Idol @ soapcentral.com

So, everyone was shocked when Michael Johns left the competition last week, right?  I heard it was a real shocker (since I missed the actual show).  I'm not that surpised though - because his performance was less than what it should be at this point in the game.  I hate when I see contestants get some good feedback and start acting like they are untouchable (David Cook).  It happened with Daughtry and I was so glad to see him go.  He wasn't a rock star yet - don't go getting too big for your britches, ya know?  It didn't happen as much with Michael, but I could see it.  It's why I want to see David C. gone so bad.  Anyway, on to this week (with hopes for bottom three in red, once again)!

 

This week’s mentor is Mariah Carey

 

1.  David Archuleta (When You Believe – MC with Whitney)

 

While it would be nice if he found a fast song that worked for him (meaning, didn’t make him look like a big dork), I can’t help but love him on ballads.  I’m not certain if I really liked the falsetto, but it was nice that he tried something different, and didn’t end up falling on his face.

 

2.  Carly Smithson (Without You)

 

It seemed since they had called her on it so many times before, she was trying really hard to look anything but angry and she did well with that.  I absolutely loved the control she had in the quiet early moments, because that’s hard to do and still be audible.  I also felt that it made the power notes that much more brilliant, so I’m hoping that enough of the others felt that way too and she can stay out of the bottom.

 

3.  Syesha Mercado (Vanishing)

 

I don’t know what kinds of tips MC gave her, but in comparison to the original, this performance was quite good.  In this case, you can’t help the comparison, given what she has done before, but the subtle changes and her spot on delivery had me really enjoying it.  It was one of my favorite songs from MC’s first release.

 

4.  Brooke White (Hero)

 

BO-RING.  Does she even realize that there are other things you can do on a stage besides sit on a piano bench or a stool with a guitar.  She is singing well enough (except for when she started rushing through it – then her nervousness about that mess up started to show) but this is the same performance, different week.  She can go home now.

 

5.  Kristy Lee Cook (Forever)

 

This was another boring performance, which is sad considering she had been delivering much improved performances the last couple of weeks.  That last big note might have saved her, but it wouldn’t surprise me if she was in the bottom three…again.

 

6.  David Cook (Always Be My Baby)

 

“He made it really haunting”.  What?  From emo boy?  Say it isn’t so!

So…I hope that it’s glaringly evident that his one trick pony-ness has completely taken over.  Regardless of theme or artist, he will do each one in exactly the same vein.  And now I need to go kick Randy so he will sit down and stop encouraging bad behaviour.  Maybe we’ll have another shocking elimination week.  A GIRL CAN DREAM.

 

 

7.  Jason Castro (I Don’t Wanna Cry)

 

I don’t know…I think that the arrangement suited him, but it didn’t showcase any of the positive aspects of his voice.  Paula said he was getting confident, but I don’t see it.  I definitely think that he deserves to still be in the competition over the boring ones, but I think I’ve worn out the “I’m waiting for something exciting from him” line, so I just assume that you already know.

 

 

Okay this is really a “who I want in the bottom three” notation, but the only person that I would swap out, if I was thinking realistically, is David Cook.  Despite the fact that I border on loathing his performances, I can’t deny that he has the fan base to carry him through.  In his place…probably Carly L  People listen to Simon more than I would like to admit.  Stay tuned for the results!

 

***********************************************************************************

 

After the Elimination...

 

I've been kind of remiss with following up after the elimination round, but I think I will just chalk it up to being so distracted by my anti-David Cook campaign. In any case, I couldn't go another week without it. So here's what I'm thinking:

 

• I love my Elliott. Not only did he hit that song out of the park, he did so for his mom (RIP) and he showed a good way of writing on the hand. He came across as genuine, David Cook was very fake.
• I should have known they were going to do the whole 2 groups of three, pick one David Arugula! I can't remember who else refused to do anything except sit mid-stage in seasons past, but I love it.
• I was THRILLED when the three people I chose for the bottom were in a group together. I thought that all of my crossed fingers and hopes and dreams had been answered. And then that stupid jerk Ryan switched him out with Syesha. Feh. Oh well, I'll just continue to make wishes on stars or wishbones or something.
• I was glad when Syesha went back, and I was pleased at Kristy Lee Cook leaving. Hey Wendy - you got one Cook out of the kitchen! In any case, she had some really strong showings last week and the week before, and this week, she went back to the poor performances that made me want her out in the first place. However, I would have been equally as happy if Brooke had left. I am so over her lone singer songwriter I'm the piano man routine. I honestly have to stop myself from fast forwarding through those segments. So unless there is some new world order by next week, I would almost bet that she is next.
• I wonder if the judges ever regret the final 12 - because all of these people showed amazing promise for outstanding performances such that they got through all of Hollywood to be on that stage, and then you have Ramen Noodles going limp and Chekezie being not so easy - on the ears. It makes me think "how different would this be if they had chosen someone else instead of Brooke? Or Kristy? I guess we'll never know.

Until next time America...I mean, friends...

This week's theme: Inspirational Songs (which could mean just about anything, depending on the person you ask...)

 

1.  Michael Johns (Dream On – Aerosmith)

 

Not what I expected for this theme, but given what we’ve known about him through the contest thus far, it fit well with who he is as a person.  I wasn’t all that impressed with the higher pitched stuff, but that’s not a news flash as I’ve said it before.  I also don’t think that the song showcased him as well as others that he has done, but he probably struck a chord with a segment of the population, so he’ll stick around.

 

2.  Syesha Mercado (I Believe – Fantasia)

 

Another not-surprising choice of songs, but interesting since the song was spawned from this show.  Nothing can even come close to the emotional shredding that Fantasia did when she won the title, but the good thing is that she has a big voice to tackle it.  She did a good job.

 

3.  Jason Castro (Somewhere Over The Rainbow – Israel Kamakawiwo Ole)

 

Good version of the song to pick, but it’s still…not what is needed to win.  He is still at the coffeehouse level, he’s still not…connecting as well as he could.  It’s no slam against him technically – it’s just that he’s not all that exciting, which is something I think is needed on that stage.  On the flip, I would welcome it if he proved me wrong.

 

4.  Kristy Lee Cook (Anyway – Martina McBride)

 

She does excellent when singing country, so I have to give her props for that.  However, I will say the same thing about her that I say about David Cook – if they keep singing the same kind of stuff, they end up painting themselves into a corner, and it gets boring.  It would be nice if she could translate her strengths here into other genres, but as far as I am concerned, she earned another week with this performance.

 

5.  David Cook (Innocent – Our Lady Peace)

 

He is pompous, indulgent and a complete poser.  The thing with the “give back” on his hand made it even worse.  Pretty soon, I am going to run out of words to describe my distaste for him.  That is all.

 

6.  Carly Smithson (The Show Must Go On – Queen)

 

I really do want to get rid of that screechy straining thing that she does, because that throws me off every time.  It was kind of a flashy song, and it seemed like she relied on that to win people over.  As much as I love her, this was probably my least favorite selection from her.  In addition, I got home too late to vote (because I still want her in this) so I’ll have to keep my fingers crossed until tomorrow for her safety.

 

7.  David Archuleta (Angels – Robbie Williams)

 

This is the first time that I thought his vocals were not of the caliber that I am used to from him.  His power notes are almost always on point, but with the softer, more reserved notes, I wasn’t as sold.  Still, he is fantastic overall and he will be here next week for sure.

 

8.  Brooke White (You’ve Got A Friend – Carole King)

 

She wins points with me for crediting the song to the right person (how can you NOT love Carole King and Tapestry?), and for not being behind the piano, because I was starting to think of it as a crutch.  She was able to focus on the song, and she didn’t get hung up on her slight stumble (you would have only seen it if you were watching her face) enough to distract from the performance.  It was sweet, but she and Jason have that uber nice but slightly boring thing going on.  Sadly, it’s like pulling teeth to get anything that just blows you away!

 

Who I think should be in the bottom three (oh it’s getting tough now!):

 

• Brooke
• David Cook
• Kristy Lee Cook

 

Who I think will be in the bottom three:

 

• Jason Castro (or perhaps Syesha – lack of connect)
• Brooke
• Carly

 

 

AUGH.  I hate that we have to wait an extra day.  Patience is not my thing, but I can do this.  Maybe. J  Until then…

This week brought us legendary singer Dolly Parton...who, to me, came across as the country version of Paula: very nice, sweet, supportive...but not very constructive.  Maybe they leave that stuff to...well, Simon.  Randy, more often than not, falls back on the "pitchy" assessment, and they either "didn't do something that worked" or they "worked it out".  BORING.  It's season seven dawg!  Find a new trick.  Anyway.

 

Top Nine Sing Dolly Parton

 

1.  Brooke White (Jolene)

 

The song really fit who she was, but it wasn’t until the last few moments that I felt like she was getting into it enough to make it good.  And then it was over.  I’m still waiting for the spark that I’m guessing other people have already seen.  It all boils down to whether or not she will put the work in to uncover it.

 

2.  David Cook (Little Sparrow)

 

I think I will just pick him apart until he goes home.  Stop trying to hit things in a higher register because it doesn’t work, regardless of what the judges say.  I firmly believe that they are just on the emo band wagon and are trying to further that agenda.  They need to be slapped too.  Next – it’s another week of whatever genre is picked becoming some sort of rock song – something we’ve heard a bunch of times before, and I’m sick of hearing.  Please to shut up now thanks bye!

 

3.  Ramiele Malubay (Do I Ever Cross Your Mind)

 

Her volume moderation problems are not new, but it has happened enough already to be old.  She shouldn’t just rely on the power notes to pull her through but because she did, I couldn’t understand a lot of what she was saying on the non-power notes.  That style just doesn’t do much for keeping her around.

 

4.  Jason Castro (Travellin’ Through)

 

I started cringing right away when I saw that damn guitar, but then I changed my mind a bit.  There were actually points where I saw little bits of his personality, and I was glad for that.  If he can keep that up in greater measure, I think he will have a few more weeks of safety in him.  Good on him with the song selection!

 

5.  Carly Smithson (Here You Come Again)

 

Oh my goodness, what the hell do you SAY to that!?  She managed to minimize the one thing that I really struggle with regarding her voice – when she maxes out and sounds like she is straining.  It was just gorgeous, it was lovely, it was controlled.  Sadly, we didn’t get home early enough for me to vote for her, so I guess I will just have to cross my fingers tightly and hope for the best!

 

6.  David Archuleta (Smoky Mountain Memories)

 

Ballads are always going to be his strong suit, so I was expecting great things – and great things I got.  This performance just takes me soundly back to the first day I heard him open his mouth and he pulled on my heart strings.  It was just great, and he is still a major runner (for me) for the top spot.  YAY ARUGULA!

7.  Kristy Lee Cook (Coat of Many Colors)

 

She did well picking another country song that suits her, which was nice two weeks in a row.  I wasn’t overly swayed by her use of the stage, but I think that with her vocals and the fact that she has a solid fan base at this point will help her survive.

 

8.  Syesha Mercado (I Will Always Love You)

 

I could have called this one a mile away.  I’m not certain what she sang when she was with Dolly, but it was all Whitney.  It was okay overall – I loved the strong note at the end.  I just don’t think that doing such a high profile song did her any favors.  Unfortunately, this also means that if she is in the bottom whatever, I won’t be surprised.  Sad, but not surprised.

 

9.  Michael Johns (It’s All Wrong But It’s All Right)

 

I love that he managed to give it a little more of a soul flavor than country, but it wasn’t so overwhelming to make it a completely different song.  I felt that it was working for him the most at the end.  I liked it well enough to want to see him around another week.

 

 

Again, I’m going with the people that I think will actually be in the bottom, not the ones I want to go home.  I’m not really in the in it to win it stage yet, because I still think there is some dead weight that needs to be dropped before this gets really exciting.  It will happen though, and then…watch out.

 

***********************************************************************************

 

Bye bye Ramen Noodle - it was fun while you were with us.  However, she (and everyone) should have known by now that the cute thing was only going to carry her so far.  She needed star presence and personality, and she didn't have much of either, especially not in comparison to some of the others.

 

I predicted this week that it would be fairly easy to pick out which people would be next on the chopping block in the coming weeks, not solely based on performance but also fan power - since that's really what this show is all about.  You have the stronger singers - Syesha, Carly, David Archuleta - but two of those people have been consistent in making bad song choices (Carly and Syesha).  Then you have the rabid fan base folks - David Cook, Michael Johns and Jason Castro - who, while having good voices, will stay simply because their legions will have nothing but that.  And then there are those who are hanging on - Brooke White and Kristy Lee Cook - who probably should go (Kristy more than Brooke, marginally so) but have managed somehow to eke out a safety line.  *hrm*  We'll see what next week holds...

I've been slacking dudes...sorry for that.  My luck, I will probably get in the habit right around the time the season is over.  Same thing applies with the whole My Bottom Three in red.  In any case, I'll post them in separate blocks for sanity's sake...

 

Top Ten: The Year They Were Born

 

1.  Ramiele Malubay (1987) – Alone (Heart)

 

The soft parts were just…sad.  She always sounds so meek, and I was hoping that she would redeem herself when it came to the power stuff.  She was okay until she got to the parts that would take you to the top of your register – she just sounded shouty and definitely not in any kind of tune.  Ambitious, but she didn’t even come close to how great Carrie Underwood was when she burst out of her country box in AI4.

 

2.  Jason Castro (1987) – Fragile (Sting)

 

Oh look, it’s Jason sitting on the stage with a guitar.  WHO KNEW?  He’s talented, and I’m not debating that in the slightest.  I just think that he is much less suited for that stage, and much more suited for a coffeehouse.  If nothing else, his Cute Eyes will keep him in the running.

 

3.  Syesha Mercado (1987) – If I Were Your Woman (Stephanie Mills)

 

Aside from the fact that her hair was likened to the red monster from Bugs Bunny…

 

 

I really loved the performance.  She was controlled, she was powerful and she delivered the song exactly the way she should have.  She made me excited that she is still in this competition, and I am looking forward to many more weeks from her.

 

4.  Chekezie Eze (1985) – If Only For One Night (Luther Vandross)

 

I’m not sure that it’s a good thing to continue doing Luther – because in a comparison between the two, he doesn’t rank very high.  On the other hand, the spastic country-esque songs he has been picking haven’t been good for me either.  He needs to find some kind of medium and run with that.  Barring that this evening, it was okay.  Will he survive another week?  That will depend on how everyone else does.

 

5.  Brooke White (1983) – Every Breath You Take (The Police)

 

LOOK A PIANO!  AND BROOKE.  Good grief, I thought that by letting them play instruments this season would be interesting, but it has gotten old really fast.  It’s almost as bad of a one trick pony maneuver than David Cook with his “let’s make everything a rock song” schtick.  Anyway, the falter when she started wasn’t good, but she got a little better throughout.  Nothing earth shattering because she didn’t really do anything that she hasn’t done before.  And if she doesn’t stop with the puppy dog eyes!  Am I being too harsh?  She’s fine.  She just won’t win.

 

6.  Michael Johns (1978) – We Will Rock You/We Are The Champions (Queen)

 

I *loved* that he did both songs, because I was immediately prepared to be bored if he was just going to rock out.  He was amazing with the vocal choices he made – I was definitely floored.  What else is there to say?  I can see him challenging my favorites for the win if he keeps up performances like this.

 

7.  Carly Smithson (1983) – Total Eclipse of the Heart (Bonnie Tyler)

 

I definitely don’t think that anyone else could have done that song.  It wasn’t my favorite performance by her because there are a lot of places where she stretches her voice in a way that isn’t my favorite, but I am still wowed by the power of her vocals.  I want her to stay in this, and after last week, I feel like I need to vote just to make sure she sticks around.

 

8.  David Archuleta (1990) – You’re The Voice (John Farnham)

 

The part where his voice cracked just endeared him to me.  Not familiar with the song at all, but I thought that he did it well, and he definitely drew the audience in to his performance.  I think he has the potential to be more exciting, but this did well enough to drag him out of the doldrums he has been in with the ballads he has been singing.  He’ll be around for a while, thankfully.

 

9.  Kristy Lee Cook (1984) – God Bless The USA (Lee Greenwood)

 

I think it’s pretty hard to screw up that song, but I was waiting for it, given her horrid performances from before.  However, she actually did a good rendition, and I think the meaning behind the song might make her get a few more votes than she would have with some other song.

 

10.  David Cook (1982) – Billie Jean (Michael Jackson)

 

This is a situation where I really need to bite my tongue really hard to not say bad words.  You do not take a classic POP Michael Jackson song and turn it into a rock song.  You just don’t.  He stomped all over Lionel Richie and now this?  I want to smack everyone who cheered because to me, it was an abomination.  I hated it, I hated it, and I want him to leave, if only because I don’t think I can take destroying the music of my childhood much longer.  And I would say I’m sorry Cathi, but I’m really not.  Ugh.

 

 

***********************************************************************************

 

So as we know, Chikezie fo Sheezie went home.  I actually didn't mind him so much, as he sang a lot of the stuff that I grew up with and have a deep love for.  However, he didn't step out of the box much and when he did, I think it was too much of a 180.  Maybe he should have gone for a 90, and eased America into it.  For now, he'll just have to be happy with the summer tour.

The Music of The Beatles

 

Second week and I was able to get myself in check somewhat.  I was even able to enjoy some of the performances and do more than whine and mope.  I know you are thrilled!  Let’s get to it.

 

1.  Amanda Overmeyer (Back In The U.S.S.R)

 

It sounded like she was doing more talking and less singing.  I don’t know if tuneless is the best way to describe it, but I think it would have sounded the same if you took out the music and she just recited the lyrics.  The judges made a good call when they said that she was coming across as boring, because she’s been bringing the same show every week.  At this point, I’m not sure if it is worth trying to hold out for something better.

 

2.  Kristy Lee Cook (You Got To Hide Your Love Away)

 

Maybe she should have thought about practicing a bit more – both vocally and with her expressions.  She wasn’t exactly hitting the right notes and pitches, and that was a bit painful to tolerate.  Her face stays the same throughout the entire performance, which to me defeats the purpose.  There is a reason songs are written, and there is emotion behind every piece – she fails to connect with anything of the sort when she sings.

 

3.  David Archuleta (The Long and Winding Road)

 

I’ve never heard the song before, so that was a plus (because I didn’t go in with too much of a bias).  I found myself holding my breath because I love this kid, and I really wanted him to get back into his comfort zone, remember his words, and pull off a killer performance.  He blew it out of the water and I was so happy.  His fan base is such that I couldn’t see him going home, even with last week’s debacle, but I still want him to do amazingly every time he is on that stage…and luckily, that is exactly what he did this week.

 

4.  Michael Johns (A Day In The Life)

 

I don’t like his high notes/attempts at falsetto, but the rest of the performance was fine.  I mean, he sounded like he usually does, but I’ve been waiting for him to do something different or raise his game or something and he just isn’t.  I’m guessing he will be back next week, so we’ll see if a change in artists shakes up what he has to offer.

 

5.  Brooke White (Here Comes The Sun)

 

Not a good performance for me because I was just bored.  It might have been the best song for her to do, but she didn’t sell it at all.  In addition, all the talking and rationalizing about why her performance went the way it did was all just so over the top.  I wanted her to just be quiet, take the criticism and leave the stage.

 

6.  David Cook (Daytripper)

 

It’s American Idol, not your first world tour.  He takes a whole bunch of liberties like he’s the only one in the running, when really he’s falling flat for me with very similar performances every week.  I’ve said it before, and apparently I feel like it needs to be said again – just like Chris Daughtry, he is shaping up into a really pretty one trick pony.

 

7.  Carly Smithson (Blackbird)

 

I was a little worried when her first notes were a little too soft, a little too hesitant, but then she brought it home.  She personally connected with the song through her brother, and she translated it with her performance such that the audience (in the arena and at home) could feel it.  Her tone and control was amazing, and I am thrilled at the prospect of what she will do next week.

 

8.  Jason Castro (Michelle)

 

I was actually mildly impressed by him this week, but more because he memorized the French and did really well with those parts of the song.  It wasn’t a performance that wowed me, but he hasn’t yet – it’s just always pleasant which, I suppose, is much better than being horrible every time.

 

9.  Syesha Mercado (Yesterday)

 

Her hair was fab!  But anyway, I was a little uncomfortable with some of her higher notes, but when she brought it down to her lower registers and infused that rich tone into the song, I was back to loving it.  She demonstrated that there is power in knowing intimately what your voice can do, and using it well.

 

10.  Chikezie (I’ve Just Seen A Face)

 

I’m not sure I get him.  It’s like he got good/positive reviews on a country kind of song, so he’s sticking with it, but I just wasn’t really entertained by it.  I would have preferred he pick something else, but no one asked me :)

 

11.  Ramiele Malubay (I Should Have Known Better)

 

I know that her aim was to try and be less boring, but it substituting a ballad for something that is faster paced doesn’t fix the problems that I felt she had.  She tried to hit some notes that didn’t work out for her, and overall it could have been much better.

 

 

This week, there are several people (Ramiele, Brooke, Amanda) that I see as the weakest links, so I will go for them as my bottom three.  My hope is that Amanda will be sent home because I think the other two have potential to step up their game.  By Thursday morning, we’ll know what America thinks.  Until then…

 

***********************************************************************************

 

Okay just finished watching the elimination show, and WHAT?

 

1.  How the hell did Carly end up in the bottom three?  I mean, I haven't been voting, but my problem has been the same before - the people I think are totally safe that I don't need to vote for (Hello Mindy Doolittle!) get crap for votes and are in danger.  AUGH.  Luckily, she was spared.

 

2.  I don't like either Amanda or Kristy at this point, but I would almost rather hear same old same old Amanda and not can't hit the notes or carry a tune Kristy.  And now she is going on tour??? Good grief.  Maybe she will go next week, so that if I decide I want to go to the concert, I will have some semblance of a break from her voice.

 

So yes, Amanda was sent packing.  It might not be all bad since the other night she seemed to think that filling a bar for a show of hers was a good thing.  *hrm*oh well.  As long as I never see Carly in the down and out section again, I'm okay.  I guess that means I have to vote!

 

Until next week...