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« American Idol
Episode Recap: The Top Eight Perform
Hey guys, it's Erin Fox! Are you excited to have three nights of Idol this week?
Ryan begins the evening by reminding America that tomorrow night is Idol Gives Back, and that Thursday will be the results show. Does this mean that no one will get axed like last year? I'm hoping they move forward and say goodbye to Kristy Lee— ooh, did I just say that out loud? My bad.
Tonight's theme is inspirational songs, and with that announcement, my eyes have already rolled back into my head. Please, don't sing, "You Light up My Life," I beg of you!
Michael Johns, "Dream On:" The beginning of this song doesn't work for me, and the electric guitar totally upstages him. It's better during the "Dream On" part, but it's not his strongest performance. But, whoa! Did you hear that ending? That sounded painful! Randy thought it was a pretty good song choice, but had some pitch problems. Randy doesn't buy him as Aerosmith, and Michael starts sassing Randy about doing the song because "Dreams do come true in America." But Randy gets pissy and says "Out of all the songs, you pick that one? This is a singing competition." Is it me, or has Randy been kind of an ass the last few shows? Paula "couldn't disagree more." She thought it was the perfect song choice, and that he sounded awesome. Simon thought it was a very good performance, but is slightly with Randy because it was "wannabe-ish."
(Side note: Were you all as frightened as I was that Paula's boobs were going to pop out of that dress and join the idols on stage for a song? Those things have a life of their own!)
Syesha Mercado, "I Believe:" This is Fantasia's big Idol song from her win in Season 3. Pretty brave song choice, and she actually does a really good job with it. And, the back up gospel singers sound wicked cool. She also has a crazy high note at the end and she nails it. Randy thought she took on another tiger, but that the song was just alright. He thought Fantasia's version was filled with emotion, and Syesha didn't connect with the song. Paula thought it was her shining night, and that she made the song her own. Simon said, of course there would be comparisons to Fantasia since she's singing her song. And although Syesha sang it well, he thought she missed the emotional connection as well.
Jason Castro, "Somewhere over the Rainbow:" The Ukulele version— or as I like to call it, the Jack-Johnson-y sounding one. Heh. I think this is the perfect song for him, and he's adorable singing it. Yay, Jason. He's connected to the song, he hits some cool high notes, and I'm digging it. Randy said, "That was blazing molten hot!" and that he's back tonight. Paula thought it was the perfect song, and he did a great job with it, and Simon thought it was "Fantastic!" He's in a good mood tonight.
Kristy Lee Cook, "Anyway:" Kristy Lee is super sparkly again tonight. She's connecting more tonight as well... she's not the robot she usually looks like. I bet the boys out there are lovin' her messy bed hair too. Paula is standing and dancing which means she'll say it was great. Randy thought there were a few pitch problems, but overall he thought it was great for her. Paula told Randy to leave her pitch alone, and that it was her best performance ever on the show. Simon thought that she chose a fantastic song and sang it very well. Also, he thought she looked like a star tonight. Told you the dudes would like the hair.
David Cook, "Innocent:" The beginning of the song is weird, and I'm not feeling it at all which is weird, because I'm a David C. fan. He also looks like he's wearing a chef's jacket. Randy said it wasn't his strongest week. Paula said he's well defined as "the whole package." Simon thought it was a bit pompous (really?) and not memorable. Paula practically had a conniption fit while Simon explained his reasoning. She clearly thought he was the bees knees.
Carly Smithson, "The Show Must Go On:" Carly looks hot tonight! Her makeup is pretty and feminine, and I'm diggin' her gold belt. This is a huge song, and she sounds great as always. Her voice reminds me of the belty-ness that Kelly Clarkson has in her music now. Randy thought it was pitchy and that she didn't feel a connection to the song. Paula agreed with Randy about the connection aspect. Simon thought she chose the wrong song, lost control of it at the end, but looked great. He also said, and I hate when he does this because I think it taints voting, "I think you'll be in some trouble next week." Shut up, Simon. OK, it wasn't her best performance by far, but she's not allowed in the bottom three this soon again!
David Archuleta, "Angel:" He's just so goody-goody sitting there with Ryan, it makes me want to hurl. I'm sorry, I know that's mean. He's a sweet kid, with a lovely voice. But seriously, don't you just want him to swear or something? Back to the song... the beginning isn't great, but the middle and end are much better. Randy thought it was his hottest moment all season. (Huh? No way). Paula agreed. Simon thought it wasn't his best vocal, but it was the best song choice of the night.
Brooke White, "You've Got a Friend:" This is the Carole King version (yay!). She looks like a flower child on acid (her crazy pink mini dress)... all she needs is the ring of daisies in her blonde locks. I think she does a lovely job with the song. Does she seems a little nervous? I'm not sure. But I did like it. Randy thought it was just OK, Paula said she's definitive and she loves Brooke and Simon thought it was like a lovely walk in the park. Oh, brother!
What did you think of your idols tonight? Did you find any of these performances inspirational?
My prediction: I think Syesha, Carly and Kristy Lee will be in the bottom three.
Paula watch: She was coherent and bustin' out (so to speak).
Watch Idol clips on our Online Video Guide.
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Apr 8, 2008 10:36 PM
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Erin, you're a better person than I am. This was a particularly craptastic Idol night. My thoughts:
Michael Hunk: I love "Dream On", but he was very rough, especially at the
beginning, middle, and end. I thought he'd do a much better job than he did.
Totally agree with Simon, here. The bluesy stuff suits Michael, and is what
makes him stand out. Not voting for the Aussie tonight.
Syesha: She's beautiful, and a good singer. Just does nothing for me.
Jason: Eyes like that should be against some law. What can I say? Not
the song I would have chosen for him, but I luv him. The fact that he
could even find a ukulele, never mind play one, is just so cool.
KLC: Loved it! Excellent performance, great tone, especially in her
lower register. Good job! In previous seasons, we've seen contestants
lose their spark from being in the bottom three. Kristy is a fighter,
and I'm impressed. She's got my vote tonight.
Cookie: I'm not familiar with this song, and really did not like it. It
had to happen, that David wouldn't wow me one week. He's not going
anywhere, though. The goodwill from his last performances should let him
sail on, and I think he deserves to.
<Paula, while fairly lucid, is particularly annoying this week. Maybe it's
because the top of her dress is obviously incredibly tight, and it's giving
her a headache. Yeah, that's it.>
Carly: I like her videos, because it's fun to hear the Irish brogue. Still
with the sleeveless tops, so we can see every inch of her ink. Another song
I'm not familiar with. It was another sort of angry Carly performance, for
me. Thumbs down. Wow, Simon and I are sharing a brain tonight. How scary is that?
Archie: I don't know any of these songs! His voice is gorgeous. Beautifully
done.
Brooke: I know this song! carole King is an idol of mine. Brooke did a
good job, and I always like her voice, but she didn't bring anything new
to this. Simon's "pleasant walk in the park" analogy cracked me up. And
I agree.
Bottom line: Not an amazing Idol night, for me. Except for KLC, nobody
really stepped it up tonight.
Bottom three: Sayesha, Michael, Carly.
Going home: No clue.
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Apr 8, 2008 10:44 PM
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David A. sang Robbie Williams! I'm so tickled that I'm almost falling over! "Angels" was a monster hit over in the UK, but my dear Robbie is virtually ignored here in the States (except by Jessica Simpson, who ruined this beautiful song by oversinging it and missing the whole point).
KLC surprised me tonight, she did very well. If she'd chosen more songs like this in the previous weeks, she might not be the favored one to go right now.
Syesha - WHAT is she thinking? After being admonished by Simon last week for picking a Whitney song, she chooses a Fantasia song. Not only is it a bad idea to pick a song by a powerhouse vocalist when you are not one, but to pick an Idol winner is just foolish because the judges know the winners' voices so well and of course will make the comparison. Simon was right on by saying that she needs to stop imitating and start being herself.
Carly, who I usually enjoy, definitely came off as "angry." It was oddly out of sync with the rest of the performances.
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Apr 8, 2008 11:05 PM
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What a waste this night's show was. Stupid category.
The only performances I really liked were David A. and Brooke.
I wanted to vomit when Jason sang. That disgusting, dirty hair; his awful singing; those goofy faces he makes ... blech!!
I also wanted to vomit when the judges were raving about Fantasia. She is horrendous, and I don't know how she won. There must have been no talent that season. I thought Syesha was okay with the song, but she bores me to tears.
Kristy, Carly, Michael .... eehh, not much to say. Carly has an excellent voice, but her song choice was terrible.
David Cook was not good at all and always seems to be rather arrogant. However, I think he has a really good chance to win this season.
Bottom three should be anyone other than David A. and Brooke IMO. I am guessing that Syesha will go though I guess it could be any of the girls. I don't think it will be one of the guys even though I keep hoping each week that it will be Jason who leaves.
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Apr 8, 2008 11:45 PM
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I think Paula looked ridiculous in that dress and I like boobs but she was forcing those little things to come out. Totally inappropriate for this show and tasteless. Brooke has got to go.....boring and predictable. She was really just OK and Randy needs a brain transplant. He sounds like such an immature doofus the way he begins his critique....talk like a man already or just stick to the bass.
David A sounded wonderful as did Syesha. That last note reminded me of Minny Ripperton...wow that was very good and dynamic.She connected real well with the notes. The judges are whacked when they talk about not connecting. Carly was powerful. I didn't love Michael and David Cook as much but they should still continue. Jason did well but how can you compare his voice with the other powerhouses. He's good for a coffeehouse without the power. Kristy has been gaining steam and looked great and appealing like Carrie Underwear. Very good show. When will it be Neil Diamond week? I have been told that I sing alot like him...."Sweet Caroline"....
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Apr 8, 2008 11:49 PM
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Totally agree about Paula's boobs Erin! That's the first thing I said when I saw her tonight. Anyway, the contestants... Maybe it's just the sap in me, but I love the inspirational song theme, especially for Idol Gives Back.
Michael: This was a very ambitious choice. Frankly, I don't think anyone can get away with this song except Steven Tyler. Especially those high notes. However, he sounded better than I expected him to. I threw a vote his way.
Syesha: As an avid American Idol viewer, I am familiar with Fantasia's version of this song that I loved, and even Diana DeGarmo's version that I loved. Syesha just doesn't do it for me though. She's my pick to go this week.
Jason: Loved it! I think he's hitting his stride. I just love his personality too, he's so mellow.
Kristy: I'm pleasantly surprised. I love love love this Martina McBride song, and it ended up being perfect for her. I voted for her tonight for the first time ever.
David C: Honestly, he can do no wrong in my mind. I had never heard the song before, but I really did like it. Our Lady Peace is his favorite band, so I'm sure he was excited to get the chance to perform one of their songs. It was probably pretty personal for him too, especially the line, "wishes she never heard of cancer"... Also, with "give back" written on one palm, and his Lindsey Rose bracelet on the other... this guy has won my heart.
Carly: I'm with the judges on this one. She didn't connect and she seemed angry. She always sounds good, but there's a lot more to it.
David A: I absolutely LOVE that song, so I was pretty stoked that he sang that, and played the piano. This kid is really talented, but I can't get past the fact that he is just a KID.
Brooke: Love this song, love her. The song really suited her. Not her best, but better than last week.
Bottom three: Syesha, KLC, Carly
Going home: Syesha.
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Apr 8, 2008 11:54 PM
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I thought a few of the song choices were kinda odd for inspiration night (michael, carly, david c) but that said overall nobody blew me away tonight.
I think that Syesha should definitely have known better, whether its fair or not the judges ALWAYS make comparisons to the originators of some songs and especially singing the song of an Idol winner, like Fantasia, who put so much of her soul into that song. And then for her to question it and seem surprised that she was being compared-like huh???? What are you smoking?!
I was surprised that David A got such laudatory praise, but the judges def. love him. I am a fan of his and I think he has such a sweet pure voice, but tonight I didnt think it was that great but whatever. David C has been going through alot of issues w/ his brother's cancer and his own health issues so I give him a pass this week, and I thought writing on his hand was kinda cool, he's a true performer.
Carly sang well but it came across kinda angry, Jason was great, that was such a sweet arrangement of a sweet song, and Brooke is in her element singing Carly Simon, she should have just done it from the piano and it probably would have been better. KLC is definitely getting better and better each week now, and so I was pleased w/ her performance. Like Simon said, she's definitely singing to her audience (middle America) and its working. Actually this season more than previous ones, I think that very quickly most of the singers fell into their niches and are singing to their audiences. The ones who have failed to do that (Ramiele, Chikezie, David H) are the ones who have been sent packing. Syesha should definitely be worried, because she's still undefined as an artist, while the remaining contestants all have their place established already.
Oh...Paula was really fitted into that dress...her bust was lovely though if I do say so myself 
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Apr 8, 2008 11:56 PM
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Hi Erin! Just like Battlestar, loved your recap - you go girl!
I went into this show with super low expectations so I actually wasn't disappointed. LOVED Jason's performance tonight and I'm glad they went they extra 100 miles and gave the credit to the original so we don't have to debate that into the ground yet again!
But my favorite - Big David C... wow, did he ever bottom out. That was a mess! The boy should know the limitations of his range and he cannot sing - much less be understood - at that low level. I voted like mad to keep him in but that was just not good.
I just want to yell at Syesa. Randy says she doesn't make him mad but she does make me mad - she is NOT a diva! She needs funk! The hair, the soulful tone in her voice when she doesn't over sing, her youth - she would be AWESOME if she wasn't stuck in 1984! And WHO in their right minds would sing any idol song from the winner night much less the one Fantasia sang!?! I actually love Fantasia but her voice is the only thing that made that horrible song bearable! I'm mad at Syesa b/c I think she blew it b/c she doesn't know her own style. She's my pick to go tonight.
Middle of the pack for me - Michael Johns (please go back to blues like last week), Brooke (good but boring), Little David (good but REALLY boring - he is a one trick pony now) & KLC(really cute and picked the right song)
Carly is also in danger and it is too bad.... she's fantastic but should not pick songs that make her angrier than she already appears and the girl needs SLEEVES.
Erin, YES - the side note about Paula's puppies was hilarious! Bothered me all night!
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Apr 9, 2008 12:00 AM
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Randy needs a brain transplant. He sounds like such an immature doofus the way he begins his critique....talk like a man already or just stick to the bass.
Trombone I find it ironic that you knock Randy's critique while your own critique of him lacked maturity and intelligence....pot and kettle anyone?
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Apr 9, 2008 12:01 AM
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I really liked most of the performances tonight for the most part.
Michael Johns: I was really excited for him to sing one of my all time favorite songs and it started out good but the end was horrible. I agree with Simon and Randy when they mentioned that they prefer the more bluesy, soulful tone to Michael's voice instead of the rocker. What was up with Randy dogging the song choice?
Syesha Mercado: Ugh, what is she even thinking about when she picks these songs? She is always picking a song that has already been done great and then when she gets a comparison she gets angry. I'm getting really tired of her being wannabeish.
Jason Castro: I loved, loved, loved his performance and song choice. He does so well when it's just him and his guitar or ukulele in this case. One of the best performances of the night IMO.
Kristy Lee Cook: You know what she surprised me this week by sounding great. She reminded me of the reasons why I liked her in the beginning of the competition and I hope she continues to do so.
David Cook: I didn't think it was that bad but it wasn't that great either. As for seeming smug, I think there are some people that seem that way no matter what, and I think he is one of those people.
Carly Smithson: Does nothing for me, I was never really impressed with her from the start and her performance did seem angry instead of uplifting. And what was up with the song choice? I love the song it's from Moulin Rouge but I don't think it fit in with everyone else's.
David Archuleta: Was good like always, I think he has an amazing instrument but I don't really think that he is going to win the competiton, I think he is this year's Melinda Doolittle.
Brooke White: I agree with Simon that it was pleasant. It was just background music to me, pleasant but boring. She is going to have to do a lot more in order to stay in this competition.
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Apr 9, 2008 12:03 AM
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I get the feeling either Brooke's been reading the internet comments about her, or someone had a word with her, -she seemed like she was trying really hard not to babble with the judges this week...
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Apr 9, 2008 12:23 AM
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i noticed too dwilson it seems like she had to bite her tongue to stay quiet...keep it up Brooke, nobody wants to hear you banter lol. She needs to share that lesson learned with Syesha, who had her own case of the gabs while the judges were talking to her tonight.
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Apr 9, 2008 12:36 AM
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The first two thoughts I had tonight were thatPaula's boobs were...well, they just WERE, and that Brooke stood out like a sore thumb in her crazy pink dress among the rest of the idols in black white and beige. Do their stylists work together?
I agree that Carly looked smokin tonight! I think that the pretty face and slightly full figure combined with the tatoos completely confounded the stylists and they didn't know what to do with her. She ran the gamut from over-flowery flowy pink to drab punk, and nothing seemed to be working...until tonight. Fabulous! And I still think that the judges are smoking something...the girl can SANG and I think it's a travesty that she's not getting more props. It's clearly getting to her, too.
Everyone was just meh tonight for me. It seems that these folks do better with parameters - like,if they can basically just pick any song they do themselves in with something totally inappropriate and weird but if they have to pick out of someone's catalog of songsor out of a year, they focus and usually choose well. Does anyone know if they have coaches advise them on song choices, or do they only help once a song is picked by the contestant alone?
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Apr 9, 2008 12:50 AM
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Recap:
Michael Johns: Awful. Find the note and then don't try to hit it if it's out of your range.
Syesha: I'm shocked to say I thought this was good. It was her best performance and probably the best of the night. (It helps that I hate Fantasia's caterwaul!)
Jason Castro: Meh.
Kristy Lee: Not bad. For Kristy Lee.
David C: Wow. I'm just not a fan of what he does, but this was HIDEOUS.
Carly: Typical powering through something without paying attention to what the lyrics called for. She can hit notes, just not emotional ones.
David A: OK, but I'm really starting to feel bad for him. He looks tired, sounds tired and I think he needs to go home and be a normal kid.
Brooke: Nothing outstanding, but the song suits her and she did it well.
All in all, these kids need SOUL. Not the style of music, but the true passion of the greats. They're all going through the motions and the show was pretty sucktastic for that reason.
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Apr 9, 2008 1:01 AM
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I adore Jason. I know technically he isn't the best singer and all that, but he is the one that emotionally connects to the music and therefore actually makes me feel something.
I'm not knocking the others who are all talented in their own ways and I certainly don't expect Jason to win (nor do I want him to), but I'm thrilled he had a great night and got some great feedback.
It doesn't hurt I also like looking at the pretty.
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Apr 9, 2008 1:10 AM
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