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Topic: AI Final 3 - (5/13)


Topic Posted by: songbird
Date Posted: Tue May 13 22:29:33 2008
Additional Comments:

THE FINAL 3

The Final 3 sing three songs apiece. Each Idol is assigned a judge who picks a song. The Idol picks a song and the producers pick a song. The Idols have no control over two-thirds of the song choices.

It’s a process that allows TPTB to control the outcome. Want to throw an Idol under the bus or promote and Idol? Control the songs they will sing. It can be a mine field for the remaining Idols or the push that one needs to win the title.


ROUND 1 - Judges Song Choice


David Archuleta - (Paula Abdul) - ''And So It Goes'' by Billy Joel - What a lovely interpretation of a beautiful song. Paula chose well. I agree with Paula that he was a 'storyteller' tonight and couldn't disagree more with Simon. This was not the easiest song to sing. Little David sang beautifully and connected with his audience.

Randy - he can sing anything
Paula - a pure and stunning performance
Simon - predictable but not outstanding


Syesha Mercado - (Randy Jackson) - ''If I Ain’t Got You'' by Alicia Keys - She began with a very restrained vocal with nice color but slid into her power singing a bit. I would have preferred Randy choose something entirely different than her 'usual'. Her interpretation sounded all too familiar as did the song style. She looked beautiful.

Randy - amazing
Paula - applauds her for taking on an artist like Alicia Keys
Simon - sang it very well but could have made it more her own


David Cook - (Simon Cowell) - ''The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face'' by Roberta Flack - He changed it up a bit but still remained faithful to Roberta Flack. It was nice to be able to hear another side to his vocals. Variety is a good thing but I found it a bit boring.

Randy - needed more rock~~too old fashioned
Paula - she loved it
Simon - one of his best performances to date


ROUND 2 - Contestants Song Choice


David Archuleta - (David's Choice) - ''With You'' by Chris Brown - This song choice didn't seem to be the best for him. It had an uncomfortable sound and feel. The entire performance seemed forced, not natural to David. Possibly, he truly is made for ballads. I prefer him in his comfort zone.

Randy - not the right song
Paula - should sing more songs like this
Simon - like a Chihuahua trying to be a tiger


Syesha Mercado - (Syesha's Choice) - ''Fever'' by Peggy Lee - OK, no one can come close to Peggy Lee but I liked Syesha's interpretation. She sang in a very controlled manner, never over singing the song which was my fear. I liked her 'take' on this classic.

Randy - sang it well
Paula - doesn't show who she is as an artist
Simon - lame cabaret performance


David Cook - (David's Choice) - ''Dare You To Move''by Switchfoot - Sorry folks, this is not my cup of tea. It sounded like a bunch of 'nothing' to me. I'd say he's done much better work.

Randy - not his best performance
Paula - the song was too abbreviated
Simon - not the best melodic song


ROUND 3 - Producers Song Choice


David Archuleta - (The Producers) - ''Longer'' by Dan Fogelberg - Another gorgeous song for Little David. He was definitely in his element. His vocal was performed with great feeling and he seemed to have a grasp of the song even though it is older in tone and substance.

Randy - in the zone
Paula - lovely
Simon - sang the song well


Syesha Mercado - (The Producers) - ''Hit Me Up'' by Gia Farrell - She's sounded too much as she has in past weeks. There are so many other songs that could have been chosen for her. Her vocal was fine but she could have done much more with a better song.

Randy - just ok
Paula - song doesn't define her
Simon - the song is forgettable


David Cook - (The Producers) - ''I Don't Want To Miss A Thing'' by Aerosmith - David was back in his element and sang his heart out. I am not familiar with this song so will refrain from commenting and let the judges comments stand.

Randy - predictable
Paula - see ya in the finals
Simon - he wins the night



COMMENTS~~ I never want to hear the word phone book or 'in the zone' again. Are dress codes only for female performers? Hopefully, next year something can be done about those screaming kids!!!


Please don't bring up poor song choice when that choice was NOT made by the contestant. How unfair!! Criticize the producers and judges who made the choices.


ANOTHER ''FORGETTABLE'' NIGHT!!!


RESULTS~~ Wednesday at 9:00 EDT












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Posted by: Linda
Date posted: Wed May 14 20:20:50 2008
Message:

You do a great job, songbird. Hang in there for a little bit yet, LOL!


David Archuleta--Paula's choice--Nice vocals. Nothing special. Good performance. I liked it.
David's choice--Some was good some wasn't. I liked that it was more upbeat than his usual ballad.
Producer's choice--Very good. Suited him.

Syesha--Randy's choice--Beautiful. Thought she did well.
Syesha's choice--I liked it but I thought it was too high in some parts. I liked the way she performed it. She has a sexy way about her which has come out in the last few weeks.
Producer's choice--I thought she did well but I agree it wasn't the song that defines her, but then, it wasn't her choice so what is she supposed to do? She was set up. I don't think it was right of the judges to tell her how bad it was for her when she didn't pick the song. They should say that "this song was the wrong one picked for you" and it's not your fault. Something like that. They said that for David A. on his last song but not to Syesha. I liked the way she performs her songs. She is more animated than David A. and has much better stage presence. David Cook usually has his guitar to give him something more.

David Cook--Simon's choice--I was surprised how well he did. Especially the note at the end.
David's choice--Not that good. He was off key in spots. Bad choice. Should have stayed with Collective Soul. According to my son, that is a much better song.
Producer's choice--Best song of the night for him.


COMMENTS: A couple of things that bothered me--Why sing three songs? Cut the producers since they obviously don't know what they are doing. Let the contestants sing two WHOLE songs. Then there wouldn't be this thing where the song would have sounded better if it wasn't edited badly or they had more than 1:30. Then give it to them! I did not like the favoritism and not laying fault where it is due. I also didn't like Simon's insistence that Syesha's song, "Hit Me Up" was about penquins. This is one time where Paula was the sane one and was correct. That was a song from the penguin movie, "Happy Feet" but was NOT about penguins. Simon, I wish you would study your songs before the show! They wanted a Battle of the David's and they made sure to have one. Now, it better be good!

Replies: (list all replies)

  • Looks as though you're pretty much in agreement with the masses!! As for the producers......they DO know what they're doing! (LOL) They're eliminating and protecting contestants as are the judges. They're all very savvy. The amount of time allotted per song is ridiculous. I believe last evening was only 65 seconds in order to fit 9 songs into an hour. Some songs are shredded by the editing. I really detest the practice and would like to hear the entire song if possible. I'm also completely frustrated by the laying of blame for poor song choice on the contestants IF the contestants didn't choose the songs. Makes no sense at all. Of course, you know I believe that everyone (including judges) should do their homework, thus avoiding ''penguin'' arguments. How stupid!!! Something tells me that this show will never be ''fixed''. /sb

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    Posted by: Chewbacca
    Date posted: Wed May 14 16:54:57 2008
    Message:

    I don't watch AI, but I have seen bits and pieces of the performances, and I think the younger David will win because he does seem to be the judges/producers' pet. He reminds me of a young Donny Osmond, who still can't shake his teen idol image at age 40 something.

    It might not be in David Cook's best interest to be the Idol, because the first year after you get the title, the songs that are usually put out are pretty forgettable. He probably would benefit from being #2 or even if he got booted off tonight, and getting an independant record deal and doing his own stuff. He wouldn't have to uphold to the Idol image as much as if he was #1.

    We know there will be a next Idol season. I read on the DOOL board that Clay Aiken does not like how the show has gone from finding an amateur with no music industry experience to bringing on contestants who've had experience and even records, despite them selling nothing. All the complaints about this season should give the producers a wake-up call to do some serious revamping for January 2009.

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  • Hi there! I agree about Cook coming in at #2. The contract would tie him down for several years and I sense that would be more beneficial for DA. I posted that piece about Clay and I wonder how many times he's been thankful that they sabatoged his performance so that Ruben could win??? Clay was always one to do it HIS way. I felt bad that year for Kim Locke. I DO agree with Clay, though. Ratings speak but I'm not thrilled about rumors of lowering the age. Oy!! Thanks for your input, Chewy. /sb

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    Posted by: songbird
    Date posted: Wed May 14 16:39:38 2008
    Message:

    DAVID COOK

    DC has a background in performing arts and a degree in graphic arts. This guy has packed a lot into his 26 years. Here's an interesting link with info on why so many like him so much. He's no slouch, that's for sure. He'll be in the top 2. Who will be there with him??


    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Cook_(singer)........ENJOY!!!

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    Posted by: Skullys Girl
    Date posted: Wed May 14 15:35:02 2008
    Message:
    Am I the only one who absolutely CAN'T STAND David Artchuleta?????? Everything about this kid drives me nuts! I can't stand listening to him talk, or the "oh's" or whatever noises he makes instead of stringing a coherent sentence together. I admit I really liked him at the beginning. In fact, after he sang Imagine, I said to my husband, "there's the winner". I though the was great, real, and a breath of fresh air. Well the air has gone stale. I now find him irritating to no end, and while he can definitely sing, I think everything he sings sounds the same. I find him very one dimensional. Everything always has the same tone, the same sound. I once found him genuinely overwhelmed by the praise given to him, and now he looks as though he didn't expect to hear anything but praise and I see a definite arrogance shine through his fake modesty. He plays right to the audience of teenage girl voters, so definitely he has a great fan base, and I'm sure he'll do well, but when he steps on the screen, it's like nails on a chalkboard! Anyhow, perhaps that all sounds harsh, but there's just something about him that rubs me the wrong way. I feel like I"m the only one out there that isn't on this kids fan train!

    Out of the final 3, I'm definitely rooting for David Cook. I think he is the whole package. He's a good singer, has a good look, and he's a good performer. He's interesting to watch, and he has a natural talent with music, where he can hear a song and play with it to create something new, that is still great to listen to. He's original in that sense, as I don't remember any past idol ever jumping out at me the way he does for making songs his own. He has a true ear for tone, melody, pace and instrumentation. Basically, a real ear for music in general. I feel like he doesn't just step on stage and sings someone else's songs, which is how I feel about the others. I feel like he gets on stage and presents us with original creations. Granted not everything he's done has been like that, but a strong majority. Whether or not he walks away with the title American Idol (especially given the amount of teen girl voters who I'm sure will lean towards David A), I think the industry will accept him with open arms. I think it would eat David A. for breakfast.

    Hope to see an upset tonight and have David A. go home, and the finals be Sayesha and David Cook. I'm not sure how she made it as far as she did, but I don't dislike her. Plus, I think if it came down to those two, David Cook would win this thing hands down!

    Replies: (list all replies)

  • I'm boarding your train. You now have a passanger and I'm being serious. See above for more info. Thanks for such an insightful post. /sb
  • I have not been able to stand David Arch-I-wish-he-would-go , since week one. I dared mention when I was at Curves that I could not stand the kid and all of the other women turned on me. You would have thought that I criticized Mother Theresa. The kid is annoying. Sure he can sing but every song sounds the same. Dot
  • Yay!! Passengers!! We should start a support group for our fellow outcasts who dare to speak out against David A.!! I think your Curves story is so funny! Don't worry hunny, they may have turned on you, but we've got your back! /Skullys Girl
  • It's amazing how many people take this show so seriously. It's just a SHOW. We're not discovering the cure for cancer here. I used to really care when I felt the kids were really trying and doing their best. Now, I have mixed feelings about some of their motives and have seen too many phoned in performances with refusal to take direction from anyone. My caring is now limited to the vulnerable ones and the ones who always try to do their best. American Idol can jump over the moon as far as I'm concerned. Possibly, it already has!!!! /sb
  • Skullys Girl..........you must ask yourself whether Cook would be better off winning or coming in at #2. One carries the Idol contract for quite some time, the other allows for artistic freedom. Give it a thought! /sb
  • Sayeesha...sp? I voted for the first time this season to keep her in, hoping she'll be 2nd spot. Archuletta is annoying!
  • SG you are clearly not alone. I think he has a beautiful voice, but beyond that, I generally agree w/you about DA. I find him less annoying than that Chicken Little from a year or so ago, but that's not saying much. he's got talent, it's just very narrow.
  • vh.......the talent may be narrow now (he's only 17 y/o). Give him a few years. I'd love to hear what he sounds like as he moves through his 20's. For a male voice, some are expecting too much too soon. /sb

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    Posted by: PattyG
    Date posted: Wed May 14 10:37:38 2008
    Message:
    Does anyone know who the woman was standing in the audience when David Cook was singing First Time Ever I Saw Your Face?  Thanks for any help! 

    Replies: (list all replies)

  • His mother. eom
  • I thought Ryan said it was a stage manager or the show or a producer
  • I believe it was his mother since he wishd her a belated happy mothers day after finishing the song. Debbie, the stage manager was off to the side. /sb
  • So are his mother and father divorced? Because that woman was not standing by his father. Ryan said the stage manager had tears in her eyes and they showed that woman, and ryan mentioned something about all mothers probably crying and that is when cook said happy belated mother's day
  • okayw atching it again maybe it was his mom LOL but she wasnt standing by his dad, and i wonder why they flashed -David's dad_ and no _david's Mom_

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    Posted by: vh
    Date posted: Wed May 14 6:31:37 2008
    Message:

    David A-so it goes-really lovely.  At first I was uncomfortable with how different his voice is from Billy's and the light pure way he was singing, but it worked.  So strange though, how he attracts the younger girls with these very old styles.  He is sooo not hip, as evidenced by his own song choice.

    Sy-Ain't got you-okay.  Ho hum.  Funny thing is I think Randy was trying to help her by giving her this song but she is no Alicia.  And I am not even a big fan of Alicia, but Sy doesn't come close to being able to deliver.

    David C-Face-Wow.  I really liked it, surprise to me.  So restrained and reverent with out the stalkerish quality he usualy brings to his singing.  I thought it was going to be awful.

    David A-With you-okay but weird.  Doesn't fit his vocals.  I'm not so sure that's it's "not him" as much as it's not who he's been shaped to be.

    Sy-Fever-her best of the night.  Not forced.  Really glad I didn't have to see her little chair dance.

    David C-dare you-eh.  honestly, I can't remember my reaction so it couldn't have impressed me.

    David A-Longer-like the song was made for him really.  Never mind that he  was born almost 20 years after the song was written.  Not as good as the Billy Joel song, but so suited him.

    Sy-hit me up-fun but lacking something.

    David C-don't want to miss-ehe eh eh.  I hate this song, sooooooo overplayed and such soupy lyrics (now that I know it was written by Diane Warren, no wonder.)  I still don't know how I felt about it.  Strings were beautiful, though.

    Gag those stupid girls!  David C is the only one who doesn't bother me when he talks.Totally agree about ragging on song choice when its not their choice, also Paula gave Sy credit for taking on AK when she also didn't have a choice.

    David A's "So it goes" was the best performance followed by David C's "Face".  It'll be a shock if Sy gets to the top two.

     

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  • I'm with you and David A and those girls. I don't see him coming off as a sex symbol but rather as a little boy. Go figure! The show was so manipulated that it made me sick. Randy and Simon acted like a bunch of high school boys. I'd love to see Randy GO!! He adds nothing to the show. As for Syesha, it was clear that she doesn't expect to be in the top 2 so she was auditioning (B/way style) for any people watching who may be interested in her in a professional way. I still think it will be the two Davids. However, having Syesha would provide more interest. DA just seems like a little boy who needs his Daddy. In a few years, DA will be awesome as he and his voice ''grow up'' even more. I wasn't fond of DC last evening but at this point I consider the bulk of the work and he wins over DA. What a dreadful season!! /sb
  • I've despised Randy since about season 3 when he started with his dawg-a'ight verbal dribblings. Say SOMETHING! At least incoherent Paula is trying! As to DA, how do you see him maturing-what type of an artist? The best I can see is a Michael Boble (sp!) type singer (which isn't bad at all) but even seeing him stretch that much seems unlikely. vh
  • I can't answer your question about ''what kind of artist''. You cannot define David A's voice in 10 years by his 17 y/o voice. There will be changes in tone, control, and interpretation that comes with maturity. Whether this will also broaden his horizons, I have no idea. I hope so. David needs to mature physically and emotionally. Btw, I love Michael Buble but don't imagine David A as ever being Buble-like in style. /sb

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    Posted by: TerriB
    Date posted: Wed May 14 2:29:48 2008
    Message:
    David C. comes across as so cocky and above it all at times.  And the way he said "Oh, you've heard of them?" about Switchfoot.  Ugh.

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  • I've heard this before and think that very early in the season it may have been true. Possibly, the tone of his reply has to do with intense pressure and dirty tricks behind the scenes. I don't enjoy the last 2 shows each year because control is handed over to the judges and producers who make EVERY attempt to ''fix'' the outcome of the show. I'm not defending him, just trying to understand. /sb

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    Posted by: Linds
    Date posted: Wed May 14 2:08:15 2008
    Message:
    Sorry I'm going to have to disagree with you again! lol. Dare you to move is a very touching song. It was originally a Christian song and every time I hear it it moves me, but more than that my friend who passed away, this was the song chosen at her funeral so it even means more to me! I realize you don't have the same emotional connection to the song that I do but it's hard to hear anyone say it's a bunch of nothing!

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  • Linds, I looked up the lyrics to ''Dare You To Move'' and placed them inside. Let me be clear that because of the way the song was performed, it sounded like a bunch of nothing to me. That's why interpretation is SO VERY IMPORTANT. Cook's rendition did nothing to make the lyrics stand out which they obviously should have. My remarks were directed at his performance. The words are lovely and DO have deep meaning. . [PLEASE COME INSIDE]..../sb
  • Yeah I think he was probably trying to avoid the *christianity* side of it. That would be my guess but I see what you're saying. He sang it well but he didn't put enough of the important lyrics in it to help him connect with the audience. That was also Paula's point (Paula right?) Linds EOM
  • Paula said the song was too abbreviated and he couldn't do it justice within the time limit. Being unfamiliar with the song it made absolutely no sense to me. I'm sure he was trying to avoid the *Christainity* aspect. Cook's a smart guy and has seen what has happened to others. /sb

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    Posted by: Linda
    Date posted: Wed May 14 1:01:05 2008
    Message:

    You can tell it's getting closer to the end. The online recaps are out earlier.

    For video recaps of the songs and the judges comments, go to -

    Season 7 Final 3 Performance - Recap

    http://mjsbigblog.com/season-7-final-3-performance-recap.htm

    By sometime on Wednesday there should be a full written recap, too, but right now you can see the videos.
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    For another written recap of the show, go to -

    The Top Three Perform

    http://community.tvguide.com/blog-entry/TV-Show-Blog/American-Idol/American-Idol-Perform/800039568


    For other links, check out Idol News. You can still discuss about Idol on there.

    Replies: (list all replies)

  • Thanks, Linda. LOVED Erin's recap of the show. That girl is FUNNY!!! /sb
  • Yes, I loved her line about wanting to draw kitten whiskers on David A.'s face, LOL! ~ eom. Linda
  • Kitten whiskers and flying pigs. Makes for fun reading!! (LOL) /sb

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    Posted by: Tracylynn
    Date posted: Wed May 14 0:19:26 2008
    Message:
    I feel like the Judge and Producer song choices were very much chosen to either favor or un-favor the contestants tonight. I think it's very clear that they want David A. in the Finals and not Syesha. I think she got a bum rap on song choices tonight.

    Replies: (list all replies)

  • As I posted in my recap: ''It’s a process that allows TPTB to control the outcome. Want to throw an Idol under the bus or promote an Idol? Control the songs they will sing. It can be a mine field for the remaining Idols or the push that one needs to win the title''. It's obvious that they were out to get Syesha tonight. Remember, they feel she belongs on B/way. The last two weeks are like this every year. /sb
  • What got me was, how the judges told Syesha her last song was not good for her blah blah blah as if she chose it but told David A how it wasnt his fault the song wasnt the best song cause he didnt choose it. This show is total BS sometimes, If I was Syesha I whould have just stood on stage during her songs. I can understand why Jason Cook didnt want to be there, why be there when the outcome of the show is allready determined? This will be the third final 2 performance nite in a row I will not be watching will watcht he results show though just because i like to see the special guests LOL
  • I hear you and I watch this ''tampering'' get worse every year. Ratings speak, so the best solution is not to watch. Frankly, if I weren't recapping on so many boards, I would be tempted to do the same thing. This show has become painful to watch AND listen to. Don't forget that we also have the clothing & hair issue.....male vs. female. You KNOW that the guys get away with just about everything. They rarely get a makeover. Nasty show! /sb
  • oh forgot to add how now to have the writer of David Cook's song in the audience, rolls eyes, I hate that song always have

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    Posted by: toriboy
    Date posted: Tue May 13 23:01:34 2008
    Message:
    Thanks for the summary! I am at work I guess the rumor about David singing The World I Know was wrong :( That was the only thing I wanted to watch LOL Guess I dont need to bother

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  • I don't know if it was a bad spoiler all along or if he changed his mind at the last moment, but he had been listed to sing ''The World I Know'' but sang ''Dare You To Move'' instead. Sorry!!! /sb

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