American Idol Buzz

By JTesla

May 21, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this

Good to see that this year beat last year.

Is George Michael still alive? I know his career isn’t, but we haven’t heard from him in this decade.

By Deirdre

May 21, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this

How in heaven’s name does George Michael qualify as a ‘big star’ ????

By flats

May 21, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this

3RD!!!!WOOOOHOOOO!!!!

By harrietth

May 21, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this

It seems to me that George Michael is in keeping with their penchant for washed-up rock stars.

By Lara

May 21, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this

George Michael is still a pretty big draw in Europe, from what I hear. His best of album sold pretty well - Rodney, do you have stats on that? I know I am looking forward to seeing him in concert.

By harrietth

May 21, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this

Hmmm…wonder if Clive Davis knew GM was on the results show when he chose “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me?”

By Negativo

May 21, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this

I am fairly confident that DC has won this thing. Dialidol has never been wrong on a final predicition, and Cook actually beat Arch by more than Jordin beat Blake in their tracker. We’ll see, but I just can’t imagine the tweeners were able to text away 12 point deficit.

George Michael, Donna Summer, and ZZ Top??? I am really confused buy why they always feel the need to cart out the nostalgia circuit for a young, pop contest.. Makes NO sense. Seriously, how do they expect to draw a younger audience with a lineup of performers in their late 50s??

By Menana

May 21, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this

Deirdre: I responded to your last post on the previous blog. You can go back and read it if you want, so I won’t repost here.

Neg: I agree with you 100% about acts that are in later years. Maybe the reason Idol is getting the older acts is because they are not working as much as the younger acts and need something to look forward to. Although, Donna Summer is releasing a new CD and this may be her way to promote it. It does seem like AI could get better and younger acts to perform. Please no blasting me for age discrimination, because that is NOT what I’m doing, as I am an older person myself.

I have always liked GM and DS was good during the disco era. Not to sure just how good they are now. ANd ZZ Top?????????????

By Negativo

May 21, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this

DS would be fine for the nostalgia representation because she is a phenominal singing talent, and a former chart busting pop star who is still heard often on the radio (no pun intended).

George Michael, though, never was more than a B-list entertainer, and ZZ Top, while a classic band of their era, is just the wrong fit for this kind of show.

By flats

May 21, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this

George Micheal loves Archie.So do his close friends!!!!

By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,

May 21, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this

What was that stat about the age of the songs this year? 31+ year-old songs for 17 year old boys? Hard to see how Archichi could EVER understand the meaning of some of them, LOL!!! Hard enough for a 27 year old to do! or 37 even!!!

ah well.

My take on “younger more current acts” is that there are so few with any real QUALITY, they HAVE to go back 30+ years to get people who at least USED to know what a melody is!!!

grin

By JTesla

May 21, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this

Linny, I mean this in an ironic-funny sort of way because I would never bash you: I think that your point regarding the current music scene is probably the exact same thing that your parent’s generation said regarding the music of your generation. The wheel keeps on turning.

By Tami

May 21, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this

I’m very happy that DC appears to be running ahead in the prelim voting results. I guess we’ll see for sure tonight when the texter votes get added in.

Regarding “older” performers on AI: I’m not completely against the idea, but it depends on the performer and the relevance of being on AI to begin with. My musician friend who co-founded a major mega rock group popular in the 70’s & 80’s handled vocal arrangements for that group. And, he’s a major fan of American Idol (vs Aussie Idol, where he is from). I think he’d be an excellent mentor as his presence would have relevance. I hope that makes sense. He told me that if he were ever asked to be on our AI, he would gladly do so.

So, with any older performer, relevance to being on the show to begin with is key.

By KPH

May 21, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this

I could care less about the Disco queen or Michaels. Bring on the talent baby, ZZ TOP!!! My opinon and i’m stickin with it. :-)

By Negativo

May 21, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this

I am not a tinfoil hat conspiracy theorist. However, after Simon was done tearing Cook a new a-hole after his last song, and Cook said he was not going to do something he already did before, the camera caught him givng DC a wink. Is it impossible to believe DC Simonto agreed to bash hime so Archie would win and DC could team up with Simon to do his own thing?

I know I’m being crazy, but did any of the rest of you catch that wink?

By TC

May 21, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this

Just for the record, the zabasearch conducts their results based on how many times the contestant’s name is entered in a search engine. It’s in a New York Times article which is linked from the zaba page. You can take it with a grain of salt.

Let’s just wait and see what the official results are tonight.

By KPH

May 21, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this

Linny RE: 1:33 entry. AMEN SISTER!

By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,

May 21, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this

LOL JT, no offense taken. I’ve thought that myself, but when I look at the current crop (and believe me, with sons just reaching 21 y/o, i listen to a LOT of different stuff!) i don’t hear superstar melodies, songs with a bite to them … most of the music sounds very much the “same” — at least in the 60s and 70s you could hear a truly WIDE range of music.

But I digress — we ARE in the post-rock era. I can’t deny it. I just wish someone would SING a song without feeling they have to go an octave or two above their natural range, and 3 times the volume normally used, to reach that “big” note. and that there was more to a song’s “music” than a beat and a beat. and maybe an atonal, indifferent guitar lick.

same with dance — i was watching some “big” star with his “crew” dancing behind him. LITERALLY all they were doing was jumping up and down in the air, running across the stage, making ‘gang signs’ (or wannabe gang signs?) and repeating the process over and over. I told my son he should get a job as a backup dancer, LOL. Maybe make some good money, get some exercise, and who knows, get ‘discovered’ …

yeah.

but you’re probably right about most parents of folks my age — i was lucky, MINE loved ‘rock-n-roll’ !!!

By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,

May 21, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this

oh and JT, luv, i would NEVER take anything you said as “bashing me” — your words are always so right on the money, even when we disagree, it’s not an antagonistic thing!!! besides, mostly you’re probably right, LOL!!!

besides, i couldn’t love you so much if i thought you were bashing me!!!

~¿@

(heh heh heh)

By Deirdre

May 21, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this

Thanks, menana!

Neg…I saw Simon wink and took it another way…I think Simon was letting Cook know he liked him and wasn’t going to curse him with a good critique….in other words, remembering Simon’s line to Carly after she was eliminated. He said something like..Sorry…I praised you last night, that’s the kiss of death.

I think Simon was aiming votes directly at Cook by giving him a hard time.

By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,

May 21, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this

K — i knew if no one else understood what i was saying, YOU would, LOL!!! we’re sooooo on the same plane about music most of the time!!!

tonight will be interesting, if NOTHING else!

i think Syesha should get a car too, just because. don’t ask me to be logical about this! she deserves the recognition! she upped her game from the beginning to an excellent competitive level by the Top 3, imho!

(girl power!)

By KPH

May 21, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this

Mine too Linny as well as other forms of MUSIC. My Dad was a session musician in Nashville and Memphis he could play the strings off of any instrument that had strings on it. I am so glad he taught me to appriciate real music and talented musicians and singers instead of 3 power cords and a bunch of screaming lyrics that cant even be understood. And dont even start with me about this cRAP stuff where all the talent they have is holding their crotch while making nursery school rhymes and substituting filthy mouth lyrics, now that takes a lot of talent huh? And people buy that S—-t. Maybe some day their ears will grow up LOL!

By Mike S

May 21, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this

FINALE SPOILERS (mulitple Sources): Performers : Carrie Underwood, Donna Summer, ZZ Top, George Michael, Bo Bice (probably in group sing)

Top 5 will perform : David Cook with Mariah Carey, David A with Niel Diamond, Syesha with Andrew Lloyd Weber, Brooke with Dolly Parton, Jason will perform “Hallelujah” solo (Although rumor has it a digital Shrek may appear).

BIGGEST STAR IN THE WORLD AT THIS MOMENT : Robert Downey Jr. — Nigel said the satr is not necessarily a singer on Ryan’s show this morning, TMZ is reporting that Downey will appear in Iron Man get up. Iron Man is #1 movie so that makes Downey the #1 star “AT THIS MOMENT”.

Entire top 12 will appear and sing in group songs and skits. Multiple former contestants will perform in group songs.

By Menana

May 21, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this

Neg: I also caught the wink and the grin on DC’s face. You just may be onto something here. If Simon was praising DA to the public for whatever reasons and then bashing DC for whatever, then gave DC a wink and DC gave a grin back, was that a code of some sort? Like maybe, a message to DC telling him not to worry about winning but just play it cool and don’t sweat it. Now my curiosity is up and my mind is racing 150 MPH trying to figure out what the wink and smile meant.

Linny: Hey there girl. I have to agree with you in terms of the music from the 60’s & 70’s v todays. The lyrics were better, you could understand them and they did have meaning. As you know, every generation has its own style and as we age, our style begans to fade out and a newer style comes in. We always feel and think that our style was/is the best. Maybe in those terms, the music of now is the best for this generation. I however, will totally disagree with the now music. It would be better if I could understand the lyrics and meaning (if a song has a meaning). My parents and probably yours as well had the big bands, we had Elvis, Beetles, Motown and Rock & Roll. Then it went to acid rock, and from there is went to h* in a handbasket. I guess I am getting to old, but I just can’t comprehend the music genre of the 2000’s.

By Harmony

May 21, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this

War hasn’t showed up yet. I hope he is okay.

By Justin

May 21, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this

OK I’m sorry but this is a bunch of Bull S! The top 5 gets duets but Jason gets special treatment and gets to sing a song by himself. That is just ridiculous. Why not someone who came further. I don’t care if it was a good song for him, but why him? Why does he get special? Why not the rest? That’s stupid

By Rasta

May 21, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this

Biased, maybe? Justin, I’m sure you wouldn’t be complaining if it were Syesha that got the solo.

By Making Sense

May 21, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this

Justin - There’s been talk that Jason has been the most overhyped of all the contestants. Thus the reason for letting him, and ONLY him, singing SOLO. It’s AI’s way of playing into it. Make sense?

By JTesla

May 21, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this

I got the impression that the wink was acknowledgement that Cook understood where Simon was coming from. When asked by Ryan if DC understood Simon’s point he stated yes and no, he went on to explain his decision for the song, but he did state that he knew why Simon made the comments that he had.

In the past Simon hasn’t pulled punches during the finale, and even though I am a Cook supporter and an devout anti-Archie person I have to be honest and say that if the only thing I ever saw of those two was last nights performance then I would have declared Archie the winner too. There is no conspiracy, Simon was just being honest.

By JTesla

May 21, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this

Justin you like to jump to conclusions don’t you? At this point spoilers should be taken with a grain of salt.

Now, take a deep breath and realize that you’re going to have to wait and see if this actually comes true. Really your getting worked up over something that hasn’t happened, just like when you got worked up over the top 5 contestants only singing one song apiece, they sang two, just like when you got worked up over Syesha not getting a hometown visit, she did, let’s wait to get all agitated until things are confirmed… during tonight’s show.

By Justin

May 21, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this

No, if it were Syesha, I wouldn’t be complaining. I would be confused as to why they only let her. But then again, she is runner-up to the finale…and certainly was the best out of the other 2 that came in 4th and 5th. But i don’t know…i think it has happened in the past though. Elliot got a mini-solo and I think Paris sang by herself. Maybe?

By Harmony

May 21, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this

JT, I’m not waiting any longer,I’m going ahead now and predict that David wins idol and that the other David will be runner-up!

By Negativo

May 21, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this

I see several people who normally dislike Baby Jesus saying they loved him last night and even preferred him to DC. This mystifies me…Baby was his same old self, Cook was his same old self. Boring, monatone ballads vs piercing grunge rock. Look, if you like Baby Jesus and the Father, well, bully for you, but how would last night have been different?

They both showed themselves for what they are, and have been, the majority of the time.

By JTesla

May 21, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this

Another point Justin, I have a feeling that being paired up with a big star would be an honor. How many past contestants were overjoyed because they got to sing on stage with THEIR idol? If Justin only gets a solo I’ll be happy, because it means he is such a big loser that they couldn’t find an old artist that desperate to cling to stardom to sing with him.

Harmony: I’m with you! David will win tonight!!!

By Deirdre

May 21, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this

Justin…did you ever think that maybe nobody WANTED to sing with Jason? :-)

WAR EAGLE…where are you, we can’t crown a new Idol without you so you’d better be showing up.

JT…just how many kids do you have? You handled that well!

By Harmony

May 21, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this

I’ll talk to all of you later after David wins idol.

By Deirdre

May 21, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this

Neg…I preferred Archie’s performance last night to Cook’s.

Archie’s version of a song I’ve been growing to hate (Sun Going Down) was heartfelt and meaningfully sung. His voice, which usually has that dull atonal hum underneath it was clear and very pleasant. He did not sing it any slower than it was originally written and he did a great job with it.

Cook seemed to be only half there last night, as if he already knew that nothing that happened on stage was going to change the outcome…and he was right. Decisions were made way before last night. People everywhere were watching to see their favorite…not to decide who they would vote for.

I have never thought that Archie was a bad singer…just too young and not ready. I voted for Cook last night because of his excellent showing this season…not because of what he did last night, which, IMO, wasn’t as good as the kid.

By JTesla

May 21, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this

Whoops I have to correct a typo, it should be “If Jason only gets a solo…” I’ve already removed dred-head from my mind.

Deirdre: just one she’s almost three. With two stubborn red-heads in the house I’m slowly learning the lost art of patience.

By War Eagle

May 21, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this

D, I can’t post from work for a while. Upper management just sent out the yearly “don’t abuse the Internet” email. I got to lay low for a while and only post from home.

It’s good to hear from a lot of the people that only lurk. Don’t be strangers.

flats, congrats to your dawgs.

By Lara

May 21, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this

I don’t want to see Bo do a group sing - can’t he have his own solo performance? For crying out loud, you are taking 2 hours to tell us somethind that really takes less than a minute to do.

By Negativo

May 21, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this

D, I saw nothing different about either performer - better or worse - than we’ve come to expect. Just my opinion, but I still don’t get what was improved about Baby or worse about DC.

I know what you are saying, but it just is not connecting with me.

By Deirdre

May 21, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this

Lara..Bo already had a solo performance! :-)

WE…we’ll see you tonight…don’t get yourself in trouble!

Mike…thanks for the additional info. I had heard that Robert Downy Jr was going to be there but had a hard time(as much as I’ve always liked him) imagining him as the biggest star in the world. Ironman lost it’s #1 status last week but if he’s appearing in the costume, that would explain it.

By Deirdre

May 21, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this

JT..your almost 3 year old must have her daddy wrapped around her little finger by now…good thing her mom is a redhead, too.

Both my boys have red hair, one almost blond and the other auburn…lots of red hair in my family….they are a challenge…good luck!

By Deirdre

May 21, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this

Neg…no problem…we all see things differently sometimes. I actually almost liked Archie last night…he put his heart and soul into those songs…I still don’t think he should win.

Cook can usually make an ordinary song stand up and grab my attention…he didn’t last night.

By Tami

May 21, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this

Maybe none of the “stars” wanted to be paired up with Jason?? There’s a thought.

I too saw the wink. I agree with Deirdre. I think Simon would have loved to hype up DC, but it’s been the “kiss of death” for many contestants. But, I also don’t think DC wants to win, but rather wants a similar career as Daughtery & Bo. From the blog talk today, DC may not have any choice in the matter though.

I would LOVE to see DC, Daughtery & Bo performing together on the same stage. That would have been great to see tonight.

By Deirdre

May 21, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this

OMG…and I quote:

TMZ moles say the finale will include a virtual hologram of Gladys Knight singing “Midnight Train to Georgia” with Ben Stiller, Jack Black and Downey Jr. singing backup as the Pips. Holy Nat King Cole! “Idol” did this last season when Celine Dion sang along side a virtual undead Elvis. For the record, Gladys Knight is still alive.

By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,

May 21, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this

Oh No! My heart is BOUND to be broken!!!!! Redheads. I can’t compete with Redheads!!!!! (My husband is a true believer in the absolute ultimate sexiness and appeal of Redheads … and why the heck he married ME i will NEVER know!!) Now JT tells us HE’s not only married to a redhead, but has a daughter redhead too??? no way i compete with that!

sigh

By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,

May 21, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this

ewwwwwwwwwww!!!!

see you guys later, i reckon!!!

By DawnH

May 21, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this

I was pretty sure Mike S was joking about the spoilers, but maybe not! I agree that if JC is, in fact, scheduled to sing alone, it IS because no one wants to sing with him. Who could? And, does AL Weber actually sing? That would be an interesting pair up. So, while I think Mike S should be consulted for putting some fun into AI, I think he misread the spoilers.

I also agree with JT that the wink was acknowledgement that Cook understood where Simon was coming from.

I agree that DC had 1 good song last night. The other 2 sounded like every other song he sang this season.

As for music today vs yesterday - I remember the music I listened to back in the day was considered hard rock by my parents and they were also pretty sure it was written by the devil.

Finally, I am glad you’re OK WE. And it’s a good thing Willie isn’t hanging out - sorry Willie!

By JTesla

May 21, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this

The Pips? Please no.

Linny: ;)

By Justin

May 21, 2008 6:35 PM | Link to this

Well the whole top 5 show i got worked up about the songs because it had said it was on for an hour, so i didn’t think they’d fit it in, that was nothing about spoilers. and the hometown visit was well before the top 3 were chosen, so that too had nothing to do with spoilers. these ARE spoilers, and usually they are true. but whatever i don’t care i see where you are coming from i would like to see syesha sing proud mary with tina turner! ‘cept it would be just like beyonces…

By War Eagle

May 21, 2008 6:36 PM | Link to this

Breaking News:

CNN reports that gas stations will start showing PORN movies on the screens of the pumps so that you can see someone else get screwed at the same time you do.:

By DawnH

May 21, 2008 6:50 PM | Link to this

I hate getting screwed and being the one to pay for it!

By Songluvr

May 21, 2008 7:03 PM | Link to this

REAL breaking news: ZZ Top will be performing with David Cook tonight! They’ll play for him. Straight from the ZZ mouth on the red carpet special on the TV Guide channel!

By Songluvr

May 21, 2008 7:20 PM | Link to this

More: Graham Nash will be performing ‘Teach Your Children Well’ with Brooke.

By Songluvr

May 21, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this

Where did everybody gooooooo?

Anyway, Simon just said upon watching it back he would call it a draw, not a knockout like he had said at all. He and Randy said it sounded like a different show watching it back later.

By Deirdre

May 21, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this

New thread up…it looks like a sports thread but it isn’t!

By Tami

May 21, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this

Songluvr….Rodney just started a new blog…I think everyone’s headed over there now.

By David

May 21, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this

Hey Randy,

Bob Keeshan called, He wants his jacket back.

By Honeydew

May 21, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this

I knew Cook would win. He is more marketable, not shy, will interview well, and is very versatile. CONGRATULATIONS!

By AL

May 21, 2008 10:17 PM | Link to this

Woo Freaking Hoo! Finally, the AI contestant that I’ve wanted to win all season long actually wins the title!

Congratulations David Cook!

By Mo

May 21, 2008 11:03 PM | Link to this

The final AI show was the best ever probably because the talent was the best ever. Cook was delightful.

By Angela

May 21, 2008 11:54 PM | Link to this

Awww, now please tell me what you all will do differently in the morning now that your Cookie has won. Was it really that important and will you really remember him in two years.

By Brenda

May 22, 2008 9:05 AM | Link to this

I was disappointed that Cook won—-without being rude, I think it was a pity vote. At least David A. was consistent throughout the WHOLE season—-disappointed does not even begin for me— I am looking to anything David A. puts out

By timthebrave

May 22, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this

I’m glad David Cook won. I liked that they had the contestants singing with the actual song performers. Cook with ZZ Top was good. David A sounded good with the apologize song and I liked Brook with Nash. Syesha was really good most of the night but seemed a little star struck on the duet with Seal. I don’t really like Carrie Underwood’s music but she can sing good and is smokin HOT! Overall a good finale and an ending that I wanted. Talk to you next year

By Blkshepherd

May 22, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this

Glad I missed the most of the show. What hogwash. AI knows how to milk a good thing dry. That guy singing Simon Song anthem with the chair leaders and Paula and Randy joining(I did like to see Paula goofing off dancing that put a smile on my face, the rest I could not believe how stupid and what a waste of air time but I guess when you got millions of people watching(only to see who would take the crown)you can do whatever you want to do. I really like DCs cool laid back look that I once took for being a little full of himself. Notice I said Once. He truely stood out at the end of the show as the MOST exciting and entertaining even if he didnt have the Best sounding voice. I still give that to David A. who will b Just fine. Well time to return to my Fortress of Solitude until next year. To David Cook: Make sure MY SONG, First time I ever Saw Your face is included on your first cd. thanks. Enjoy a wonderful career. I KNOW you will. All of you folks that don’t like him eat crow! Last thought, Ruben you looking kind of old..a heck of a lot older than mid twenties hmm must be the drama of Hollywood.

By JayZee

May 22, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this

This is what’s gonna happen to Obama. People will vote in DROVES for mccain just so the other candidate won’t win.

ok, maybe farfetched. maybe.

I’ll just say this. You Archuletta haters just need to give the kid a chance to grow. He would have, just as Cook changed some from the beginning to the end.

Congrats to Cook. yes, he should do well.

Out!

JayZee

By Sandy

May 22, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this

Just wondering - What did everyone think about Carrie Underwood’s performance and outfit?

By MMK

May 22, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this

David A. is a young kid with a beautiful, melodious voice, I predict he has a bright future. His fans are not just young girls, adults love him too: to me he is a great example for teens of today. Even when hr was criticized by the judges, he always listened attentively, appreciatevely and said than you. No arrogance, no insolence like we see so often. His parents can be proud of him !