The Top 12 on American Idol took on John Lennon and Paul McCartney this week. While many people were worried that the finalists would murder some of the best songs in the world, they actually did a rather good job of showing off their talent. Perhaps they might yet earn that "Best Top 12" hype.
Ryan Seacrest naturally started off by showing off the new set. The band is up above all the action now in their own little "penthouse." Ryan also introduces the judges, and while doing so rags on Simon Cowell for his partially open shirt. Then we get the clip on tonight's theme. The theme is the Lennon-McCartney songbook, apparently everything they have written and not just the Beatles songs.
Ryan asked Randy Jackson why these songs have been so enduring. Randy said they are the greatest songs in history and will be around forever. Paula Abdul was asked how the Top 12 should play tonight, since it's so big. She said that these songs are full of melody and if they sing it straight it pays great tribute. But those who took risks better make it worth it. Ryan asked Simon about the difficulty level of these songs. Simon said it depends on which songs they choose, some are easier than others.
Syesha Mercado was up first. She picked "Got To Get You Into My Life" because she wants to show more of her personality. It sounded pitchy in spots and karaoke. Randy thought it was a nice arrangement but started off rough. In the end it was just alright. Paula also noted that Syesha started off pitch but worked it out midway through. Simon thought it was better than alright, that it was a great choice of song and much better than last week. He noted that she looked very nervous.
Chikezie was up next. Ryan talked to him before he performed about his former job as a security guy at LAX airport. Chikezie said that because the other guards knew he auditioned for American Idol they made sure he got Paula's bags to go through. Ryan also asked him about last week, Chikezie felt like he was going home. He picked "She's a Woman" and decided to put his own funk on it. It was an excellent performance and I loved what he did with it. Randy was entertained and loved the arrangement and the falsetto. Paula said the reward paid off in this case. Simon agrees with Randy and Paula. He loved that Chikezie in a week changed and took control of the stage. He also liked the unique version of the song.
Ramiele Malubay is from Florida as well and works at a sushi place. She chose "In My Life." It's a very sweet song, a little boring but the best vocal I've heard from her to date. She was in tune and on pitch. It was actually pleasant to listen to this performance. Randy thought it was pretty but pretty boring. Paula started with the "you look lovely" which is never good news. She thinks that Ramiele is holding back, her voice lets her go so many places and she needs to take advantage of it. Simon was bored to tears through the whole thing. The dreary song choice did nothing for her and was forgettable and boring. He expects more from her.
Jason Castro is from Texas and attends Texas A&M as a music major . He chose "If I Fell" because he relates to the song. It was a beautiful song and I really love his voice. I could feel the emotion coming from him. Randy liked it but didn't love it. He didn't feel the emotion from it. Paula had her own opinion this week *gasp* and disagreed with Randy. She thought that it was full of emotion and the audience feels Jason's emotion. Simon thought that he was incredible last week but this week was boring. He agrees that Jason is unique though and will get through this week. I'm wondering if getting the emotion from it is a girl thing that the guys just missed out on or something?
Carly Smithson talked to Ryan about moving into the American Idol apartments. Her roommate is Amanda and they appear to be having fun. Carly lives in San Diego now, but all her family lives in Ireland. She choose "Come Together" to perform because she does the song almost every week. She performed the song very well and seemed very comfortable. Randy said he loved that she was so strong and confident with not a note out of tune. Paula felt like she was watching a star. Simon said that she has picked the wrong song week after week until now. It reminded him of how Kelly Clarkson stood out during Season 1.
David Cook was a bartender back in his former life. He also played shows there from time to time. He picked "Eleanor Rigby" and decided not to play guitar because it would be overkill. I'm not a big fan of the song, but he did a pretty good version of it. Randy said that there were pitch problems at the beginning, but he rocked the chorus. Paula said that there is more than one horse in this race and loves seeing David as a frontman. Simon thought it was brilliant. He thinks that if the show remains a talent competition rather than a popularity contest David could win.
Brooke White is from Arizona but moved to LA to work on her music career. She picked "Let It Be" to perform because she loves the story. I don't think this was her best performance, but it was solid. I think the piano distracted her from just singing the song. Randy didn't think it was her strongest performance but it was a very heartfelt one. Paula says that Brooke's niche is picking songs where they can feel her heart. Simon again thought it was one of the best performances of the night. He thinks it was believable and a brilliant song choice.
David Hernandez is from Arizona where he worked in a pizza bistro. He doesn't mention his other job(s). He picked "I Saw Her Standing There" because it's one of his favorite songs. I didn't like his voice on this one. I think he was forgettable and karaoke. Randy felt like it was overdone. Paula agreed it was overdone. Simon thought it was corny verging on desperate. He felt it was very "rabbit in the headlights." Randy corrected him that it's "deer" not "rabbit."
Ryan talked to Amanda Overmyer about what they do behind the scenes. She said they've had a lot of photo shoots and interviews. As for right before they perform, everyone does something different. Amanda picked "You Can't Do That" to perform. She had never heard the song before this week but she is putting her own Amanda spin on the song and spin it up. I didn't hate her as much as usual this week, but I didn't like it either. It was okay. Randy said she took a Beatles song and brought it to a Southern bar. Paula noted that Amanda was smiling and having fun. She is blown away by her. Simon didn't think it was as good as last week, and understood only about 30% of what she sang. He thought it was shouty. But he does like that Amanda is in the competition because she's a breath of fresh air.
Michael Johns - from Australia, lived in Georgia for 6 years and LA for 4 years, does some tennis coaching, and does whatever he can to keep music in his life. This music is important to him as he discovered L-M at 10 and "Across the Universe" helped him through a painful family experience. I know that Michael isn't the best vocalist in the show but I think it was one of his better performances. Randy didn't think it was his best as he keeps waiting for something big. Paula disagreed with Randy saying it takes inner strength to stand center stage but sing brilliantly. Simon agrees with Randy, saying that Michael should have done what Carly did. He thought it was a bit monotonous, but he is still a fan, just frustrated that we haven't heard what Michael is capable of doing.
Kristy Lee Cook comes from a very musical family. She decided to pick "8 Days a Week" and change it into a country song. She just hopes that Simon likes the risk. The arrangement was a jumbled mess. Her vocals were okay, but the song just sounds terrible like she did it. Randy liked the idea but felt that she was trying to force too much into it. It was just half and half for him. Paula didn't enjoy it and told her not to take what they say to heart too much as she needs to do her own thing. Simon thought it was horrendous. He said it was a brave but foolish thing to do, and that song doesn't work in that style.
David Archuleta didn't really like jazz or oldies when he was little so he was worried. But he is familiar with the Stevie Wonder version of "We Can Work It Out" so that's what he picked to do. I prefer him serious rather than this "fun" side of him. It just didn't work for me. Randy didn't think it was his vibe, that it felt forced and didn't work. Paula told David not to let it show on his face when he makes a mistake, just keep on going. Simon said that if he treats everyone fairly he would have to say that David stumbled over his lyrics, shouldn't have done the Stevie version and was his weakest performance so far.
My Rankings from Top to Bottom:
1 Jason Castro with a 10, love his voice and what he did with the song.
2 Chikezie, surprising with a 9. He finally showed that he actually belongs in the Top 12!
3 Carly Smithson with an 8. Carly is finally living up to her hype, lets see if she can keep it up?
4 Michael Johns with an 8. The judges may not have liked it, but he was great.
5 David Cook with a 7.5. Even with a song I'm not fond of he performed brilliantly.
6 Brooke White with a 7. Not her best, but emotions come through the TV screen
7 Ramiele Malubay with a surprisingly above average performance at 7. She actually can sing in tune! Who would have thought?
8 David Archuleta with a 6. Even his worst performance to date is still above average.
9 David Hernandez with a 5.5. Karaoke and forgettable
10 Syesha Mercado with 5. Again, karaoke and forgettable.
11 Amanda Overmyer with a 4. She's not at the bottom?
12 Kristy Lee Cook with a 3. Oh yeah, that's why Amanda's not at the bottom. Someone else stunk more. I'm betting for a Kristy disappearance tomorrow.
Castro is already starting to wear on me as one-dimensional.
I totally agree as well. I think the ladies love his blue eyes and "exotic" looks. I am not swayed by his looks or charms and see him becoming a one-trick pony. I only hope the judges will start calling out the other one-trick ponies besides Amanda - like Cookie and Brooke and Celine. Otherwise, this show could get boring really quickly!
Shenova - I'm glad we agree on so many things and I am not somewhere in left field with my opinions!
Last night's show was of a very high standard, and I was pleasantly surprised at most of the performances.
Guest said" It is American Idol, not International Idol, the Irish girl and the Aussie should go home." Wow! Why don't you say that about Simon as well, you intolerant minuteman.
Ghrtt3 gave David Archuleta a 4 for his performance, and Chikezie a 3. Did you watch the same show that I did? Archie's performance was the worst last night by a mile. He forgot the lyrics twice, and he sucked. That is perhaps the worst performance I have ever seen at this stage of the competition.
Top five for me in no special order: Brooke, Chikezie Carly, David cooke and Jason.
Bottom two: Kristy and David Archuleta. Archie will get a pass because he has his fan-base from previous weeks. Who should go? Kristy. Who I think will go? David Hernandez.
1. Carly Smithson - wierd, interesting, and 50% better than anyone else
2. Chikezie Eze - this time his wacky antics earn him 2nd place
3. Amanda Overmyer - Amanda's gonna be hit and miss. bizarre enough to be a hit.
4. Jason Castro - perfect performance, low difficulty
5. Ramiele Malubay - very difficult, but stifled. bad idea.
6. Kristy Lee Cook - entertaining, frantic, badly performed and sung
7. Brooke White - dissapointing, wrong choice of song
8. David Cook - you're either gonna get him, or not get him. I don't particularly.
9. Michael Johns - something not quite right with this guy, he makes it look so hard.
10.David Hernandez - he'll leave just like Danny (good singer, bad musical taste)
11.Syesha Mercado - theres a screechy side to her voice, her tendency is to bore
12.David Archuleta - this woulda been bad for season 1
I Loved Chikezie last night. He out shown everyone else! I mean even Simon was blown away. Not many folks blow Simon away.
Don't like Syesha. Don't know why. She just seems fake. She seems faker than Kristy to me. Nice voice, but she bothers me.
I thought Ramiele did a good job. She has a lovely voice.
Jason, ah, Jason. Jason is so laid back; do his own thing; chilled kinda guy. I like that! Not his best performance, but that is ok. Love him!
I actually liked Carly tonight. She gets #2 from me this week.
Cookie picked on song that I absolutely hate. So therefore, I hated his performance. Was it bad, no. And the guest nailed it when they said his hair line is very distracting!
I agree that the piano was distracting Brooke. She would have done better just singing. But, I loved her and she gets spot #3.
Dezzie...bad,bad,bad,bad,bad.
I like Amanda. Had no clue what she was singing, but that is not saying much, because (don't hate me) I don't know Beatle songs. I thought it was good.
Michael Johns is starting to creep me out. I don't think he is as good as he was when he auditioned. He is one that will get by on his good looks.
After Kristy sang, I was out of breath. Not a good call.
I tend to agree with a lot of the regulars. Missing lyrics is a big no no and should send Archie home. It won't, but if Dezzie, Amanda, or Rameile had done it, they would be history.
Though I love Castro, Chikeze takes tonight by a mile. No one compared to him.
If you can't be a good example, then be a horrible warning!
My Ranking based solely on the clips of performances I saw online…
1) Brooke – She gave me chills!
2) Jacuzzi – That was brilliant!
3) Carly – I don’t care much about her, but she did well!
4) Castro – Me friend Sean ruined this guy for me forever as he calls him castration and that’s all I can think about when I see him. Yeah, now I ruined him for y’all too! I am sorry I agree he needs to step out of his mould, he is getting a bit boring!
5) Ramiele – This is my all time favourite songs ever and if Ramiele had not sung it in Disney mode, she would be at the top!
6) Cookie – I still don’t like this smugly, but he did sing well!
7) Michael – I love the song, I don’t know what else he could have done with it, but Oy Vey! The problem with Michael is that he like Castro is set in a mould!
8) Amanda – She wasn’t as bad as I had expected! *ducks*
9) Archie – Well to be really fair – his bad is not that bad, but forgetting lyrics – well, that’s another story!
10) Hernandez – It wasn’t horrific, but he needs to really step up!
11) Syesha – What was that? I didn’t get it!
12) Kristy – Oy! Never mess with Beatles, you twit! Will is crying!
I don’t care who leaves but I don’t want Brooke or Archie to leave! Yes, I am still a huge Archie fan, I already lost Danny! By the way, take this with a grain of salt, apparently Danny did not receive lowest votes, but TPTB decided that they needed a African American to balance the mix. I don't believe this, but that was what some insiders are claiming!
The Core Of Man's Spirit Comes From New Experiences!
Wow, I am disappointed! I had hoped for better. I loved the Beatles but their music is very dangerous when it comes to a contest like this. Not too many folks have had success changing them about. Beetlemania was a tribute show, the Circus O in Vegas uses a super re-engineered version to give a spectacular multi-channel version of the original. Moulin Rouge used them beautifully, and with the new movie “across the universe” I understand uses all new interpretations, they had a few famous cameo singers and singing unknowns try to capture the spirit and essence of the songs with out being carbon copies. The movie was trying to capture those times with the music and imagery that influenced and entertained so many. I haven’t seen it yet, but it will be the first one on my Netflix Que, next time I start it up.
Last night:
I loved Brooke, Cookie, and Chikeze and in that order! All, were creative and captured the essence of the songs in an entertaining way.
Then, I thought Carly was polished but something was missing for me? Aussie Mike was decent, but I prefer the melancholy version of Fiona Apple. These were the days of deep thinking, joy and sadness, caring and compassion and those interesting little helpers to open “the doors of perception” as per Huxley the writer scientist. We that remember those time know that those the songs seem like they were effortless, were sung with great intent. Now, not all their songs were so intense. Some like “I am the Walrus”, “Yellow Submarine”, “Eight days a Week” (Like country’s “9 to”, and I’m sure that’s what Kristy had in mind, failing terribly!), “ Back in the USSR” and “Lucy in the Sky” were just fun, these early songs with all the harmony came on the cuffs of successful groups like the Kingston Trio, and the Platters, ect. The group was most of all a fun group of cut-ups who were growing up and tried to take the higher road with some serious song reflecting their inner poetic needs
Syesha, Archie, and Dezzie fell into the trap ordained on SNL “Bill Murray singing his lounge lizard version of “Star Wars” ! For shame, those are equally as bad as Kristy Lee’s maddening effort. She was one misdirected puppy with that one, it will make most happy as they will see it as proof positive that she shouldn’t be here. And, Amanda, well she seems nice enough, but if she won her record sales might be a distant second to that watermark, Taylor Hicks.
I always get my expectations up too high. Should I start my save Kristy campaign now? I want my Brooke to win, I just love her. She is at least as good as eye candy to me as the Castrata is to the what what clan. Will
I heard that they were given 24 songs to choose from. I'd like to see what the other 12 that were rejected were.
To me "Oh, Darling" and "Golden Slumbers" would have been perfect for either Amanda, David Cook or Michael Johns.
I also heard that only a few of the artists were very famiilar with the songs to begin with. What cave have they been in?
I thought Syesha's performance was tedious. Kristy apparently thinks country is a hoe down. Why she thought that song would translate. Worst was David Hernandez. Too many Davids here anyway.
He apparently thought he could come up with a better melody for "I Saw Her Standing There" because he totally avoided the original.
Butchered it.
I like Carly but her voice for the first time seemed weak in this song. Her worst performance, but still above the crowd.
Jason did a good job as did Brooke. Both have a nice style, but I hope they can show some versatility soon or it may wear thin.
Little David messed up bigtime with the Stevie Wonder version. But, is still safe. Toward the end, he seemed to be meandering around just hoping it would end soon.
Jacuzzi surprised me. If you take away all the extraneous noise in the song, he voice was actually very true to McCartney's original version.
Too bad they couldn't have had Paul or Ringo involved in some way. George Martin, the Beatle's producer, would have been excellent.
just got done watching last nights show all over again. well technically speaking not all over again - more liked watched and fast forwarded.
oops - brookes performance was not that great by a kilometer! our leader curlio is spot on with her comment about he piano getting in the way...
u know what? mikeez performance was not as bad as i thought the first time around. check it out. while it always seems to sound like he is at his absolute voice limit and he is probably the most nervous out of them all - he gets an almost a real 'artist' card. in the final analysis however i will admit to experiencing the creep factor ala shellybean
i am wrong ben1974 and you are right. archie effed up 3 times. shocking. after watching it again this kid should be the one who goes home. that may very well be the single worst performance of the show 's history (as much as i have seen of it). forgetting the words was just the start - facial and body ticks, completely out of tune and key, out of step with the band. his performance is what my grandfather would have called a 'cluster f+@k'.
pavlov said; "11. Kristy. There is a difference between "Country" and "Hoe Down." "
now this is a pithy comment. i for one laughed out loud
Our esteemed editor shenova said; "Castro is already starting to wear on me as one-dimensional."
i just do not see that. the kid blushes like a virgin, sings in church, actually goes to university (his minor is music - no idea what his major is), loves his family, reports wanting to be a good father and a faithful husband, clean living, etc....add to that real talent and charisma not to mention a timely intro into the music biz and viola one worthy american idol for his peer group. all things considered (not the greatest singer in the mix) i am a fan.
cheebe cheebe cheebe reappearing like merlin from the mist. good to have you back. me likey your input.
the toad is passing out tissue paper to our illustrious sprout and toilet paper to our beloved will...a long sad goodbye to hoe down kristy. boooooo(b) effing hooooo.
I hope Archie gets sent home tonight. Someone here said he was too young and their right. I watched the replay of last nights performance. He licks his lips ever 10 seconds! Seriously, haven't you heard of lip balm?
I had a problem with the judges telling people they were boring. Yes, some of them were, but slow songs aren't supposed to have insane dancing. Emotion is okay I guess, but most times it comes across as fake and contrived.
Just listened to Lorrie Morgan's "Eight Days A Week". She sang it with no runs (obviously, she is a pro). The song still stunk, but it sounded a lot better than Kristy's version.
I'm listening to Stevie Wonder's "We Can Work It Out". This song is a head bobber for sure. I really don't know what Daivd was trying to do by covering this cover. In baseball terms, Stevie hits at least a triple and David managed to foul out on a bunt with this song.
The Top 12 on American Idol took on John Lennon and Paul McCartney this week. While many people were worried that the finalists would murder some of the best songs in the world, they actually did a rather good job of showing off their talent. Perhaps they might yet earn that "Best Top 12" hype.
Syesha Mercado was up first. She picked "Got To Get You Into My Life" because she wants to show more of her personality. It sounded pitchy in spots and karaoke. Randy thought it was a nice arrangement but started off rough. In the end it was just alright. Paula also noted that Syesha started off pitch but worked it out midway through. Simon thought it was better than alright, that it was a great choice of song and much better than last week. He noted that she looked very nervous.
Chikezie was up next. Ryan talked to him before he performed about his former job as a security guy at LAX airport. Chikezie said that because the other guards knew he auditioned for American Idol they made sure he got Paula's bags to go through. Ryan also asked him about last week, Chikezie felt like he was going home. He picked "She's a Woman" and decided to put his own funk on it. It was an excellent performance and I loved what he did with it. Randy was entertained and loved the arrangement and the falsetto. Paula said the reward paid off in this case. Simon agrees with Randy and Paula. He loved that Chikezie in a week changed and took control of the stage. He also liked the unique version of the song.
Ramiele Malubay is from Florida as well and works at a sushi place. She chose "In My Life." It's a very sweet song, a little boring but the best vocal I've heard from her to date. She was in tune and on pitch. It was actually pleasant to listen to this performance. Randy thought it was pretty but pretty boring. Paula started with the "you look lovely" which is never good news. She thinks that Ramiele is holding back, her voice lets her go so many places and she needs to take advantage of it. Simon was bored to tears through the whole thing. The dreary song choice did nothing for her and was forgettable and boring. He expects more from her.
Jason Castro is from Texas and attends Texas A&M as a music major . He chose "If I Fell" because he relates to the song. It was a beautiful song and I really love his voice. I could feel the emotion coming from him. Randy liked it but didn't love it. He didn't feel the emotion from it. Paula had her own opinion this week *gasp* and disagreed with Randy. She thought that it was full of emotion and the audience feels Jason's emotion. Simon thought that he was incredible last week but this week was boring. He agrees that Jason is unique though and will get through this week. I'm wondering if getting the emotion from it is a girl thing that the guys just missed out on or something?
Carly Smithson talked to Ryan about moving into the American Idol apartments. Her roommate is Amanda and they appear to be having fun. Carly lives in San Diego now, but all her family lives in Ireland. She choose "Come Together" to perform because she does the song almost every week. She performed the song very well and seemed very comfortable. Randy said he loved that she was so strong and confident with not a note out of tune. Paula felt like she was watching a star. Simon said that she has picked the wrong song week after week until now. It reminded him of how Kelly Clarkson stood out during Season 1.
David Cook was a bartender back in his former life. He also played shows there from time to time. He picked "Eleanor Rigby" and decided not to play guitar because it would be overkill. I'm not a big fan of the song, but he did a pretty good version of it. Randy said that there were pitch problems at the beginning, but he rocked the chorus. Paula said that there is more than one horse in this race and loves seeing David as a frontman. Simon thought it was brilliant. He thinks that if the show remains a talent competition rather than a popularity contest David could win.
Brooke White is from Arizona but moved to LA to work on her music career. She picked "Let It Be" to perform because she loves the story. I don't think this was her best performance, but it was solid. I think the piano distracted her from just singing the song. Randy didn't think it was her strongest performance but it was a very heartfelt one. Paula says that Brooke's niche is picking songs where they can feel her heart. Simon again thought it was one of the best performances of the night. He thinks it was believable and a brilliant song choice.
David Hernandez is from Arizona where he worked in a pizza bistro. He doesn't mention his other job(s). He picked "I Saw Her Standing There" because it's one of his favorite songs. I didn't like his voice on this one. I think he was forgettable and karaoke. Randy felt like it was overdone. Paula agreed it was overdone. Simon thought it was corny verging on desperate. He felt it was very "rabbit in the headlights." Randy corrected him that it's "deer" not "rabbit."
Ryan talked to Amanda Overmyer about what they do behind the scenes. She said they've had a lot of photo shoots and interviews. As for right before they perform, everyone does something different. Amanda picked "You Can't Do That" to perform. She had never heard the song before this week but she is putting her own Amanda spin on the song and spin it up. I didn't hate her as much as usual this week, but I didn't like it either. It was okay. Randy said she took a Beatles song and brought it to a Southern bar. Paula noted that Amanda was smiling and having fun. She is blown away by her. Simon didn't think it was as good as last week, and understood only about 30% of what she sang. He thought it was shouty. But he does like that Amanda is in the competition because she's a breath of fresh air.
Michael Johns - from Australia, lived in Georgia for 6 years and LA for 4 years, does some tennis coaching, and does whatever he can to keep music in his life. This music is important to him as he discovered L-M at 10 and "Across the Universe" helped him through a painful family experience. I know that Michael isn't the best vocalist in the show but I think it was one of his better performances. Randy didn't think it was his best as he keeps waiting for something big. Paula disagreed with Randy saying it takes inner strength to stand center stage but sing brilliantly. Simon agrees with Randy, saying that Michael should have done what Carly did. He thought it was a bit monotonous, but he is still a fan, just frustrated that we haven't heard what Michael is capable of doing.
Kristy Lee Cook comes from a very musical family. She decided to pick "8 Days a Week" and change it into a country song. She just hopes that Simon likes the risk. The arrangement was a jumbled mess. Her vocals were okay, but the song just sounds terrible like she did it. Randy liked the idea but felt that she was trying to force too much into it. It was just half and half for him. Paula didn't enjoy it and told her not to take what they say to heart too much as she needs to do her own thing. Simon thought it was horrendous. He said it was a brave but foolish thing to do, and that song doesn't work in that style.
David Archuleta didn't really like jazz or oldies when he was little so he was worried. But he is familiar with the Stevie Wonder version of "We Can Work It Out" so that's what he picked to do. I prefer him serious rather than this "fun" side of him. It just didn't work for me. Randy didn't think it was his vibe, that it felt forced and didn't work. Paula told David not to let it show on his face when he makes a mistake, just keep on going. Simon said that if he treats everyone fairly he would have to say that David stumbled over his lyrics, shouldn't have done the Stevie version and was his weakest performance so far.
I am sorry I agree he needs to step out of his mould, he is getting a bit boring!
