March 26, 2008 1:18 PM
American Idol
I didn't comment on last week because I didn't find the show that interesting. The first Beatles songbook night (March 11) was so rich - and such a great reminder of the Fab Four's unmatchable creativity - that they decided to run it a second week. Big mistake. No one stood out. Kelly Pickler - why in the world would they want her back? - was a poor testimonial to the star-building potential of the show. And the ousting of Amanda Overmyer while Kristy stayed on after weeks of lackluster performances - well, that was one of those moments when it's clear that the world is often unjust.
Random off-the-top-of-my-head thoughts about last night:
David Cook all the way!!! What a brilliant rendition of "Billy Jean" - I didn't even recognize it as a Michael Jackson song until the end. He definitely has star quality.
I missed Amanda Overmyer. But Kristy showed a stroke of genius last night by singing "God Bless the USA" - how could anyone vote against that? I still don't think she's got much longer on the show.
David Archuleta was sweet, as usual, but I agreed with Simon about his song choice. Maddy and I were reminded of the bland we're-all-in-this-together-and-isn't-life-wonderful-when-we-sing-about-it songs written to fill the vacuum for middle school music teachers in school districts which have outlawed anything spiritual from the music curriculum. I've been impressed by his powerful innocence and his choice of positive songs which are in keeping with his religious beliefs. But this one - despite David's sincerity and talent - was just plain sappy.
I still like Brooke also. But I agree with the judges that what would have been a strong performance was washed away by the introduction of the band in the middle of the song. Brooke lost her bearings and finished badly. But as Maddy pointed out last night, didn't the judges tell her last week that her song was boring and she needed to bring in the backup? Moral: sometimes it's wise to follow directions and sometimes it's not. The tough thing is figuring out which way to go each time.
Michael Johns' performance was pretty cool, but I think a lot of it had to do with his backup singers and ALL THE LIGHTS. I kept trying to imagine if it would have been very exciting without all the hype, winced as he screamed some of the lines. But the final few notes were strong and pure and the judges gave him a lot of praise. I just can't see him as the winner.
Jason Castro is lovably goofy - or goofily lovable - but I wonder if he'd be where he is without the dreadlocks. I agree with Simon - he doesn't seem to care enough about winning to really polish his performance (he even admitted he could have practiced more!) I think people like their winners to care.
Ramiele and Chikesie - boring and more boring this week. Things are bad when you're watching a DVR and want to fast forward through a two-minute song.
Lots of people are saying this is shaping up to a David vs. David season. What do you think?
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Comments
i think david archuleta has a good voice, but it doesn't have that *star* quality. while he was singing, i was thinking of it being like a mickey mouse club kind of song.
i didn't like david cook at first, but he's put in great performances several weeks running.
i also think the only thing keeping jason castro in the mix is the teen girl appeal. simon is spot on with his evaluations of jason and his not being very serious about this. it's like he's on vacation and not in this for real.
i really like carly's voice, and i can't understand why she was in the bottom 3 last week. i'm guessing that she doesn't fit the 'pop star' mold. i still think that even if she doesn't win, she'll end up with a contract.
i don't think ramiele has what it takes to win. sure, she's cute, but i think she'll get eaten alive in the 'real world' of the music industry. she doesn't seem to be very strong.
i really liked chikezie's down home, jug band song a couple of weeks ago. this week he just sounded like a luther vandross cover singer.
this is our first year to watch american idol, and we're kind of getting into it. gee, can you tell??
out of all of them, i think david cook has the best chance to win. i appreciated amanda's voice, but every song sounded the same.
there, that's my 2cents. :)
Posted by: deborah | March 26, 2008 3:17 PM
At first we thought David A would sweep it, but more and more I find myself only wanting to hear from David Cook. I thought his song last night was incredible, and like you, didn't realize what it as until it was almost over. We even pulled it up on YouTube to listen again today!
I think Brooke White will pull herself together and perhaps make it to the top three. I love her Carly Simon style mixed with what seems to be a very natural sweetness.
I have really loved some of Jason Castro's songs, but he did seem too laid back last night, didn't he?
No one has mentioned Syesha...am I the only one who thinks she is self-absorbed? Or is she forgettable?
I'm interested to see who is going home tonight, that's for sure!
Posted by: Jill S | March 26, 2008 5:16 PM
I love this show... embarrass myself occasionally with spontaneous applause or yelling at the TV! :)
I've gotten to the point (ever since Chris Daughtry left, whatever season that was) where I don't so much care who wins - it seems like they can all be successful once leaving the show - but I don't want the ones I like to leave because I enjoy watching them so much. Hence I don't want David A. gone because I enjoy him so much! I just hope stardom doesn't ruin him, he seems to be such a purely innocent boy and in spite of his youthful sound when he talks, he seems like he may have pretty strong convictions. I agree David C. is looking like a winner right now - and I still love Jason's voice and style, although I agreed with Simon's assessment this week. I like Brooke, too. Basically I agree with you, I guess. :)
Posted by: Shelly | March 27, 2008 9:36 AM
