In This Section
TV Guide Spotlight
Also on TVGuide.com
|
« American Idol
Episode Recap: The Top Three Perform
Erin Fox here, back from sunny St. Lucia with a wicked sunburn and a frighteningly strong desire to get back into Idol mode. Let's break down tonight's Top Three performances.
Thanks so much to Mickey for some seriously awesome recapping skills last week. I hope you all enjoyed them as much as I did. With recent news of David A.'s dad being banned from backstage, and the pressure of not one, but three songs each tonight, it's gonna be intense, peeps. (Update: David A. Defends His Dad; see our Great American Idol blog.)
I have to admit, I was totally having Idol withdrawal while I was away. How did they all sound last week? Did anyone butcher a song? Who would be going home next? Internet availability wasn't great on the island, but I managed to find out that your beloved dready-heady Jason got the boot. Don't worry, kids, because he sure doesn't look like he has a care in the world. P.S. You must check out Mitovich's "hair-raising" interview with Jason Castro here.
Ryan introduces the final three: Archie, Syesha (doing her best Dreamgirls impersonation in that dress), and David Cook (Cookie).
The Judges' Choices
David Archuleta, "And So It Goes:" We are directed toward the screen and introduced to Mayor Star (no understatement there! The guy was clad in a flag patterned cowboy shirt and sported a handle bar moustache) from Murray City, Utah. He says that Paula has chosen "And So It Goes" for Archie to sing first. Aww, I kinda want to puke. Back in the studio, she says she chose it to show off the range of his voice. He sings it very well, as always, but I'm so completely bored with it and want to start drawing kitten whiskers on his face... I just need one of those pens like they use to draw plays for football games on TV. Anyhoo, Randy said he wanted to see him do the piano thing like Billy Joel, but "it don't matter, because you can sing anything!" Paula said it was a pure performance and Simon said it was good, and a bit predictable. Agreed, Simon. (For another take on David A., read Cheers & Jeers.)
Syesha Mercado, "If I Ain't Got You:" I love this song by Alicia Keys, and so does Syesha. She's super-stoked, and I'm praying she doesn't over-sing it. Randy said he chose the song for her because she's young and hot and thought she'd love Alicia as much as he did, and that she could be successful making that kind of record. I think she totally nailed it; it was just the right tone throughout the whole song. Randy thought she did an amazing job and that she's peaking in the competition now. Paula said she looked stunning and did a great job with such an identifiable song. Simon wished Randy picked a song that didn't sound so much like the original. However, he thought she did a nice job and looked gorgeous. Simon, you cad.
David Cook, "First Time Ever I Saw Your Face:" Cookie got his text from Simon during a local news show that said he'd be singing the famous Roberta Flack song. Oooh, Simon just threw down the gauntlet of all love songs to our Cookie! Very sneaky, Mr. Cowell, but I bet Cookie will knock your socks off... and maybe even that smug look off your face. Simon said he chose it because he really wanted to see David do something completely different. After Ryan made a vague gay joke aimed at Simon, Cookie launched into his version of the song. It was, indeed, original, sweet, soft, and at the end, rockin' hot. Well played, Cookie. And how awesome was the shot of his mom standing up during the whole song with tears in her eyes. Aww. Randy thought Simon should have picked a more rockin' song, but that he could sing anything. Paula said that David's version is her second favorite version of her favorite song. I think that's a compliment. And Simon said he was brilliant and that round one went to Cook and Cowell. Insert my rolling eyes here.
The Contestants' Choices
David A., "With You:" Archie said he wanted to try something young again, and the crowd seems happy with it. The beginning of the song is rough, like he is having trouble keeping up with the tempo or he might be forgetting the words? Did you feel that? Randy said he's happy he tried something new but singing "My Boo" was weird to hear (Read: weird coming from a tiny boy who should have kitten whiskers on his face). Paula thought he did a great job and that he should try songs like this more often. Simon applauded him for not singing a ballad but said it was like "a Chihuahua trying to be a tiger." I totally agree, and the metaphor cracked me up. At least Archie has lightened up enough to laugh at that comment.
Syesha, "Fever:" She said she liked the vibe of the song and is dressed in another sparkley number. This is very musical theater-y, but she excels in that area, so I think she does a nice job. She's working it... fondling the chair, the cello, the air.... Even though I still don't love her voice, I think she lights up the screen. Randy thought she sang it amazingly well, Paula (and Randy) said that it wasn't the best song choice and Simon agreed saying she blew her chance to show herself off as a contemporary recording artist. Ouch. He slammed her once more by saying it was lame cabaret. He's kinda right.
David C, "Dare You to Move:" Never heard of this song, but Cookie loves it and says it's the appropriate song at the appropriate moment in time. Deep. The song starts out low and slow and kinda boring. Of course, it turns on a dime into an awesome rock song. Randy said it was pitchy, Paula wanted to hear more and didn't think he could really squeeze the song into 1.5 minutes. Simon said he had an OK middle round, and luckily there is one more left.
The Producers' Choices
David A., "Longer Than:" I'm already gagging over this song. Talk about a cheese fest. Boo producers! But the girls in the audience will love the lyrics ("I am in love with you"... can you hear the screaming?). Randy said he was in the zone, Paula thought it was lovely and Simon thought he sang it well but the song and lyrics were too gooey. Oh Simon, can it be? We're soul mates?
Syesha, "Hit Me Up:" This is much more contemporary and entertaining, but I think she's a little pitchy. Can you blame her after doing three songs in one night? Randy thought it was just OK, Paula doesn't think it's enough to get her to the finals and Simon thought her best moment was last week with the Sam Cooke song, and that nothing this week made her stand apart from the others.
David C.,"I Don't Want to Miss a Thing:" Nice! A little Aerosmith to end the show. Brings back memories, doesn't it? College... wine coolers — I mean beer! Cookie starts the song well and is surrounded by a huge strings section. Love it! Now there's some electric guitar love to help him rock out harder. The crowd is going nuts! Paula is standing up. Randy thought it was just OK (What the hell is wrong with Randy tonight? Did Mariah Carey not call him back or something? What a bitter Betty!), Paula tried to spit out that she loved it and will see him in the finals and Simon thought that Cookie won the night!
Well, shizzle, I'm freakin' exhausted from typing so fast, but I hope you enjoyed the show. I can't believe there is only three more episodes left! Time flies when you're ruining classic songs for millions of people forever. I kid! I kid! You know I love my Idols.
Related:
• David Archuleta Speaks Out about Stage Dad
• Use our Online Video Guide to watch clips of Idol
• Watch our interview with recent castoff, Jason Castro
|
TVGuide Links:
|
|
|
|
May 13, 2008 10:13 PM
|
Welcome back, Erin!
The only downside for me tonight was having to see the camera pan over to Jeff Archuleta. UGH.
I think Syesha had a good night; her songs actually gave me chills; well, her first one, anyway. 
David A.: What can I say? He was technically good, if that makes sense. No goosebumps for me tonight, and along with you, I wanted to gag when I heard what the producer's choice was. Are you freakin' kidding me? They couldn't find any contemporary ballad for him to sing? blech.
David C.: Can I say, I'm not a fan; never have been, but I liked his first song the best.
Stupid DVR changed the channel, so I missed Simon's exact words after his third song.
I'm no good at this, so I don't know who will get the boot. Syesha just may get some sympathy votes, ya know?
~Sangeeta
|
|
May 13, 2008 10:26 PM
|
I felt a little cheated tonight. Don't they usually show what happened at the home visits? All we got was the song that the judges picked segment.
The night belonged to the two David's though I thought Archies last song was horrible. I don't know what it is about Syesha, but I just don't like her voice. She belongs on Broadway not the radio.
My favorite though is David Cook. He is so original. I am from Kansas and tuned into his home visit via myfoxkc. He did an awesome rendition of Hero by the Foo Fighters at the concert he did at his old high school in Blue Springs. I think you can still hear it if you go to myfoxkc.com.
|
|
May 13, 2008 10:27 PM
|
Hi Erin -- welcome back...and soooooooo want to go to St. Lucia..hope it was nice as I think it is...on to my comments..
All I can say is WHAT A SET-UP! If you didn't think IDOL was rigged for the final Two..then this show should prove it. I'll get to the source of my venom.
Every year..we've had Clive Davis pick a song for the contestants to sing in this round...and this year... we have "the Producers" whoever the hell they are..pick the song...and what song do you pick for Syesha?????
...Hit em Up! Are you kidding me?? Out of all of the songs out there for a contestant to sing..you give her Hit em Up! What a joke? Of course its forgettable..because the song was forgettable. Clearly, the producers want a David v. David final..because there is no other excuse why they would make that wretched choice. So she was SET UP. Sure she sang it well..but is that the song to pick to be remembered by?
..let's review the evidence. David A has been singing ballads for 10 weeks now...every other song is a ballad. The song Simon picks is a ballad..the song he picks is a ballad...the song the Producers pick..is what surprise a ballad! What a freakin joke!
..you can say the sanme for David C..who conmes off as very smug...but everything he sings is some rock version of a song...while his first choice wasn't rock..he tried to make it rock..the second choice was rock (his choice) and the producer's choice was surprise a rock inspired song.
All I'm saying is that set Syesha up to fail tonight..because they didn't want her to make the final.
The performances tonight were okay..best of the evening for me was Syesha..I liked her 1st and 2nd song..the 3rd..while ok...was forgettable.
David A..was the same boring, predictable song that he's sang every week for 10 weeks..he didn't show any growth...and really..was marginal.
David C..I used to like him..he was off tonight..it was flat..and her oversung...but someone has deemed that he should be the chosen one.
Sorry, this post is so long..but I am so frustrated with this season out of the pure biasness of the judges..and of the contestants. This year's contestants save for 1 or 2 was just not up to par. So its no wonder that the total viewing is down this season...Idol needs an overhaul for next year...so get ready for the boring final of David v. David.
Not really worthy of watching..but that's what it will be.
In all honesty..it should be Syesha v. David C. but we all know it won't end up that way..so stay tuned!
|
|
May 13, 2008 10:36 PM
|
My husband thinks Randy has it bad for Archie and as such won't say anything nicer to another contestant than he says to Archie. He also thinks Little David will be recording a rockin' Christmas album.
I don't know. I tend to think that Randy is jealous of the all the Cowell Love-hate that goes on amongst fans and he's trying to hedge in on it by being hard to please.
I've been a Cook fan since the top 24 hit the stage. Nothing's changed. Although, it *is* Idol and anything can happen tomorrow. I'm assuming it's a Davidx2 finale, but who knows. One of them could bid us a fond farewell tomorrow - stranger things have happened (ahem, Taylor Hicks, cough, cough, cough.)
|
|
May 13, 2008 10:39 PM
|
That wasn't exactly a rip-roaring semi-final was it?
Syesha is beautiful and her voice is beautiful, I don't think we've begun to see her full potential, whether by her nerves or their design, I'm not sure.
"Longer Than" is one of those songs that should never ever be sung by anyone other than it's originator. No one could ever touch the late, amazing Dan Fogelberg's version.
Randy certainly seemed a little overly infatuated with David A. tonight.
The only song I'd ever want to listen to again was David Cook's last song.
They have always shown the hometown visits, something must not have gone well on one of them this time. Wonder if it had to do with David's dad...
To me the winner is clear,but I've said that other seasons too, so who knows.
|
|
May 13, 2008 10:40 PM
|
Welcome back Erin! Hey! I've never been first before!
David C:
Round 1: LOVED IT.
Round 2: What was that? I thought the first part was too low for him and the last section off key... here's the thing with him that I have noticed repeatedly. You need to hear the full length studio version to "get" his take on a song - which can be a problem on the AI stage.
Round 3: Just ok for me dawg.
Syesa:
Round 1: I have been waiting for her to do some Alicia and she did it well.
Round 2: I am embarrased to say that I love "Fever". Both my husband and I totally agree that this girl belongs on Broadway. This was so theatrical and GOOD. Can't you all just see her in Chicago????
Round 3: I liked it but she lost her steam midway thru. What's wrong with Rhianna? Again, a bit theatrical...she is a natural for the Bway stage.
David A:
Round 1: I liked it. I could even (gasp) picture myself liking it on the radio today.
Round 2: Ohhhh...not so much. What was up with the mumbling? BUT I will say that he tried to do an uptempo song (sort of) and since we have all been complaining about that - good job....just weird, boo.
Round 3: and he screws up the lyrics yet again...did you catch it? He sings," and the body cries and the pages start to yellow." HUH? It's - "though the bindings crack and the pages start to yellow". I'll give him credit for not pulling a Brooke and starting all over again but how many times has he forgotten his lyrics for goodness sake? I admit that I like the song (sentimental fav as we sang it in choir in middle school.. let's just say a few years ago) and I didn't hate his arrangement of it.
So curious to see what tomorrow holds - each was really good in their own way tonight!
|
|
May 13, 2008 10:41 PM
|
EZJB - I assume we'll see the footage from the trek home tomorrow because they need to do SOMETHING to create an hour long results show when they've only got three people in the running.
Savvy - Simon didn't pick Archie's song. Paula did.
Honestly, I'm not big on Syesha. I think she has a nice voice, but I think, as someone else said already tonight, she's best suited for theater. But that's just my 2cts. I don't think the song choices TONIGHT will do her in. She has even admitted (tonight, for example) that she just loosened up and started showing the real her NOW. Which, sure, she has time to shine and all that...BUT she also did not build up the same loyal base as the guys from the get-go and THAT could hurt her. Her song choice HER OWN choices, from the beginning weren't always that great either.
David A has clearly had a strong following and he's got a nice voice. He just doesn't "do it" for me in terms of the type of songs he gravitates too. However, he seems to appeal to a large number others whether it be his voice or his [dad's] song choices...or both.
David C also has a strong following (yours truly included.) He's built a strong fan base by picking songs that suit his voice and his performance style. More so, however, he's done a good job at performing - say what you will, but this show is more than just a straight singing competition. (And I do think he's got a good voice too - something that comes across in songs like his 1st one tonight and Broadway week.)
My point is, I honestly don't buy into this whole "fix is in" stuff. Do the talking heads at the show try to push their preference? Yes. Simon has even said as much in interviews - he will try to sway votes based on his comments. The more vehement or the more lavish a comment is, the more likely he's actually trying to get you to vote a particular way. However, I don't think there's some think tank behind the scenes saying "Let's get so-and-so out of here by giving her crud to sing." 
|
|
May 13, 2008 10:55 PM
|
The constant screaming, hand waving, and all those girls standing up every time David A's name is mentioned, or he is interviewed, or he performs, is REALLY getting old. It makes me wonder what in the world would happen if the "unthinkable" would happen and he's sent packing: probably a riot!
I don't think that will happen though: Syesha didn't have the strong performances that she needed and I agree with Simon that she's probably going home.
I actually agreed with Simon a lot tonite. (That's rare) Randy seems to want a "Syesha-David A" finale. I'm hoping he doesn't get it!!!
David C. I would have loved to have heard you sing "Simple Man" by Lynyrd
Skynyrd...wish the fans could vote for a song!
Nice post Erin; I love the way you get it logged in so quickly!
|
|
May 13, 2008 10:59 PM
|
Allie08: "I've never been first before!"
Ahem. I was foirst tonight, Allie.
You didn't say what you thought about Syesha's 3rd song choice.
And Savvy, it was Paula who chose the ballad for David A., not Simon.
I'm glad they didn't do the home visits--I wouldn't be surprised if it was because of what's been reported about David A.'s dad.
~Sangeeta
|
|
May 13, 2008 11:03 PM
|
Red The Girl - I stand corrected...the point I was making about David A..is that they picked another ballad for him to sing...that's all...it was still predictable. As for song choices..I've liked most of her song selections..but wuold she have even picke..Hit em up?? I can't even type the name w/out wanting to throw-up (sorry for being so graphic)
..as for Syesha..I disagree..I've watched her performances all season and she has been great..sure there were a few forgettable numbers..but overall she had a great voice and stage presence. She must have some fan base..becuase she's still there.
..my last comment about David C..is that he isn't really that original. The only time I felt he showed some originality was when he sang Hello. Otherwise, he's copied versions of the song..that have been sung non traditionally. However, he never gets criticized for it..but Syesha always does.
I'm simply saying Syesha vs. David C..would be a much more entertaining final..than
|
|
May 13, 2008 11:04 PM
|
|
Geets - sorry! I don't know what is going on... I keep refreshing my page and only a few posts are coming up & mine is still first... really odd!
|
|
May 13, 2008 11:07 PM
|
Allie08: "Geets - sorry! I don't know what is going on... I keep refreshing my page and only a few posts are coming up & mine is still first... really odd!"
No need to apologize--I was just teasing you!
~Sangeeta
|
|
May 13, 2008 11:12 PM
|
In reference to seeing the going home visits, don't they usually show those on the results show?
I wish they would let each of the judges pick one song for each contestant, instead of personal choice or producers choice. I think that would make it more interesting.
I love both the Davids and think Syesha will go home tomorrow.
|
|
May 13, 2008 11:18 PM
|
wish they would let each of the judges pick one song for each contestant, instead of personal choice or producers choice. I think that would make it more interesting.
Sweet Misery - they did... Simon picked the Roberta Flack song for Cook, Randy picked the Alicia Keys song for Syesa and Paula picked the Billy Joel song for David A.
|
|
May 13, 2008 11:23 PM
|
|
|
