With the American Idol finale just two weeks away, Wednesday (May 7) night's hour saw the show cut its talent pool down to the Top Three. Would the most logical suspect (Jason Castro) go home, or did Idol have another surprise in store?

9:00 p.m. ET. This is American Idol, a show so confident in its place in the ratings firmament that they can fill the crowd with stars from other networks -- Hi, Howie Mandel -- since obviously there aren't any civilians in the Los Angeles area who would want to attend a taping.

9:01 p.m. Nearly 51 million votes were cast after last night's show.

9:02 p.m. Randy Jackson didn't make Syesha Mercado cry last night by insulting her otherwise adored rendition of "A Change Is Gonna Come." No, Syesha was tearing up because of Paula Abdul's sage, cogent, clearly articulated words of praise. Yeah, that makes sense.

9:03 p.m. The Group Sing, which starts with Jason Castro nearly sliding off the stage in his cowboy boots and Presumptive American Idol Finalist David Archuleta mumbling in a whole slew of lyrics that he started at least a beat too late, is set to Steely Dan's "Reeling in the Years." That's the best song they could come up with for this group of ill-matched vocalists? Ugh.

9:05 p.m. Poor Kim Caldwell. The second the camera cuts to her beaming visage, cheering on this season's contestants who went further than she did, the lights go out and they cut to commercial. Back to TV Guide Channel for you, Kim. Heck, she got less screentime than Judge Judy.

9:09 p.m. Mmmm... A taste of last night's show.

9:10 p.m. "I was thinkin' Bob Marley!"

9:11 p.m. "Hey Mr. Tambourine Man, play a song for me... In that bah bah bah bah bah mmm mmm... I'll come following you."

9:12 p.m. There aren't many places available on the Fluffy Chair of Yummy Happy Feelings (translated from the original Japanese) this week. Up first to face the results is Li'l' Archie, who says "Yeah, um, I'd love to," when Ryan Seacrest asks if he'd like to be the next American Idol. He expresses an enthusiasm similar to the way I respond when waiters ask me if I'd like some decaf after a big meal. He may not know how to tell American that he'd sure as heckfire love to be the next American Idol, but America knows how to show its appreciation for Li'l' Archie. He's the first member of the Top Three.

9:15 p.m. Now that I've safely ignored Made of Honor, I couldn't possibly be less excited for a movie than I am for the Sex and the City feature.

9:19 p.m. This past week, the Top Four went to Las Vegas in a private jet (complete with a bed that makes Clifford the Muppet say, "Sleepin' in the sky? Oooh. Cool.") to film an advertorial commercial for the Beatles musical Love! Was that part of the deal for the rights to all of those Beatles songs?

9:21 p.m. Ever since I was a young boy, I've been afraid of Cirque du Soleil. I like my circuses a little bit less pretentious and with more monkeys.

9:22 p.m. Presumptive American Idol Finalist David Cook is brought on stage next. David says his head was in the wrong place last night, but at least America's heart was in the right place. Once again, the Two Davids are sitting pretty.

9:24 p.m. And, once again, Syesha is facing elimination, paired with Jason this time. As Ryan starts reading the results, poor clueless Jason gives a look of genuine bafflement -- Sorry, Jason fans, he's not quick enough to have been acting -- and whispers, "You're gonna tell us right now?" Ryan reassures him that he won't be eliminated for another 30 minutes.

9:28 p.m. Our Top Four contestants are bullfighters in this week's "Ring of Fire"-set Ford commercial. A plague on the houses of all who decided to put David Archuleta in tights and then put that image on my TV screen.

9:30 p.m. Phone call time! A woman from Pittsburgh asks if David will go out on a date with her when the Idol Tour gets to town. Don't do it, David! Hold out for a Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Girl! Asked about overcoming obstacles, Li'l' Archie can't think of any and Jason admits to being brain-dead. Simon makes a plea to be knighted. Syesha talks about the awkward position of being the Last Woman Left Standing.

9:34 p.m. As Simon half-heartedly plays along with a gag suggesting he should be the next James Bond, I turn my attention to pondering just how long the Red Sox are going to be able to survive with David Aardsma as their most reliable middle reliever.

9:36 p.m. Within three years, Maroon 5 is going to become the Idol house band.

9:41 p.m. Musing on what it says about our electoral process that American Idol will have crowned a winner in significantly less time than the Democratic Party... I'm sure David Archuleta's wishing his competition would just step aside so that he could concentrate on his eventual showdown with John McCain.

9:44 p.m. Serious question: If Idol had allowed contestants to use instruments earlier, would Bo Bice have beaten Carrie Underwood?

9:49 p.m. Bo makes a joke about how he and David Archuleta could be twins. Li'l' Archie picks his nose.

9:54 p.m. Jason's a good sport as he listens to the harsh judges' comments on his Tuesday performances. He's such an easy target that even Ryan makes a joke about his lyrical fumblings. Jason blames his inexperience.

9:56 p.m. Oh, Syesha. Don't talk politics. It doesn't suit you. Fortunately, she's in the Top Three.

9:58 p.m. That means Jason Castro's going home. He says he's relieved.

9:59 p.m. Rarely has anybody smiled so broadly when singing about killing a law enforcement official. Bye, Jason.

Are you sad to see Jason go? Or was this just his time?

Comments

Listen. It's about time. I don't understand how Jason made it this far. He has a weak voice. His performances are mediocre. He is inconsistent. And he exercises terrible judgement. If it weren't for 11 year old girls, would he have made the top 12?

bored | May 7, 2008 7:21:47 PM | #

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it is about time

| May 7, 2008 7:25:27 PM | #

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good riddance to bad rubbish..

sandstar08 | May 7, 2008 7:29:51 PM | #

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It was definately (past) his time to go - but Jason is such a happy soul - as his clip package showed - he was hilarious without even trying to be funny. That's about all I'll miss - musically - just not up to par.

Mimi | May 7, 2008 7:41:29 PM | #

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thank god.

geez | May 7, 2008 7:43:28 PM | #

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Do you people realize that you don't have to have an amazing voice to make it in the music business? Gosh. In fact a lot of people who have nice voices are just plain boring. Jason does not have the 12 and under fan, that's Archie and you know it! Are you all males saying these things about Jason? You feel a bit threatened? Get a grip! Jason makes the girls (and women) swoon.

Jason's voice is unique and pleasant. He has personality, originality, and a talent that goes beyond vocals. THAT'S what makes a popular artist.

Thank God for David Cook. He is my favorite, but Jason was second. Now he's against two people who lack any visible personality or real talent. If either one wins ... it's Taylor Hicks all over again.

RRN | May 7, 2008 7:49:00 PM | #

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Jason was just not superstar quality. A goofy guy who would sound fine singing in the NYC subway.

soozen | May 7, 2008 7:55:40 PM | #

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I will miss Jason. He was my 2nd favorite (Cook being #1). I love his charimsa, his fun loving carefree way and those eyes!!!! Now I don't have to split my votes between him and Cook. Good Luck Jason. See you on tour.

Lisa | May 7, 2008 8:05:46 PM | #

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Lisa: You love Jason's "vibe" - OK, whatevs, but I'll buy it. You love his "*charisma*" (?!??). Wha'...?

Dick Shunn | May 7, 2008 8:22:31 PM | #

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There was a brunette actress with big that the camera man shoot for 3 seconds wearing the peach/pink top. I can not figure it out! Does anyone know what show she played on. She was shown after Bo Bice sang.

curious | May 7, 2008 8:43:21 PM | #

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So Syesha thinks her presence on AI is right up there with the ObamaNation and the entire civil rights movement. She be gone next.

bem | May 7, 2008 8:58:24 PM | #

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Remember, "aardsma" wasn't a verb until the eponymous pitcher was traded to the Cubs.

porter | May 7, 2008 9:33:08 PM | #

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Wow, there are some articulate people posting on this page, I don't know if I can possibly measure up to the cogent observations already expressed. Who am I kidding? Of course I can.

Bem, once again you show how someone can take something someone says and twist it around to portray them unfavorably. Syesha wasn't 'comparing' her presence on American Idol to Barack Obama's bid for the presidency nor was she comparing her presence on American Idol to the Civil Rights Movement. Get a grip, before they're all gone.

Siansonea | May 7, 2008 10:03:16 PM | #

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Poor Jason. It's not his fault america and the judges are derranged. It's obvious he was surprised he made it past the top 100!
RNN is hilarious, talking about Taylor Hicks but voting for Jason? People like her made Hicks win in the first place!!

edgar | May 8, 2008 12:04:07 AM | #

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Jason was awesome. Bittersweet about seeing him go. He was an early favorite and had a lot of amazing performances. But this is the best thing that can happen to him. He doesn't have to sign with the American Idol label and His career will be the second most successful this season behind Cook. We have not seen the last of him.

Oh and the ending of the show (Jason getting his final song cut off) basically sums up how the producers have treated him this Season. I've never seen an amazing talent be treated like that before. it's as if he were Sanjaya or something.

Let's see what they have done to him. He got virtually no airplay before the live rounds (Even though that clip of him singing "SInce You been gone" would have been cool). They were overly critical of many performances because they didn't understand what he was doing. Then the disastrous Paulagate and then last night's obvious piling on of insults.

I know he got a lot of exposure from the show but if I were him I'd hold a grudge. But as he said he wanted to go home anyway and I don't blame him for that.

I will buy his album.

And to the close minded sheep making fun of him above. Shame.

Jason S. | May 8, 2008 1:14:46 AM | #

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RE: curious

That was Camille Guaty. You probably know her as Sucre's perpetually off-screen love Maricruz on "Prison Break", and most recently as Piper on the last season of "Las Vegas".

Sean | May 8, 2008 2:48:28 AM | #

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I don't get the sudden Jason-hate. The guy had some brilliant performances; "Daydream" and "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" were some of the best of the season.
I hope he doesn't let the hate get to him, he seems like a nice and genuine guy. I'm glad he left, mainly 'cause I couldn't bare to see his soul crushed [Randy, alone, would see to that].

THall | May 8, 2008 3:00:18 AM | #

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Jason appeared to be ready to go, it's as though he was faded up with the whole thing.
He justdidn't appear to do his best anymore.

| May 8, 2008 3:14:24 AM | #

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Unfortunately Jason's elimination came about 6 weeks too late. It's still a complete sham and mockery of the show itself that he even made it THIS far.

MrRight | May 8, 2008 4:44:21 AM | #

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Unfortunately Jason's elimination came about 6 weeks too late. It's still a complete sham and mockery of the show itself that he even made it THIS far.

MrRight | May 8, 2008 4:44:32 AM | #

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You're in need of serious psychological counseling if you found ANYTHING good in Jason Castro or his utterly awful performances.

Roger Q | May 8, 2008 4:45:45 AM | #

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Edgar. Please. Taylor Hicks looked like a 50 year old drunk on stage with hyper pills who could not sing worth a dime! Yet he won? Where is he? Jason, if he persues singing can make it. But, I'll admit, Syesha and Archie may have a small future ahead of them(unlike grandpa Taylor). Syesha on call for Broadway and Archie singing for Disney movie themes. There is no comparisons between Jason and Taylor. Put them both on stage together ... right off, who has stage presence? But hey, to each his own.

| May 8, 2008 5:11:17 AM | #

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That was me. My computer flipped and posted my comment before I got a chance to add my name and fix the typos.

RRN | May 8, 2008 5:17:39 AM | #

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The only thing Syesha did was bring up the Civil Rights Movement on the pre-tape and after the song and then she cried and cried ... thinking this was going to save her. Wait, it did! Oh, I forgot, she's an actor.

RRN | May 8, 2008 5:33:31 AM | #

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Jason was the worst singer among the last 4 contestants, but at least he wasn't boring. He tried different type of songs. The same can't be said about David A., who repeats -for how many weeks now? - the same old thing he does since the very beginning. However, no judge made one comment about that. I remember Simon saying to Amanda, about in the 3rd week, that she was always doing songs of the same genre, or something to that effect. However, D.A. serves the public the same easy pop each week, with no stage presence, but it is ok? The judges make fools of themselves when they praise him the way they do, because they show either that they don't know a thing about music, or the whole conest is fake.

Mitch | May 8, 2008 5:35:56 AM | #

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It's true that Jason didn't have the strongest voice, but it was very pleasant and easy to listen to. I would buy his CD.

Kathy | May 8, 2008 6:20:25 AM | #

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Did anybody notice how nobody crowded around Jason, like they have for the other ones? But maybe that's just cuz they cut him off? I didn't care for his coffee-house style, but he was different.

John | May 8, 2008 6:21:42 AM | #

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As much as i admire David Cooks courage with some of his song choices, I think he has been sounding the same every week too. He seems to want to turn every song he sings into grunge/emo style of rock with a big note at the end.Hes probably gonna win , I just wish he would do more actual rock, like Bo bice did last night, instead of sappy junk like Our Lady Peace. UGH!

| May 8, 2008 6:23:28 AM | #

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Syesha, on ther other hand has tried to do different styles, and be as entertaining (dancing clapping ,etc)as possible. Shes much better than alot of people give her credit for IMO.

| May 8, 2008 6:27:23 AM | #

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Jason was horrible, glad hes gone! As much as people want to argue, its still primarily supposed to be a singing contest! They are competing for a million dollar contract to SING!, arent they? If he could have sung better, and remembered the lyrics (cmon people you cant forget the lyrics and expect to be in the top 3?)i would be all for him.

| May 8, 2008 6:32:43 AM | #

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Archie does the same thing every week, but his vocals are damn near perfect every week. Hes only 17 but performs like a pro. Give him time to mature, and find his niche, I think hell be a great recording artist.

| May 8, 2008 6:34:57 AM | #

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I think they cut him off too quickly to see the Idols gather around. There doesn't seem to be animosity in this years top 12 so they probably did come down and join him.

Not a surprise about Jason. He didnt seem sad at all. His comment about not knowing what to do with 3 songs ne t week was funny and typical him. I wish him luck and am curious to see what he does in music next. I know I will give his album a listen. I enjoyed what he brought to the table though I didnt really want him to win.
........
I hope David A gets more comfortable with interviewing and the spotlight- he seems frazzled when he is asked questions- he better get used to it, his life will never be the same now!........
I always enjoy the semifinal round. I hope someone....particularly David C:) knock it out of the park and get decent choices from the judges/producers.

Erin | May 8, 2008 6:36:25 AM | #

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Commenting on a few comments above-

-I have admired Syesha's real drive to improve and compete the last several weeks. She has a nice voice but often not as good as the gutsy song choices unfortunately and it doesn't always help her. I think she definitely deserves to be here still though. My issues with her is there is nothing about her that sticks out, that brings anything new, even to the just the pop music scene. Other seasoned or new artists (like the incredible Leona Lewis) out-sing her and others personalities (Gwen, Fergie etc) stick out much more. To me she seems best suited to Broadway and an acting career.
.......
-I do think David A will get better with age, and his style would fit an adult singer more. I know he is young but I can not give him a pass on things just because of that. Jordin Sparks was younger than him when she won and she had voice and variety and personality! And I think he has more experience performing than she did coming into Idol!
......
As for the finalists needing to be diverse- only to a certain extent if you think about it. They do need to be able to show a good competitive and creative spirit in this show, which forces you to sing a variety of genres but when the show ends, they only have to stick to one. No one tells rock bands they have to sing Broadway tunes or soul or pop or country and vice versa. They just need to keep a little bit of variety within their genre and adapt to changing culture throughout their career.

Erin | May 8, 2008 6:55:42 AM | #

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Jason should hurry up and make an album, because we know at least two people would buy that album. he could make like $22.

Clark | May 8, 2008 7:05:20 AM | #

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Clark - Sorry but Jason has millions of fans. And the only reason he went home is the producers threw him under the bus while coddling other contestants and allowing them to stage crying moments (Syesha has a big future in acting in soap operas) and blather on about the civil rights movement.

Jason S. | May 8, 2008 7:18:32 AM | #

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Jason S.

Join us on planet earth would you?

Jason has a certain genre, and he isn't even good at that!

He should have been dismissed along time ago.

But carry on with your man crush.

| May 8, 2008 7:25:29 AM | #

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Has anybody listened to Phil Stacey's cd? or know where I can read a review of it? Which season was he on?

Go David Cook!!!

sara | May 8, 2008 7:26:35 AM | #

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Shot the Sheriff is NOT about the killing of a law official- it is about taking down evil in the world you tard - go look it up. AI lost a whole lot of goodness and light People need to listen to Jasons studio versions and see what is really up. I am a mother NOT a teeny bopper and Jason connected with many many people past the age of 18!! He sang in public - maybe timese versus a guy with an album out and a kid force fed music since the age of 5. WHO would want to stay on AI- that show is a joke

sam | May 8, 2008 7:39:12 AM | #

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Now they get a big headed ugly balding rocker that will never make it in the rock world with looks like that and the title of AMERICAN IDOL - HA JASON GOT OUT JUST IN TIME TO SAVE HIMSELF FROM THAT MESS OF A SHOW - SOME MORE TRAINING AND HE WILL BE GREAT - PEOPLE THAT LOVE COCK FIGHTS AND STEALING CANDY FROM BABIES WONT EVER GET HIM -

Bob | May 8, 2008 7:43:10 AM | #

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I love Jason Castro. He's a thoughtful, carefree personality who never compromised his Christian values on this silly show.

How can you not like someone who lists his goals this way:
"To be a loving father, a faithful husband, and a servant to all."

To all you haters, the world needs a whole lot more Jason Castros. He's got exceptional talent (though we didn't see it this week), and I, too, am anxious for his album(s).

LOVE YA, JASON! CONGRATS on making Idol watchable for a couple months.

Erik | May 8, 2008 8:16:33 AM | #

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I think Bob and his comments really show total ignorance in this world.

Jsaon seems like a really nice person, that doesn't mean he should win AI.

End of story.

Lisa | May 8, 2008 8:26:36 AM | #

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Hmmm...very interesting. A lot of people (including myself) have been predicting a David vs. David finale for months now. Week after week, the three judges give out the same critiques to their favorites: "David Archuleta, you're the one to beat." "David Cook, you're a red hot lava bomb!" "David, I'm looking at the next AMERICAN IDOL!" "David you CRUSHED the competition!", and so on. They always seemed to overpraise the two Davids, while the rest of the contestants received faint praise or insults ("That was bad karaoke").

I have to agree with some other comments here that Jason Castro was the designated punching bag for this season. They never showed much behind the scenes footage of him, they picked on him when he forgot lyrics (while CODDLING and REASSURING Arhculeta and Brooke), they never mentioned that he was sick during ALW week (but they mentioned when Ramiele was sick), and Randy and Simon constantly gave him condescending remarks after his performances. The producers wanted him gone, probably fearing that his big fanbase would threaten to oust one of the Davids before the finale.

Yes, Jason DOES have fans, and not all of them are teenage girls. Every woman I know that watches AI has told me that they ADORE Jason and would buy his CD, or even watch a TV show with him if he chose to become an actor. These women range in age from 20s-60s, so I think he does have the potential to reach a wider demographic than just the fickle teeny-boppers. He may not have the loudest or strongest vocals, but he has genuine charm (not the fake persona that Syesha tends to be).

Hopefully, Jason will get a record deal and put out HIS type of music, NOT a remake of Broadway standards. ;-) I have never seen a reality show contestant so relieved to be sent home since Jerry Springer was eliminated from Dancing with the Stars in season 3.

This was the right time for Jason to leave. I don't think that Syesha has much of a chance against the massive fanbases of Cook and Archuleta, but she does seem perfect for Broadway or television.

Paige | May 8, 2008 8:28:33 AM | #

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Jason lasted long past his expiration date. I don't take anything away from him, he's just not my cup of tea. To me, personally, the guy just sounded so simple and clueless all the time like he grew up in a flower patch somewhere over the rainbow. Actually, I think if he paired up with sweet Nanny, Brooke, they could possibly make a really decent duet album together. Hey, I love James Taylor and Carole King as much as the next 60's born child. My birthday today 5/8/66.
Syesha will most definately have a career in acting/musicals. A lot of Idol contestants have gone on to Broadway, she will too.
David Cook, IMO, has a distinctive voice, easily recognizable on the radio. Like Chad K. from Nikelback. Hey, I love Daughtry and I still think he sounds exactly like the lead singer from Fuel. David C. Does not need idol is all I'm saying but, David A. just might be more successful if he wins simply because of his inexperience and age. Idol could easily wrap and package him for America's Pop fans. I think he could eventually become a crooner like John Secada. I love Secada's music and I'm a devoted Rock chick.

Chris | May 8, 2008 8:30:35 AM | #

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Wow, Jason is gone! Oh well. He's better off getting out now. He's like the Jessica Simpson of AI. He's "stupid" but not really stupid. He'll make a CD and it will be a hit.

I think David Cook is the one to beat. Definitely the best singer and performer left. Although if I were him, I'd want to leave next week and go the Daughtry route. If he's named the AI champion it might hurt his career more than help. I guess, we'll just have to wait and see.

If David A. is named AI champion he'll have a huge melt-down. He's too young to handle the pressure. He doesn't seem to be very outgoing.

What do you think?

Ben Dover | May 8, 2008 8:32:50 AM | #

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One thing I don't understand about some of the people who post here is how rude & demeaning they are to other posters who's opinions differ from theirs.

Just like cars come in different colors (I prefer red cars - but, I don't think someone who likes green cars is stupid)people have different tastes in music & one person's taste is no better or worse that the next persons.

I enjoy reading everyones opinions, but it bothers me about how hateful some people are!

gr8k8 | May 8, 2008 9:05:31 AM | #

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Great comments Paige.

| May 8, 2008 9:23:01 AM | #

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Great comments Chris.

| May 8, 2008 9:25:33 AM | #

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To Jason S: I love you!!! You're one of the few people who really get Jason. The only reason I'm glad Jason is gone is because I couldn't bear to see any more of the abuse that AI wanted to pile on. AI has the three cookie cutter singers they've wanted all along: The Shrieker, The Shouter and The Gasper. The only true talent and fresh new singer is now gone from AI, but free to do his own thing. I can hardly wait! Jason will always make me smile.

Magnetis | May 8, 2008 9:37:16 AM | #

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Ben Dover,

I agree with what you said about David A.

As Erin said he needs to get more comfortable with interviewing & the spotlight.

| May 8, 2008 9:38:41 AM | #

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Having read all the above comments, you people amaze me. You must all be in your early teens.
Has anyone noticed that David A is absolutely weird to the point that he appears to be "out of it" and simply not "there" People are calling it shyness and although he has a beautiful voice he just doesn't have it and that's not because he's only 17. The top vocalist is by far Syesha and she could become a broadway star.If she got every vote in the world there won't be 2 black females in a row

Gerry B | May 8, 2008 9:42:30 AM | #

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I would much prefer Castro to Archuleta. "Lil Archie" does have a great voice, but he is about as interesting as a paper plate. He has zero stage presence. It's obvious the judges have been steering the voters into a Syesha - Archuleta final.

Cactus | May 8, 2008 10:12:47 AM | #

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Oh I just couldn't bring myself to ignore posts like the one above though I know I should.

Don't bring race into Idol. It makes no sense in the history of the show. There has been two white female winners, 1 black male winner, 1 white male winner, 1 black female winner, and 1 half white half black female winner. Seems pretty diverse to me (Considering the majority of the finalists are black and white and not other races/ethnicities). There have been more black female winners than white male winners so I would say your point is pretty ridiculous. And I am neither white or black if it matters.

Erin | May 8, 2008 10:14:26 AM | #

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BEN DOVER: I think that David Cook will be a successful singer played on Top 40 radio stations whether he wins AI or not. I really do think he has won the support of BOTH women and men who would buy his future CDs. He already has a mature stage presence. :-)

I'm more concerned about Archuleta's future prospects. I definitely think he will get a record deal after AI, no matter what the outcome. However, does he have the "staying power" to remain popular after his first and second albums? A lot of his fans (although not all) are teenage girls who are more fickle buyers. Archuleta has raw talent and a good voice, but seems too shy and star-struck right now. Only time will tell if he can develop into "the complete package", and come out of his shell. He seems like such a sweet kid, but it annoys me to no end when he giggles, instead of just answering Ryan's rudimentary questions!

Paige | May 8, 2008 10:23:15 AM | #

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I am sure Paula will miss Jason cause he knew how to score the best herb. I think he would have done much better he he smoked just a little less weed before the show....unless his body just makes it on its own now

ross | May 8, 2008 10:27:23 AM | #

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Thanks to whoever called my comments great.

Chris | May 8, 2008 10:30:40 AM | #

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Paige and Erin - great posts this am and Erin thanks for the link to the article yesterday. It was great and answered a lot of questions for me. I'm going to dig around and see if I can unearth any of the old tracks that someone else posted - Marly was it? Sorry if I got your name wrong, but thanks for the info.

Chris- happy bday!

Gerry - if you really read all the posts you would realize that a great many people here are not in their teens. Don't criticize just because people don't share your view of things. For instance, you think Syesha is is the top vocalist - personally I feel that Syesha is merely adequate at lots of things but doesn't stand out at anything. But I'm not going to make assumptions about your age, gender, employment status, or IQ because you like her.

Last comment - love him or hate him, the show will be more dull without Jason C.

PM | May 8, 2008 10:36:04 AM | #

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And....Thanks to PM for the Happy Birthday!!!

Chris | May 8, 2008 11:20:18 AM | #

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Is it just me, or David A. doesn't seem to enjoy his experience at all? He put no life whatsoever in his renditions! Some say he maybe is shy, but despite his young age, that's not the first time he perform in front of a public. It was clear, in a past interview, that he did sing in other contests /scenes. And he show no improvement, week after week, about his lack of presence on stage. Are people cutting him a lot of slack because he's young?

CC | May 8, 2008 11:23:11 AM | #

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Hey CC it's a great question and one that no one here could really answer because we're not in his head so we don't know if he's enjoying this at all. A great many articles have been published addressing the role of his dad - classic stage parent from what they all say. Whether this is all true is unknown but it seems pretty apparent to me that the child is under a lot of pressure.

I personally was put off by the video clip they showed earlier in the season where someone had him sing for Kelly Clarkson and some other idol contestants when he was really young. All evidence points to the boy having been shoved on one stage after another his entire life. Go sing for them, David!

Once he turns 18 and can separate a bit from the parents and get a little life experience under his belt, only then will we see if he can put emotion into a song. I don't think he has much to draw on at this point - his life experience seems to have been 100% sing here, sing there, sing anywhere thye'll let you sing...

PM | May 8, 2008 11:40:46 AM | #

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Oh, and I guess that does mean I am cutting him some slack because he's young!

There, that was much more succinct!

PM | May 8, 2008 11:41:35 AM | #

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Interesting posts, PM! I remember the video you talked about. I was put off too. Still, if he was so much pushed on various stages to perform, is he not supposed to be able to do more than close his eyes and move one arm? Because that's basically what he's done up to this date. But I will cut him some slack, as he finally opened up his eyes this week! Anyway, his lack of feelings still bothers me. At his age, I was playing music (for fun, at school). I loved music and, event though I wasn't a professional by any degree, it was always my goal to put emotions (various ones, depending on the style) in music. Heck, I always felt music when only listening to it. So yeah, I'm confused by the fact that he sings without emotions, without given the impression that he understands what the song is about. Strange.

CC | May 8, 2008 12:07:36 PM | #

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To Sara above ... you can have a listen to Phil Stacey's CD on Amazon.com. Target is also selling it.

Robin | May 8, 2008 12:40:51 PM | #

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Folks, folks...if you miss Jason, you can find him on any quad at any college campus in the country. He's the one with the guitar trying to impress the freshmen girls.

If you don't find him there, search for the most pretentious coffee shop you can find in your town, and go there on open mic night...there he is.

Scavenger | May 8, 2008 12:44:54 PM | #

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Our long national nightmare is now over. Jason Castro is gone from American Idol. Now I won't have to look at his giraffe-like eyebrows and his "aw-shucks" slacker grin. Like Scavenger said - guys like him are a dime a dozen. This isn't to say that I think David A or David C is that great. Personally, I prefer Syesha, but all of them are better than Dreadlock Boy.

John | May 8, 2008 1:36:19 PM | #

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I think Jason was endearing. I enjoyed some of his performance and especially liked his "Somewhere over the Rainbow". Unfortunately, 2 much better performers, Carly & Michael, were cut before him which has made some fans including myself a little bitter. I think Jason may have a wonderful career doing what he does best, singing simple hearfelt songs. I believe it was definitely his time to go. I have one favorite left and I hope, maybe, just this once my favorite might win. This hasn't happened since season 1!!

Go David Cook!!!

Caryjane | May 8, 2008 1:43:05 PM | #

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I loved Jason and believe it or not I'm not twelve. He isn't the best singer but he has alot of chrisma and he's fun to watch. I'm sorry to see him go.

stacey | May 8, 2008 3:05:24 PM | #

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CC (and others) - I wonder if the lack of enthusiasm w/DA is because he's living his dad's dream vs. his own. That would be very sad. Or maybe it's simply what others think - he's got a good voice but his personality isn't suited to the whole fame thing...maybe he's he's not comfortable in front of a large crowd. Some people crave that - Syesha comes to mind! - some actually find it scary and oppressive. Dunno.

Meanwhile, I hope David Cook wins it all. He is ready to go - fame, touring etc. - the boy is ready!

And I'm going to miss Jason. He was great fun.

PM | May 8, 2008 3:12:57 PM | #

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PM: If he's living his dad's dream, that would be really sad for him. He deserves to live his own. And I don't mind people uncomfortable in front of a large crowd. I really don't. I'm not into people who crave attention by all means. I simply think he's not that much interesting to listen too. I like to feel something when I listen to music (intrumental or with singing), and when I listen to him, I feel nothing at all. It's too much same old, same old. No surprises. Even when he makes a little change to the arrangement, it is expected (for example: his tendancy to go highter in the end of a sentence). He seems to always sing the exact same song, the exact same way.

CC | May 9, 2008 9:07:20 AM | #

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Makes sense. I understand your point completely. Either he doesn't truly feel the songs on an emotional level or maybe he DOES connect with the songs but i's so scared that he's a doe in the headlights on the big stage. Hard to say! Regardless, he seems like a very nice kid and I hope he loves what he is doing.

I can tell you that my 11 yr old daughter likes him a lot. heh heh, no surprises there! I am VERY curious to see who America puts through to the final showdown. Will the young 'uns like my daughter ensure David A. is in? Will Syesha get a "girl power" vote? Will David C's fans be wiling to hit redial as often as a tween? Oooh, it's gonna be fun. C'mon Tuesday!

PM | May 9, 2008 4:42:30 PM | #

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At least Jason's fans have his iTunes recordings to tide us over until he puts out a CD. Some of his original music is on YouTube and shows a lot of promise. I happen to prefer this type of music and find it very easy to listen to Jason's songs for hours at a time. And for those of you that say he only appeals to young girls/teens, I'm in my 50's. I believe he will do very well and wish him lots of luck.

Carol | May 9, 2008 5:48:45 PM | #

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Am I the only one who hears David A say almost every other week that he hasn't heard of a song that he's about to sing? but he's going to sing it any way? He's not just young (like some posts are saying) its his music background knowledge that is lacking in some areas.

(songs that my kids at age 20 know they were introduced to all the oldies, classic rock and even 40's and Broadway songs that I listened to alot)

Am I wrong?

Chrissy | May 11, 2008 5:22:46 PM | #

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