Why I Think David Should Win

As we prepare for the Season Finale of season 7's American Idol this week, I want to take a moment and discuss. I'm actually quite happy with the remaining two contestants, overall, and think they should be the last two standing. I'm also encouraged that since the six previous seasons have been won by 4 ladies and only 2 gents, it's time for another gent to step up! And seeing that the previous two male winners (Reuben and Taylor) have been the least-successful (commercially) of all of the previous winners, I'm ready for either David to hit a home run.

So, why do I think David Archuleta should/might win? I've been hoping for the last few seasons for a "pop star" of the male gender...I've wanted someone like Ace Young to win and take us into that direction, pinups and all....to harken back to the days of Shaun and David Cassidy and Leif Garrett.....good, old-fashioned fun... someone my tweener would swoon over as I did the aforementioned stars, and someone my 8 year old son could look up to in the music industry.

Do I think David Archuleta is that star? He seems to have many of the qualities: great voice, great look, and youth on his side. He clearly is proficient at making the young girls cry, so check that off. He was extremely consistent all season, and I think he would not embarrass the Idol franchise with drunken club-hopping or illegitimate children.

HOWEVER, what he has going against him: first of all, the "aw-shucks" thing will wear thin. If he should win, he will need to step up to the microphone, to the camera, to the photographer, to his fans and deliver with confidence and conviction. No more feigned gratitude and disbelief that "I've made it this far"....we want a winner! Secondly, Idol has already all but said they don't want to work with Daddy. Note to David: as soon as your 18th birthday arrives (this December!) ditch Dad and get a new manager. As for your debut CD, the ballads certainly work for you, and you can sing 'em like no one else. But we also will want to see the artist you will become, and not just the singer we already know you are. Already a proficient pianist, I would like to see more of that, for example. What musical legacy will you leave?

So, why do I think David Cook should/will win? I've said all season that should Cook be in the finals, he will already be smoothing the salve on the wound that was Chris Daughtry's early exit from Idol. There are millions of Daughtry fans (old and new) that would delight in crowning Idol's first rocker winner. He, too, has been extremely consistent all season and as many have said, been one of the most exciting performers in recent memory. Clearly a gifted musician with the ability to transform melodies and rhythms from familiar songs into fresh arrangements, Cook is record-ready. And thankfully, the stylists got to him early on. He showed up to his audition looking like he raided Blake Lewis's closet, and is ending up looking the part of a stylish winner.

(Although, I don't buy that Cook is all rocker...his straight delivery on Andrew Lloyd Webber night and his reported experience in musical theater mean he's all that and more....even his ability to perform the cheesy group numbers without a trace of regret or disdain is remarkable.)

HOWEVER, I'm afraid that should David Cook win American Idol, that it will ruin him. It will ruin him in the way that 19 Entertainment stripped everything of substance that was Bo Bice out of Bo's first CD. The way that the music industry focuses on selling product and not on artistry. That his travel schedule, with all of it's appearances, performances, recording frenzy -- along with the nationwide tour -- will keep him away from his beloved family which might be too difficult for him at this time with all that is going on.

I am hopeful that should Cook win the whole thing, that I will have worried about the above for nothing, and that it will be the best thing that has ever happened to him....

Speaking of winning, even though the numbers are 2 to 1 for Cook over Archuleta at this point, I'm not ruling out an Archie upset. His fan base, with proficiency (and motivation!) for texting and phoning in cannot be underestimated. And if it's true that only one million votes separated Syesha, Archuleta and Cook during Top 3 week, that is Super Close.

On to the finale!

David v. David

I love this cheesy show, to quote my fellow blogger MJ, and tonight did not disappoint....it did not shock, either, and I'm kinda glad for that. Syesha will be just fine! She is a very talented lady and I suspect she knew tonight would be her last....I mean, she can sing, she can act (by her own account), she is gorgeous and has a winning smile, and now AI7 on her resume. Don't worry about her, Dear Friend! she will be okay, and handled tonight with grace and good sportsmanship, thankfully.

Okay the David vs. David finale we've been waiting for will arrive next week. Are we sure this is what we really wanted? Will it actually boil down to Nerd vs. Rocker? Older vs. Younger? Mommy vs. Daddy? I'm not sure what it is. Part of me doesn't even want Cook to win, since I'm afraid it might ruin him...but he's in too far now to worry about that. I am confident that whichever David wins will make AI history in his own way.

(On another note, advance tickets for the tour went on sale today here in Chicago, and after a flurry of email activity and a couple of cell phone calls, we've finally nailed down our group and can make our purchase....this group of minivan-driving moms and our now-tweeners has attended two prior tours together (AI4 and AI6, skipped 5 for a reason I don't recall) and it's a wonderful family-friendly outing...and I can honestly tell you, a great show. Check it out, coming soon to a hometown near you!)

Tonight's show had all the drama, the tears, and suspense of an Oscar-nominated movie....the hometown visits alone had us breaking out the Kleenex in this house. I love those films.....it's so fun to see them overwhelmed with fan love after being in the Idol bubble....and you know, it's the salve that soothes the one who leaves that night. I just can't imagine the stamina required to get through those days of appearances, performances, signings....no wonder they all cry, it's from sheer exhaustion! All three were beautiful, gracious and human.

We must make mention of Fantasia. At first, I was bewildered at her performance....I felt assaulted at every level and frankly, didn't know what to make of it! It looked and sounded like nothing I knew. But we watched it three times in this house and now agree that she is brilliant. Her energy and her artistry may be a little reachy, but the girl can sing, dance and perform, no question. Simon's expressions were just amazing. I would have loved to be a fly on the wall of that judge's table during all that! He looked like a train just hit him. Priceless. I also think Archie needed a chaperon during this performance...it was definitely rated PG-13! Did you see his expression when the (phenomenal) back up singers were dancing? LOL!

Finally, the montages of each of the three contestant's journey to the Idol stage were a great reminder of who they are...and who they were when we first met them. I had forgotten that Syesha's dad was a drug addict, and my heart broke for this beautiful songbird and the pain she must have endured as a child due to her Dad's addiction...a pain we do not see in her megawatt smile and flawless complexion. Made me appreciate her a little bit more. Likewise, I don't know that Idol viewers were ever made aware of the fact that Cook didn't come to audition, but rather to support his younger brother....I believe this was introduced tonight (readers, correct me if I'm wrong!). Wow, that's a complicated family, but it looks like the Brothers Cook are still talking. Cool.

Archie even has a heart inside that vacuous body. The tears at his homecoming were touching, and I believe it was overwhelming for him (and not just his Dad). I still don't know what to make of this kid....but I think we will be hearing from him for a while to come, no matter the AI7 outcome.

I'm sad it's almost over! Like I said, I love this cheesy show.....

Final Three Battle for Finale Spot

Tonight's episode of American Idol proved one thing: each of the three remaining contestants is in it to win it...tonight was a very strong show overall, and after tonight's performances, I can believe that each of the three was separated by such a small margin last week!

First off, we know how busy this week has been for them. Traveling home (which for Syesha, in particular, was cross-country!) for hometown festivities had to have left everyone exhausted and spent. Yet they each had to learn three new songs. That didn't show tonight, as each came out singing to win. First and foremost, I am MOST impressed by the fact that none of the three sang songs they had previously done in the show, a certainty at this stage of season's past. Yeah! Also was struck by the presence of technology...the judges text-messaging the contestants on the song choice! That has to be a first this season.

All of the press about Archie's Dad this week was certainly distracting, and the news that Archie is "Vote For The Worst" 's pick this week a little surprising...but word on the street is that 19 Entertainment doesn't want to work with Archie's dad should he win the whole thing...what a shame. I went into tonight wondering if all of this would show in tonight's judge's comments, or wondering if Archie would flub lyrics or somehow write himself outta this , if you know what I mean...

Not the case. Archie did his thing, and overall the judges comments were pretty much favorable across his three songs for tonight.....Paula chose the song "And So it Goes" by Billy Joel for Archie's first, and I have to admit: I got goosebumps! You all know I am not a fan....have been pretty tough on Little David, so this came as a surprise to me, too.....but WOW. Beautiful song, his delivery was impeccable and as Paula said, he told the story. This was perfection, how can you argue with that? Simon thought it was predicable, but I say, predictably GOOD!

David Archuleta's second song, Chris Brown's "With You", didn't fare as well. I appreciate that he wanted to do something contemporary, and my tweener tells me that, indeed, this song was one she knew (I did not). He clearly struggled with the lyrics (no one pointed that out) and like the judges said, I just didn't get Archie's groove with this, but still a very solid performance.

His third song, Dan Fogelberg's "Longer", was as Paula said, "Lovely". I was reminded of Fogelberg's beautiful contribution to America's songbook and his untimely death. Simon called it "gooey"....but remember that Archie didn't pick the song! I loved hearing it again, and thank you Dan for your amazing and beautiful song, which I agreed was lovely.

Syesha came out swinging tonight, but by my accounts, may have fallen short on her bid to be present at next week's finale. Agreed that Syehsa looks the part, and indeed, her vocals were very good tonight. But as the judges pointed out, we don't know Syesha any better after tonight than we did going into tonight's performances, and this is her downfall. Actress? Check. Connector? No. Her first number was Randy's pick from Alicia Keys, "If I Ain't Got You." I was surprised to see Syesha really do this number well. Her second number, her choice of Peggy Lee's "Fever" was a little disappointing. I felt like she had to rock the sex number since it enabled her thus far to stay in the game, but agreed with Simon that it was a bit cabaret. Her final song "Hit Me Up" fell pretty flat. Agreed with Simon that it didn't give Syesha that defining moment she needs. Danger, Will Robinson.

Finally, David Cook.....WOW. Did I tell you, I love this guy? Yes, I know I know, I love Jason....but a girl can date around, right?? No disappointments tonight from my guy. He hit three grand slams as far as I'm concerned. Judges's pick? Roberta Flack's "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face." Okay, could we ask for a more difficult song?? And Cookie nails it. Hit it out of the ballpark. I was already on my feet when they showed his Mom in the audience, standing in a sea of sitters. And I knew right then, she's standing because she is remembering the first time ever she saw Cookie's face, which was when he was like, 4 seconds old. And they had me right there. Add the flaming wall of fire behind him, and it's all over.

David Cook's choice of Switchfoot's "Dare You To Move" was very good, although I'm not familiar with the song. His final song, the producer's choice of Aerosmith's " I Don't Miss a thing" was very, very good and instant vintage Cook. Like Paula said, see you in the finals!!

Overall, it's tough to imagine anything other than the David v. David finale that has been pimped the last few weeks....stay tuned for further thoughts...

Idol Homecomings

This week we'll see footage of each of the three remaining contestants travel home to adoring throngs of family, friends, fans and politicans, usually a fun and touching connection for viewers. I'll never forget Elliot's journey home, with his Mom beaming from ear to ear as they rode together in the convertible...this is powerful stuff. I decided to catch a sneak preview of what they did in their hometowns Friday instead of waiting for Tuesdays' show! Turns out, as always, they did a lot....each of the three kept a frantic pace of sporting events, interviews and appearances...and learning 3 songs to boot.

We'll start with who traveled the farthest from Hollywood: Syesha went home to Bradenton, Florida, and you can read the local news piece here. Syesha's day went something like this: started at 7:00am with a Clear Channel Radio appearance in Tampa, followed by an interview on "Good Day Tampa Bay" at 8am. She scooted down to Bradenton for an appearance from 10:30 to 11 a.m, followed at 12:30 p.m. with a mini-parade for the public down Orange Avenue in Sarasota, which included a private concert for students at Booker High School.

Syesha went airborne at 2:45 p.m. on a SkyFox Flight for a helicopter tour, landing at Sarasota's famous Ringling Museum. She did a "Welcome Home, Syesha" event and public concert there before leaving Sarasota for St. Petersburg's Tropicana Field, where she sang the national anthem at Tampa Bay Rays baseball game. Whew!

Next up is David Cook, who went home to Blue Springs, Missouri. In fact, The City Council declared May 9 to be David Cook Day! Yeah! He also performed a mini concert in the Power & Light District. Here is a cool photo! You know he was digging the entire day.... “In Kansas City, Mo., the crowds withstood wind and drizzle for a glimpse of the shaggy-haired and raggedy-voiced rocker Cook, a native of the suburb of Blue Springs. His hometown tour — during a day which Missouri and Kansas City officials declared ‘David Cook Day’ — started bright and early with TV appearances on the local Fox affiliate, followed by his late-morning appearance at the Power & Light District. ‘What are you guys doing here?’ Cook said, teasing the screaming crowd. ‘Guys, thank you, seriously. … I don’t know what else to say. This is the coolest day of my life.’” ~from the International Herald Tribune.

Like Syesha, there were sports involved....Cook threw out the opening pitch for the Kansas City Royals Friday night...." “Cook, wearing a personalized Royals jersey with No. 08, threw a left-handed low-and-inside pitch to Brett Tomko, a pitcher who crouched behind home plate. Afterward, manager Trey Hillman presented him a framed duplicate of the Royals’ lineup card with Cook listed as the 10th man. ‘My performances are always dedicated to the Kansas City Royals,’ Cook told the crowd.” ~from MLB.com.

Finally, Archie went home to Murray, Utah, no doubt to scores and scores of screamers....he did a radio interview, visited Murray High School, where he is a junior, went to the mall and sang a couple of songs, and again the sports appearance: David sang the national anthem at Game 3 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City on Friday night. Photo courtesey of Robert Galbraith, Reuters.

As for more song spoilers, according to MJ, David Cook will sing “The World I Know” by Collective Soul, and Simon asks him to sing “First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” by Roberta Flack. Randy Jackson chose “If I Ain’t Got You” by Alicia Keys for Syesha, and Paula has asked Archie to sing “And So it Goes” by Billy Joel. Remember that the final 3 each sing 3 songs: one song is chosen by the contestant, one song is chosen by a judge, the third song is picked by the producers. Should be interesting!

Celebrating Jason Home

Ah, woke up this morning just a -little- sad that Idol next week won't have my favorite goofy dreaded guy on anymore....but I'm more confident than ever that we'll hear more from him, and think he could end up growing in confidence like Elliot Yamin and knocking our socks off with his debut CD....I rode to work enjoying my little "Jason mix" and loved every note.

Wanted to share this photo, courtesy of Aunt Pearl! What do you think? Does he look better without dreads? And is that a corsage in his hand, off to prom maybe?

I'm also a bit miffed at the trashing he's gotten in the last few weeks. People, just because the guy chooses to wear his hair like that and is a little goofy and spacey from time to time does not mean he is a druggie....I read this morning that he's actually in a Christian Youth Group at his college, and from the neck wear he's sported all season, and his heartfelt rendition of "Hallelujah", I believe it. They call that judging a book by it's cover, and don't we try and teach our kids not to do that?

What a cutie. Miss him already!

Castro the Castaway

From Dictionary.com:

cast·a·way /ˈkæstəˌweɪ, ˈkɑst-/ Pronunciation [kast-uh-wey, kahst-] –noun
1.a shipwrecked person.
2.anything cast adrift or thrown away.
3.an outcast. –adjective
4.cast adrift.
5.thrown away.
[Origin: 1520–30; n., adj. use of v. phrase cast away]
—Synonyms 3. pariah, outlaw, leper.

From the moment Jason appeared for the Idol auditions, it was clear this was a new breed of AI contestant....fresh-faced, free-spirited, and very talented. He certainly fell outside of mainstream Idol in his looks and to many viewers, represented a refreshing dose of laidbackness ( is that a word? my spellcheck doesn't recognize it) to the pressure cooker that is AI.

Dear Jason: you brought joy to me, and to my family with your beautiful interpretations of songs we know and those we had forgotten....your artistry was apparent and alas, too strong for Idol. We loved both your calmness and your playfulness in the midst of the Idol Machine's intensity, and could feel your heart in your performances, a heart that transcended votes, Billboard rankings, and CD sales.

I think you went farther than even you expected to, and you seemed very joyful and relieved tonight to be going home! The world is your oyster, baby, and you take of it what you want! Jason, you have inspired and moved us, and made us laugh along the way....thanks, and peace, bro! See you on tour!

Otherwise, tonight was mostly filler, but notables for me were: the very "Up With People" opening cheesy group number (Steely Dan's "Reeling in the Years") (Question for Idol: Why, why do you make them do this?!? Step, tap, step, tap...UGH). The Ford Commercial, only because every time I hear the song "Ring of Fire" I can't help but think of childbirth! LOL! But mostly because of Ryan's comment about the pants looking uncomfortable....indeed.

The calls? Giggle and yawn.

Maroon 5? The lead singer guy was most negative and pessimistic...what a downer....Who invited them? Yuck.

Bo Bice? CLASS ACT. Loved him in Season 4 (anyone wouldha lost to Carrie Underwood) and love this song....own the 1st, must get off my keester and buy this 2nd CD!

On to next week, where each contestant goes home to adoring family, friends and fans, and as Castro pointed out, has to sing THREE songs each.....Syesha must know she's on the chopping block....

Top Four Rock and Roll

Some of you won't like this but Casa Idolmama had Jason Castro on speed dial tonight...I know, I know, he flubbed the lyrics! Cardinal sin! But I say to thee...if you are going to forget lyrics, it's perfectly understandable that they be from Bob Dylan! You can hardly understand what the man sings to begin with, no? I don't know....maybe Jason has the fan base to carry him through a rough week...we didn't get through on our 20 attempts at the time of this writing (but tried Syesha once and got a busy signal, too....) so totally unscientific.

No matter what happens tomorrow night, Jason Castro has a bright future ahead of him, and perhaps one that does NOT involve the Simon Fuller/19 Entertainment artistic juggernaut....he is a star with or without Idol!

Tonight's theme was the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame....notice they didn't force the Idols to actually travel to Cleveland, Ohio (Sorry, Blair and Dear Friend) but just showed pictures. This was a WIDE genre and I couldn't wait to see what the Idols chose.

Um, Duran, Duran? DC, DC.....what were you thinking? I know they have a tour this summer, and maybe you were thinking that as you growled out "Hungry Like the Wolf", but it didn't work for me. You did leave Paula with a big appetite! Simon asked if it was "good enough?" (to get him through to next week) and answered his own question with a "Yes!" Well, we know now after Paula's debacle that the judges do watch the sound check, so since Simon has already seen each and every one of this week's "live" performances, he has the unique opportunity to put them ALL in perspective and let us know that David Cook is safe, since we're obviously in for some sucky performances! ARGH!!!

Syesha's "Proud Mary" got the house wound up....but what she really needed was a pole for this number. Gosh, the girl can gyrate! My husband even commented as such. She is pulling out ALL the punches for tonight, sensing that vulnerability. Well, the Haley Scarnato extensions might work this week since Randy thought she shown the heat, and Paula said she looked like a star (course, Simon disagreed). We'll see.

[Cut to young girl disagreeing with Simon's comments on Syesha.....thought we might have Crying Girl 2008, but I think not]

Next came the somewhat inevitable Castro-does-Marley number...and I thought his "I Shot The Sheriff" was fun, and I immediately thought to myself, this hasn't ever been seen on the Idol stage before! Castro is fresh and different! Only to be totally contradicted by the judges. Randy said it was nothing special, Paula wasn't crazy about it, and Simon said it was "utterly atrocious"....doesn't bode well for him (see Speed Dial reference above). Thank goodness for two performances.

Opie (I mean Archie) came out to do "Stand by Me"...I was looking for Aunt Bee and couldn't find her, could smell the pie, tho! This performance was, for me, totally boring. Ride the Chicago Subway and you will hear this song just as well sung by half a dozen street performers daily down underground. It's a staple. Just like Simon said, tho, David Archuleta could have come out and whistled a tune and been fine.....again. Gosh, they want Jason out!

David Cook comes back for a second number and everyone who knows me knows that Idolmama was smiling for this one.... the Who's "Baba O'Riley", never before performed on Idol...course, I was wondering the whole time what Pete Townshend would say about this performance (Pete -- if you Google Alert yourself and end up here, I would love a comment! Thanks!). Me thinks he would like the nod, and the subsequent iTunes downloads, but mostly the Les Paul....it was just okay for me, I like to think of Idol as a family-friendly show (I'm Idolmama, after all) and the whole Teenage Wasteland stuff was a little intense for me, but....it is Rock and Roll, so who am I to change it up..... :)

Syesha's second number (A Change is Gonna Come") lost me, and not in a good way. Pretty gown, and when the times get tough, the tough break out the cleavage! Her interview package seemed to show a more human Syesha but maybe too late? Judges liked it, though.....then she started crying, and I said, sheesh girl! Cut that out! You of ALL people should know it ain't over 'til it's over! Just cause Randy dissed it doesn't mean you're out! Pull yourself up by your bra straps (I mean boot.....)

Jason does Bob Dylan's "Mr. Tambourine Man" and it's perfect, only he forgets the lyrics....ouch....did he do that on purpose? Is it true what I read this week that he is ready to go home??? I don't believe it. It's a complicated song. Like my 8 year old said tonight in Castro's defense, "At least he didn't stop and start!" Nice. We train 'em young around here!

Finally, Archie does number two in a soft and romantic way with Elvis's "Love Me Tender"...I had trouble with this one only because I refuse to be courted by a 17 year old....but it was good in an Archie sort of way. Its CLEAR they won't have a finale without him.

What did you think? Was that Castro's Swan Song? Did Syesha win new fans? And what was Carly thinking as she watched from the audience?