'American Idol' can't stop the rock

May 06, 06:25 PM

Tuesday (May 6) night's American Idol theme is about as vague and wide-open as the Top Four could possibly hope for. Songs from the Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame? What does that even mean? Working from the Hall's list of 500 influential hits, surely everybody should find great tracks to sing, right? Let's see...

Singer: PRESUMPTIVE AMERICAN IDOL FINALIST DAVID COOK
Song: "Hungry Like the Wolf"
My Take: Rock-n-Roll is a dangerous theme, particularly if rightly or wrongly, you've been coronated as the season's standard-bearer for the genre. As an American Idol rocker, David Cook is a very fine glam frontman and he's had some success with a few power ballads with a rock edge. He sure doesn't rock in the same way Bo Bice or Chris Daughtry did, though, and nights like this remind us of just how anonymous he would have been on CBS' Rock Star. Yes, he's absolutely proficient on this Duran Duran cover, but after saying he saw various ways to twist the song to make it his own, this is vocally identical to the original. If you heard Cook at an big city bar on a Saturday night, you wouldn't be offended, but you wouldn't remember it the next morning. David, though, is going to face higher expectations tonight.
Stony Brooke, Lullaby Joslin and Simon Say: Randy thinks song selection is important on tonight's show and David's pick was only OK for him. Paula's left with a big appetite. Because David's song involved hunger. Simon calls it copycat, but says it was probably good enough to go through to next week.

Singer: SYESHA MERCADO
Song: "Proud Mary"
My Take: Syesha has never been afraid to tackle the biggest divas in each episode's theme of choice and going after Tina Turner may be her most ambitious challenge yet. She's even wearing a tight, shiny skirt to show off her darned fine (if not quite Tina-worthy) gams. Syesha isn't nearly the force of nature that Tina still is to this day -- Did we see her at the most recent Grammys? -- but the girl tries. Syesha tries so hard. She has absolutely no fear, even if perhaps she ought to. In a competition where her three rivals have shied away from any sort of musical diversity, Syesha has gone all over the map. In a competition where her three rivals haven't varied their stage performance styles an iota, Syesha frequently danced and tried not to get swallowed up by the Idol platform. And in a competition where her three rivals all gave their best performances weeks ago, Syesha has shown signs of improvement. None of that has anything to do with her ability to equal Tina Turner. She can't. She isn't even close, becoming breathless and times and getting swallowed by the music at others, but I'm loving her effort.
Stony Brooke, Lullaby Joslin and Simon Say: This is the third week in a row that Syesha's been in the zone for Randy, "showing the heat late in the competition." Paula raves that Syesha's looking like a star and bringing the magic. Simon, though, calls it "a bad, shrieky version," a "bad impersonation of Tina Turner."

Singer: JASON CASTRO
Song: "I Shot the Sheriff"
My Take: It's a brilliant song choice for Clifford the Muppet, tackling an intense political anthem that's been reduced to a stoner party anthem by several generations of frat boys. I'm saying that as much damage has been done to "I Shot the Sheriff" as could possibly be done. It's a song where Jason's vocal liabilities are nearly irrelevant and where nobody's going to stop and ask why he's got a guitar around his shoulder if he isn't going to bother playing it. Do you want the good news or the bad news? The good news is that Jason doesn't smile blankly through the song. I don't know if his eyes are as dead -- errr... soulful and spiritual? -- as they usually are, because they're closed the whole time, but otherwise, he's impressively animated (by his low standards). The bad news is that he sounds weak and shouty and barely hits anything that could be called a note.
Stony Brooke, Lullaby Joslin and Simon Say: "For me, that was a real karaoke Bob Marley," says Randy, who didn't see anything special about it. Paula's never seen him perform more to the audience, but she still wasn't crazy about it. She still thinks Jason's artistry signed through. Simon goes Randy one further, saying "That was utterly atrocious." He compares it to an audition massacre.

Singer: PRESUMPTIVE AMERICAN IDOL FINALIST DAVID ARCHULETA
Song: "Stand By Me"
My Take: Well, it's rock-n-roll night, which means that it's a great chance for David Archuleta to do exactly what he's done every week since March. The arrangement isn't exactly the Ben E. King original, but it's still just Li'l' Archie begging the audience to stand by him in his spiritual charge against world hunger/war/high gas prices. It's earnest, intense and in-tune. Up until a wobbly closing falsetto, though, I'm ready to pronounce this David Archuleta's best David Archuleta performance in weeks. This is actually the strongest and least strained his voice has sounded in some time.
Stony Brooke, Lullaby Joslin and Simon Say: Randy says that every time David hits the stage, he's in it to win it, that it was hot, that he brought the hot man vocals. Paula raves that David's mature beyond his years. Simon just says that after Jason, anything would sound great, but he finally dubs it the best performance so far.

Singer: PRESUMPTIVE AMERICAN IDOL FINALIST DAVID COOK
Song: "Baba O'Riley"
My Take: There's a time and a place for humility and this isn't it. David Cook really doesn't want to be telling viewers that he could have done better with his first song. Confidence, man. The second half of David's "Baba O'Riley," as he hits the chorus and it actually begins to rock, is fantastic, but it starts off much too slow and dour and stays that way for too long. There's something Eddie Vedder-esque about Cook's voice here and he probably should have taken the arrangement from one of the countless Pearl Jam covers of the song floating around the Internet.
Stony Brooke, Lullaby Joslin and Simon Say: Randy tells David he's great and that this is closer to what he should be doing. Paula's humbled to sit and watch his soul. Simon welcomes David back.

Singer: SYESHA MERCADO
Song: "A Change Is Gonna Come"
My Take: If you asked me to write a list of the greatest popular songs ever written, this would be at the top of my list. The very top. And Sam Cooke's vocals on the original are as good as it gets. Syesha doesn't make the mistake that Gideon McKinney made several seasons ago when he sounded great, but smiled like an idiot throughout. Syesha seems to understand what the song's about and she sings the heck out of it. I don't love the all of the phrasing in the arrangement, which sometimes makes it sound like she took the Cooke version and knocked it just slightly off the beat at times. Minor tweaking aside, this is a beautiful vocal turn for Syesha, as different from her first song as possible and full of exceptional moments that are pure without being excessively showy or affected.
Stony Brooke, Lullaby Joslin and Simon Say: Randy didn't love this as much as the first song and that she oversang it, that it was disconnected and fell flat for him. Paula stands for Syesha and says it was a superstar performance and that she's changed and she's come. Yes. She says that. Syesha's in tears. Simon agrees with Paula and even goes out of his way to tell Randy he got it wrong.

Singer: JASON CASTRO
Song: "Mr. Tambourine Man"
My Take: Nope. You don't take Bob Dylan and blunder the lyrics and "La la la" your way through with a sheepish smile like "Oh well, what can you do?" This is the Top Four. What you can do is do better. I'm too lazy to do the research on this, but I'm going to wager that Jason's performances tonight were two of the least impressive Top Four performances in the show's seven seasons.
Stony Brooke, Lullaby Joslin and Simon Say: Randy asks Jason for his opinion. Jason giggles about missing the lyrics. Paula just says that it is what it is and Jason still blows her away. Simon tells him to pack his suitcase.

Singer: PRESUMPTIVE AMERICAN IDOL FINALIST DAVID ARCHULETA
Song: "Love Me Tender"
My Take: No, David, you've never sung a romantic love song on the Idol stage, but how are we supposed to distinguish your "I'm in love with you" sincerity from your "I'd like for you to pledge money to my telethon" sincerity? Actually, I'm going to say the exact same thing about this as his first performance: I still don't care for Archuleta's falsetto, but the vocals are strong as nuanced otherwise. I'm just wondering if Li'l' Archie can possible win this show without ever having a single success out of his comfort zone.
Stony Brooke, Lullaby Joslin and Simon Say: Randy loves how David caresses each word. Paula felt David's heart. Simon thinks David crushed the competition.

TONIGHT'S BEST: Nothing was wrong with what David Archuleta did, but Syesha did more.

IN DANGER: This is no reflection on the strength of his fanbase or his ability to sell records down the road, but the producers will need to intervene if Jason's not the lowest votegetter. I'd expect David Cook to join him in the bottom group, though.

Agree? Disagree? Who do you expect to go home?

Comments

Wow. I think it was totally unfair of them to let Syesha carry on the way she did after her 2nd song. Cry me a river. Puh-leeze. I don't believe it for one minute. She knows she's in trouble so she's going to milk it for all she can. Turn on the waterworks. Let her stand there & speechify to the audience, pimping the civil rights angle. Sheesh.

Poor Jason. I think that at least they could have commented on the parts of the 2nd song that he didn't mess up on. As it was they just railroaded him right off the stage. Especially after DA forgot his lyrics how many times in that Beatles song? And Brooke forgot hers last week too.

Can DA ever sing anything other than some earnest pleading crapola? He is so boooooooooooooooring. Talk about pandering.

I thought DC did fine on both songs, even if he didn't really crush the competition.

Sanchez | May 6, 2008 7:03:00 PM | #

Was it me or did it sound like they messed with the mix tonight? It sounded like all the vocals were way too high or the music was turned down. Either way, all I heard was mostly vocals. last week sounded fine to me.

Simon's Shirt | May 6, 2008 7:15:59 PM | #

Jason was a hot Dylan mess tonight. There are several contestants he probably shouldn't have out-lasted. Hopefully voters will be just to Syesha, who actually seems like she wants to be there. Her "Change is Gonna Come" sounded very nice indeed.

Cat | May 6, 2008 7:20:37 PM | #

I am sooooo over David Archie. Boring as can be. If he wins, they'll turn him into a teen idol for a short time, then he'll fade away. Jason does deserve to go this week though.

Schmooz | May 6, 2008 7:27:00 PM | #

I'm so proud of myself for knowing most of the songs the contestants sang tonight. During David C's performance Baba O'Reilly all I could think is, isn't that CSI:NY's theme song. I know I should be more musically informed than that.

I hope tomorrow's show is interesting.

cm | May 6, 2008 7:27:21 PM | #

I just couldn't get past Syesha comparing her plight to get to the top of American Idol with the Civil Rights movement. Yeah, just the same. Just the same.

I don't think so.

I'm a David Cook fan.

Astrid | May 6, 2008 7:29:28 PM | #

Cook to me sounds the same every week with his arrangements (except his Music of the Night which I thought was brilliant).

I was not COMPLETELY impressed with Syesha tonight. She danced way more than she sang on the first. The second was pretty good but she ruined it when she started crying. I mean, Cook can cry b/c of his brother...that's understandable. Syesha only cried b/c she was caught up in the moment. Even Brooke held it together after her performances.

Archuleta was the best tonight IMO. Crazy vocals AND no crying. His upper range and falsetto weren't the best but the rest of the performance (in both songs) was more than enough to make up for it.

No comment needed for Jason.

Hyvent | May 6, 2008 7:55:04 PM | #

I'm too lazy to do the research on this, but I'm going to wager that Jason's performances tonight were two of the least impressive Top Four performances in the show's seven seasons.

Josh Gracin, "Jive Talkin'" and "To Love Somebody". But it's close.

Adam B. | May 6, 2008 7:58:45 PM | #

I think its pretty clear Jason was intentionally botching his performances. There have been reports that he's had enough and wants to go home, so this is the only explanation for his atrocious songs tonight. I actually like him and think he's got some talent, but the over-the-top dancing around on the first song and careless lyric mishap on the second song all looked at least somewhat planned to me. He's run his course.

Go David Cook!

Tony | May 6, 2008 8:15:12 PM | #

Adam - If I'd have to guess (or done the research) on worse Top Four performances, I'd have said "Whatever Gracin did that year" and "Jive Talkin'" was, indeed, epic. I also thought maybe Anthony Fedorov's rendition of "Poison Ivy" might have made the cut but, after doing that research I said I wouldn't do, I was reminded that he did "Poison Ivy" and "Incomplete" in the Top 5 week. Nuts.

-Daniel

Daniel | May 6, 2008 8:57:32 PM | #

Nominee #2: Taylor Hicks, "In the Ghetto" and "Jailhouse Rock". But I hated Taylor Hicks' shtick more than people now hate YDA and his dead, dead eyes.

Adam B. | May 6, 2008 9:19:57 PM | #

Syesha's comparison between her Idol experience and the civil rights movement definately sealed the deal for me - send her home! Hopefully she'll gain some perspective

Andie | May 6, 2008 9:21:04 PM | #

The back up singers outsang every one of the four finalists tonight. Those girls are good. Are they prohibited from entering the competition?

Carrie Ann, Bruno and Len | May 6, 2008 9:32:28 PM | #

I got so mad at America tonight when I saw Carly in the front row.

I can't get over her going home before Jason. I never understood why people liked him so much. He's always seemed to be barely trying. Sorry Jason fans, as of tonight, there really can't be any argument made for him to stay.

Natalie | May 6, 2008 11:00:15 PM | #

Oh yeah...and Syesha comparing her journey on AI to the Civil Rights movement: more than insulting.

Natalie | May 6, 2008 11:04:27 PM | #

Let me get this straight, I can listen to these songs done by the inimitable and distinctive voices of "Rock gods" Elvis, Dylan, Marley, Tina, Sam Cooke, Roger Daltry, et al and you want me to consider listening to the performances by this drab four? Really?!
This has been a very poor season for AI and tonight only made it worse.
(But if we're sending only one home it has to be Jason Castro. Pitiful performances.)

Will | May 6, 2008 11:10:43 PM | #

Yeah Syesha definitely put her acting training to good use tonight.

Jason was 100 % thrown under the bus. The MArley song wasn't that bad. I'm definitely buying the Bob Dylan song when it's available on Itunes. Besides the flubbed lyrics I thought it was awesome.

Idol doesn't deserve him. I hope he goes home so he doesn't have to sign with Idol record label. He will do much better away from those dishonest money grubbing control freak producers.

Look what they did to Kelly Clarkson their main star when she wanted to write her own songs. They publicly denounced her.

I can't believe I got suckered in this year when I saw some relevant artists (Cook, Brooke, Jason) But they have been crucifying poor Jason for no reason but the fact that he has been receiving more votes then Archuleta and they are desperate to be rid of him so they can make money with the more marketable Archie. I wouldn't be surprised if Jason wasn't fed up with last week's shenanigans so much that he indeed did throw the competition.

He has stated he's ready to go home. I hope he gets his wish so he can get away from this joke of a show and those awful producers.

If Cook doesn't win this show is the most disturbing thing I've seen in a long time.

Jason S. | May 7, 2008 2:13:57 AM | #

No Syesha didn't grin her way through "Change is Gonna Come" the way Gideon did - but he, at least, had the voice to carry it off. Sam Cook is one of those artists you just don't do if your voice is just okay. Down to the wire I did my "close your eyes" test - would I listen to this on the radio? Would I buy the CD? Only David Cook's second song got the "yes".
And was that Bellick from "Prison Break" in the audience?

Barb L | May 7, 2008 3:36:18 AM | #

I totally agree about David Cook not being as good as some of the people on "Rockstar". I would bet anything that Dilana would have won American Idol if she was on this show.

Rob D. | May 7, 2008 3:49:58 AM | #

David Cook and Jason Castro supporters are true and complete MORONS - and that's a fact.

David C sucked with his first song, and Jason Castro was awful from note 1 of his first song through the final note of his second song. And then there's his forgetting his lyrics and giving his pothead-ish grin, thus continuing to cement his status as being in the competition, but not really being a competitor. There is no doubt that Jason is the WORST performer to have cracked the top 24, let alone the top 10 or top 4. He is AWFUL - AWFUL - AWFUL.

Syesha.....did a terrible, corny, karaoke take on 'Proud Mary', and then her second song was one I'd never heard in my life. I had to agree with Randy that she oversang it and was disconnected from it.

David Archuleta had, yet again, the clearest, best vocals of the evening. He deserves to win the whole thing, he really does.

There is NO excuse (other than getting the votes of idiot teenybopper girls and brainless, tone-deaf morons) why Jason shouldn't be the one to leave on Wednesday.

Andrea Q | May 7, 2008 4:15:55 AM | #

Ugh - I agree with Sanchez. Archie is so dull and boring. I looked away and just listened to his second song and it was a bad high school talent show. Is anyone REALLy going to buy something he puts out? He has no emotional range whatsoever. Let's hope David Cook wins this one. Yes Jason should go home but let's hope there is a "shocker" next week and Archie is out.

Todd | May 7, 2008 4:21:00 AM | #

Cook rocks. Sayesha rocks, and she wasn't comparing herself to the civil rights movement. She compared the significance civil rights movement in history to the significance of this night for her, and it is majorly significant in her life. David A rocks in his comfort zone but doesn't really take any big challenges. Jason has the 12 year old girl vote.

DC | May 7, 2008 4:28:51 AM | #

DC | May 7, 2008 4:29:01 AM | #

David Cook SUCKS. If you listen to him without watching the TV, he sounds exactly the same as about 90% of the other so-called rockers already out on the radio today. And he needs to get rid of that idiotic piece of garbage chain he's wearing too.

Susan | May 7, 2008 4:31:38 AM | #

David Archuleta crushed the competition just as Simon said. Syesha was second best. Once again David Cook sang his two songs the same way he sings everything else. He is so boring and predictable. Jason shouldn't even be in the top 4.

Aimee | May 7, 2008 4:43:24 AM | #

Jason should have benn gone weeks ago, he has the talent of, welll I don't know who. To say he botched it on purpose is funny. He has been botching it since day 1.

I can't believe David Cook picked Duran Duran, I wonder if her isn't looking to go home and start work on his album.

I really don't think Syesha was comparing her AI experience to civil rights ( I hope not) She was ok, she does take chances.

And as much as it kills me to right this, David A was really good. His voice was excellent.

Everyone take a listen to Anthony Callea, he was from Australian Idol. There voices are very similar.

Stop hating on him because he is 17.

| May 7, 2008 5:22:33 AM | #

Amazing how people have to insult (there is a difference between constructive criticism and insulting) the singers they dislike AND their fans. It only makes their opinions less valid to me.
.........
David Cook definitely felt the pressure of rock week, which I figured he would. His self criticism was endearing to me though maybe not smart. I didnt care for the first song but I loved the second and wish he had longer than 1:30 to do more with it.
.......
Syesha picked great, huge songs that were a bit beyond her capabilities. Proud Mary was entertaining but vocally the second half was weak. The second was arranged poorly but I thought she did well with the beginning and the end, just not the middle. I give her props for finally coming out of her shell- as an actress I'm surprised she didnt do this from the start. I dont want to get imto a debate on whether she was 'acting' the emotion after the song or not; I have no idea. The civil rights comments I think will hurt her through being misinterpreted. She definitely deserves to be in the top 3 but I think the road will end there.
.........
Jason- what is there to say. Now the debate seems to be if he wants to leave and purposefully tried to be bad or not. Either way it just wasn't his night. The first one, I think he deserves props for trying to be more lively but it didnt come off well. The second would have been a good Castro-styled specialty that you love if you like him but he did forget a lot of words. I would be shocked if he didnt leave tonight. And Interestingly enough, I feel if he would have done well I think Syesha would have been leaving regardless of her performances.
........
David A did what he does best. I really enjoyed the first song. Didnt enjoy the arrangement and vocals of the second as much. But he was by no means bad.
......
I'm still calling a Davids finale. I really think now, even as a David C fan, I want him to come in second. He's got enougj talent and popularity to be successful regardless of winning and would be less under the thumb of Idol by not winning. David A can be their cute teen pop star- and let them worry about how to promote him, which could still be a problem. Oh and as an additional note, Jason has enough of a following to be fine if he makes good decisions after the show. Its not going to hurt him to leave now.

Erin | May 7, 2008 5:44:06 AM | #

DA is so boring and needs to step out of his comfort zone, every week with him it gets more predictible... however he has a fan base of pre-pubescent girls that will call over and over and over again so dont expect him going anywhere anytime soon, if at all. which stinks.

im standing behind DC the rest of the way, his rock spin on everything has me crazy for him and while i was slightly disappointed last night, i know he will still come out on top (even if its #2 behind DA based on popularity and not singing abilities)

Syesha did better, not great and i certainly felt her crying was wayyyy overboard.

Poor Jason.... as Simon said, he needs to pack his bags.

K | May 7, 2008 5:48:28 AM | #

"but the producers will need to intervene if Jason's not the lowest votegetter"

Did you seriously write that? This show is not only about the best singer, but about America choosing who they want to win. If that happens to be someone who isn't as good as the rest, so be it. I'm not a die-hard Castro fan, but if he gets the votes he should stay. Simple as that. How many of these people who are complaining about how bad he is and whoever else is are actually voting? Stop making fun of the young kids who vote for these guys, they are the ones who will be out there buying the records and going to the shows. If you really care that much about it then vote him off, but don't say that the results should be tampered with, the show has lost enough credibility already.

Ginny | May 7, 2008 5:49:11 AM | #

I agree with DC on his/her take on Syesha. I thought she might have broke down because week after week it did not matter what she sung, the judges were hard on her. Its almost like they don't want her to win. She is the only one who has changed it up every week and still kills it. I must say during Hollywood week I did not think she would make it this far and over the weeks have grown to love her and I'm hoping she pulls an upset and wins this whole thing!

Bob | May 7, 2008 5:50:25 AM | #

Ginny, you need to get a grip. The show CLAIMS to be about finding the best singer, but as we all know very well by now, that at this stage of the show's history, it's more of a popularity issue than finding true talent. That explains why Sanjaya got so far, and it explains why Jason Castro even cracked the top 24, let alone the top 4 where he's at.

The show becomes more of an absurd joke with each season.

Janie | May 7, 2008 5:53:56 AM | #

Randy, Randy, Randy, lay off the spray on hair. K?

| May 7, 2008 5:58:01 AM | #

Are you guys watching the same show i am?!!! Since the top 12, there has been only 1 winner...David Cook, with Syesha taking 2nd. She has BY FAR had the best female vocals of the season, and Cook has the most staying power of any of the contestants.

I can NOT believe there is still a fan base for Jason Castro. He can not sing, and for him to even say "well, i'm going to sing a song that i've actual heard" on a week when the theme is the R&R Hall of Fame is just ridiculous!! Does he live under a rock?!

I also believe that Syesha's emotions were entirely genuine, and i think we'll see her again next week.

As for David Archuleta, he's consistant and has a GREAT voice, but i think he needs to mature a little before he's ready to take it on tour.

Marie | May 7, 2008 6:01:49 AM | #

Jasmine Trias was by far the worst contestant EVER to crack the Top 4, and the performance that put her into the Top 3 over LaToya London was one of the worst Idol results ever. However, her victory due to the sympathy votes set a precedent for undeserving contestants making it into the Semifinals when the judges are overly harsh and the audience is complacent.

grace | May 7, 2008 6:12:38 AM | #

In response to Simon's Shirt's comment about the audio, you are not alone. There was definitely something wrong with the live broadcast - I could barely hear the band or backup singers, and the vocals were extremely loud. Plus, the video went out during David Cook's and Syesha's first performances (upsetting about David, but not about Syesha). The performances sounded much better in the recap at the end - everything was balanced.

Lisa | May 7, 2008 6:16:22 AM | #

Okay, people, remember: art is subjective. Is Thomas Kinkade a better painter than Picasso because he "colors inside the lines"? I love Jason Castro (while not comparing him to Picasso!) and my IQ is firmly in triple digits, thank you. He knows that it just doesn't matter whether you win this foolish show or not and that drives the judges and producers batsh!t crazy. And that makes me love him more.

Bea | May 7, 2008 6:19:59 AM | #

I'd be in total shock if Jason Castro did not go home tonight. David A. and Syesha were excellent. I didn't think that David C. was as good as usual but that he did enough to get him through to the top 3. I know with his fan base though that it is likely that Syesha will go home this week instead of J.C.

Julie A. | May 7, 2008 6:22:50 AM | #

"I'm going to wager that Jason's performances tonight were two of the least impressive Top Four performances in the show's seven seasons."

Yeah, he was really terrible. But I have three names for you: Jasmine Trias, Kevin Covais, Nicky McKibbon. Someone terrible always sneaks into the top 4. The difference, I think, is Jason knows he's in over his head, and he's just decided to have a good time and not care.

Shell | May 7, 2008 6:24:29 AM | #

Yikes. What a mess! Is this season over yet?

Jason should've gone four weeks ago. He doesn't care about the lyrics. Doesn't care about the music. He's a total mess.

David Cook was great. Always is. Great voice and great performances.

David A. was the same as last week, and the week before and the week before that and the week before that. And...well, you get the point. Try this at home next time he sings. Don't look at the TV. Turn the volume down to 2 so you can barely hear him and only hear the sound of your hair growing. That's the way to enjoy him.

Syesha was very good last night. She's the only one left willing to take chances and stand out with her song choices and performances.

I'm still predicting the top two to be David C. and David A.

Peace.

JVice | May 7, 2008 6:38:36 AM | #

Syesha tears were genuine

Jason was screwing up intentionally.

Archie will win.

Cook will be in bottom 2 with Jason.

For rock creed and Chris Daughtry success, Cook would not want to win a pop singing contest.

Pookie | May 7, 2008 6:39:55 AM | #

Jason Castro both looks AND sings like complete and utter CRAP. He looks filthy, his hair is appalling and looks just as dirty, and he makes the strangest facial expressions like he's still on some pot-smoking high (which is probably the truth). There is nothing physically appealing about him and his vocals are thin and weak. WHERE IS THE APPEAL?

Angela | May 7, 2008 6:44:20 AM | #

Castro is a street bum, so throw him out to the curb like he deserves America!

The World | May 7, 2008 6:57:38 AM | #

Jason castro is still on the show, because lots of girls, and dreadhead freaks think hes neat.They vote a million times for him no matter how lousy he sings!! That, IMO is why the show loses credability! Instead of honestly trying to pick the best performer/singer, people vote for "thier guy", no matter what. That is how losers like Taylor Hicks win!

| May 7, 2008 7:04:24 AM | #

With this being "Rock Week", how come David Cook didnt rock? Hungry like the Wolf is a pop tune. Didnt pick very good songs, and i dont think he performed them all that well either.He even missed notes on "Baba". Usually hes better.
Ive been a Syesha fan for a while, and i thought she sang/Looked good again tonight.I hope people dont let her comments,or crying effect the votes. That shouldnt be what its about anyway.
Archie really did crush the competition tonight!! I wasnt all that impressed with him last week, but IMO hes the frontrunner again.
Jason Castro was terrible again!! Hes not a gret singer on a good day, and it definitely wasnt a good day for him. Please go away!!!

| May 7, 2008 7:17:24 AM | #

First of all, who said this is a singing competition? American IDOL---doesn't say America's best singer. Who could be idolized. If it is by a bunch of prepubescent girls, weren't they a large fan base for the Beatles and Elvis in the beginning (and at the end)? Anyway, I like Archie, and I'm neither female nor teenaged.
Next, very importantly, Syesha was very misunderstood. When a performer connects emotionally to a song, and in this case for a very personal reason, it releases with the song and the emotions can become very raw. To her, she is aware of the change that is happening to her right now. Her dreams are being realized, and through the song she was addressing that. The positive comments she was finally receiving from the judges affirmed to her that she is living the change. The tears were emotional release, not pandering, not tying in to the Civil Rights mov't. It was unveiled emotion and I hope people understood that before holding it against her.

MrRight | May 7, 2008 7:30:14 AM | #

Idol jut pi$$ed me off royally tonight. Between the WAY LARGE amount of over criticism of Jason's performances to the usual a$$ kissing of a mediocre David Archuleta it is more obvious than ever that the producers do anything and everything they now can to try and rig the competition. It was pathetic. I liked the Bob Marley song by Jason, both the arrangement and how he sang it. They were pissed he played up his stoner image and because it wasn't cutesy and corporate and they don't want to aave to sell that. And while there was some legit criticism of his performanc3e of Mr Tamborine man in reality half the people who listen to Dylan can't understand what the hell he's saying more than half the time either.

TE | May 7, 2008 7:35:15 AM | #

It's been pre-determined for a long time now who the producers want in the Final Two. David Archuletta and Brooke White both got off basically unscathed when they flubbed lyrics. Jason does it once, and the judges would barely give him the time of day. It was pretty brutal of them.

Bottom line: Syesha's crying was an ACT. Much like the acting in her performances of the past couple weeks.

DA could fart into the microphone, and the judges will tell him he is the God of All Things Music. Nobody here will ever make a record of note, with the exception of maybe Jason. He's the only one I can trust to not sell himself out. We all know DC is just itching to sell out...

Kermit | May 7, 2008 7:39:47 AM | #

I do think the producers would like to see Jason go. But its not necessarily a bad thing. He doesn't need them. He got far enough to make a name for himself and establish himself as arguably the most unique ever to make the top 12. Those who love his style will buy his music and he won't have to deal with Idol politics if he leaves now. To me, its a win-win for him. No, hes not the greatest vocalist alive but most artists arent Whitney, Mariah etc and they all dont need to be. Many artists with his style have been plenty successful. I am definitely curious to see what he will do next and what his album would be.
..........
I do enjoy watching Idol but the Idol politics annoy me. And like ive said before- I think David C has benefited from the exposure but he would be better off NOT winning this pop idol contest and controlling his own future....but I want him in the top 2!

Erin | May 7, 2008 7:53:05 AM | #

Syesha shouldn't go, but probably will. David A can sing, but listening to Clay's new album (more hit than miss, but I still think it's too early for him to be the next Michael Bolton), David A hasn't lived enough to believe and understand some, many, of his lyrics. Hit or miss, at least Clay finally sounds like himself, not someone else (after 2 cover albums). David A is like an early Leeann Rhimes, big voice, but no identity of his own yet. Hopefully, his career will be more like Leeann's than big-voice, no identity Diana Degarmo. Jason needs to go, but Syesha will. Too bad.

John | May 7, 2008 8:22:56 AM | #

I agree that it doesn't hurt any of them to be eliminated at this point. I do wonder about the statements that they're almost better off not winning, though. I guess there is some benefit to not being called "the AI winner" for the next 20 years, especially if you're a "rocker" not wanting that label. But...

Does the #2 (wo)man really have more creative control than the winner? I thought I read somewhere that the record label associated with AI has the right to sign any of the top 10, and they will exert the same control over anyone's CD.

To be fair, though, I ANY label signing a new artist controls a lot in the beginning. Artists earn the right to set the creative tone once they've had a (financially) successful outing. Then the power has shifted and it's the label working to keep the artist happy.

PM | May 7, 2008 8:30:59 AM | #

I loved Syesha last night. I don't think she was comparing her experience on Idol to the Civil Rights Movement, only commenting that it had special meaning for her. Why wouldn't it? It should have special meaning for all Americans, in my opinion. I think she did a great job on both her songs, and was justifiably emotional when Paula gave her encouragement after Randy had given her such a harsh critique on a song that meant a lot to her. She's not a robot, people, and she's been in the Bottom Three for weeks. She knew this might be her last hurrah, and her last song, and to be told that she 'oversang' her last song had to be hard. That wasn't acting, people.

Jason Castro does not give a crap whether he stays or goes, and it shows. He just grins amiably whatever the judges say. He doesn't seem to be working hard to achieve anything, he's just along for the ride. He should go home tonight. I'll be surprised if he does though, he seems to have a fanbase, though I can't imagine who finds his performances pleasing enough to vote for him.

Unfortunately David Cook's performances last night were subpar for him, so he is probably in danger tonight. I definitely think he'll be in the Bottom Two, and may go home. Final Four is notorious for sending home an early favorite. LaToya London, Chris Daughtry, Melinda Doolittle, it's a tough week.

David A. is safe. And that's his problem.

Siansonea | May 7, 2008 8:36:30 AM | #

As for Jason - no he didn't do well but judges came in for the kill and were relentless. As someone else pointed out, David A. (once) and Brooke (twice) botched lyrics and the judges said, "Oh sweetie it's okay, you're only human and the rest of the song was fine." Double standard if ever I've seen one!

I did read the Entertainment Weekly article where Jason said he wouldn't mind going home now. I won't claim to be in the boy's head (it's amazing how many people on here are SURE they know exactly what these contestants are thinking and feeling)...but it seems to me that he hasn't spent his life obsessively pursuing stardom. He loves music and would like to be able to make a living at it, but he's not trying to be a celebrity and is probably shocked and a bit disgusted by the attention and dissection that goes on in the media. And on message boards. :-)

Honestly, I find that refreshing.

PM | May 7, 2008 8:40:26 AM | #

Kevin Covais placed 11th his season, not final four. But definitely credit for Trias on disco night.

Adam B. | May 7, 2008 8:45:42 AM | #

David Cook was okay, first song was a little bland, second was better.

Syesha was good on both songs, however she needs to understand she isn't Tina, Whitney, etc. She doesn't have the voice and should stop trying to be.

Jason, that was the worst dual performances in idol history. First one was bad the second was worse with that la,la,la forgetting the words. It wasn't just one or two words, he screwed up whole lines. Jason should have been gone weeks ago; he isn't going to sell many albums.

David A. Solid both songs, but still same old same old. he's a little boring and it might get him to the bottom 2, he might not win.

jbw | May 7, 2008 8:52:19 AM | #

Melinda Doolittle did not go during this week. She made it to Final Three.

Beth | May 7, 2008 8:57:47 AM | #

I feel a little bad for Syesha that she is getting dissed on for feeling a connection to a song. I hope people really didn't refuse to vote for he because of that. I like and hope she sticks around.

David C has a great voice, IMO, but I was hoping for more from him with this theme.

David A does have a really good voice and he seems like a nice kid. I just wouldn't buy his stuff.

Jason is not worth the time or effort to type.

Lisa | May 7, 2008 9:01:44 AM | #

That's right, I was thinking of Tamyra Gray. Thanks Beth.

Siansonea | May 7, 2008 9:08:42 AM | #

I tend to agree with Angela.

I have only been a casual viewer of American Idol this year and I probably won't watch it next year. It's lost something on me.

Anyway, I am by no means musically inclined, but I could tell before Jason even uttered one word that he was going to botch "I Shot the Sheriff." I agreed with Simon, you don't mess with the arrangement. He probably would have done better if he did Eric Clapton's version or at least put some effort into Bob Marley's version.

And then forgetting the lines to Bob Dylan's "Tambourine Man."

And he DID look like he was on something. When he was up there taking his medicine, he had this strange look on his face. Is he always like this? I never paid attention to him before.

I thought it was very brave of David to perform "Baba O'Riley" - That's a tough on.

Chris from NY | May 7, 2008 9:13:51 AM | #

Rather than picking on one or another, I thought I'd just say that to me it was a rough night overall. Maybe the nerves are kicking in, maybe they're tired, maybe they all picked the wrong songs...whatever the reason, not one of them gave a performance I would consider buying on iTunes. And that's disappointing this far into things.

Next week I hope they just let them sing whatever the heck they want (no themes) and someone - please - hit one out of the park!

PM | May 7, 2008 9:25:42 AM | #

Well PM, I always seem to find myself responding to your posts because I enjoy reading them!
......
I think you are right about number 2 etc still possibly being controlled by Idol or any record label at first. Its the as of the business and big record labels. Regardless of where David C finishes I hope he puts out a good record that he is happy with. Still torn between wanting him to win over David A or not win and be the popular underdog when they start to make their albums :)
.......
I really agree about your assessment of Jason too. It appears to me, though of course I don't know for sure, that the guy loves music esp of his genre and wants to always play and make some $ off it, but isn't into the celebrity of it. His style and laidback attitude is what makes people love him to an extreme or dislike him to an extreme. I like him for it:) But for me, I don't think he should win a 'competition' because though I personally like that he is so laidback and non-Hollywood in a general sense, he hasn't shown the necessary drive to win Idol. But do I want him to be a successful artist in his own way- sure!

Erin | May 7, 2008 9:40:06 AM | #

What success has Cook, Jason or Syesha had out of their comfort zone?

I must have missed it.

Zeebee | May 7, 2008 10:10:49 AM | #

I have to agree with the previous comments from ERIN and PM. I think the judges have been overly harsh with Jaso, trying to get rid of him despite his fanbase. I have felt since they announced the Top 12 that the producers have been pushing for the David vs. David finale. Every other contestant could be eliminated in any order, as long as their two favorites were assured spots in the finale.

I probably have been over-analyzing this situation (I know that AI is just a TV show after all), but I really do think the producers have underestimated Jason's popularity since the beginning. They figured that Carly, Michael and Brooke would outlast him. I think the producers are frustrated at Jason for not acting like the "Hollywood" type or the attention-grabbing diva that they expect from their typical contestants. Jason truly seems to be a laid-back and humble person who loves music, not necessarily someone who loves the FAME that comes with being on America's top-rated TV show.

If Jason truly wants to exit the show at this point, then he has shown himself to be a classy and down to earth guy. He never talked back to the judges (like Kristy Lee Cook) or broke down in tears (like Brooke). I don't think he ever pandered to the audience either (like Archuleta). He can still get a recording contract out of his stint on AI, which I bet David Cook and Archuleta will also get, regardless of the final outcome. (By the way, I am NOT a "teeny-bopper" or "pot-head", and actually I am rooting for Cook to win over Archuleta.) :-)

Paige | May 7, 2008 10:56:49 AM | #

"I'm too lazy to do the research on this, but I'm going to wager that Jason's performances tonight were two of the least impressive Top Four performances in the show's seven seasons."

How about whatever Nikki McKibbin sang?

Jake | May 7, 2008 10:56:57 AM | #

These last few weeks of AI have made me even more eager to see So You Think You Can Dance. For me, it's more interesting and the contestant dismissals are better in that America decides the bottom group and then the judges make the move on who goes home. On Idol, having Randy, Paula and Simon make the call on who goes home could maybe have weeded out Castro a few weeks ago. But then again, who know?

MGC | May 7, 2008 11:06:49 AM | #

Hey Andrea, just because you put "it's a fact" after your opinion, doesn't actually make it a fact. So, who's the moron?

People who like David C like some originality in their music. Even when he's doing other people's arrangements, he's still doing lesser known versions, which brings something different to the songs. I'll take innovative and interesting with a few poor notes over bland and hitting every one. But then, I prefer artists to singers. Did Dylan have a great voice? Hell no, but he's still among the most important and best musicians ever (by the way, I'm not daring to compare ANY of the contestants to Dylan, just making a point).

I can see why Castro is still there. I agree on his vocals, but his attitude is somewhat refreshing after the cloying nature of most people who make it onto this show. Most contestants say basically the typical, cliched things they think they should say, and every line is carefully planned. Castro doesn't seem to even know how to do that. I find that kind of endearing, even if I don't think it should have kept him in the competition so long.

Don't like Syesha cause I can't get over the theatrics while she sings. Talk about cloying. And I don't just mean this performance. Even her smiles seem planned and timed.

David A probably has the best voice, but I agree with others that he is boring. He's the opposite of David C... all singer, not an artistic bone in that little body. Besides. how do you screw up the Beatles?

Whoever said that David C should come in second to avoid being controlled by the AI machine is a genius. Can you imagine the lame, "inspirational" song they'll have to sing for the finale? It'll be perfect for David A and death for David C. That's fine by me.

K | May 7, 2008 11:07:15 AM | #

"Rock and Roll All Night" sure is a great song. And a great choice to play under your Rock and Roll Hall of Fame clip package, except for one thing.

KISS ISN'T IN THE ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME.

Jake | May 7, 2008 11:09:04 AM | #

Well, I'm glad several post-ers commented on the POOR TASTE with which Syesha aligned her experience of making the top four on American Idol with the struggles of Rosa Parks and MLK!! Worse, she repeated this analogy when she burst into tears. I would have been moved if I weren't so appalled. For once, Randy Jackson was spot on with his comments. She over sang the song to death.

vncntdl | May 7, 2008 12:05:09 PM | #

K- agreed with just about everything in your post! The AI inspirational single will be interesting esp in a Davids showdown. Of course it will be a song that should be right in David A's zone- but then I could also picture David C somehow making it even better than what it usually is. Wouldnt that be a twist?

Erin | May 7, 2008 12:05:17 PM | #

Last night is the first time I have voted since KLC left. I believe that Syesha was the best last night. IMO her tears were genuine. I had not been a fan of hers before.

I am sick and tired of the Taylor Hicks bashing. I'm sure he is crying all the way to the bank.

Trupen | May 7, 2008 12:05:32 PM | #

Maybe David C. can sing "Who Are You" and "Won't Be Home Again" by the Who. He seems to do well with that type of song and can complete the CSI theme song performances.

Penny | May 7, 2008 12:11:36 PM | #

How can Taylor be crying all the way to the bank? NOBODY is buying his albums and he was cut from his record label. ROFL.

Marcus | May 7, 2008 12:23:30 PM | #

Erin I agree with you - JC is likable and he's been fun to watch but it's probably time for him to go. That said, a little part of me can't help but wish he'd make it through tonight just for the entertainment value of seeing people come completely unglued. The venomous comments are something else on here - for heaven's sake if you don't like the guy just Tivo the show and forward through his performances! That's what we do in our house for one of the performers (and it's not JC).

I think of the remaining contestants, David C. is most deserving of a win - just my opinion - but I'm not sure it matters one lick at this point who wins. The label has probably already determined who they will sign, regardless of the outcome.

PM | May 7, 2008 12:39:35 PM | #

Zeebee, David Cook's performance during Andrew Lloyd Webber week ("Music of the Night" I believe) was out of his comfort zone and got rave reviews. So there's your example for him.

Jason hasn't done much outside of his limited range (which I was a fan of until the past few weeks), Syesha has been doing a mix of fun songs & ballads lately (good for her, she's moved up to #2 for me), and David A. has done terribly when not singing "We Are The World" type songs.

Tony | May 7, 2008 12:40:54 PM | #

Re: the first single - has anyone on here listened to the contenders and/or placed votes? I admit I have not. I was amazed last year, though, at the choice of the voting public. Everyone (rightly) bashed all the prior winner's first singles, but when it went to a vote we wound up with a very similar song! Are all the songs that are up for vote syrupy ballads so it's voting for the lessor of evils, or is there some variety there?

I agree, btw, with the idea that David C. might take a sappy, ridiculous song and make it into something completely better - if they let him. If the guy can make "Hello" good, then anything is possible!

PM | May 7, 2008 12:46:09 PM | #

I have been wanting to say this for weeks and weeks, but kept thinking he HAS to be going home... Doesn't Jason's horrible breathing and popping the microphone every week bother anyone else? I can't believe the AI vocal coaches have not tried to correct his very bad habit. Or, have they tried, and his voice is so very weak that he has to practically swallow the mike on every song. Inexcuseable for someone at this stage of the competition!

wktcknet | May 7, 2008 1:33:33 PM | #

Erin - actually, I bet you're right. He probably could take it and make it MUCH better than it is. I hadn't thought of that. I guess I just like the idea of him having more control of his career, and getting to make the music he wants to. I think he'll do interesting things, given the chance.

Penny - I think you mean "Won't get Fooled Again". But I'd like to hear his versions of those songs.

Tony, I just laughed out loud. I can seriously picture David A in that "We are the World" crowd.

K | May 7, 2008 1:47:17 PM | #

wktcknet - no I hadn't noticed but now that you pointed it out I probably will...so THANKS A LOT!! haha

K - I really don't think not winning will afford David C. any more creative control. Most artists are kept on a tight leash for their first release. They get more say once they've proven themselves as a marketable product.

Does anyone know if David C. is a song writer? Does he have his own material to bring to the process of making a first disc? I would think that would help - it seemed to help Daughtry. I doubt David A. and Syesha write, so they'll be saddled with whatever dribble they're given if signed.

Erin - you could write articles on this stuff - always balanced and fair and respectful. A voice of reason in the madness.

PM | May 7, 2008 2:07:07 PM | #

Thanks PM, I try to be reasonable! I have my own strong opinions of them but I think the Idols deserve a fair constructive critique of their performances. Putting yourself out there for millions to scrutinize is not easy.

From some articles I have seen David C is a songwriter, I am looking forward to seeing what he can do. Go to this article I saw a week ago from a former bandmate.

http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1586507/20080429/id_0.jhtml

Also there were articles, search on google, about how his first solo artist independent album was #1 on amazon downloads recently and Idol made him take it down (so he couldnt sell it while they have control of him and want to make $ off of him, I figure). I wonder if he wrote the songs on that album, I never got to hear it.

Erin | May 7, 2008 2:21:12 PM | #

Thanks K, I knew I got the title wrong.

Penny | May 7, 2008 2:57:43 PM | #

To all the people who are saying that David Cook does not want to win or should not win-you cannot be far from truth. Read his interviews including the latest one on Billboards. He always said that he is working hard for this and wants to win. Besides, winner or runner up-AI has first dibs on them and they are not going to let him go. If he is runner up-they are going to give him secondary promotion for his album so as not to outsell their winner. It is not for the fans to decide what is best for him-he can make his own decisions. I know people mean well, but doing that to a contestant who is talented and working hard is just plain cruel. Just my two cents.

Brad | May 7, 2008 3:28:01 PM | #

JASONS LEAVING NO DOUBT SYESHA ROCKED THE HOUSE AND THE DAVIDS WERE GOOD AS WELL BUT JASON IS LEVING!!! i think david cook will be jioning him in the bottom two but he will survive but syesha and david will stay till the finals!!!!!!

marney | May 7, 2008 4:43:00 PM | #

PM- David Cook first album is called Analog Heart and he wrote the songs, which are very good, these are a few of the: The Truth, Fall Back into Me, Makeover and Silver

Marly | May 7, 2008 5:09:40 PM | #

Unfortunely, the album Analog Heart was pull out of Amazon mp3, but if you have the chance look it up in the net and you can find some of them to listen to. Another song is Don't say a word is really good.

Marly | May 7, 2008 5:20:41 PM | #

Thanks Marly and Erin. I read the MTV article and will see if I can dig up some of those songs.

The fact that he's been at this so long shows his commitment and the fact that he is a writer too shows creativity and artistry. I hope he's safe tonight (hasn't aired on the west coast yet) and goes all the way with this thing.

PM | May 7, 2008 6:58:12 PM | #

Let me start by saying that I think every artist in the top 10 deserved to be there. The order is which they went or are going home is what is questionable.
Every person has there likes and dislikes of music. This was well reflected in the choices that were made in who went home and when. The only thing you can do is vote. I know I learned a lesson by not voting one week and my fav was voted off. (not that im saying my vote would have kept them there).

Now my choice for winner is:

David Cook - with the right band behind him he will rock it out.

My opinion of the others:

David A - good voice, needs his adnoids removed, but as he matures may make a good career.

Sayesha - is wonderful and I see an incredible career on Broadway leading to an acting career (Audra MacDonald)

Jason - has a good quality to his voice, he could make an amazing career as a coffee house singer putting out cd's for sale while he sings. (dont get me wrong I know a couple of people that have great careers doing this and are very much in demand)

darrpub | May 7, 2008 7:40:20 PM | #

I'm surprised none of the judges (at the least the two coherent ones), and none of the writers, and none of the fans noticed that Archie completely changed the lyrics to the second half of "Stand By Me." Virtually none of what he came up with are in the original composition, and 1961 hit by Ben E. King. (Davy said 1960, but we'll allow the error since he wasn't yet born). Jason and Cryesha will say adios in that order ... and a David will win!

Jerry | May 7, 2008 8:55:20 PM | #