Post deleted by robbieh

To me, tonights show was absolutely a triumph for Sayesha! Wow! I love,"Yesterday" Well everyone does, but that was so so good, I think.

Yikes ! The theme for last night should have clearly been "less is more" - specifically that one less Beatles night would have been a totally good idea . Last week was SO cool/excellent. This week. Not so great [in my opinion]. It's always bad for me, too, when Simon and I disagree so completely (strangely enough, we usually don't). Last night he seemed to hate the two I thought were the *best*. That being David Cook (who, and I still am reeling from it, gets more awesome each week ~ and, shockingly, seems to get better looking every seven days, too ) and Carly (loved her take on "Blackbird" ... but could have lived without the post-judgement exposition on *broken wings*, though ). Paula suddenly became a zen philosopher, too, I noticed. The scary part (eek!) is that her one "pearl of wisdom" was spot-on . She was right, I thought, in telling Archie that coming back so strongly after a disaster didn't build character. No, it just proved the character that was already there. His "Long and Winding Road" was exceptional. No "Imagine", but let's not expect that to happen again anytime soon. The weirdest thing happened last night, also, at my house. For the first time EVER, I watched a singer sing, finish, and I honestly did not know if they were good or not! I couldn't even determine if I liked it or hated it (so chickened out, and just waited for the judges to decide for me). What the heck was Chikezie up to? I needed Dramamine pronto after that dizzy-inducing something-or-other. It wasn't bad ... it was just, um, odd. Times 6. He lost me, pretty much, at the harmonica bit. Brooke? Pretty dreadful (but she's so darned sweet you just want to squeeze her silly and put her on your pancakes!). Jason? No connection happening with him - but Simon and I agreed there. He's a visual performer, for sure. Watching him sing makes even a marginal song presentation largely better than OK. Simon liked Syesha. I did NOT like that (although the arrangement was splendid and she sang it nicely - I think it was just that song that flipped my switch to *off*, which wasn't her fault, of course). My picks for the bottom three? Kristie Lee (of course ) and Ramiele (what happened to her ?) and I hope Michael Johns (he'd better hurry up and put some fire in the furnace or he's heading back to The Outback in a hurry). Syesha might get fewer votes than him ... but doesn't deserve to.

Or something like that ?

Oh ! I was typing while Ren was posting - and then went about saying [not glowing] things about "Yesterday". Whoops. Let me clarify, though, now that I feel I oughta. Syesha sang that song beautifully, the arrangement was magical. I think I'm the only one on the planet, though, who is just so sick of that particular tune,
Which is, make no mistake, a 'personal problem' I'd be better off getting over, I reckon ...

I'm thinking definitely Kristie Lee or Ramiele will be leaving tonight.
I was in the same boat as Gats - disagreeing with Simon, which usually is NOT the case. I loved both David Cook and Carly, and was a little surprised at Simon's reaction to both of them.
Chekizie gets a thumbs down for me, just a little too wierd last night.
Syesha had been disappointing to me the last few weeks, and I was happy to see her do so well last night.

Egads. I can almost hear the "conspiracy theorists", paranoiacs and "they-fixed-the-vote" snorters already. Jeesh, I've been reminded for decades how paranoid I'm not (even being advised that getting that way a little bit might have kept my path less disrupted, here and there). There is some *pretty darned good observations* in that thought that if we , you OR I, were organizing a concert tour that we hoped drew an age diverse audience of ticket buyers that like Top 40-ish giggles and Beatles/Bangles ballads ~ what in the heck do we do with Amanda in such a planned concert? "The odds of ... Janis Joplin belting out Hannah Montana happies aren't practical. That girl with the starfish posture? The one that sounds like a wound-too-tight merry-go-round? Her we can use. This Amanda chick needs to go !"

Do I think it really happened that way? Nah. I (personally) loved the sandpaper Amanda threw into the vanilla pudding and I believe she had her fair share of natural talent. But, as I mentioned earlier, she seemed to be on nothing more than the wrong stage for herself. And, pretty much, I suspect she's more relieved to be gone than disappointed by it this morning and finds it perfectly logical that she really did get the least votes of the lot. But it really DOES stretch the imagination that Amanda got FEWER votes than Kristy Lee! *Sigh* (and using random quotes) I reckon the voters prefer forgettable wallpaper to "singin' on the back of a flatbed truck" .

All I know is this: I won't miss Amanda's voice on those group Von Trapp-like songfests. Or those (peculiar) Ford commercials. I will, indeed, miss Amanda, though. The concept of her, overall, was one of the more engaging aspects of "American Idol 7". Or so I thought.

But never mind me. Some of the best music I ever heard happened in tiny bars with beer-soaked carpets in them. And used equipment that looked like it had mostly been rejected by the local Salvation Army store. And *yep* ~ some of the good stuff even came off the 'back of a flatbed truck'.

You hang in there, Amanda! Keep it real .

Hi all,

I've been tuning into the show down here in Australia. We are actually seeing it in real time, not weeks behind as it has been in the past.

I agree with you Gatsby about Amanda, she looked so out of place in the group song. It seemed as if they were not really focussed on her at all in the song and it was kind of uncomfortable to watch really. She will have a lot of fans out there who will go and see her perform and enjoy her style of music.

Good to see "our boy" Michael Johns still hanging in there but he really needs to do something special or else it will be bye bye Michael.

The stand out for me at the moment is David Cook, he seems to look and act like a star in the making.

I was a little surprised at the bottom 3 last night, and although I personally wasn't an Amanda fan, I didn't think she would be gone this soon. For me, every note that came out of her mouth sounded the same, and I really can't imagine her varying her genre at all (which the contestants are usually forced to do at least once during the competition). That said, I definitely thought Kristy Lee would go MUCH earlier than Amanda.

I was very surprised Carly was there but I guess Simon was right (as he often is) about the unwise song choice though she executed it beautifully. I thought Amanda should already be gone (I agree with Cinnamon's comments about her voice) and Kristy not long after. Kristy's country version of '8 days..' was a disaster .. I wanted to shoot the fiddler but I don't think even that measure would have saved that rush job.
I was wincing at Michael John's rough moments (I'm a big fan of his), and yet again David Archuleta got me all choked up, in a good way:) I'm also quite a fan of David Cook since the auditions but keep wanting to give him a makeover.. I reckon he could be a lot hotter if he gets in better shape and sees a decent hairdresser etc. Syesha was the star of the last show, she really conveyed the heartbreak of 'yesterday' beautifully. Hopefully we can get rid of Chikezie next week.

Argh. I am now, in two words, "completely confused". This whole Top Ten business seems to have had a profound spin on matters, at least on the first week out of it. Aside from one constant, it seemed to be everything else was everything BUT "ordinary". In any up-until-now sense of the word, that is.

*I'll save the gushy praise, from my viewpoint at least, until last (but I'm pretty sure it'll come as no surprise who I saved )* Let's talk first about the dunce cap regular, biggest *picked on* one all the way through this show. That'd be Kristy Lee. Did anyone else 'get it' why Simon called hers the most "brilliant" song choice ever on "AI" ? Who, from Boston to Oxnard, would vote against that tune? Especially now, but probably EVER? And she sang it kinda (mostly) pretty, too! No Hee Haw throwbacks this time! I think she might not be a sure bet for the Bottom Three this time. She'll likely end up there anyway (just habit, by now) but my hunch is that she's pretty much safe this week from elimination. Somebody absolutely put some "play smart/win big" drops in Syesha's coffee, too, don't you think? She was pretty darned awesome last night - that's two major knock-em-dead weeks in a row, and both were perfectly timed. Even Michael Johns stepped up (finally - but what is up with this Queen obsession of his?). That first half of "Rock You" was, well, rocky (I thought). Drive it home in the back half indeed, though, young man. Very nice *save* on his part. All those folks WERE kinda flouncing about the bottom, yes? Until Tuesday night. Now they're MUCH happier little ice cubes floating near the top of the drink [or at least much closer to the middle].
My favorite (all the way through so far) basically STUNK last night. Syesha gets the game plan right twice in a row? Here comes Jason and gets it wrong just as often, one after the other. He's run the risk of not being/seeming like a "serious" contender here, talent aside, from Day One. He's proving, at this rate, that he might NOT be one. He'd better find another "Hallelujah" in a hurry. Archie? Not bad again ... but what was that song ? It actually worked, I thought, but -to me only, mind you- it sounded almost too "American Idol Finale Songwriter/Viewer Contest Winner". I could picture Jordin Sparks working the crowd with it with victory video fireworks going off behind her last Spring. But he, too, is going to have a helluva time finding another "Imagine". It's like some of these folks hit the mountaintop too early this year, or something. While they're wise to know that one can't stay on that peak every try, they ought to at least try to be within earshot of the mountain. And I really hate to say it (cuz I love her to bits) but, this week, I'd say Carly deserves a Bottom Three spot. So does (and I love her to even bitsier) Brooke. Both played it safe this week and both proved how lackluster a tactic that can end up being. Chikezie was a "safer", too. And they all looked even worse when compared to that one, that daring lad who seems there to do anything BUT play it down the middle or be safe. The only one who could drive brilliant young Archie right into a runner-up position as things unfold as they seem to be doing. That'd be that guy who....

Sang Michael Jackson like (yikes) Leon Russell? Or something very close to such an odd thing? But *sigh!* it was glorious! A completely strange song choice, COMPLETE ownership of it once chosen, an arrangement that I (for one) thought was better - albeit a lot different in technique - than "Imagine" was. Not only does David Cook have the gut-sturdy talent to win this contest, he also has the savvy and courage to win it HIS way. And I think he could, if he keeps this up. No. Let me amend that. I think he SHOULD win it. And will. He ain't worrying about sitting on a mountaintop. If you ask this simple viewer, he's nicely busy building a mountain. And, all pop-star things aside, that's what gets public attention and, ultimately, public approval.

Whew! What a book. Sorry. I'm still confused, though. Everything is turning upside down in Paula/Randy/Simon-Land. And it's great fun to see.

And I didn't miss Amanda, to my relief and surprise, even once last night . Except to wonder (I just couldn't help it) ... "Wouldn't it have been just TOO darned interesting to have gotten to see HER sing "God Bless The USA" "? As they say (and thank heavens they say it) timing is everything...

All I have to say is "David Cook Rules!" He is awesome!
(Anyone else notice that the words coming out of Paula's mouth last night made even less sense than usual?)

Great post Gatsby, you summed the night up perfectly!!

The song that Archie sang, is "You're the Voice" which was a hit for Australian John Farnham and won an ARIA (The Aussie version of a Grammy) for the single of the year in 1987. David Foster did a cover of the song in 1990 which would explain why Archie chose it for his year of birth song. Please have a listen to John Farnham's version, it is a great song sung by an Aussie icon. (Maybe Michael Johns put Archie on to it?)

Our Aussie boy pulled one out of the hat tonight, it was a good performance at last! I think he does lack confidence in himself, something he will need to work on if he wants to go any further with his career.

As far as the girls go, the stand out for me is Syesha and I kind of like Carly's style. The other girls are just too bland for me. Kristy Lee is playing very strategic to keep her place. Who knows? It may work against her if the voters see through it.

David Cook, wow! Amazing! The stand out of the night and my favourite to win.

I was going to say the same thing Cinnamon, about Paula. She gabbled and gushed away tonight, I couldn't understand half of what she was talking about.

First ... thank you Choco_nut, for 'naming that tune' ! I liked the song, actually - makes a person feel mighty good hearing it. But, for some reason, I'd never heard it before last night. Which is a clear indication that America needs to import some Aussie tunes our way with a bit more energy, doesn't it?

OR (maybe) I just need to listen to the radio more? Eeek ! I just read that Michael Slezak recap over on the "Idol" site and, evidently, David Cook's take on "Billie Jean" wasn't exactly as original as I might have thought ? Who in the heck is Chris Cornell? Note: Oh, OK - just checked and he is/was the lead singer of Soundgarden and Audioslave. Apparently Cook 'covered' Cornell's 2007 version (which was a 'cover' of Whacko's version). And now they're saying "shame on David!" (which has been said about - imagine it? - "Idol" contestants covering covers before). Which is, last I checked, what "Idol" contestants have been doing for nearly a decade now. Perhaps it depends on the familiarity of the versions they use and/or cover? Whatever it is, I don't care. Cook was STILL incredible. But they seem compelled to pick on him nonetheless, though.

One thing I did read that I forgot to mention in my first post, too (but thought about, and had in my notes, from last night's show): wasn't Mr. Cook, God bless him, the homeliest toddler you've ever seen ? I'm sure he was sweet, adorable-in-his-own-way and that his parents loved him to death every minute of every day. But, honestly, that baby picture of his would likely frighten the denizens of any playground from Ohio to Oregon into shrieks of terror . Imagine it, though. Which of us, anywhere, would want our baby snapshots (which are rarely very good, except to the pack of those proud folks responsible for our being in this world) splashed on a screen for 30 million people to gawk at? Especially that picture. They can all say whatever they need to about how he "looks" now (and he is constantly slammed in that area). At least, no matter what, he gets many points for massive improvement in the "photogenic" department ....

lol I have to agree about the photo Gatsby! I do agree w you and Choco_nut.. Cook was *the* star.
All I could say after that was 'wow!' Vocals AND artistry, awesome combination. I think he just slid ahead of Michael Johns and I really appreciate both of them.
Archuleta's was beautifully delivered but not a great song choice, not memorable musically, though movingly topical.
Of the women I still like Carly best. Syesha's number bored me but she is good.
I'd like to see Chikezie go.

No worries Gatsby, glad to be able to contribute some useful information!

Who cares if David's version was not original, it was different and that's what we should be seeing, not the same old versions we've heard over and over again... I think the critics should be concentrating on the dull singers instead of the one's who are brave enough to try something new.. ish. lol.

I've got to agree with you and Yaarbiriah about that photo.. you had me in stitches (laughing) with your comments Gatsby.. Thanks, keep them coming!

Sorry to see Chikezie go tonight but they are getting to the business end of the show and the most talented performers should be the ones to stay.

I think Michael is really overawed by it all and is amazed to still be in the competition. Good to see him get another week, hope he does well.

Forgot to say, I loved Archie's comments tonight about his song choice.. He said he has always loved that song and he even mentioned John Farnham! "Farnsy" will be chuffed.

Quote:

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I've got to agree with you and Yaarbiriah about that photo..

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It so reminded me of my mum speaking of a child in her class:
"It would take a mother to love that one!"
Chikezee came across as so genuine somehow. He had to go, but sad.

Is this an April fool joke Gatsby? Well, it's nearly April..

I love Dolly's songs "Joelene" and "Coat of Many Colours" but for the life of me, I just can't see the boys doing a "Dolly" song!

Perhaps I don't know enough about her music. Of the songs I know, she has a great ability to tell a story through her music.

Oh no, (groaning).. That means the boys are going to be on thin ice this week. Hope they prove me wrong!

Oh well, there's still a ray of hope for David, Archie and Michael. She did sing "Stairway to Heaven" on one of her albums..

Are they actually doing Dolly songs? Or are they just doing genre? I seem to remember other mentors who didn't have big bodies of work or whatever, coaching a decade or genre (which I would assume in this case to be country).

Although, Dolly does have a huge collection of songs they could choose from. She's known for her songwriting and got some sort of award from the Songwriter's Hall of Fame last year. From wikipedia: "Parton has published almost 600 songs with BMI to date and has earned 37 BMI awards for her material."
So if they can't find something out of 600, they have a wee bit of a problem, I think.

The article I read said "Dolly Parton songs," so I guess that's what we'll get. She is also supposed to be mentoring the contestants this week. Dolly really does have a pretty wide catalogue of songs - I'm anxious to see which ones are chosen. I can just hear David Cook rocking out "Jolene"

What a shocker! I have mostly (sorta) little to say this morning . Well, except for that I'm getting afraid that I might be a wee bit psychic [blech]. Turned out Syesha did, in fact, snatch up "I Will Always Love You". And was soundly reminded, once again, that being halfway good on a Whitney-famous tune gets dreary after the first three times it happens. Overall, however, I thought the kids (AND Dolly - who is such a sweet and gracious little thing, isn't she?) could have stayed at home last night and sent in their contributions via cell phone. Seemed, to me, that nobody really *connected* with their songs so much. And, after last week, I was expecting some sort of fireworks to happen somewhere. I assumed one or more of them would step out of the *zone* they've built for themselves and "Cook" something up . But, alas, they pretty much didn't. Even David Cook himself (who did a fine job) seemed like a Lilo & Stitch version of his recent self. Best guy, IMHO? Michael Johns - who's finally stepping it up with more hits than misses. That boy can sing the blues, too ~ and picking "It's All Wrong (But It's All Right)" was perfect! Ultimately, it says a lot for a singer who can miss as many notes as he did (and he missed more than ten) and STILL deliver a song that powerfully. Well done to him indeed . Jason? Bottom Three. I am losing my *warm fuzzies* about him real quick lately. Archie was OK. Better than just OK, I guess. I thought that song wasn't so great for him (vocally he nailed it - but he didn't seem to "feel" it). He's just 17, though, singing about "Smokey Mountain Memories"? Not his fault he hasn't amassed too many memories of his own to reference just yet.

The other thing I noticed, rather thematically? You just know we're being set up for a [hopeful] American Idol moment when the vocalist sits on the floor. Seems like if they're sitting on the floor (or piano, or single lonely stool, or something) we're about to be deluged with all sorts of razzle dazzle. This has worked in the past. Last night was the exception, however. All the women except Carly (who did best, in my opinion) and Ramiele (who did worst) started their songs while on their butts. Well, Brooke stood up, I guess - but she kept her seated guitarist handy and in very clear view. Aside from Smithson (and that nice take on "Here You Come Again"), though, the songs went pretty much nowhere for me. I think "pretty" is the key word there. The songs were that, but not much beyond just lovely Dolly Paron tributes (and I think our Dolly deserved a bit more power/lightning in all that schmoozing she got). *Yikes* to Kristy Lee, too. How many people had a sturdy whack at her 'image' this week, I wonder? What a makeover indeed! Rather gorgeous (in an I-just-hopped-off my-horse kind of way). But she put nothing into "Coat of Many Colors", don't you think? I left it wondering if she even knew what a coat was, multi-colored or otherwise .

So ... who will go tonight? I'd like it to be Ramiele (who, sadly, I now give up on entirely). Or maybe Syesha. She's very good, but seems hell-bent on singing songs that pale in comparison to the originals - no matter HOW well she does them. And (I feel like such a fickle traitor) Jason really was forgettable, in sensurround, last night. It wouldn't surprise me if he (and his guitar) hit the bricks this evening.

Anybody else watch?

I was really surprised, too! I had BIG expectations for last night, with the great variety of Dolly songs to choose from! But I agree, everything was pretty dull, except for Michael Johns' stellar performance at the end of the show. Carly was definitely the best female.
I'm hoping Ramiele goes tonight, but it could be Syesha, Jason, or even Brooke. I WANT Jason to be better, but since "Hallelujah" he's been going downhill...

Yes, briefly, I only really recognised any sort of originality in one (Michael John's) performance. Ho hum the rest really. I am leaning towards Michael now.