MULTI-GENERATION MADHOUSE INCLUDES PETS AND MEALS

Woo Hoo! My guy took the title! This is the first time that the contestant I picked in the beginning as my personal fav has taken the title! I am sooooooo happy!!!!!!!! I am even tolerating the magic rainbow skittles song Cook has to sing, he almost makes it sound like something I would want to listen to on a regular basis.
Now, I just have to find something to entertain myself until the next season of American Idol.

So, I wish I had been wrong about this show; but I wasn’t. The worst part is that it was so skewed to one side that I’m afraid people didn’t hear what was really offered.

Clive’s Choice:
David Cook sang “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” by U2. It was really pretty and I love when he strips a song down to the essentials. I am always surprised by his takes on familiar songs and I like being surprised.
David Archuleta sang “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me” by Elton John. This has to be one of the most over used songs on American Idol and while David A. sang it well I already have a song on my computer that sounds just like it… only better really.

Songwriter’s Contest:
In a strange twist they have let the contestant’s pick from the top 10 vote getters but not the top vote getter, that is supposedly being saved for tomorrow night. Oh Joy!
David Cook sang “Dream Big” by Emily Shackelton and it was okay. It proves that he could sing my Great Grandmother’s sugar cookie recipe to the tune of “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” and I would be able to at least say he sang it well and attempted to make it interesting.
David Archuleta sang “In This Moment” by Ryan Gillmore and it was the longest song of my life. The lyrics to this song are just so cheesy and bordering on arrogant that it was hard to listen to. Add to it that the dang thing never went anywhere it just kept droning to the finish line and one has to wonder what Archie saw in it.

Contestant’s Choice:
David Cook sang “The World I Know” by Collective Soul and I was floored. I don’t know that other’s heard it but I couldn’t have stopped myself from loving it had I tried. Once again Cookie opened the door to his soul and invited us all inside. I know that judge’s wanted rocked out and all but what we got was so much better.
David Archulet sang “Imagine” by John Lennon and all I could say was, “Hey, where have I heard that before?” I think he has a pretty voice but he has no real connection with what he is singing and I am almost always left wanting.

So my winner tonight is David Cook and honestly no matter how the votes turn out tomorrow night I believe that it will be David C. not David A. who goes on to long term greatness.

Well you knew it was going to happen, the David vs. David finale has been pimped for far too long to allow Syesha any chance of sneaking in.

I wish I could say that I was looking forward to next week, but I am truly unhappy that this season has come to a close so quickly. I am also suspect that the finale has been overhyped and will never live up to the standards that have been set.

Prove me wrong AI. TTFN

Okay, this night was not as fantastic as it has been in past seasons. The Judges choices turned out to be the best of the night and the contestant’s choices the worst.

Judges Choice:
David A. sang “And So It Goes” by Billy Joel. I wasn’t thrilled that Paula picked this for him but he does a pleasant, note perfect, yet slightly boring performance. It as standard DA all the way.
Syesha sang “If I Ain’t Got You” by Alicia Keys. I wanted to slap Randy for choosing this but was pleased that she for the most part stayed out of her screech zone, it was a good performance.
David C. sang “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” by Roberta Flack. I think Simon has it bad for this song but Cookie owned it and dedicated it to his Mom! Got to love a guy who loves his mother.

Contestant’s Choice:
David A. sang “With You” by Chris Brown and it was rough at the start, to overdone at the end and poorly danced (if that’s what that was)throughout.
Syesha sang “Fever” by Peggy Lee and I think that the only big problem was that it looked a little desperate with the way short dress and the chair. She needed to focus more on delivering the big vocal.
David C. sang “Dare You To Move” by Switchfoot and I’m just a little sad that he didn’t do the Collective Soul number. But I think that as far as being a middle song goes it was a smart choice in that it didn’t stretch him too far.

Producer’s Choice:
Okay the producer’s obviously need to get a grip. Their song choices sucked and did nothing for any of the contestants.
David A. sang “Longer” by Dan Fogelberg and it was a full on, overblown Archuleta ballad. Solid but boring.
Syesha sang “Hit Me Up” by Gia Farrell and I know this song because my 5 year old is a big Happy Feet fan. Would I have ever chosen this for her to sing, no. She puts alot into the dance and gives some decent vocals. It was okay.
David C. sang “I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing” and it was good a solid vocal performance. If I am judging him on just each performance and in comparison to the others he is head and shoulders above the competition even if he wasn’t head and shoulders above his personal best. Go Cookie!

My Order: David Cook, Syesha Mercado, David Archuleta

Wow, am I relieved with the outcome of this one. If Jason had stayed then someone who was truly invested in this competition would have been outed and that would truly have been sad. Can’t wait to see all the visit home festivities and see what 3 songs the contestants pick next week.

So here I am all set to be wowed out of my seat and oh it isn’t happening tonight.

David Cook’s first performance was okay for him and great in comparison to what the rest had to offer. His second was better except for the very end where it seemed he was rushing it. Perhaps if the judges shut up there would be time for the contestants to comfortably sing their songs the way they practiced them.

Syesha isn’t going down without a fight and I really enjoyed her performances. Her voice is much more enjoyable in her lower range and she is able to power without screeching.

Jason, Jason, Jason… What could I possible say that wouldn’t be mean? Dude, if you don’t want to be there tell the producer’s you quit and go home, otherwise practice and perform, practice and perform.

David Archuleta’s first was good and I liked the little change ups, but the second left me sleepy and bored. I think he has a lovely voice just no wow factor.

My Ranking: David Cook, Syesha, David Archuleta, Jason

I am actually relieved to see her go! The girl was falling apart in front of us, and it just wasn’t funny. I’m glad that she left being proud of the performances that she did and knowing that she is stronger than she thought she was.

Now about the group number??? What was that mess?!? Who had the bright idea to have DA sing “Pack up the babies and grab the old ladies and everyone go”! Too funny. And why was DC the only one you could really hear when he soloed, hmmmm.

Oh well, on to Rock-n-Roll week, looking forward to what should be some really interesting performances.

So tonight brought us the music of Neil Diamond and it was interesting to say the least. Here’s what I thought of the performances:
Round 1

• Jason Castro – Forever In Blue Jeans – It was just there. It wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t great either.
• David Cook – I’m Alive – It was better than good, but somehow not all that I am used to getting from him. Although I do have to admit that as I listen to it while I am writing I like it more now than I did then.
• Brooke White – I’m A Believer – A little to frantic and frentic for my taste, but at least she managed a little smiling.
• David Archuleta – Sweet Caroline – Umm who thought this song would be a good choice for him??? The “pitchiness”, strange phrasing just sort of ruined this for me.
• Syesha Mercado – Hello, Again – Wow, she can really sing when she isn’t trying to over do the whole diva note thing. I am enjoying her more and more. Poor Sysesha this probably means she is going home.

So my top pick for round 1 was Syesha with David C. a close second. And lest we forget the disaster that is Paula, I really wonder what drugs she is taking and if there is any way to get some. I have some people I’d like to confuse.
Round 2

• Jason Castro – September Morn – This could have been great, but of course all of Paula’s premonitions came true and it was in general very blah.
• David Cook – All I Really Need Is You – Loved it! I miss the big notes from him, but the music, the lyrics, the performance was all just so perfect. And we got guitar in both performances!
• Brooke White – I Am I Said – I liked it. It was sweet and vulnerable like all of her best performances. I wish I was more hopeful for her future in this competition, but I think she is more than ready to leave at this point.
• David Archuleta – America – Eh! It’s not that it was badly sung, or even a poor song choice, I am just over the ballady, heart warming, Disneybot already.
• Syesha Mercado – Thank The Lord For The Night Time – Wow, I liked this one too. She really is coming into her own on the Idol stage, now the question is – is it too little too late?

And round 2 goes to David C. with Brooke and Syesha turning in memorable performances as well. Looking forward to tomorrow night and the results.

Top 2: David Cook, Syesha
Bottom 2: David Archuleta, Jason Castro

Wow we say good bye to Carly as 6 becomes 5. I’m going to miss her, I didn’t always like watching her but I always enjoyed listening to her songs afterwards. Next week it is Neil Diamond week and the contestants are doing 2 songs, should be interesting.

I must admit I have really been looking forward to this since the theme was first announced. I was definately a theatre geek in high school and just adore Webber’s musicals. Overall I was not disappointed with the performances.

David Cook was my favorite of the night. A straight up performance of “Music of the Night” was the last thing I expected, and once again the unexpected was fabulous. Fantastic vocal control, tone, texture, and the boy oozes charisma.

David A., Carly, and Syesha all crowded in wanting to be second; but I think Syesha took it on pure surprise factor. I really liked her, she looked happy and alive, it wasn’t a ballad, and she sounded great. David A. surprised by actually making a diva song work, and for making a broadway showtune sound like it could play on pop radio; although I was just a little disappointed that he didn’t drift quite as far from his comfort zone. And thank you ALW for helping Carly find her comfort zone! “Superstar” was the perfect song for her, and even with some lyric flubs she was fun to watch on stage.

Brooke and Jason wrap up the pack and I will put Brooke last just because I think the poor girl is actually ready to go. Jason delivered another boring, uninspired performance that left me wondering just how long his looks can keep him in this. Poor Brooke, she didn’t perform horribly after the restart; but who gets 2 restarts in one season. During the judges comments I wondered if she was going to throw up and then flee for her life, perhaps it would be better if she had.

top 3: David C., Syesha, David A.

bottom 3: Carly, Jason, Brooke