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Access Atlanta > American Idol Buzz > Archives > 2008 > April > 29
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
4/29: Top 5 Idol performance night with Neil Diamond & Paula’s (ahem) confusion
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
(For you live bloggers, sorry, I was out late tonight and only got around to posting my thoughts at about midnight.)
Neil Diamond is not going to bring in that younger audience “Idol’ is losing, but he sure has written some great songs over the years. And thank God nobody chose his cheesiest song, the ode to “E.T.” “Heartlight.” Then again, check out “America,” courtesy of David Archuleta, trying to pull another Kristy Lee Cook (as if he needs it!)
In the end, it was a pretty scattershot night. There were more than a fair share of clunkers for this point in the competition, a couple of great performances and more proof that David Cook should take this home for consistency, professionalism and vocal skills. Sorry, Archuleta!
Who will be in trouble? Well, Archuleta is fine as usual. I’m not sure at this stage if they even do a bottom three. If it’s just a bottom two, I’d say Jason and Syesha. Jason is going home is my guess only because Syesha was lucky enough to get the pimp spot, even if it was a disappointing final performance.
Dialidol actually has Syesha in the safe zone! You have to wonder if Simon’s comments about her being in trouble helped her, especially since he said them moments before voting started. Jason, Brooke and David A. are in danger.
And let me explain poor Paula Abdul’s belief that Jason sang twice already during the halfway point. (SEE VIDEO) The thing is—she and the others watched the dress rehearsal, where she had seen both performances and had, paraphrasing Ryan, “seen the future.” Then she got confused during the actual performance show. This is no proof that “Idol” is rigged or her comments are scripted. She simply can’t remember what happened 15 minutes earlier versus two hours earlier! In other words, vintage Paula. But very amusing!
I suspect Simon spends a lot of time gabbing with Paula during the actual performances since they had already heard them during dress. That’s also possibly why, if a contestant did great in rehearsal and bombed during the live show or vice versa, the judges’ comments seem way way off. Paula should have immediately explained herself and said she had heard Jason sing earlier during dress. That would have helped 99.9% of the audience watching that has no clue this is the case.
Anyway, at this stage, order of performance probably is less meaningful now that each contestant has to sing twice, especially going first.
So this time, I will rank the 10 performances in order, rather than post them in order. I’ll include judge’s comments when available since they only really talked after the second song (not counting that strange mid-time interlude when Paula’s brain went haywire.)
1-David Cook (“All I Really Need is You”) - Honestly, at this point, it’s hard not to root for Cook to win because he infuses every song with heart. Even if this wasn’t as stellar a vocal performance as usual, his emotional compass keeps everything in check and makes it worth listening to. Randy: “Again, you rocked the house!” Paula: “I feel like I’m already looking at the American Idol.” Simon: “I thought the first song was okay, the second song brilliant.” (seventh performance) A/A-minus
2-Brooke White (“I Am I Said”) - She personalizes the lyrics to Arizona, courtesy of Neil’s suggestion. This is more like it, a song that fits her. Sure, as usual, her vocals are just okay but this is the Brooke we love. I really wanted to hear a longer version, a good sign. Randy: “Nice job.” Paula: “What you did as opposed to the first song. It shows your vulnerability and it works.” Simon: “I really really hated the first song. It was like girls’ night out for karaoke. This is the Brooke we like. It wasn’t incredible but a million times better than the first song. Well done.” (eighth performance) A-minus
3-Syesha Mercado (“Hello Again”) - She does a drop-dead gorgeous version of this rather pensive song, though her big smile doesn’t seem to jibe. I enjoyed it. (fifth performance) A-minus.
4- Jason Castro (“Forever in Blue Jeans”) - This is a nice laid-back song that fits Castro well. He seems more comfortable than he was last week. (Is it just me or is the mosh pit looking a bit thin tonight?). Vocally, the song isn’t much of a strain for him and he imprints it with that Castro vibe and it works well. (First performance) B-plus/A-minus
5-David Cook (“I’m Alive”) - He opted for two lesser-known songs, which is not a bad idea. (Second performance) He’s comfortable and luxuriates in his lower register with a professional sheen that includes just a hint of that Diamond growl. Another solid performance, nothing to complain about. (Second performance) B-plus
6-David Archuleta (“Sweet Caroline”) - David took Carly’s song. He starts the song in a higher key than Neil. In fact, the whole arrangement barely sounds like the original, which is sometimes good, sometimes not so good. This time: not so good. The problem is he really isn’t very good at upbeat (see Brooke White). He even hits a few bad notes. He ends okay, at least, but this won’t win him any new fans. (fourth performance) B-minus
7-Pimp spot! Syesha Mercado (“Thank God for the Night Time”) - Her vocals feel a bit mannered and Broadway for a song that could have used a bit more vocal grit. The actress in Syesha is very much in effect. It feels very staged. Randy: “You finally realize who you are. Could have been on Broadway.” Paula: “First song I thought that vulnerable side is absolutely beautiful. That’s your magic. Your second song shows your other side. That’s your theatrical side.” (She said she’s a cross of Corinne Bailey Rae and Minnie Ripperton.) Simon: “It’s a bit chaotic tonight. You demonstrated again. You’re a good actress -stroke- singer. I think however you may be in trouble tonight. It wasn’t a memorable second song like the others.” [I agree.] (10th performance) B-minus
8-David Archuleta (“America”) - Big mistake picking one of Neil’s cheesier songs and another upbeat song. He lacks the gravitas that makes this work with Neil. It feels lightweight. But hey, it’s patriotic and he gets to hit a final grace note with “let freedom ring” while an American flag plays behind you. Randy: “You are in the zone. Another great performance, baby.” (huh?) Paula: “This was the absolute perfect song for you to sing.” (wah?) Simon: “That was a smart choice of song.. that was clever. It ticked all the boxes.” (ninth performance ) B-minus
9-Brooke White (“I’m a Believer”) - This song requires a really strong voice and she simply doesn’t have it. When she bugs her eyes out, she looks fairly absurd. Why is Paula up there dancing? It’s weak but you gotta give her credit for trying something outside her norm. (third performance) C-plus
10-Jason Castro (“September Morn”) - Paula already said she wasn’t feeling this one (from the dress rehearsal.) Maybe the advance criticism will help him. It’s actually just kinda boring. He does it in really sleepy AC style. His voice sounds lazy and the entire thing feels phoned in. Bleh. Randy: “It was just okay.” Paula: “I felt safe. You need to get out of the comfort zone.” Simon: “We don’t recognize you at the moment. There was no attempt to make the songs your own. They were both forgettable.” (sixth peformance) C
In other “Idol” news:
-The EW power five shows minor shifts with David C. remaining at No.1, David A. back at No. 2, Jason dropping to No. 3, Brooke taking Carly’s spot at No. 4 and Syesha taking Brooke’s spot at No. 5. TV Guide had them ranked the same order with votes as follows: 55.8% for David Cook. 20.9% David Archuleta. 12.7% Jason Castro. 6.7% Brooke White. 3.8% Syesha Mercado. Gambling sites have Archuleta winning, with Cook a close second. The other three are also rans with Jason at 15-1 and both Brooke and Syesha at 20 to 1.
-Michael Johns told an Australian pub how surreal it was to be at the White House Correspondents Dinner this past Saturday.: “Condoleezza Rice came up and hugged me, asked to take a picture and have an autograph,” Johns told Confidential yesterday. “Rob Lowe demanded a recount, everyone thinks I was robbed.”
-I have a spare copy of Phil Stacey’s new CD if anybody wants it. Email me at rho@ajc.com. It comes out today!
-The Ruben/Frenchie Davis take on “Ain’t Misbehavin’” is scheduled to kick off its national tour Nov. 17, 2008 at the Fox Theatre.
-Paris Bennett is performing with her grandma Ann Nesby at the “Songs of Soul & Inspiration” concert at Philips Arena on my birthday, June 21. Patti Austin, Chaka Khan, Yolanda Adamas Queen Latifah and others are headlining.
-Carrie Ann Inaba, a judge on “Dancing With the Stars,” notes that Paula Abdul might have problems if she joins the show:
“She’s [emotionally] fragile. And she’s had physical issues [a neck injury]. She won’t even realize how much pressure is on her until she’s already signed up and can’t get out,” Inaba tells TV Guide magazine (May 5 issue; hits newsstands Thursday, May 1). “I would hate to see her get hurt by something she loves.”
