David Cook Will Win American Idol – And other Random Thoughts

Smart choice for the winner. But I’m a Cook girl, so he’s been mine since ” All Right Now”.

I’m with ya, MJ.

DCFTMFW!!

Do you have a supply of fire ant spray?

My, you are my “boo”

I love your prediction, MJ, and I totally agree with the logic behind it. I can only hope this season’s outcome doesn’t come down to “who has the most rabid fanbase”, because that would be a shame, and IMO will take AI back instead of marching it forward into a more credible, interesting future.
DC wants to win. As far as I’m concerned he deserves to win and has earned it with hard work and raw talent, purely on his own merit. If he doesn’t win it will only prove, IMO, that AI got it WRONG.

So, let’s not let that happen, shall we? DCFTMFW!!!

No ass-kicking from here! I’d like to think you’re right. David Cook is one of the most consistently interesting and on-the-mark contestants AI’s ever had, a damn sight more versatile and charming for me than Daughtry ever was. I also just think the guy has an exceptionally fine voice, which can roar or caress, with a fab range. And I love a man who gets more attractive as you get to know him!

Some disagreement, tho, on “First Time Ever.” The original Peggy Seeker folkie version of the song is unassuming and honest, and it’s really worth a listen. So is Allison Moyet’s soulful version (on youtube).

That said, since Roberta Flack did it (quite movingly) the tune has been schmaltzed to the hilt in a lot of goopy renditions by Celine Dion, Vikki Carr, Johnny Mathis — you name it. And the one thing I kinda resent about Simon’s choice is, as far as I can see, there’s no graceful way to rock out on this. It would be really incongruous, in the sense that the ballad phrasing of the lyric is so closely integrated with the music.

Something Peggy (sis of the great troubadour Pete Seeger) wrote about balladry on her website does give me a teensy bit of hope, however:

“The ballads . . . they are my heartsongs. To me, they are the core of our tradition. They have been created, loved, tended, pruned and trimmed by generations of singers so that they are down to their very bare bones. And because their language is so sparse, both the listener and the singer can clothe those bones with any kind of flesh they wish. Every time you sing them, they’re different

It does seem that he has the most support when I see the online polls.
According to DialIdol, Cookie has been ahead of Archie for the last 4 weeks.
If those numbers reflect accurately, then Cookie will probably win.

However song choice, delivery and judging might come into play for the non-hardcore fans.
I know last week, a lot of Cook fans were a little disappointed in his performance.

I don’t think dreadheads will play into the voting formula much, since I think I’m the only one left who is planning on watching and voting tonight!

Personally, I think the win would be bad for Cook,
but I guess it depends on who they get to produce him in Clive Davis’ place.

I had a sadistic, maniacal hope that Archie would win so that his Dad could make TPTB miserable.
But I can’t seem to find anyone to join me in my diabolical plan.

.
MJ – Do I want to go to the AI Tour in Manchester?
Even if it’s $120 for ticket and gas?
Will I be sorry if I don’t?
Pre-sale starts tomorrow.

Yeah MJ!!! DCFTMFW!

It’s clear to me that even if the powervoting Archie fans prevail (and it’s not a sure thing by any stretch), Cookie’s the one who’ll break out once the chips are down and albums are out. He’s got the versatility, the voice, and songwriting/producing skillz. He will most likely NOT be a PR nightmare. And, he’s kinda cute! Barring an Epic Fail by his label he’ll be big.

I still want him to win just on principle. AI needs a legit winner to prove it’s not a powervoting contest.

No ass-kicking from here! Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢d like to think youà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re right. David Cook is one of the most consistently interesting and on-the-mark contestants AIà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s ever had, a damn sight more versatile and charming for me than Daughtry ever was. I also just think the guy has an exceptionally fine voice, which can roar or caress, with a fab range. And I love a man who gets more attractive as you get to know him!

My sentiments exactly colette.

mj,

You will get nothing but love from me :biggrin_wp:. Even if your opinion had been different, I wouldn’t have been angry. :smile_wp:

Good pick, mj! I think that DC will win IF he makes it to the finale. I’m hoping that Simon knew what he was doing when he picked “Yo Face,” and DC will get a “moment” at the end of the night to propel him there. I am fully prepared for the possibility that Nigel’s pick for him will be something like “Footloose,” so we’ll see.

Win or lose, DC is my favorite contestant in seven years of watching this cheesy show. I think he really has the goods for a long-term, successful career, even if he doesn’t come close to DAUGHTRY or Carrie-level sales. And he definitely earned my love. I just located my post from Top 24 week with my initial impression of DC after “Happy Together”:

David C was so over the top in his Constantine imitation I wanted to punch him in the face. Connie may be gross, but he did have a performance style I enjoyed at times. I suspect David was up late à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“studyingà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  youtube videos of à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“I Think I Love Youà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  all week. At the same time, he looked like he was trying out for the Jack Black role in a community theatre production of School of Rock. I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t get why someone who has been in bands for so long comes across as such a desperate poser. He has a pretty good voice, I wish he wouldnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t try so hard. He should perform with a guitar next week and leave the camera and microphone stand alone.

I really did hate him!

Great thread MJ! I really hope David C wins this.

MJ – From “Yo Lips” to idol voters ears………

DCFTGDMFW

Ok, first off….DCFTMFW? Can someone please translate for my slow brain?

Secondly, I see him winning as well. And this dreadhead will continue to watch and may even pick up the phone.

Completely non-scientific, compared to your reasoning, but I just feel the win for Cook. In very much the same way I felt it for Taylor (and wanted it for Taylor). And back then, there was not the history that we know of now – the success-despite-the-win history of Daughtry, so the desire for a win had more meaning (I thought). Still, I just feel a momentum and a groundswell of support for Cook.

Of course, living in the internet world of AI is really strange. I happened to be at lunch with some co-workers discussing AI last week. I mentioned how creepy I thought David A. was, singing Elvis Presley sexy love songs, and I mentioned how the videos of him in a young age, singing things like “And I’m Telling You” were even creepier to me. Anyway, the response was kind of a blank stare, and a comment that “oh, I don’t get into it THAT much”. I realized that I probably seem quite strange to others, that I actually know that much about this show and the people on it. So those of us in the bubble “feel” things about these contestants more than the average person does.

This year is Cook’s. Does he sound like a lot of other alt-rock musicians that are out in bar bands across America? Probably so. That’s not the point. He’s the one who has found his way onto and through this particular three month public audition. He himself said, in his hometown interviews, that luck plays a huge part in getting to this point. I’ve know quite a few local musicians who have had varying degrees of success getting out of the locality and into larger markets. For some of these folks, just the fact of not having to hold down a day job for the last 20 years spells success. For some others, getting invited to the New Orleans Jazz Fest every year is a pinnacle of achievement (and it is!). Some have found a fair success touring in Europe – Europe loves American blues musicians, something we have an abundance of here in Louisiana. Kix Brooks of Brooks and Dunn is from my town. He spent years as a fairly successful writer in Nashville before just falling into the duo with Ronny Dunn, and lucking up that way. I guess my point is that those who are dismissing David Cook as “nothing special” miss the point of fact that for this particular moment in time, he is special on American Idol, and that’s what counts. And that is what is going to propel him to the win.

I hope.

Rita

LOL, Cheese. Good times. Good times, indeed. Hee.

I love Jason, but I don’t classify myself as a “dreadhead!” I prefer Castrotard. Anyway, I plan to vote for Cookie! Prolly not as hard as I would’ve voted for Jason, but he’ll get plenty of votes from me. I have gizmo set up and unlimited texts on my go phone until the end of the month. Heh.

Cookie was my second fave, but I’m mainly voting because I think he deserves it the most.

I had a sadistic, maniacal hope that Archie would win so that his Dad could make TPTB miserable.
But I canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t seem to find anyone to join me in my diabolical plan.

Try VFTW!

Notwithstanding all the fine talent on Idol this year….David C is in a league all his own.

Mrstrep, I think there are naughty words in there!

And this dreadhead will continue to watch and may even pick up the phone.

mrstrep: Just do it….

dcftmfw = davidcookforthem–her–ckingwin

(I think I toned it down enuf)……

Oh, Cheese, hope your opinion has changed of “Happy Together.” What you saw as fakey, I saw as really droll and fun. Loved the guy from then on….

At the risk of starting a firestorm, I do believe (and fervently hope) that whatever happens to Cookie on AI, he makes a better post-Idol recording debut than Taylor. I’ll never know whether Taylor mucked that disc up himself, or with the help of AI. His earlier indy stuff is so much crisper and better.

Somehow I think Cook won’t be as seduced by all the recording bells and whistles he’ll have access too, and the 15 producers and songwriters they enlist to “help” him…..

Thanks MrRJ & grayhound… when I read one with the GD in the middle I started to catch on. Now my slow addled brain is there… Thanks!

And I just really consider myself a Jason Castro fan… not a dreadhead or a castrotard or whatever the term is…

What Rita said – excellent post!

It’s my birthday – DC should do it for me. At least that’s how I’ll be watching him tonight – singing straight to me.

ITA with everyone’s statement. I feel it would be a travesty (yeah that dramatic) if DC doesn’t win. As much as some people keep bringing up the idea of “it’s best if he doesn’t win a la Daughtry”, I feel there’s noone more deserving of this win than David C. He is, since Kelly, the best all-around performer in years. I know I’ll probably never watch Idol after this year again because I don’t know any singer that can compete with him. And also the show’s constant jumping the sharkness.

For me DC’s voice had the *IT* factor before his looks ever did. The stylists starting shaking things up in that department about the same time DC himself started pouring on the heat on stage. Anyone who has taken the time to see any of his interviews knows what a kind and caring person he is. For me he is the all around package. His iTunes are golden, his voice is golden, what more could TPTB want?

I think shocking to some fans was how great he sang on Music of the Night. I always knew that was in his voice and was wanting him to do some Phantom for days after hearing the theme. It’s that voice. I have no fears what so ever about tonight’s performance of First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, again it’s the vocal tone to his voice and it will be great! Simon is one smart cookie and knows what women will vote for. Kudos to you Simon.

Is anyone reporting back tonight after rehearsal?? Caffiend/CarieB??

Ok I guess I’ll be the one to be different. I don’t care which David wins.
They each have qualities that I like. I know that most here are turned off by David A’s age and maturity level but basically, I just love his voice. I love his nerdy giggle too. I find it refreshing that he isn’t all jaded yet. I just watched his performance of Shop Around again for the first time since it aired and he performed with more personality. Where’d that go?

I love David Cook’s humbleness and his great character. I love the songs and arrangements he has picked this year. He has been fun and interesting.

Syesha.. I admire her grittiness but she seems so self absorbed to me.

My 2 favs, Jason and DC, were not even on my radar really until DC said that he liked to do crossword puzzles. I know, I know, this is a singing competition, but that was it for me.

I’m not sure who will win, but I want it to be DC, now that Jason is out of it.

It’s David Cook thats going to be doing some major butt kicking all the way to the Kodak!

“Can you hear what Cook is rockin’?”

I had a sadistic, maniacal hope that Archie would win so that his Dad could make TPTB miserable.
But I canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t seem to find anyone to join me in my diabolical plan.

I think Syesha win is more of a sadistic win for TPTB. Heehee. Look how well she sells ‘em tunes.

Ohgawd, please let David Cook win.

mj, did you knock on wood?

All I have to say is DCFTMW!!!!!

MJ- I have had the pleasure of meeting you, shared a cab with you and most of all swapped stories with you, so I can honestly say that I have the UTMOST respect for you and your experieinced and educated opinions. I think you hit the nail on the head with your take of David Cook and his ability to win this whole thing. Not only has he kept the viewers guessing from week to week, but he has shown his ability to adapt to themes that should have sunk him. He has the musical sensibility to know what works for him, yet can transform older songs into contemporary hits. He raised the bar so high for himself you have to wonder how much higher he can go this week. He has the backing of the judges which is always a good thing,but it all comes down to who can vote the fastest and the longest. I think he does have the casual votes and if they turn out this week, I do believe we will see DC in the finale.

I think one thing that could ultimately decide tonights show will be the always vital stamp of approval from Simon. I know Melinda got the nod last year but she was also competing with a similar singer in Jordin. This years Top 3 are so different that I don’t see a split vote issue like last year.

Great choice MJ and Congrats on having the Who Haa’s to put it out there for public consumption. I have my can of Raid ready to go…..just in case!

So nobody’s worried about a win meaning a bad album for Cook?
How come?

I have no fears what so ever about tonightà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s performance of First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, again ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s the vocal tone to his voice and it will be great! Simon is one smart cookie and knows what women will vote for. Kudos to you Simon.

ITA

Mj, I like your reasoning. I go back and forth–I really think DA is going to win most of the time, but I like your way of thinking. I think DC should win. But a small part of me would like to see DA win.

I’m a Jason fan, and I will be watching tonight for sure. Not sure if I will vote. Depends on what kind of time I have tonight. Not sure who I’ll vote for if I do, but probably DC.

See how undecided I am about it all? lol

I think Simon is the one that is right. He predicted a David-David finale with the one performing best that night winning. I think the votes are very close for the two Davids and the voting goes way up for the finale because of casual voters. So the casual voters are the ones that are going to decide. And given that both are good, they will decide based on the performances that night. And I think everyone on this website way underestimates the power of the teen/tween vote for Archuleta. I think it comes primarily in the form of text messaging, and I think he is actually the one getting the most votes right now. Picking “With You” is as smart as it gets. That group doesn’t care if he “connects” with it. They will eat it up.

Sciencefan- I guess I have to ask you is why do you think winning MEANS a bad album from DC???

Randy’s Choice: If I Ain’t Got You by Alicia Keys
Personal Choice: Fever by Peggy Lee
Producers Choice: Hit Me Up by Gia Farrell

So nobodyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s worried about a win meaning a bad album for Cook?
How come?

See: Always Be My Baby

So nobodyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s worried about a win meaning a bad album for Cook? How come?

I think a bad album is even more likely for a runner-up, and 3rd place could mean selling ice cream with no album at all. I disliked Taylor’s album, but some of that blame has to go on him and his “Modern Whomp” nonsense. He simply did not have the songs to back up whatever sound he was trying to achieve.

David C is a much more prolific songwriter, with a built-in radio friendly sound, and a finished album that never got released, which can probably be mined for material. He’ll still get “help” from songwriters, but he really does not need that much work to become successful. There is no need to Bice him – pop/rock is already his genre.

Personally, I find DAs voice sonically unpleasent. (He is not my cup of Tea) He usually is pretty technically sound, but has some terrible breathing habits, that are annoying and disruptive in the songs. I can, however, understand why some people like his voice. I don’t think he will be very commercially successful. By that I mean I don’t see him selling anywhere close to 500,000 copies of an album. Now there are many bands and singers who consider 50,000 a success, but they have not had the Idol exposure.

Personally, I think the win would be bad for Cook,
but I guess it depends on who they get to produce him in Clive Davisà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ place.

Clive never actually produced the CDs. He just oversaw them. The new Clive is Barry. Prior to his new job, Barry was running the sub-label which Jordin is on….and Chris Brown. Chris Brown is one of Barry’s major successes. One of the successes that got him his current job.

So, that makes David A’s choice even better. Not only is it a current song. Not only is it a hit song. Not only is it popular with kids. Not only is it age appropriate. It’s also a nod to the new Clive. BTW, it could be kind of knollish that such a current hit was given clearance for this show. Usually, even the modern songs that are sung are a year or two old (unless its BB night).

Oh, and don’t count out the Syesha factor. If she goes home tonight (and I don’t think that’s a certainty), I think the bulk of her voters go to Archie. That could make the finals an entirely new game. And, then there is the coronation song. That lurks like Godzilla in the depths. Who knows what destruction it might yield.

syeshaftw
May 13th, 2008 at 3:47 pm
Randyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Choice: If I Ainà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t Got You by Alicia Keys
Personal Choice: Fever by Peggy Lee
Producers Choice: Hit Me Up by Gia Farrell

Are you kidding me, they chose “Hit me up” for syesha.
for you guys wondering “hit me up” is this song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4f5wqTtcBNo

I think Syesha will do great with Fever and seeing she picked that for herself just hit me what her singing really reminds me of, a lounge singer. I was thinking broadway which I still think is where she would truly shine, but yeah I see her as a lounge singer/broadway.

I haven’t gotten into David A at all this season. Yes, he has had some good songs and sung well on occasion but I don’t get into him as a performer and I think he lacks the maturity level to deal with this thing we call the Idol Machine.

David Cook is the whole package.

Kirsten, my inquiring mind would like to know your reasoning for Sy’s fans switching to Archie. Quite frankly, I hadn’t thought about it. I know you, of all people will have a good set of reasons. Tell me, pretty please. (with sugar on top)

think a bad album is even more likely for a runner-up, and 3rd place could mean selling ice cream with no album at all. I disliked Taylorà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s album, but some of that blame has to go on him and his à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Modern Whompà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  nonsense. He simply did not have the songs to back up whatever sound he was trying to achieve.

I agree to a point. I like Taylor’s album somewhat but really wish that he had recorded something like In Your Time. The material on that album is brilliant, raw, and totally Taylor. I think Clive and company convinced him to try and be as radio-friendly as possible (pop) which Taylor is not. He is just a damn good blues singer (which is fine by me). I really didn’t get the whole Modern Whomp thing either. Hopefully, he can come out with something good down the road.

That being said, GO DC and DA! I can’t help it..I like them both.

I think the “cool” factor might come into play if it’s a Dsquared finale. David C is the more “hip and current” one while DA is more in the “tweens and grandmas”. The casual voter will relate more to DC because of his “grass roots” rise to frontrunner status opposed to DA’s “Stage Dad wanting to make his prized treasure a star” story.
Syesha might have the “lone Black R&B female singer with sex appeal” vote, but it wouldn’t be enough. Only way is that she has to outperform the two Davids while one of them has an unmemorable night which will be a daunting task in itself. I wouldn’t be shock if she sneaks in, but the show is in such disarray that they can’t afford to not have both Davids in the finale.

syeshaftw
May 13th, 2008 at 3:47 pm
Randyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Choice: If I Ainà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t Got You by Alicia Keys
Personal Choice: Fever by Peggy Lee
Producers Choice: Hit Me Up by Gia Farrell

Ugh. Hit me Up? WTF? Didn’t Kat McPhee do Fever?

“Fever” is a favorite of High School Show Choirs. She will be able to vamp it up, but it isn’t that challenging of a song. My guess is she throws in some big time T and A.

Producers Choice: Hit Me Up by Gia Farrell

“Hit Me Up” It’s from the Happy Feet soundtrack so she’ll get the penguin vote. It failed to chart in the US, but was number one in Hungary. At least it’s a current song.

Personal Choice: Fever by Peggy Lee

I called it earlier today. Syesha would pick a song that has been done to death on Idol. It was written in 1956 and became a hit for Peggy Lee in 1958.

Has been sung SEVERAL times in auditions and also by the following contestants:
Paris Bennet – Season 5
Nick Pedro – Season 6

Paris Bennett did a nice rendition of “Fever”, didn’t she?

I always hope that the winner gets some decent songs and has some real input into their first CD. I’m not a Carrie Underwood fan, but it’s obvious she is given really good songwriters. While I like Taylor’s CD well enough, it’s not nearly as good as his pre-idol stuff, in my opinion. I have high hopes for the 2nd one though – this is a quote from an interview that I found on his website:
….”I have had the great opportunity to write with some of the best songwriters in the world the last few months. I learned alot about myself as far as a songwriter. I didn’t have really have much time to get creative on the last album. This is going to be some of the best music I’ve ever written in my whole life. All the clubs and bars, you know all the trials and tribulations of just going thru all that and something to be able to express myself in a big way. So an album is coming out soon so hopefully you guys will check it out.”

This dreadhead is sitting out in protest tonight .I am not sure it is going to be a David vs David as they keep saying .I think it was wrong of them to say this from the start and would serve them right to not get what they want .
I honestly do not care who wins and these song choices sound boring .
I hope viewership drops as they (tptb) cannot fake those stats .

Kirsten, my inquiring mind would like to know your reasoning for Syà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s fans switching to Archie. Quite frankly, I hadnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t thought about it. I know you, of all people will have a good set of reasons. Tell me, pretty please. (with sugar on top)

No sugar required. I just see them both as being big, melody singers. I think that although they don`t totally share the same voters, that Syesha voters are more likely to vote for a singer that has what is typically considered to have a beautiful voice. I don`t see them being attracted to a rocker or somebody that has a gritty voice. That`s not to say that Cook wouldn`t pick up some of her voters, but I think Archie would get the bulk. Plus, they share a bit of an R&B vibe. They could possibly have switched songs a lot of weeks.

Also, I don`t see Syesha voters as being all that committed (kind of like Melinda voters last year). They like her and will toss her a few votes, but they aren`t interested in going on-line to find much about her or to buy her singles from iTunes. So, if Syesha gets the boot, a lot of her voters would move onto the next best thing.

If David A gets the boot, I think a lot of his voters will get mad and not vote anymore. Some will vote to stick it to whomever they blame for him going home. Cook might actually pick up more of his votes (people who like male singers…people who like more emotional singers…people who hate her ability to survive week after week).

If David Cook gets the boot…I think the voter exodus will be even higher than that for Archie. It will depend on how much his fans blame Archie for the boot. Some might vote for Syesha as part of the Anything-but-Archie vote.

If “Hit Me Up” is the producer’s choice for Syesha, they must want her gone. It’s one thing to give her something to show a fun side. It’s quite another to give her a bland dance pop tune that isn’t recognizable to the vast majority of viewers.

à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ I have had the great opportunity to write with some of the best songwriters in the world the last few months. I learned alot about myself as far as a songwriter. I didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t have really have much time to get creative on the last album. This is going to be some of the best music Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve ever written in my whole life. All the clubs and bars, you know all the trials and tribulations of just going thru all that and something to be able to express myself in a big way. So an album is coming out soon so hopefully you guys will check it out.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 

Now THAT’S what I like to hear!

Kirsten, thanks. I am confused by Sy voters as they seem to be the least vocal of all.

I always enjoy reading your posts. Heck I’d read your grocery lists!

If à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Hit Me Upà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  is the producerà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s choice for Syesha, they must want her gone. Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s one thing to give her something to show a fun side. Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s quite another to give her a bland dance pop tune that isnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t recognizable to the vast majority of viewers.

Maybe? I don’t know, a lot of the AI demographic have kids, saw Happy Feet and have the soundtrack. They should have been more clear with their intentions by giving her “I Wanna Dance With Somebody”

I’m still really nervous to see what moldy oldie Nigel picked for DC. I think the songs will have a big impact on the votes tonight.

All I know is there is only one performer that I truly look forward to hearing each week – and tonight is no exception.

No butt kickin’ from me. You’re a genius.

In my assessment of every Idol forum out there, most Syesha fans are David Cook fans. Of course, that could all change.

I agree with Simon. If he makes the finale, it’s going to all come down to what they sing that night.

DCFTW!!!

David Cook is the only reason I’ve been watching this season. I missed several shows early on because I was already bored! But he sucked me in pretty quickly. I also bought all his music that I could find, after scouring the web like I never have before. THAT clinched it for me. He should win this and get a recording contract with a major label and make a living doing what he does already because he loves it – writing, singing, making & sharing his music. There MAY be others out there just as talented, but we ain’t seeing & hearing them, are we? That’s how it works. He worked to get here because he wanted it. I’m glad, I love what he does. I agree, if he leaves the show this week, I’m done with it. I will have to go see the tour though just to see & hear David live. DCFTMFW!

From your keyboard to Gods ears MJ! He’s one of the most deserving winners I can remember in a while.

Nothing I would like Better then David Cook winning he has charisma and has been pretty consistent.But I’m afraid to count my chickens just yet.I said the same thing about Melinda and Chris D.I’m crossing my fingers and toes for David Cook to win .

Maybe? I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t know, a lot of the AI demographic have kids, saw Happy Feet and have the soundtrack. They should have been more clear with their intentions by giving her à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“I Wanna Dance With Somebodyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 

Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m still really nervous to see what moldy oldie Nigel picked for DC. I think the songs will have a big impact on the votes tonight.

Well, Archie gets a Chris Brown tune cleared (yes, I know it was his personal choice, but still). Syesha gets Gia Farrell. It’s obvious who they are willing to shell out the cash for. They could’ve given her some Fergie or Rihanna if they wanted to go that route.

Also curious about the producer’s choice for Cookie!

It will be interesting to see if DC changed HIS choice after hearing what Nigel & Co. picked for him.

I really did hate him!

Oh, how I remember that, cheese. LMAO! I am liking the song choices for him tonight, given the spin I’m imagining he can put on them.

Caffiend sent me a text that she got into the rehearsal, so we should hear some impressions around 4:00 PST. Of course, the rehearsals and live shows have been completely disconnected the past few weeks.

Carie…WOOOO HOOOO thanks for the Caff update. We have all been wondering if she was going to go this week. You RAWK sistah!!

MJ, I sooo hope your prediction is right. I pretty much agree with you across the board on the song choices too.

The one that baffles me is Simon’s pick for Cook. Apparently Simon said in a radio interview that he hoped to pick for DC and wanted to push him in a new direction. I just hope he hasn’t pushed him off a cliff. What’s confusing about it is that Simon has been clear that he prefers the gritty rocker side of Cook. But then he hands him a song like ‘The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face’? What’s up with that? I hope David can make it work.

Just popped into Rickey’s site. He has David Archuleta for the win as his prediction. On that note, MJ thanks again for providing a place where things aren’t as hectic or fanatic. David A is a sweet, talented kid but I just don’t get the fanatical aspect of him (or Sanjaya, Taylor, Clay, et al.). They are/were contestants on a reality tv show. Enough said.

On that note, DAVID COOK FTMFW!!

Simon has definitely sent some mixed signals to DC, Natasha. I dont’ think Simon wants a rocked out version of the song he picked though. I don’t know what he wants. I hope David just sings it straight with minimal instrumentation (maybe a few strums of the electric guitar)

Since I’m assuming that Nigel chose something approximately 30 years old for David, I’m hoping for something like “Message in a Bottle” over “American Woman” or any of the other rumored choices.

Thanks for the update on the rehearsal, Carie B.!

Ugh. David Cook an American Idol?!?!

I think the guy is slightly over-rated. For me- 90% of the stuff he does sounds the same: The wanna-be, forced, pop-rock voice while ending EVERY OTHER song with a big screaming “rocker” note at the end. Sorry- not for me.

David Archuleta winning would be the best thing for the show- especially as it is not a high time for idol (ie ratings). But i also think the slight ratings drops has to do with talent. I think if we have another Season 5 then the ratings would go back up to 30 million- it all has to do with talented contestants (take note producers- not ryan…not judge/host bantering…not Neil-Fucking-Diamond *throws up*…THE CONTESTANTS MAKE THIS SHOW)

But yeah- If you turn on shows liek the news and reality chat shows- they all claim Archuleta will deff win (The Soup started its show off by saying this week that, ” Only 2 more weeks till David Archuleta wins American Idol)…as much as i wish it were the case, i have a sinking feeling Cook has a better chance- especially after Archuleta destroyed Cook on ROck night and still DI had him NUmb 1?!?! BUt the results show had him safe first?- normally thats an indication of votes…So confusing.

BUT if i were to guess at who is going to win- I will say that it is going to come down to who does better on Finale night & who has the undeniable “Moment”- and i just don’t see David Cook being able to have any kinda of a mement in those HORRIBLEAWFULTERRIBLYBORING Winner’s singles…while i think the song will be built for Archuleta

My main argument for as to why David Cook shouldn’t win is last week- Rock and Roll Week and David Cook can’t outshine the rest of the pack?!?!…and his main competitor, a pop-boy, knocked his block off… C’mon- Idol standards have really dipped if this is the case.

Having said that, I don’t think its really fair that the person who writes this blog (MJ?) should be swaying people’s minds. Bt oh well, what a ya guna do?

Yay, Caffiend!

I’ll be throwing my votes Cookie’s way this week. Like PJ, I don’t think I’ll be quite as committed as I was to Jason, but I’ve officially jumped on the David C. bandwagon now that Jason has gone.

I’ve never heard the Chris Brown song or the “Happy Feet” song. With 16 and 19 year old sons, neither of those songs fall into the demographic residing in my house. I also think they are throwing Syesha under the bus with that pick. Archie has the tweens sewn up, I can’t see Syesha cutting into that fanbase just because she is singing a song from “Happy Feet”. Although I have thought they were throwing Syesha under the bus for countless weeks now, so what do I know?

AND…I don’t expect a “bad” album from David Cook, WHEN he wins. And if we have to go through one crappy AI-19E-whatever produced album from him, I will do it. I hope we get Analog Heart reissued and the album he currently has on the backburner, waiting to be released. If I have to wait a year, I’ll wait. I seriously hope I’ll be listening to David Cook for the next 20 or 30 years. If I have high expectations, so be it. I’m loving it all right now, and I haven’t listened to or bought any rock, alt-rock, whatever you call it now, to speak of in about 20 years. Til now. Til David came along. He has been consistent on AI and he already knew who he was musically when he made it through to the show. Although I will say I think he has grown during this whole process and learned and just gotten better. Love his voice and what he does with a song. It all connects for me. He connects. Still love him! DCFTMFW.

“Fever” is so over done.

Cook is the favorite at my house; but my money is still on Archuleta to win.

MJ,

I’m not going to kick your arse for your prediction. I sort of hope that DC wins, but, being a Castro fan, most of us won’t be voting or watching tonight. I will pick up the videos from your site later on, however,

Some of the Dreadheads may come out of protest during the finale to vote for DC, but, don’t hold your breath.

I’m hoping for a cookie win because i think he has been the most consistent and most exciting to watch but I went over to rickey’s site yesterday to watch the jason video cuz red lasso wasn’t working and couldn’t believe the posts there. Lil david has some real “fanatics.” many of these are buying extra phones for the vote. for cookie to pull off a win, there will have to be some serious voting to offset the fervour i saw over there. quite honestly, it scared me. the whole daddygate thing turned into they owe lil david an apology because it is a lie. yikes.

The wanna-be, forced, pop-rock voice

How is someone who wrote, composed, and recorded five albums of rock music in the last 7 or 8 years a wannabe? That is his actual voice.

cheese- HIs voice sounds forced to me. You hear what you hear and I hear what I hear.

Every song Cook has performed he transforms into a current modern day hit. That is the guy who should be American Idol. Not to mention that he does a wonderful interview and replies with interesting facts and not giggles and duhs. He is a very intelligent and lucid young man with many varied interests including baseball, science, music (his real love) and arts (he designed his own cover of Analog Hearts). There is such a buzz about him on all the International sites. Never have I seen such interest before. Little David does not know himself yet. He still has to mature in order to be able to interpret music. His training is Daddy Arch ´s personal gura coach. Forcefed.

Cheese I like Simon’s choice for DC, truly I do. Remember Simon has go on record as stating DC was the only one after this AI he would listen to.

Having said that, I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t think its really fair that the person who writes this blog (MJ?) should be swaying peopleà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s minds. Bt oh well, what a ya guna do?

There is a rhyme to my reason, of which you will soon see.

My favorites aren’t a secret, but I generally don’t openly advocate for one contestant over the other. Hmm. I’m thinking about one Idol website that gets about a gazillion more visitors than I do that’s been beating a steady drumbeat for little Archie all season. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. But, in comparison, I’m effing Switzerland.

The TMZ spoilers are up, btw.

http://photos.tmz.com/galleries/idol_top_three_perform#2

MJ, You rock! You, like all of us, are entitled to your opinion. That is the most wonderful thing about this blog. We are free to have opinions and encouraged to state those opinions in a way respectful to others opinions. I am happy that you made this big ‘ol blog and you have my respect!

I just went to TMZ and I don’t see the spoilers there.

TMZ http://photos.tmz.com/galleries/idol_top_three_perform

David Cook
“First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” by Roberta Flack. (Simon’s choice)
“Dare You to Move” by Switchfoot.
“I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” by Aerosmith.

Syesha Mercado
“If I Ain’t Got You” By Alicia Keys. (Randy’s choice)
“Hit Me Up” by Gia Farrell (from “Happy Feet”). (Producer’s choice)
“Fever” — which has been covered by everyone. (Syesha’s choice)

David Archuleta
“And So it Goes” by Billy Joel. (Paula’s choice)
“With You” by Chris Brown. (David’s choice)
“Longer” by Dan Fogelberg. (Producer’s choice)

Everything that you said Spanishfan is a huge reason why I dont think he should be an “American Idol”. Thats not a “cool” title to hold if you want to make it as a rocker. I do believe he is all that you say and more. I would like Bono’s or Stings or Billy Corgins opinion on this. If AI wants a rocker so bad this year why couldnt they get a person of their Ilk to mentor on my favorite show this year instead of Parton, Diamond and Carey and ALW??

Nevermind, I see the list now on the page. lol

What happened to Collective Soul?

Switchfoot? WTF?

Diane fucking Warren?

Erm, are you sure those are legit?

Duke…and everything David A has sung did NOT sound the same? Sounded the same to me. But to make it simple, I much prefer David Cook’s style, voice, song choices over David A. I didn’t think David C ended every song with a screaming rock note…did I miss something? Both the David’s put some big notes in every song, I think. Well I’m not trying to change anyone’s mind really. It all comes down to who you personally prefer to listen to. I’m listening to David Cook! And voting for him. And I will buy whatever he puts out. DCFTW!

David Cook
à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“First Time Ever I Saw Your Faceà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  by Roberta Flack. (Simonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s choice)
à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Dare You to Moveà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  by Switchfoot.
à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“I Donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t Want to Miss a Thingà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  by Aerosmith.

I like the Switchfoot song a lot! Should be good. The Aerosmith song, not so much.

Cook fakes us all out, LMAO.

I too think that if Syesha goes this week, the vast majority of her votes go to DC . My reasoning is that Archie seems more polarizing. The fans who like Archie are already in his camp. Almost every poster, it seems, that isn’t an Archiephile, doesn’t care for his performances, for whatever reason.

Erm, are you sure those are legit?

ETA…It is located on photos.tmz.com… Is that legit??

WTF? is right. I was just growing attached to that Collective Soul song. I’ve never heard a Switchfoot song before. And the Aerosmith song is just awful. Sigh.

Ok i know this is totally off-topic and it will probably get erased from what i read on the rules- but did anyone see that 15 year old Philippino girl Charice on Oprah yesterday?- its on Youtube. Worth a watch- and a great reason as to why they might consider lowering the age limit to 14.

Switchfoot? WTF?

No kidding!!!!! I was actually looking forward to the Collective Soul song. What the hell is he thinking?!?!?!?!?! Boo to Aerosmith, too. I hated that song when it was played ON ALL RADIO STATIONS EVERY DAMN DAY!!!!! I’m so disappointed.

Poor MJ. Diane-f***ing-Warren.

And the Aerosmith song is just awful. Sigh.

Au contraire! He’s a smart Cookie, that one. He’s going to make us all turn into puddles of fangirly goo!

WTF? is right. I was just growing attached to that Collective Soul song. Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve never heard a Switchfoot song before. And the Aerosmith song is just awful. Sigh.

Cheese- here’s the link to the Switchfoot song:
http://new.music.yahoo.com/videos/–2161760

I think(?) I posted that DC might change his choice – and methinks I waz right. Interesting, huh? Maybe after he saw the Nigel pick, he changed his mind.

Who knows. Why is Cook’s always shrouded in mystery? Why keep only his in the bank vault with the national guard stationed all around it?

If it is indeed a true TMZ site and if those are true, then I am diggin the Aerosmith and I listened to the other and like it.

hey mj..i was just on t m z and they have the songs for david cook completely different. the roberta flack song is correct, but they have “Dare You To Move” by Switchfoot and “I Don’t Want To Miss a Thing” by Aerosmith. PLEASE tell me that Collective Soul is right!! i was so looking forward to this..:(

I am going to be at The Police concert tonight :clap_tb: but will not be able to vote…..so I am counting on my many blog friends to throw some extra cookie votes in for me. I will miss you guys in chat but will be here tomorrow night.

I will be hoping and praying the DC does his thing and blows the judges and us away with his songs.

Guess I will be dvr-ing AI and watching later. I sure hope this week is better than last 2 have been.

Cheese you will love Switchfoot and whats more a song by them will connect with the voters Cook needs. The message in it and everything is perfect for him

Is this gonna be another one of those “that’s not a love song so change it” at the last minute things?

ETA: Have fun dante! I saw the Police at Giants Stadium last summer, they were awesome. Stewart Copeland is a god!

Cook, you’re so tricky. That Switchfoot song is good for him. I like the Aerosmith song too although I know some don’t.

Everyone is talking David vs. David and I also think that’s what it’ll be, but I’m still a little nervous Syesha might slip in one of the top 2 places. She’s made it this far so really she could keep going. I’m a Jason fan and I think about how she made it past him, and Michael Johns and Carly (I was a MJ fan, too) and it just makes me wonder. I guess I shouldn’t say I’m nervous about it because I’m really not, but it just makes me wonder if she’ll keep going like she has all season.

Aerosmith will be good, but only if he ownes it, ie changes it completely so it’s hardly recognizable. It’s too much of a hit song, it’s been overplayed forever, so he’ll need to make it fresh somehow to not get “kareoke”. Do we know which song was his choice?

Switchfoot – didn’t recognize it by name, but I know it well, and I think it’s much more of a “moment” song than Collective Soul ever was.

I think DCook was faking us out, y’all.

Natasha,

I love the Aerosmith song as well and so if that is indeed the producer’s choice, I think Cookie can make it work.

I’m familiar with Switchfoot but I’ve never heard that song.

I hope tonight is a great show. While I’m no fan of Syesha, if she kills it tonight and either David sucks, I hope she makes it to the finals. I doubt that will happen but she’s been the giantkiller all season.

I prefer David A’s voice to Cook but they’d both be decent winners.

à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“I Donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t Want to Miss A Thingà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  by Aerosmith

Didn’t Antonella murder that song last year? I suppose like most Diane Warren songs, it can’t be killed.

That was the theme song from that Armegeddon movie. The one where they land on the asteroid and blow it up. Hmmm….

I was hoping that Diane Warren’s influence would have waned with Clive’s, but no such luck. I guess she has incriminating photos of lots Idol related bigwigs. She got shut out from the Idol albums last year. Will she make her big comeback this year? Dun-da-dun!

Well, this Jason fan will be voting DCFTMFW! tonight~

I like the Switchfoot song — he’ll nail it.

Don’t worry DC fans….he isn’t going anywhere but straight to the top.

I think the personal choices this year are smart by all 3 contestants.

DC’s will be more subdued than the normal RAWKER! persona.
Syesha will be able to prove that she can sing beautifully without belting.
DA will prove that he can HAVE!SO!MUCH!FUN! without singing a sappy ballad.

I’ll still miss my Jason though…..

I am in complete agreement of your prediction, MJ.

Aerosmith will be good, but only if he ownes it, ie changes it completely so ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s hardly recognizable. Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s too much of a hit song, ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s been overplayed forever, so heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll need to make it fresh somehow to not get à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“kareokeà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ .

I agree. He really needs to change it up or he’ll get called out with the K word. Even my 11-year-old brother knows DWMAT…

I am going to be at The Police concert tonight but will not be able to voteà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦..so I am counting on my many blog friends to throw some extra cookie votes in for me. I will miss you guys in chat but will be here tomorrow night.

Have fun, dante! I’ll vote extra hard tonight to get in the votes you would have gotten in otherwise!.

I think overall Cook has better songs. The only decent song Archie has is the one he picked himself. Longer is just completely horrible. And the Billy Joel song won’t work that well for him either. Hopefully, Syesha will just be mediocre and David A makes it to the finale.

I have an extreme headache thinking about these new choices for Cook. I keep on thinking “acoustic” for Aerosmith. Please, please, acoustic. No violins, backup singers, and too loud band. Just him and his guitar.

I’m really disappointed with the non-Collective Soul song, but it’s understandable, since there should be a more modern song. Cook probably thought Nigel was going to give him a more modern song and switched after he found out it was Aerosmith. But what happened to all the rumors of “American Woman?” That would have been hot. Sigh.

Anyway, on the original topic, MJ, I love you for your prediction, but I just hope you didn’t jinx it.

Also, in response to some concerns from others, don’t underestimate the teens/tweens. I have 5th graders for an afternoon class once a week, and they hate Archuleta and love David Cook. (However, I may have brainwashed them.) I strongly persuaded them to vote.

I just listened to “Dare you to Move” and it’s pretty good. I just wonder if it’s a smart pick because it’s not well known. Probably a better song for him than the Collective Soul song. I’m not sure if an Aerosmith song is a good choice. Look what happened to Michael. :huh_tb:

Why can’t MJ pick who she thinks wins? She has a great blog but it doesn’t mean we all blindly vote for someone because she’s picking them. I am voting for DC but not blindly, lol.

I read that Leona Lewis covered the song “First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” -don’t know anything about her so I don’t know if that’s true…but if it is, Simon sure is sneaky..bet he’s hoping that David C will help drive up Leona’s song as well tomorrow on Itunes.. Its all about the cash. If so, DONT download Leona Lewis’s song – Simon has enough money! Okay, so I’m still upset with how Simon treated Jason..boo hoo.

I hope David Cook does win, he’s really grown on me ever since he sang so well on ALW. What a surprise that was!

So far I’ve asked three afro-american males who they are voting for. Syesha, no matter how well she performs. One even said his Mom called family to remind them that it is another Syesha night and she will text everyone the number to call. That’s not surprising or interesting, but they all said if Sy goes home this week, they will vote for lil David in the finale.

I’m still Castro-tarded, so I doubt if I’ll get out of this funk long enough to pick up the phone or choose anyone on Dial Idol.

Who, for me, is the most talented and articulate? David Cook should win American Idol… but I think he may go home this week.

I wasn’t even looking forward to tonight’s music until I saw “Dare You To Move”.
I love that song.

About the “bad” album comment I made, that was based on comments I’ve read on the internet over the last two years about how the first place winner’s album that 19E puts out is horrible watered-down pablum that doesn’t allow the artists true talent to shine. I’ve never heard them myself, so I wouldn’t know. It was so prevalent especially last year, it was almost cliche. Guess I’m surprised nobody’s worried about it this year.

On the other hand, I think Carrie Underwood’s first album was pretty good, right?

Well, this Jason fan will be voting DCFTMFW! tonight~

Yay, Caro!! :clap_tb: That’s what I’m talkin bout, girl!

This Jason fan bought a 2 week pass to Cooktardistan.

DCFTW!!

Dashing 4 – that is true about Leona Lewis. I heard a song of hers on someones profile and went and looked her up on Youtube and saw the British Idol for the first time. They all sing songs that they are familiar with and or popular – unlike the dum themes here

Jason fans – his interview on Idolatry is up (well, part 1 for now) here: http://www.ew.com/ew/video/idolatry

From this Cooktard, thank you so much to anyone who takes the time to vote.

May the best David Cook win. Bwah!

Hope you are right MJ – he deserves it for sure. DCFTMFW! LOL

I have enjoyed his journey on Idol and truly believe he should take the crown. I’ll buy his CD, and Jason’s for sure and maybe even a few of the others. I still can’t believe the transformation in his look. It’s amazing. His version of Music of the Night brought me to tears when I listened to the studio version – stunning.

Go Cookie GO!

go cookie!

Just did 100 texts for both Syesha & Cookie… :clap_tb:

Will be doing more shortly, as my fingers got tired… :ponder_tb:

I do not care who wins between Syesha & Cookie, just as long as it is NOT Robot-Boy!!! :wallbash_tb: