…it’s Cooked.
Okay, so I realize that we still have four-plus weeks left in this season of “American Idol,” but I feel comfortable to go on the record with this:
If David Cook does not win, the show is definitely fixed.
I’m sorry, but who else has been more consistent than Cook? Every week, he delivers a wow performance. And if it’s a little short of wow, it’s just a few degrees south of excellent.
His competitors aren’t even in the same league. Jason is lovable but seemed to quit trying three weeks ago. Brooke is beautiful and talented but lost any semblance of confidence three weeks ago. Syesha is fine but dull. Archuleta is a friggin robot.
In her one single, solitary moment of clarity on Tuesday’s show, Paula actually summed it all up when she told David, “I feel like I’m already looking at the next ‘American Idol.’”
Of course, Paula might have thought she was talking to the other David. Or Chikeze.
Rant over. Let’s get to Neil Diamond night.
I must just state for the record that I love Neil Diamond with a fervor that makes my Andrew Lloyd Weber and Dolly Parton obsessions seem mild. The “Jazz Singer” soundtrack has been in my possession since the 1980s, and I just listened to a song or two on my iPod today.
Still, for the most part, Neil makes for pretty awkward “Idol” material.
David Cook’s “All I Really Need is You” was the only song without a single cringe-worthy moment. He really did make that song seem current, and just to prove I thunk it before the judges did, I scribbled it in my notepad as quickly as I could.
Even though she still has a long road back to excellent, I did like Brooke’s “I Am, I Said,” despite the fact that Arizona has no shores I can detect. Maybe lake shores? I can forgive that, though, because it was the first performance in weeks where I wasn’t worried she’d stop and vomit right on stage. Which is an urge I felt during her “I’m A Believer.” Gotta agree with Simon. Nightmare.
You know I love Jason, but seriously, is he even trying anymore? Has he decided he’ll get through just by sparkling his sparkly sparklers at the camera? Well, he might just. But I still think he should attempt something slightly different. That said, “Forever in Blue Jeans” was way better than “September Morn.”
I kinda liked Syesha’s “Hello” (though we all knew she’d pick that one, didn’t we Monica?) But her “Thank The Lord for the Nighttime” was unconvincing enough to make me forget she’d even said “Hello.”
And as for Archuleta… well, after this week, I feel 99.9 percent certain that those judges have been instructed by the men who sign their paychecks to never criticize him. Why? I’m not entirely sure. But how else can you explain the fact that he drones his way through song after identical song, and all the judges every say to him is, “SOLID AS USUAL!” Even Jason’s worst moment on Tuesday was 10 times more genuine than David’s best.
Sadly, I think he’ll be in the final with David Cook. A David-David final. And if the wrong one wins, I say we all join in eternal protest.
So what did you think? Who was the best? Who was the worst? Whose turn is it to go? And most important, are there some taping tricks going on the viewing audience isn’t privy to, or was Paula really so stoned that she thought Jason had already sung twice???
25 Comments
Well, I guess I’ve officially, unwittingly given up on this season. I channel surfed tonight, decide there was nothing on and fell asleep early. Missed the whole show! Augh!! *guess I forgot to check FOX, I guess I’ll have to either listen to the performances online somewhere or just take your word for it Denise. (I usually agree with your opinions anyway). Oh well, I guess I can catch he
snippets before tomorrows votes are revealed.
I don’t understand why the judges whine all the time about songs being boring and everything sounding the same or whatever. The themes are crap! Therefore, what do you get week after week??? Crap. Come on, let them sing something current. As Simon said though, David Cook made it current! Can we please crown him the winner and be done? My ears are starting to hurt.
I’d kind of forgotten how much I loved Neil Diamond music back in the day. And some of tonight’s performances made me still love his music. David Cook… yes, Denise, he should win. Hands down. My fear is that the bopper factor will redial young Archie into the winner’s circle which will be nothing short of scandalous.
Of the also-rans, I actually liked Brooke a lot tonight. Moreso with her second song and the piano. She looked comfortable tonight and seemed confident. Did any of you read on Yahoo that Carly Simon absolutely loves Brooke White and wants her to win Idol? In her words Brooke is a far superior talent than she was.
I have nothing to say about the beautiful Mr. Castro. He has morphed into mere eye candy. He looks like he doesn’t care if another musical note leaves his mouth. And really not many musical notes have for quite some time.
Syesha looked so pretty tonight and sang pretty dang well too. Broadway is her future. She’s probably going to sing again tomorrow night. Though Mr. Eye Candy should be doing his swan song.
David C. deserves to be the next AI based on his talent. No doubt. I can’t decide whether to be amused or insulted that TPTB think the American public will be so blindly lead by the judges over-the-top praise of David A’s below mediocre performances this week. I found them downright painful.
And if I were Jason, I’d be calling foul. If Paula’s gaffe isn’t proof that the judges’ responses are scripted, it’s at least an indication that they are using the rehearsals to determine their opinions rather than waiting to see the actual live performance. The kid didn’t have a chance tonight. Why he even bothered singing his second performance knowing what awaited afterwards in the form of bashing is beyond me.
This evening was strange. The producers need to help.
Paula needs help! I for one LOVED David Archuleta’s America as well as David Cooks All I really need is you! Also loved Brooke’s second attempt…can’t recall it but enjoyed it. Not sure why all the Cook pimping though cuz he really sounds like half of the other people I hear on the radio. Don’t get me wrong, I’d buy an album but it’s not unique by any stretch of the imagination. At least David A and Brooke are unique sounding and very identifiable. I like that!
David Cook should be the next American Idol. I don’t listen to much contemporary music but I do know this…I’ve heard David Archuletta at the local Holiday Inn Lounge (in whatever city I’ve been drinking in) for 30 years now…not to mention Bill Murray’s imitation of David Archuletta on Saturday Night Live. Technically good voice. Horrible, dated styling and arrangements. Get rid of your singing coach little David. All I could think of as he sang Sweet Caroline is that I hadn’t realized it was a ballad until that moment.
I was just so relieved that Brooke didn’t melt down during I’m A Believer that I didn’t really stop to think whether it was good or bad. I did love her I Am I Said tho.
Jason still melts my heart but…he’s pretty much done with this gig.
Well Syesha, your new weave does sort of Beyonce it up a notch but you still bored me.
Poor Paula…she had the script in front of her but she *lost the lyric*…She probably should have started all over again but then…she would be BROOKE! Still it was an embarassing moment which pretty much gave away that either she is a complete imbecile or that the show is rigged. I’m not sure which of those two alternatives is actually the case. I think its even odds.
And does anyone think that David A and Syesha’s performances were just a few seconds longer than the others? Maybe it just seemed that way to me.
Well, Denise, I was thinking Syesha would do You Dont Bring Me Flowers … I had forgotten about Hello Again!
I agree with you. Cook is incredible. Consistently incredible. I’ve completely run out of adjectives to describe him. If he doesn’t win it will be a complete joke and the show will lose any kind of credibility.
After realizing I’d slept thru the show tonight I went to Youtube and watched a bunch of David Cooks performances. One after another and the thing I was most struck by was the consistency. Every performance, Solid! He’s the newest Idol in my opinion…but maybe he’ll get lucky and NOT win…(so he wont be tied into the cheesy idol machine that the winners so often end up drowning in) He’ll be able to go on to bigger and better things on his own. Even if he doesn’t win, he’ll be number one to me and many others I’m sure.
As everyone else has stated David Cook SHOULD be the next AI. His vocals were absolutely fantastic last night. I have always loved Neil D. I’ve gone to 2 concerts of his, would have been 3 but for the emergency c-sect the day of that concert! Anyway,
Jason, Jason, Jason, we all love your quirky looks and your voice is pure but last night it was pure agony. Also as stated, Jason seems to have lost his will for the AI title the last couple of weeks. Maybe he realizes that being “crowned” the AI title won’t get you a record contract for all time and your better off not having to carry that title around. Just ask a few of the past champs!
Brooke, OMG that first song was just frantic and not a good frantic but she certainly brought me back into her corner with the 2nd song. Yes, I have to agree that maybe she should have left NYC born and bred in the song instead of AZ.
David A. You will get all the teenybopper votes which is a shame. You are a talented young man but you need to make daddy dearest quit telling you how to sing a song. Just once I’d like David to grunge it up.
Sayesha. Your first song didn’t stink and it really surprised me again but I thought that 2nd song was not very ejoyable for me to have to listen to. Broadway is a very real possibility for you. BTW….where were your shoes last night. Did we have a foot problem? One performance I can see but both of them????
I believe that tonight we will see Jason and Brooke in the bottom 2. Jason it is time for those locks to go home.
Denise, I agree with most of your comments, but I don’t understand your aversion to David A. He’s only 17 so his song picks are young. I agree that sometimes he doesn’t choose songs that are that interesting, but he sings them nearly perfectly almost every time. His attitude on stage is what makes him such a favorite. How can you NOT like him? I don’t get it. I’m 40, so I’m not a young girl that thinks he’s “cute”, I think he’s a very gifted talent. Next time you watch him you should consider his age and also remember that he doesn’t ask the judges to say what they say, he’s just a kid trying to win a competition. You’re too hard on him.
Jasmine
Looks to me like David & David may be in the finale. Tonight I think the journey ends for Brooke - though I still love her - somebody’s gotta go.
After last night I have come to the following conclusions: 1) Paula needs not to take her medication on show days. 2) David Cook is awesome! I voted for him about 10 times last night. 3) Jason’s Forever in Blue Jeans was better than September Morn. 4) Archie’s talent is totally blown out of proportion. I listened to his songs with my eyes closed last night. Can we all say mediocraty? I thought we could. 5)Brooke should stay behind things. Guitar…Piano…take your pick. 6)Syesha is the next Lady of the Lake in Spamalot. And 7) Brooke and Jason are in the bottom 2 and Jason goes home.
Well, I’ve been a Neil fan since before I was born and was so excited for last night!
I want to like Jason, I’ve been pulling for him. But he’s lost it. If he gets by, it’ll be because he’s good looking.
I loved Brooke’s 2nd song. It reminded me of why I liked her in the 1st place. Except, her karaoke / awkward dancing behind a guitar version of the song beat to death by Shrek pretty much ruined her night.
Syesha belongs on Broadway. The clapping along with background singers, the bare feet. She’s in the wrong arena.
David Cook can do no wrong. “Winner” or not, he’s going to be rolling around in piles of money someday (think Daughtry), because he’s got true talent.
My husband and I turn up the TV every time in anticipation of what he’ll do - because it’s always good!
Archie, Archie, Archie. I’ll say it: Sweet Caroline made my ears bleed. Clearly he didn’t understand what the song is about. And he turned Neil’s classic into a slowed-down ballad full of the same tired riffs that he puts into every song. Just because you can sing the riffs, doesn’t mean they belong after every 5th note.
I will say America wasn’t that bad. Other than I don’t like how he didn’t end it how Neil told him - “Let Freedom Ring”, really? Similar to Kristy Lee Cook’s patriotic choice - you can’t really go wrong there.
It’ll clearly be a David/David finale. And I’m pulling for Archie to win it - ONLY because I don’t want the AI career-controlling machine screwing with / ruining Cook’s talent.
My favorite is still David A, I feel that it is going to be a David and David final two.
I loved the second song Brook sang, I really like her and her voice but I’m afraid her days are marked.
Jason (Oh please) he put me to sleep, he needs to go on home.
David Cook did an o.k. but I’m just not that crazy about his voice or him. But of the final two, I see David against David.
Poor Paula either she is on another planet or somebody dressed her in the dark.
I have to agree with most of the posts through here. This is David Cook’s competition to lose, but that doesn’t mean the voters will see it that way. I am so bored with David A. He selects these slow winding ballads that would be an automatic station turner if I heard them on the radio. There’s not a single compelling thing about his performance week after week. I can’t say why, but Randy has really decided to ride the David A. Train this season, and I don’t think it’s deserved. I said to my wife last night that Jason doesn’t look like he enjoys this anymore. It seems like he’s beat down by picking songs that are completely out of his style, and is ready to be done with it. That may happen this week. Syesha had another fine, but not great, week, but I’m a bit tired of her pageant smile, and changing hairstyles. And the no-shoes bugged me alot, it didn’t lend to the performance at all. Brooke is Brooke, and her fit is in the folk-song style of music. When she does that, she’s great. When she’s forced out of that comfort zone, we see what happens.
For the first time I agree with most of your critique. If nothing else, this week should finally shut up those Archeluta lovers, as he was dreadfully awful. He was off key more than he was on, and he had no influction in his voice nor emotion. America, should have had alot of influction and forcefulness, and he just stood there and did the same old crap as always. He sounds like he is singing the phone book every week, and he never changes or learns anything, that is why Diamond said he hoped that David listened to him. HE IS TERRIBLE. You would have to be deaf not to have heard this last nigh. And Syesha, was better last night, but still off key at times. I just don’t know who keeps voting for these two. David C. is without a doubt the winner here. If not, I certainly will never watch it again, and will send a protest to the station. WAKE UP PEOPLE AND Get it right!!!!!
I agree with the opinion that the 2 Davids will be in the final. I also hope Cook doesn’t win it so he can write his own success story. I think Paula blew it with Jason’s critique - does make one wonder if things are rigged? (Naaah…)
Jason, I gotta say, just does what he does. I really still think that he is a huge talent. Anyone that enjoys Aqualung, or Jack Johnson might agree - there is nothing wrong with a soothing voice, a pleasing sound and unflappable charm. These crappy theme nights are just not made for him (or Brooke). Why, oh why, can’t they have a more topical theme on these nights? Let’s have a Green Day or Red Jumpsuit Apparatus theme night! Or as Denise alluded, something that is a better fit with the singer’s talents.
Well we all know where to look for Monica now…the truth comes out…quick! point me to the nearest Holiday Inn lounge.
Denise…best column yet…and well..you got it right!
Will say a couple of things…I thought Brooke was a goner after that first song…I think it’s still a possibility even though she did pull off the 2nd song.
I believe final two are Syesha and Brooke.
Question: why did the judges criticize Jason for the exact same thing that David A. did? David A. was neither original nor did he add an pizazz of any kind to what he sang. Don’t get me wrong, I have liked and still do like David A. but boy, there sure are some inconsistencies in what the judges have been doing. And I LIKED Jason AND his “forever in blue jeans”.
David pulled a Kristi Lee Cook when he chose the song “America”. Someone knew what they were doing. Was it David or was the song chosen for him???
Last comment: Simon deliberately trying to manipulate the audience to get Syesha off the show with his last second comment on her being in danger.
The judges this year have been really weird and after the last few shows…I think we can be pretty sure that something somewhere is rigged!
Last night I said “David C. will win it all”.
Speaking of the same old crap, Paula was in fine form last night. With her, you’re never quite sure: Is she off the meds, or on them a little too much? Either way, one must respect her awesome power to peer into the future — and determine that Jason’s second song would indeed suck. Bravo.
Sherry - I LIKED Forever in Blue Jeans, too! You said much more clearly what I was trying to say - Jason is criticized for being Jason, and David A with his power-pop can do no wrong? We are so lucky the judges can see into the future. I may not waste my time watching tonight since it’s Syesha’s turn to go.
Amen Denise. We said these exact words last night regarding the Davids being finalists and David C. winning. Since the greatest talent was booted last week, the whole show would be a sham if David C. doesn’t win. We think Simon should protest by quitting if DC doesn’t win.
What was up with Paula? That was the strangest thing I have ever heard her say, and she has said many a strange thing over the years! Can we PLEASE get some more contemporary artists on this show? I like Neil Diamond, but how can we expect these kids to make his music relevant? That being said, I think David C. once again was the best. This is David Cook’s competition. If he doesn’t win… I’m done with AI.
I really wonder why you are so very against David Archuleta? I also wonder how wonderful you would have been at his age. Perhaps you prefer unkempt appearances like the other David. His hair reminds me of the scene in “There’s something about Mary” and all he does is yell the lyrics. Just give the young one the chance and I think you will see that he is the most talented of them all. Also, who really cares what your opinion is. I certainly don’t.
I enjoy hearing all the different views and thoughts, they are just opinions, and everyone has a right to them.. i personally think DAVID A. is gonna take it all.I love Jason, but he has lost some of his spark, he will make it on good looks alone though..he won’t be lost in the shuffle..David C. will make his mark also, if he cleaned up a bit and looked a bit more presentable, then maybe i could stand to look at him..he has sang several songs that were really good, but i just cannot understand why anyone would not clean themselvs up especially in front of millions of people..oh well his choice… now as for Paula.. as much as i enjoy the show, it wouldn’t be the same if she wasn’t on there screwing up everything.. she is 1 reason why NOT to take pills..she gets on my nerves, but part of the very much SCRIPTED show.. DAVID A. is the NEXT AMERICAN IDOL.. no doubt at all…
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