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A choice night for ‘Idol’s final three
Life’s all about choices.
Sometimes we make the right call and are rewarded. Other times, not so much.
No pressure, right?
That’s what the three remaining “American Idol” hopefuls were up against Tuesday night. Their five-month journey culminates next week, when we’ll crown this season’s winner. But only two of them will get that far. One heads home Wednesday.
So the choices this time around were more important than ever. The right song. The right dance moves. The right clothes. The right hair. The right … everything.
How’d they do? Here’s what we thought, in order of appearance:
Round 1: Judges’ picks
David Archuleta: “And So It Goes,” Billy Joel. Paula picked this one, and she didn’t do David any favors. It was way too slow and pageanty — two of the traps he’s repeatedly fallen into this season. But this one was even worse than usual. It felt like we were listening to a lullaby. Throw in some warm milk, a Teddy bear and some comfortable jammies and you’ve got the makings of a great night’s sleep. Maybe he’s hoping to snag an endorsement deal with Lunesta. Randy: “Paula chose a dope song for you.” Paula: “It was a pure and stunning performance.” Simon: “It was very good. No surprises. A bit predictable.” Our grade: C-
Syesha Mercado: “If I Ain’t Got You,” Alicia Keys. Randy selects a song by Syesha’s favorite singer. Sounds like a big break, right? But there’s a risk associated with singing something current. Comparisons to the original artist are inevitable. Sure, she did a great job, but Syesha’s no Alicia Keys. Randy: “You did an amazing job on it.” Paula: “I’m very proud that you’re the last lady standing there.” Simon: “You sang that very well, Syesha.” Our grade: A-
David Cook: “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” Roberta Flack. Simon said up front that this was a tough one for David. And he was (partially) right. A case of puberty voice near the top made us feel like we were sitting in a high-school assembly, listening to some pimply faced choir kid. Thankfully things got better. The finish was pretty spectacular. Shots of his mom, standing alone in the audience, clutching her heart, were a sweet touch, too. And so very manipulative. Kudos to you, showrunners. Randy: “I wish Simon would have picked something that wasn’t as predictable.” Paula: “That is one of my favorite songs, and now you’re my second favorite person who sings it.” Simon: “I thought it was actually one of your best performances to date.” Our grade: B+
Round 2: Contestants’ picks
David Archuleta: “With You,” Chris Brown. What a freakin’ joke! This one had us laughing — and for all the wrong reasons. When we think of a suave ladies’ man, David isn’t the guy who pops into our head. Instead, he’s the exact opposite — the good kid fathers want their daughters to date. So, yeah, this totally didn’t work. But he sure gets credit for trying. Randy: “I’m not sure that was the right song.” Paula: “I really think you should be singing songs like this.” Simon: “It was a little bit like a chihuahua trying to be a tiger. … It’s not really you.” Our grade: B-
Syesha Mercado: “Fever,” Peggy Lee. We can’t see you, Syesha! The guy running the lights needs to start looking for a new job. Shadows obscured her beautiful face for most of this one. We were, thankfully, able to hear her just fine though. That was a treat, as always. Does sex sell on “Idol”? She sure seems to think so, with all that slinking around the stage and the oh-so-risque … chair. We’ll get our answer Wednesday night. Randy: “You sang it amazingly well.” Paula: “I’m surprised you picked this one.” Simon: “I think you will probably regret that decision tomorrow.” Our grade: B+
David Cook: “Dare You to Move,” Switchfoot. Once again, David went way, way too deep at the beginning and ended up sounding like a stuffed-up patient waiting to see an ear, nose and throat doctor. We don’t want to hear that. Ever. He quickly recovered though. Isn’t modern medicine great? And did anyone see the woman in the audience holding up the “Cougars for Cook” sign? Gag. Randy: “It wasn’t your best tonight.” Paula: “I wanted more.” Simon: “I don’t think it’s the most melodic song in the world.” Our grade: B
Round 3: Producers’ picks
David Archuleta: “Longer,” Dan Fogelberg. Yet another David A. special: the kind of song our ballad-loving boy adores, even if it’s a not-so-wise choice for someone trying to appeal to hordes of screaming teenage girls. Maybe it’d work if, as Simon pointed out, a bunch of 90-year-olds were doing all the voting. We will give him credit for making an attempt to make more eye contact with the crowd, a piece of advice tossed his way a few weeks back. Randy: “You could sing the phonebook.” Paula: “It was a lovely performance.” Simon: “I thought the song and the lyrics were absolutely horrible.” Our grade: B
Syesha Mercado: “Hit Me Up,” Gia Farrell. No, no, no! You want to go out on a memorable note … and that’s not what we got. Not even close. Just when we thought Syesha had found her way, she appears to have taken a sharp turn off course. A turn that likely cost her a spot in the finals next week. Randy: “It was just OK for me.” Paula: “I don’t know if it’s the type of song that defines you as Syesha the artist.” Simon: “It’s a little bit forgettable.” Our grade: C-
David Cook: “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing,” Aerosmith. Dude, stop doing that with your voice. It doesn’t sound good — and it certainly can’t feel good. Right about now we’re picturing bloody, ulcerated vocal cords. Not a pleasant image. There were things — shock!!! —- we actually liked. For instance, we were digging the interesting arrangement that mixed rock with violins. Let’s just say David’s a smart guy with an all-but-guaranteed spot in the finals. Nice way to end the show. Randy: “It was OK for me. Very predictable.” Paula: “See ya in the finals.” Simon: “David Cook wins the night.” Our grade: A-
Our pick to get the boot: Syesha. Duh.
Let us know what you think, dear “Idol” fans. And be sure to vote in our handy dandy poll. Until Wednesday night …
Comments
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By Paras
May 13, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this
I agree with most of your assessment. I think it was blatant to the audience and Syesha herself that the producers want a David-David finale. They made sure of it by: 1) placing her second; 2)giving her a totally LAME producers’ pick that of course was going to make her end on a low note; 3) not stirring up any kind of emotional connection in the in-betweens (David’s crying mom, anyone?). It’s so sad to see that Syesha was clearly affected by her knowledge that the judges and producers of American Idol. She had hope after last week, but by the last song tonight, just looked tired of having to prove herself over and over again, just to get the shaft. I am voting for her nonstop because I know she can be a star (you can even hear a Beyonce-esque vibe in her voice..and she’s damn versatile, which david a can NOT pull off..i was laughing through ‘with you’ too).
By LisaB
May 14, 2008 8:09 AM | Link to this
David A. is a wonderful singer. Saying that, he is NO American Idol. I was thinking last night, “Can he have a Carrie Underwood career?” Answer…No.
The 2 best performers are by far David C. and Syesha. I too feel like she may have been a victim of sabotage last night. Hubby and I loved her “Fever” performance and couldn’t understand the criticism.
Viewship is down for A.I. exactly for this reason. They need to find a better voting system so little teenie-bopper tweens can’t spend $200 texting for David A. Most of us “normal” folks vote once, perhaps twice. Thus nulling the votes of reasonable folks.
By fubar
May 14, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this
Did the PRODUCERS sabotage her to get the higher ratings next week? why did they pick that song for her, when she has such a BIG voice?
By Brocktoon
May 14, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this
I was ready to question some of your bizarre grades for last night’s performances, Garys, but it’s clear that by this stage, grades no longer count. So, instead, let me add my voice to the chorus of those who think that this is the most blatantly manipulative week of the show each year.
The judges and producers choose two out of the three songs the finalists sing, then the judges sit there and berate the contestants because the songs “don’t reflect who you are as an artist.” That’s just ill-conceived, inappropriate and assinine. Then they put those songs at the beginning and the end, so our first impression of each singer will be a manipulative AI pick, and our final remembrance of them will be from an AI pick. Hey Idol … if you want us to remember their own interpretation of themselves as artists, put the performers’ own song picks last instead of burying them in the middle.
I have to take issue with the criticism of the Dan Fogelberg pick for Archie, though … I think AI knew exactly what they were doing. Each of those preteen girls that send text upon text must have been in heaven last night, listening to him croon about how long he’d be in love with them. Very shrewd.
And, yes, we assume Syesha will be sent packing this week, but remember that this is the same week that Melinda Doolittle, last year’s uncontested best vocalist, was — shockingly — sent packing and Jordin Sparks (who, like Syesha, snuck up from behind) went on to win it all.
So I guess anything can happen.
By Kathy T
May 14, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this
I read right through the judges comments last night. They want a David-David match up. David A - terrible last night. Would I buy his “nose” sounding album? Don’t think so. David C - the best - watching his facial expressions has lead me to believe there is some talking going on backstage telling him to back off and allow David A to shine. Syesha - way better than David A. She has come a long way and has a powerful voice. All the judges saw her as the competition for David A and pretty much took care of that last night. Will I be surprise of the outcome of the show - Not in the least!
By gdub
May 14, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this
I agree that grades just don’t count any more, if they ever really did…
And, say what you will about the choices the judges and producers made. The singers themselves didn’t do much to help themselves in the songs they chose.
David A. was trying, I guess, to show something a little different — finally. But I don’t think he helped himself with anyone older than 13.
Syesha goes to a song that’s twice her age to appeal to the Idol audience?
And David C.’s personal choice was my least favorite from him for the night.
Like any of that matters. Last year’s upset scenario aside, I still expect the Davids to advance. David A will win the show and the Idol contract. And David C will have a better career that he has more control over.
Is anyone else as afraid of next week as I am? It’s very scary to think about the sappy song they’ll have the finalists sing and how bad that likely will go for rocker David.
And yet, we all keep coming back for more…
By Doris
May 14, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this
I believe that this year show has been a joke. I think that Paula and Randy is not good judge because what ever Randy say Paula agree and what ever Paula say Randy agree. I love Simon the only thing that bother me about Simon is that he know that he is love by american and who ever he wants off the show all he have to do is say something negative about them and they will go packing the next day. It’s all a Joke.. But Simon You are a very good judge, but don’t be so hard….
By HighCNote
May 14, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this
I can’t believe the producers picked “Longer” for David Archuleta. Or for anyone for that matter. That song is so old it has mold on it.
By John Douglas
May 14, 2008 8:07 PM | Link to this
At a time when they need to look their best, AI made them look their worst. Three songs at a minute-thirty is a propos of and ice skating review, not America’s preeminent talent contest.
Two songs each is a gracious plenty to craft at this stage of the competition - judes’ choice and artists’ choice only. Last night’s producers’ choices made it look like the competition was being rigged.
Fill the balance of the show with highlight footage or increased banter between Ryan and the judges. Give us what we expect from American Idol.