…well, most of them.
Hello, all. I missed you last week but was thrilled with Monica’s level of “Idol” blogging ability. If Simon had been judging her effort, he might have said something like this:
“Well, Monica, it was all a bit old fashioned for me, sort of like a cabaret singer at a theme park on a cruise ship, but it was much better than last week. MUCH! I’m just being honest. What? You didn’t write the blog last week?? Well, that explains it.”
And Paula would have said:
“Monica, you, the colors of the range of your words… Monica, you’re just so. You’re so Monica. You’re so you. And that’s why you’re you and all your colors and when you wrote that you really, you colored my textures cuz you’re you. And you’re great.”
Monica, this is my long-winded way of saying, “THANKS DAWG!”
And now if you’d allow me one more word about last week before we move on to this week, it would be this: AMANDA?!?! GONE?!?!?!? WHEN I’M NOT HERE TO SAVOR IT?!?!?! Not fair!!
I must say, though, without Her Royal Rockin’ Awkwardness on stage stinking things up, the final contestants came across as a pretty talented bunch. For the first time this whole season, I actually started to buy all that “It’s the most talented group we’ve ever had!” hype.
This week, though, didn’t do much to change my mind about any of the contestants.
I still love Brooke White and Jason Castro. These two have been my favorites since the beginning because they both have such an easy presence on the stage. Performing comes naturally to them. They never seem like they’re trying too hard. They never struggle to hit the notes. They’re never boring. Despite Brooke’s “Oops she started it again” mistake on “Every Breath You Take” and Jason’s too-safe performance of “Fragile,” they both still led the pack as far as I’m concerned. Or maybe I just like Sting.
I still continue to be amazed by David Cook, who wins this season’s Blake Lewis award for taking risks that always pay off. Although he didn’t come up with that rockin’ arrangement of “Billie Jean,” he certainly seemed to make Paula, Randy, Simon and the audience think he did. He’s highly watchable, despite his Pike’s Peak of a forehead. (His description, not mine.)
I still am rooting for Chikezie, because he’s so lovable and also because he’s shown great potential to challenge David Cook in the originality category. Sadly, every other week, he bores us to tears with old fashioned R&B snoozers like “If Only For One Night.” Ditto Syesha Mercado, who has a beautiful voice but who somehow bores me all the same.
I’m still confused by Carly Smithson, who I think I’m supposed to like, really feel I should like, but try as I might, just can’t get excited about. Though I do love me a little Bonnie Tyler on a Tuesday night. Turn around bright eyes INDEED!
I’m still unsure about Michael Johns, who seems slightly brain dead on stage but who sorta lit a fire under “We Are the Champions.” Plus, he gets extra points for having the common decency to have been born in the 1970s. Thank you, Michael. I was getting suicidal there for a bit.
I’m also still unsure about David Archuleta. He’s sweet and talented but sometimes gives me the heebies. This week, said heebies were produced by the gag-o-rific “Up With People” tune he sang. What WAS that?
And finally, I’m still more sure than ever that Kristy Lee Cook and Ramiele Malubay have to go. Though she obviously has a good voice, Ramiele hasn’t delivered a single solid performance all season. Those high notes on “Alone?” Well, let’s just say I’ve delivered those EXACT notes alone in my car a gazillion times. And I can’t sing. At all.
And as for Kristy, I’m not sure what “Team America” cigarettes the judges were smoking, but I never, ever in my worst 1980s nightmare dreamed I’d hear an “American Idol” contestant cover Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the U.S.A.” In fact, I was pretty sure it was just a very bad dream until that signature cymbal crash (”And I’d gladly stand up……… CRASH! ……next to you and defend her still today) woke me up. Leave that song in the Crown Uptown Christmas revue where it belongs. And leave Kristy Lee in the spot Simon predicted long ago she’d finish — 10th.
So what did you think? Who stole Randy’s bicycle before the show? Do you love the word “ghastly” as much as Simon and I do? And who will go on Wednesday?
23 Comments
Welcome back Denise! So glad to let you be the leader of the pack again! Well…tonight was certainly better than last week. Goes to show when the oldest performer was born in 1978…they cannot do the Beatles well.
I’m hoping America thought the same of Kristy tonight as you did but I have to say that she can sing something besides Amazing Grace without making me want to upchuck or take some excedrin migraine. I’m afraid she bought herself at least one more week with that choice. I actually love that song. She didn’t stink it up but it wasn’t anything you haven’t heard your high school choir do either. I just wish I wasn’t convinced she chose it because *who will not vote for America?* She is such a panderer.
Talk about migraines…Syesha’s high notes awakened my dormant headache. Can she break a glass or what? I was not at all as much about Syesha as the judges were.
Glad to see Michael Johns belt out something which is what I was waiting for. I thought the judges would score him low on originality but I think they were just glad to hear his voice again.
I agree about David A. Simon’s comment *you did not choose that song* was perhaps a dig at his stage parents from hell. I’m pretty sure he was supposed to say that he chose it because of the state of the world today and I have no doubt he will be berated for forgetting that line by his spfh.
Ramiele was disappointing and …. I hate to say it…so was Jason. The band overshadowed him and i think Simon was right he needs to get a bit more serious about things. I still want to adopt him though.
I thought their criticism of Brooke was a bit snarky. You shouldn’t have let the band play? Dear me…she is playing this piano well and singing well and the only thing they can criticize is that she let the band play too? Bah to the judges for that!
Chikezie is a dear but oh so boring. I have heard that voice a million times.
David Cook…well. I adore him. Who did that version of Billie Jean before Denise? I’m a musical ignoramus so I did not know who you were referring to. I could only think that for once I understood what the song was about. Somehow *the kid is not my son* never rang true from Michael Jackson. Go figure!
Glad I didn’t embarass you last week! Cannot wait to see what the other regulars have to say about this week.
Denise - I love to read your column each week. I usually agree with you on most of the singers. Tonight, I loved Brook, Michael Johns, and David Cook. I think that performance of Billie Jean was amazing. He is definitely the Daughtry of this season and the front-runner as far as I’m concerned.
On a side note: Someone who writes a blog about music should know the spelling of “cymbal.”
I loved the show this week. With skunk woman gone it was truly a display of musical talent for the most part. Ramiele did okay for not feeling well. Has she been in the bottom three yet? I can’t remember. She probably should be this week.
Castro was okay musically and his eyes are just as awesome now as they were when he was little. Do you think his hair smells? I don’t know that much about that kind of hair style but it looks smelly to me. The fact that I’ve focused on his hair and eyes probably says his song was forgettable?? Yep.
Brooke was Brooke. She’s good.
When Kristy Lee came out singing God Bless the USA I just grimaced waiting for an awful performance and I was certain the judges would eat her alive. What a shock on both accounts. She sang very well. And the judges loved her? How’d that happen?
My favorite tonight was David Cook. What an amazing arrangement of Billie Jean. I kept thinking “is this that Michael Jackson song”? Heck yeah it was, the new and improved version. I would fork over 99 cents for that one on I- tunes. And throw in a couple bucks for a decent haircut for the poor boy. And Michael Johns….WOW that was his best ever. Those were my two favorites of the night.
Then there’s Carly. I didn’t like anything about her performance at all. Not her voice, not the song, and certainly not her dress. Was it a dress or a black straight jacket? ick. Hers was a bottom three performance this week, IMO. Other than her, though, I’m not sure at all who the bottom three will be. Ramiele?? Maybe Chikezie but I hope not. I like him. He has a great voice and so far has demonstrated a real ability to do more than one music style. It’s starting to get to the place where you hate to see anyone get voted off. This might be one Idols Tour that I make an effort to get tickets for.
Oh, and welcome back Denise. Hope you had a great vacation.
ack…if you will indulge me with one last comment. i finally figured out why america doesn’t love carly. she is just so desperate. she is like the girl who wants to marry you after the first date. and no one likes desperate. she and jason need to have a freaky friday moment next week and switch bodies!
I haven’t really been able to get into this season of Idol, though I did enjoy the last two seasons. I certainly don’t get the “most talented group ever” thing. Mostly, I just think they’re boring.
That being said, I quite enjoyed David Cook. While none of his scores may be original, he is an exciting performer, which I cannot really say for ANYONE else. Most of them just stand/sit in one spot for the duration of their performances. As vocally-challenged as Amanda was, at least she TRIED moving. I guess Brooke tried once, too, though she should have just stayed put. Anyway, David’s was the only engaging performance of the night in my book.
I love love love Total Eclipse of the Heart, but couldn’t more than mildly enjoy Carly. Was it just me, or did the backup singer really outshine her in the beginning. And I agree with the poster that called her desperate. Something about her just doesn’t sit well, and I think that’s it.
I can’t believe Kristy didn’t get called out for her Miss Rodeo Queen selection. We all could have seen that coming a mile away. The criticism a lot of the others got (not modern, could have been sung at a theme park, etc.) should have been directed at her.
As for the others, none really made an impression on me. Any of them could go home and we’d be none worse off than we already are. I will tune in again in a month or two and see where it’s all at, but I just can’t be bothered next week.
It’s true I guess that California and New York folks have more brains the Oregonians.
We all think Ramiele is still in top 3.
Oh, Denise! Your parody of Paula was absolutely priceless!!! I laughed so hard. I guess though it really wasn’t a parody because you have to exgagerate something for it to be a parody. You were “spot on” as Simon would say. As for the contestants, I loved Michael Johns & David Cook. I usually love Carly, but not so much tonight.
There is something scary about Carly when she sings, she opens her eyes wide and looks frightening. She pulls terrible faces when she sings. She has a good voice, though last night she screamed. There is an air of desperation about her, voice alone she is good, but she does not have the right stage presence. Her face does not gel with the tattoos, she just lacks star power, sad to say
Again, you read our minds Denise! We were over-the-top wowed by David Cook last night. Ramiele Malubay REALLY needs to go home. And we do not understand at all why the judges are all agog about Syesha Mercado, she bores us to tears every week!
I was truly frightened prior to the show last night when I saw that David Cook was going to be singing Billie Jean. I couldn’t believe he would pull a stupid stunt like that I try to be “the gloved one”. Boy, was I wrong, I loved his arrangement and I loved, loved, loved him! I will admit I like Daughtry in small doses but I can see myself buying a CD from cook. As far as Kristy Lee goes, she didn’t bomb last night. I can’t believe that Simon didn’t rip her and I was a little stunned that he acknowledged Lee Greenwood as a great songwriter! I wouldn’t have thought he would even know who Lee Greenwood is!
Based on the songs last night I am sure Carly, Ramiele and Kristy Lee will be in the bottom 3 tonight. Ramiele should go home this week due to her poor performance and goodness knows Kristy Lee deserves to go home(probably next week). I agree with the previous posts. I LIKE Carly BUT, there is a “desperate” quality to her in this contest. I have read that she believes she is the best in the competition but she really needs to deliver the goods before she wins the prize. Michael Johns finally woke up this week and let the world hear his gift. Good going. David A. please, HE didn’t pick that song. We all know that Daddy Dearest probably threw it down and demanded he sing it. It is time for Daddy Dearest to be banned from the show.
I loved Brooke’s little mistake at the start of the show and am relieved that someone will stop and restart if they realize that if they don’t the song might cost them a spot. Wise decision.
Yeah… not fair…pulling out the patriotic card when for the most part, other than David Cook, the only AMERICAN idols that can sing like an idol are not american. Go figure. She knew she was in trouble and knew “People will vote for a blonde haired blue eyed all american, apple pie eating, dog lovin country girl”
I LOVED Kristy’s “Proud to be an American” - I think that may keep her for another week. Michael Johns was superior as was David Cook. Brooke and Carly (my favorites) had a bad night. Chekize (sp) was so cheesey - I think he will go. Still love Jason - what an adorable youngster he was. And Carly could win the photogenic competition - what an awesome young lady she was. Hang in there Brooke & Carly. The rest were ok. Ramiele (sp) is so repititious - same every week - no WOW factor there.
I agree with everyone today - except that I still think Jason ROCKS. Hate to agree with Paula, but last night, he did what he has always done for us quite well. He doesn’t need the drama and gimmicks to pull it off. Same can be said of Brooke. Both Jason and Brooke are very poised and fun to watch. But David Cook stole the show, absolutely. My fantasy final two would be David and Jason. Very different but both are engaging.
My favorite of the night was also David Cook, which really surprised me. About the hair… don’t you think with a little eyeliner, he would look just like Dave Navarro, the weirdo that was married to Carmen Electra for a minute. Poor guy. Still loved Carly and was surprised when she got a bad review. But you’re right, she is a little too desparate. I was afraid she was going to embarrass herself by crying. Kristy Lee really needs to go.
Please, please, please get Kristy Lee Cook off the show. She really needs to go home.
Proud to be an American? Puhleeeeze…talk about pandering. Yes, it will buy her another week on the show. Ack! What’s she going to sing next? The Star Spangled Banner? That’s right, that’s probably too hard for her to sing. Proud to be an American is an easy song to sing.
The less Paula, the better. How could anyone that wants to be a star ever hope to rely on her for any constructive criticism??? Sure she’s cute and all, but her words have no meaning at all…
Okay! Finally figured out David Cook’s hair after seeing the baby pics. It’s a must in order to avoid being mistaken for an alien and/or mad scientist (cartoon style). David blew me away (can’t believe I am saying this…I just could not stand him in the beginning) and now I would be willing to sit through a concert with him. His voice displayed maturity, content, talent, etc. etc. I think he might win this thang.
Congrats Denise…that you got to see Michael Johns be “himself” last night. He got the right song and did it justice and I KNOW you enjoyed.
I am sooooooooooo glad I am not alone in how I feel about Syesha…even though she sang the song well…it was another one of “those” songs that she seems to like and bores everybody else with. I don’t see anything fresh or new about her.
Ramiele…still can sing but just not a performer…I like her but she will need to go.
BIG CONGRATS to Kristi Lee Cook who got real smart very suddenly. The moment the title of the song was announced I knew she had bought herself another week and kinder comments from the judges. WHO (in the name of international relations) is going to criticize someone who just sang about loving America??? and the americans better darn well not vote her off. I figure Kristi knew that.
I LOVE Jason (don’t care what the judges said) although I don’t really want to hear the phone book sung by anyone.
Ramiele and Chikesie were both so-so and I do like Chi when he does that odd blend of country/soul/bluegrass but don’t want to hear the ballads from him.
Last but not least…Carly…wow…I like her voice, but why short sleeves to display the tatoo every week, why the wide eyed terrible “I’m a rocker with something to wreck vengeance on” expression on her face? The girl can sing but man she needs to change how she does it.
Love reading everyone’s comments.
Forgot one thing…I cringe to say this for fear I will be heckeled, stoned and thrown in to a well but it has to be said or I wouldn’t be being honest. I really really like David Archuleta and I think he believes the words of the songs he sings. He comes off as sincere and as a good kid. He also has the voice and the ability to pursue a career in music.
Sherry… I totally agree with you re: little David. We can be heckled, stoned, etc., together.
You really don’t seem to understand the true roots of rock n’ roll. Amanda, Michael, Carly and David Cook do. These are people who could go out and cut a gold record anytime, without much preparation. They have true style, and presence. Jason and Brooke are good, but a whole different category. Kristi’s voice is so much better than Ramiele and Syesha, and she should stay over them. I have yet to hear either one of them stay in tune for a whole song, and they just curl the wallpaper when they come on. I just can’t watch them. Please realize, that Michael tackled Queen, which is very, very hard to do and do a good job, which he did. Carly, Michael, and David C. always tackle much more difficult songs than the others. There are just some artists that are almost impossible to sing, unless you are truly talented, and they consistently pick these difficult artists/songs. They should not even be judged in the same category as the others.
As usual, I loved David Cook. Spent Easter weekend telling my family in a couple of years they WILL see a record from him … no doubt in my mind. Even went to americanidol.com and showed them the videos.
Michael Johns was good. Two of my favorite songs there. Finally let his powerful voice shine through.
I’m over Archeletta (sorry). I just can’t like the kid or see him as an “idol”. I think he has a nice voice, and may do something in a more classical or Christian genre .. but not here.
Brooke .. love her .. mistake or NO mistake!
Jason, he’s so charming I want him to succeed! Just wish he would show us a little more.
Chikeze hasn’t matched his performance a couple weeks ago, but he’s NOT terrible. I like him as one of my top 4!
Carly, she just doesn’t do anything for me! I just can’t get excited about her even though she sings pretty well.
Kristy pulled the patriotic card out. I really doubt she will go because of her song. In her defense .. she sang that song well though. I kind of think it was unfair to her to have to do Beatles two weeks running. I don’t think she should go home tonight based on LAST night’s performance. However, I have a hard time getting past the PAST performances.
Truthfully Ramiele NEEDS to go home. She has had uninspired performances the past 4 weeks and really WAS the worst last night. Bye bye ….
Why does everyone like Brooke? I just don’t get it or her. Talk about boring. Just another blond Cal girl singing with her piano. I do agree that David Cook is the next Daughtery.
Ok, first of all I thought they said Chris Cornell’s version of Billy Jean (excuse me if I spelled wrong, I’m swamped at work)…and Carly has or HAD a record deal in Ireland, but it went sour and I think she was dropped from it. I don’t think she should even be on there, she’s a pro in her own country.
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