Finale Wrap-up — With Photos!

By On 05/22/2008 · 68 Comments · In Uncategorized

My first-ever attempt to Live blog last night was an interesting experience. Between frantically trying to take notes and not miss anything…I missed some stuff! It also kept me from taking in the show as a whole. I’m re-watching the show today, and have to say kudos to the producers for putting together a highly entertaining show. I’d have to say this year was as at least as good as the fine Season 5 finale two years ago.

I’d been predicting a David Cook win for a few weeks. I figured he’d been picking up fans for awhile, including those of the eliminated Idols. He was knocking it out of the park with creative and versatile performances, while the assumed front-runner, David Archuleta, had a hard time leaving the comfort of his big ballad box. However, I had no idea how big Cookie’s fan base had become. After Tuesday’s Archie triple-whammy–delivering show stopping performances, receiving the pimp spot advantage and securing the judges stamp of approval–I thought the casual vote would give Archie the win. I completely underestimated the fan base. Cookie’s lead going into this thing must have been HUGE.

What were the judges up to Tuesday night? One poster here suggested that the negative judges comments for Cookie were an attempt to close the very wide gap between the Davids. Maybe Simon was simply trying to motivate the fans of his favorite contestant by using reverse psychology. Or, perhaps Simon was merely disappointed in his favorite, and blurted out the truth for once. Who knows. Too much time on the grassy knoll makes my head hurt. All I know is, at the end of Tuesday’s broadcast, what appeared to be a decisive win for Archuleta threw the Cookie-loving segment of the population into a tizzy. The stage was set for a nice buzz-creating “upset”. Good for ratings, good for the show. But bad for Simon, who had to apologize to Cook in order to save face.

However, for those of us who’d been watching this race closely, it wasn’t that big of an upset. We knew–as he sat at the top of Dial Idol and the iTunes charts–that Cookie had people. We just didn’t know quite how many.

Ya’ll know it. I’m happy with the outcome. Cookie played a great game. It was thrilling to watch. He was the stealth Idol. Who saw it coming? Well, I did a little. I jumped on the Cook Train at “Happy Together”. But at that point, most peeps were focused on The Chosen One, David Archuleta, and the so-called plants, Carly Smithson and Michael Johns–who seemed destined to go deep. Cookie came from behind and pwnd them all with his strong musical identity, smart song choices and confident performances. While Archie started off big, in the end he couldn’t match Cook’s maturity and experience. But, despite his youth, Archie didn’t give up the fight. In the end he proved to be a tough and gracious competitor. Archie needs more life experience to inform those beautiful vocals. A big door has just opened for him. When he walks through it, the opportunities to grow will be limitless. Take them Archie!

After re-watching the finale I realize I was a little bit of a cranky-pants in some my assessments last night. That’ll happen when you’re live blogging and trying to keep your website up at the same time!

Although they weren’t entirely on the same page, Syesha Mercado and Seal weren’t really the hot mess I thought at first.

The girls group number: Donna Summer did look a bit creaky, but she’s still got the chops. Her new single “Stamp Your Feet” could be a club chart success. The girls danced and sang their faces off–just what a big production number should be. Poor Amanda Overmyer looked really out of place. I missed Ryan Seacrest jumping into the number and dancing like a dork the first time around. That was all kinds of awesome.

Archie and Cookie sang a duet. They were OK. The song was not. Me no likey Nickelback.

The guys number was all kinds of off key and awkward until the Davids took the stage. Even then, the vocal blending? Not so hot. Things improved considerably when Bryan Adams showed up. Still, I love the big numbers. The singing! The dancing! Even when it’s bad, it’s good. The finale had plenty of them, keeping me way entertained.

OMG. Carrie Underwood forgot her pants!

I read that Brooke White and Graham Nash only rehearsed “Teach Your Children Well” once. It showed. Still, singing with Nash must have been a thrilling moment for Brooke.

Even with the element of surprise taken away, Jason Castro’s performance of “Hallelujah” was simply stunning. The second coming of Sanjaya/John Stevens? I don’t think so!

So glad the producers kept the trainwreck audition nonsense to a minimum this year.

Carly Smithson and Michael Johns were all kinds of Hot. Too bad they didn’t play the game better. TPTB: We really thought you’d last longer! Here, have a duet.

David Cook jams with the Z. Cook is cool ’cause he’s game for everything. He seemed to be having a blast.

David Archuleta did a nice job with One Republic. Maybe there’s hope for Archie on the Pop charts yet.

Forget the last few tedious weeks, where the kids were freaking out and wearing out. Idol Season 7 had some great moments, some fantastic performances. Taken as a whole, this is a real talented bunch of kids. Thankfully, finale week brought back the energy, and the season ended on a high note. I do believe a few of the contestants will move on to very successful careers.

Bye Season 7. As always, I’m a little sad it’s over.

 
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  • calimari

    Love the photos – especially the one of Jason. Thanks for enhancing the experience MJ!

  • http://www.myspace.com/coffeygirlb bethanysuzanne

    Awww, that was really cool. Do you think that Jason will have any post-idol success, MJ? I just love him! Thanks for all you do and, I too, am a little sad it’s over. But dang, did this seem like a looooong season, or WHAT:)

  • KrazeeK120

    MJ,

    As usual, thank you for the recap and pictures. You always do such a fantastic job.

    Sigh, yet another season has come to a close. And we must wait 8 long months for the premiere of a new season. Always seems like such a long time away!

    I think the only thing that could have made this recap better would have been a screen shot of the best moment of the night, DC’s Guitar Hero commercial.

    ETA: I love the last picture, the one of CCJ & Archie. It seems like these guys are great friends and I think they’ll have a blast on tour together this summer.

  • star

    I loved the finale last night (except for the stoopid, shameless Mike Myers movie pimping)! I think they did a terrific job with it this year. All of the group numbers were really well-done and fun. I wasn’t really interested in going to see the tour this year, but more than once as I was watching last night, I thought I’d give in and go. But then I remembered they’re not coming to my neck of the woods this summer. Sigh.

    Anyway, as good as all the pointy poses were, the best part was seeing the right David win! :)

    Shout-out to all the chat peeps – thanks for helping to make this season even more fun for me! And MJ, I loved playing the game all season long too. Thanks for hosting it!

  • tinawina

    Aww, I LIKED the Brooke/Nash Duet! lol! Great recap Mj, as usual. I am still processing, but I loved this season and I’m glad it went out on a high note. There was so much complaining towards the end I got worried for a minute. Kudos to everyone involved.

  • tanvu80

    Brooke White was stunning (as always).
    She’s beautiful and talented.
    Hope she go far.

  • dogncatmom

    MJ, I’m way more a lurker than a poster, but I just wanted to THANK YOU for this blog. It’s been a wild ride here in KC with DC mania and it’s been a true pleasure to be able to find so much information in one place and impress my friends and co-workers with all my Idol knowledge. ;)

    I, too, am sad this season is over with. The finale was big fun and the ending was PERFECT!

  • IGetCranked

    Great recap! I’m going to rewatch in a few minutes.
    DId you guys see the picture of the two Davids in a tight hug? It is all kinds of sweet! I just don’t see how we will ever get a better final two. The chemistry, comedy, and talent level is one in a million!

  • IGetCranked

    Btw.. Maybe Carrie thought she was going to do a guitar hero commercial too. That would explain her lack of pants…

  • rereader

    Even with the element of surprise taken away, Jason Castroà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s performance of à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Hallelujahà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  was simply stunning. The second coming of Sanjaya/John Stevens? I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t think so!

    I totally agree. It would seem that it is possible to catch lightning in a bottle twice–but only if it’s not an accident the first time!

  • hardkandy

    Brooke White’s duet with Graham Nash was amazing. I don’t think it was rough at all. And Brooke definitely did not look nervous, she actually looked so so so relaxed for a change. She was happy to be there. It was a very heartfelt duet, meant for a smaller venue coz of its intimacy.

    Jason Castro reprising Hallelujah was great, he seemed to be really moved by the song in some parts.

    UGH, I felt the Michael-Carly duet was unnecessary. I like Michael more than Kristy Lee, but why give him a solo and not Kristy Lee when she placed higher than him? That’s just bull, and unfair. And Carly, stop screaming. Thank you.

  • hollygo9

    It’s nice to see that Idol remembered how to throw a party. This was even better than season 5′s finale because there were no bizarre couplings (Toni Braxton and Taylor) or sh*teous duets (Kat and Meatloaf)
    The group numbers were a hot wreck but they were a fun hot wreck.
    I do not see how TPTB didn’t see a Cook victory coming. Every finale, the runner-up has all their ‘glory’ in the first hour and when hour one was the Cookie show, I thought all was lost. Of course, every other season, you know who the runner-up is the minute the top 2 is announced. This year, not so much.
    But based on the formula, they really thought that Archie had the win when the planned the finale.

  • Kirsten

    Last year was strange in that we didn’t get any news about who was going to go to what label for quite some time. HDD already has the scoop about which label each will go to (i.e. Along with Hybrids, this is what they won last night so I argue this post goes here):

    HDD

    IDOL AFTERMATH: Richard Palmeseà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s J/RCA Music Group promo team are already on the case working the debut single from last nightà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Idol winner David Cook, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Time of My Life,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  which is being delivered to radio as we speak. Meanwhile, runner-up David Archuleta will join the Jive label for his album debut, coming sometimes this summer. Going against tradition, a single from the second place finisher will not be released until close to the full-length release date.

    Jive is the label that Jordin went to last year. J is the label that Taylor was on (and IIRC, Blake)

    J/Arista is the label that Clive created and brought into the Sony/BMG fold. It was one of the labels he was more involved in, but that may have changed with his new title.

    Jive is the label of the new guy, Barry. It tends towards R&B with people like Chris Brown.

    J tends to be a bit more of a big spender, but Jive tends to do more with smaller budgets (hence, why Barry got the big gig).

    Archie is the first runner-up since Justin not to get a single released after Idol. On the one hand, that kind of sucks (I hope they don’t give him the Justin treatment). On the other hand, no “Magic Rainbows” or “My Destiny”. So, it’s a toss up.

  • chewsday

    OK, it’s a good thing that I left my rant over in the headlines section. Sorry, but I didn’t see or hear the sugar that you describe, MJ. In fact, I can’t get the bitter taste about AI in general out of my mouth. For the many people who seem so happy with the way things are, good for you. But I just can’t find the rainbows, puppies and kittens any more.

  • http://myspace.com/girlgeek mj

    For the many people who seem so happy with the way things are, good for you. But I just canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t find the rainbows, puppies and kittens any more.

    It helps not to be so invested in one contestant, that everything revolves around him. I just take it for what it is, a big cheesy show.

  • St.Lucia

    MJ, thanks for the great recap!

    Not sure what on earth I’m going to do without them now! I hate when American Idol ends. If I had my way, I’d have this show on year round(except for the fact I’d like two seasons. One might actually kill the contestants.)

    I really loved Jason’s Hallelujah….almost more the second time. I really felt the passion that time. He stunned me the first time, moved me the second.

    I still can’t stop looking at the picture of Carrie. She looks as if she is going to take off and fly away. Maybe that extra sheath can be made into some see-through pants! It might be an improvement.

    I love Carrie, but my god, fire her songwriters. That song is like “Before He Cheats” part 2. This is what I do AFTEr my first boyfriend cheats on me.

    I didn’t care for the Carly/MJ duet. I like the MJ part (I liked all his parts in the group numbers actually he did really well), not so much the Carly part. She just…is too screechy for me. And I’m still clueless as to who she is as a musician and if she doesn’t figure that out I don’t foresee her getting any record deals unless someone plans on molding her.

    I personally LOVED the Brooke White/Graham Nash duet of “TEach your Children”. That’s one of my ultimate favorite songs ever, and that version was beautifully done.

    Ah. Cook won. I’ve been happy all day because of it. So glad to finally know what getting the winner I want feels like. And I LIKE his crappy coronation song. As stated before, it is ALWAYS a good (well, at least better) coronation song when you like the person singing it!

  • http://myspace.com/girlgeek mj

    Blake Lewis had a single? Why am I not remembering it? There weren’t any puppies and rainbows for Blake last year, except at the final. That was bad enough.

  • Caffiend

    MJ, THANK YOU for a great blog. I know you put your heart and soul into it. It was a great season, despite the many bumps along the way (Carly and MJ leaving too early, Brooke and Jason leaving too late).

    The finale week was just sensational. Archie’s three performances at Nokia WERE knockouts. They were perfect Idol songs, and you can’t believe how amazing he sounds in person. I talked to countless Cook fans on Wednesday who were there on Tuesday who said the same thing. Very impressive performance under enormous pressure. Good for him. I will buy his record. I hope they do right by him.

    I think Cook will be a great Idol. He is probably the most intelligent Idol yet, and savvy. He will not put out crap. I can’t wait to see what kind of songs the “word nerd”can write. He’s a class act, he’s a terrific, versatile vocalist, and he’s pretty effin’ hot, to boot.

    Most of all, I’m excited for Idol. With all the talk about the ratings being down, the show having peaked, etc., this season proves that Idol still has legs. Nearly 100 million votes proves that. And I think everyone agrees that the talent level this season really was high. DC, DA, Carly, MJ and Kristy will probably get deals. Maybe Syesha too. I think DC can be at least as successful as Daughtry.

    Can’t wait for Season 8!

  • HollandX

    Thanks for everything this season, MJ.

    You rock.

  • chewsday

    MJ: I’m not nearly as invested as you think. In fact, you might be very surprised at how little I HAVE invested. I just despise injustice in any form, and AI has gone too far for me.

  • IGetCranked

    Caffiend, I want to thank you also for reporting back to us when you were able to get in and see the shows. MJ and you made it that much more fun! I’ve also read several other places that Archie sounded better live than on tv so I’m jealous of you! Was there a difference in Cookie also?

  • http://www.xanga.com/hisaki_chan707 Hisaki

    MJ, so many thanks — your blog has COMPLETELY made this season so much fun for me. This is the first time I think I’ve teared up over an AI season being over! Sigh.

    I feel so sorry for the mosh pit during Carrie’s performance. They were, like, RIGHT THERE. And the camera gave her a Kat shot, too. Lovely for image, isn’t it?

  • star

    Blake Lewis had a single? Why am I not remembering it? There werenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t any puppies and rainbows for Blake last year, except at the final. That was bad enough.

    Maybe she was thinking of “You Give Love A Bad Name”? It did well on iTunes but I’m not sure it was truly promoted as a single…

  • jpfan

    Why does HDD say Archie’s album is being released this summer? Unless I read that wrong?

    Maybe because I wasn’t rooting for Cook and knew he’d won, I got a little bored with the finale around the middle. Donna Summer and George Michael both seemed either ill or frail while their numbers were ok. I honestly don’t know if Jason, Carly, Brooke or Johns will have careers as recording artists. Actually, my favorite part of Idol is following the contestants after the show and seeing how to do post Idol.

    S7 was weird because somehow a rocker who sounds alot like everyone out there became an “upset” winner over a weird teen with a pure voice.
    Cook is a talented, smart guy though. He also appears to be a “good sport” so he may be the perfect winner for the show.

  • GwendolynD

    Awww…is it really over?? Truly, this was the best finale since season 5. Loved it!! Thanks for everything, MJ. Of course, I’ll still be around, devouring Idol news as usual. You’re the best. :)

  • jersey

    MJ, great recap as usual. I too want to add my thanks for a great season. I also loved the pool – even though I didn’t win (*sob*). As star said, thanks to all the chat peeps, too. It was loads of fun. I’ll be waiting with baited breath and fingers crossed for news about Jason. Congrats to Cookie, he deserved it! :clap_tb:

  • bean99

    It helps not to be so invested in one contestant, that everything revolves around him. I just take it for what it is, a big cheesy show.

    I agree, Mj. My guy went in 8th place at a time I felt Randy & Simon were unfair yet I’ve managed to enjoy the whole season. Even though I didn’t get as invested in who went home after that, I still liked watching. I also ended up wanting DC to win so got a happy ending. It didn’t hurt that my guy seemed to be highlighted in the finale. :smile1_tb:

    I think this was my favorite finale even a little more than season 5. I just thought it was so much fun and most of the duets/group songs/guests were pretty good. I actually enjoyed Brooke’s duet and I wasn’t a big fan of her this season. Favorites were Michael/Carly’s duet and DC/ZZ Top but the rest were pretty good.

  • Kirsten

    Blake Lewis had a single? Why am I not remembering it?

    Because nothing about him is memorable? [rim-shot]

    [runs and hides]

    Blake had an official EP released to iTunes. EPs are just slightly longer Commercial Singles. YGLABN was considered the primary single on it.

    They released Jordin and Blake’s EP right after the show and they were studio releases. Later on, the also released studio releases for the other Idols to iTunes (previously available only on the AI site and removed from sale after the finale).

    There are no studio releases for Archie currently available for purchase. So, I guess that is why they are saying he got no single. You can buy some performance tracks though.

  • Jovi

    Great recap MJ! Awesome work and thanks!

  • jersey

    LOL, I just noticed in the picture above of the guys, David Hernandez must have one hell of a wallet! I don’t think I’ve ever seen a wallet chain quite that substantial!

  • Kirsten

    Why does HDD say Archieà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s album is being released this summer? Unless I read that wrong?

    I suspect they jumbled it up a bit. The single is coming out in the summer (didn’t Jordin’s get released in August?)

    They may be trying to get the albums out earlier this year. MTV has an article about a bunch of industry insiders talking about the two of them. They did mention that at least one song has already been written for David A (confirming rumours from earlier in the year?). The Radio Disney dude said that they are excited to get Archie in studio (?). Possibly, they already have the albums ready to go.

    I never quite believed the rumours that David H was the other guy they were writing songs for (he seemed far too much like the fodder he ended up being). I’ve long suspected that it was a confusion in the rumour and Cook was the other David getting songs written for him. He’s already confirmed in television interviews that he will be going the solo route, so there is no need to hire him a band.

  • Hoppy

    Chewsday, I read your post on the other thread and you sound pretty invested to me! LOL.

    Whether it’s positively or negatively, anything that can get someone that riled up to post a long comment about it signifies, to me anyway, that they are invested somewhat. People who aren’t invested wouldn’t even bother, know what I mean?

    (And for the record, I’m not calling you out, I’m just saying you are obviously passionate about what you are trying to say.)

  • jpfan

    Yes. Hernandez’s wallet chain is even bigger than Cook’s. Thanks for the clarification, Kirsten. You mean we won’t get to hear Archie sing about Rainbows. Thank God.

  • thesheriff

    I’d also like to thank MJ for this blog and for all the posters who’ve made “reading the show” ahead of time enjoyable from where I sit!!

    I thought last night’s finale was great but for me, Season 4 still had the best night – mostly cuz of Bo singing Sweet Home Alabama and everyone joining in. But Cookie cracking up with the shaving cream and Cookie’s duet with ZZ Top and Cookie taking the crown sure made it close!! Wonder if his fans ever coordinated a “Cookies from Home” delivery….

    I heard on ET there’s a clip of the David’s singing the phonebook. I just haven’t found it yet…

  • http://myspace.com/girlgeek mj

    There are no studio releases for Archie currently available for purchase. So, I guess that is why they are saying he got no single. You can buy some performance tracks though.

    I remember Blake had studio performances for sale after the finale. But, unlike prior Idols, he had no coronation single. That’s where I was confused.

  • IGetCranked

    Yes. Hernandezà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s wallet chain is even bigger than Cookà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s.

    :bigsurprise_ee: jpfan! *whistles at MJ* Over here! Jpfan is getting naughty!

  • Jovi

    Does anyone know where we could find MP3 performances from last night? I don’t mean Itunes for the David’s either, I meant like David C with ZZ Top, etc. Thanks in advance for any info.

  • bean99

    I’d like that one too, Jovi. I was able to get “The Letter” but that was it. I was hoping they’d release them on iTunes but it doesn’t look like it.

  • SpenserJ

    Excellent recap as always. Of course, my bias shows when I bet to differ a teensy bit – ’cause I thought Brooke & Graham were perfection (okay – so maybe I’m a little in denial – still it was pretty).

    But, if I could buy that on iTunes right now – I totally would!

  • Kirsten

    I remember Blake had studio performances for sale after the finale. But, unlike prior Idols, he had no coronation single. Thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s where I was confused.

    Yes, but the article only says “single”. It doesn’t mention coronation single. On re-reading it, it also talks about promoting the singles to radio. Maybe the label put some effort into trying to get the radio to play Blake’s song?

    Kat didn’t do a thing to promote her “coronation” single. She was all about SOTR (double A side) and that’s what she sang at every interview stop. I don’t think she was ever heard to sing “My Destiny” again (can’t say that I blame her). So, one could argue she kind of didn’t get a coronation single.

    I guess this is just the first time in a long time that there has been no studio version of something for people to buy from the runner-up. A lot of people will pick up songs in the post-Idol euphoria so that is why these singles are released (and sell. Seriously, if people had an album of Cook songs to download, would they be downloading the track about “Magic Rainbows”? Well, maybe. It is doing better than the other songs he sang on performance night, but I’m pretty sure it has more to do with it being the coronation song).

  • baxter

    Ahhhhh…La Cap-E-Tan of Cooktardistan…..I give you a Standing O for your wonderful and insightful blog. You made Season 7 of AI an incredible and enjoyable ride. Loved reading your recaps every week and I must say I usually agree with you 99% of the time. Congrats for the fantastic success both you and the blog have achieved this year and to the fact that you haven’t had to call in Terminex….yet…..!!!! :) Can’t wait to read and watch all the great videos and recaps of the tour this summer….sure you can’t make it to ChiTown…Pretty Please???

    On a side note…A HUGE shoutout to all of My Boo’s in chat. You guys had me laughing till I hurt every damn week. You pulled me off that ledge countless nights…no thanks to cheese for putting me there in the first place. Getting to play in the same sandbox as you guys, even though I am the angry one, was a pleasure.

    One last thing…Hisaki….your homework done yet???? :wink1_tb:

  • http://everyopinion.blogspot.com Terrie

    MJ, the picture you posted of Carrie Underwood above? I swear I had a Barbie doll in the 1960s that looked just like her.

    About SYTYCD? MJ, you obviously have a much higher Nigel tolerance level than I, but I will keep coming back for your AI news and your peeps. I may stray to my favorites’ fan sites now and then, but you have the most civilized and grownup — in a good way — AI site around.

    I think Cookie was helped by the fact that he is probably the least polarizing contestant this season. He wasn’t too predictable (Archie), too dramatic (Syesha), too pretty (Jason), too needy (Brooke), too desperate (Carly), too calculating (KLC), too inconsistent (Johnsy), too bland (Ramiele) or too undefined (Chikezie).

    He is just the right degree of rocker for the baby boomer dominated AI audience — neither too hard nor too soft, authentic but not hung up on his cred, confident in his preferences but well-rounded in his tastes. He appeals to the frustrated Daughtry fans plus Daughtry non-fans who have been waiting for a rocker they could support.

    He is also smart, funny, mature, gracious, and comfortable in his own skin.

    All that said, I am going through Jason withdrawal and some worry about his future. With his unique musicality, looks, disarming personality, loyal fan base, and ability to sell records, I have to believe he will generate decent interest from some savvy labels and maybe from MTV or VH1, too. He is like a very male Phoebe Buffay and a reality show featuring his whole genetically blessed family would be phenomenal, except that I suspect he would nix any such offers.

  • Jovi

    Oh I want to add that I loved Brooke and Graham’s duet, I thought it was so lovely and perfect for her.

  • cooktard76

    i didnt know where the hell else to post this, so thats why i’m putting it in the last ai blog (so far anyway).
    i wont be watching sytycd so i wont be chatting w/ u guys on that.
    however, will this be the LAST ai blog? this is my first year here (love it, mj you’re all kinds of awesomeness!)
    but will there be blogs about upcoming cookie tv appearances, or better yet, the upcoming tour?
    i hope so!

  • cooktard76

    oh and also.. the upcoming cd?

    i have never been this obsessed over anything, my goodness, i almost scare myself, haha.

    my point is, i dont want the cookie love to stop!

  • J.S.G.

    Who invited the Love Guru Pitka to this party? Hope he doesn’t overstay his welcome.

  • http://www.xanga.com/hisaki_chan707 Hisaki

    Ahhhhhà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦La Cap-E-Tan of Cooktardistanà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦..I give you a Standing O for your wonderful and insightful blog. You made Season 7 of AI an incredible and enjoyable ride. Loved reading your recaps every week and I must say I usually agree with you 99% of the time. Congrats for the fantastic success both you and the blog have achieved this year and to the fact that you havenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t had to call in Terminexà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦.yetà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦..!!!! :) Canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t wait to read and watch all the great videos and recaps of the tour this summerà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦

    On a side noteà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦A HUGE shoutout to all of My Booà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s in chat. You guys had me laughing till I hurt every damn week. You pulled me off that ledge countless nightsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦no thanks to cheese for putting me there in the first place. Getting to play in the same sandbox as you guys, even though I am the angry one, was a pleasure.

    WORD!

    And no, mommy boo, my homework is not done. I’m too busy watching SYTYCD right now. :)

  • hollygo9

    http://www.rickey.org/?p=7979#comments

    Speaking of singles, did anyone see that David Cook is occupying the top 4 spots on the iTunes top 100?
    Unbe-frakkin-lievable. Archie is at 10, 11, 17, I believe.

  • http://myspace.com/girlgeek mj

    i have never been this obsessed over anything, my goodness, i almost scare myself, haha.

    my point is, i dont want the cookie love to stop!

    I’ll follow the season through the tour and their first albums.

    However, I DO move on. When it’s time for Season 8? Not so much Cookie, though I’ll still follow his appearances and album releases.

  • cooktard76

    i need a “random, not over ai yet” post posted!

    kelly clarkson fan here, but justin is just too darn cute and funny.

    did u hear him sing on ai tonight (tv guide channel)?
    i freaking loved it!
    maybe called “missin you” not sure tho.

  • chewsday

    Hoppy: No problem; as I said on the other thread, I can laugh at myself easily enough. One thing though; I think we’re using two different definitions for the term “invested.” In fact, I was using it more as a play on words. As usual, my rather “unique” way of using the language ,sometimes, is lost in translation.

    Carry on, everyone.

  • CookieMonster

    thank u mj such nice pictures and reviews

  • PrplDva

    hollygo9
    May 22nd, 2008 at 9:55 pm
    http://www.rickey.org/?p=7979#comments

    Speaking of singles, did anyone see that David Cook is occupying the top 4 spots on the iTunes top 100?
    Unbe-frakkin-lievable. Archie is at 10, 11, 17, I believe.

    YES! :clap_tb: YES! :thumbup_tb:
    So Happy!

    MJ-as always, a fantastic job!

  • J.S.G.

    American Idol Extra ran here at its usual time.
    Last half hour was an interview with DC. He said the one criticiam that hit home was when Simon said he lacked charisma after DC had performed ‘All Right Now’ by Free. Second week in, I think.
    Cook said the next week was difficult because he realized he had built a wall btwn himself and audience. To break down the wall, the had to deal with issues(in relationahsips and such) that he would rather have not dealt with.
    He performed ‘Hello’ that week.

    Amanda tried to cut Jason’s hair but was unsuccessful.
    MJ and Carl ended up with the microphones. Sort of like last night.

    Archie was gracious in his interview and I think he really has that likeability factor working off stage. The humility seems real and it is very endearing. Says he can’t stand to watch his performances.

  • IGetCranked

    I found this from a few sites.. I’ve been reading like a fiend today ( My work is suffering today .. good thing I’m self employed)

    Archie sounded soo much better live, he sounds amazing on TV, but it was a bazillion times better in person his voice was huge.
    Just some things that were really cute

    (Haha this is alot, but i wanted to share since its Archie’s last American Idol performance )

    Rehersal:
    In the beginning right before the American idol theme song comes on, David and David are supposed to knock gloves and i dont know what happend to Archie, i think he tripped or something, but he kinda missed Cooks gloves and Cook started laughing and kept laughing the whole way up the stairs and Archie looked all embarassed and started laughing

    When they announced that Cook was going to go first (after the “commercial break”) Archie started to walk off the stage.. but then he was gonna hug cook at the same time so they both kinda went back and forth for a few seconds before deciding on a (kinda akward) hug LoL

    There was this girl who had a cut out chihuahua and taped Archie’s face on it and at the end of one of his performances he saw it and started laughing really hard. Then at the end of the show Cook saw it so he laughed and pointed to it and Archie and him started laughing so hard

    At the end they were bringing down that big light up sign (that says american idol on it) from the ceiling and David standing right by it and the stage manager kinda told him to look out and so he pretended to get hit in the head with it and started to giggle, it was so cute

    When the davids walked away and Ruben came out to sing everybody started to cheer for him, but Cook and Archie kinda thought the crowd was cheering for them, so they kept waving and stuff and then once they got to the side of the stage Cook turned around and saw Ruben standing there and he started laughing and tapped Archie to show him

    Live show:
    Not much happend at the live show, but at the end of the show after Archie sang his last song and was crying, Ryan turned him around to watch the recap, and he stood there for a while with his arm around David, and then the stage manager lady came over and hugged him and comforted him for a while. Then Cook came out and gave Archie the biggest hug ive ever seen them hug,(this was a two handed like 10 second hug people) it was too adorable. Cook seemed really happy for Archie

    At the end everyone was filing out and i heard people scream so i turned around and i saw Cook carrying Archie like a baby, and hes swinging him around pretending to throw him in the mosh pit and Archie freaked out and started yelling “no, no dont!” and when Cook put him down Archie almost fell cause he was flailing his arms everywhere and laughing so hard

    There was so much other cute stuff like when they would stand on stage people would started screaming and they kept nugging each other and giggling and pointing at the signs they liked

  • http://www.myspace.com/swood1104 Sarah

    On a side noteà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦A HUGE shoutout to all of My Booà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s in chat. You guys had me laughing till I hurt every damn week. You pulled me off that ledge countless nightsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦no thanks to cheese for putting me there in the first place.

    Don’t forget during the day, every day, too. You’re welcome. ;) I heart my internet BFF. :)

    *sigh* What a great year this has been. My head is still a bit in the clouds… I can’t believe he won. My favorite actually won for once… it’s crazy to think that! And damn if I’m not starting to actually LIKE “Magic Rainbows” (not even gonna attempt to learn the name of this song, since cheese so aptly renamed it in chat last night LOL). It may be cheesy and schlocky and 150% dreck, but he sings the hell out of it, that’s for sure. I just lurve that raspy voice.

    MJ – thank you. So much. I know you know how much I love it here. This blog is my crack… I have no idea what I’d do if you ever shut down. You’re amazing. :)

  • prayingmantismama

    I haven’t posted this year, but I have been lurking all along. I lost my password, etc., but just wanted to thank MJ for making yet another year of Idol fun. I am totally in love with David Cook, and here I sit, married for 15 years with 4 children. It has been quite a fun Idol season, and it ended perfectly for me.
    Thanks MJ!

  • Pam

    *sigh* What a great year this has been. My head is still a bit in the cloudsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦ I canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t believe he won. My favorite actually won for onceà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦ ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s crazy to think that! And damn if Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m not starting to actually LIKE à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Magic Rainbowsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  (not even gonna attempt to learn the name of this song, since cheese so aptly renamed it in chat last night LOL). It may be cheesy and schlocky and 150% dreck, but he sings the hell out of it, thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s for sure. I just lurve that raspy voice.

    Sarah,

    I’m still in the same mode just over 24 hours later. I had myself prepared for either outcome last night and when his name was announced, my jaw dropped and I just screamed. I couldn’t believe it had really happened. It still somewhat seems like a dream even to me.

    Yeah, the coronation is cheesy as heck but I love the studio version of it. LOL

  • beachn

    MJ That was a great recap. I had many of the same opinions. I was at
    the Nokia Tuesday night and I would like to say something about Simon’s
    comments and the speculations as to why he made them. On that
    particular night in that theatre David Archuleta clearly won the night.
    David Cook’s performances were awesome but by comparison Archie’s
    were spectacular and magical. Simon commented based on what he
    heard live. I have been a Cook fan from the beginning and throughout
    the season became quite bored with Archie. But that night he found
    something magical within and it filled the room. I left there with a new
    appreciation for David Archuleta and his talent.

    When I watched the playback, the differences in their performances were
    not as apparent as they were in the theatre. Being there, I agreed with
    Simon at the time and as people were leaving the theatre all comments
    seemed to be about Archie’s unbelievable performances. People had been
    completely wow’d by the little guy.

    I was very pleased to hear Simon’s comments last night indicating that
    he had also watched the playback. After Simon heard what the television
    viewers heard, I applauded his apology to David Cook and thought it was fair.

    I hate to hear talk that this was all a conspiracy even though I completely
    understand those comments. If any of you were there, please
    speak if you disagree. I think in both cases Simon was fair. I heard it the
    same as he did.

    And I am thrilled that Cook won.

  • http://everyopinion.blogspot.com Terrie

    Just moseying through the finale now and for no good reason the camera settled upon Janice Dickinson mouthing “I love you” like she’s accepting an award from the Academy of Model Has Beens and Reality Show Trainwrecks.

    If you look up “cougar” in the dictionary, her picture is probably there, huh? So she’s probably a Cooktard. Not his fault, though.

    Anybody else here think the best duet was Seal and Syesha? I’m biased because I heart the song, I heart Seal, and I think Syesha finally looked naturally contemporary. It wasn’t the ideal song for her voice, but he was a perfectly complementary partner and they sizzled.

  • http://www.xanga.com/werwanderflugen Preston

    More props to Cook for having the top four slots on iTunes!

    And to Archie as well– now at #8 (DLTSGDOM) and #10 (In This Moment)!

    This week was a fantastic ending to this season of idol. Best final two episodes in seven seasons, in my opinion.

  • JJ123

    I just wanted to post my big THANKS to MJ for all the hard work that goes into keeping up with AI….it is the BEST place for info and I would’ve been lost all season without it :smile_wp:

    I hope I’m not being a nitpicker but the song Hero was written and recorded by Chad Kroeger (Nickelback) and Josey Scott (Saliva)….they wrote it while their bands were on tour together and recorded it for the Spiderman 2 soundtrack. I’m sure if you don’t like Nickelback then the fact that the lead singer wrote it doesn’t change much opinions but I just thought I’d throw that out there…

  • weelassie

    Terrie
    I saw a smidge of Janice Dickinson on the pre idol show-she and her daughter are huge archie fans. she is a strange one. she was talking about simon’s butt.

  • weelassie

    Wanted to give a shout out to Kirsten for all the facts/numbers you have supplied us with everyday.

    To caffiend-loved getting all the spoilers and your reactions to what you saw in the tapings.

    to hisaki-for giving cookie the win. woooooooooooo.

    to finding mj’s chat-what fun every tuesday night. can’t say how fun it was to watch the show and be in chat.

    to caro-thanks for keeping me company on the blog tuesday night. u must be more of a night owl than i am especially if you are on the east coast.

    to mj-for all you do. there are too many things to list them all. i have a blast coming here. looking forward to season 8. and when u get so famous that you need a promo picture-i’d love to help with that.

    http://thumbsnap.com/v/Q8UL3bfQ.jpg

  • abbysee

    Thanks for the recap MJ. You were dead on. Even an Archie fan saw the writing on the wall. The guys are both keepers, Cook played the game with panache.

    Scary Janice Dickenson is an Archiefan. Poor kid, run Archie run! She intimated her ‘crowd’ was into him. Either she hangs with tweens or Archie better run faster!

    This season was full of surprises, but was a good solid season. I think it needs to be tweaked a bit. But it still has legs.

  • Kirsten

    I hate to hear talk that this was all a conspiracy even though I completelyunderstand those comments. If any of you were there, please speak if you disagree.

    The insider on EW said the same sorts of things you did. He’s a Cook fan (so he has said in past articles), but he was blown away by how Archie’s voice just filled the room.

    Here’s the strange thing: After the show, as I was driving home, I called up my sister just after the first round had been broadcast on the West Coast, and she wasn’t nearly as hot on D’Archie’s performance either. When I watched it back on the DVR with my neighbors later that night, they, too, were fine to let the sun go down on Archuleta. And I can understand why: The audio mix on his performance was, yep, totally janked on TV, dropping the volume on Little David’s vocal track just as he took to his feet and ripped out “bliiiiinded by the liii-iii-iiiight!” It made his voice sound under-powered and a bit tinny when, in the Death Star, it was anything but; so much so, in fact, that I suspect what caused the audio techs to drop the volume so quickly was the audience responding with its own ear-splitting cheers of appreciation

    Link for those who missed the article in the headlines thread.

    Simon has clearly been a huge supporter of David Cook for weeks. He’s been very positive about Cookie in the press. Clive gave Cookie an awesome and prestigious song to sing. The Producers let them pick something other than “Magic Rainbows” on performance night. And Cookie got to sing a finale song he had wanted to sing for a while. I don’t think anybody was trying to throw him under a bus. It seems from all insider reports I’ve read, that Archie was just amazing live that night and sometimes, magic just happens. Doesn’t mean that Cookie isn’t also fantastic live or that he didn’t deserve to win (voters tend to vote for more than just one performance and the television audience got a different view of that night). So, it’s all good.

  • http://myspace.com/girlgeek mj

    It seems from all insider reports I’ve read, that Archie was just amazing live that night and sometimes, magic just happens.

    Archie’s performance had to be through the roof live for Simon to go off script and critique a performance honestly. That’s so unlike him. Simon almost always sticks to his agenda, no matter what.

    After Cook sang his last song, Simon was pissed off, like he’d let him down.

    I thought Archie won that first round. Even on TV, “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me” was fantastic.

  • sue

    Thank you mj for all the videos this season. I found your site because of teamplaid. I like your commentaries and recaps of the shows. I want to thank
    IGetCranked for that post. I love reading about rehearsals and about how happy DA was and the hugs that DC gave DA. You just made me a fangirly mess. , lol. I love the interactions between those two. Being an Archie fan, I am just proud of him for doing his best on finale night and for being happy with what he has accomplished this season. I commend DC for being such a raw talent and I know he is going to sell a gazillion albums. The whole i-tunes thing was really interesting. I wonder how the show would of gone down if i-tunes was prevalent in the past seasons. I miss Season 7 already but I can’t wait for their albums. Thank you everyone on mj’s blog for making this season truly memorable.