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« American Idol
Episode Recap: The Top 10 Perform
Good evening! It's Erin Fox again, and I wanted to let you know that Nina and her new son, Julian, are healthy and happy! Phew! Also, since I'm in L.A. covering one of the Paley Fest events, Adam Bryant will be blogging the results show tomorrow. Be kind!
Let's begin with the intro of the judges — but I can't because I can't stop thinking, "WTH is Paula wearing?" Need I remind you of your age, woman? And the theme of tonight's song choices is so weird: The year they were born? That's just asking for trouble.
Ramiele Malubay, Heart, "Alone": She's definitely straining tonight. I'm glad she's stepping it up with a Heart song, but the belting parts are kinda painful. Randy says he knows she's sick, but it was still too big of a song for her. Paula thinks it's good she's showing people her big voice even though she's sick. Simon thinks she'll actually scrape by for another week based on this performance (his version of a compliment).
Jason Castro, Sting, "Fragile": He's in his comfort zone for sure. He's playing the guitar and doing his indie thing, and it works for him. The problem is, the judges are tired of seeing the same old thing with him. They say he needs to shake things up or he'll be in trouble.
Syesha Mercado, Gladys Knight and the Pips, "If I Were Your Woman": Syesha is on fire tonight! Randy is flipping out, he loves it so much. Paula says that this is the moment that Syesha has become the dark horse to win the competition. Simon doesn't love it that much, but says it's the best of the night so far.
Chikezie, Luther Vandross, "If Only for One Night": I think this was inevitable.... He sounds a lot like Vandross. He does a great job with it, but Randy thinks it's too "old" feeling. Paula thinks he's a great throwback singer, and Simon thinks he sang well but the performance was cheesy. He misses his personality now. Aw, you softie, Simon.
Brooke White, The Police, "Every Breath You Take": She fudges the first note because of nerves, I think. The first part of the song is great, but I can see the judges saying the same thing to her that they said about Jason. It sounds like the other songs she sings. Guess I was wrong. Randy liked the beginning but didn't love the arrangement because the band came in and picked up the tempo. Paula loves Brooke's originality and thinks she's consistent, and Simon agrees with Randy, but thinks she should be safe for next week. Well I freakin' hope so! Jeez!
Michael Johns, Queen, "We Will Rock You" and "We Are the Champions": His backstory is super cute, just like he is. And I'm in love with his accent. But, back to the singing: he should always stick to Queen. The audience is going nuts and everyone is really into it! Go, Michael! Someone brought your mojo back! Randy says, "Finally you believe in yourself and use that big voice," Paula stumbles to get out that she loved it and tells him "this is your moment." Simon says this is the first night he saw star potential in Michael.
Carly Smithson, Bonnie Tyler, "Total Eclipse of the Heart": Wow, this girl has some pipes. But bottom three? Come on, America! I got goosebumps! The judges' takes: Randy didn't love it! What? I'm annoyed. Paula agrees with me (I'm scared) and says that Carly can turn crappy songs into hits. Simon thinks she was tense, and that something just didn't work. She looks pretty upset by the critiques.
David Archuleta, John Farnham, "You're the Voice": Randy thinks it was a strange song choice, but that David performed it well. Paula says he could sing the phone book and we'd all fall in love him. Simon thinks it was on par with a theme-park performance, complete with animated creatures roaming about. Hee! I have to agree.
Kristy Lee Cook, "God Bless the USA": I want to hurl over this song choice, but it's perfect for her. She hits some wonky notes, and they're projecting an American flag while she sings… blah. Randy thinks it was nice besides the pitch problems, Paula thinks she's grown as a singer, and Simon says it's her best performance by a mile, and the most brilliant song choice ever. Kristy Lee is safe again. Luckiest. Girl. Ever.
David Cook, "Billy Jean": This is the Eddie Vedder version. Actually, I made that up. It's just what he sounds like in the very beginning. I think he's off with the music. I'm not sure I'm loving this version, but it is very different. And the judges and America like Idols that stand out. Randy thinks he's the most original contestant, and that it was "amazing, molten hot!" Paula thinks he's brave to stretch the boundaries. They both think he can win. Simon thinks it was brave and... wait for it... amazing! Methinks the Idol rankings will shift in his favor! What did you think of "Billie Jean"? Cast your vote here.
My prediction: I think Ramiele, Chikezie and Syesha will be in the bottom three. Chikezie might be going home.
New Paula Watch: She was slightly funky tonight, and her stylist should be fired.
What do you think? Do you think birth-year songs were a good idea? Who surprised you tonight?
For American Idol clips, visit our Online Video Guide.
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Mar 26, 2008 12:57 AM
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I love that song but Kristi is clearly going for the Heartland vote, and well it has worked so far.
LOVED David Cooks version of Bille Jean.
Michael Johns was really good tonight too.
Everyone else is just eh for me.
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Mar 26, 2008 1:20 AM
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Welcome to the world, Julian! I was getting a little concerned. You're late. Mama definitely needs a Hallmark card.
Here's my take on tonight's show:
David C: His baby pics look like ET, he knows it, admits it, and goes on to rock the house. Love him.
David A: Used to love him, but I'm getting over it. I can picture him wowing Laura Ingalls Wilder, and Pa, in that cute little church. Not so much today's audience. Step it up, sweetie. You're only 17. Be 17.
Everyone else? Meh. Brooke sunnybrookfarmed a stalker song. Jason is so pretty, yet so very dumb. Syesha was good but not great. Kristy was hugely smart in her song choice (vote against her, and you vote for Al Quida!), but did a good job with it. Ramiele was boring. Chicki was boring. Michael was good, but not AI to me. He's staring to look like my dad.
Fun show, though.
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Mar 26, 2008 1:21 AM
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Tonight's show made me feel really old. When the show started they were all older than me. Now there was only one that was older than me. And David A. wasn't even born in the 80's. I don't like this gimmick.
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Mar 26, 2008 1:29 AM
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paula's outfit was incredible. what were those things on her arms? how old is she? sigh, maybe she thought it was dress like people did the year you were born night.
I totally agree JennieO, KLC was very very smart in her song choice. you can't vote her off b/c if she leaves the terrorists have won.
Whatever David A. sang, it sounded like the infomercials that sell religious music. I know that's weird but that's all I could keep thinking. Like one of those christian mix tapes where all the teenage concertgoers wave their hands in unison with closed eyes raised to the heavens.
I <3 David C. I can't help it. I get as giggly as a schoolgirl the minute I know he's gonna be on next. I mean, I really have it bad. So basically, he can do no wrong. I'm glad the judges agreed with me. Plus Billy Jean is one of my fav songs.
Congrats Nina! Welcome to the world Julian!
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Mar 26, 2008 1:45 AM
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Hi all,
I'm a long timer reader of the Tvguide blogs but I've never added my own opinions until now. Why the change? To prove that David Cook is a fink!!!!
Now I'm not sure whether he said that the arrangement of Billie Jean was his own, but I can assure you it wasn't. Chris Cornell of Soundgarden and Audioslave fame covered the song in his 2007 solo album. David Cook pretty much used the same exact arrangement as Chris Cornell's version of Billie Jean..check out Youtube if you don't believe me.
It's annoying and deceitful because some of the comments that are given to David C. are about his supposed originality - if that's what's getting him the votes, then it's unfair. Or perhaps I'm bias because I think he's fake.
Oh, and Syesha had the same exact arrangements as Alicia Keys's version of the song.
I think that if they should acknowledge when they are covering a song the same way another artist has. Let's all recall the Daughtry/Live fiasco.
Kristy's song choice was outrageous. No "patriotic American" would vote against her - what would it say for the patriotism of the American public if she was voted off this week? It's a strategic, underhanded move. Oh well, a pretty face and the country vote won't carry her all the way.
Bottom Three:
Chikezie, Ramiele, David A (WTH was up with the song choice, a controlling father perhaps?)
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Mar 26, 2008 2:29 AM
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Ramiele Malubay
At first I thought "not bad". Then I found out she was sick and I thought it was pretty damn good, considering.
Jason Castro
Boring. Didn't go anywhere.
Syesha Mercado
My favorite of the night. She was REALLY good. I like her other hair way better, but that's neither here or there.
Chikezie
I liked. Not loved, but liked. They tell him last week he went too far, this week not far enough. The judges keep giving him conflicting notes.
Brooke White
Kinda sucky. I almost liked the beginning, I sorta liked the end. Didn't notice the middle.
Michael Johns
Look, other than hitting a bad note or two, I thought it was well done. BUT you can't do those songs without being compared to Freddie. And he's not even in the same ballpark.
Carly Smithson
Aye carumba! She's got some power, but that was all over the place, kinda dull and brought nothing new to the song. I think she may be packing it in. Jason was way, way worse. But he's so cuuuuuute, he's get some of the teenybopper vote.
David Archuleta
I don't know what kind of "Up with People" song his dad made him choose this week, but he sung it really well. Second best singing of the night.
Kristy Lee Cook
Never underestimate the power of pandering.
David Cook,
Original take. Well sung, but, to be honest... a little predictable from him. He keeps emo-ing these songs up in the same way. I liked it. Third best performance of the night, even if not the best singing.
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Mar 26, 2008 2:43 AM
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First of all, Ryan clearly stated that the "Billie Jean" song was the Chris Cornell version. So David C. was not claiming it as his own. He rocked it. Funniest baby photos by far. I laughed for several minutes with those first 2 pics.
Ramiele-She was awful. Tired of the sick excuse. Why are these people sick all the time? I used to think she had a very good voice. Now, I don't know.
Jason C-Sings the same style of song every week. So sick of hearing it. The guy is merely coasting now. I had trouble hearing or understanding most of the song. Can't stand most of Sting's solo stuff anyway.
Syesha-Enjoyed it. She was good. She's safe.
Chikezie-I actually didn't mind it. The judges were too harsh on him. I don't think he deserves to go.
Brooke White-Not bad. I do agree somewhat with the comments by the judges. She'll be fine.
Michael Johns-Really liked it. He knows his comfort zone is Queen. Sure he was pandering to the audience, but so what.
Carly-I mostly liked it. Sometimes she does shout through her songs though. Great voice.
David A-What in the world was that? I never heard of that strange song. I do admit to picturing Disney characters gathering around him while he was singing this song. Simon also made an interesting point about David not choosing the song. Fascinating. Like another poster hinted at. Could be a jab at the psycho father.
Kristy Lee Cook-Yes she was pandering to her audience. Just like David C panders to his audience by turning pop songs into rock songs. Just like Brooke panders to her audience by doing her soulful piano act almost every week. I could go on and on with other contestants, but I won't. Basically I am saying so what. Kristy did a nice job and deserves to stay.
I think the bottom 3 will be Jason, Ramiele and Chikezie. I frankly think Ramiele should go home, but Chikezie will probably be the one packing.
The contestants are really catching on this season to the Simon sway. Did you see how excited some of them were when Simon complimented their singing? It was interesting to watch because he truly does sway the vote quite a bit by saying someone is good, someone is staying or someone is in trouble.
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Mar 26, 2008 3:06 AM
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I've read a few different blogs now & I don't understand why no one seems to know that the track David A sang is called 'You're the Voice' & it's off John Farnham's 'Whispering Jack' disc...this was a massive song, but I'm pretty sure it was released in 1986, not 1990???
And I'd have to agree with 'rosemarie227', re: the originality factor of some arrangements...it's definitely being played up...although whether that's something that the producers do /or if it's all the contestents...Who really knows??
Anyhow Michael Johns was awsome 
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Mar 26, 2008 3:10 AM
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rosemarie227....I agree with you that when these contestants use someone's arrangement, it should be noted prior to the performance. In David Cook's case, Ryan most CERTAINLY DID give Chris Cornell of Soundgarten as the version David would be using. Since Ryan was down in the pit with all the screaming girls, it was barely audible....since we TIVO, we went back to see exactly what he said. So, credit was given and I'm sorry you missed it.
Most everyone has the performances critiqued fairly well, so I want bore you with more of the same. I will say that Carly Smithson shouted her lyrics more than she sung them....she's never been one of my favorites and I hope her time left is brief. If Brooke doesn't step it up, I foresee an all male finale. Can you say David and David?
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Mar 26, 2008 3:16 AM
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Good Lord, this is a contentious night on the Idol boards!
To rosemarie227, David Cook is no "fink." Ryan CLEARLY stated right before David sang that it was Chris Cornell's version of Billie Jean that he was performing. The kudos he received from the judges were entirely appropriate because he chose to sing an alternate, far more interesting version of the song than what Michael Jackson did with it. He kept it CURRENT, which is what he SHOULD be doing rather than going the bland, tired-old-version route that so many other contestants do season after season. (You hear me, Ramiele?)
The controversy that surrounded Chris Daughtry's version of "Ring of Fire" stemmed from the fact that NOBODY gave proper credit for the arrangement of that song before Chris sang it, so he came off as trying to pull the wool over people's eyes. Thus far, David Cook has given proper credit for every arrangement he's done, including last week's version of "Day Tripper" which he credited to White Snake. The fabulous version of "Hello" that he did was his own. And the reason it was fabulous was because he truly has TALENT.
As for David Archuleta's performance, I thought he sang very well, but I couldn't STAND anything else about it. The song was ridiculously preachy. Whoever said it was a huge hit must be from Australia because I think the only other place I ever heard it was during the Sydney Olympics since it's an Australian song. David is sweet, but he has a long way to go before he'll be able to consistently select and perform songs as well as David Cook. David A needs some life experience to infuse into his songs because right now he is bordering on boring . . .and I LIKE him.
There have been only four people in Idol history whom I couldn't wait to see each week: Kelly, Clay, Constantine, and now David Cook. Based on his talent and consistently surprising performances, I can't believe Simon ever told him he lacked charisma! He has IT in spades!!!
As for everyone else, they were ok, but not great.
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Mar 26, 2008 3:36 AM
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Congratulations, Nina! I hope your family is around to pamper you, because you need it after all the hard work! I'm sure Julian is worth it though!
Now, I have to ask:
Is it me, or are the backup singers singing way to loud and overpowering the lead singers? Seriously, I can barely hear the lead singer, if at all, when they chime in. Also, the band and the background lights are all louder. Somehow I think the producers, band--whoever, forgot that the show is about the SINGERS in the competition!
Anyway, I'm curious to hear everyone's thoughts on this.
To be brief, Syesha was good, and David Cook blew me away!
Unfortunately, the band gave Chikezie bad advice. The ballad was boring, and I think he'll be sent home.
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Mar 26, 2008 3:54 AM
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Michael Johns has now done memorable performances of "Bohemian Rhapsody" and "We Are the Champions." Are there any Queen songs left?
I figure Jason Castro's blue eyes and dreads have him safe for another week, but his was the weakest performance of the night.
David Cook blew all four of us watching at our house away! Since we never got through to his number over thirty dialing attempts and one hour, I'm guessing American agreed.
Carly "brings it" every week. I don't get her being in the bottom three last week at all.
Chekezie was "channeling" Luther Vandross. He did it well. Maybe that's not enough.
Ramiele may be at the end of the road.
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Mar 26, 2008 3:59 AM
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I've read a few different blogs now & I don't understand why no one seems to know that the track David A sang is called 'You're the Voice' & it's off John Farnham's 'Whispering Jack' disc...this was a massive song, but I'm pretty sure it was released in 1986, not 1990???kpd101, I still never heard of that song or that artist before.
They need to keep to keep David's A father from picking his songs.
Anyway, I also agree with rosemarie227 about the arrangements. However, I never heard of the arrangements that others did of Billie Jean....so in other words I liked it.
As for the other performances....they were all meh to me. Im glad Chikeze didn't turn the song into country. And I also liked Michael Johns performance as well.
Yeah what was up with Paula's outfit tonight? That was the weirdest thing ever. I think since all of the contestants were born in the 80's I guess she was channeling the 80's style.
I don't care who is in the bottom 3 I don't care. It could be anybody.
And congrats to Nina on her new bundle of joy.
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Mar 26, 2008 4:00 AM
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First off, they have done this theme before, The Song from the year the contestant was born. They did it in Season 5 the Top 5. In Season 4 with the Top 8.
That said, I thought David Cook was by far the best tonight. Everyone else is just so predictable.
Carly songs choice would have been the perfect choice for Amanda. It just sounded like she was struggling so much through the entire song.
I've never heard most of the other songs tonight. And Ramiele should never have attempted Alone when Carly sang it so much better earlier. And not to mention when Carrie Underwood knocked it out of the park with that song.
For the one leaving tomorrow - I would hope for KLC - but that won't happen with her song choice. So, maybe Ramiele.
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Mar 26, 2008 4:39 AM
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