The Top 5: Elimination | American Idol S:7 E:36
Bye, Bye, Brooke
By Collin Kelley , 04/30/2008, 21 Comments
Forget the Top 5, forget that the finale is only a few weeks away, forget the classic songs of Neil Diamond...the real story last night on American Idol was Paula Abdul becoming so incoherent (for her) and flustered that she revealed some of the show's secrets. I'm sure some viewers were unaware that parts of the live show are pre-taped during dress rehearsals. The conspiracy theorists have been out in force since Paula critiqued both of Janice Muppet Jason's songs after he'd only performed once. Obviously, the judges began their appraisals of the Top 5 during rehearsal and took notes. With each contestant performing two songs, plus all the video clip packages and commercials, the show was rushed and "chaotic," according to Simon.
No one bought Paula's excuse that she had mixed up her notes on Jason and David Cook after she shrieked, "I thought you sang twice." Poor, Miss P. She played it off to the media today saying it was "the fun of being on live TV." Uh-huh. The terror in her eyes when the Vicodin clouds momentarily parted and she realized her gaffe last night was about as far away from fun as you could get. The only mention of Paula's meltdown was a terse statement from Miss Ryan about the judges being "thrown a curve ball" last night and that terrible things were said about Paula on the Internet. "She's a member of our family and we love her," Ryan said earnestly to camera. And that was it.
The opening group sing was possibly the worst ever. A medley of Neil Diamond hits including Cracklin' Rosie and Song Sung Blue. It was full of messy transitions, poor vocals and some of the lamest choreography ever. Jason, Little David and Big David (who admitted he was worried that Paula calling him the winner last night would bring the Carly Smithson Kiss of Death upon him) were sent to safety and Syesha and Brooke immediately named the bottom two. Then it was half an hour of Natasha Bedingfield shouting her new single (and hugging and kissing Little David until he turned into Tickle Me Elmo..wow, two Muppets on the same show!), Neil Diamond singing a song from his new album (no one cares, baby, sing the classics!), pimping So You Think You Can Dance, the first girl Simon ever kissed calling the show...blah, blah, blah.
In the end, Brooke was given her walking papers after weeks of false starts, trembly voiced performances, bad song choices and worse fashion statements (Blue Light Special on aisle 4...The new Juice Newton K-mart Collection). I liked Brooke. I still think she was the most humble and honest performer on the show, but she just couldn't overcome her nerves. She was an absolute wreck after getting the news and didn't want to sing, but they made her do it anyway. She finally just said thanks and walked toward the back of the stage sobbing. What was more interesting was right after Ryan said she was going home, the camera cut to the couch and while everyone else showed concern, Elmo rose slowly with a cold gleam in his squinty little eyes. David vs. David in the final. Take it to the bank, kids.
In the end, Brooke was given her walking papers after weeks of false starts, trembly voiced performances, bad song choices and worse fashion statements (Blue Light Special on aisle 4...The new Juice Newton K-mart Collection). I liked Brooke. I still think she was the most humble and honest performer on the show, but she just couldn't overcome her nerves. She was an absolute wreck after getting the news and didn't want to sing, but they made her do it anyway. She finally just said thanks and walked toward the back of the stage sobbing. What was more interesting was right after Ryan said she was going home, the camera cut to the couch and while everyone else showed concern, Elmo rose slowly with a cold gleam in his squinty little eyes. David vs. David in the final. Take it to the bank, kids.
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Comments
gingerkitty2 04/30/08
OMG, that little David A. is the creepiest thing I've ever seen. I think he's the American Idol version of Chuckie. I cannot accept the reality that there are that many teenagers with taste so awful as to keep that disgusting little toad alive on the show. To think he'll be in the finals is enough to tune out forever, which is what I've basically been doing, since it's the most boring season ever. I just watch the last five minutes to see who will go. I did like Brooke, not as a singer, oh god, but, she was sweet.
gingerkitty2 04/30/08
OMG, little David A. is the creepiest thing I've ever seen. He's the American Idol version of Chuckie. . I did like Brooke, not as a singer, oh god, but, she was sweet.
Idol Izer 04/30/08
Mr. Kelley,
Why do you bother to review this show when it's obvious that you hate it in the first place. Shame on these contestants for busting their behinds in an attempt to realize their dreams for a career as professional singers. So what if their motivation is fame and fortune. I would pay money for their CD's. What have you accomplished in your writing career (or your day job)? Where's your Pulitzer? You should seriously look at doing something that you're good at an leave the writing to professional journalists. Your writing is petty and small.
rachie 05/01/08
Ugh. Seriously? Posting this before the show has even begun to air on the west coast? With the title "Bye, Bye, Brooke"?? I obviously would avoid any AI articles until I'd seen the show, except for the title was unavoidable on my EW feed, as well as the entertainment news section on my Google homepage.
Amusing recap, though. I would have just rather seen it an hour and a half or so later...
rachaellynn 05/01/08
Brooke was my favorite female idol.
However, she did lack the ability to actually go out on stage and perform. She always looked awkward when she tried to move around the stage. Never thought Syesha would be the last girl standing. Awww but there is always next week for her to go.
GO DAVID COOK!!!!
rachaellynn 05/01/08
It was time for Brooke to go. I am suprised after all the false starts and forgetting the words that she lasted this long. She was my favorite female from the beginning but she just did not stack up to the guys.
David Cook is my pick to win the whole thing. Little David is just as good but I would rather pay money to see a performer than a shy little teenager.
GO DAVID COOK!!!!
Collin Kelley 05/01/08
Rachie...sorry about that. I always tell everyone to avoid getting on the internet if they don't want to spoil it on the west coast. The show won't be the same without Brooke. I would buy her CD. I hope that being on tour this summer in front of thousands will help build her confidence. Yeah, Syesha as the last girl just ain't right. It should have been Carly.
palais 05/01/08
I'm with Collin again. I like Brooke. I would buy her album, too. And it should have been Carly as the last girl standing.
I'm a spoiler hog, so I don't get nearly as upset.
MyDisplayName 05/01/08
We should avoid the internet for 3 hours just because a writer couldn't come up with a better title? A year ago it was much more difficult to find out the results before the show aired here on the west coast, so while I do enjoy seeing the results before my bedtime on occasion - your title is ridiculous.
kasper 05/01/08
The ideal finale, imo, would be David Cook and Syesha. A male and a female.
David A. is like a lighter version of David C.
Much preferred Michael Johns, however!
Ordie155 05/01/08
After it is all said and done, no matter how anyone wants to criticize any of it.....
Brooke's phone will be ringing off the hook before the sun comes up tomorrow! She was the most real & down to earth contestant this year. This really is the best thing that could have happened to her. Over the years of Idol we have heard far more & seen greater things happen for people who did not win vs those who have! With certainty Brooke will be the best remembered from Idol 2008.
Ordie155 05/01/08
After it is all said and done, no matter how anyone wants to criticize any of it.....
Brooke's phone will be ringing off the hook before the sun comes up tomorrow! She was the most real & down to earth contestant this year. This really is the best thing that could have happened to her. Over the years of Idol we have heard far more & seen greater things happen for people who did not win vs those who have! With certainty Brooke will be the best remembered from Idol 2008.
GoDavidA 05/01/08
David Archuleta is incredible. I hope he wins ... he deserves it!
GoDavidA 05/01/08
David Archuleta is the BEST! I hope he wins and he certainly deserves it!
auramac 05/01/08
My comment is this- I loved Brooke, and could care less about the rest of the show. David Cook is interesting, but a smirking jerk at times, and I wouldn't buy an album from him- or any of the others. I'll buy Brooke's, though. If I were a producer I'd get her into the studio immediately. (Not Randy- he doesn't get her. He doesn't deserve her. Carly Simon apparently hears what I hear, and it's not just her song.
loglady 05/01/08
I for one am also sad to see brooke go. I was under no illusions that she would win seeing as they've already declared the winner and sent his name (well half of it) to the printers:
"David ____: You're New American Idol"
But she will hopefully make an album and I will buy it. I see her along the lines of a Norah Jones/Jolie Holland, a nice mellow, after a long day bathwater singer, and sometimes that really is a good thing.
Collin Kelley 05/01/08
Yep, avoid the internet or move to the east coast. :)
skramy 05/01/08
I realize american Idol is a business. I realize the producers have come to the conclusion the best source of making a great deal of money fast is David Archuleta as the american Idol. It just makes sense. In a recession the teeny-boppers as we used to call them, have money or parents indulge them. Hanna Montana has proved inflation proof. What has really started to bother me is that the promotion of David Archuleta the show is doing is shameless. Is it fair to the other contestants to have the guest singer draw attention to David Archuleta by giving him a hug after her performance and promising to go with him to the prom?? Is it fair to call Brooke on forgetting her lyrics during Lord Webber week and choose not
to mention David flubbed his lines? I know promotion is all about leading the consumer to make choices you want but I am started to be offended by how obvious this promotion is on american Idol.
TLady 05/01/08
At least Brooke was earnest and wanted to continue.!! Unlike Jason Castro who looked like he just stole the bank while Brook cried and left the stage. Does Jason even care?? Hope someone lights a fire under his **** or gives him the B.O.O.T. I'm disgusted by this turn of events. And, hey the group sounded horrible during their tribute number. No harmony, off key, off beat, not to mention uncomfortably bumbling on the stage. Sure hope the tour is a lot better! or I'm not buy my yearly ticket!
TLady 05/01/08
Brooke was not the right one to leave! Once again, America got it very wrong. Jason sure doesnt seem to give a hoot if he wins or not.. While Brooke and the others so earnestly want this. Never saw such a lethargic idol- wannabe.as I see in Jason Castro Hope someone lights a fire under his butt. While Brook left the stage in tears, Jason looked like the cat that swallowed the canary. and Hey! what was with the group's tribute to Neil Diamond at the top of the show. Never saw or heard such a horrible performance. Everyone was off key, out of sync and showing very little harmony. I sure hope the tour is a lot better than this performance. or I will want my money back!
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