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American Idol Guys Go Big with the 80s

curlio

2008-03-04 21:51:03

The Top 8 guys on American Idol gave it their all tonight with for their last shot to make it to the Top 12. Naturally the theme was the 80's as we suspected. The guys seemed to skip over most of the embarrassing songs of the 80's, but couldn't avoid some embarrassing moments.

Tonight's clips featured embarrassing moments from the finalists lives. Luke Menard's most embarrassing moment came at the tender age of 8 when his older sister dressed him up like a ballerina then took pictures. He performed "Wake Me Up (Before You Go Go)" by Wham. He has a nice voice and hit all the notes nicely even the high ones. He's still vanilla though. Randy Jackson thought it started rough like Luke couldn't find the pitch. He also thought it was kinda corny. Paula Abdul did a Randy and pointed out that she choreographed George Michael's tour. She liked the interpretation and that Luke took on the high notes. Simon Cowell thought it was weak and girly, leaving Luke no chance of going through to the final 12.

David Archuleta's embarrassing moment came when he went to Honduras for a fundraiser. He was singing a Spanish song and in the middle of the song his voice went. His mom came onstage to finish it. Archie played piano while singing "Another Day in Paradise." He started with the piano, then halfway stood up and walked onto the center stage to finish. It was a great performance, he was good with the piano and he sang very well. Randy thought there were some pitch problems but it was an interesting song choice. Paula loved that there were some off notes because it shows that Archie isn't a perfect hologram, which makes him perfect. Simon didn't think it was as good as last week, saying that Archie should have stayed behind the piano. Simon would like Archie to sing some upbeat songs and not be too depressing.

Danny Noriega's embarrassing moment came when a friend tripped him at the movies and he fell in front of one of his crushes (gender of the crush not mentioned). Danny said he turned as red as a "cute little tomato." He performed "Tainted Love" and it was fun. It wasn't vocally great, but it was a fun performance. Randy thought it started rough and pitchy but loved the arrangement. He thinks that Danny is a little shy (vocally not with the attitude). Paula loves that he's a bright light in this competition, but hated the purple in the hair. Simon thought the whole thing was useless and hated the arrangement, the performance and the vocal.

David Hernandez' embarrassing moment was at a photo shoot. Everything was perfect from his hair to his clothes. But when get got the proofs back he had a booger in his nose in every picture. He sang "It's All Coming Back to Me." He did a really good version of the song, one of the best I've ever heard actually. Randy liked the song choice, but noted a few pitch problems. Paula felt like David was getting into his groove (I hear Dezzie knows how to groove) and thought that he was becoming a good performer. Odd, I wouldn't have thought performance was what Dezzie lacked. Simon thinks Dezzie is better at soul songs, but thinks Dezzie secured a spot in the Top 12.

Next up was Michael Johns, whose embarrassing moment was when he worked as a mascot and was beaten up by 4 guys in front of 20,000 people. He performed "Don't You (Forget About Me)." It was a very good performance showing off his voice and his rock side. Randy says Michael's voice reminds him of Michael Hutchence. Paula loves hearing Michael's low range and says he has a presence that is different and unique. Simon liked it but didn't love it. He thinks Michael hasn't connected with the right song and likes Michael better when he's on his soul side.

David Cook almost had an embarrassing moment onstage. Apparently they had difficulty getting set up for Cookie's guitar. His most embarrassing moment came when he sang in a talent show but forgot the 2nd verse to the song. He performed a rock version of Lionel Richie's "Hello." It started off a bit rough, but it was awesome. I love that version of the song. Randy too liked that slightly emo version of a "pop-py" Lionel Richie song. He thought it could be a hit single. Paula thought it would be a hit today too. Simon said it was very brave and he loved it. Simon likes it when people take risks (he doesn't mention that he only likes it when it works). He even said Lionel would like it.

Jason Castro was embarrassed when he was on a date with a girl (he specified gender by the way). He tried to tie his hair back and one of his dreads came out. He sang "Hallelujah" starting out sitting on a stool then getting up to finish. The last note was shaky, but it was a beautiful song. I'm liking him more every week. Randy thought it was a great degree of difficulty and liked that Jason showed a different side without his guitar. Paula thought Jason made it sound so effortless and showed vulnerability. She also thinks Jason is unique and recognizable. Simon told Jason that the Jeff Buckley version of that song is one of his all time favorite songs, and that Jason's performance was brilliant. Simon told Jason he's getting better and better.

Chikezie's embarrassing moment was in high school. He started going to the same bathroom every day because it was clean and no one was there. Then he discovered it was a girls bathroom. He performed "All The Woman I Need." It was one of his best performances if not the best he's done. Randy thought the last note looked like it shocked Chikezie and him. Paula was waiting for something upbeat and liked that Chikezie's vocals sounded good. Simon pointed out that it was a Whitney song (the others tried to point out that other singers have done it too). Simon didn't think it worked. Randy pointed out that Luther Vandross did it too. Simon still thought it was cabaret.

First up before my rankings - a rant. I'm sick of the judges already! Simon hates anything he hasn't heard before and doesn't even try to hide it. Usually I love Simon, but dude, listen to Luther Vandross' version of "All the Woman I Need" and listen to Chikezie again okay? Paula can't even finish half a thought anymore. She just stutters out random words. If I tried to get every word for the recap it would go something like this: "You sang... I can't ... Uh .. The colors ... Just amazing... Love you ....Look (interruption from an impatient Simon) Shut Up!" And Randy really needs to loose the "pitchy" issue. Nearly everyone was pitchy tonight according to Randy. Give it up and get some new lines already!

Okay, now on to the rankings from Top to Bottom:
Jason Castro - a solid 10 He's so different from everyone else, and he has a great voice. He needs more confidence, which seems to grow every week.
Cookie - 9.5 Such a different version of an overplayed (but good) 80s song.
Dezzie - 9.5 Despite scandal, he sang very well. He has a beautiful voice, but the scandal might see him leaving this week.
Archie - 9 He's got a beautiful voice and such a lovely personality too.
Michael - 9 Great song choices, but they might get old eventually. I'll give him time.
Chikezie - 8.5 Simon needs to listen to Luther Vandross' version and rethink his comments
Danny - 8 Fun and upbeat but that might not be enough against the others who are better vocalists
Luke - 7 I give him credit for a great voice. But he's so vanilla!

Yes, you've probably noticed that my scores are unusually high. I think all the guys did very well earning all of them above average scores. As for who will leave, well I've got it narrowed to 4: Luke, Danny, Chikezie all for past bad performances (and boringness from Luke and Chikezie) with Dezzie's scandal earning him a possible knockoff too.

American Idol Girls slaughter the 80s

American Idol contestant revealed to be a stripper

Article only open for registered members

Who had the worst performance?
Members				Guests
	(58%)	Luke Menard	(48%)
	(0%)	David Archuleta	(3%)
	(25%)	Danny Noriega	(36%)
	(0%)	David Hernandez	(2%)
	(0%)	Michael Johns	(0%)
	(0%)	David Cook	(3%)
	(0%)	Jason Castro	(4%)
	(17%)	Chikezie Eze	(5%)

toad	2008-03-05 00:01:44


	shiny happy jason delivers once again with leonard cohen no less!!! holy moly. this kid is showing real talent & musicality. real deal all the way. for me he has gone from the top 4 to the top. i actually like him better than archie - today anyway. 1. jason 2. archie 3. cookie 4. michael 5. were there any more performances? two massive hanging thumbs down goes to both cheesy & hernandez. no not because of the stripping or the fact that i would pay cheesy to keep his clothes on. i friggen hate the play to the camera cheezy crap. very little talent though i will hold the final vote for later as who knows hernandez may actually possess 'talent'.

Fredereek ( Guest )

2008-03-05 00:26:13


	What's with these guys - Menard & Johns. They look like they're about 40. get em outta here! I like Castro's song, but is it just me, or is he seriously stoned? Just asking.

Don't mind me, I'm just a guest.

Shenova ( Head Editor )

2008-03-05 02:20:31

She who thinks!
	For some reason, I cannot stand Michael John's voice. I have to wonder what Randy is hearing that he keeps comparing him to Michael Hutchinson...about the only similarities are that they are both from Australia and both named Michael. Other than that, I agree with Curlio's ranking, including that they should be pretty high. I feel like I am repeating myself a lot from last year to this year...last year, I said that there should have been eight from one gender (the girls) and four from the other gender (the guys). Its true again this year, but this time all eight of these guys can outsing all but about four of the girls.

curlio ( Website Owner )

2008-03-05 05:12:38

YATTA!
	I'm with you Toad on the subject of Jason (though yes Fred, Jason looks like the stoner type) he is the real deal. The question I pose about him is this: Would his records, with his type of music and not the crap AI will no doubt feed him, sell well? I think the US is actually moving towards singer/songwriters with his type of talent lately so he probably would. And I'd still love to see him performing a duet with Brooke. Their styles mesh so perfectly. I hope AI is drooling over the idea for their finale too

"Now you know why lions eat their young" Capt. Phil Harris

GUEST ( Guest )

2008-03-05 05:51:59


	I hope Chikezie Eze is out! He's too much. I hate him!

Don't mind me, I'm just a guest.

MsCrimson ( Guest )

2008-03-05 06:16:46


	I really wanted to love Johns, but he's becoming boring. He could use some new dance moves or something. Plus I think every performance keeps declining in quality. I personally hated his version of Don't You Forget About Me. Jim Kerr's vocals soared in a light and airy fashion - John's turned it into a rock-themed wailer, or something. :) Poor Luke. I feel bad for him because he seems like such a pleasant nice guy. Been hoping he'd have one "good" performance to remember AI by. But this one wasn't it. I also think he's a goner this week. Anyone else wonder, if Castro continues to become more interesting, that he might end up "splitting" some of Archuleta's votes?

Don't mind me, I'm just a guest.

Shin ( Guest )

2008-03-05 06:19:19


	hey i have that as well... jason and brooke on the finals...

Don't mind me, I'm just a guest.

GUEST ( Guest )

2008-03-05 06:29:49


	I like what Cookie did with a song I can't stand. I could actually listen to his version. It's becoming clearer that this year is the anti-"Last Year". Where last year 8 of the girls should have gone through to the top 12, this year 8 of the guys should be able to go through to the top 12.

Don't mind me, I'm just a guest.

hugefan

2008-03-05 08:31:18


	Another great performance from the guys last night. Only two average performances, and those were from Luke and Danny. I thought David Cook's perfromance was the best of the night; the prominence of the guitar did not overwhelm his vocals. Chikezie's performance improves each week, but he is vulnerable because of the very first song he sang in the top 12. Hope he stays a little longer to add a little variety to the "pop" voices. What was up with Paula last night? She could not even finish one sentence before starting another one. Why does she have to mimic everything that Randy says? Danny and Luke should go, but we all know that who should go and who will go are two different things.

shellybean ( Reviewer )

2008-03-05 08:50:46

Beanstalk- er
	I'm glad there are folks hopping on the Castro train. I love this guy. He is so different, and good, and stands out. I agree with all said here. I think that the guys did well last night. I can't say that anyone was really bad. (Hanging head in shame;said in small voice) i even liked danny. He is soo campy. Hope there are no surprises on Thurs. We all thought Amanda was gone last week and guess what? I would think that Luke would be the shoo in this week, but one never knows with the voting public. My Ranking: 1. castro 2. cookie 3. archie 4. danny 5. dezzie 6. chekezie 7. michael 8. luke (In all fairness to Chekezie, we were having a strom and my deck furniture was blowing off, so I really didn't hear him that well. I was praying for the gas grill not to blow!) And what was up with Paula? She seemed like her 'ole self last night! edit: shellybean - 2008-03-05 08:53:14 GMT - forgot something

If you can't be a good example, then be a horrible warning!

ben1974

2008-03-05 08:52:42


	My thoughts: Luke - Boring. He is singing about dancing. Yet, he stood around the entire time. Maybe he thinks flailing his arms a bit constitutes dancing, but it does not. He seems like a really nice guy with good insight on life, but he is no American Idol. Go back to the acapella group. I would actually pay to see him in that since I am a fan of vocal harmony sans instrumentation. Archie showed his age when Simon called him out on the depressing songs. He mentioned the title and didn't see the irony in it. Then, he suddenly turned into mini Bono by becoming the voice of the homeless. Archie has a great, mature voice, but he is going to get into trouble if he chooses a song where he doesn't fully understand or emote the lyrics properly (see Luke). Danny - I thought his performance was fun. He is still annoying and I hope he leaves before he turns into a total train wreck. Plus, Paula will probably "out" him the way she keeps fawning over him and saying, "You are true to yourself. With the purple and the colors..." Believe me, I am sure there are more than a few folks that think Danny is just "different." Dezzie - he screamed Jon Secada during parts of that song. Too bad Secada didn't make his mark until the early 90s. Anyway, I thought Dezzie was cheesy and I still stand on my prediction that he will probably go home. Michael - He gave another solid performance. I was actually a little bored by this one this week. He seems to be a one trick pony. Cookie - I still cannot stand the guy, but he took it to the house. Best performance of the night. Probably of the season in my opinion. He could easily pull a Daughtry. Castro - I had never heard that song before, but thought it was really good. He is really coming into his own and momentum is going his way. He'll progress pretty far in this contest. Chikezie - I don't understand why folks don't like him. The ones who hate on him never have a solid reason as to why they dislike him. I think he did great again. He has a great voice and deserves to go forward in this competition. Final thoughts - I agree with Fredereek on how old Luke and Michael look. Get out of the sun guys. I agree with Curlio on the judges. The writers need to feed them new lines. Finally, did anyone catch Ramiele at the end of the show? She totally resembled that girl in the movie Rushmore!

Waiting for the real show to start...

amylou

2008-03-05 10:35:33


	So glad that many of you agree with me about Michael! I don't think he's that good and I'm so tired of him being overhyped. It's getting old! Loved Cookie last night - and I hate that song. But he did such a great job with it, I just may start liking it! Loved Castro...he's just awesome. Love the sort of Jack Johnson, mellow vibe about him. Hope he continues to do well. Also loved Archie - sings so well and is so sweet! Luke was bad. He needs to go this week. I'm usually a Danny fan, but I honestly thought it was a trainwreck. I also wouldn't be surprised if Dezzie goes home over the stripper thing...(oh, and curlio, LOVED the stuff in the spoiler tag in that article...couldn't agree more!! Made me laugh!) Top Three: 1)Cookie 2)Castro 3) Archie Bottom Three: 1)Luke 2)Danny 3)Michael So that just leaves Dezzie and Chikeze as meh for me!

So our tragedy is your good luck. Satan.

Will ( Site Recruiter )

2008-03-05 10:40:48

We are Stardust!
	ben1974 said: My thoughts: Finally, did anyone catch Ramiele at the end of the show? She totally resembled that girl in the movie Rushmore! Ben, loved Rushmore, wonderful indy movie. Bill Murry at his understated best. Ben I don't understand what they don't like about Chakeeze (sp?) either, he is as good as the folks whose song he was singing. Not my cup of tea, however, but his singing is terrific. Loved Cookie's "Hello", great version, and yes Lionel will love it. He needs another Rolls, LOL! He was by far the best last night. I would say Luke and three snaps boy are probably at the bottom of the pole, but, at this stage fairness doesn't usually show up. Somebody that is pretty good will go home. To me Castro and Aussie boy are way over-rated. But, you know how women are they think with their whatwhat, to quote, "Mango"! LOL My mom asked me if Castro was an Indian or something. I told her he has big dreams to be a mop saleman. Stripper boy, well, it will take super talent and some Angelina Jolie level good works to P R up the hole in his repetition. Smooching your brother is probably on the same level and lap dancing men. The boys had very good night, I hope the girls do as well. Will

GUEST ( Guest )

2008-03-05 10:50:30


	I must be in the minority tonight because I was really impressed with Archie's performance. Just true talent. That being said, I am not sure he will be the annointed one, tho because Jason is really coming out to be very unique. Anxious to see what else he can do. I liked Michael, David H and Cookie, and Chitkezie. Luke and Danny are the ones I think should go.

Don't mind me, I'm just a guest.

curlio ( Website Owner )

2008-03-05 11:07:15

YATTA!
	Will said: [...] To me Castro and Aussie boy are way over-rated. But, you know how women are they think with their whatwhat, to quote, "Mango"! LOL Oh No You Didn't! That's the pot calling the kettle black there son. I'll make you a deal, you consider tonights ladies without your little Willy and I'll relisten to the boys without looking at them! By the way, speaking of not looking - I couldn't look at Dezzie last night. Everytime I tried I'd just burst into laughter. I have a few more questions on the subject of "how exactly does that work" that aren't really fit to print that I'm gonna have to ask some of my gay friends about. On the subject of Paula: Sister #3, my mom and I were talking about Paula. One of my other sisters is a bit flaky (hey we all have the flaky person in the family and you know what they say: if you can't think of the one in your family then...) and we do tease her about her flakiness. But at least flaky sister is capable of coherent (if not always relevant) speech. Paula absolutely could not finish a sentence. And you can't blame Simon on this one. At one point I wanted Oscar music to just cut her off. I'd rather give Simon, Randy and Ryan more speaking time than listen to her babble about nonsense on a shortened night!

"Now you know why lions eat their young" Capt. Phil Harris

Will ( Site Recruiter )

2008-03-05 12:22:55

We are Stardust!
	curlio said: [...] By the way, speaking of not looking - I couldn't look at Dezzie last night. Everytime I tried I'd just burst into laughter. I have a few more questions on the subject of "how exactly does that work" that aren't really fit to print that I'm gonna have to ask some of my gay friends about. Oh, Yeah! Well, goose/ gander, gander/ goose! You know the whole idea, boggles my mind. I once only saw a strip show, and nearly died of embarrisment for the girl with a large room of men quietly watching her writhe, I don't get it. Now for me in private, writhe away, ole!!!!!! What kind of mindset does it take to get to that place where you can do that, very sad to me, to have to do that. Just don't get it. Will I guess that defines hoer for any profession, someone who will do anything for money!

toad	2008-03-05 14:26:01


	The question I pose about him is this: Would his records, with his type of music and not the crap AI will no doubt feed him, sell well? curlio you took the words right out of my head. ok he's great but how in the heck to market him? lets see if he shows his alt rocker side - though unless he plays a drum solo i am not sure how he will pull that off. dang. -- toad

toad	2008-03-05 14:33:35


	one more thing... Archie showed his age when Simon called him out on the depressing songs. He mentioned the title and didn't see the irony in it. Then, he suddenly turned into mini Bono by becoming the voice of the homeless. Archie has a great, mature voice, but he is going to get into trouble if he chooses a song where he doesn't fully understand or emote the lyrics properly (see Luke). okay ben this is a great observation! got me thinking. keep them coming. -- toad

ben1974

2008-03-05 18:24:36


	curlio said: [...] Oh No You Didn't! That's the pot calling the kettle black there son. I'll make you a deal, you consider tonights ladies without your little Willy and I'll relisten to the boys without looking at them! I think you walked in a minefield with that one Will though I agree with you. I was actually doing some other stuff while listening to Michael last night and I would not say that the singing was great. I would not be able to close my eyes and just listen to the ladies tonight. That is a lesson in futility!

Waiting for the real show to start...

Shenova ( Head Editor )

2008-03-05 19:45:45

She who thinks!
	ben1974 said: [...] I think you walked in a minefield with that one Will though I agree with you. I was actually doing some other stuff while listening to Michael last night and I would not say that the singing was great. I would not be able to close my eyes and just listen to the ladies tonight. That is a lesson in futility! You two are asking for trouble! Personally, I don't think that Michael Johns looks are any better than his voice... ~IF~ girls were voting with their eyes and not their ears, then Luke would be a lock for the Top 4. I don't see Castro as visually attractive, either. I agree with Fred and Curlio, he looks like a stoner and that ain't most gals cup o' tea. For that matter, Cookie looks half-zonked too. But both of them have shown to be strong vocalists making smart song choices.

winona1717

2008-03-05 23:53:45


	I love David Archuleta, and I'm sorry he broke his 'perfect' record this week. Next I like David Hernandez, and Jason. I like Danny because he is different, so I hope he will be in the top 12 just for entertainment. I like David Cook when he does rock versions of pop songs. Chikeze should stay on so we can have a soul singer. Luke and Michael are boring.