The guys of American Idol were moving and grooving to the music of the 70's this week. A pattern is beginning to emerge. Perhaps next week we'll get to listen to the songs of the 80's?
Ryan Seacrest started out by talking to the judges. He asked Randy Jackson what they're looking for in the second week. Randy said that hopefully this week the nerves are gone. He also told them to be sure they are in it to win it. Ryan asked Paula Abdul how the nerves will be this week versus last week. She said that they should be growing into their own comfort level. Ryan last asked Simon Cowell what the rest of the guys have to do to be worthy. Simon said they had to be better.
This week's clips features the finalist talking about what America doesn't know about them. Michael Johns was up first. He loves to play tennis. He started when he was 8 or 9 and uses it to take his mind off of everything. He chose to sing "Go Your Own Way." It was a solid performance, but not his best. Randy thought it was a nice way to start off the night, but not his best. He thought it started slow, but Michael got into it. Paula called it consistent, adding that Michael got the crowd working. Simon thought it was Michael's weakest performance so far, and a very weak song choice.
Jason Castro hates to do interviews. He says they're frustrating because he doesn't know what he's doing. He just wants to play music. He's playing the guitar again as he performs "I Just Want To Be Your Everything." He starts it alone, but the band joins in. I thought it was a great performance. I know I've heard the original, but Jason's version was so different that it was like I'd never heard it before. Randy thought it was cool as an act with the guitar, but the vocals weren't that great. He thought it sounded a little karaoke. Paula thought it was a clever choice, but next week wants to see Jason without the guitar. Simon thought it was horrible and schmaltzy and it didn't suit his voice.
Luke Menard is part of an acapella group called Chapter 6 that has traveled the world. He performs "Killer Queen" and finally I can put a finger on why I don't like him. He's vanilla bean in a sphere. He has no edge, no color. He's an albino version of Michael Bolton with zero charisma. Randy thought there were a couple of pitch problems. Paula said it was great vocally and the perfect song for him. Simon thought it was a mistake to do Queen, because you always get judged by the original. The original had charisma and personality and Luke doesn't. Luke was overall happy with the results as last week none of the judges liked him and this week he had 2 out of 3.
Ryan talked to Robbie Carrico about Simon's comments on Robbie's authenticity last week. Robbie said there are many styles of rock. Robbie likes to drag race (that's cars, not running around trying to outrun other guys dressed like girls). He sang "Hot Blooded" and had a wonderful position behind Mr. Vanilla Bean Ball. I take him a little more seriously, but he still toured with Britney. It's a lot to overcome. It was an acceptable karaoke version of the song - one that might even win a contest in a bar. Randy thought it didn't have enough UH to be a rock voice (the judges are really stressing me with their unspellable sounds and words this week). Paula thought Robbie played it safe to a degree this week. Randy then chimed in that rock is an attitude and you don't have to prove it. Simon told him not to get so defensive, it's just an opinion. He added that the vocal was okay tonight.
Danny Noriega was in a punk rock band when he was in the 9th grade. He sang "Superstar." It was bad and he hit the notes all wrong. Randy thought there were some problems vocally. He thought that Danny was overthinking when he was singing. Paula told him that Randy was right and don't overthink when you perform, just perform. Simon thought this week was better, but Danny was trying too hard. He does like that Danny looks terrific on camera though and stands out in a crowd. Danny agreed that last week wasn't that great.
David Hernandez was into gymnastics when he was little. He performed "Papa Was a Rolling Stone." Dezzie's performance this week was great. It was a very good vocal and a great performance overall. Randy said that this is the David Hernandez that we fell in love with. Paula loves his pure voice that pierces the heart. She loved that Dezzie's personality came out this week. Simon thought it was the best vocal of the night so far. Simon also liked that Dezzie treats criticism as a challenge and rises to it.
Jason Yeager is a self-taught musician. He has taught himself to play piano, guitar and drums. He performed "Long Train Runnin'." He was better this week than last. His vocals were good and it was upbeat. Randy didn't think it was a singers kind of song. He also thought it was pitchy and karaoke. Paula liked seeing the fun side of Yeager, but didn't think the song shows his vocal range. Simon told him it was boring and awkward. Ryan then talked to Yeager about how hard it's been for him. The talk went on and on until Simon finally observed that they need Oscar music to cut the finalists off. I'm sure Jack Black would perform "You're Boring" for American Idol.
Chikezie says that his name is Nigerian. It means something well-created by God. He also said that everyone pronounces it wrong, but he just goes with it. I didn't really like the performance of "I Believe" this week. I just didn't like it, I can't explain it. Randy thought that the real Chikezie was back this week. Paula told him he was clever to pick a song with a story. Simon told him it was a clever choice of song. He then asked if Chikezie saw his performance last week. Chikezie said he did and he let Simon get to him. He says he still loves his suit though. Simon asked if we would be seeing it again. Chikezie said he won't repeat his clothes, that's something Simon does. Simon was "offended" and said that just when he starts to like Chikezie again he gets obnoxious. It was a fun exchange though, not an uncomfortable one (contrary to the next one featuring Cookie).
David Cook says he is a huge "word nerd". He loves crosswords and word searches. He sang "It's Alright" while playing guitar. He looked very comfortable, showing true rocker attitude. The others could learn something about rock from him. Randy really believed the rocker vibe from Cookie. Paula says that Cookie is the real deal. Simon thought it was solid, but that Cookie has no charisma and that comes over in his clips. Cookie fired back that he's fortunate that he doesn't have to win Simon over but the audience. Ryan noted that Simon looked annoyed. Simon said he wasn't really, but he was irritated. He doesn't need to be reminded of the rules of the game. This exchange was uncomfortable and Cookie would do well to remember that those who talk back aren't usually getting too far.
Last up was David Archuleta, who met the Season 1 finalists when he went to see the show. He sang for them, wowing all of them, especially Kelly Clarkson. He sang the most beautiful rendition of "Imagine" that I've heard. He has an amazing voice. Randy told Archie that he sings with a maturity beyond his years. He called it one of the best vocals on that song that he's heard. Randy did wonder why Archie didn't sing the first verse though. Archie said that he likes the third verse, the message is important he says. Paula wants to squish and squeeze Archie until he can dangle from her rear-view mirror. I think that's a compliment. She thought it was one of the most moving performances of one of the best songs ever written. Simon told Archie it was risky to do that song, but it worked for him.
My Rankings from top to bottom:
1.Archie, scoring an 11.
2.David Cook with a 10.
3.Jason Castro with a 9.
4.David Hernandez with an 8.5.
5-7 Michael Johns, Robbie Carrico and Jason Yeager all tied at 7.
8-9 Chikezie and Luke Menard both earning a 4.
10 Danny Noriega with a 3.5
"Perhaps next week we'll get to listen to the songs of the 80's?"
According to one of the AI rumor sites that has a "mole" present at all of the show's tapings, that is indeed the case. Allegedly, the reason for theme weeks during the Top 24 is to make sure that AI could provide songs that were clear for iTunes.
Rankings:
Michael - WTFWT? Double Blech, worthy of the Bottom Three.
Castro - just okay. While I loved his arrangement, I heard the pitch problems that Randy heard.
Luke - Vanilla Beans have more flavor than this guy (have you ever tasted a real vanilla bean pod? They're actually quite potent). He's more like plain, white Wonder Bread. I thought it was hysterical that he sang "Killer Queen". He's pretty...that's where his attributes end.
Robbie - just okay. "It was an acceptable karaoke version of the song - one that might even win a contest in a bar..." I'd agree with that summary.
Danny - REALLY BAD song choice. Worst of the night. I wonder if he also got hung with a song that he had not selected. Last week, Garrett told several interviewers that the producers asked each contestant to select three songs and then they assigned songs from there..."Breaking Up Is Hard To Do" was not on his list of three.
Dezzie - Amazing. Top Three for the night.
Yeager - How can you have bad vocals on that song? Somehow, he managed. Bottom Three.
Chikezie - I LOVED him! I thought this performance was fantastic. Top Three.
Cookie - I really liked this performance. Last week, he gave me the creeps. This week, Cookie came across as a seasoned performer. Honorable mention to Top Three.
Archie - What can be said that hasn't been said? WOW! Best of the night by miles.
The guys are strong this year. My favs so far are (drool) Aussie Michael; John Travolta's twin, Jason; and Cookie. Archie is cute and talented, but soooo young.
I thought it was sort of rude during this part of the competition to have the screaming David A fan club in the audience.
Can't wait to see the girls perform tomorrow night. Think AI is going to have a good season ........it is 10 times better than last year already.
Guest said: Freedom of speech, you dont like it go crawl back down that hole where you came from
oh and how about using last names???
Why is it that every troll on the internet yells "freedom of speech"? Wise up, there IS no freedom of speech on the internet because each site is owned by ~someone~ and that someone gets to set the rules for what is posted on their site.
In case you didn't notice, genius, the nicknames are based on contestants last names. "Cookie" is Cook, "Archie" is Archuleta, "Dezzie" is Hernandez. All are common nicknames for these last names. Don't you ever watch any major league sports?!?
David really impressed me for the first time this week, he really showed us why he should be in the Top 12. It'll be fun to see where he goes and if he can keep up this momentum
Meanwhile David continued to impress us with his amazing vocals. I've no doubt that he'll go far in the competition. I hate picking a winner already but David is easily Top 3 bound.
And of course I can't forget David, despite others not liking him. I think David in particular will polarize people. You either like him, love him or hate him. I like him for now, but I will need him to prove to me he can follow the spirit of the themes in later weeks (and not pull a Daughtry on us).
As for Jason, well I don't really like the way he looks. I do think that he isn't really top 12 material. I'm looking for him to go this week or next. If he doesn't, a more deserving contest will be booted and he'll get their spot. Yes, I ranked him higher this week (above average) but overall I still don't like him. In the light of day I'm willing to consider lowering him a point or two.
Jason looks too young and humble to be taken too seriously I'm afraid. To use a Paula phrase though - I love him love him love him! He's meant to be a folky-bluesy type of singer I think. I can see him in a mid-sized club with his guitar doing his thing. Big arenas won't work for what he does soundwise.
Freedom of speech, you dont like it go crawl back down that hole where you came from
oh and how about using last names???
There - wasn't that so much easier with me just using their first names? I know, I could use their last names but I don't do that. I hate doing it in news articles (though sometimes I do conform), I hate seeing others doing it in news articles. I hate having to refer to anyone by their last name as I think it's cold and impersonal. The only reason I'm willing to do that with the Jasons is because I'm certain we'll be losing the ickier one before the top 12. At least 2 of the 3 Davids will be around awhile.
As for the Freedom of Speech thing - Shenova's right, you don't get Freedom of Speech on the internet. Your own blog or website, sure you can have all the freedom you want. I don't usually assert my authority this way but you've inspired me. This is MY website, where I am Queen. I can be sweet and loveable. Or I can make Hitler look like the * Easter Bunny. That's the joy of a dictatorship - which is what all websites are. Your behaviour decides which one I will be to you - guess where you're headed?
edit: curlio - 2008-02-27 05:32:45 GMT - it's too darn early
A big moment for me, I agree with Curlio and Shenova! My only deviance was I liked "killer queen" betterthan "are you from Haiti mon"? The dreads looks like he should be in an updated "up in smoke" with cheech and chong!!! LOL
The freedom of speech business, is really not the problem here. It's public property and private property of which this site is. Trolls can't understand that or they'd never bring the crap up. They are pitiful little souls who roam the net "cutting" themselfves (vulgar displays of stupidity) for attention from life's participants. How's that, fairly well stated, if I do say so. Love to the sane!!! Will
Michael - He was better last week. This performance was just ordinary.
Castro - He has charisma, but his vocal was just ordinary. I did like the rendition of the song as he made it new and interesting.
Luke - I love Queen. I think Freddie Mercury had a great voice. Freddie Mercury, in my opinion, is the male Whitney Houston in this competition. If you don't have the stuff to sing as well, if not better than Mercury, don't pick a Queen song. Plus, they are to complex and quirky for this competition anyway. Luke failed, and HARD! He should have done some Loggins and Messina instead. Go home dude.
Robbie - This dude is poser #2. Chikezie is more rock than Robbie. This is going to plague him for the rest of the show, whether he is rock or pop. He was in the pop group, "Boyz 'n Girls United " for Pete's sake. And he doesn't sound rock. But, he'll stick around for another week because people are dumb.
Danny - I just figured out who he looks like - my friend's girlfriend. And she is hot! I don't think Danny is hot. He is annoying. Go home dude. But he will not.
Dezzie - great performance. Teetered on being overblown. But, he did a really good job.
Yeager - this dude is soooo cheesy. He totally look like a Vegas lounge act this week. Some bobo playing some tacky casino off the strip at 2 in the morning on a Wednesday.
Chikezie - I thought he was great! Great vocal. Great performance. Great personality. Great name too!
Cook - Poser #1. Though I think he is a big phony, he had great pipes and put on a good show. I still don't like him. The difference between Robbie and himself is that he has the pipes to pull off the rock vibe. But, he has no vibe otherwise. Simon totally picked up on that too.
Archie - I didn't think he did a WOW performance like everyone else thought he did. Jennifer Hudson did "Imagine" during her semi-final round and I had that song playing in the back of my head while David did his version. Jennifer's version was spine-tingling, one of the Top 10 all-time AI performances in my opinion. David didn't come close. Not to say that he wasn't one of the best of the night, but it was not WOW! Find the Jennifer Hudson version to see what I mean.
Guest, it is your prerogative to go wherever you want to. I also visit other sites and I am, at times, disgusted with the level of the discussions. We are a little more mature and civilized here. We agree to disagree among ourselves.
As for last night's show, it was just as good as last week's. Davids - Archuleta and Hernandez, along with Chikezie made my top three.
Anyway, regarding Archie, I knew his secret long back, hell, most youtubers knew it...
And let the record show, I was the first one to mention this kid on this site,
Remember this...
P.P.S. Next Week, David Archuleta - This kid is mindblowingly amazing. Check out youtube where he serenades Kelly Clarkson and AI 1 people as a kid with, "And I'm Telling You"!
Ben - I agree that his performance was not possibly the best, but considering everything, it was one of the best, because it was believeable. Here's the kicker though, he actually kicked JH's butt with "I'm telling you" - Ok, I am kidding, but for a 10 YO, Hell!
I would be shocked if he does not win this year, he clearly is the ONE!
I don't really care who leaves, as long as Archie is not in danger.
Surprisingly, Jacuzzi, DH surprised me with their vocals, while MLJ and JC were such a let-down. I actually liked Danny and God he has pencil thin legs, you know I read someone compare him to Jessica Alba. I don't know if i should laugh or cry at that! Robbie should just leave, he ain't a rocker and that was painfully evident. Luke should just disappear, sorry the Bloom look-alike might never bloom as a singer. J-Yea is going to stay around if the evil site 2 is accurate. He should really get rid of those blond streaks, he makes Fantasia's skunk look good. Cookie - Oy! I am sorry I just don't like him and I have no clue why.
The Core Of Man's Spirit Comes From New Experiences!
Okay, I saw Archie's performance and the recap. I agree that Michael was not all that good last night. I thought Danny was better than last week. Dezzie is the sleeper in this competition. I think he may be one to watch and surprise. Without a doubt, Archie can sing, but like Ben, I don't thnk that he was as good as he has been before. And just a thought, remember last year and everyone was going on about how amazing that Jordin was (not denying, she is good) but yet she still has not done as well as some of the other winners of AI. Could it be the age? Just wondering.......
Remember all opinions are off of the recap at the end of the show. Have not seen the actual performances...could be wrong...but probably not :)
If you can't be a good example, then be a horrible warning!
I just watched a few of the performances on You Tube, I must say I liked David A.'s performance. In my opinion, no one can hold a candle to John Lennon (but that's just me) and I thought it was beautiful, it did give me goose bumps. I was a little disappointed in Michael, it wasn't that great, but he's safe for a long while to come (I hope), after all the ladies need a little bit of eye candy too! Let's see how the ladies do tonight.
By the way, I'm glad AI is back just so I can check out this site, it makes my day, I laugh, I cry, I frown and sometimes I don't understand! Keep up the good work.
i will confess to never having called on behalf of a contestant on ai. i would like to break the call cherry this season. not convinced that will happen.
not a lot of positive to say...maybe i should just keep my opinion to myself until the final however many are selected?
i am gonna guess that i am off the mark this week with regard to the curlio squad...
mj - hot and nasty. anyone else notice that they adjusted the mic and/or re-mixed? i like this guy. not gonna win. happy to look at for now.
jc - loved him. yah, go ahead and throw tomatoes. he is talented with a capital t.
lm - nothing nice to say. no wait - i do like his top notes.
rc - its the boy band moves that f+++ it all up. 103 -what was that? no.
dn - quickly becoming one of my favs. is who he is and take him or leave him. nice voice.
dh - ick. wholly crap that sucked. why such high marks? i got the creeps watching this guy mug to the camera. ugh.
jy - he did sound like he came right out of the 70s. that was kewl. sorry to see him go.
cheeze - enough said.
da - two words: leona lewis. heads and shoulders baby heads and shoulders.
MJ - good on the verses, terrible on the chorus, okay overall. The song was out of his range and quite a poor choice.
JC - Decent. Nothing to stand out either on the good side or the bad side.
Menard - A definite improvement, but it might not be enough to save him from elimination. A much better song choice for his voice.
Robbie - Vocals were fine, but the singing lacked feeling. There was little to no facial expression, and lacked a true rock vibe.
Noriega - He should be done after this week. Another bad song, definitely too low for his register, and another poor result. He can perform, but he can't sing.
Hernandez - Wow. I was impressed. I could tell he actually felt something, and the pitch was almost always straight on. Very good job.
Yeager - Memorable, but still forgettable. Decent song choice for him, but the vocal was lacking.
Chikezie - This was good. The vocal stood out and the song really worked for him.
Cook - I'll give him a slightly-above-average all around.
Archuleta - Obviously hs separated himself from the pack. Outstanding, outstanding, outstanding.
The guys of American Idol were moving and grooving to the music of the 70's this week. A pattern is beginning to emerge. Perhaps next week we'll get to listen to the songs of the 80's?
Ryan Seacrest started out by talking to the judges. He asked Randy Jackson what they're looking for in the second week. Randy said that hopefully this week the nerves are gone. He also told them to be sure they are in it to win it. Ryan asked Paula Abdul how the nerves will be this week versus last week. She said that they should be growing into their own comfort level. Ryan last asked Simon Cowell what the rest of the guys have to do to be worthy. Simon said they had to be better.
This week's clips features the finalist talking about what America doesn't know about them. Michael Johns was up first. He loves to play tennis. He started when he was 8 or 9 and uses it to take his mind off of everything. He chose to sing "Go Your Own Way." It was a solid performance, but not his best. Randy thought it was a nice way to start off the night, but not his best. He thought it started slow, but Michael got into it. Paula called it consistent, adding that Michael got the crowd working. Simon thought it was Michael's weakest performance so far, and a very weak song choice.
Jason Castro hates to do interviews. He says they're frustrating because he doesn't know what he's doing. He just wants to play music. He's playing the guitar again as he performs "I Just Want To Be Your Everything." He starts it alone, but the band joins in. I thought it was a great performance. I know I've heard the original, but Jason's version was so different that it was like I'd never heard it before. Randy thought it was cool as an act with the guitar, but the vocals weren't that great. He thought it sounded a little karaoke. Paula thought it was a clever choice, but next week wants to see Jason without the guitar. Simon thought it was horrible and schmaltzy and it didn't suit his voice.
Luke Menard is part of an acapella group called Chapter 6 that has traveled the world. He performs "Killer Queen" and finally I can put a finger on why I don't like him. He's vanilla bean in a sphere. He has no edge, no color. He's an albino version of Michael Bolton with zero charisma. Randy thought there were a couple of pitch problems. Paula said it was great vocally and the perfect song for him. Simon thought it was a mistake to do Queen, because you always get judged by the original. The original had charisma and personality and Luke doesn't. Luke was overall happy with the results as last week none of the judges liked him and this week he had 2 out of 3.
Ryan talked to Robbie Carrico about Simon's comments on Robbie's authenticity last week. Robbie said there are many styles of rock. Robbie likes to drag race (that's cars, not running around trying to outrun other guys dressed like girls). He sang "Hot Blooded" and had a wonderful position behind Mr. Vanilla Bean Ball. I take him a little more seriously, but he still toured with Britney. It's a lot to overcome. It was an acceptable karaoke version of the song - one that might even win a contest in a bar. Randy thought it didn't have enough UH to be a rock voice (the judges are really stressing me with their unspellable sounds and words this week). Paula thought Robbie played it safe to a degree this week. Randy then chimed in that rock is an attitude and you don't have to prove it. Simon told him not to get so defensive, it's just an opinion. He added that the vocal was okay tonight.
Danny Noriega was in a punk rock band when he was in the 9th grade. He sang "Superstar." It was bad and he hit the notes all wrong. Randy thought there were some problems vocally. He thought that Danny was overthinking when he was singing. Paula told him that Randy was right and don't overthink when you perform, just perform. Simon thought this week was better, but Danny was trying too hard. He does like that Danny looks terrific on camera though and stands out in a crowd. Danny agreed that last week wasn't that great.
David Hernandez was into gymnastics when he was little. He performed "Papa Was a Rolling Stone." Dezzie's performance this week was great. It was a very good vocal and a great performance overall. Randy said that this is the David Hernandez that we fell in love with. Paula loves his pure voice that pierces the heart. She loved that Dezzie's personality came out this week. Simon thought it was the best vocal of the night so far. Simon also liked that Dezzie treats criticism as a challenge and rises to it.
Jason Yeager is a self-taught musician. He has taught himself to play piano, guitar and drums. He performed "Long Train Runnin'." He was better this week than last. His vocals were good and it was upbeat. Randy didn't think it was a singers kind of song. He also thought it was pitchy and karaoke. Paula liked seeing the fun side of Yeager, but didn't think the song shows his vocal range. Simon told him it was boring and awkward. Ryan then talked to Yeager about how hard it's been for him. The talk went on and on until Simon finally observed that they need Oscar music to cut the finalists off. I'm sure Jack Black would perform "You're Boring" for American Idol.
Chikezie says that his name is Nigerian. It means something well-created by God. He also said that everyone pronounces it wrong, but he just goes with it. I didn't really like the performance of "I Believe" this week. I just didn't like it, I can't explain it. Randy thought that the real Chikezie was back this week. Paula told him he was clever to pick a song with a story. Simon told him it was a clever choice of song. He then asked if Chikezie saw his performance last week. Chikezie said he did and he let Simon get to him. He says he still loves his suit though. Simon asked if we would be seeing it again. Chikezie said he won't repeat his clothes, that's something Simon does. Simon was "offended" and said that just when he starts to like Chikezie again he gets obnoxious. It was a fun exchange though, not an uncomfortable one (contrary to the next one featuring Cookie).
David Cook says he is a huge "word nerd". He loves crosswords and word searches. He sang "It's Alright" while playing guitar. He looked very comfortable, showing true rocker attitude. The others could learn something about rock from him. Randy really believed the rocker vibe from Cookie. Paula says that Cookie is the real deal. Simon thought it was solid, but that Cookie has no charisma and that comes over in his clips. Cookie fired back that he's fortunate that he doesn't have to win Simon over but the audience. Ryan noted that Simon looked annoyed. Simon said he wasn't really, but he was irritated. He doesn't need to be reminded of the rules of the game. This exchange was uncomfortable and Cookie would do well to remember that those who talk back aren't usually getting too far.
Last up was David Archuleta, who met the Season 1 finalists when he went to see the show. He sang for them, wowing all of them, especially Kelly Clarkson. He sang the most beautiful rendition of "Imagine" that I've heard. He has an amazing voice. Randy told Archie that he sings with a maturity beyond his years. He called it one of the best vocals on that song that he's heard. Randy did wonder why Archie didn't sing the first verse though. Archie said that he likes the third verse, the message is important he says. Paula wants to squish and squeeze Archie until he can dangle from her rear-view mirror. I think that's a compliment. 
She thought it was one of the most moving performances of one of the best songs ever written. Simon told Archie it was risky to do that song, but it worked for him.
I'm hurt beyond words.
