Idol Headlines for 5/08/08

MyFox Atlanta Video Interview

Q: Are you relieved you don’t have to face the judges anymore? And the wrath of Simon?

A: Yea, he was just awkward! After you sing, you’re just standing there and like what’s going on? Who are these people talking to me right now? Every week, it was just so weird!

LOL, Jason.

Jason “who are these people talking to me?” Yeah it is a Jason statement and It funny but it does contribute to his precieved image.Thier the judges and are you with it? The smartest statement luckily he will not get jumped on by the media.

Jason Castro the wrong perception that the judges and some in the public got(this is a guess) is this:
Some in the past did the I do not care what the judges think or FU statements but seemed to want to be thier had fun.
Jason was layed back yawned was tired, probably the judges thought he was just going threw the motions which ticked them off a little.This translated to bad comments because who wants a quitter about him thus near the end he seemed to give up. IMO not fair like people thinking someone for crying is freaky.

I wander if they encourage talking back this year because all have done it in some form..?

From the articles above

Oh, and speaking of Mr. Bice, I have to say I rather enjoyed his performance of ”Witness,” which seemed a lot more up his alley than anything off his debut disc. Still, I had a moment where I wondered if his praise of the two Davids (and failure to acknowledge Jason and Syesha) was a producer requirement if he wanted to score some screen time.

Yep, I thought TPTB didn’t have their claws in Bo anymore. That was just ODD and OBVIOUS!

I’m kind of excited to see Ace on Bones this week. I’ve actually never watched the show but I will definitely tune in for Ace.

I had to chuckle at the title of the EW article “Assisted Suicide”.

I’m happy to read that Simon jumped up to give Jason a hug after the show last night. Although it probably made Jason a little uncomfortable.

Thanks for the video link, PM.

Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m happy to read that Simon jumped up to give Jason a hug after the show last night. Although it probably made Jason a little uncomfortable

Yea- he was so thrilled Jason was leaving.

I don’t think that’s necessarily true, Hicks. I’m sure Simon thought it was Jason’s time to go but so did Jason. I think Simon truly liked Jason, he has given him some outstanding comments and feedback. I do think he was disappointed in Jason’s performances the last few weeks. I personally loved all of Jason’s performances in one way or another.

I think Bo would have commented on the other 2 if Ryan didn’t interrupt him (timetable to keep). I think Bo looked happy and I hope he does well.

Love him love him:

Q: Are you relieved you donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t have to face the judges anymore? And the wrath of Simon?

A: Yea, he was just awkward! After you sing, youà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re just standing there and like whatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s going on? Who are these people talking to me right now? Every week, it was just so weird!

LOL, Jason

t2….I think, and I could be wrong, but it was my impression, that Bo was always talking about David Cook. It was Ryan who tried to spin some of it for DA. Think about it, DC used the voice/guitar device this year, so they were probably jamming together during the day and being rockers bonded up. That is my take anyway.

My take was the same MrRJ. I think Bo was talking about DC – I don’t think he was referencing Archie at all. I believe that was Ryan’s mistake.

I LOVE Bones, and I’ve been looking forward to Ace’s episode. Although – someone should warn PJ that the corpses on Bones typically die a very ugly death. And, she may be traumatized when they take the “pieces of Ace” apart back at the lab.

I usually DVR Bones to watch after the kids go to bed (too much creepy stuff to let the little ones see). And, since Ace was my 7 year old’s very first Idol “favorite” – I’m going to have to keep this episode under lock and key.

ok maybe a little off…
correction the last few weeks about Jason C probably the judges saw in his preformance was a little off or a little slacking…..(not a quitter)

Jason statement maybe taken the wrong way.and not funny at all….Yahoo has picked up the precieved “do not vote”
http://primetime.tv.yahoo.com/

“someone should warn PJ that the corpses on Bones typically die a very ugly death. And, she may be traumatized when they take the à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“pieces of Aceà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  apart back at the lab.”

Oh good, it should be great in HD then. I wasn’t a big Ace fan in season 5 but I’ve grown to appreciate him since the show. I look forward to seeing him.

Bo’s comment about some people hiding behind their instruments too much had nothing to do with either of the Davids. It was aimed at Jason, in my opinion, and was unnecessary.

I thought so to Flicker kind of rude

I will really miss Jason but am glad that he won’t be raked over the coals anymore! Watching his video clips made me see how far he came this season. He could have been the most inexperienced contestant that was on this year. He should be very proud of his accomplishment. I can not wait for his record and wish him all the best. He is a class act. Anyone who can keep smiling the way he did, deserves some respect. All those throwing stones, should keep in mind the pressure these guys are under and all the expectations on them. I hope everyone gives the criticism of him a rest and applaud the memorable performances he gave the show this year. Jason Castro #1!!

And so we bid farewell to Jason Castro, “American Idolà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s” first hippy finalist. With his piercing eyes, goofy remarks, perpetual smile and unmistakable sweet nature, he was a contestant who was impossible not to like. While his musical background was more limited than many of the others, he nonetheless had some star-making musical moments and was the sort of genuine find for whom this season will be remembered. Judging from the avalanche of e-mail I have received from his Dreadhead fan club in the past few weeks, Castro has the most ardent of fan bases which will without a doubt stay with him as he moves into his post-”Idol” career. Whether through his music or his personality, Castro always brought a bit of fun to the “Idol” stage, was never just filler, and for that we wish him well and treasure the time weà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve shared in the Idoldome.

LA Times said it best for me – I can’t wait for him to show us “what for”

PM I couldnt get that video to work – it said it wasnt available

Having watched 3 interviews all asking him the same question .He said he was pumped and said VOTE VOTE .

Let’s face it — Bo is the forgotten Idol (along with a few more) and he needs all the exposure he can get, since he’s not with THE MAIN record company. I didn’t like the song, he needs to get some strong songwriters and that’s what a record company or record man like Clive can do. Clive seems to work best with entertainers who listen to him….but with him in semi-retirement wondering how long that will last….anyway, as for Bo, he seems to be back where he was before Idol and trying to pick up the pieces of a few seasons ago and get his career back in gear. He’s going to have to use TV as much as possible.

Nigel & Co did him a favor by inviting him back and giving him the exposure.

Please allow me a moment to rant.

WTF is up with the group numbers this year? Could they BE any more boring?

I thought, this week should be great. We’ve got a catalogue of 500 rock songs (-8 songs) to pick from. Surely, we will get a group medley of epic proportions. I thought back to final 4 results shows of past. The Season 5 Elvis Medley the Season 3 Disco Medley Season 2 Bee Gees Medley and the Season 2 Bee Gees Medley to name just 3 (before I use to many links and end up in moderation). They had multiple songs. They had multiple duets. They had multiple solos. They had cheesy choreography.

What is it with this year and the dirge like medleys? 500 songs and we only get one? Two minutes of singing? Almost no choreography.

I’m feeling very ROBBED here.

Somebody needs to get fired. Maybe more than one somebody. I want my group medleys. MEDLEY. That means more than one stinkin’ song. I want some choreography. CHOREOGRAPHY. Not just moving from one location on the stage to another.

I know the kids are tired. I know it’s important for Nigel to make every last cent of of them by sending them out to every shilling possibility. Goodness knows, he needs to stuff more money in his mattress. BUT I WANT MEDLEYS!!!!!!

Nigel, Fuller, Clive, whoever is arranging the finale. Get your butt in gear in get me some decent medleys. I want DUETS of more than just the top 3. I want the Top 5 at least to duet. And I want some monster Medleys. Think Season 5. If I get a repeat of Season 6 finale, I will be annoyed (and don’t be dragging out that canary lady again if you know what is good for you).

Thank you for this opportunity to vent.

All those throwing stones, should keep in mind the pressure these guys are under and all the expectations on them. I hope everyone gives the criticism of him a rest and applaud the memorable performances he gave the show this year.

Please stop lecturing your fellow posters.

I mean, seriously, I keep modding people over and over for this stuff. Keep your remarks to your own opinions, please don’t tell others what to do.

Well, I now have my Tuesday nights back. I will probably watch Wednesdays to see Syesha get her Celebrate Me Home. But, I’m done voting this year. Bo was on our local Fox channel last night, and, said he was pulling for Cook.

LOL at Jason’s remarks about the judges. No wonder he could smile through their so-called constructive criticism. He wondered why they were there. And, frankly, so do I. They offered no real advice to the contestants to help them. They just seem to pander for camera time, and, big paychecks. They have become more noticeably puppets.

Idol has dug its own grave. It was fun while it lasted.

Jason clears up the vote/don’t vote controversey here.

ETA: Spense and Jersey, I’m okay with seeing decapitated Ace on my teevee! LOL. Let’s not forget my boy Brandon Rogers, either!

My appologies Mj I started it. I wil quit analzing

Kirsten, thanks for the rant! I agree whole heartedly. If they’re going to do group sings, make them nice and cheesy with tons of choreography! I loved the season 5 Elvis medley. And when I was done watching that, I also watched the Season 5 boys medley from the finale (Tobacco Road etc,) Awesomeness! That’s how you do a medley.

PJ, glad to hear that you’re ready for whatever will befall Ace.

I saw that video with the vote/don’t vote explanation. At least it all worked out in the end.

Jason clears up the vote/donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t vote controversey here.

Well, I watched this a couple of times, but it sure looks to me like the first word really is “DON’T”, and for whatever the reason (he still is under contract with AI, after all is said and done) he is now saying that he said “Vote, vote”… He certainly did want to go home, that he doesn’t deny. Hmmmmm……

Kirsten-

Thanks for the link to the Elvis medley. I miss season 5…….sigh. The guys singing Tobacco Road on the finale……Best. Medley.Ever.

Chicago-Sally – I promise you that I have not forgotten Bo!!!! I still love him – he came to town and played here and everyone loved him.

Question: are all the hometown visits scheduled for today? I’m pretty sure Jason Castro’s was, at least, according to the Facebook event:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=16477121789

And if they are, will they presumably be announcing the judges’ choice for next week?

EDIT: Silly me– a facebook search showed me David Cook’s hometown visit is tomorrow. I couldn’t find anything for Archuleta or Syesha.

Okay, Tobacco Road was sheer pleasure. I fell in love with Bucky that night, swoon. Hello even Covais brought the hotness. Sheer perfection. Taylor sizzled. That was a mf’n medley.

ETA, crap, I had to go back and watch again. *lights imaginary cigarette*

Elliott Yamin, dayum baby.

Hey peeps…help me out here. Does anyone know why DC’s Analog Heart at Amazon.com is now listed as a BOX SET??? I don’t remember this wording in the past, but then again I haven’t been over there in quite some time and I may be “misremembering”.

Does anyone remember if the “producer picks” leaked early last year? Apparently Simon mentioned in a satellite interview that the judges will pick later today and he hopes he gets to pick for DC and “push him in a different direction.”

Coming out of lurk mode.I have re-watched all those medlies from season 5 .They were really good .
I still will miss Jason .

Cheese- I hope to hell that direction Simon wants to push him isn’t in front of a Grayhound bus. That statement by Simon kinda makes me nervous.

Well, I watched this a couple of times, but it sure looks to me like the first word really is à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“DONà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢Tà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ , and for whatever the reason (he still is under contract with AI, after all is said and done) he is now saying that he said à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Vote, voteà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦ He certainly did want to go home, that he doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t deny. Hmmmmmà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦

That is also what I think.

Another thing I think (after watching the various MyFox interviews): AI used Jason and Jason used AI. Jason was just the more charming “user.”

Gawd, Kirsten. So much word.

I am really appreciating more and more the stellar year Season 5 was. In every way. I guess (sigh) there will never be another one to match it.

That said, this was/is a really talented bunch. And fun, too. But they have had the worst 2nd night group numbers — ever.

Honestly, the only one who has really scorched the stage this year was Bo, last night.

There have been some terrific performances, but, to me, this group has not lived up to the hype set before the “best season ever” started.

I certainly hope he meant what he said and it was Vote Vote .If it wasn’t then I kind of mad I wasted 2 hours voting .

That is also what I think.

In light of his Tuesday night facebook update asking people to vote for him, I’m going to take his word for it.

Another thing I think (after watching the various MyFox interviews): AI used Jason and Jason used AI.

I agree, but that is true of all of the contestants, IMO.

Oh! I almost forgot about group numbers on finals night.

I want to plop down my observations on last nights group night: Jason sounded awesome. His voice was so much better than Archie’s. Speaking of Archie, did his hand outstretched movement bother anyone but me? I was just plain weird looking. It also looked like Syesha was giving Jason the look when he was out of rhythm for a moment. DC and DA have absolutely no connection between each other. DA sounded weak and out of breath (and out of tune!).

I think the reason that the group numbers are so bland this year is that the contestants are spending a lot of time recording their iTunes so they can’t get everyone together at the same time. Makes it hard to work on a group number.

I certainly hope he meant what he said and it was Vote Vote .If it wasnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t then I kind of mad I wasted 2 hours voting .

That may be why he denied it.

I agree, but that is true of all of the contestants, IMO.

I do not disagree, pj.

My take was the same MrRJ. I think Bo was talking about DC – I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t think he was referencing Archie at all. I believe that was Ryanà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s mistake.

Yep – he specifically said David Cook. Ryan is the one who brought up DA and that he and Bo looked alike? I’m pretty sure I heard him say something strange like that and it didn’t make a bit of sense……………

Every week on the lame non-medley group songs, Jason is always VERY strong. Especially last night. I was hoping for DC to do Reeling in the Years, but I guess they were saving it for the quick marching across the stage. And boy, did he kill on his two lines.

Cheese- I hope to hell that direction Simon wants to push him isnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t in front of a Grayhound bus. That statement by Simon kinda makes me nervous.

I really doubt it. Simon has gone on record saying David is his favorite, I really doubt he would try and screw him over. If he wants to push him in a different direction I’m willing to bet it’s because Simon sees he’s versatile and can handle something different. After seeing how he did on Andrew Lloyd Webber night of all things, I bet he can handle something different.

IMO, the charm of the group sings this year, left with Michael Johns. Anyone remember moonwalking and chest bumping. Yes, we had it all earlier in the season. Now the group sings are a mere shell of what once was…

If Simon has DC sing over the Freaking Rainbow, I’ll just lose it and it won’t be pretty!!!!!

S”Yes”sha better hope that Paula picks for her, otherwise she may be singing the Barney Song…of course it will make her cry because dinosaurs everywhere are being recognized…

I think the reason that the group numbers are so bland this year is that the contestants are spending a lot of time recording their iTunes so they canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t get everyone together at the same time. Makes it hard to work on a group number.

Yes, you’re right… and these contestants have been traveling a lot, and doing a lot of promotions (more than usual) between shows. So they haven’t put together any group numbers.

Kirsten, thanks for posting those links. Gosh I really feel robbed now!!!

And re: Jason, he’s adorable, and his departure was classy. He’s talented, and not dumb, just not “media savvy”. (Understatement!)

Baxter….I never saw “box set” before. Since Elvis Costello was in the top 500 everyone might want to check out his new album which just dropped:
http://losthighwayrecords.com/artist/releases/release.aspx?pid=1749&aid=175

I’m hoping Simon gets to pick for Archie, and that he chooses something from his Teletubbies collection. It would totally work too – no one would be able to tell when he flubbed a lyric or his breathing was weird.

My heartfelt devotion to you all for the fond memories of the medleys of yesteryear. Season 5 – Elvis Night – loved it so much, I even liked Kat for a moment.

From the articles above

Oh, and speaking of Mr. Bice, I have to say I rather enjoyed his performance of à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ Witness,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  which seemed a lot more up his alley than anything off his debut disc. Still, I had a moment where I wondered if his praise of the two Davids (and failure to acknowledge Jason and Syesha) was a producer requirement if he wanted to score some screen time.

Yep, I thought TPTB didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t have their claws in Bo anymore. That was just ODD and OBVIOUS!

Not only was it odd and obvious — Bo looked and acted very uncomfortable. Couldn’t wait to skedaddle on outta there.

Randy will probably fight to pick Archie’s song. He seems to have a major crush on the kid. IMO, it really is kind of creepy the way randy fawns over Archie.

Kirsten…keeper of all AI stats…do you know which judges picked which songs for the top 3 from seasons past? I remember season 5 but can’t remember any others. Thanks in advance if you do have that info.

MrRJ- Well thank god….at least my memory hasn’t completed fled me yet.

I certainly hope he meant what he said and it was Vote Vote .

He’s telling the truth. I rewatched it on large screen plasma HDTV, in regular and slow motion, and he definately said VOTE VOTE.

simon… jordin
paula… blake
randy… melinda
from season 6

Paula will pick some big diva ballad for Synosha. Randy will pick something inspirational for Archie that involves puppies and kittens and rainbows.

SpenserJ, I am a guy who adores women and I never liked Kat even for a moment, because she was the fakest of fake.

Also for knowing and liking RP/Spenser and Hawk, I think I Love you a little back!

Randy will probably pick Stevie Wonder for Archie and then subsequently slobber all over himself.

Do they always sing a song that they already did this season for the top three? Are we getting two new songs and a repeat this week or three new ones?

Kirstenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦keeper of all AI statsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦do you know which judges picked which songs for the top 3 from seasons past?

Season 1:
Randy: Kelly “Without You”
Paula: Nikki “Black Velvet”
Simon: Justin “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me

Season 2:
Randy: Kimberley “Anyone Who Had a Heart”
Paula: Clay “Mack The Knife”
Simon: Ruben “Smile”

Season 3:
Randy: Diana “Because You Loved Me”
Paula: Jasmine “Mr. Melody”
Simon: Fantasia “A Fool In Love”

Season 4:
Randy: Carrie “Man! I feel Like a Woman”
Paula: Bo “Satisfaction”
Simon: Vonzell “On the Radio”

Season 5:
Randy: Taylor “You Are So Beautiful”
Paula: Elliott “What You Won’t Do For Love”
Simon: Katharine “Over the Rainbow”

Season 6:
Randy: Melinda “I Believe in You and Me”
Paula: Blake “Roxanne”
Simon: Jordin “Wishing on a Star”

Simon picked for 3 eventual Idol Winners (Jordin, Fantasia and Ruben)
Randy picked for the other 3 eventual Idol Winners (Kelly, Taylor and Carrie).

IMO Randy actually does a better job of picking songs that suit the singer. Simon picks sappy songs which works out when he gets to pick for somebody who can do something with a sappy song. Paula listens to voices in her head, and like all things, sometimes the voices get it right (“Roxanne” wasn’t a bad pick). Most of the times, the voices should be locked up (and her choices are the exact opposite of what she thinks they are. “Mack the Knife” was chosen by her for Clay to prove he wasn’t cabaret/Broadway. Yes, nothing like a song from a musical to do that).

Wow, Kirsten, you are my hero!

IMO Randy actually does a better job of picking songs that suit the singer.

Well, except for Carrie….

Do they always sing a song that they already did this season for the top three? Are we getting two new songs and a repeat this week or three new ones?

Last year, the singers were given the option to do one repeat (Blake was the only one to sing three new songs). In Season 5, they sang 3 new songs. I think that was true of season 2-4 as well (though, Kimberley did get to repeat a song she’d sung during the Hollywood round for her “random” pick). Season 1 had only two songs.

I wonder if Syesha will sing “Chain of Fools”? It’s been done by two previous contestants during the final 3 (Fantasia/Vonzell). “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down” has been picked twice for the contestants (Justin by Simon and Bo by Clive).

Well, except for Carrieà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦.

Well, I never said he did a good job. Just a better job than the other two (or Clive…who did pick well for Diana).

Thankfully, contestants choice is usually last so they can try to erase what went before.

Suffice to say, I think that Simon would do an okay job of picking for Syesha or David A. David Cook would have to do some serious re-arranging of whatever Simon picks. Whoever gets Paula better hope that the voices are feeling generous. Randy will probably pick something that’s maybe not great, but can at least be molded into something presentable.

Re Bo’s reply mentioning the davids…it seemed he hadn’t finished but was interrupted by Ryan and didn’t get to finish and acknowledge the others. It’s not something the very fun but polite Bo would do, to leave someone out.

No, Bo wouldn’t have done that on purpose. He’s not that kind of guy. One thing I don’t understand is the comment he made about some hiding behind their instruments too much. I’ll just lay odds that if they were allowed to play instruments on season 4, that gitar would’ve been a permanent fixture on Bo’s back. And, speaking of which, he sure can play a mean guitar.

I really think that part of Bo’s whole speech was scripted by TPTB to set up the elimination for the night. It didn’t sound like Bo at all.

MTV Newsroom

With Jason Castro Gone, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Idolà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ Can Get Back to Being Polished, Scrubbed & Boring

But let me say this about Tuesday: it may not have been your finest moment, but à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“I Shot the Sheriffà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  was a way more interesting choice from the Hall of Fame songbook than the umpteenth version of à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Stand By Meà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  and à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Proud Mary.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  And for Simon to have suggested à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“you donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t touch that songà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ? Huh? As if anything is inviolable on à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“American Idolà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  please. A sanitized version of à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Imagineà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  is OK, stripped of its atheist, socialist teeth, but a à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“karaokeà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  version of Marleyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s fight-the-power anthem is not? Spare me the double standard.

And the outrage in the blogoverse about Jasonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s eye-widening, his supposedly à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“flippantà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  reaction to the judges, his lack of appropriate remorse over his blown performances, his ever-present smile. WTF do you people think this is? Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s a singing contest! If you ask me, he took it as seriously as à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“American Idolà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  ought to be taken. So, letà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s see à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  when Simon told him to pack his bags, should he have had a à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Brooke momentà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  and broken down? Should he have been shaken to the core? Please. He acknowledged that he à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“screwed upà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  two songs he knew and loved, and thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s it. No more penance is needed.

–John Norris

Kirsten- Thank you so much. I knew I could count on you. So DC wants either Randy or Simon picking his song. I still don’t like Simon’s comment about wanting to push DC in a different direction. GAH!!!

*ahem….I leave for a couple of hours and I have someone trying to move in on my blog-mance…sniff…I thought you were my friend Spence…sniff* :cry_tb:

Thanks PM for putting up that article – I have actually seen a lot of support for Jason out there now. It wasnt as “scary” as I thought it would be

I agree that DC shouldn’t be messed with. I still think his “waking up feeling funny” was a story to cover a family or ‘love’ matter. He has enough on his plate then. I can also tell he misses his buddy Brooke.

*Bax….you must understand Spenser books…and their emotional connection. Did you ever figure out my e-mail address?*

From the LA Times article:

At one commercial break, stage manager Debbie Williams summoned Carly back on stage to join her comrades one more time on the death couch where the others awaited their fate, (Williams explained David Cook had suggested, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Wouldnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t it be funny if we came back from break and Carly was just here with us.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ) Joining them, Carly seemed happier and having more fun than the shell-shocked survivors could probably even fathom. (Sadly, a voice in her ear piece from the control booth ordered Williams to end the joke and send Carly back to the audience before the show returned from break.)

Good to see David Cook still has his sense of humor in spite of the off day. It has to be kind of lonely for him with all of his buddies gone now.

EDIT: Silly meà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’ a facebook search showed me David Cookà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s hometown visit is tomorrow. I couldnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t find anything for Archuleta or Syesha.

I posted about 6 articles in the headlines thread regarding all the hometown visits tomorrow.

Also for knowing and liking RP/Spenser and Hawk, I think I Love you a little back!

tee hee – I’m hearing David Cassidy in my head now. Hawk is one of my most favorite fictional characters of all time – and as played by Avery Brooks on tv is my number one favorite tv character of all time.

It’s all good Baxter - I’ve already moved on – now I’m in love with that John Norris guy Prime quoted above from mtv (sorry JR – I’m fickle like that).

And, Kristen – I’m just going to start thinking up random idol questions every day until I stump you.

MyFox Atlanta

MyFox Boston

Cleveland Jason said he hasn’t had any offers.

Houston Warning: Turn down the sound. Oh, and these interviewers don’t seem to excited about him.

Kansas

Los Angeles Simon says Jason’s going to look back on this and regret that he bailed out.

Gosh, I’m getting irritated at Jason watching all these interviews. So I’m not posting any more. SIGH. It’s a little disappointing that he bailed on us these past couple week, or more like it’s disappointing the media has portrayed it that way. Lots of Brooke and Carly love in the media–Jason, not so much.

I hope he gets picked up by an indie label, but who would take such a risk on someone who can’t handle the pressure? Maybe he should have left at #6.

deleted

Prime, Thanks for the mtv writer quote above. I think many here will be going through Jason Castro withdrawal next week. Okay, now I’m sad again. :sad_tb:

IMO, the charm of the group sings this year, left with Michael Johns. Anyone remember moonwalking and chest bumping. Yes, we had it all earlier in the season. Now the group sings are a mere shell of what once wasà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦

So true. They also could have used his voice to jazz up the song yesterday. It was pretty lame.

Surprisingly, I’m finding a new found respect for John Norris. Dude seems to be somewhat smart. Who knew?

Of course, I love this article:

To advance his career, Archuleta should lose ‘American Idol’

Listening to his performances Tuesday night, on what was ostensibly a tribute to rock ‘n’ roll classics, revealed everything that’s right and wrong about Archuleta’s singing.

On the plus side, the kid can sing. He has a beautiful voice, he’s technically proficient at hitting the right notes, and his puppy-dog sweetness even had Paula Abdul gushing (OK, gushing more than usual).

But Archuleta suffers from problems common to “American Idol” contestants. One is a tendency to put too many flourishes in songs, never singing one note when a dozen will do. The other is that he doesn’t adapt his singing style to the song, but instead brings the song into his personal comfort zone: slow ballads (“Love Me Tender” this week) and midtempo R&B-lite numbers (as he did with “Stand By Me”).

The Salt Lake Tribune

Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s all good Baxter – Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve already moved on – now Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m in love with that John Norris guy Prime quoted above from mtv (sorry JR – Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m fickle like that).

I may have to fight you for Norris.

And Rher, next week we’ll get all the talk shows and the following week is the finale. All is good.

Spenser, it was sooooo good while it lasted. Avery Brooks is who I see in my mind when I read the books. Heck you probably look like Susan.

Heck you probably look like Susan.

Only in my dreams do I look that good.

I may have to fight you for Norris.

Oh PJ – I suppose you can have him. I’ll just stick with Mr. Spense – it’s far too risky a gamble to throw away a man who pretends not to notice when you buy lots and lots of shoes.

FYI: I have a 5 link limit on posts to avoid spam. So, if you want to post a bunch of links, you may have to create several posts, or wait for me to rescue it from moderation!

As we enter the final two weeks of Idol and get ready for the inevitable David vs. David finale, I think this portion of Ann Power’s LA Times Showtracker Blog really sums up what is lacking in the chemistry of the final three left standing:

“Previous seasons had variety, but there was a sense that the “Idols” were learning from each other, or at least enjoying friendly rivalries. Now, each fits into a slot so particular that ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s hard to see how they even relate. What can Cook, a grown man who even tried (vainly) to inject some sex into the show this week with a growly à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Hungry Like the Wolf,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  really have to say to the virginal Archuleta? Can Syesha, whose charisma has unfurled alongside a disturbingly ruthless pageant-queen personality, stand to be around either of them, or is Cookie too grimy and Archie too naive?

The à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Idolsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  have to love each other for the showà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s formula to work. They have to project real glee when they joke around in those silly Ford commercials, and cry in each otherà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s arms when Ryan gives one the ax. Without camaraderie à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’- without some whiff of fun, even in the hardest moments — à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Idolà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  no longer feels like an agent of magical transformation. It feels like an endless casting call.

No one wants to watch careerist kids fighting to be become pawns in a dying music industry. If the last few episodes of this season continue to sink in that direction, it will end in a sad finale, no matter who wins. Come on, Final Three. Bring back the fun. Keep that bit of Jason Castroà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s spirit with you.”

I am thinking about last year’s final three of Jordin, Melinda and Blake and it seemed like there was so much more genuine camraderie between the three of them. Maybe it was all an illusion and they hated each others guts, but without it, the show seems so much less enjoyable. I get the feeling that Syesha is always looking out for Syesha and little David is too busy trying to please Dadculeta and poor Cookie and his gynormous noggin are left to brood on how he can salvage any rock cred after they force him to sing “I Believe in My Proud Moment of Now” so that any attempt to look like they enjoy each other’s company just falls flat. With Brooke, Jason and Carly gone, some vital lifeforce has left the building.

Randy will probably pick Stevie Wonder for Archie and then subsequently slobber all over himself.

oooh!

I would love for Archie to sing, “I Was Made to Love Her” written during his “Little Stevie Wonder” days. Perfect.

FYI: I have a 5 link limit on posts to avoid spam. So, if you want to post a bunch of links, you may have to create several posts, or wait for me to rescue it from moderation!

Got it. Thanks, mj. I was trying to figure out what word I had used to cause that, lol.

HEARD FROM ANYONE FAMOUS WHO HAS CALLED YOU OR EXPRESSED INTEREST IN WORKING WITH YOU?

Nothing about wanting to work with me. Chris Sligh called me the other day. He was hanging out with one of my friends, who is a guitarist, doing studio work in Nashville, and I came up in conversation. He gave him my number and he was extending his friendship. I havenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t called him back yet. I havenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t had time — thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s how busy this thing is. I canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t even call back a celebrity.

I’m still bummed about no one being interested in Jason. Didn’t Michael Johns get a couple offers as soon as he was booted? SIGH, Jason…

At least he got a call from Sligh.

USA Today Interview

Doesn’t Randy have to consult with David’s father before choosing the right song?

I think there could be some real chemistry among the final two if the two contestants able to generate that chemistry reach the final.
With DavidC and DavidA in the final, you have a Wally and little Beaver scenario with Ward Cleaver overseeing things from the sidelines. Is that the kind of chemistry AI wants?
Don’t think so.
Syesha and DavidC on the other hand. Hmm…

I am thinking about last yearà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s final three of Jordin, Melinda and Blake and it seemed like there was so much more genuine camraderie between the three of them. Maybe it was all an illusion and they hated each others guts, but without it, the show seems so much less enjoyable. I get the feeling that Syesha is always looking out for Syesha and little David is too busy trying to please Dadculeta and poor Cookie and his gynormous noggin are left to brood on how he can salvage any rock cred after they force him to sing à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“I Believe in My Proud Moment of Nowà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  so that any attempt to look like they enjoy each otherà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s company just falls flat. With Brooke, Jason and Carly gone, some vital lifeforce has left the building.

I was just thinking, that at this point of the competition, last year, I was really enjoying it. Not so much this season.

I’m not sure, but I think things started going south this year with Michael Johns premature ouster. I think he was part of the glue that kept that crew together.

I was lucky to get backstage several times last year, and I’ve gotten to know Sligh a little bit. Those kids really did like each other, genuinely, last year. I thought Blake and Jordin were cute as a final two couple. I can’t imagine the same kind of chemistry between any of the contestants who are left now.

This may or may not be interesting to anyone, but statistics show that being in the bottom 2 on top 4 night doesn’t necessarily mean anything.

Three times, the non-booted bottom 2 dweller of top 4 night has been eliminated on top 3 night: Nikki McKibbin, Kimberley Locke, Vonzell Solomon

Twice, that person has come in 2nd: Katharine McPhee, Blake Lewis

Once, has won: Fantasia Barrino

I wouldn’t count Syesha out just yet…

I was just thinking, that at this point of the competition, last year, I was really enjoying it. Not so much this season.

Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m not sure, but I think things started going south this year with Michael Johns premature ouster. I think he was part of the glue that kept that crew together.

I’d have to agree. It may have just been me, but I found it hard to enjoy the shows after Mariah Night, which would have sucked too, were it not for David Cook and Jason.

Maybe Jason has offers that he isn’t aware of yet. I feel so bad for him, because the machinery went all out to get him, and, I hope that doesn’t hurt his chances for a record deal.

Simon made a comment on a show last night. He said if Syesha hadn’t made the top 3, there would’ve been a riot. Isn’t that interesting? Who would’ve been rioting? Having said that, I’m still wondering if they skewered the votes against Jason. They can do whatever they want since this isn’t a game show. It’s catergorized as entertainment, just like the WWF.

When Michael was doing his interviews the big subject was how Dolly Parton called him saying she wanted to write with him and how he had all these celebrities were shocked and upset over his elimination. I think Michael had the benefit of the shock boot helping him. He’s said he has offers but I don’t recall if he was saying that as soon as the day after he left. Jason has plenty of time.

Even though this year I have a “dog in the fight” I’m not enjoying it all that much either. In fact, this is the first year where I’ve deliberately avoided watching the show (mostly in the last few weeks). Last year was rather mindless fun, despite my dislike of Blake and Sligh.

Maybe being too invested makes the whole competition too close for comfort. Especially at this time in the series when things are so slick, and the contestants so well-schooled in the ways of AI, it has lost a lot of what was once pretty fun.

At one point I would have liked Jason, I think. He’d have been the one contestant to throw a monkey wrench into the machinery. There’ve only been a couple of contestants that I enjoyed on that very basis. But not this time.

Although, I do have to say that I lauged my ass off when Jason went off into la-la-la lost the lyrics land with “Tamborine Man”. That’s old school fun, right there.

I think it’s premature to worry about no “offers” for Jason. In reality, these kids can’t do anything until the tour is over. In past years, so many contestants said they had “offers” and then nothing panned out. Sometimes they think someone giving them a complement or an offhand remark is an offer. So just sit tight, and see what happens. He needs to make a big impact on the tour and start working on some of his own music. There is an indie label out there for him, just waiting.

I think offers have to be run through 19 until two months after the finale, when their contract expires. If they don’t get picked up, they’re then free to sign other deals. I wouldn’t worry too much that Jason doesn’t have any offers yet (and he’s barely been out of the bubble). I don’t expect him to get a major label deal, though, with the industry is the way it is. I would be happy for nurturing Indie label. We shall see.

Here are a few more Jason vids from this morning:

Chicago

Twin Cities

Jason says his favorite day was Wed b/c of the group numbers.

EW Interview

Some interesting quotes:

Let’s talk about Tuesday night. When Simon said no one should ever cover ”I Shot the Sheriff,” did you think of reminding him that Eric Clapton did a great cover of the song?
You know, sometimes he says things that are obviously wrong. But no, I wouldn’t have said that to him. My mom taught me never to make a person look wrong. I am just respectful. It’s my place to sing a song and his place to judge.

Speaking of next week, what were you going to sing?
Two of the songs would not have been my choice. We were going to be given two songs. For the third, I was deciding between ”Blue Eyes” by Cary Brothers and ”Green Eyes” by Coldplay. Next week was all about the eyes.

Is that so, Lashes? Seriously, I would have loved to have heard either of these.

Did you want to kill Andrew Lloyd Webber for dissing you on stage?
No. I thought it was humorous. He was really very kind, but we’re just different people. I don’t think he gets me. I saw a lot of passion in him, but he couldn’t pick up on my passion.

Just read the EW interview. It is nicely written, and I think it paints a nice picture of Jason. His thoughts on the judges and why he didn’t talk back to them, and his comments about ALW, show his parents raised him right. He was definitely feeling out of his element these past weeks and is honest about the “I want to go home” comment from last week. And he is definitely pursuing a music career after the tour. Wonder if Jack Johnson would mentor him on a song or two?

Edited to add: The MTV interview is great. Jason is not the idiot some would make him out to be. He said his problem the last few weeks was he couldn’t find songs he could connect with and having to pick more than one made it worse. He also talks about his complete lack of performing experience before Idol. Interesting that none of the interviews bring up the “stoner” label- I suppose 19e won’t allow it.

Gosh, Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m getting irritated at Jason watching all these interviews. So Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m not posting any more. SIGH. Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s a little disappointing that he bailed on us these past couple week, or more like ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s disappointing the media has portrayed it that way. Lots of Brooke and Carly love in the mediaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’Jason, not so much.

I hope he gets picked up by an indie label, but who would take such a risk on someone who canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t handle the pressure? Maybe he should have left at #6.

I feel ya, prime.

Which interviews are you guys getting irritated with? Is it ones with the judges and commentators? Or actual interviews with Jason? I haven’t listened/watched anything, I have just been reading his print interviews, and they are fine.

Apparently Simon mentioned in a satellite interview that the judges will pick later today and he hopes he gets to pick for DC and à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“push him in a different direction.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 

As I mentioned to a couple people via email today after being told about this statement – what is he gonna pick? An instrumental jazz number? Or maybe a Spice Girls song?

Star, what were some of our other suggestions? You were being more serious than me – I was being really sarcastic. I pulled a DC and woke up in the wrong frame of mind today. Heh.

mocha, I watched all the linked vids and I have no problem with anything Jason said. I thought he came across as very honest, which I appreciate.

RE: Simon’s comment about wanting to make Cookie go in another direction…I have no idea what he means. I mean, after Mariah Carey and ALW and Dolly Parton, I’m not sure what other direction there is for Simon to make him go. I’ve been thinking on it randomly throughout the afternoon and have debated between Queen, Snow Patrol, and Leona Lewis. And on the way home, “Since U Been Gone” by Kelly Clarkson popped into my head.

At any rate, I’m definitely intrigued by Simon’s remark, so I hope he does get to choose for DCook!

ETA: haha Sarah, we were posting at the same time!!

EW’s On The Scene report from last night’s show.

LOL, star. I’m glad you can give serious suggestions.

……Jason is just some beautiful Sunshine with Class…..his eyes twinkle so….

I’m sure MJ will post AI Extra later, but Jason freely admits that he “hit a wall,” “went as far as he could go,” “was getting overwhelmed” is “not used to learning songs,” “I had enough” and is relieved to be off the show.

I’ve always heard there is no such thing as a stupid question, so I’m going to ask this. When these idols (Michael, Brooke, Jason, etc) give the various interviews in different locations, who foots the bill? I know how the fox affiliates do it, that they are in one place and fed in, but what about when they are traveling to live shows with performances and all…like Ellen, Regis and Kelly, Leno, etc.

Just curious, as I actually don’t know! :dunce_tb:

Judy, Idol foots the bill for all the interviews. The kids are under contract with Idol til the end of the tour, hence the discussion earlier that they cannot accept any “offers” that they may be getting at this time. The interviews are basically PR for Idol and the tour.

Caffiend, sounds like the AI Extra confirms that Jason was just mentally and creatively drained. Maybe some would like to say he “gave up”, but I think he just couldn’t produce anymore, not that he didn’t want to. I think he is one that can’t “fake” enthusiasm when he isn’t feeling it, either. Some of these kids are just better cut out for the pressure cooker environment. Look at Syesha, she thrives on it, and it has served her well. Cook is calm and collected, no matter what. Brooke, well, we all know what the pressure did to her. Look forward to viewing the interview.

Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m not sure, but I think things started going south this year with Michael Johns premature ouster. I think he was part of the glue that kept that crew together.

I’ve felt the same way but it’s nice to hear it from someone without the Michael bias, MJ. I think he kept them laughing and having fun during the stressful times. He certainly made the group songs from being dreary with his goofy antics.

I’m curious about that too, Judy. I always assumed it was the shows but could be Fox or AI.

So Simon jumped onstage and gave Jason a big hug after his sing-out last night?! I knew he liked him, was just disappointed in him the last few weeks. Too bad he didn’t say so on camera, though. Read the US article if you don’t know what I am talking about. Paula is very complementary as well. No comment from Randy.

I know how the fox affiliates do it, that they are in one place and fed in, but what about when they are traveling to live shows with performances and allà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦like Ellen, Regis and Kelly, Leno, etc.

Taking a guess here, but I think they get an appearance fee from the talk shows, years ago it was about $1000, but with the contracts and all it’s more than that now. I read Fox411 that Jennifer Lopez’s recording company (Epic/BMG) paid for her stylists, makeup person, catering when she promoted the last album on the morning shows and it cost the rec. company a bundle; something like hundreds of thousands of dollars. And there was speculation that she would be dropped because she was an expensive “diva” who no longer could sell albums. Oprah pays for all travel expense: hotel, air, amenities…but her guests usually promote something like a book or clothing.

So to answer your question: it varies and sometimes it’s shared between the show and the record company. As for Idols, the talk shows prob. pay for all expenses. But they come cheap compared to big stars. Think about it: how much would it cost to clothe and makeup an Idol compared to Jennifer Lopez?

Sally, you are probably right, Ellen and R&K probably do foot the bill for the Idols. I guess they are just like any other guest on the show. I am sure Idol makes sure they are booked and probably sends a chaperone to keep them out of trouble. I guess I just assumed Idol paid for everything, but it makes more sense for the shows to pay a fee.

I will miss Jason in Top 3 but it sounds like he just couldn’t keep up – I don’t think he quit as it sounded like he was trying to problem solve – such as picking songs he knew this week – but things just weren’t working for him as far as the judging – and he knew it and accepted it with good humor. IMO he wasn’t a slacker at all – as he said he was pretty inexperienced. I still love his voice and personality and am listening to his studio recordings right now. He tried his best and that is all anyone can do. I wish him success and happiness with his new found fame :help_tb:

I too think Simon liked Jason but was disappointed when his performance level stopped accelerating.

Randy is useless this year and I guess he has no class as well. Pffft.

Her performance Tuesday night for a nearly packed house of 6,700 at the Don Haskins Center was not a great show. It was an OK show, but certainly not up to the level of many of the genreà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s more seasoned superstars.

I hope Carrie didn’t read that — OUCH! that hurt, worse than what Simon would say.

More:

“One of the problems that has plagued Underwood’s post-”Idol” performing career is her lack of personality onstage. This was my third time seeing her, first as a headliner, and it seems that the charming young woman who had emerged on her 2006 tour with Kenny Chesney has been lost in the din of oversized video screens, catwalks, costume changes, routine audience patter, an unevenly paced set and a woman who seems more concerned with hitting her marks than hitting people where it counts – in the heart.”

Not good

à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“One of the problems that has plagued Underwoodà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s post-à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ Idolà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  performing career is her lack of personality onstage. This was my third time seeing her, first as a headliner, and it seems that the charming young woman who had emerged on her 2006 tour with Kenny Chesney has been lost in the din of oversized video screens, catwalks, costume changes, routine audience patter, an unevenly paced set and a woman who seems more concerned with hitting her marks than hitting people where it counts – in the heart.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 

Carrie just never really did it for me. And this quote pretty much says that nothing has changed about her stage presence since she was on Idol.

I can see the judges picks now -
Archuletta = ” You Raise Me Up ” by Josh Groban
Syesha = ” I’m a Little Tea Pot”
Cook = ” Happy Birthday to You “.

Advantage = Archuletta
They will give him a gift and the other two will be given an impossible task to accomplish. Then Archuletta will finish the evening off with ” The Star Spangled Banner ” , the judges will swoon and their little prince takes the crown.

Maybe Syesha could work with Rikey to put toogether a well choreographed version of IALTP, and we know David would create a way to make HBTY his own, so I’m not even sure DavidA wins that round.

So, I guess that people would rather buy Carrie’s album, rather than watch her on stage? She has always appeared to be a robot. That was a huge part of her during her AI run. And, I might add, she is boring as well.

This is televised:

American Idolà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  winner Taylor Hicks performs at the 2008 A CAPITOL FOURTH, which offers an evening of patriotic and uplifting music followed by a stunning display of fireworks over the Washington Monument.

http://dc.about.com/od/specialeventphotos1/ss/CapitolFourth_3.htm

will miss Jason in Top 3 but it sounds like he just couldnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t keep up – I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t think he quit as it sounded like he was trying to problem solve – such as picking songs he knew this week – but things just werenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t working for him as far as the judging – and he knew it and accepted it with good humor. IMO he wasnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t a slacker at all – as he said he was pretty inexperienced. I still love his voice and personality and am listening to his studio recordings right now. He tried his best and that is all anyone can do. I wish him success and happiness with his new found fame

I couldn’t have said it better, Dante. I’ll take it one step further… I’m glad he owns up to all that in his interviews instead of pretending otherwise. That will serve him well in life, IMO.

Dante and pj, great comments. I hadn’t thought about it, but Jason is simply stating the truth, that he was just in over his head at this point, and the pressure got to him. No excuses for his leaving, like some others have made: b/c people were voting for the girls/boys, or b/c his fans wanted him to leave, or b/c of performance order, etc, etc.

I still think he really represents what the show claims to be about: finding true, undiscovered, raw, untrained, unseasoned talent somewhere in the country. How cool that he made it to #4.

It will be nice to see Taylor perform on TV at A Capitol Fourth. Elliott performed there last year.

I don’t see why the pressure that Jason felt in the competition should keep him from recording. If there is some label out there that is interested in him, he would have the luxury of time that he didn’t have on AI to learn and perfect new songs. His skill in performing would develop with time. If someone perceives that there is a desire out there for a Jason recording, I don’t think it is a bad bet for them to make.

ETA: Can’t WAIT to see Taylor on TV again!

I hope Carrie blows that review off- I’m sure she will. She has had many, many positive reviews for her solo tour as well as her tour with Keith Urban. Some people just don’t get her and never will. She has sold almost 10 million albums so I don’t think she has too much to worry about.

As for season 7 I really wish I could like it, but Brooke, MJ, Carly, and Cook were the top 4 for me and when three of them left before that it was just very, very meh for me.

I downloaded Brooke’s album from itunes and I really like it. I hope she releases more- she definitely has a distinct sound.

I wonder who pays for Ricky Minor and the band when they travel like they did to Chicago to back MJ & Carly?

I’m also bored with the top 3 although still like DC best but am excited by the finale to see MJ and the others back again. I just hope they skip those dreary & lame awards to the most outrageous auditioners.