The Top 5: Live | American Idol S:7 E:35
Diamond In The Rough
By Collin Kelley , 04/29/2008, 13 Comments
Simon Cowell said the packed hour long episode of American Idol -- with the kids singing the Neil Diamond songbook -- had been strange and chaotic. That's one way to put it. Paula was over-medicated again and with the Top 5 singing two songs, the show felt rushed and cluttered. As in previous seasons, when they do this two song bit, one is usually stronger than the other, which was mostly the case tonight. I have to say the strategic use of God and fervent patriotism to appeal to the Fox Network kool-aid drinkers is getting really old. But, hey, if it works, it works. At least no one sang Heartlight.
Jason Castro: Despite being clueless about Neil Diamond (did Doobie J grow up in a polygamist cult with no contact with the outside world? I mean even 20-somethings know Andrew Lloyd Webber and Neil Diamond), our pretty, pretty lady looked clear-eyed and sounded folksy and on pitch while singing Forever In Blue Jeans. Then he did September Morn. Ugh! From the cruise ship arrangement to his flat reading of the song, it was a disaster from start to finish. He mumbled something about choking on his vomit at the beginning or something, but the judges savaged him for both songs. Even incoherent Miss Pills said he was too safe. All you Jasonloonies better get to dialing.
David Cook: Neil said David was smart to pick two of his lesser known songs, I'm Alive and All I Really Need Is You. On I'm Alive, David picked up the guitar again, made it frat-rockish, found that Neil Diamond rasp and sounded decent. I could actually hear this song on the radio today. I'd change the channel, but I could hear it. On All I Really Need...he did the same kinda frat rock arrangement. It was okay, I guess, but he's just so "samey" on all the songs . Paula said she already saw him as the winner, but she also sees pink elephants flying around her house, so it's hard to take her seriously.
Brooke White: Neil was "pleasantly surprised" that woman on the verge of a nervous breakdown Brooke was able to pull off two of his biggest hits: I'm A Believer and I Am, I Said. Maybe she pulled it off with Neil in rehearsal, but her voice sounded weak and trembly on I'm A Believer, plus she was smiling like an idiot and totally rocking the Juice Newton K-mart Collection with that outfit. However, she got back behind the piano and did an excellent version of I Am, I Said. One of her best performances in weeks. I was happy for her.
David Archuleta: Hearing the puppy sing Sweet Caroline was weird. It was probably the most upbeat song he's done all season, but trying to picture him with a girl (or guy) is impossible. Sweet Caroline might as well have been the name of his teddy bear or a house plant it was so devoid of charisma. For his second song, he did America, which is a staple of Fourth of July firework displays from sea to shining sea. Simon called it a smart choice -- meaning it plays well to the ultra-patriots -- but I thought it sucked. He took the rock edge off the song, changed the melody and was obviously afraid to sing the last big "today," changing the words to "let freedom ring." What? I'd stick him in the bottom two for that alone. But like all the robotic arm waivers in the audience, all the robotic tweens will be dialing until mommy makes them go to bed.
Syesha Mercado: Somebody found a bottle of relaxer, because I didn't recognize those long silky tresses on our Whitney-wannabe. She started with Hello Again. It was pleasant, but boring as hell, and trying to power note the end was a big mistake. Then she tried to recapture her Andrew Lloy d Webber glory by singing Thank the Lord for the Nighttime. It's very Broadway-ish and she was dancing around barefoot, but it felt a little soulless. Maybe name-checking Jesus will help boost the votes. Simon said he thought she might be in trouble tomorrow night, but that's the reverse kiss of death, meaning she'll be around another week.
It's tough to predict the bottom two at this point, but I'll go with Syesha and Brooke for snorts and giggles, but Jason really ought to be there, too. As a PS...Paula's critiquing BOTH of Jason's songs after his first performance means the judges probably watched rehearsals and were making critiques then, which takes away a ton of credibility from the show. I don't want to sound like a conspiracy nut, but you just have to wonder who's actually counting all those votes that come in and how they might be manipulated.
Jason Castro: Despite being clueless about Neil Diamond (did Doobie J grow up in a polygamist cult with no contact with the outside world? I mean even 20-somethings know Andrew Lloyd Webber and Neil Diamond), our pretty, pretty lady looked clear-eyed and sounded folksy and on pitch while singing Forever In Blue Jeans. Then he did September Morn. Ugh! From the cruise ship arrangement to his flat reading of the song, it was a disaster from start to finish. He mumbled something about choking on his vomit at the beginning or something, but the judges savaged him for both songs. Even incoherent Miss Pills said he was too safe. All you Jasonloonies better get to dialing.
David Cook: Neil said David was smart to pick two of his lesser known songs, I'm Alive and All I Really Need Is You. On I'm Alive, David picked up the guitar again, made it frat-rockish, found that Neil Diamond rasp and sounded decent. I could actually hear this song on the radio today. I'd change the channel, but I could hear it. On All I Really Need...he did the same kinda frat rock arrangement. It was okay, I guess, but he's just so "samey" on all the songs . Paula said she already saw him as the winner, but she also sees pink elephants flying around her house, so it's hard to take her seriously.
Brooke White: Neil was "pleasantly surprised" that woman on the verge of a nervous breakdown Brooke was able to pull off two of his biggest hits: I'm A Believer and I Am, I Said. Maybe she pulled it off with Neil in rehearsal, but her voice sounded weak and trembly on I'm A Believer, plus she was smiling like an idiot and totally rocking the Juice Newton K-mart Collection with that outfit. However, she got back behind the piano and did an excellent version of I Am, I Said. One of her best performances in weeks. I was happy for her.
David Archuleta: Hearing the puppy sing Sweet Caroline was weird. It was probably the most upbeat song he's done all season, but trying to picture him with a girl (or guy) is impossible. Sweet Caroline might as well have been the name of his teddy bear or a house plant it was so devoid of charisma. For his second song, he did America, which is a staple of Fourth of July firework displays from sea to shining sea. Simon called it a smart choice -- meaning it plays well to the ultra-patriots -- but I thought it sucked. He took the rock edge off the song, changed the melody and was obviously afraid to sing the last big "today," changing the words to "let freedom ring." What? I'd stick him in the bottom two for that alone. But like all the robotic arm waivers in the audience, all the robotic tweens will be dialing until mommy makes them go to bed.
Syesha Mercado: Somebody found a bottle of relaxer, because I didn't recognize those long silky tresses on our Whitney-wannabe. She started with Hello Again. It was pleasant, but boring as hell, and trying to power note the end was a big mistake. Then she tried to recapture her Andrew Lloy d Webber glory by singing Thank the Lord for the Nighttime. It's very Broadway-ish and she was dancing around barefoot, but it felt a little soulless. Maybe name-checking Jesus will help boost the votes. Simon said he thought she might be in trouble tomorrow night, but that's the reverse kiss of death, meaning she'll be around another week.
It's tough to predict the bottom two at this point, but I'll go with Syesha and Brooke for snorts and giggles, but Jason really ought to be there, too. As a PS...Paula's critiquing BOTH of Jason's songs after his first performance means the judges probably watched rehearsals and were making critiques then, which takes away a ton of credibility from the show. I don't want to sound like a conspiracy nut, but you just have to wonder who's actually counting all those votes that come in and how they might be manipulated.
Comments
seahawks08 04/29/08
DISAGREE THAT JASON SHOULD BE IN THE BOTTOM TWO, I THOUGHT BOTH OF HIS PERFORMANCES WERE THE BEST OF THE NIGHT. DID NOT GET DAVID C.'S PERFORMANCES, ONLY BROOKE HAD ONE GOOD PERFORMANCE, DAVID A. WAS REALLY BORING AND DID NOT UPBEAT COMING TO AMERICA AT ALL AND SYEHSA WAS OLD FASHIONED. I THINK DAVID A AND SYESHA SHOULD BE IN THE BOTTOM TWO BUT I AGREE WITH YOU THAT IT WILL PROBALY BE BROOKE AND SYESHA.
cookiefan171 04/29/08
You are too funny!
cookiefan171 04/29/08
You are too funny! I pretty much agree with you except for the fact that I was a little more impressed with Cook. But I know what you mean regarding the "samey" comment. I got that same exact feeling tonight. I still think he rocked and think he may win (although I have a feeling Davey's fan base could prove me wrong!). And yes, Jason should definitely be in the bottom. I think he's a decent singer, a cutie and sweet and all, but c'mon. He's not what I'd consider an "American Idol".
Oldman 04/29/08
David Archuleta is a bad remake of Richard Marx. He is just as bad when he tries something upbeat, and just as sappy. Those of you who are too young must go back to the late 80's.....way back when.
moulinrg36 04/29/08
I am so tired of David Archuleta, no matter what he does the judges think he's great, except for Simon every once in a while. Please let him be the "shocker" this season. Great kid? Probably. But one of the worst singers left. As for David Cook, one of the best I have ever seen on this show thus far. I hope Cook and Syesha end up the final two.
charinator 04/29/08
Is it me or has anybody else noticed that they leave the mic on for Brooke after performances but don't do it for anybody else?
auramac 04/30/08
Jason stunk twice, little David did also- extremely over-rated. I love Brooke, "I'm a Believer" was a bit karaokish, but then the real Brooke returned for the second song. David Cook copied himself- he was good but this time- predictable. Syeesha is a better performer than singer- her second really annoyed me. She sucked the life out of that song and turned it into fake-Broadway crap. Bottom two- Jason and Syeesha.
rsquee 04/30/08
has anybody else realized that Jason Castro is a 21st Century Vinnie Barbarino? Eee.
Tink in Cali 04/30/08
Juice Newton. HA! Best description ever.
palais 04/30/08
Collin, you crack me up, even if you do not get my deep abiding love for David C.
I'm with you on Syesha and Brooke probably being the bottom two, but it's getting to the point where I actually hate Squinty/Teletubby/Archie/Doofusboy and will turn postal if I have to listen to him ever again.
Bitten 04/30/08
Palais, I am so with you gurl. That lil Archie Cuss just rubs me raw.
Collin, I'm with Tink on the Juice Newton comment. Dat was funny as hell.
Chickie 04/30/08
"has anybody else realized that Jason Castro is a 21st Century Vinnie Barbarino? Eee."
I noticed that last night. He did something, and suddenly I blurted out, "what...where..."
tinasilvee 05/13/08
Diamond rings are for every woman and diamonds are forever. When it comes to wedding ring always shop for most expensive wedding ring
http://www.shop-wedding-ring.com
Add a comment
Remember to keep it clean. Bad words will get filtered, and offensive comments will be removed. More Guidelines