A Worthy Final Five OR The Shameless Pimping of Danny and Adam

I have to admit, I had an entire post from live blogging last night, but I was so damned irritated by last night's show that I decided not to post it. I re-read it, and I was unfair in portions and down right venemous in others . . . therefore, I decided to be a good social worker . . . take a step back . . . and re-group.

As a part of my re-grouping, I came into work this morning and reviewed the evening with Allison. I was relieved to find that she and I were on the same page about some of the performances and the structure of the show as a hole . . . whew, at least I haven't gonna astray from all of my fellow Idolers . . . What follows is a list of rankings with a few comments thrown in for good measure. :)

The first thought I had when watching last night's episode was, "Why can't we cut the damn filler stuff and get back to the singing." I missed not having two performances on top 5 night. They have managed to do it every other year . . . Ugh! The next thought I had was why are Kris and Allison first and second . . . Again . . . I swear, if you go back and look at all of the week's this year, those two have logged in WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY more time at the front end than anyone else. On the same note, how many times does Adam Lambert get to go last or next to last. Yes, I understand that it's a ratings ploy, but this is a competition and we all know that placement in the lineup plays quite a little role in voting. Wow, I feel better . . . just had to get that off of my chest.

Now, here are my rankings . . . get ready, cuz they could be considered somewhat blasphemous.

1. The Gokey - Last night's performance was the best I have seen from him since the Top 32. He managed to restrain the Gokey screech for a full 2/3 of the song. . . that way, by the time he went ape-shit with it at the end, it didn't feel like bamboo shoots underneath my finger nails. That being said, I do wish The Gokey could figure out that his voice is quite lovely and that it isn't ALWAYS necessary to go apeshit crazy.

2. Kris Allen - Here we go. . . I will agree that Kris sounded a bit overshadowed by the band at times . . . no doubt . . . however, y'all know I'm a vocal purist with this stuff . . . and week in and week out he is one of two contestants who I NEVER get nervous about because he always hits the notes. They may not be the strongest of notes, but I don't think this is a screaming contest. **Stepping down from soapbox** I thought he chose the perfect song for him, and performed it very solidly

3. Adam - Now, I know, blasphemous to take him out of the Top 2 . . . and before I say anything else, let me say that his vocals, as always, were spot on. He has an amazing range. That being said, I LOVE that song . . . it's a smooth, jazzy number, and, to me, it didn't need all of that extra flair. I could have lived with out the use of the Lambert Lungs. I was really looking forward to the number because I thought it would be reserved Adam . . . it was not. Again, not knocking him on the vocal, but on the self-indulgent stylistic choices he made.

Which brings up a point. The SHAMELESS pimping of Danny and Adam. Seriously, Simon Cowell is the king of calling people out on being self-indulgent . . . and that was perhaps one of THE MOST self indulgent numbers . . . and he didn't say anything . . . Really? . . . Seriously? I felt like there should have been a running scroll at the bottom of the screen that said . . . "Seriously Y'all, please don't bother voting for anyone else because this final is a lock . . .yo"

And back to the rankings . . .

4. Allison - I love this girl, and I really liked her performance last night. I thought she put a different twist on the song, and it did show a kinder, gentler rocker chick. The reason she winds up fourth for me is because her vocals aren't quite as spot on as the previous three. She had some problems clearly enunciating some of her phrases last night, and, at times, I thought she was a shade under or over the note. Otherwise, I loved her.

5. Matt - This, indeed, should have been Matt's night. . . and, to a certain extent, it was. He had some nice charisma on the stage and I was impressed with a lot of his vocals . . . however, Matt is one of the one's that I cross my fingers for when he sings because he occasionally strays from being in tune . . . pitchy if you will . . . last night was no exception. There were some off moments littered throughout what was, otherwise, a lovely performance.

I agree with Dr. L/K about Simon playing reverse psychology with certain contestants . . . however, it was hard to stomach hearing him tell Matt that he had charisma and confidence and gave an excellent performance. I don't know . . . I just don't know . . .

Josh's Bottom Two: Allison and Matt
America's Bottom Two: Allison and Matt

Eliminated: Matt

If all goes as it should tonight, we will have, in my opinion, the best 4 of the entire group as the Top 4 . . . that should make for a wonderful last three weeks. I just hope they will get to perform two songs next week . . . seriously, they used to get in 8 songs in an hour. Get it done Idol! **Stepping Back Off Soap Box**

The Final Two . . . Will Ashlee or Shaun Head to the House?

The final two performers tonight are Ashlee Hewitt and Shaun Mayer.

Ashlee Hewitt is up first singing her original ditty, "Mike's Hard Lemonade". She calls it a little bit nasty, but she's comfortable with it. She has been looking forward to this night the entire time.

She just sounds wonderful. Like Coffey, this is by far her BEST performance. She sounds comfortable and her stage presence is, as per usual, on target. For the first time, I'm totally into her voice. She sounds kind of like a more country version of Jewel. I'm impressed.

Jewel - She thinks that Ashlee is, above everyone else, an artist. She loved the song, and wants to write songs for her when she records.
Jeff - Ditto his other comments. He just thinks that everyone is more talented than he would have ever anticipated.
John - Thinks that no matter what happens, Nashville would be a fool not to give her a recording contract.

I don't know if I would go as far as Jewel . . . I think Gabe and Melissa are both artists as much, if not more so than Ashlee. However, I guess we've got to cut Jewel a break here, she is talking to the girl who is almost EXACTLY her spitting image.

Shaun Mayer is up next, and I think Jeff Steele has worked with her so much better than John Rich. She just seems to blossom under his tutelage. She is also singing her own original tune tonight, "I'm Not Looking Back".

I will say this . . . probably not the best performance of the night . . .BUT, this is clearly the one song out of all five where she absolutely FEELS the lyrics. Clearly, the one performance that was from the heart. Excellent!

John - Thinks that she has knocked it out of the park the past two weeks. If she goes this week it is bad timing.
Jewel - Mentions the Lisa Marie Presley connection again. Liked her.
Jeff - Just completely loved her performance and her phrasing throughout the song.

ELIMINATION TIME!

Here comes the BRC with the recap and the inevitable massive silence of elimination . . . Who is going home?




Ashlee Hewitt is hitting the road, jack. BRC thinks she is a star waiting to happen. Again, she was the first to perform last week . . . seems to be a complete hex.

Pimpin The Judges . . . And Gabe Garcia Kicks It Country Style

Next up, our judges perform. It appears as if all three of our judges are going to perform some of their hits and then their gonna kick it country style together. First up, Jewel sings her non-country hits. Jeff Steele sings some of his songs, and now, we're saving horse by riding a cowboy. And we're done . . .

Gabe Garcia is the next to be through to the Top 4, and he is singing his original song, "Lost Weekend". He seems more and more confident each week. I'm wishing good things for him tonight.




Mr. Garcia does not disappoint. This song, much like Melissa Lawson's, could be released on the radio right now and be a hit. In fact, this song is a wee bit better put together than Melissa's. However, I will say that neither one of them (Gabe and Melissa) will be lost after this show is complete. Excellent!

Jeff - Ruining his critiques! Great work and great lyrics.
John - Liked it as well, and thinks it could be a big hit. He is cautioning him to remember that his connection with the audience is still a problem.
Jewel - Liked it, but wants to make sure that he understands that originality is important.

Melissa Lawson is Ready To Stand

And, we're back. Who is next to be safe and move on to the top 4. Thank Goodness . . . Melissa Lawson is up next. She only started writing lyrics a few months ago . . . What I hear in the mentor session sounds pretty darn good. She's singing "Ready to Stand" . . . This song is really good in a . . . I will probably go on itunes and download it now . . . kind of way. VERY VERY RADIO FRIENDLY!
Excellent!

Jewel - Thought she did a good job writing a song for her own voice
Jeff - He's mad. He was ready to critique. He can't. She was really great.
John - Is becoming more and more impressed each week. She needs to stay focused, but she is in control.

I think at this point, it doesn't matter whether or not this girl wins . . . she's record contract bound.

Nashville Star: The Top 5 Perform . . . Coffey Is Seriously A Southern Man

It's time for the Final Five on Nashville Star. We're down to five finalists - Two Guys - Coffey & Gabe Garcia AND three girls - Shaun, Melissa, and Ashlee. They will all be performing songs they penned themselves.

BRC wants us to "get this party started".



Once again, we begin this show with me saying WTF . . . as Coffey is up first. He is singing a song he wrote called "Southern Man" . . . Strangely awkward song . . . his vocals are better this week, and he seems much more relaxed. By FAR his best performance.

Jeff - Wanted to hate it, but didn't.
John - Didn't think the song was a hit song on country radio. . . but thought the performance was good.
Jewel - thought the song was about him and that's why people are gonna vote for him.

Thankfully Jewel is telling us why people are voting for him because I have never really been clear. However, I will say again, his best performance by far.

My Brooke stops . . . babbling . . .

Sniff . . . Sniff . . . Alone on the Isle of Unpopular Opinion . . . Sniff . . . Sniff . . . My Brooke is gone . . . Now, I can't say that I was SHOCKED at the result, but I was somewhat, er, um, perplexed maybe, at The Cuteness not being in the Bottom 2 . . . Anyhoo, My Brooke will not be around for the Top 4. So, to celebrate the Brookeness, I am posting the link to her Entertainment Weekly Exit Interview. Enjoy . . . Sniff . . . Sniff

Not So Cute

I know Jason Castro is better known around here as The Cuteness, but after I saw this last night, I wondered what y'all thought about it: here's Brooke, crying her eyes out as she struggles to push through what must have been a painful, poignant last song on Idol, and Castro's grinning like a damn Cheshire Cat.

If this is the best diamond that I receive, then I am giving it back...

Everyone knows that diamonds are a girl's best friend, but I think I would rather see what my enemies offer up...

Tough night for the Idols (or at least the audience -- especially Paula!). Not much stood out, but here are the my unofficial rankings of the performances:

1. No question David Cook song #2 was as good as it was going to get last night. He seems hip and relevant to music today. Even little David - as good as he sounds - is niether hip nor relevant.

2. Brooke's song #2: As Josh knows I have been off the Brooke band wagon the last several weeks because she wasn't giving us anything. but this performance is why I liked Brooke during the top 24 rounds and why I want to like her now.

3. David C. song #1: see above

4. Little David song #1: I love sweet Caroline.

5. Little David song #2: There is not a lot to say new on little David. The kid can sing. The second song was kind of a mess in parts (the arrangement, not the vocals). Little David has nothing in the world to worry about. Don't we all wish we were 17 again with nothing in this world to worry about.

6. Syesha #1: Hello. Hello. Syesha made a mistake in putting this song first. I really liked her, but I am not sure about the random standing up at the end for 4 notes. And what happened to her shoes...

7. Jason #1: I would forever wear my blue jeans (or at least my denim skirt) for him.

8. Brooke #1: I am a believer. I am glad that Robert is on board with me about this. I thought it was a mess and cheesy and ugh... My apologies, Joshua. (At least I am little sister and not your straight girlfriend so I am not so easily replaced!)

9. syesha 2: Alright already, you need to be on broadway with Clay A.

10. Jason #2: Yikes.

Bottom 3: Jason, Brooke, Syesha
Going home: Jason :( (but if I am right I am in line for a bonus point)

J's Rankings: I'm Just Going On My Gut, Yo!

Here we go . . .

1. Rocker David - Thought his first performance was on the good side of "Ok", but his second, for me, was the best of the night . . . Good Job on vocal/performance 2 . . . on a subpar night . .

(Small Space)

Two and Three are pretty interchangeable . . . but here it goes

2. Brooke White - As with Rocker David, the first performance was just ok, not great/nor the nightmare that Simon categorized it, however, her second performance was the second best of teh night for me. Brooke, with some confidence, at the piano, just sat right for ME. Smart song choice, well sung, well performed, brought her back to the competition, FOR ME . . .

3. Lil David - Opposite from the first two, his first performance was the BEST of the first round and the third best of the night for ME. I thought "America" was great from the second half on . . . Lil D is the only performer capable of erasing all bad thoughts with the brilliance of his pimp notes. That being said, the first half of "America" was rough . . .

(slight space)

4. Syesha - Lo as I walk through the isle of unpopular opinion, I shall fear no evil . . . her first performance should have been her second. That being said, I thought both were littered with randomly performed vocals. Her first performance was MUCH more consisitent . . . her second was much better PERFORMED, but vocally, ehh, go back and listen, the first two thirds of that last performance were ALL OVER THE PLACE, the last two pimp notes were brilliant, but otherwise, just eh, vocally, for me.

(Massive David Cook FiveHead Circa Baby Pic Space)

5. The Cuteness - Y'all know I love him . . . but, seriously, yo. He just looked so bored to be there on both performances. Number 2 was better vocally, but both just kind of sucked hardcore. . . we'll see if his fan base will move him through and upset the Idol Machine plan of 2 boy and 2 girl . . . we'll see.

Not my Bottom 2: Brooke and The Cuteness

Eliminated: The Cuteness

Top 5, An Overview: Diamonds In the ROUGH!

Um, again, I'm gonna say, if you want to produce relevant, current, artists in today's pop, altpop, singer songwriter element, why, IN THE NAME OF WAYNE NEWTON, would you make these teens and twenty somethings sing TWO, YES TWO, NEIL DIAMOND songs. Make them sing one ND song and one current top 40 song OR one ND song and one HOT 100 song from the NEW MILLENIUM! SOMETHING! UGH!

Anyhoo, tonight was Nizzle Dizzle night! And, overall, the idols did not do a half bad job picking songs that were good for their range. I think it is fairly obvious why the instrument players make up 4 of the top 5 finalists. They KNOW their vocal range, and have a better idea of what they are comfortable/sound good singing.

A teensy weensy editorial to follow (INDULGE ME!)

I may have a different take than others, and may be over analyzing, but I believe that the Idol Machine has learned from its AI 5 mistakes, and that is why we saw the order of performances we saw tonight. Now, Y’all know I HEART American Idol, but, I think the VERY LAST THING they wanted was to end up with three guys and one girl in the final four. When that last happened in AI 5, they set up a final 4 just ripe for an upset (Taylor, Daughtry, Elliot, Katharine). But, if they end up with 2 guys and 2 girls, AI 7 could very well end up with the David vs. David finale they and WE so much desire. . . Only the second finale in AI history that had the two best performers/vocalists together (Rueben vs. Clay being the other). Therefore, the current night’s lineup was inevitable. In my very humble opinion ((IMVHO), Syesha was the most vulnerable coming in . . . they had to place her in the “pimp spot” to insure she stayed around . . . Castro has a stronger fan base and needed to be first . . . Brooke has a stronger fan base than Syesha but maybe equal to Jason . . . The Idol Machine plays around with three contestants who are NOT going to win this competition so that they can try to get the finale they want. In addition, they pimp Syesha further to try and get her a Broadway career . . . CLEARLY the girl’s venue . . . thus insuring that about six to seven of the 12 idol finalists find careers in the industry . . . thus, keeping the Idol Machine very culturally relevant.

Let's face it . . . whether or not this is the most talented Top 12, it definitely has the potential to be the MOST recorded/contracted group in Idol history. The following have a very nice possibility of finding SOME level of recording success in some area of the industry: Lil David, Rocker David, Brooke White, Syesha Mercado, Jason Castro, Carly Smithson, Michael Johns, Kristy Lee Cook (who'd of thought). . . 8 of 12 could very realistically obtain recording contracts . . .

All that to say, the Idol Machine was very smart tonight . . . I would have bet prior to the performances that Syesha and a Brooke OR Jason would be in the Bottom 2 . . . however, Syesha in the pimp spot and performing adequately very likely means a JASON and a Brooke/David/David in the Bottom 2 . . . and, I think almost guarantees a TWO guy TWO girl final four . . .

Of course, if Brooke or Syesha gets voted out tomorrow, I reserve the right to print a statement that compeltely retracts this post as being inpsired at gun point or by drugs administered by insurgents . . . :)

A set of rankings to follow

Syesha: Hello and Thank the Lord!

Syesha – Hello Again – She looks scared to hug La Diamond . . . . We have some extensions in da house . . . and the damn waving hands from the freakin mosh pit . . . .I’ll need to listen to this one again, it feels like she got off the music for a minute . . . . overall good vocals, but a wee bit pitchy at times. Good job, but a wee pitchy. . . . I’m a little worried for her that she has put the wrong song first . .

Thank the Lord for the night time is next . . . Ok, Syesha is smartly . . . I guess . . . going to het her Broadway on again . . . um, I can already feel my peeps slipping away, and that me AND my cat Dave AND my Friends DVD Collection are going to be alone on the isle of unpopular opinion . . . BUT, the first um 4/5ths of this song was, vocally, ALL the F OVER THE PLACE . . . . she did hit the two PIMP notes at the end of the song . . . Great Acting Performance, but only a sub-par vocal performance for me . . . .


Randy thought her first was pretty cool, but her second found her "in the zone" which I'm pretty sure gave her the "yo" factor . . . LaCrazy thought she hit vulnerability in the first and found her "element" in the second . . .Simon thinks she is a good actress/stroke/singer . . . but could be in trouble tonight . . .

Lil David: Sweet . . . America ! Proof that AMERICA hearts a SWEET pimp note!

David Archeletta – Sweet Caroline – only one without an iffy lower register or smartest contestant to start the song in the right key. One iffy upper register note . . . overall, the best performance of the first songs, but, I’m still not lovin this theme . . but the best of the first. . . .

Second song – America – Ok, y’all know I am a proud rider of the Lil David train, but the first half of this song was a BIG MESS. He was just all over the place. However, Lil David takes the second half of the song to remind us that he has THAT voice that can hit the PIMP notes that might make you forget that the first half of the song was a big MESS. Overall, the second half of the song worked . . . and was probably better than the whole song of most of the other performers . . .

Randy thought Lil David was the bomb diggity on both performances . . . La Crazy is drunk, but hearts him, Simon thought the first song was ok and that the second song was a “very clever choice”.

Brooke White: I'm a believer . . . I AM, I SAID . . .

Brooke – I'm A Believer - The guitar is back . . . but, yet another iffy lower register . . . I kind of loved the second half of the song . . . she looked a wee bit awkward throughout, but her vocals were more solid than we’ve seen recently, and she seems to have regained a wee bit of the performance confidence . . . . nice to see the guitar again. . .

I am I said – Excellent Start - this is the Brooke I remember. . . . I could smack Ryan with that skinny tie for mentioning the lyrics on her hand . . . Ugh on his faux hawked head! Gots to say, I think MY Brooke is back. This piano playin singer song writer vibe is why I love her. The first time since “Let it Be” that I truly BELIEVED what she was singing. . . .

Randy thought she did a nice job with all of the key changes . . . Paula thought she had fun during the first one, but the second one she connected . . . Simon reminds us that he hated the first song, but the second one was the Brooke WE love. . . .

Rocker David: All I Really Need Is . . . A New Jacket . . .

Rocker David – What is that jacket??? I’m Alive . . . The guitar is back. Thank Goodness . . . lower register is still iffy . . . Upper register is much better . . .high energy is very nice for Rocker David . . . upper register is much better. Much, much better than The Cuteness . . . .

All I Really Need Is You – sexy little side grin . . . . growly voice is on key . . . kind of a strangely awkward song at the beginning . . . and cue ROCKER DAVID . . . wait, dammit, where’s my lighter . . . I’m trying to have a Bon Jovi moment here . . .trying to walk that fine line between belting and screaming, tough to "Walk the Line" . . . odd little high note . . . Overall SO much better than the first. . . . actually thought it was the best I’ve heard thus far. Great Job!

Randy thought that he was ok on the first, but "hot, hot, hot" on the second . . . LaCrazy thought he was good and stuff . . . Simon, thought the first was kind of "eh", but the second was brilliant . . .

Forever Bored in September . . . .

Because my blog is a bit LIVE but tape delayed, I am going to reveiw both performances for each Idol in the same snippet . . . Here comes the Cuteness . . .

The Cuteness – Forever in Blue Jeans – Um, so, he sang the lyrics to the second song during the rehearsal for the first . . . Here we go . . . First thought, kind of boring . . . his vocals are ok, but his lower register is a little iffy . . . Joe Cocker like facial expressions are a wee bit strange . . . Overall, a pleasant but forgettable performance . . .

September Morn – The Cuteness is in trouble if he doesn’t blow it out the box here . . . lower register is better . . . pleasant but forgettable, again . . . Ugh, there was a moment he could have captured when the song elevated and he got off the stool . . . he missed it . . . he just looks bored . . . Quite frankly, he has looked a wee bored in both performaces . . . me too . . .

Randy thought that both performances were just kinda ok . . . La Crazy felt like he took the same “safe” liberty with both songs. . . Simon thought he was lazy and forgettable . . .

Live Blog . . . A Wee Bit Delayed . . .

This is AMERican Idol!

First thing I’ve got to say is . . . What is Paula Wearing? Random gold flecks everywhere . . . YIKES! So, Here are our Top 5 . . . of note . . . WHERE ARE OUR MAKEOVERS . . . every year, around this time, we get a couple of good makeovers, UGH. Brooke kind of got made over earlier in the season by introducing her to the flat iron, AND Rocker David got a makeover by getting that innovative thing called a haircut, BUT, no one else. UGH! What happened to the days of Kelly Clarkson coming out with a new hair color OR Clay Aiken being remade from geek to geek-sheik? Ugh. At least we have Syesha with some knew extensions . . .

Here come the Idols . . . in what I fear will be a very rushed hour of Diamond . . . um, er, fun . .

Early Song Spoilers

DJ Slim over at Idol Blog Live is beginning to report spoilers. I will update as they become available.

Jason Castro: Forever in Blue Jeans AND September Morn



Y'all, I can not believe they are singing 2 Neil Diamonds songs . . . .

Entertainment Weekly Preview: The Songbook of Neil Diamond

Michael and Dawnie over at Entertainment Weekly have provided us with their weekly videoblog on their ideas for the Top 5. I must admit that although I'm sure I am familiar with the Neil Diamond songbook, most of the titles leave me stumped. Nevertheless, they have some interesting choices for our Idols and give them the sage advice to stay away from the following: Cherry Cherry, Sweet Caroline, and Cracklin . . . something . . . it escapes me. They tell the Top 5 to avoid these three ditty's because they consider them to be "karaoke classics" Click the link to enjoy their spirited idol hijinks!

Michael and Dawnie's Diamond Picks

What do y'all think?

Top 5 Song Choices: Diggin For Some N Dizzle tunes

I'm a little stuck about the possible choices for Neil Diamond week. So, I went and did a little research on Amazon. Even after looking at serveral "Best of" CD's, I could only come up with possible choices for three of five Idols. . .

The Cuteness - "Red Red Wine" (Of course he could choose to change the words to "Good Good Weed"
Rocker David - Girl, You'll be a Woman Soon - I'm gonna need him to do this!
Brooke White - Play Me (Although she will probably sing I'm a Believer)


I'm stuck on Lil David and Syesha . . .

So, I went to Secondhand Covers to see who else had covered Neil Diamond songs. Interestingly, they also had a long list of songs that Neil Diamond has covered. Since they let Carly (sniff sniff) sing "Without You" on Mariah Carey week, I wonder if the Top 5 will be extended the same luxury for Neil Diamond week. If so, here are more suggestions

Syesha - My Heart Will Go On - Oh yes, people, he covered Celine; Spanish Harlem; River Deep Mountain High (This could be quite ROCKIN)

Brooke White - The Way You Look Tonight ( I HEART this song ); I Think Its Gonna Rain Today (Beaches Soundtrack)- this pick could REALLY work for her.

Lil David - Unchained Melody - A HUGE RISK because of the Simon OBSESSION with this song. But I think Lil David could BLOW IT AWAY! In the Still of the Night;

David Cook - Can't Help Falling in Love - he could do a rockingly scary emo-death march out of this one. OR Groovy Kind of Love - Could turn this into another "Hello" experience.

Brooke White - I also think she could do a good job on "Groovy Kind of Love" - could redeem herself on piano.

What do y'all think?