Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Jason, Syesha and the Two Davids

I'm a little late posting tonight because the husband and I just got home from seeing Carrie Underwood in concert. Despite the over modulation of the sound system, it was a great concert and, of course, she ended with "Before He Cheats." Maybe I'll blog more on this later.

In the meantime, you've probably already heard Brooke was sent home. Her first song last night is what probably did her in. People might of got tired of her acting like she owned the stage with her endless chatter.

What I couldn't believe is that Syesha, who came in first in Dial Idol, was in the Bottom 2. What surprises me more is that Jason Castro got more votes than Syesha - especially as good as she was last night. So folks, we're down to the final four. With the exception of David Cook, this might be the most boring group of final fours ever in Idol history.

Did I mentioned that Josh Turner opened for Carrie Underwood tonight? He's H O T ! ! ! His voice is H O T ! ! ! ! More later! It's bedtime!

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

"They're Coming To America" - American Idol, That Is

It was my junior year at the University of Georgia and I lived on the third floor of Creswell Hall. Within the first week, I made friends with one of my dorm neighbors who was a HUGE Neil Diamond fan. I'm a fan too - just not like she was. I'm pretty sure she went to concerts and collected memorabilia and stuff like that. Me, I'm more into the Carpenters.

Tonight, our five finalists sing two songs each. To keep this post organized, we'll go in order of performer but list both songs they do with my snarky feedback. We'll forgo judges' comments because I've typed all day long and my fingers hurt.

Jason Castro
"Forever in Blue Jeans"
Not bad, but still goes to prove how one-dimensional Jason is as a performer.

"September Morn'"
This might have been Jason's best performance for me. The song totally fit his personality and voice. Nice.

David Cook
"I'm Alive"
I'm not off the couch hopping around with happiness but it's enjoyable enough. Not his best performance. His outfit and guitar are fully decorated with his ailing brother's initials, "AC."

"All I Really Need Is You"
Perfectly incredible.

Brooke White
"I'm a Believer"
This is a power voice song. Brooke doesn't really have a power voice. I preferred Eddie Murphy's donkey version on "Shrek." Not good.

"I Am I Said"
A huge improvement over her first song. A huge improvement over last week. Is it enough to save her pretty self?

David Archuleta
"Sweet Caroline"
This song is too identifiable with Neil Diamond that I just can't even imagine anyone else singing it. Not even Archuleta. For me, this has been his worst performance to date. It just doesn't fit him.

"America"
He misses a note and/or it's pitchy. I'm not feelin' the Archuleta today. Then he hits a big not beautifully. Little girls across the globe will vote.

Syesha Mercado
"Hello Again"
She totally gets this song and delivers one of her best performances. Did I just say that?

"Thank the Lord for the Night Time"
She shows a lot of personality on this performance. Despite her lack of distinctiveness, Syesha had a very good night. I'd say she's safe. Then again, I thought Carly was safe last week too.

Based on his second performance, David Cook is my favorite of the night. I still vote for Carly. Who is going home? It's between Brooke and Jason. Simon thinks it's Syesha. She's certainly been in the bottom enough to know her way out the door.

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Big Giant Piles of Horse Manure

My day started out well. Then the afternoon was crappy. So I went home after a longer night at work with the intention of enjoying a glass of wine while relaxing to one of my favorite shows because surely someone who deserved to be going home tonight would be going home.

WRONG!!!!!!!!!

Carly is with us no more. I protest. Donkey Doo!!!!!!!!!!

That's all now for I must continue crying.

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

On Broadway

If it weren't for the weekly poll appearing on the left hand side of this screen, I'd fear no one reads my inate ramblings. So let's begin by encouraging response. Click the comment link below and share your opinions. That's what makes it really fun.

Did you read last Tuesday's blog entry? Is my husband insightful and witty? He's lucky he's cute too!

Tonight's theme (see blog poll) is the songs of Andrew Lloyd Webber. The husband claims that Syesha (geesh, she's still around?) will sing "Memory." Let's see.

Can you believe we're down to just six finalist?

Syesha Mercado is up first so does this mean she'll fall victim to the all-to-familiar go first, go home routine? Could we be that lucky? She sings "One Rock-n-Roll Too Many." She's a good performer but seriously, her voice doesn't do a thing for me. She shouldn't need the two lines afforded her fans tonight for voting. The husband calls it "not too bad." Hmm. The judges are quite flattering of her performance too. Ugh. Is it just me?

Ha Ha husband! It's Jason Castro singing "Memory" tonight. This could work. Andrew Lloyd Webber himself seems apprehensive during the coaching. There's not enough power in his vocal chords to completely pull this off in its intended form. Still, I find it rather soothing and enjoyable. The girls absolutely LOVE him.

Will Paula ever shut up?

She's so pretty. No, not Paula. I'm talking about Brooke. She sings "You Must Love Me." OH ... MY ... GOD ... one of the first things my mother taught me about performing. If you make a mistake, carry on because most people won't notice. Brooke, Brooke, Brooke. No one is going to remember how delightfully matched your vocals were to this song. We'll all remember that you started over. NO, NO, NO. That's not forgivable at this stage of the game. Randy and Simon feel she did the right thing by starting over when she forgot the lyrics one line in. Finally, Paula and I agree.

Tonight's theme of Andrew Lloyd Webber hits should be right down David Archuleta's alley. Oh my goodness. This little ball of cuteness is going to win this competition. But we can't dismiss our other David. Still, the young one pulls off yet another fabulous, touching and beautiful performance. Wow!

Carly, Carly, Carly! My girl should do well tonight too! Fingers and toes crossed with happy thoughts all the way to Hollywood. On the suggestion of the master himself, Carly chooses "Jesus Christ Superstar." WOW!!!! Power! Personality! Performance! VOTE FOR CARLY!!! After a huge compliment from Simon, she holds up a T-shirt that says "Simon Loves Me (this week)" She's one terrific chick!

This is David Cook's second time in the pimp spot. Can he pull off "Belong To Me"? This is totally different than anything else David C. has shared with us before and it absolutely works.

Here's how I'd rank tonight's performances with first to worst.

1. Carly Smithson
2. David Cook
3. David Archuleta
4. Syesha Mercado
5. Jason Castro
6. Brooke White

Regardless, I'd like to send off Syesha. But we all knew that already.

Due to work obligations, I may be a little later posting than usual but check in and check in often. Gotta go vote now!

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

"Bye Bye"

A HUGE Thank You to the most wonderful husband on the planet - mine! I had to work late last night so he filled in for me as the BESTEST Guestest Blogger.

Mariah Carey's latest hit is "Touch My Body." Is that the message we want to be sending out to young girls across the world?

Does Fox's logo in the bottom right hand corner of my TV screen really need to be green with the O depicting planet Earth? Do we really need to hear our Idols sing Mariah Carey's "One Sweet Day?" Do we really need to hear Mariah perform?

We're to the point in this season that Ryan is putting the remaining seven contestants in two groups of three with the seventh person deciding which group they belong in. It was mean many moons ago and it still is mean.

In no particular order of placement:

Right Group
David Cook
Kristy Lee Cook

Left Group
Jason Castro
Carly Smithson

Break time.

Elliott Yamin, whose mommy passed away within the last few weeks, returns to the Idol stage tonight to perform "The Impossible Dream" - something he is truly living. An Elliott fan, I am. He's one soulful white boy.

Let's add to our two groups.

Right Group
David Cook
Kristy Lee Cook
Brooke White

Left Group
Jason Castro
Carly Smithson
Syesha Mercado

Before we found out which group David Archuleta will join, I notice that the person I liked most last night, David Cook, is in the same group as the person I liked least, Brooke White.

After the break, we do this ridiculous Q&A with viewers. Yawn. Until a good question where judges are asked what the first albums were they bought. ... this segment is useless filler cheese.

Performing "Bye Bye" from the album E=MC2 (squared) which debuted yesterday, Miss Mariah takes the stage. Not a bad song. She'd look better with more clothes on. I don't understand people who feel a boob job is the key to self-esteem.

Should we really have her sing a song called "Bye Bye?" It could really depress the contestant we'll be saying "Bye Bye" to tonight.

Back to business. Ryan brings Archuleta on stage and tells him he is safe. Then there's something about too many cooks in the kitchen and asks David COOK to swap places with Syesha. What in the spitfire is going on here? Then we learn one group is safe and the other isn't. This gets too funny to even explain - but as it is - Brooke White, Syesha Mercado and Kristy Lee Cook are in the Bottom 3.

This is the fourth time Kristy Lee and Syesha have been in the bottom three and Brooke's second time - statistics courtesy of the almight Husband.

First person sent back to safety is Syesha. SYESHA???? Will my prediction that Brooke is going home come true or will Kristy Lee finally meet her fate. Oh, the drama! My prediction is WRONG. Kristy Lee. Oh my poor, sweet little country girl who improved every single week. NOT FAIR!!! What's amazing is that all three judges - including Simon - give her a standing ovation.

Singing her swan song, Kristy Lee starts off atop the judge's table, singing right to Simon. It's all cute, really. 'Til next week!

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Mar-i-ugh

Good evening...this is The Husband guest blogging as Her Beautifulness, The BQ, is unable to watch live tonight.

By my amazing bad luck, I get to blog about Mariah Carey songs tonight. Does Mariah really jump out and say "American Idol?" Not really, but could her good friend, Randy Jackson, have anything to do with her being on this week? Her new album is out today. What an amazing coincidence! I would bet large sums of plastic surgery that she wouldn't be on for any other reason.

As we see Mariah greet the Idols, does anyone remember about 15 years ago when Mariah was actually pretty? Now she is snotty and slimy looking with artificial sag bags. Onward to the performances...

David Archuleta
"When You Believe"
oooo...the dreaded first position. Can we get a Bottom Three out of him? I really like him, but he is making the contest uninteresting. I don't mind his Michael Buble-type voice, but he is one-dimensional and all the young girls out there are going to vote until their tweeny fingers bleed. David sings it well, but I find myself bored. It seems to be the same type of song for him over-and-over. But *sigh* he'll make it through.

Carly Smithson
"Without You"
The most underappreciated contestant we've had in memory. Unfortunately, and it's going to be hard to avoid tonight, she's going to be "compared." She doesn't seem as powerful as she usually is, especially for this song. I fear that another Bottom Three could be forthcoming.

Syesha Mercado
"Vanishing"
Syesha has somehow survived this far with nothing that makes her stand out from the crowd. She has a nice voice, but is a copycat when performing others' songs. Nothing tonight made me change my mind. Give me Kimberley Locke anyday. (Watch American Idol Rewind - Season 2 - Check your local listings!)

Brooke White
"Hero"
Brooke is what American Idol is about...a totally undiscovered (beautiful) talent who hasn't signed any contracts, didn't win Star Search or had any blip of what the music business is about. I hope she lasts a few more weeks, but she has a minimal shot to win with the double-barreled "Attack of the Davids" to contend with. On the piano again, Brooke's sultry, smooth voice comes through with a few minor problems in the middle. You can always tell when a song means something to her.

***Blogging while watching is tough!!! I prefer being Remote Control Boy when I get commanded to rewind a performance or comment!!

Kristy Lee Cook
"Forever"
Speaking of beautiful, Kristy Lee gets the Most Improved Award as this season has gone on. This starts out a little slow, but with her country twang, pulls it off. Can she survive yet ANOTHER week?

David Cook
"Always Be My Baby"
Although he's had some pro experience in the past, he's my choice for who SHOULD win this thing based on all performances to date. He chose THIS song?!?!? Wow! There is no one in Idol history who knows how to pick arrangements for songs like he does. He is one amazing dude and I'm baffled that he needs this show. This one gets Randy off his seat for the first time all year and if I wasn't sitting here with a laptop, I might oblige.

Jason Castro
"I Don't Want To Cry"
No guitar tonight. Rather mellow and uninteresting for me. He's a good guy and I wish him well, but he's not going to win this competition.

I'm going to give Mariah credit as she did seem to be supportive and helpful towards the contestants. Wow, except for David Cook, I was bored tonight. My Bottom Three includes Carly, Syesha and Jason. Hopefully Syesha will finally go home. Post comments or I'll never blog again!

Now on to more important things: NHL Playoffs! GO STARS!!!

Thursday, April 10, 2008

This is the SHOCKER Week

The vast majority of last night's "Idol Gives Back" extravaganza was prerecord Sunday night but the 2 1/2 hours dedicated to the Wednesday night airing was not enough. Not only did the show go over, a lot of stuff was cut out. Fortunately, most of those segments will be sprinkled throughout tonight's show, or so I hear.

Because the show went over, those who set the Tivo missed one of the better performances of the night, courtesy of our Top 8 finalists. For those who missed it though, we get a do over.

Now, let's get down to business. After 31 million votes, we will soon find out who is going home tonight.

Brooke White - safe
David Cook - safe
David Archuleta - safe

After a vignette from Forrest Whitaker in Angola, the reigning American Idol, Jordin Sparks, is joined by Chris Brown on her latest hit "No Air."

Jason Castro - safe
Kristy Lee Cook - safe

That means that Syesha Mercado, Carly Smithson and our first performer of Tuesday night, Michael Johns, are in the bottom three. This is Michael's first time in the Bottom 3, Carly's second and Syesha's third.

Speaking of three's, now we get appeals from the three presidential contendors - Hillary Clinton, John McCain and Barack Obama - not for our votes, but for our dollars. Both Clinton and Obama's segments looked like they were set up makeshift in a horrible hotel conference room somewhere. It probably would have been impossible to pull off, but it would have been cool if they could have got all three together for this.

But what we really want to know is who will be going home tonight.

CURSE WORDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

While I'm extremely happy that Carly is safe, what's up with Syesha being safe too? The bigger question is why in the FREAKIN' world is my cute-butted Michael Johns going home. The crowd, the judges and me - NOT HAPPY!!! Screw Idol!

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Idol Gives Back

I'm tired and weary. Go watch Idol Gives Back. I'll try to not fall asleep during the lovefest. Comment below on whether you liked tonight's program. YOU be the blogger! Night-night now!

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Paula's Breasts ... Inspiring?

Because it's "Idol Gives Back" week, our contestants are singing songs with the hope of inspiring us. I'm not sure what Paula is trying to accomplish, but her breasts are about to explode out of her attire. Let's just hope there's not a wardrobe malfunction.

Michael Johns
"Dream On"/Aerosmith
The band is absolutely rockin' on this one and so is Michael. Absolutely fabulous song choice reflected in his incredible performance. Randy isn't impressed with the song choice. He's turning into a crabby Cowell.

Syesha Mercado
"I Believe"/Fantasia
Very nice. A few bad notes. Good ending. Not enough to win this competition.
Jason Castro

"Somewhere Over the Rainbow"
I love his eyes. I love his voice. I'm sick and tired of the hippie performances. Tonight, Jason dons the ukulele to bring us this classic in classic Hawaiian style. Unless someone really stinks it up tonight, Jason is definitely in the Bottom 3. The husband does contend that at least, unlike Syesha, Jason knows who he is. The judges love him. What do I know?
Kristy Lee Cook
"Anyway"/Martina McBride
She's no Martina McBride but Kristy Lee delivers this song with all the inspiration for which it was intended. She hits all the big notes - and hits 'em big. By far, the best performance tonight. I know a lot of people out there who just don't get Kristy Lee. The judges, especially Cowell, are oddly kind and generous with the compliments. Wow.
David Cook
"Innocent"/Our Lady of Peace
Very ODD song choice. Is this like Christian Rock? Whatever it is, it definitely highlights a whole other dimension of David's voice. Most people will embrace this but it just doesn't work for me. Like me, though, Randy didn't get it. Simon didn't like it much either.
Carly Smithson

"The Show Must Go On"/Queen
STRONG vocals, though a bit pitchy. Not my favorite from her but enough to still capture my many votes. Simon said she may have over sang it. I can see that.
David Archuleta

"Angels"/
He's at the piano tonight. What an impressive young man with an amazing gift. Without a doubt, Archuleta is safe this week and his has nothing to do with his adorable factor. He's swept the competition clean and we haven't even heard from Brooke yet. Incredible. INCREDIBLE!
Brooke White

"You Got a Friend"/Carol King
I'd like to see Brooke do a song that challenges her vocals more. Instead, it's more peaches 'n cream. I like peaches n' cream.
So, who is in the Bottom 3 this week on my amazing analytical prowess? I'd say Jason, Syesha and Brooke. David Cook has been so strong up to tonight's performance that I think it will keep him safe. But then, Carly hasn't "connected" with the general population. Okay, enough butt covering.
The husband says Syesha, Jason and Carly will face the chopping block. Who is correct? Me or the man?

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

VOTE CARLY - American Idol 2008!!! (McCain Too!)

Will all my hopes and dreams come true tonight? Will Ramiele be sent packing? Before we find out, we're treated to our remaining nine Idol hopefuls performing Dolly Parton's "9 to 5" and it's actually pretty good.

After a look at last night's highlights, here's how tonight goes down:

Michael Johns - Safe
David Archuleta - Safe
Carly Smithson - SAFE!!!

Keeping to the country theme this week, we're subjected to a performance of "This Little Light of Mine" by the Baker Brothers. Yeah, this should really help out the country music industry.

David Cook - he has high blood pressure and was checked at the hospital following his performance last night. There's no reason for it to rise tonight as he gets a safe seat on the sofa!

Ramiele Malubay - Bottom 3
Kristy Lee Cook - Bottom 3

Before we learn who is going to round out the Bottom 3, Idol catches up with some former contestants.

Syesha Mercado - Safe

That leaves Brooke White and Jason Castro. SHOCK! Brooke is in the Bottom 3. Between the two, I thought it should have been Jason Castro.

The husband has just informed me in two of the previous three finals weeks, the person who has sung first the night before has found their way to the Bottom 3. Of those, only one has gone home. Brooke makes it three of four. This is Kristy Lee's third time in the Bottom 3.

Before we find out who is going home tonight, Dolly Parton treats us to a song from her new album, "Backwoods Barbie."

So, who's out? It's not Brooke - thank goodness! It's not Kristy Lee either. While I didn't get my Bottom 3 correct, I did get Ramiele's sendoff correct.

Of the remaining eight contestants, only three have had the good fortune thus far of not falling victim to the Bottom 3.

Next week - Idol Gives Back.

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

Hello Dolly! VOTE FOR CARLY!!!

Tonight's mentor to the nine remaining contestants is none other than Dolly Parton.

Brooke White/"Jolene"
This is a bit of a different direction for Brooke and she could easily go country should she so desire. It's not my favorite performance from her but good enough to stay in the competition.

David Cook/"A Little Sparrow"
I'm really curious to see how David Cook is going to "wow" us with Dolly Parton. Like Brooke, David takes to the stage with his guitar. Not sounding a bit like Dolly Parton, David demonstrates just what a talent Ms. Parton is as a writer. I'm not blown away as in previous weeks but it is a different, yet delightful, delivery from David.

Ramiele Malubay/"Do I Ever Cross Your Mind?"
This is probably my least favorite Ramiele performance. She struggles with the song throughout and at times is overshadowed by the background singers. It was painful for me. Sadly, she COULD have done much better than that.

Jason Castro/"Travelin' Thru"
It's another consistent performance from Jason tonight. Perfect song to compliment his voice. However, the downside of that is he does nothing to demonstrate a voice with versatility. Still, I liked it.
Carly Smithson/"Here You Come Again"
I just don't understand why she doesn't get the street creds she deserves from the judges. Randy wasn't as mean tonight as last week but he wasn't as complimentary as Carly deserves. Simon snubs her too. Terds! Why are they trying to get rid of her? Screw them. And beat them with prickly sticks too. Here's the truth about Carly. Folks, this young lady has an amazing voice as proved on this Dolly Parton classic tonight. Unlike David Cook, Carly WOWED me tonight. Now, if there's time left, vote for her at 1-866-IDOLS-05.

David Archuleta/"Smoky Mountain Memories"
Yes, Archuleta's voice is a gift but the performance is a bit lackluster. I realize he is quite youthful, but it wouldn't hurt him to learn how to work the stage and audience, even on a song so downbeat. The audience doesn't seem to mind though. The girls are screeching wildly!

Kristy Lee Cook/"Coat of Many Colors"
Performing barefooted, Kristy Lee does nothing tonight to stake her claim in this competition. Even so, she delivers a good performance but as Simon said, "forgettable. But to a certain friend out there - who I talked to tonight - I still am a Kristy Lee fan!

Syesha Mercado/"I Will Always Love You"
My husband, also known as the King, predicted it earlier this evening that Syesha would take on the Whitney Houston version "I Will Always Love You." When Whitney made this song famous, reporters asked Dolly how it made her feel. She was happy of course, because it padded her pocketbook quite nicely. It was also one of my mom's favorite songs - so much so, that we had it played at her funeral. Enough mushy crap though. How did Syesha do? Surprisingly, she kept more to the country rendition. Surprisingly again, Syesha did a lovely job - best I've ever heard from any Idol contestant on a Whitney song. I'm impressed. This was her best performance so far this season.

Michael Johns/"It's All Wrong but It's All Right "
Very soulful. Very sexy. I love Aussies.

I think it's safe to say that Ramiele will be going home tomorrow night. She'll be joined in the Bottom 3 by Jason Castro and perhaps even Kristy Lee. That's how much better everyone else was tonight. The husband thinks Brooke may be at risk too. I guess we'll have to tune in tomorrow night to see who gets the axe.