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« Roush Dispatch
Slow Down, American Idol
David Archuleta by Frank Micelotta/Fox
I can’t believe I’m saying this, not exactly being a champion of Fox’s tendency to let American Idol spread across the schedule like untamed kudzu, but Tuesday’s overstuffed Neil Diamond episode should have been at least 90 minutes. Not that it left me wanting more — anything but — but could the show itself have been more of a train wreck? (And I’m not just talking Jason Castro here.) Cramming 10 performances, and the usual inane “mentor” moments, into a single hour had Ryan Seacrest going from 33 1/3 to 78 rpm — for those who remember turntables — and poor Paula Abdul even more confused than usual, thinking she’d heard Jason sing twice. (I get it, though. When Jason sings these days, it’s like time stands still and the world goes into a musical coma.)
Didn’t Ryan say when the show started that the judges were going to hold their comments until after the second performance? So maybe he’s at fault for giving the judges a chance to weigh in after the first round was over. Mistake. Whatever. The entire production was an embarrassing mess this week. And it’s not like anyone would have missed the obnoxious Hell’s Kitchen.
Much has been made over trade reports that Idol producers are doing market research, mulling over changes for next season — not a bad idea for a show this “mature.” Could we suggest just dropping these mentor/theme episodes for a start? I’m not against them dipping into genres and decades and even specific songbooks — Gershwin, anyone? — but this drippy mutual idol worship typically adds little to the show, except filler that’s as needless as it is painful.
Speaking of painful, how is Jason Castro still on this show? (Imagine how much more musically memorable a Neil Diamond night might have been if Michael Johns and Carly Smithson were still around?) Brooke White, as uptight as Jason is regrettably laid-back, is someone you want to hug and tell her it will all be over soon and that she did her best. Syesha? Polished performer, OK singer, capable of sizzle when she gets the right song, but probably more suitable to the old Star Search than to American Idol. At this point, as it has been for a while, it’s pretty much all about the Davids. Cook possibly too confident, but like Paula, I look and watch and see an Idol in action. Archuleta the boy wonder — but prodigy, really? — in the demographic sweet spot, coming alive only when the music starts. Think Osmond. Every generation seems to want one.
All of the singers (except maybe Jason, who looked like he couldn’t have cared less), and certainly the audience, deserved better of a No. 1 show than what they got this week.
More Idol news and views:
• Read Erin's recap of every episode.
• Vote for your current pick to win!
• Idol May Sing a Different Tune Next Season
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Apr 30, 2008 8:31 AM
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Wow, you really hate Jason Castro lol... I for one would buy his album, and I think he earned his spot in the Top 5 based on early performances and consistency. But at this point I probably agree that he's stopped wanting/deserving to be in the competition. I think he deserved to survive last week because his earlier charm and effort balanced out the train wreck of Memory. This week the balance tips out of his favor altogether, I think.
The real loser was the theme night, because Neil Diamond songs are only remotely charming if Neil Diamond sings them. Brooke and David C.'s second songs were the only respectable performances of the night, and picking less-known songs benefited them. But even Brooke had the ghost of her horrendous first song hanging over her.
If the market research doesn't tell them to get rid of these theme nights promoting songbooks that are so unappealing to the demographic being forced to sing and judge them, then viewership will continue to sink (although Dolly Parton has an extensive enough catalogue and timeless enough sound that I found the interpretations of her songs, i.e. David C.'s Little Sparrow, quite rewarding).
Actually felt bad for Paula, and it was nice Simon tried to bail her out by refocusing her on a different question. Still awkward as can be.
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Apr 30, 2008 9:34 AM
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Didn’t Ryan say when the show started that the judges were going to hold their comments until after the second performance, so maybe he’s at fault for giving the judges a chance to weigh in after the first round was over.
I THOUGHT so. I was as confused as poor Paula when they gathered everyone onstage for the first round of judging.
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Apr 30, 2008 10:24 AM
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I don't think Paula's "mistake" should be blown off that easily. She did not simply comment on a performance that had not happened - she was reading from cards that were in front of her, clearly talking about Jason's second performance. There are only 2 possibilities for this:
1) The judges watch the dress rehearsal performances and base their comments at least in part on those performances instead of the actual performance.
2) The producers provide the judges (or at least Paula) with scripted comments.
While it's likely that the first scenario is true, that is still unacceptable and unfair. It's a dress rehearsal - the judges should not even be present for these let alone base their reviews on what occurs then.
And if the second scenario is true, that throws the whole show into question.
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Apr 30, 2008 11:09 AM
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First of all, everyone still in the competition were my favorites from the beginning; I believe they are all super-talented. That being said, a few of them have been slipping away from being my favorites week after week.
In order of their performances:
Jason Castro- Ok, so his first performance wasn't THAT bad, but the second...it didn't even seem like he was all there. His earlier weeks were AMAZING, but now...I think it all boils down to the fact that he doesn't have very much power behind his voice. Week after week he sings with the same momentum. We haven't heard him change it up. I do believe he has a uniqueness to his voice; not all great vocalists are power-singers, but he just doesn't seem into it.
Brooke White- Ok, this girl is so sweet; I hate to actually agree with Simon. Her first performance WAS very karaoke-like, but her second performance was very well-sung. She too, like Jason, struggles to get up enough power in her voice. She also hasn't shown us anything different for a while either.
Archuleta- This boy can sing, no doubt. His voice sounds so pure, but I wasn't jumping out of my seat over his performances last night. He'll bring it next week,though. He owns a powerful voice, and his age doesn't stop him from using it.
Cook- This guy can sing too. I just wasn't feeling his performances last night...at all. For the most part, I usually enjoy his performances...just not last night.
Syesha- Despite the fact that I think Archuleta and COok are more talented than her, I believe her performances overall were the best of the night.
Based on TALENT and NOTHING ELSE, here are my rankings:
1-Cook
2-Archuleta
3-Syesha
4-Jason
5-Brooke
Oh and...Paula!?!? Hahaha...that cracked me up. What was she THINKING? I can't understand how someone could actually believe someone sang TWICE, when they've only sung ONCE...AND give a review on BOTH songs...
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Apr 30, 2008 11:10 AM
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I agree and disagree with some of your comments.
Agree that the show was a mess last night and should have been longer.
Agree that Jason should have been gone a while ago and is painful to watch. Thank God for TIVO and FF! I was able to 'miss' the trainwreck performances of Jason and Brooke.
Agree that Hell's Kitchen is obnoxious, and I turned it off after the first 5 minutes of its premiere episode.
Disagree however about dropping the mentor/theme episodes. I have actually gained respect for performers like Barry Manilow and Mariah Carey from the critiques that they offered. And personally, I love Neil Diamond and was looking forward to last night. Unfortunately, I was disappointed that they didn't show more of Neil mentoring the idols.
David Cook is my pick to win it, and he gets my vote every time.
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Apr 30, 2008 11:16 AM
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Matt's comments were pretty spot on to me.
I found myself also thinking that Michael Johns and Carly, despite their inability to shine like an idol, would really be able to add something to this show.
Cook will rock it out respectably and give a fantastic performance here and there. He is a true musician's musician (like Blake last year in his genre) and definitely idol worthy.
No one else is. David A is predicatably good, but in that Osmond like goody two shoes way. Hardly cutting edge or surprising. Only bearable when it is not too syrupy to watch. This year really deteriorated with Carly and Michael gone (even tho I think Cook would have and should have beat them ultimately anyway).
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Apr 30, 2008 11:44 AM
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"David A's voice is so pure..." Ick. If I hear that one more time, i might go postal. Do you people have any idea what you are talking about? Do you know anything about actual vocal talent or are you just repeating what the "judges" say cause you think it makes you sound like you are well-versed? Well. It doesn't. It just makes you sound like a fawning teeny bopper (scary how many older adults fall into this category). I think there is definitely some truth to the Osmond comparison. Parents like him because he's Mormon and comes across as sweet and wholesome. As long as he can carry a tune, you guys would support him. He has some talent, but he's not the best vocalist I've seen on Idol, not to mention in real life! His "fans" (who I bet were all 'Claymates- man, does that sound lame!) will buy one album from him and then go onto the next cute little puppy of a singer that they put on next season. You people have no real taste. David A.'s music will end up being Christian Rock or that Adult Contemporary sound from the 80s. Both of which appeal only to niche groups.
Oh. and scapegoat? What does it matter what the judges say anyhow? It's a popularity contest. I never really understood why we needed to have the judges after the early rounds anyhow. They rarely ever give constructive criticism. And if people really are voting for folks bsed on what they say, it just is more evidence of how much of a farce any "talent" show is when they let stupid america vote.
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Apr 30, 2008 11:52 AM
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For me, Hell's Kitchen is more entertaining than Idol. I Sookie through the latter in about 15 minutes (this week took about 20 since there were more performances). Giving AI any more time than that is what seems inane! 
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Apr 30, 2008 11:55 AM
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I disagree with kimberlyanne89 with her ranking. Mine is:
1 Cook
2 Brooke
3 Syesha
4 Archuleta
5 Jason
I still think Brooke is great! David A doesn't do anything for me. I didn't think he was that good last night. I like Jason, he has a nice voice and I was torn between 4th or 5th place for him.
Tonight should be interesting.
Don't they, the Idols, do any homework on the songs?
annie13
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Apr 30, 2008 11:57 AM
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I challenge Mr. Roush to sit on a stage and give the performance of a lifetime after having to listen to a windbag judge give a negative critique of the song he hasn't even sung yet! Jason checking out was actually the nicest thing he could have done. Most people would have told the judges where to stick it and headed to the nearest exit.
And if David A.'s performances are what constitute "talent" by AI standards, this is both my first and last season as a viewer. My only hope is in David C., whom I've liked from the moment he opened his mouth on Top 24 night.
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Apr 30, 2008 12:01 PM
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This was really a pathetic show. Paula was obviouly more out of it than normal. You would think Fox would get tired of her being drunk or whatever she is. Last night should have been embarrissing for them. By the way, since Paula had the results of both performances before the second one ever happened, it makes you wonder if the whole thing is a scam. Do they know what they are going to say before the show even starts? Makes you wonder doesn't it. The format was all wrong. You need to hear the comments after each song. For all the milking of the show that they have done in the past, why kill this show when the importance is even greater. NOW.....Jason has to go. He was a complete disaster. He should have been gone long ago, before Carly and Michael Johns. Brooke I think has reached her level of ability. I think she will probably go next. Syesh is a nice surprise. I hope she makes it to the final 3.
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Apr 30, 2008 12:17 PM
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The choice of songs was also a wash, for me. With the myriad of songs by Diamond, those with more depth and meaning, and certainly more artistry, all they came up with were these? Can you imagine David Cook singing "I Am The Lion" or Shyesta (sp) singing "You Don't Bring Me Flowers?" Yes, I am aware that Barbra Streisand sang that, but Diamond wrote it, and isn't that what the show was about, songs written by Diamond? He has, by the way, recorded Flowers so no nit picking, please. I have most every album by Diamond and I could go on here, but shant. I wish David Archuletta was going this week, straight to the orthodontist. That kid's teeth are crap. To have such a doting, caring father, LOL, you'd think he'd take the kid to get his huge teeth at least straightened. Reminds me of one of the cavemen on the commercials.
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Apr 30, 2008 12:25 PM
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Was I the only person that noticed that Paula called Syesha "Booke"? It was after Sy's second song. I rewound the tape like 10 times, and it was there.
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Apr 30, 2008 12:27 PM
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To the poster regarding David A's teeth: Oh my gosh, this is a singing competition you moron. His teeth have nothing to do with it.
I'm surprised there's not more speculation over Paula's "mishap." I definitely think there is something fishy with that. How can they judge the rehearsal and use the same comments for the performance? That makes no sense, and really makes me question if they are "encouraged" to push certain contestants or not. And if you really looked at everyone's reaction, it was an "uh-oh, what did she do?" like they knew they could be in trouble for that one...
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Apr 30, 2008 12:36 PM
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