About halfway through tonight’s David v. David episode of “American Idol,” my friend Bob called to tell me that David A. was kicking David C.’s you-know-what.
I was delayed starting the show, but I told Bob that I’d consult my DVR and judge for myself.
And speaking of judges, Bob, do you believe that A was triumphing over C because that’s what you really think? Or do you believe it because that’s what the judges TOLD you to think???
This show is so fixed.
I’ve had that feeling in my gut since the 4,000th time the judges lavished praise upon another so-so Archuleta impersonation of a robot singing Josh Groban. It just doesn’t add up. Even SIMON COWELL refuses to criticize this kid, and although he’s a talent for sure, I’m sorry, folks — he’s not THAT good!!
By my count, tonight was a draw, at best.
First we had two Davids delivering great performances of the songs chosen by the guest mentors, Clive Davis and my favorite Brit Andrew Lloyd Weber. Cook really put some life into “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For,” easily conquering those soaring Bono notes. And Archuleta — I can admit — put more feeling into “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down On Me” than I’ve seen him muster. Ever.
That’s a draw.
Round two, both contestants made the absolute most out of the incredibly schlocky “This is My Now” garbage foisted upon them by “songwriters.” (Aaron Sidwell, you were SO robbed.)
That’s another draw.
Round three, David C. refused to play it safe, choosing not to retread a song he’d already been praised for but boldly trying a new one — Collective Soul’s “The World I Know” — and singing the heck out of it.
Meanwhile, Archuleta chose to redo “Imagine,” the song that the judges first went ga-ga over way back at the beginning of the season. And in my estimation, he didn’t do it half as well as he did the first time. It was oversung, overwrought and actually felt a little desperate. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE AMERICA SAVE ME FROM DADDY!!!!!!
Sorry, Simon, I say that round goes to Cook.
But the trouble is that Simon, Paula and Randy are being paid (handsomely) to usher through Archuleta, not Cook. So Cook gets dumped on while the judges very unsubtly tell America, “David Archuleta has won this thing. Now make him the winner or we’ll do it for you!”
I’m sorry to be so harsh, but I really think I’m right here. If the bigger talent, Cook, wins tomorrow night, I’ll take it all back. Or, I’ll just insist that America fought back against the brainwashing and that there is hope for the future after all.
So what did you think? Am I crazy here? Who should win? Who will win? And did Simon’s icky, greasy chest hair make anyone else a little queasy?
63 Comments
I so totally agree that this was the most ridiculous display by the judges. Only Paula showed David C.some love, but in the end it was so obviously over the top praise for David A. taht I started to get an uncomfortable feeling halfway through the show that it’s all fixed. David C.’s third song brought tears to me eyes, while listening to David A. pull out the old standby “Imagine,” left me feeling empty. I just hope the voters consider the entire season of work, not just tonight. These judges have been over-praising Archie all season, so this fix has been in from Day One. I’m with you, Denise, and hope we’re wrong.
Well Denise I didn’t notice the greasy chest hair but I imagine it was gross. Was Imagine gross? No, it wasn’t. But it wasn’t as wonderful as the judges made it out to be. David Cook took a risk with his final song and I kind of think it was too unfamiliar even though he sang it well. It just wasn’t a great song choice and he really needed one for the final number. Archuleta took no risks whatsoever and he probably didn’t need to. I don’t want him to win but I believe he will. And David Cook will sell more music.
Personally I think the competition was dead even between the two Davids. If there was a competition involving speaking intelligibly and meaningfully into a microphone, David Cook would win hands down. Maybe in 8 years when little David is 25 he’ll be a more charismatic presence on stage. He certainly can sing. So can David Cook.
Sorry to disagree with everyone but I have felt since the beginning of the top 24 on American Idol that David A would & should win… I acutually see him on christian radio or maybe contempory radio. HE IS A GREAT SINGER. Good luck to him Wednesday night.
Thousands and thousands of people paid $10.00 each for a chance to enter the 2008 American Idol Songwriting Contest, And look what they got…….So how many will it take till someone calls this fraud? 1. Top 20 American Idol Songwriting Finalist (Andy Zulla) is an engineer on Clay Aiken, Kelly Clarkson, Diana DeGarmo CD’s. 2. Top 20 American Idol Songwriting Finalist (Windy Wagner) is a backup singer on the NEW Clay Aiken CD. 3. Top 20 American Idol Songwriting Finalist (Ryan Gillmor) wrote the theme song for the Fox television show “Unhitched”. 4. Top 20 American Idol Songwriting Finalist (Dan Yessian) wrote jingles for Ford Motors. 5. Top 20 American Idol Songwriting Finalist (Luke Ebbin) is a producer on Austalian Idol 1st place runner-up Shannon Noll’s CD. 6. Top 20 American Idol Songwriting Finalist (Regie Hamm) (FYI…USAToday.com has named him the Songwriting Winner), is a co-writer on the NEW Clay Aiken CD and he’s also a co-writer of the winner of 2007’s American Idol Songwriting Contest Scott Krippayne……Anybody see a pattern Yet? 3 of the 2008 American Idol Songwriting Contest Top 20 songwriters get credit on Clay Aiken CD’s. Out of thousands and thousands of entries, 3 out of 20 work with Mr. Aiken. and nobody has a problem with this? The 2008 American Idol songwriting winner and 2007 American Idol songwriting winner are song co-writing partners and that’s fine with everybody? If not then please visit ……. http://americanidolexposed.weebly.com …….for all the facts
Damn right it’s fixed. A week ago Simon wanted David Cook to win. Tonight he’s got his head stuck up little “Gosh’s” crack! Give me a break!
And then we have Randy. You could sing the phonebook! You could sing the phonebook! You could…well you get the picture. I’d need another comment box to type out how many times he’s used that phrase to describe little David’s performances. I’m usre he could sing the phonebook. On the Disney Channel.
Whether David Cook wins or not(hey, I still have hope!!!) I’m still going to favor him and I’m still going to buy his album when it’s released. I already have Analog Heart and it’s fantastic. Thanks for making AI not suck this year David Cook!
Well..I was hampered by a squall on an island 40 miles out to sea which screwed up my direct tv satellite for the first 30 minutes of the show. I heard a bit of Cooks first song…and second…a bit of Archuletta’s first song and unforuntately most of his second song. So for me it was really all up to the last song (although i was able to voice randy’s critiques for david a after all 3 songs and was pretty much on the mark based on my limited lip reading skills) *hey dog…you can sing the phone book dog (I wish he had it might have been more interesting than anything he sang all season)…your in the zone dog…your in it to win it dog*
From what I could hear of David Cook he was on his best consistent form of the season and I loved him telling Simon *I didn’t want to do something i had done before*. Take that Daddy Archuletta!!!!
So..It was Cook doing a song I hadn’t heard before and it was David A doing melisma overload cubed and then all of my suspicions from the very first audition when little david came on telling the world about his vocal cord paralysis (all 2 and 1/2 weeks of it) that this was in the bag for him…came true.
We knew it was in the bag for David A from the judges perspective when Paula said *we got to meet David Cook* Actually, I think she was and is for him still but given her rather precarious hold on her position as a judge she has to go along.
So..as for the last songs.. The only performance of David A I liked all year was Imagine and I thought he butchered it tonite. Was there really so much melisma is the first version as in tonite’s? And when did he start bouncing on one foot like Kristy Lee Cook looking like a bathroom was needed so very badly?
My husband who was forced to watch it was convinced that David A was lip syncing Imagine and it did appear to me that his lips and the words were a tad off but that may have been the satellite…still…his adams apple was suspiciously not moving.
On a positive note I have not been able to vote for David Cook despite 2 straight hours of trying except for 2 times. My hope is that all the Carly, Michael Johns, Brooke, Jason, Sayesha, and Kristy fans have gravitated to Cook. Not that I really believe who gets the most votes is going to matter.
Oh…and when Ruben sang his song and they showed Jason…I was like *oooohhhhhh there is my favorite*.
So..I guess if this is as fixed as we all know it is…I’m just waiting for David A’s first album to face production difficulties as Daddy A exerts his influence and then it will come out and it will bomb. Because really…who over 14 or under 60 will buy this shlock? Actually…I’m being a little unfair to the over 60 crowd.
I agree with you Denise, 100%!! Nothing like force feeding america the notion that David A was the only one that was HOT HOT HOT! Even though I thought he did a good job, I was sickened by the shameless display of the judges. You can certainly tell that those three are not actors…and rightly so…they were totally not believable as they sat there blubbering all over little David. The whole presentation of the show was felt disgustingly biased as they painted the two finalists as opponents in the boxing ring or something. I felt almost sorry for Poor little “Archie”…like he was being bullied by Cook or something. The only consolation I have if Archuleta wins is the fact that Cook will not be so tied into the stupid contract the idol winners are stuck with afterwards…though I wouldn’t be surprised if they haven’t got the 2nd place people into some kind of contract agreements now after the past few seasons when the winners didnt bring in the bucks they had hoped for. One last thing…Props to David Cook for not dragging one of the old “tried and true” songs back out and going for something new and fresh. That shows alot more maturity and confidence than re-hashing something you’ve already sang a bazillion times. I dont hate Archulets, not at all, I think he sings great…but as an overall performer…with the ability to stretch and sing all different types of music,…Cook wins, Hands Down!
Ok..two more comments. No disrespect for Christian music but this is what all of us have been saying was David A’s musical home all along. So yeah…he will be a great Christian singer. So was Tammy Faye Bakker.
And..I have to comment on David Cook’s class at the end of the show when it was clear to him that the fix was in and he put his arm around David A’s shoulder in a big brother type of way and then stood back and applauded him (he knew the deal was fixed probably because he knew David A got to lip sync his songs and he didnt). David A was so self-involved he sort of took David Cooks applause as his due and then very very slowly put one or two hands together.
You are all nuts. David A was the best tonight and the best overall during the entire competition. So dont buy his records, I think he has a pretty big fan base willing and waiting for his fist CD. Not taking anything away from Cook, but you all sound like sour grapes. I would bu Cooks CD too, why do you have to choose to only buy one or the other? The kid has talent and he kicked butt tonight. I really dont care who wins tomorrow. Both have bright futures.
“TWINKIETOONS” ! ! !
I agree with Justin….this show is rigged, the judges are on crack and someone has been paid off to blow smoke up Archie’s butt! It just disgusts me! Cookie did marvelous!!!!! If America could get past all the Archie propaganda and let Cookie take home the gold, all would be well.
One more thing….you know something is wrong when Paula is speaking coherently and honestly and Simon is acting like a whack job! (Well even more than normal!) And what’s up with Randy wanting Arhie to sing the phone book?!? I think it was a pretty low blow on Archie’s part by singing Imagine last. The kid is too freakin immature! We need an idol with some experience under his belt! Definitely rigged!
Just to make myself clear…I have no ill wishes for David Archuletta and I am convinced that his victroy on American Idol will give him the ssme opportunities that he had when he won Star Search. The first time. And even when he came in second the second time. The third time may be a charm but I doubt it in terms of anything but a mediocre vegas career.
Even old ladies need a bit of sex appeal from the men or a hint of passion lost from the women to relate to an artist. Poor David cannot grow up and changing his diapers does not appeal to anyone over the age of 9 unless that sort of thing makes you happy. Which is odd in and of itself.
And when you called in to vote…David’s Cooks 3rd number “866 436 5705″ recording says “thanks for voting for contestant TWO” Which means either those votes were being hijacked for Archie, or at least you presumed they were and didn’t call that line again and got a lot of busy signals on the other lines. Hmmmm.
I like David Cook a lot but David Archuleta was the btter singer tonight hands down. Anyway, at this point it doesn’t matter if David Cook wins or not. He’s taken the whole world by storm and alerted every record producer from L.A to Lake Titicaca that he has arrived. David Cook has no worries in terms of his career. He’ll get the great deals and he’ll be able to sing the kind of songs he wants to sing as well as work with the best song writers and record producers in the world. Most importantly, the world knows who he is and they’ll buy his CDs and recordings enmasse (me included). David Cook will already be a winner even if he turns out to be number two tomorrow.
Did I mention that I liked David Archuleta?
Denise, you are right on. Fixed, rigged, whatever, Cook showed the most heart and I was touched by his man-tears at the end of The World I Know. I thought it was a mature and brave song choice, and he ROCKED it! The judges with their lukewarm praise for Cook and their gushing for Archie just made me sick. So Archuleta will win and David Cook will be a star. Yes, Monica, I too LOVED that shot of Jason at the end and did you hear the crowd when they showed that pic! Everyone, Denise, Monica, Hawkmama and all of you have made this AI season a blast. What will we have to talk about now? This blog has been so much fun. “See” you next year?
I thought I would add my feelings to the mix….
David A is the judges favorite and a good portion of the teen crowd, yes, he is a good singer but I couldn’t help but think he was so ready to spill his dinner on the stage last night as the judges were being so over the top with praises for him. While he will do fine for the first year out of the gate upon releasing his cd, he will not be able to achieve the drawing and staying power of David C.
David C will obviously be #2 this year and trust me, I don’t think I will invest anymore viewing hours into AI based on the shady dealings of AI entertainment this year. David C will be a longer lasting draw in terms of financial success than David A & will probably be in a better place emotionally as well. David A looks like he’s having a panic attack every time they talk to him on stage whereas David C is so poised. That’s the age difference showing there. Where David C is articulate David A is mumbling and bumbling with his words.
I will be buying David C’s CD which might I add shocked the heck out of our daughter last night when I told her that over the internet last night! She knows where I stand on music and it isn’t usually in the rocker stance!
Rock on David C. You’re going to be the true A.I.
My husband and I have said for the last month that if David C doesn’t win that we are done with Idol. But my kids made a good point…David C might be better off if he doesn’t win. Then he can do his own thing and have no doubt someone will grab him up and make a star of him and he won’t be under the Idol thumb.
We have watched Idol from the beginning and I think it is tired and should say a graceful goodbye instead of limping through the next few years.
WOW-I’m speechless. I kept messing with my tv because I thought the sound was distorted. The singers must sound different live than on TV. I’m trying to figure out how they thought David A sounded so much better than David C.
Even though I want David Cook to win – if he doesn’t it may be for the best. He will get snatched up before he even leaves the stage tonight. I’d bet the bus that Clive Davis has already written up a music contract for Mr. Cook. Can’t wait to buy his first album and to see how far he goes.
I’d like to give a “shout-out” to my husband. Since I will not be home in time to watch the show I have set the DVR to record the show. IF YOU CANCEL THE RECORDING ***AGAIN*** it will be Hamburger Helper for you for the rest of the month!
your loving wife
No way I disagree totally. The judges got it right and Archuletta was the best hands down……
I believe David A. has the best most pure voice of the two David’s by far. I’m sure David C. will do well in his career and might even win tonight, But I for one have no interest in ever buying any of his CD’s. I will be looking forward to buying David A’s CD’s when they come out. And for those who only think the younger people are fan’s of David A. I’m 56 and my wife is 58 and we both prefer David A or David C.
David A was by far the best performer last night. I hope he wins. David C did a great job too but overall, in my opinion, David A should take the title.
Long time reader… first time poster… If Cook does not win it is rigged. He is by far the superior performer and his voice range is better. Archie is almost as good as Michael Johns… but he is no David Cook.
Whatever you want to think Denise (sore loser???)David A. out sang David C. last night. I have been a David C. fan for weeks but last night went to David A. hands down.
Blaming the judges for your loss is the very same thing as every little league team that loses a game – it’s ALWAYS the Umpires that messed up their chances – right?
No that’s wrong. I DVR the performances too and skip the judges comments cause I don’t need their input and without hearing their take on it last night – already could have told you David A. out-sang Cook and I’ve been a Cook fan all the way.
I agree this has got to be rigged, David A hurts my eyes and ears. If David C doesn’t win, I will never watch idol again.
Fixed or not, I think they both performed well, however, David C. should have picked familiar songs for his 2nd and 3rd performance. He has great talent, but usually ppl will judge your talent by how well you sing a song compared to the original artist. David A. has a natural talent that very few have. I’m sorry, but David A. can sing the phone book. I don’t think he really knows how good he is. The bottom line is…they will both be successful in there own genre.
I can’t believe all the inmates at the asylum were able
to post their “rigged” theory and rant about how much
better David C is than David A. I’m sorry folks but
anybody who watched last night show and thinks that David C out sung David A really needs to get some counseling. (Denise?) They are both good, but seriously, David A DID give a knockout performance(s) last night. It was one of David C’s “lesser” nights.
David C. has my votes and hopefully many of Americas. He has the whole package. David A. has the ‘golly, gee, oh my, gee – thank you, golly” childish awkardness. Oh wait, he is a child – a teenage child but still a child.
GO COOK!!!!!!
RIGGED!!! Due to the judges trying to brainwash us into thinking Archie is America’s Idol, I picked up my phone for the first time last night & voted for David Cook. Glad to hear I’m not the only one that thought the judges (Randy & Simon) were smoking (Paula’s) crack last night.
Denise,
You have been way off base all season long. You’ve had something against David A. from the beginning.
The judges were right on last night.
After the finale show tonight, I hope you have to “build a bridge and get over it”. Probably easier than eating crow!
I have to agree with all of the “Fix” supporters. It was over the top favortism last night, and that really bugged me. I’ll admit that David A. has a more pure singing voice, but that’s all he has. No charisma, no charm, no performance ability, just a quirky smile and insecurities. That’s not what I want out of my American Idol. I told my wife last night that there was no way in the world that I could ever imagine buying a David A. album, or paying to see him perform, but I’ll be first in like to support David C. and his band. I think he’s got a long career ahead of him, and could even end up in the Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame. I’m not sure why the judges and producers pushed so hard for another under-selling artist to win the competition, but good luck with that. Heck, that was probably Reuben’s first paying gig in the last year, so it certainly hasn’t done much for him.
I hope David A. wins, that leaves David C. free to do it his way. His hands won’t be tied by the America Idol contract. The best singer will win. But, he won’t win American Idol.
Denise,
I’m always amazed at how people honestly believe that their opinion is the only opinion that can be correct. It’s especially true when judging singers, although restaurants, movies and many other things are very similar.
I personally have not enjoyed this year’s Idol very much because I just have not seen any “Wow” factor. I like Cook. I believe he will probably be the one who has the biggest initial album. I like Archuleta, however, I don’t really expect a great deal from him in the years to come unless he matures a great deal.
I have not seen last night’s show yet. I’ll watch it tonight and form my own opinion. I realize though that my opinion is based on my background, my likes and dislikes and I have no reason to believe that anybody else should feel that way just because I do.
I had friends who thought that the show was rigged which caused Daughtry to lose a few years ago. I felt (in my opinion) that the night he lost, he deserved to lose because he picked that night to imitate rather than to be himself and he did a poor job of it. It amazed me so much because he had been so good at making every song his own until that night. I did feel that he was the most talented performer that year, but he blew it trying to see Elvis songs the way Elvis sang them while others made the songs their own. I’m the biggest Elvis fan of all, but when others sing his music, I prefer they put their own treatment on the song.
I disagree with the judges nearly every night for one reason or another, but it is still nothing but opinion. Just because Simon makes more money than I’ll ever see doesn’t mean his opinion is better or worse than mine. That goes for you too.
After tonight, I’ll know whether I agree with you that David C was better. My wife did watch it and having been a David C fan all year, she woke up long enough when I got up to go to work at 4:00 this morning to tell me that in her opinion, David A had won last night. Once again, she has an opinion and a right to that opinion.
There is no right or wrong opinion when it comes to judging singers. Different age groups will vote differently. I myself would probably vote differently now than I would have 40 years ago.
Mayby not rigged, but definately biased. I got to see 5 of the songs last night. Too bad the lightning knocked out Dave C’s last song instead of Little A’s. I’ll start by saying David A wierds me out and I can’t really pin it down to why.
For the first round: I call it a tie. I have to say it was my favorite performance by David A all season.
The second round: Cook performed like he was singing a new hit on tour in front of 40,000 fans. David A sounded like he was singing one of those hits on a Disney movie. Each were good in their own way. Singing-wise another tie. Too bad I had to watch David A hold his tummy like all the girl singers do.
Third round: Again I missed David C performance, so I have to say he won. Imagine is one of my favorite songs. Little A butchered it the first time he sang it. This time he ground it down to hamburger. Can’t say how much I hated it.
Each of the top 3 are going to make it. Syesha on Broadway, Dave A singing movie soundtracks and David C singing in front of thousands of fans.
Ok. I’m from the KC area now and while I do admit David C. has a bit of talent, I do think every song he sings sounds EXACTLY the same. It’s like he wants to take everything and turn it into an 80’s love ballad. And David A. is like a small, “Spanishish” version of Frank Sinatra who sounds the same on every song and, yes, as he did with Imagine last night, over does everything. I guess this is to dazzle us with his range of vocals…which aren’t that dazzling.
I think that Cook is the lesser of the two evils, so to say here and has more potential. Yet, David A. does tend to get all the praise and I have the feeling that he may win, not because of his talent, but because he’s so young and everyone likes to see a small kid’s dreams comes true before a struggling musician.
However; if Cook doesn’t win, it just will make his Behind the Music that much more bittersweet and he’ll still get a record deal without all the American Idol contracts. Isn’t that the better end of the bargin anyway? He’s already been exposed and gathered fans, even if he does finish second he’ll have a record deal.
David A. will get one too, even if he doesn’t win.
Really, it’s a win-win for both of them. No matter who places first and second.
O.k. Now for my 1 1/2 cents worth. (Although no one asked) And so ends my first season of watching American Idol and it amybe my last. I tell ya, I was unsure until last night but wow, those judges, oozing their praise on Archie. Rather disgusting. I agree he does have a very pure voice and quite a talent but he is not what I think of when I think of an American Idol. David Cook has shown throughout the entire season the qualities that make one. The judges should be ashamed for not making their comments cummulative and being so unabashedly biased. David A. did actually, in my opinion, put more “soul” into his 1st song then I had ever seen, and therefor it was less than perfect and much more enjoyable but David C’s all had so much feeling. Very little was said about that. We’ll see. I agree with the career paths and success that other posters have predicted and I can’t wait to buy a Cook CD. BTW, Cook posters far outnumber the Archie posters, have you noticed?
Love, love, love, love, love David Cook!! Unfortunately, they’ve been plugging Archie since day one, so he’ll win.
Can’t wait to see Cook at the Cotillion!!!!
I am a David C fan; however, I think David A actually did a better job last night. I have not been too “wowed” by him throughout the show, but he was pretty good last night, at least improving. I thought David C rocked it on the first song, and the second song I could totally hear on the radio. The third was a little boring. I think David A will win, and I’m glad because I think it will be better for David C, like everyone else has said, to not be under the AI thumb.
American Idol little more than pro wrestling for the female set, record labels enriching the producers of this drivel.
Film at -11.
David Cook’s performance of Collective Soul’s “The World I know” was awesome. First of all, Collective Soul is one of my favorites (and I’m 48 yrs old!). Secondly, yes, I am a Cook fan and have been since the beginning. I think he took a risk with this song and it totally payed off. Simon and the other judges…what the heck did you hear?? It certainly must be different from what I did. The emotion he poured into that song brought a tear to MY eye. He tweaked it enough to make it his own, but was still true enough to the original in my opinion.
Whether the fix is in or not, I will buy Cook’s music, but will ignore Archie’s…. Even though I too think much of AI is rigged, it HAS introduced me to some awesome artists such as Kelly Clarkson, Chris Daughtry, and now David Cook.
I agree with theff48, the only differents is I wasn’t ever a David Cook fan, but when it gets down to it David A. out sang David Cook hands down! To the people that are saying that if David A. wins the contest it is rigged, the only reason I feel they are saying that is if David Cook does not win they are done with American Idol!! Like when little kids get mad because the other kids don’t play fair, they just take their toys and go home! So lets be grown ups about this and be happy for whoever wins and look for them to be future stars, and we can go buy their records.
Both Davids are deserving winners. They cater to very different demographics, and to say that one is better than the other isn’t really true. They’re different.
Personally, I like David C better as I feel that he has the better chance for a long term career. Not that David A doesn’t, but it’s a bit weird seeing a 17 year old trying to sing ballads. His dad issues aside, he’s so young that life may persuade him to do a few records and then he realizes that he’s more passionate about something else. Who knows.
Most 17 year old kids have no idea what they truly want to do in life. If he’s lucky to have a career, and that the t’weens who are voting for him now actually show up to buy his records and come to concerts, then he’ll be fine. However, the industry really doesn’t care how popular you are on AI. Reality is that if you don’t make the money for the label that they think you should, then your gone. There is no more artist development.
I work for an AI finalist from a few seasons ago. The artist is doing well, and has garnered respect by the peers of the genre the artist is working in. However, the artist is lucky to not have the pressure that the top finalists face regarding record sales. It’s sad that our music culture is being determined by for profit business’ who do not look at the long term potential of an artist. They’d rather have a one hit wonder that goes bonkers than help an artist be a success for the long hall. A number of the better known AI artists have met this fate and been cut from their labels.
With the exception of a few of the AI alums, most release records with ok sales, far below expectations. Regardless of which David wins, they both could ultimately be the loser. That is dependent on the public who they will depend on to buy their music.
Is AI rigged, NO ITS NOT. Trust me, working for someone who got screwed by the voting public and who was loved by the judges, it’s not rigged.
BTW, did anyone see Simon on Leno Monday night saying he wanted for David C to win? Maybe it was just me. Perhaps last night was more about sarcasm than honesty. This may have been Simons way to get out the vote for David C. Who knows, only Simon does.
Regardless, it was another entertaining year of AI.
It was very clear last night that David A. will win. I have watch AI for years and I will admit that this year has been very boring. I hope that David C. wins, but I think it best that he doesn’t. He will not be locked into the contract. MAYBE, the judges know that David C. is better product that David A. and want you to vote for David A. MAYBE, they know that David C. will far out sell David A. and don’t want him locked into the AI contract. MAYBE!!!!!
You are dead on. It has to be fixed for the judges to praise Archie that way, especially since he was off key the first 5 notes of his very first song. I just couldn’t believe it. Cook so kicked butt on that first song especially. IT HAS TO BE FIXED for someone as bad as Archie to even be in the finals with someone like Cook, but for the judges to sit there and act as they did after those performances, there is no question. Archie never did anything different, same old song choices, and style, and never did perform. Cook mixed it up, took risks and always came out on top. I will never watch this again if Archie wins.
David A. all the way! Denise you’re not seeing very clearly if you assume the show is rigged. David C. is ok, but we all know that David A. will be the sure winner!
David A won this fair and square, he was absolutely the better performer last night! Give us a break, that kid was wonderful. David C should not even have been in the finals, sorry but he was just plain boring!!! Syesha was a lot better than he was, but she got voted out.
You, don’t have any idea what you are talking about, oh your favorite did not do so good, as usual, so now the show is rigged, ahuh, one heck of an excuse for another poor performance.
I have to agree with the posters who indicate that crying “fixed” is equal to blaming a sporting event loss on the refs/umps, or whining that the dog ate your homework. Yeah, it’s that juvenile.
Both Davids are phenomenally talented. They both deserve to win. They both should have great careers regardless of tonight’s results.
I read on one website written by someone who actually attends the performances live that to hear the contestants live is a whole new ballgame. And that David Archuleta’s voice is absolute perfection in that venue. I believe that is true. I still love David Cook. Oh, really, I love them both. I’ll be happy either way.
I think Archie will have a short, unremarkable career in Christian music.
Not to bag on Christians, but their music is not good. That’s where many bands and artists end up when they can’t hack it in the mainstream world.
Before all you Christian music fans get upset, I do realize there have been a few crossover artists who were mildly successful. Not many and not by much.
I really don’t think we’ll hear much from David A in the future. He might put out one album that is mildly successful, then I think he will just fade into obscurity.
I don’t know that David Cook will be tremendously successful, but I do think he has more chance to have a noteworthy career.
Archie simply is a one-trick pony who sounds exactly the same with everything he sings. He takes zero risks and I’ve never figured out why the judges won’t call him on that! Plus, his squinty stare drives me nuts.
I am an avid David Cook fan. I say that up front. I am more excited about him than I have been about any artist since Garth. I know … some people say that disqualifies my opinion. But I love that entertainer facet and David C. truly has it.
I think David A will win for two reasons. One is the judges overzealous comments. As much as that makes me DISLIKE David A even more, some people will listen to them. Now I am not saying that David A is a bad singer, because I think he really has some talent. He is not an entertainer though. The second reason he will win is that David C has been sold as the “rocker”. I know he is, but as he proved on ALW night when he sang “The Music of the Night”, he is so much more than a rocker. He is a singer and entertainer.
I will personally probably buy a David A CD. However, I will buy a David C CD, attend his concerts, join his fan-club, become a “Cookie” (what else will his fans be called?), and whatever else I can do to show my adoration for this performer. He is the true deal, in my opinion. I think history will show he is the best performer to come out of AI really.
Sorry, that should read …
I will personally probably NOT buy a David A CD.
Sully,
Being a singer myself, I judge voice rather than performance as how a voice comes over is more important than the actual performance in public which can be learned, I am sure you will agree.
Having said that I do agree that David A might not become a pop star, me for one would rather see him in opera as his voice is very pure and does have a tremendous reach.
Having said that, hey the kid is only 17, so yes depending on the songs they give him, he might go a very long way.
For me he was without any doubt the better singer a bit uneasy in performing still but like I said that can be learned.
Just to clarify a little… I’m not crying “rigged” just because it seems like my favorite contestant won’t win. It’s more that the nonstop, non-wavering praise from all of the judges this season over a kid who, yes, can sing but has no stage presence or real star power, just feels WAAAAYYYYYYY too fishy. Especially after they proved earlier this season (see Paula-gate) that their spontaneous critiques aren’t really spontaneous at all.
They have been pushing David A. since the beginning. He could do no wrong. But he’s like a little Stepford boy! I was really disappointed with the judges last night. I think it was pretty much a tie. I hope David C. wins, but have a feeling it will go the other way.
Seriously Denise, Paula-gate? She’s been flakey EVERY
season and now you claim it’s rigged? Maybe the judges
praise David because he’s….gasp….good????? I do
recall he wasn’t “praised” for all his performances either. Face the fact that you are a David C fan and
are blinded to anyone else. I’ll admit he’s good, but
he did not win the night over David A. Now having said
all that, David C will probably win tonight and all the people crying “rigged” will have to eat their words…
or would that prove them right??? Ha
Hey Indyshometown,
I wouldn’t disagree that David A has a sweet, almost pitch perfect voice. To argue that would be dumb. However, unless you are blind or just listening to AI, David A doesn’t exude the confidence of a great performer. (At least not yet. I hope this will develop for him.) You can certainly teach some aspects of performance, but a lot of it is from the heart and soul, as you would know. So far I haven’t seen that from David A, and no, I’m not saying that David C is some spectacular performer either. (This is were musical preference comes in, and we can all agree to disagree.)
I’m a violinist who’s played and performed since I was 2 and I have a degree in violin performance. In the 28 years that I’ve played, I’ve always been given pointers on how to improve my technique as well as my musical performance. However, this doesn’t make me a great violinist. There are a number of good singers out there, but the great ones have something more to them than just their voice. There are also a lot of bad singers who are great performers. What moves people is the combination of technique and passion.
Regardless of who wins, this is an entertainment show that is trying to find the next “big” artist. As I stated in my previous post, both Davids are deserving winners as they are from very different spectrums of the musical rainbow. That’s a good thing! We should be encouraging all these folks to go and work hard to develop a lasting career regardless of what the music industry labels a success.
Denise,
I couldn’t agree with you more! I sat here, mouth agape, as I watched all 3 judges change their tune. Especially Simon!! He had been all over the place singing praises to David Cook and said that he would be the next AI winner. I was simply blown away by his “OMG you’re so awesome” comments about lil David! I guess David A’s stage dad’s goons got ahold of them!
Disgusted,
Amy
I’m a Cook fan. Here is why. Crank up your DVR from last night’s show. Turn your back to the TV while Archie sings. Can you seriously say you would buy that voice on a CD and listen to it more than once? Without watching his cute little boyish face (will he close his eyes this time?), I rather doubt it. Do the same with Cook. He doesn’t just have a more mature voice, but one that appeals to more people. Like the other posters, I will buy Cook’s CD. And I will watch Idol next season regardless of who wins tonight.
Dialidol shows a clear victory for Cook. 40% busy signal when dialing for Cook, 29% when dialing for Archuleta. That kind of spread can’t be made up for by the text messages. If Archuleta wins, it is not only fixed by the judges trying shamelessely to influence the public opinion, but the results are fixed as well.
Let’s face it: Fox is a conservative network and, as such, is very much the darling of the Mormon church. David Archuleta is a Mormon and so is his pushy stage daddy who lives vicariously through him. In reality, Archuleta’s singing is only good enough to earn him the lead in a Murray (Utah) High School musical production. But because Salt Lake City is a growing market and Mormons are an important part of the Fox network’s “base,” the judges are forced to suck up to Archuleta. And, yes, it is sickening on many levels.
I’ve been rootin for David C all season long. Last night I am giving David A credit for the 1st 2 rounds but hes too boring to win. Idol knows that safe innocence will sale many records among young teeny boppers and they cant afford to let that go like Clay.
Did you hear Simon apologize for being very critical to Cook? WOW!! I’m so glad Cook won!!!!!!!!!
So much for all you people who thought it was “fixed” in favor of David A. The judges did what they were supposed to do–have an opinion. You can take it or leave it. Did you think the Dancing with the Stars judges had it “fixed” for Kristy? If Simon, Paula and Randy had held up paddles with 10’s and 9’s would you have been happier? On American Idol it is totally votes by the public and they spoke. You should all eat your words. And as Simon said tonight–for once I didn’t really care who won–they were both talented and good guys. Quit looking for conspiracies in every corner when there is someone who doesn’t agree with you.
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