Wednesday, April 23, 2008

6 is one too many: a SIMULBLOG!...

It was a night to remember. Jesus Christ, the superstar, whooped a Cat. There was a Phantom named David (x2) who beat the crap outta Evita and Syesha danced barefoot on a piano.

Wait a minute. Let me start over. I'm sorry.

THIS is American Idol.

And this is a SIMULBLOG, where I'm typing without any do-overs as the action is unfolding on the east coast, with a publish at every break, so if you want to be spoiled, hang tight and keep hitting the refresh (do-over?) button. But if you want to be surprised, it's time to go. But come back and dish about the results with the rest of us.

Because the field's gonna get cut to the five lucky kids who get to sing the songs of Neil Diamond next week. And the killing is about to begin!
_______

Ryan tells us over 38 million votes rolled in, right before he plants a kiss on Simon's head. Eww.

The kids, with Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber at the piano, warble through That's All I Ask of You. And the stupid moshers are waving their stupid arms. Knock it off moshers. That's all I ask. And a medley. With a gazillion Broadway musicals to the man's credit and an hour to kill, one would at least expect a medley that would allow each of the six to have a crack at a solo. But no.

I want a do-over.

Caution: I'm kinda cranky tonight.

They're pimping the tour already. And since Andrew Lloyd Webber isn't hawking a CD, we are treated to a Q&A between he and Ryan. He has been, without question, one of the best mentors this show has ever had. And he says, essentially, that Brooke has a future and Jason is, well, Jason.
_______

Very imaginative Ford commercial. Very interesting hairstyles. Tainted Love, indeed.

And they're still patting themselves on the back for IGB. This time it's with GWB and Laura.

Tonight it's gonna be bottom two, cause there's only two stools, room enough only for two bottoms.

The Davids are summoned together.

David Cook is given his reviews from the night before. Lava, hot, molten, stuff like that. David Archuleta is given his reviews. Simon is given a chance to explain his mean words. Cook says he wanted to be unpredictable by actually singing the song as it was written. Archuleta stumbles and fumbles through. And, not surprisingly, both are sent to the safety of the sofa.

The other four watch the monitor from backstage. And we're given fair warning that Leona Lewis is in the house.
_______

We get to visit with Clay Aiken and Tamyra Gray! On Broadway! One in Spamalot and the other in Rent. And LaKisha is in the house too!

Leona sings. I would have rather heard Phil Stacey, who also has a new CD out. Or Josh Gracin, who is also debuting a new CD.

It's time to do some cutting.

Syesha and Brooke are called center stage. Syesha Mercado is reminded of her reviews after her best performance of the season. Brooke White is reminded that she wasn't so good. Brooke is told she's safe. And Syesha is told to sit on the stool. There's just always something about a pissy performance that brings out the support and something about a kick-ass performance that lulls voters into complacency. Ah well. Lessons.

Castro and Carly are left waiting. Cause we got commercials to air!
_______

Carly and Castro have arrived to the stage. They are reminded of their reviews. Jason is told he's safe and Carly is sent to join Syesha on the stools.

Well, at least whichever one leaves leaves after a really good performance. That's always a good thing. And they're both gonna sing once more, because there's too much time left.

Carly gets a chance to redeem her lyrical missteps from last night, and she does so. Syesha doesn't have a piano, so she uses the judges' station as a ramp. And, after a weak start, performs possibly better than the night before.

Both of them look terrified. Randy blames that blasted popularity vote. Carly is told that she's headed home. Silence hits the audience before the groans take over.

She and we watch her journey to the sound of Ruben Studdard.

Hmm. I won't say it's a shocker, because it isn't. But I won't say that it's fair.

So long Carly. And good luck.


37 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

What just happened?? How is Brooke not in the bottom three??

9:41 PM, April 23, 2008  
Blogger Omotees said...

Exactly my sentiments.

9:54 PM, April 23, 2008  
Blogger Dave said...

How is it the two best performances from last night were the bottom 2? That's just not right!!!!!!

10:05 PM, April 23, 2008  
Blogger kjl said...

Ugh. For the third week in a row I've picked Brooke to leave and been wrong. Although she seems like a wonderful person, she has definitely been the weakest performer as of late. I wasn't a huge fan of Carly's performance this week (much too screamy and screechy for my taste--although I did like her energy), but I certainly didn't think she deserved to go home. With that said, I'm also really glad Syesha is staying--her performances seem to get better and better. At least that's my opinion!

10:06 PM, April 23, 2008  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

i'm shocked that carly left but pretty glad that seisha didn't.
i agree with you, it seems like she's getting the hang of singing without being called an emotionless robot.
i was so sure jason castro and brooke white were going to be in the bottom three, but then again, since the time when michael johns left, everything has been sort of turned upside down.

10:11 PM, April 23, 2008  
Blogger Dave said...

The best thing about the show tonight was that they did away with the inane calls from the audience.

10:13 PM, April 23, 2008  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I think that Carly was thrown out because everyone was finally tired of the sleeveless outfits!

Thank goodness!

10:15 PM, April 23, 2008  
Blogger Charin Adams said...

I am going to miss her so much!!! I don't think it was fair, at all
:( I just knew that she was going to be one of the last two standing!

10:31 PM, April 23, 2008  
Blogger Unknown said...

I second that Dave!! Kill the Mosh pit AND the phone calls!!

11:01 PM, April 23, 2008  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Got it wrong again. I really thought Jason and Brooke would be in the bottom.

It will be interesting to see how Carly does after Idol.

I kinda thought she's be one of the last three.

Dori

11:05 PM, April 23, 2008  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I just had a feeling it was going to turn out this way.. The Simon's praise "kiss of death" Who said that anyway.. was it Jason or Ryan??? My husband thinks it was Jason.. I'm not sure!!
I'm surprised at how sad I am.. I guess I liked her more than I thought I did. I was really po'd when MJ got sent home but tonight I'm just plain sad. She really did not deserve to go yet!! Brooke has taken over from Kristy Lee on the nine lives front.. I used to like her a lot and now I just can't wait to see her leave..I certainly hope Syesha outlasts her!! I thought Carly was extremely classy tonight though.. she took the news really well!!
Goodbye Carly and the best of luck to you!

11:26 PM, April 23, 2008  
Blogger DrillerAA said...

Man, I didn't even miss the phone calls. Ya think maybe we don't need them? Now if we could just napalm the mosh pit!!
Not a real suprise tonight. Neither Carly nor Syesha have been able to build a fan base large enough to keep them out of harms way.
Even money would tell you that Syesha would be going home next week, however since AI seems to have a penchant for gender equity this year, look for Jason to be in the cab to LAX next week.

11:48 PM, April 23, 2008  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I am glad Carly left, no more screaming Mimi's. Her tatoo was beginning to grade on me. Good luck Carly, in the next bar you sing in.

12:25 AM, April 24, 2008  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Although I was initially shocked that Carley was in the bottom two, after thinking about it I understood exactly why. The fact of the matter is, many Christian Americans consider "Jesus Christ, Superstar" to be offensive, bordering on blasphemous. So she probably lost a lot of votes that might have come from Christians. Yes, I thought she did a great job, but I can certainly understand why she did not garner a sufficient number of votes to continue.

The moral of the story: do not insult your listeners.

1:03 AM, April 24, 2008  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

lol @ napalm

Well, AI displays another week of the equivalent of highway robbery. I thought for SURE Brooke and/or Jason would be in the hot seat and that one of them would go home. Dang! I'm really bad at this prediction thing!

So, lesson learned. PHONE IT IN!! Starting next week, I'm gonna be dialing my little fingers off for David Cook! I won't let my favorite fall victim to the Brookemobile.

In a perfect world, the two Davids and Jason would be the top 3, with the two Davids duking it out in the end. I'll even take Syesha as a 3rd, to liven it up a bit. She's just not my favorite nor my particular cup of tea. But at least she doesn't forget her lyrics and start over!!!!

4:23 AM, April 24, 2008  
Blogger Vivian said...

Jennifer, I've been lurking all season but since I know that tomorrow (April 25th) is your birthday, I'm here to say Happy Birthday in advance and to let all of your fans know that your birthday is just a day away!

Since you might be too busy celebrating and you might not be here much tomorrow, I'd rather wish you an early Happy Birthday today!

I also want to thank you again for being what is an integral part of my enjoyment during the AI season. You may not be affiliated with AI or FOX, but you and your blog are just as much a part of the show for me as the contestants and the judges!

So there, I'm going back to lurking.....HAVE A WONDERFUL BIRTHDAY!

8:13 AM, April 24, 2008  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

"The fact of the matter is, many Christian Americans consider "Jesus Christ, Superstar" to be offensive, bordering on blasphemous."

Hello. The 1970's called and they want their petty prejudices back.

8:32 AM, April 24, 2008  
Blogger thesuzvk said...

MAKE THEM STOP WAVING.
PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

9:04 AM, April 24, 2008  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Chris Rocks says she's going to vote relentlessly for David Cook next week...see, that's why Carley went home (and MJ) - it doesn't have much to do with how they actually performed on the night of voting; it has to do with how big is their fan base. What if David Cook totally botches up next week (can anyone say "Innocence"?) - his fans are going to vote for him anyway. Already have it penciled in on their daytimer.

Syesha will go next because she doesn't have that fan base. It doesn't matter how well or how poorly she sings on Tuesday. Or how many Christians don't like her song.

Here's an hilarious rundown of the 20 songs in the competition that I think all of you will enjoy - I laughed out loud!
http://popwatch.ew.com/popwatch/2008/04/we-listened-so.html

9:24 AM, April 24, 2008  
Blogger angelof_mercy81 said...

Thanks for the link, anonymous. That was funny.

I was definitely surprised by the bottom 2 last night. I'd figured Brooke & Jason for sure. Of course, after the two of them got raked over the coals the night before, their fans probably dialed until their fingers bled.

On a lighter note, happy b-day, Jennifer!

2:30 PM, April 24, 2008  
Blogger MP said...

...OH and how about the poor editing. Carly yapping at Ryan during Syesha's performance..and catching Jason YAWNING while back stage.. What was up with that?
I really thought Carly would be the last girl standing..but I was wrong.
Can't wait for next week..happy bday!

4:19 PM, April 24, 2008  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

"...catching Jason YAWNING while back stage..."

Pretty much sums up his whole attitude for the season, as well as most of his performances.

4:33 PM, April 24, 2008  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I think Jason was nervous.. some people yawn when they're nervous or upset.. I know I do!

7:07 PM, April 24, 2008  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I agree with the comment directly above mine. Yawning is sometimes an indicator of nerves. And Jason had every reason to be nervous! He's young and inexperienced and probably wondering how the heck he wound up on this ride. He's also a very shy person (by his own admission). His way of dealing is to chill as much as possible. We (the viewers) interpret that as ennui or lackadaisical attitude. I think he cares, but I think he just doesn't know how to behave in a semi-professional environment.

Re: anonymous' comment: "...it doesn't have much to do with how they actually performed on the night of voting; it has to do with how big is their fan base."

You're absolutely right! And I'm a huge DC fan! With the exception of his "Innocence" performance (which I hated), he's been the most consistent performer of the top 12. Perhaps that's why he's the only one left who hasn't been in the bottom 3 (and now 2). But as we saw with Chris Daughtry, being the best doesn't guarantee you the win. So, I'll be dialing like mad. I just think he's the best of the group...he's entitled to a clunker performance now and then. ;)

P.S. HAPPY BIRTHDAY JENNIFER!! May your special day be a blessing to you!

7:24 PM, April 24, 2008  
Blogger Jenna said...

I'm trying soooo hard but I just don't 'get' Jason. Don't 'get' him to the point that I cannot STAND him. He annoys me to the point of the "Umm, Umm, Umm" song that they've begun playing on my radio station again recently. But maybe that's just it...annoying and catchy? Hmmmm...or should I say Ummmm....

;)

8:10 PM, April 24, 2008  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Jennifer, mine is also the 25th. Great day, huh?

Back to Idol this is the first year I genuinely like everyone. I like some more than others, ie DC, but I don't have the intense dislike for someone like Sanjaya or Scott.

I hope DC wins, and Idol takes a cue from Chris and lets him make a rock album and doesn't try to pop (dumb) him down.


Julie

9:44 PM, April 24, 2008  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I totally agree with your comments, Chris (Daughtry) ROCKS.
I love Jason's singing and personality. He is entertaining and as Simon said, charming. I am hoping for guys top three.

10:14 PM, April 24, 2008  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

"You're absolutely right! And I'm a huge DC fan! With the exception of his "Innocence" performance (which I hated), he's been the most consistent performer of the top 12. Perhaps that's why he's the only one left who hasn't been in the bottom 3 (and now 2)"

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think Archuleta has been in the bottom anything either.

7:55 AM, April 25, 2008  
Blogger jennifer said...

You're not wrong. Neither David has been in the bottom.

Thanks everyone for the birthday wishes!

7:58 AM, April 25, 2008  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

It is so funny how musical tastes differ! How could anyone not love Jason??? What an great and un-tapped talent. I loved the way he did his train whistle on elimination night. He is no show boater, that's for sure! He is just himself, whatever that is.

I think it will be interesting to see who benifits from Carly's votes. Or, will those voters just not be motivated to call in at all anymore...

9:52 AM, April 25, 2008  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

"It is so funny how musical tastes differ! How could anyone not love Jason??? What an great and un-tapped talent"

There's no question he is cute and charming. But to me his performances are dull as dishwater.

I think he may be like Taylor Hicks in the sense that you have to see him perform to like him. That's why Hicks hasn't done so well selling records, but people do enjoy seeing him perform.

I can't imagine many buying Jason's records, but I can see where people would enjoy watching him on stage.

10:22 AM, April 25, 2008  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Jason is no Taylor Hicks... have you heard the great acoustic music out there today?

I'll buy him, download or share his voice anyday - as will my freinds in the 18-25 age bracket.

5:05 PM, April 25, 2008  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'm 46 and I'll buy Jason's album as soon as it comes out - listen to him on YouTube without watching the video and you'll hear pitch perfect notes - I think watching him is what's distracting you, not helping you, because of his expressions or his appearance turns you off. (I think he's beautiful and he reminds me of Bob Dylan, who a lot of people don't "get" either)...

5:37 PM, April 25, 2008  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JENNIFER!!!!

HAVE A GREAT DAY!!!!!

Dori

8:15 PM, April 25, 2008  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I think I'd have to agree that Jason probably doesn't have that much broad commercial appeal. But on the other hand, when you look at some of the other Ashlees, Jessicas and Britneys out there who made it big with minimal talent... who knows?

10:10 PM, April 25, 2008  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I think Jason is adorable, dreads and all! He does have a sweet personality.

I would like to see the three boys in the finals too. Although I think one of the David's should win.

In a way this season reminds me of season 5, that year I liked so many of the kids. This year I feel the same way. It makes it harder to vote.

Dori

10:03 AM, April 26, 2008  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I could've sworn David Archuleta was bottom 3 one time. I was thinking about the first Beatles week when he completely forgot the lyrics. I thought he wasn't safe that week. But I'm wrong. My bad. Thanks for the correction.

12:54 AM, April 27, 2008  

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