did it again last night), and he keeps turning it down. And yet people keep pinning him with the arrogant label.

The show is over rated. The singers left really aren't anything anyone would listen to these days, except maybe David Cook. People vote on looks and personality. Jason should have been long gone ago. I also feel bad for singers like Cook who have to deal with those horrendous weeks where they make them do certain songs. They should be able to do whatever song they want each week. Talk about trying to get rid of a contestant! I think Idol wanted him gone. Two weeks in a row they chose the worst possible selection of songs for David C. to attemp, however he managed, which shows he should win. I mean he sang Mariah Carey! However my one comment on the show in general is they need new audio staff!! The audio each week is horrific. I feel bad for Maroon five that had to do a song with no guitar and/or backgroud music whatsoever. The thing is, some weeks the backgroud music is overwhelming. You'd think with that much money the audio staff would know what they were doing.

I have been watching AI since season 2 and have to admit that this is the worst in terms of talent. Also, the judges should take a page from Dancing with the Stars and be realistic and literate. I'm tired of "dawg", "da bomb" etc. from Randy, Paula is always out to lunch and is in tears way too often to be objective. Simon needs to get out of the judge's chair. I'd like to see a reorganization of the whole show starting with the voting rules (no more than one or two votes per person) and outlawing or restricting the "vote for the worst idol" sites. My other pet peeve is in the pre-audition shows there is a lot of cruelty towards people who are emotionally or physically challenged and should not be in there in the first place! It's not entertainment. Right now, there is no excitement anymore and I could care less who wins this year. I have seen two of the Idol road shows so consider myself a fan and not just someone who wants to criticize.

Newbie, sorry if I made it seem that I was pinning the band issues on Cook...not so. In fact, I have a general problem with the band as it is...just do not think they are that good really. So, the band was hard to hear...the blame goes to the production booth and not Cook.

Now, to the person who said they thought Jason sounds good recorded...this isn't about style. I'm a huge fan of understated, acoustic music. I think there is a quality that is lacking in his vocals and delivery that is made more prominent in the studio.

Brooke is the closest thing to Jason, so for the comparison, she sounds fantastic in-studio...In truth, I think he is pathetically dull, unrealistically checked-out, and
lacks musicality, so I'm actually trying to be nice and not give him too hard a time (based on my little opinion)..I'd love to see Idol expand the non-diva style artists roster, but even then I don't think he deserves a spot.

Jessica what do you eman by teh "older generation" not getting Jason's style.I'm forty five and I love his style and I;m not alone check out MWLJ.

You think your music is modern...90% is regurgitated BS that will dissipate in 5 years. I'm sure you all pat yourselves on the back for destroying the English language (lazy-ass, self involved millennials that you are), please don't think you can decide what notes are on key and which are not.

Young can mean inexperienced. Just like Cambria and Jessica. Jack Johnson is about as modern sounding as medieval chanting. He's about as dull as that, too. However, at least Johnson can hold a note, write a song, and play a guitar well...none of which can be said for Castro.

Joanna & Folks - Check out Jason's exit interview from buddytv.com. I thought Jason was an amusing stoner that was very entertaining but did get exasperated with him at the end. Rather than the stoner, he just seems like a regular college kid. Hope I am able to catch him in a coffee house some day :)

http://www.buddytv.com/articles/american-idol/american-idol-7-jason-castro-e-19218.aspx

Was it me or was this the first year of idol where there are final contestants who are thinking that it might not be a good thing to win? My take:

Jason threw the competition. He purposely forgot his words and could not have been happier when being voted off this week. He probably thought he would have gone earlier. Does he already have an offer or was he smoking something serious last night? (vs. the everyday stuff he normally smokes).

David Cook picked OK songs, especially for what he was allowed. Could have been better. Seems he is taking the safe road now and probably already has an offer and wants out too! So sad because he would be one of the few AI's who win that would experience success. I know many who have his songs on their IPOD already. Regardless, we have not heard the last of DC no matter the outcome.

So, David A and Syesha look like the only ones who REALLY want to win. So, if it comes to that, David A will win the pop vote and Syesha will go onto Broadway and get critical acclaim in that venue. Who said that this was a talent contest? Let's face it, it's a popularity contest with some influence from the producers and judges.

Just my take.

Time the make the tour 2008, Melinda Doolittle will released her first album in fall
and she do work on Holiday Cd. I did root for Melinda from season 6 audition, and until this day i still support Melinda. We have a new website for her fans who want to support her www.mdstreetteam.com. You are very welcome to join us