Thanks for the recap Gatsby and Cinnamon, I couldn't watch it tonight as Melbourne experienced wild storms and our power was out for over 8 hours! The power came back on 5 minutes before the show ended, so I managed to see the recaps. From the quick view I saw, nothing really impressed me at all.

By the sound of it Michael Johns did well, which I'm pleased about.. The show is replayed tomorrow afternoon, so I might get a chance to watch it then.

Same here.. very uninspiring show.. often I get the soundtrack and play it over when I'm messing about on the p.c. but for that show I'm not going to bother. Michael John's bluesy arrangement was very nice and Cook's was also not bad. 'About a sparrow'?, honestly, sometimes I wonder if Simon has any concept of poetic allusion, though on many things I do agree with him. I think Ramiele is a considerably better vocalist than Cristy but we'll see how the relative popularity pans out. (We're recording it , watching it later.. not checking the net for spoilers). Both Syesha and Carly's vocal performances were nice, esp Syesha's but the songs- well I've forgotten them already.

Well ... so much for Miss Ramiele. No, the *frowny* is not hypocritical, really. While she'd slid downhill to the point of almost desperately needing to go home, I still remember that simply remarkable performance she gave right at the start of the season. What happened? I've thought about this long and hard and, I've staunchly concluded, her downward spiral began the very minute her *big friendship* with that horrifying Danny Noriega got publicized. It is my firm belief, then, that he sucked the good sensibilities right out her like a kid sucks the sugar out of a Pixy Stix straw . He was all about that gaggable "cutesy bear" demeanor (or attempts thereto) with not-so-much talent to back it up. She was, initially, the opposite of that. Very talented without relying on gagging the audience with (alleged) cuteness. He ruined her ~ and I'm sure of it . Hereafter, I think I'll blame that rascal Danny Noriega for just about everything. Really, though, our potentially powerhouse vocalist Ramiele got sidetracked too early on. David Cook should have pulled her aside. Look at him! He's not *cute as a button* (or trying to be). He's taken this contest seriously. He has adapted a mostly professional adult attitude. Put that up against the Noriegas (misfired hystrionics, thorough hunger for attention and a voice barely better than Danny Partridge's)? Poor Ramiele was taken in by the 'Tiger Beat' mindset (aka 'the dark side'), I'm afraid. But, no matter what happens to her now, she still has "that voice". Somehow or other, I think she'll grow up enough to use it wisely.

And what about that "sign" Kristy Lee made for her inevitable Bottom Three stool (*LOL*)? That girl is many things, but I have to say: she's doing a grand job of being herself and enjoying it, all of a sudden. I'm liking HER better each week. Never mind that I'll likely NEVER like her singing. The brilliance at work with that, though, is that I think she knows that a huge portion of America feels that very way. And she's making the most of it. Without missing a beat ...

I got a chance to watch it today and yes, you were all right, I didn't miss too much ..

I thought Carly's version of "Here You Come Again" was beautiful, totally disagreeing with Simon on that one. I really like Carly she's got something very special about her.

David, Michael and Archie did pretty well too ... Jason, well that was just ok, nothing outstanding for me.

Archie is such a nice kid, he kind of reminds me of Matt Corby who came second in Australian Idol this year. Matt was only 16 when he auditioned for Idol. Great singer too, just like Archie.

Simon was a real "Mr Grumpy Gills" wasn't he? I'm sure he doesn't like country music even though he claims that he does.

Something that Dolly said stuck in my mind tonight. She said you can tell who is going to do well by the look in their eyes. I think that is so true and I think David definitely has that look. On the other side of it tonight on the elimination show, Brooke did not have the look at all. She looked scared and as if she thought she was the one about to leave instead of Ramiele.

Hmmm. well, I'm not sure WHAT to say about "Inspiration"/pre *Idol Gives Back* night. So I'll be short about it (and hope like crazy that somebody has more to offer than me ).

- whaddya say when one of the Best of the Night (maybe THE Best) was Kristy Lee?
- isn't there some rule, somewhere, that nobody should ever do a Fantasia Barrino song on "American Idol" (except Fantasia, of course)? No matter how beautifully you sing one, you still get slammed...
- Simon was right ~ Carly's song sounded more angry than it did inspirational . And hers was, in my humble opinion, the low point of Tuesday night's show (sad to say).
- Archie did everything so darned right ... didn't you just want to run up there and give him a huge suffocating hug? Naturally, it always helps to pick one of the better songs written SINCE the Beatles retired to earn those hugs...
- Randy certainly was a chatterbox last night, wasn't he?

That's about the best I can come with, in terms of recapping my thoughts, this morning. I'm MOST curious to hear what you guys thought...

I was not bowled over by anything. I thought Jason was appalling. I hate, hate that song whatever version...so I am biased and should shut up.
It is probably me but Archie sounded a bit flat at the ends of his lines.
Carly was awful, I didnt even like Michael much. Oh dear. I had really better shut up too. Nope I cant say I enjoyed it at all.

I agree - the "inspirational" songs were anything BUT!

Well, I'm a bit stuck for something to say about inspiration night too.. but I'll have a go anyway.

Tonight was Kristy Lee's best performance from my point of view, she truly nailed that song. She was probably the best of the bunch tonight.

I agree with ren33 about Archie's version of "Angels", it lacked something and did sound flat. I've seen Robbie Williams sing it live and that was inspiring!

David Cook was the shocker for me tonight. I was so disappointed with his performance tonight, I was really looking forward to his song and then.. what on earth was he thinking? His voice at the start of the song was really low and he seemed to be struggling. Perhaps he couldn't hear himself?

Michael was ok, not his best performance but I think the comments from the judges were a bit harsh! The song obviously did have meaning to him and I don't think they gave him any credit for singing such a hard song.

I actually liked Jason's song tonight and I haven't liked anything he has done since Hallelujah a few weeks ago.

Bottom 3: Syesha, Brooke & Carly for me.
(Please don't let it be Michael or David Cook)

Gee, for someone that didn't have much to say, I sure said a lot!!

Oh ! This guy's recaps just kill me! Funny thing, too ... he always parallels, pretty much, what we think over here (he writes for Entertainment Weekly). But I had to share the first paragraph of his column from today...

Quote:

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By Michael Slezak

The annual American Idol charity special had better live up to its name and give back come Wednesday night, because this evening, the show that becomes my obsession for five months a year just took and took and took, and when it had run its 60-minute course, my good mood, my enthusiasm, and quite possibly my sanity had gone missing. All that was left, in fact, were some uneaten mixed greens and a couple of heinous trout bones on a dinner plate (et tu, grocer?), along with the unsavory task of writing words of praise about Kristy Lee Cook...

---

ROFL....

Wasn't too fond of the performances.... What happened?

I liked them a LOT better than last week's.. I plan to hear them over a few times, esp. Carly's, to decide on that 'angry' take.

Michael Johns.. I'm with Paula on that one, (for a change), not a rocker wannabe at all, I think that's a significant part of who MJ is, and he rocked it. I liked it!

Syesha, have to agree with the others.. she will only suffer by comparisons however nice her own vocals are.

Jason.. actually a pleasing arrangement. I never expected to hear that song YET AGAIN and have it touch me, but Jason actually did it this time.

Kristy, nice performance.. didn't blow me away but couldn't really fault it.

David Cook:( sad, sad, awful mess- let down his fans this week, too bad!

Carly: gorgeous arrangement, very nice vocals- I liked it but as I said, I want to hear it over for the tone.

David Archuleta- for me a rather boring song but performed with his usual endearing intensity and talent.

Brooke: well what can I say, the usual sweetness and light that is Brooke..nice job.

As with last year's AI Gives back I'm thinking they're not letting anyone go tonight but will drop two next week

Is anyone watching Idol Gives Back tonite? I'm watching it right now and looking at the website for ways to donate.

If you read the thread before your post, Amy, I think you will find that yes, we are going to watch it.
Nice post, Yaarbiriah , and I agree on most of what you said, except for Jason, which I found dreadful. Thinking it over, yes I suppose most of it was a lot better than the Dolly Parton fiasco the week before.

Sigh. I tell you, I (personally) can't fathom anyone watching "Idol Gives Back" and not feeling moved inside. England sends the equivalent of 200 million dollars (completely awesome). 30 minutes in, the "regular" callers had ponied up app. 30 million already! I'm sure there are cynics and many with a disjointed nose (or two) who find such shows/gestures full of holes in the ways that they spend the donations and/or the overall *snort* about how a "pop music" show oughtn't take itself SO seriously as to feel itself worthy of involvement in world health and social strife. Nay-say away, I suggest! I watched the show. I enjoyed all those big stars! MOST of the performances were enjoyable enough to keep the millions of viewers still viewing (thus still sending help). I felt connected to the world for two hours. I think "Idol Gives Back" is an awesome concept. And I hope they do it annually until 3008!

And may I say, too, that I now have elevated Annie Lennox to the even more "official" status of *goddess tenfold*? And Carrie Underwood really is a glorious gift to the eyes and ears (and I now feel badder than bad about rooting for Bo Bice to beat her on "Idol" a few years ago ). And, quite clearly, Forest Whitaker is likely the most 'gentle gentleman' to have ever breathed mortal air (and I'm not sure I'm kidding)! I'm pretty sure we saw a lot of the best of these celebs last night and, after a year of seeing some other celebs shave their heads, dodge police cars, window shop through rehab centers and inspire an emergency vehicle motorcade or two in the course of a very l-o-n-g year? I thought Fergie singing "Barracuda" with Heart was, well, a solid worthwhile relief. And a grand pleasure, too.

And just because I feel compelled to say something re: him: would it have been so hard for Robin Williams to stay home? Ye Gods ... that was uncharacteristically awful from him . "Meal or no Meal"? On THAT show, LAST night? Ugh.

Edited for typo [once again ]...

Oh Gosh! I enjoyed it too! It was just a wonderful show , and great to think of the funds raised.Well done Mr Brown and his nets! I felt proud! I was going to try and give some highlights, hard indeed, there were so many. Annie Lennox left me sobbing, and I am sure left lots of people giving like anything. It was a terrific show I thought.

I was amused when I heard on the news this morning that the 3 frontrunners in the Presidential race, who were slated to appear, got bumped because the show was running long...

It sounds like it was a great show! Can't wait to watch it next week I, too, think the concept of "Idol Gives Back" is awesome. I enjoyed it last year and I know I will this time around as well.

So tonight someone is leaving, right? I checked Wikipedia last night (without knowing that no one was getting voted off) and it said Carly Smithson had been eliminated I guess someone thought it'd be funny to edit the American Idol section of the site and write that Carly had been voted off... grrr.

Great disappointment here... Michael wasn't my absolute favorite, but IMO he's much better than either Syesha or Kristie Lee.

I can't believe Michael Johns is gone! I was very surprised when I read that he had been eliminated. I guess every season has its shocking elimination. Michael being voted off tonight has to be this season's shocking elimination. What a pity... I would have liked seeing him make the top 5.

Oh noooooooooo !!

I'm in shock, I didn't think he would go so soon. I didn't really expect Michael to win but I agree with minkpenny and thought he would be in the top 5. Oh well at least David Cook is still there. We don't get to see the elimination here until Sunday night, so I will be tuning in to see his reaction.

On the subject of Idol gives back, it was a real wake up to all of us really. It makes you realise just what you have got in your life and to appreciate it instead of grumbling and moaning about what you haven't got. It had me in tears a few times especially the boy with Bono who had the 'memories box'. It's just so sad what happened to him and millions just like him in Africa with HIV.

Wowza! ... let me add that I, too, was shocked, dismayed, surly and slightly hostile when Mr. Johns went last night. It was the very last thing I'd expected (I was almost certain, were I a betting man, that out of those "bottom three" it'd be Syesha sent home ). It really isn't fair, in my estimation. Michael had come off a slow start and was really punching up his show in the past few weeks, showing us what he could really really do. And this is his *reward* for it? But, hopefully, given his good looks and that he's been so visible for weeks, that he DOES seem like a nice guy, that (given the right material) he sings amazingly well? Let's hope he gets a decent record deal in a hurry. Heck, maybe even his own TV series or a few parts in the movies ?

Yes I agree, he is gorgeous and has a lot of talent. I wish Christy Lee or Brooke had gone, I really do.

It seems you are all of the same opinion, regarding Michael, as the morning 'news' broadcasters. One or two did mention that this is a good chance for him, actually. He can now jump into his career without having to 'waste time' on Idol. Evidently this young man is destined to go far. Good for him!

I thought I'd add *this link* to Michael's exit interview (one of them, anyway). I tell ya ~ he seems like a fine gentleman/'terrific sport' indeed !

That interview just reinforced my opinion of him. I think he may turn out to be one of the few and far between that not only stays true to his music, as he stated, but also true to himself. It's a given that we will be hearing a lot more from him!