American Idol results show – the Finals (May 21st)… May 21, 2008

I’m warning y’all, I’m going to be doing a lot of fast forwarding through this show. So, my critiquing will be minimal. The show is actually over now (I think) and we’re going silent on all media except for our DVR and this blog post page. I’ve turned off Twitter. I’m ignoring texts. I’ll find out at the end of the show just like the rest of most of y’all did.

97.5 million votes last night! HOLY COW! That is incredible. The vote was a 56-44 percent vote. (Are people booing Paula?) I really thought it would be a bit closer than that.

And because this will be the last time I can say it this season, and should anyone think I could have changed my mind, I can’t stand these group numbers. Really can’t stand them. *searches for the FF button*

I CAN’T BELIEVE IT!!!!  They actually found a song that David’s could sing together and actually sound good on! That in itself is amazing.

I’m fast forwarding through the commercial for the Love Guru and his sitar hero nonsense.

More music – Syesha Mercado with Seal. Which makes this worth watching. Even though she’s nowhere near being in the same league as he is. She actually looks really nervous. Like puke on her shoes nervous because she’s up there with him.

Jason Castro comes back to sing Alleluia and I’ll probably watch this one all the way through. I love this song and he does it very well. Excellent! If he could have sung that song every week and gotten away with it, he might have won this competition.

Ford Commercial = fast forward

They each get an escape hybrid – which I would guess living in Missouri and Utah will be a good thing. Because

The girls are singing – and you know until I saw them I probably couldn’t have named any of them off the top of my head except for Syesha (andI could have only named her because she only just went home last week). The guys really did dominate this season, didn’t they? And then the bring out Donna Summer to show them how to do it right. 

Carly Smithson and Michael Johns come out to sing and I’m suddenly feeling like they’ve tricked me and I’m at the Idol concert. But not as tricked as the fans who actually go to the concert will feel when they get to the concert and realized they already saw all the performances on the Idol finale.

Jimmy Kimmel comes out to roast pretty much everyone. He’s amusing.

Top 6 guys come out so we can “rock out” to Bryan Adams? I forgot that guy! The one who was the naked waiter guy? What was his name? Someone help me out. Was he a David too?  And I find it very funny that they are singing about the summer of 69 when none of them were alive in 69. But at least they had David Cook sing the line “Thinking about my younger days”. Chip just says “at least Michael Johns isn’t wearing an ascot.” Then they call out Bryan Adams. Personally, I think I’d rather listen to either of the finalists instead.

Apparently they’ve made an entire theme park for the the losers to go sing at. That’s nice.

David Cook and ZZ Top – go figure. This boy should look back and watch this and be proud. Because up there, next to the band itself, he is doing this song justice. This is excellent.

(My husband is the number 1 reason I’m thankful for the pause button. He cracks me up.  Chip just said, “Who’s David Archuletta going to sing with? Kermit the frog?” And as I laughed, he says, “I bet he sings that rainbow song!” ROFL!)

Back to Cook and ZZTop – this is amazing! And it’s true. Every girl is crazy about a sharp dressed man. And about a guy who can sing like David Cook apparently. Because WOW! That’s a whole lot of screaming. I hope he wins.

Brooke comes out to sing with Graham Nash and I suspect she’ll do this song well. I can’t hear this song without hearing Michael Scott sing it anymore though. He sang it on Take Your Daughter To Work Day. And forever put that sound into my ears.

I’m very ashamed that even though I couldn’t understand at all what the crowd shouted when Ryan told them to announce the band, I know who this is. Not nearly as ashamed as I’d be if I knew that and didn’t have kids though. 

And we have a “worst of” clip. And I remember every single one of these people. I can still sing along to the “I am Your Brother” song! That guy was a hoot! And HE’S THERE!!!! Now *this* is ENTERTAINING!!! I think he and William Hung should start a band!

One Republic. This guy does a weird eye thing too. I’ve heard of One Republic but this is the first time I’ve ever heard them. But once I heard the music, I just *knew* that Archuletta was going to come out and sing with this guy. And really? I think Archuletta sings the song better. He’s just got a better tone to his voice.

I’m seriously going to be *s*h*o*c*k*e*d* if David Archuletta doesn’t win this season of American Idol. All roads are leading that way in tonight’s results show. And oh, the screaming. Again with the screaming.

Jordin Sparks come out to sing and I’ve over it already. She’s young. She can sing. But I’m over this show already and just ready to find out who wins. Fast forward.

Gladys Knight and the… I just don’t have words for this. Now *that* was funny!

Carrie Underwood – I just don’t get the whole “bad girl” thing from her. But WOW! Can she sing! That girl has got some serious pipes on her!

Last song before the results – Top 12 singing a countrified version of a George Michael song. I didn’t think it was possible to make me hate this song more than I already do. But that was definitely worse. What is up with the George Michael songs?  Fast Forward!

Judges final thoughts:

Randy – who I’m voting off for wearing an ascot, thinks they are both winner.

Paula – is honored to just be in the same room with the Davids and then she babbles some more.

Simon – just apologized! Holy cow! That’s an American Idol first! He thinks they are both “triers” (people who really try to improve) and doesn’t care who wins because they both deserve it.

The results are in and DAVID COOK is the winner of American Idol!!! I can’t believe it! And neither can he! And he sings us out with the winning song – Time Of My Life.

And that’s it until January…

Almost live American Idol (May 20th)…

We’re finally home and starting American Idol. About 24 hours later than we normally would have. My prediction? David will win it all! ROFL! I crack me up…

The whole “fight theme” is just silliness. Let them sing already. Because the last time I looked, this was a singing competition after all. This is just ridiculous. And I’m pretty sure that Cook would make mincemeat out of Archuletta. In either competition – singing or boxing…

Oh, there will be screaming tonight. I can tell already. They are going ga-ga over Ryan. What will it be like when Cook comes out? Or when the teeny-boppers see Archuletta? My head hurts just thinking about all that screaming.

3 songs each, 3 numbers to call, 4 hours to make the call. Unfortunately, it’s still way too late for me to make any calls to vote. I’m fast forwarding through the cheesy fight stuff. Cook is working the audience, Archie is off in lalaland somewhere and talking about how it’s such a dream. Enough with the blabbering already! If they were to cut all of this out, they could actually let the David’s sing a WHOLE song. What a novel concept!

Round 1 songs are chosen by Clive Davis – the man with the golden ears.

David Cook – Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For – OUCH! I’m shuddering already. Because in a fight with Bono, Cook is no match. Vocally, he’s close. But he just doesn’t have that “coolness” that Bono does. He’s severely lacking when it comes to the “it” factor – like most people when you compare them to U2. The vocals were fine, but this song just didn’t do it for me. Do what I’m not exactly sure, but he just seemed like a kid up there trying to be like his Idol. It was good, and I can’t blame it all on him since he didn’t pick the song. I’m not nearly as impressed as the judges. I wonder if Clive is trying to sabotage Cook this week?

David Archuletta – Don’t Let the Sun Go Down On Me – As soon as I heard the song choice, I couldn’t help but think “of course” because it’s just the type of song that fits his voice. And he’s nailing it. And he’s keeping his eyes open so far. But I’m not sure it’s anything new that we haven’t seen from him before (from either of them for that point). But he does an excellent job. I didn’t love it, but I didn’t hate it either. Which is saying something coming from me. Normally I would have changed the channel if someone were singing that song.

Archuletta wins round 1.

Round 2 is a song that was from the song-writing contest that Ryan has been pimping all season. All songs written by people I’ve never heard of before.

Cook – Dream Big – This song is all just a too much Jonas Brother-ish for me. He’s singing it fine, but this song is never going to be a hit. Not in my house anyway. But I think it’s the song, not the singer. But then again, I guess I could see this as one of those songs that schools use for graduation or even churches use for baccalaureate because they are trying to be relevant. Just not something I really enjoyed. And he sang it without screaming. He did an great job. Not fantabulous like I’d have liked to see, but he did it well.

Archuletta – In This Moment – Again, not a song I really enjoy and I don’t know that I care for the message of the song a whole lot. Guess I know too many people who like to stay stuck in their “moment” maybe? But he is really owning this song. It’s like it was written for his voice. Specifically for him. He did an amazing job with that song!

Round 2 goes to Archuletta. (And I’m seriously wishing that I had written a song called “The Phone Book” and submitted it.)

Round 3 is Idol-ee choice. 

Cook – The World I Know by Collective Soul – I’m a bit bored by this. It’s a great performance. But more a song stuck into the middle of a concert. Not the encore song that he really needs at this moment. And I really applaud him for going and doing something original and not falling back onto something he’s already done.

Archuletta – Imagine – And apparently he really is stuck in his moment. Because I swear I remember him doing this song before. Phenomenally. Can he do it again? He can, but I’ve seen him do this already and it bored me the first time and is boring me the second time again. You can hear the tension in his voice as he sings it under the pressure of knowing that this is it for him. (Chip is seriously afraid the kid will melt into the floor like a puddle of wax if he actually wins it all). And oh, the screaming. The lots and lots of SCREAMING!

I’d give round 3 to Cook. Even though they both bored me, at least Cook bored me with something new. I was really surprised to see Idol end up this way at the end.

Who’s album would I buy? David Cook.

Who has changed the most as a performer consistently throughout the season? David Cook.

Who do I think will actually win it all? David Archuletta.

And for the record – I think they both deserve it.

American Idol Results Show (May 14)… May 14, 2008

Twitter is getting to be a dangerous place when you only “almost live” blog American Idol. That means you’re getting my opinion before I go and read anyone elses and as I watch. But it’s only “almost live” because of the wonder of the DVR. Which is really the most amazing invention since television itself I think. It let’s me put my monkeys in bed and THEN watch. It also allows me to fast forward through a lot of the NONSENSE in the hour-long (I’m begging you producers – bring back the 30 minute) results show. So let’s get on with it all…

We’re down to the final three and before the night is over, we’ll be down to the final two. I’d bet good money that Ryan is going to come out and tell us that more people have voted than ever before. If someone was foolish enough to actually take the bet that is.

Wow, Ryan, thanks for pointing out the obvious. Because if somehow someone was BLIND and had missed Paula’s cleavage, Ryan telling her that she needs to put on a shirt will definitely make you look up. Because the girls certainly are on display and I’m glad that I’ve already put my adolescent song in bed for the night because he does NOT need to see that!

I hate the group numbers. Detest them. Syesha is doing it well. Archuletta seems to appreciate having other people up there with him – in case he forgets the words. Again. And I wonder how Cook can look into the mirror after something like that because it just screams SELL OUT! Never mind me, I’m much nicer after the group number is done. And the Ford commercial too.

Ryan recaps the performances for us. They all did well. Judges chose great songs. Idol-ees chose ok songs. And the producers chose songs certain to sabotage the Idol-ees.

And we welcome Fantasia. I’m not a fan. Never have been. She actually scares me quite a bit. And what is up with the Ronald McDonald/Bozo the Clown hair color? This is just a freaky-weird performance. And she’s making my dogs go CRAZY! They are running through the house freaking out. And does this really qualify as singing? The music is amazing, but I feel like she’s shouting at me. And Simon’s face says it all! What the heck was that?!?

Ryan pimps the Idol tour. The Idol stamp. And the Idol goes back. Instead, I’d suggest that you go to Compassion International and sponsor a child or give to one of their very needy ministries. They are a company actually out there doing in. And the money given goes to local churches to support local people. It’s not used to fly celebrities halfway around the world to mug for the cameras.

We look at David’s trip back to Murray, Utah. And he is geeking out over the cheerleaders being there to cheer for him. Because I suspect he was the nerdy choir guy in school. And all this sudden popularity is a little weird for him still. And I think it would be weird for anyone, but for a 17 year old kid – that would really freak them out. Especially when they get an entire day named after them. Ryan reminds us that the judges all loved his first song, the second song fell a little short and the third song was a bit predictable. 

They call Syesha out and she looks lovely tonight. She had a great time back home in Sarasota, FL. There are a lot of people out there and apparently they’ve named a day after here too. It’s nice to see her with her parents and family. And at least American Idol in an equal opportunity moment, we see Syesha bawl during her video too. Not that we haven’t seen her cry before. The judges didn’t care for the first song except for Randy, same for the second song and no one really loved the third song. But you can tell she’s had fun on the journey and I really expect to hear about her being on Broadway someday regardless of what happens tonight (but I still think she’s going home).

LONGEST SHOW EVER!

They call out David Cook. He tells us how he was never supposed to even audition and they call up his brother who was the one who was supposed to audition. Home for David Cook is in Blue Springs, MO – just outside of Kansas City. It’s all a bit crazy the way people go absolutely nuts for someone just because they are famous. And those little girls FREAKING out over him at the elementary school. And he’s staring to cry so we know the clip is coming to an end. The judges liked the first song, the second song underwhelmed everyone but Simon, and it was a split vote on the third song but I think a Randy/Simon feud is actually what split the vote on that last one. I still think he’s the one to beat in this competition.

Ryan calls them all to the center of the stage and then sends us to commercial. And I’m thinking we might actually get the results when we come back since there are less than 10 minutes left.

We’re back. Randy says they all did amazing and they deserve a round of applause. Paula tells them they are on a path to greatness and tells them to seize this moment. But she says it in a long drawn out way. Simon says he likes them all and is predicting a humdinger for next week.

And the person leaving us tonight is Syesha.

So, next week is the battle of the David’s. I wonder if they’ll actually be able to make Randy’s day and actually sing the phone book. Wouldn’t that be something?

Almost live American Idol (May 13)… May 13, 2008

I’m late, I know. But we got a call to go have dessert with friends after dinner tonight and well the thing about living life is that well, you miss out on a lot when you don’t live it. And unfortunately, internets, that means y’all take a backseat to my real life friends. We had a great time and stayed too late. I drank too much coffee, had great chocolate cake and laughed. A lot!

But I’m back with y’all now and ready for American Idol, even if I am a little sleepy. We’re down to the final three – the Davids and Syesha. They are each doing three songs tonight so it should be interesting. Is tonight judges choice? I guess we’ll find out.

Ryan introduces the judges and my, isn’t Paula sparkly tonight? Her hair looks rather nice tonight. And I’m right – it IS judges choice. And producers choice. And Idol-ee choice. This. could. get. interesting.

We start with judges choice and we get the news live at their hometown.

David Archuletta – And So It Goes by Billy Joel via Paula – David is excited to sing the pretty song. Which makes sense since he’s such a pretty boy. He does pretty well. And he’s really pulling off the acapella thing. NOT an easy task. It’s all a little pageant-y for me. He’s doing a MUCh better job at keeping his eyes open though. I wonder if he’s reading my blog? He sang for his audience and he sang it well. It was exactly what I expected it to be. No more, no less.

Syesha Mercado – If I Ain’t Got You by Alysha Keys via Randy – Ok, first, I’m automatically put off by the fact that she says she’s going to sing it just like Alysha Keys. Of course she is. Because that’s what she does. Or what she tries to do. When she tries to be something she’s not, she usually falls a bit flat. And that’s exactly what she’s doing. She’s singing it well, but I don’t see anything that screams out and says this girl can make it on her own and do anything original. She looks pretty though.

David Cook – First Time Ever I Saw Your Face by Roberta Flack via Simon – I applaud Simon for picking a song that is way outside of anything Cook would have picked on his own. It’s a great song. A difficult song. And wow! He really brings his A game tonight! That was amazing! I couldn’t type. I could just sit and watch.  And I think Randy’s harshness is all about Simon and not about David at all. Amazing. Absolutely amazing.

And we move on to the Idol-ee’s choice…

David Archuletta – With You by Chris Brown – The poor little boy looks so nervous to have chosen his own song. But I like that he’s singing something a little different than anything he’s done before. He looks comfortable – even if he does mess up the words a bit. I swear it sounded like he just picked random names from the phone book to sing there. He hits it strong now and his eyes are STILL open! Not my type of music, and forgetting the words aside, I’m glad he tried something new. Cheesy, but some people like cheese.

Syesha Mercado – Fever by Peggy Lee – WOW her legs are long in that dress! This is VERY Broadway. And I swear I’ve seen this song done exactly this way before – chair included. She’s doing nothing original vocally. She’s a great singer, but definitely not a musician. Syesha will be a GREAT Broadway star someday. She’s got what it takes to be on stage as an actress. Not sure she’s got anymore in her as a singer though than a second-rate wannabe. This whole season has been about her trying to be like someone else.  And as harsh as that is, she just doesn’t have any originality. Broadway, baby, that’s where she belongs. But, she does look AMAZING! She does sparkly well!

David Cook – Dare You To Move by Switchfoot – It’s starting out really low. Creepy low. Which tells me there will be screaming later in the song. WOW that was short. It’s like he can just get started with the song and then it’s cut short. I feel ripped off that we didn’t get the whole song. It was weirdly short. Not a good song choice. Pretty predictable.

Up next – producers choice…

David Archuletta – Longer by Dan Fogelberg – And he’s SQUINTING again! And it’s just a bit weird to hear him sing this because the song is older than he is! He hits that last note and his fans start passing out all over the place I’m sure. It was boring and predictable. A beautiful song, done well. I was bored. But it’s not his fault – the producers are trying to sabotage him I think. It’s just weird to hear a 17 year old sing a song about loving someone forever.

Syesha Mercado – Hit Me Up by I have absolutely no idea – I hated it. That was just kind of goofy and weird. And it was from a movie with Penguins – although I can’t remember which one because there have been so many lately. That was *not* a good choice and I think the producers should stick to producing and not choosing songs. That was not good.

David Cook – I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing by Aerosmith – Chip says, “Why did they have to arrange it like a Michael Bolton song?” And I couldn’t agree more. This is all just a bit overproduced and weird. The ending was better than the beginning but wow. I might need to watch that again to get a real feel of it all. The song is an amazing song. I disagree with Randy calling it predictable. *that* mess was anything but predictable. But it’s enough to get him into the finals.

Who goes home? Syesha. I really think that the powers that be decided a long time ago that the Davids would be the final two. And they deserve it. Cook is just a great musician and Archuletta has the potential to be given a bit of time and life experience.

Best of the night goes to David Cook. Worst of the night was Syesha. Going home will be Syesha.

American Idol results show (May 7th)… May 7, 2008

I’m going to start this episode without Chip. I don’t *think* he’ll be too upset. He can’t really stand it and always wants me to fast forward to the end anyway. And because of the wonder of the DVR, if he really, really wants to see the opening group number, we can just start it over. He should be home momentarily anyway.

Ryan doesn’t surprise me when he tells me more people voted than ever before. Is it just me or does he say that EVERY week? Maroon 5 and Bo Bice on tonight’s show. Ryan chats with the judges about last night and wastes time because this show is an HOUR long! Even though the entire performance show is an hour. But for fear of becoming as boring as Ryan by repeating myself week after week, I’ll just let you go back and reread what I’ve said about that same topic just about every week of this show.

The group number is Reeling In The Years and I find it ironic that Syesha, who is always Little Miss Broadway, just isn’t really into it. Listening to them sing is like that game on Sesame Street – “One of these people is doing his own thing, one of these people is not the same…” David Cook’s voice and performance abilities are just so vastly different than the rest of them that they can’t even begin to compare. Mercifully, the group number is over.

Ryan pimps the AI tour (which I have NO desire to go to) and then recaps last nights show. Most of which I’ve already forgotten so I’m thankful for the reminder. Only now I’m remembering why they were so forgettable. Or memorable for the wrong reasons. Jason was awful. Archie was amazing. Syesha wept. And Cook was Cook.

Ryan calls David Archuletta out first and no one is surprised that he’s safe. Because it would be the MOST unpredictable thing in the world if they were to call the person going home out first and “just do this thing already!” But that’s not how Ryan rolls and David is going to take a seat on the nice comfortable couch (which really doesn’t look that comfy to me).

Back from commercial, and we see the final four go on tour as much bigger rockstars than they’ll ever be. Comparing ANY of them to the Beatles is a bit of a stretch. In a HUGE sort of way that one might compare dogs and airplanes. It just doesn’t work. But it would be cool to go see Cirque Du Soleil. It’s only list of things to do in this lifetime.

Ryan calls David Cook out and, well, I KNEW IT! The David’s were the top 2. Although I was kind of hoping that David Cook would go home tonight because the irony of such a great rocker dude going home on Rock&Roll week would have been too much. But he’s safe and no one is surprised.

Ryan calls both Syesha and Jason Castro out and says the “Person who leaves us tonight on American Idol…” and Jason freaks out a little bit even though those of us at home viewing know we’re not going to find out now because this is American Idol and nothing if not predictable and we all know there is still too much time left and two star performances and most likely those awful viewer questions that we still have to sit through before we can actually find out who’s going home. Oh! And don’t forget the Ford commercial.

Speaking of the Ford commercial – y’all just KNOW that Johnny Cash has GOT to be rolling over in his grave right now! ARE THEY FREAKING KIDDING ME?!?!?!?

And we’re back for the phone calls. Emily wants to know if David Cook will go on a date with her for her birthday since he’ll be in town for the Idol tour anyway? And he’s got his very first STALKER! And he looks completely terrified! Sarah wants to know what the biggest challenge the Idol-ee’s have had to overcome? Syesha says stagefright, David doesn’t know (answering these questions should be it) and Jason is so high that even HE knows he’s brain-dead. Lynn wants to know why Simon hasn’t been knighted by the Queen? And he agrees! He’s just waiting for that call from Buckingham Palace and his invitation. Mara wants to know how Syesha feels about being the only girl in the top 4. She says it’s a bit uncomfortable, but she’s proud of herself. Humility is not her strong point. Teresa wants to know if any of the Idol-ee’s have gotten feedback from the original artists and Cook is the only one popular enough to get that kind of respect. Marla wants Simon to be the next James Bond. Then she called him sexy and intriguing and I think maybe it’s time to end these calls.

Now it’s time for Maroon 5 and “If I Never See Your Face Again.” I’m not a fan. At all. And if I never saw this band again it would be too soon. This is *not* music! No, no, no! Thank you Dish Network for giving me the power of the fast forward. They’re going on tour and going to Europe and San Antonio. Because those two places are so close to each other. Adam Levine tells them that they’ll become jaded and hate it and love it all at the same time because it’s a lot of work to be that cool.  Thankfully, it’s all ok because now there is a really cool commercial on for the new Indiana Jones movie that comes out in two weeks! I can’t wait!!!

We’re back from the commerical and they bring out Bo Bice. He’s singing Witness. This guy was just born int he wrong decade. Well, he was *born* in the right decade. He just wasn’t old enough to perform then. The background singers just don’t seem to mesh with the whole performance though. Better than Maroon 5 by a long shot, but I’d rather heard David Cook sing personally. It’s all a bit showy and sell-out and then he breaks out the Framptonator. Because he’s cool like that. And I’m reaching for the remote. Again. And I really don’t care what he has to say about the contestants. His album just came out and more than ever I know I won’t be buying it.

Please, AI officials, I’m begging. Go back to the thirty MINUTE results show. Because these seems to be thirty HOURS long tonight.

We’re finally back from commercial and rehashing the awfulness that was Jason last night (love that someone told him that he shot the tamborine man) and the shreik-e-ness of Syesha as she struggled through. Jason knows he was awful. Syesha knows she was emotional. (I just realized I didn’t hear anyone say it was PMS – could it have been?)

And the results are in and Jason is going home. And no one is surprised. And I think Jason may even be a bit relieved. It will take a certain something out of the show though because you just never knew what he was going to say and if it would be coherent. Jason sings us out and for the first time in weeks he really looks like he’s having fun because he’s not worried about what anyone is going to say anymore.

Apparently, he’s not a blog reader.

 

Almost live American Idol (May 6th)… May 6, 2008

The final four go at it tonight on ROCK night! Ryan just told me that I *must* vote, but honestly the polls are going to be closed for me before I’m done watching. Really, if Idol wanted lots and lots of votes, they’d figure out a way to only allow one vote per phone number but keeping the lines open longer. Because of the wonders of the DVR, I’m automatically disqualified from voting because I’m not watching live. I can’t fast forward through commercials or Ryan’s time-wastingness either.

I’d really like to go to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. But of all the nights on Idol so far, this is the one that scares me most. I just don’t know that I can see anyone but David Cook doing a decent job.

ROUND 1 – *ding*ding*ding*ding*

David Cook – Hungry Like The Wolf by Duran Duran – I expected it to be a great performance and it was. I didn’t hear anything original, but it was good. It fit his voice really well, but it was safe. We’ve come to expect great things from him and this was just little boring from David Cook.

Syesha Mercado – Proud Mary by Tina Turner – It’s a stupid choice. Everyone does this song. She picked the ONE diva rock star. When is this girl going to learn? And she’s going to copy the choreography too? She’s singing it ok if you can actually concentrate on the singing. It’s just unbelievable. Unbelievably bad. I’m sitting here shaking my head. (Chip says, “Rock and Roll – The Musical”). It definitely showed her personality and she had fun with it, but wow! Just wow! And not in a good way.

Jason Castro – I Shot The Sherrif by Bob Marley – He’s still doing that weird thing with his face. Is no one that helps him put together his performances actually watching him sing? It’s completely distracting to me. In a concert it wouldn’t be a real problem because unless someone gives me tickets I’m not going to be close enough to see his face anyway. I didn’t think it was as bad as the judges. I just don’t think the judges can figure out how he’s still in the contest because Castro is not the type of music they would choose to listen to voluntarily. It was better than I thought it was going to be.

David Archuletta – Stand By Me by Ben E. King – I’m glad he found a song that he could actually sing. Because I was nervous for little Archie. It’s all a little high school variety show, but he’s still in high school so I won’t hold it against him. It’s not nearly the wreck the last two were. And that little touch at the end was great! I actually liked him *almost* as much as David Cook. And it makes me want to break out a classic movie!

And we’re back from commercial and the bell is ringing…

ROUND TWO!!!

David Cook – Baba O’Reilly by The Who – And this type of thing is why we love him. This is what we’ve come to expect and I wish just let him sing the whole song instead of letting Syesha or Jason sing. LOVED it!

Syesha Mercado – A Change Is Going To Come by Sam Cook – I cannot believe that she just compared her being in the Top 4 with the Civil Rights Moment. But her dress is AMAZING!!! And this song suits her well. But she’s pushing it a little bit with her voice. She just tries too hard. I think her fans are going to really enjoy it. And at least *this* song is worthy of some votes.

Jason Castro – Mr Tamborine Man by Bob Dillon – He did NOT just forget the words!!! (Chip says maybe he’s trying to *be* Bob Dillion so we just couldn’t understand the words! ROFL). It’s just too late in the competition to do that kind of thing! If he had these kind of performances in Hollywood week, he’d have been sent home. Do not pass go. Do not collect $200. Do *not* vote for Jason this week! That was rough in every area!

David Archuletta – Love Me Tender by Elvis Presley – He’s GOT to open his eyes all the way when he sings! It’s driving me insane! Maybe the boy needs glasses? He always looks so squinty eyed. But he did a GREAT job with song choices this week. The boy doesn’t have an ounce of rock and roll in him, so I was wondering how he’d do. But he took two “rock” (and I use that term very loosely with these songs) and made them his own. He melted the hearts of all the little Archuletta fans. For the first time, even though I’m *not* a fan, I’d have to say he was definitely the best of the night. Not that I want to listen to him sing those songs again since I’m not a fan of that kind of music.

Best of the night – Overall, it was David Archultta.  Best single performance of the night belonged to David Cook with Baba O’Reilly.

Bottom two – Syesha Mercado and Jason Castro.

Should go home – Jason Castro

Will go home – Not sure, but it won’t be one of the Davids.

American Idol results (April 30)… April 30, 2008

I can’t believe these results shows are STILL an hour long even with just 5 contestants left. The PERFORMANCE show is only an hour. Certainly they could get the results show down to only 30 minutes? Or maybe just commercial length during another good show. But wait, this is FOX…

Neil Diamond, Natasha Bedingfield and viewer questions. Honestly, I could do without ALL of it. And I can REALLY, REALLY do without the Top 5 Tribute to Neil Diamond.

And WHAT is up with Jason Castro’s voice? It didn’t even sound like him singing there at the beginning. I had to actually look up and make sure it was him. Archie rocks it out the best he can as he talks about being a rosy child. And David Cook comes out and makes us all play it now and then we go into Brooke going all Very-Merry-Brady with Syesha. Can you tell I really, really hate these group numbers? It’s all a bit Partridge family with this group thing. One rock star and a bunch of tag-a-longs.

Ryan wastes time in the audience with Constantine and Gina Glockson. Really.Don’t.Care.

We look back at last night and I’m going to change up my opinion. I think Syesha or Brooke will go home tonight.

Ryan assures us that they all love Paula and the rumors are not true. Whatever that might be.

Jason is out first and he’s got to be nervous tonight. But he’s safe tonight. And I’m shocked.

David Arculetta is out next. He’s starting to do some weird thing with his face when he sings. I think he’s trying to look angry? It doesn’t work for him. He needs to start smiling more again. But he’s safe for another week. And I can hear the teeny-boppers still squeeling.

We come back from commercial for another commercial? What on earth? I’m not going to watch “So You Think You Can Dance?” I know I can’t dance and I don’t need to go make a fool of myself on television to find out. And the guy dancing in his whitie-tighties is the stuff nightmares are made of. American Idol – there are CHILDREN who watch this show! GIVE US ALL A BREAK ALREADY!!!

And then they have to show us a CUP?! design??? OH MY GOSH!!!

David Cook is out next and I’m thinking they’ll try to “trick” us into thinking he’s in the bottom two when really he’ll be safe and they’ll call the last two out for the bottom two. Because he was clearly the ONLY star on the show last night. And I’m right, because he is indeed safe for another week.

So they bring out the losers I mean bottom two. My guess is we’ll hear BOTH of them sing one last time. They remind us how Syesha stunk it up and then moves on to Brooke and reminds us that she does well singing karaoke with animated creatures. Syesha says song choices are tough and this isn’t Miss America (thanks to my husband for putting it into words for me). Brooke says she’s finally just at a place where she’s wants to have fun doing this again and hopefully she didn’t make that decision a little too late.

Commercials are over and they are ALL on the sofa – I think Ryan wishes he could sing – to listen to Natasha Bedingfield sing. I don’t know who she is. Apparently she’s really popular across the pond. I’m not all that impressed, but I don’t hate it. That’s not going to keep me from fast forwarding through it though. Ryan asks for her opinion on first auditions and such and she really doesn’t have much to say because well, she never had to compete to get a contract. She was just discovered. Then she sits down and kisses Archie on the cheek and he turns about 8 shades of red and purple and then she agrees to go to prom with him.

Now we go to questions becuase we have to waste even more time. Some little boy wants to know why Paula always give contestants a break and she says it’s because it’s a hard-knock life. A girl with another question for Paula and she wants to know if Paula will be doing another video with Randy. Paula says it’s a go as soon as Randy turns into an animated dawg. Someone’s mom wants to know which was more memorable – his kiss with Paula or his kiss with her when he was 9. Thankfully it’s someone that he really does know. And he wants to know if she’s still a hottie. And we’ve all just met Simon’s first crush.

And THANK YOU RYAN for reminding kids that 9 years old is too young to be kissing!

I skipped the Ford commercial because I don’t care. Neil Diamond is next and doing a new song from his new album. The song is Pretty Amazing Grace. I can’t tell if he’s talking about God’s grace or a pretty girl named Grace. I guess like all good love songs, it works both ways. Pretty amazing, eh? (Sorry, I just couldn’t help myself). I am a little disappointed that he went with more of a Johnny Cash look instead of a flashy, sparkly shirt.

And we’re running short on time, so I’m guessing now that we’ll only get to hear the person voted off tonight sing. Which is fine by me. Because really, if they aren’t voted off but were in the bottom two, they probably shouldn’t sing the song that landed them there again. Ever.

Syesha and Brooke are called back to the center of the stage and BROOKE is going home. It’s kind of sad because the second song she did was the best she’d done in WEEKS. Apparently it wasn’t enough to overshadow the spaz-y first performance.  I really expect her to cut a CCM a la Amy Grant type record once she’s done with the tour. I’ve heard some great stories about her and I she really seems like a genuine person who lives out her faith. I’m sad to see her go.

And she goes out giving me goosebumps even though she’s barely making it through. We’ll see Brooke again, oh yes we will…

Almost Live American Idol recap… (April 29) April 29, 2008

And I STILL haven’t called my Gram! UGH!

Ryan introduces us to the few remaining Idol-ators. Not many left and really not a lot of talent left. When you get this far into the competition, it’s easy to see who the stars really are. The grueling task of being a star will make people start to crack by this point. Could be interesting tonight.

Ryan is going on about how they have to JAM stuff into just one hour. Maybe if he’d just quit talking to hear himself talk we wouldn’t have to waste so much time? What a novel idea!

And it’s Neil Diamond night. I’m really hoping that someone will wear the shiny shirt. THAT would be entertainment! He an amazing musician who has proved himself and is about to release his 26th album. You know you’re successful when you can go the distance like that!

Ok, they are each going to sing two songs. And not be judged until the end of the second performance.

Jason Castro – “Forever in Blue Jeans” – Didn’t love it. Didn’t hate it. I think they should be making them do these back to back like they would in a real concert. Make them talk to the audience between them. Then we’d really know what kind of performer they are.

David Cook – “I’m Alive” – Took us a minute to figure out all the AC stuff – Adam Cook. Great performance. Not even in the same caliber as the rest of the contestants.

Brooke White – “I’m A Believer” – This song usually reminds me of the Monkees (Carrie are you reading? How many HOURS did we spend watching htat show when we were in school?) However, this reminds me more of the Shrek version. I can just picture little fairy tale creatures dancing all around her. It’s a good performance and she seems more comfortable behind the guitar than she’s looked in weeks. I was nervous about her this week, but you could tell she had fun up there and actually made it enjoyable.

(anyone else icked out by the “my husband has a guy-crush on seacrest” sign? Ew!!!)

David Archuletta – “Sweet Caroline” – I should have made my predictions on the blog BEFORE it got to the point. I just *knew* he would sing BOTH of these songs! And he did well. In a Disney musical kind of way. It was about what I expected.

Syesha Mercado – “Hello Again” – I like this song. I’ve heard it so many times that I can actually hear Neal Diamond singing it in my head without any music at all. She sang it well, but I didn’t like it. It’s one of those untouchable songs for me.

Randy on Round 1 – Jason was ok, David C was in the zone, Brooke was better than last week but karaoke, Archuletta was GREAT, and Syesha was wonderful.

Paula wastes her time because she things Castro sang two songs and she get all confused and we don’t have time for this.

Simon says Jason:forgettable, David Cook:justabove average, Brooke:nightmare, David Archuletta:ametuer, Syesha: old-fashioned.

*ROUND TWO!*

Jason Castro – “September Morn” – Someone needs to tell the windshield wipers in the front row that this is NOT the right type of song for that thing and they are going completely too fast for this song! He’s got a soothing kind of voice that I could listen to if I wanted to be lulled to sleep or just wanted background noise while I was working. A step above Musak, but almost just as boring. Randy says it was just ok/whatever performance, Paula tells him to get out of his comfort zone and quit playing it safe, and Simon is bored by his lack of originality.

David Cook – “All I Really Need Is You” – LOVED it! Best by far and we should just end this competition and let the boy cut his album. The longer they wait to get it in the can, the less money they will make. Randy loved it, Paula really loved it and Simon thought it was brilliant and can’t say enough. Which is odd to hear Simon gushing with GOOD things to say.

Brooke White – “I Am…I Said…” – I can’t believe that Ryan just called her for cheating and writing the lyrics on her hand. But she didn’t need them. And she does a GREAT job with this song. Randy liked it. Paula says it works. Simon says again how much he hated the first song, but he really liked the second song. It wasn’t incredible, but she gets a “well done” from Simon.

David Archuletta – “America” – This song seems a bit “July 4th Musical”-ish. And his voice cracking really shows how young he is. He sang it well. Randy and Paula loved it. Simon agrees with me – David picked the right song to sing to get him the voices because Archuletta fans will LOVE that.

Syesha Mercado – “Thank The Lord For The Nighttime” – THIS is what she should have been doing all along. And why does she never do the big funky hair when she does songs like this? Because that would have so made her perfomance. Randy says she should have been doing songs like this all along. Paula babbles. I have no idea what she’s talking about but I do know that Syesha is no Corrine Bailey Rae. Simon says she demonstrates that she’s a great actress/singer and he thinks she’ll be in trouble tonight because there are only 5 left and that she didn’t have a memorable second song. I think he says that because he’s already forgotten about Jason Castro.

Should be bottom two: Jason Castro & Syesha Mercado

Will be bottom two: Jason Castro & Syesha Mercado

Going home: Jason Castro

I’m off to read more opinions now and see what others thought.

Tackling Tuesday…

There are two days left in April – if you count today – and I’m FREEZING! It’s 45 degrees outside. I thought we left Minnesota 10 years ago??? My body does not like to work when it’s this cold outside! I want to stay in, curled up under blankets and drinking coffee!

But, I don’t have time for that. My days are filling quickly. Thankfully Tuesdays are one of only two days a week that we don’t have to be on the ballfield. I’m currently at home and finishing up giving baths to the littlest two. Kait is taking my place at the church this morning and helping set stuff up for the rummage sale. She’s loving it and loving the attention of all the wonderful grandmas and grandpas over there. I’m sure they’re loading her up with cookies and snacks and I’ll be the one to pay for it later, but at least my sneez-y allergies aren’t bothering me this morning.

Elijah and I have to sit down and figure out the best week for him to go to camp. I’ve got loads of design stuff to do for the church. I need to refigure the signage for the rummage sale this weekend, start working on baccalaureate, tweak some other signage and sermon graphics and CALL MY GRAM because her birthday was 2 days ago and I still haven’t talked to her!

OH! And my new books have finally arrived. What I really want to do is sit down, snuggle in and start to digest Pop Goes The Church by Tim Stevens. Or I Became A Christian And All I Got Was This Lousy TShirt by Vince Antonucci (although this one has already made it’s way to Chip’s office so it may be a while before I see it again).

OH! And everything I have to do today must be done before dinner. Because after dinner, we have to go find a pair of cleats that fit Elijah’s ever-growing feet! Which are now as big as mine!!!! And I should probably sort through the assortment of cleats in the closet to see if we have any for Kait and Noah. I don’t want to go cleat shopping more than once!

All that before I come home tonight to blog about American Idol. At least *that* I can do from the comforts of my snuggly blanket!

American Idol results recap (April 23rd)… April 23, 2008

It is Wednesday and I’m only half watching the results. I really, really, really beg of the producers to make the results show a 30 minute show.

I could care less about the group numbers. And tonights are particularly painful for me. And from the looks on their faces, it’s painful for everyone but Syesha and David Archuletta too. Personally, I think Syesha should just leave now for Broadway now. She’s be great on the stage I think. And Disney has GOT to be kicking themselves for not discovering David Archuletta before AI did. He is a Disney movie waiting to happen.

They’re interviewing Andrew Lloyd Weber tonight. The man is brilliant. A little creepy, but brilliant. And I disagree about his comment about Brooke being amazing at dress rehersal. Sorry, but we don’t get to see rehersals. I’ve seen better ALW interviews. I could have done about this one.

And OH.MY.GOSH!!! With the Ford commercial this week. WHAT was up with Brooke’s hair in that video? I know it was all big hair 80’s rocker stuff for all of them, but WOW! That was crazy!

Lots of thanks for Idol Gives Back – including a video of the President and First Lady. I’ll tell y’all right now, it’s not too late to give even more. You can go to Compassion International to give – either on a one time basis (I know they are doing a malaria net campaign right now where you can buy a mosquito net for a child (or a whole family if they all sleep together) for only $10. Or you can sponsor a child on a monthly basis. Doesn’t matter when you read this – you can visit there site and make a difference NOW!

They bring out the David’s and they are both safe. And they’ll be working with Neil Diamond next week.

Who is Leona Lewis? I know that I live under a rock a lot of times when it comes to pop music. Because most pop music makes me want to stick my fingers in my ears and send me screaming from the room. But I have no idea who this chick is.

We’re back from commercial and apparently losing Idol stars do one of two things – sing country or do Broadway. And oh Clay Aiken. I may have nightmares tonight… *shudder*

Apparently this girl, Leona Lewis, is the number one new singer in the world? And I’m hitting the fast forward button because this is SOOOO not my type of music. She seems sweet enough and she can sing, but I can’t hear what you’re saying, let me take my fingers out of my ears.

Syesha Mercado and Brooke White are called out. My prediction? Brooke is taking a stool and Syesha is safe. And I’m completely WRONG!!! But if I had stuck with my opinion from last night, Syesha is the weaker of the two (marginally) and Brooke got the sympathy vote. I was told I was wrong so many times today that I doubted myself. Note to self: Self, go with your gut!

Carly and Jason come out after the commercial break and my gut is telling me Jason is on the stools. And it’s a SECOND UPSET!!! I’m pretty shocked. But I’m tired of both of the bottom two, so I really don’t care who goes home at this point.

Carly and Syesha both sing and I’ll be honest – I didn’t watch either. I watched the first few seconds of Carly, but I surfed the web for the rest of it.

The Mac vs. PC commercials however, I will watch over and over again! Best marketing on television. Love them!

We come back from commercial and Ryan wastes more time after makign us think he’s jumping right into it. And Carly is going home tonight. I’m a bit surprised. A bit disappointed. But like she said earlier in the show, she had been too calculating in her song choices and had forgotten to have fun. She was ready to bring back that fun Carly that people really liked at the beginning of the season. But that’s the reality of American Idol and it’s not always the worst singer that goes home.