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« American Idol
Episode Recap: The Final Two Revealed!
Hello everyone, it's me, Erin Fox! Thank you to so many bloggers who welcomed me back and enjoyed reading my post. Thanks also to those of you wearing your cranky pants and calling me "catty" for wanting to draw whiskers on David Archuleta's little baby face. Heh... catty about whiskers... makes me laugh. Just having a little fun guys, try to relax! (P.S. "Shizzle" is supposed to sound ridiculous!)
On to the show! Ryan does a nice job reminding the audience (including many Idol cast-offs like Amanda Overmyer, and Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber) that making it this far and not winning will be devastating. Thanks for that, Ry. He also tells Cowell to button up his shirt because this is a TV-G rated show. This is terribly ironic considering Paula's boobs are about to leap out of her dress and choreograph a number of their own.
Next, we're treated to a short and lame music video set to "How Far Is Heaven," featuring the reflection of David A. in a large pool. Thank goodness we won't have to see any more of those videos!
After a recap of last night's performances and a commercial break, Ryan introduces recording and Broadway star (aka AI winner No. 3) Fantasia, who sings "Bore Me." Worst. Title. Ever. She struts out onto stage with the craziest shade of red-pink-orange hair (depending on your TV tint) that I've ever seen. She looks like a pro wrestler and not an R&B star, but she's very Fantasia. So, if you're a fan, I think you'd enjoy it??? I like her a lot but thought this song was a hot, tranny mess. Besides her back-up dancers' booties hanging out of their outfits, the most entertaining part was watching Simon's jaw-dropping/horrified expression during her song. Awesome.
Ryan asks David Archuleta to come on stage. We get to watch David's trip home to Murray, Utah (which I know a lot of you were annoyed about not seeing last night). There's lots of screaming girls, cheerleaders and an interview on Good Morning, Utah. They parade him around to radio stations and a large mall filled with screaming tweens and teens. Some cry, most scream. This makes David cry which is sweet, and then he exclaims, "Gosh!" and then I'm over it. But, then I think, wow, this kid must be so tired and overwhelmed. I'd cry too. He sings "Imagine" for his huge high school crowd and says how grateful he is. Aww, little kitten. Then we watch his "journey" tape which is also really sweet.
Ryan then invites Syesha to show the video of her trip home. She visits a talk show, her high school, elementary school and downtown Sarasota. She rides a helicopter over a huge crowd waiting for her. The Mayor of Sarasota awards her with "Syesha Mercado day" and a handstand. Awesome considering she's so old. Go girl! Syesha cries way more than David A. and it's very moving. Especially when they play her "journey" tape because you see how far she's truly come.
Now it's David Cook's turn. Ryan invites his brother (who originally auditioned and didn't make it... awkward) on stage. We watch him travel back to Blue Springs and Kansas City, Missouri and do the same TV, radio, screaming fan circuit. Then he heads downtown for a concert where his family sings along in the background. Then he surprises his music teacher from elementary school which is super cute. The little kids there almost have out of body experiences. He finally cries on the field of his school. Aww. His "journey" tape is set to a Daughtry song which is fitting since they have the same cool vibe. I really enjoyed the journey of his hair actually. It's much improved.
Finally the results! The finale will be David Archuleta against David Cook. Bye-bye Syesha, I'm sure we haven't seen the last of you! She sings us out with her wonderful version of "If I Ain't Got You."
See you next week for the finale! Are you excited? Are you going to have Idol finale parties? What will you wear? Kidding.
Related:
• Watch video interviews with Idol finalists.
• Who's your Idol now? Vote for your favorite here.
• Video: Watch the judges hatin' Archuleta's "Boo."
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May 14, 2008 10:29 PM
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I'm so glad Cookie is in the finals! I was a little worried when they brought his brother on stage and I was able to get thru for him alot when I was voting last night. I didn't care who else went to the finals although I would have liked to see Syesha because I don't think Archie is as good as everyone thinks. Yes, he has a good voice but is too inexperienced and he is a dork! Syesha has really grown and I really like her voice. But all my votes go for David C! He is the most deserving!
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May 14, 2008 10:53 PM
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I pretty much thought it was anyones game tonight. I was nervous for all 3 of them. Both David C. and David A. are talented, I think next week will be really interesting...can't wait!
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May 14, 2008 10:54 PM
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I am so bummed that it won't be a David Cook/Syesha finale. With that said, I think Syesha handled her time and ousting with poise, grace and elegance. Congratulations, Syesha! You are an idol!
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May 14, 2008 11:01 PM
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First off - ERIN - you are the BOMB for getting this up so quickly! I might even make it to bed before midnight!
Simon's face during Fantasia's VERY bizzare song (I missed the intro - was this something she is currently doing in Color Purple or is this a new single?)was the second most hilarious thing I have seen on Idol this season. (The first being KLC's manic song with the violins!) I voted for Fantasia - can't say I bought her CD though - and wanted her to win but seriously, WHAT WAS THAT????
Ok, I have to admit.... All my mommy instincts came out in SPADES when I watched David A's homecoming. That was the sweetest piece EVER on Idol. Come on ladies - those of you that are moms, even if you aren't fans - wasn't that so sweet? Couldn't you just see your own child's face in David's? No, I am not voting for him but darn the kid is adorable. Loved it.
I felt kinda bad for Syesa - it was so obvious right away that she didn't have the same crowds. I'd forgotten about her dad - the girl has come a long way and she has been thru a lot and I tell you what - I go to NYC all the time and I will GLADLY pay to see her on bway (I'm a bit of a theater hound).
David C. is a class act. He was not only the first to applaud David A and Syesa but he also gently helped David see what he should do (not a criticism of David A here). He might not be as emotional but as one who has lost my entire birth family to cancer (TMI, sorry) - sometimes you have to keep all your emotions in check so you don't lose it all. His brother is dying and I think he keeps it cool b/c this is the biggest emotional ride of his life - highs and lows - and he needs to keep it together. I'm very proud of him.
Whew! Can't say I've ever been touched by a result show but I liked tonight and I am happy with the results.
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May 14, 2008 11:04 PM
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I liked the results show. I wasn't a big fan of Fantasia's song, but it's all good.
The thing that I like about the top 3 contestants is that they all seem to be very humble people. I know some people will disagree with me, saying that David Cook isn't humble. As you could see from their journeys home (and it shows in previous episodes), they all seem very grateful for everything.
So, now that we're at a David A. vs. David C. finale, who do you think will win? I think it's actually going to be hard to predict. Both have incredibly strong fan bases. I'm just happy that David Cook made it this far. Good luck to both!
Any predictions as to what you think they will sing next week? The contestants pick all three songs, correct? I don't know why I'm drawing such a blank! 
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May 14, 2008 11:06 PM
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Allie08--I'm in total agreement with you! I haven't been a huge Archuleta fan, but it was so fun and touching to see his homecoming video. I felt that way for all of them. I especially think David Cook is such a class act. He seems to be a "big brother" type.
I think this is the first results show that I have really enjoyed all season.
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May 14, 2008 11:11 PM
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Syesha really was gracious. She's gotten more grief and the young woman is talented. No surprises, however, at it being a battle of the Davids. I am for Cook, all the way.
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May 14, 2008 11:16 PM
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I had predicted a David vs. David finale a while ago, and glad to see that held true. Although I would have been very pleased to see a David C. vs. Syesha finale.
Was it just me, or was Fantasia's performance HORRIBLE??? I was never a fan of Fantasia, so maybe I'm just being biased. I cracked up when they showed Simon. That expression on his face was priceless!! I don't think he liked it too much either.
Something I hadn't noticed before is that both David's are left handed. I had noticed it about David A, but not David C. This is exciting for me because, as a lefty myself, it's awesome to see lefties in the spotlight. And especially exciting to see that my David C is a lefty!!!
A lot of people don't think David C is humble, but I do, and I like his humility more than David A's. Cook knows that he is good and isn't hesitant to admit it--but he doesn't rub it in anyone's face and is super-supportive of the other contestants. Tonight, he claped for them and pointed to them after Ryan basically told him how great he is. Cook knows he's great but also acknowledges the greatness of the other contestants. To me, Cook is a class-act. Archuleta, on the other hand, is in complete denial. He doesn't admit that he's good and just pretends that he doesn't think he's deserving of the compliments he receives. I know the boy knows that he's good. The kid won Star Search for cryin' out loud, and has made it this far on Idol. Of course you're good Archie, so don't pretend you don't know it!
Can't wait for next week! Go David C!!!!!! I've never been more passionate about wanting a contestant to win than I do now!
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May 14, 2008 11:33 PM
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No surprises here. It was a disappointing top 3, because the last three years have given us very strong third-place contestants who gave a really fantastic fight in the shadow of two more popular ones (Vonzell, Elliott, Melinda). Syesha just does not rise to the level of those three, and I never once thought, "Heck, she just might pull it off" like I did with them.
I think Cook will have this in the bag, but we'll have to wait a week to see.
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May 14, 2008 11:44 PM
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I have to agree with EVERYTHING Allie said.
Fantasia: Yeah, WHAT WAS THAT?
Simon's expression? Priceless.
Of all the trips home, David C.'s brought me to tears, though all were very sweet. I didn't roll my eyes once.
And call me shallow, but my heart skipped a beat when I saw Michael Johns in the audience. I think I'm over my bitterness of him having left way before he should have.
What I could have done without, was the constant camera panning to Jeff Archuleta. If I never see his face again, it will be too soon.
Ah...David C.'s parents were side-by-side tonight. Very sweet.
I just don't know WHO will win next week. It's anyone's guess, as both Davids have HUGE fan bases.
~Sangeeta
P.S. Okay, I have one catty statement: Could Ryan be any more stupid? I know that he said the card said "Chaka Khan" but didn't he KNOW it was Roberta Flack? Igit. He gets less attractive every week.
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May 14, 2008 11:50 PM
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The last half of this season has been incredibly lame! We've been predicting the final two since the top 24. Next season...among other things, the judges need to stop continuously "calling" the winner. It makes it no fun to watch because 25 million people are hearing Simon and the gang tell David Cook every week he's going to win it all. Tell them if they did bad or good. And by all means, make a big deal of it. But this season, perhaps more than previous seasons, Simon keeps "warning" contestants of danger on Wednesday night or to pack their bags (Jason). Allow the suspense. Do you want ratings or not? Otherwise, it's just annoying that Ryan waits til the last minute to announce who's eliminated. That's actually a big deal if Simon isn't always right. Yes, we love his commentary. It's a trademark of the show. But movies, TV shows, and yes even reality shows are no fun if they're predictable. And with people pointing fingers at Idol's credibility right now, they definitely don't need Simon calling the "loser" each week. Paula's already helping enough with her untimely critiques and going under the table(last week during Jason's song).
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May 15, 2008 12:29 AM
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I was very moved by David Cook's thoughtfulness tonight. He had the grace to acknowledge the teacher who influenced him to embrace his talent. I think that action speaks volumes about his character - gratitude is a forgotten virtue, and I admire his gesture. Very humble.
I agree with what's been said here. I actually was floored when Fantasia came out, not because her hair was shocking pink, but because her performance was completely whacked. Talk about the wrong song choice! Everything about it, from her outfit, to her demeanor on stage was WAY out there, and not in a good, creative way. Simon wasn't the only one whose jaw was dropping. I don't think they'll invite her back soon. Jeez...
Well, poor Syesha. The producers really made sure that she had horrible songs to perform, thus giving the judges more ammunition to nail her to the wall. I feel for her. Simon loves to say that performances are "Broadway", as if just anybody had the ability to command a Broadway Stage. Lots of so called great pop-stars wish they had the chops to make it on Broadway. It takes much more talent to be a Broadway star, IMO.
If Cookie doesn't win, I'll be shocked.
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May 15, 2008 12:45 AM
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Honestly, as long as Cook made it to the finale I didn't really have a preference who was there with him. It was obvious it would be Archie though.
What in the world was going on with Fantasia's song? I couldn't understand a word she was singing. That look on Simon's face was priceless.
I think that DC's hometown visit proved once and for all that he truly is a humble guy, and not at all arrogant. I watched a lot of other footage from it and he got choked up a lot more than what they showed, particularly in a radio interview. He's just a GOOD guy, there's no way around that. I love the way he plays big brother to Archie, and is always the first to give props to the other contestants, mentors, the band, etc. Everyone has said it already, but it's true--the dude is a class act.
Cook all the way! He truly deserves it.
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May 15, 2008 12:52 AM
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Well, there were no surprises tonight. As I expected since the top 24, it is coming down to a David vs. David fight. I'm glad it has come down to those two.
As for tonight's entertainment, Fantasia. Not much you can say about it other than what the heck was that. I was there with Simon on looking dumbfounded by the performance. I didn't watch AI back in Season 3, so maybe she was better before she started taking steroids. If someone like her can become successful, I know someone that is pretty and can actually sing like Syesha will be perfectly fine.
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May 15, 2008 1:19 AM
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