Season 7 Final 3 Results – Recap

Group Song:
i love watching DA trying to remember the choreography and sneaking peeks at Syesha.

Audience:
I saw David Hernandez, Amanda, and Jacuzzi…did i miss anyone?

Jacuzzi?

uhhhhh, isn’t it season 7?? confused by the header!

Yeah, it is Season 7, probably just a small mistake (everyone makes them).

Raise your hand if you think Fantasia’s hair color is natural. Me either. Boy, that performance was an effing hot mess. What was that?

WOW- I miss Fantasia. I made that point last night. Wasn’t too crazy about the song but as far as presence/personality/excitement show blows these top 3 out of the H2O. I think she is the most undenyable of all the idol winners when it comes to true talent.

Dear Fantasia,,,,,,,,,,WTF????????

Simon looked confused as hell at Fantasia.

Okay David Archuleta went to a mall? Seriously? I am remembering 17 year old Tiffany and her mall tours. She did cover songs of the Beatles as well. Hmmmm, maybe David is channeling his inner Tiffany?

Tears, DA, you’re causing me to create tears. That was sweet watching his trip home. Even though I’m a Cook fan, I must say, I’m okay with DA winning, too, because I know he’ll appreciate it and not think it was owed.

Now on to Syesha – hopefully lightning will strike tonight…

What’s the point? Everyone and their sisters know Syesha is getting the boot. I almost feel sorry watching her homecoming footage.

The look on Simon’s face when ‘Tasia and her “dancers” were singing…NOW THAT WAS SOME GOOD TV! BWAH!!!!

Is this an HOUR show or half hour?! Do they really need to drag this out for 60 minutes?

That’s what they need to change next year. Move the results show to 8:00 and make it a half hour.

The original show airs at 8:00 so kids can watch. The results show comes on too late. And it’s TOO DAMN LONG AND FULL OF CRAP! I tune in for the last 15 minutes.

If they want to put it on at 9:00 or have it run for an hour, make the kids do comedy, like a live version of the Monkees.

Did anyone notice that David Cook’s crowd was filled w/ males and females of all ages and DA’s crowd was filled w/ little girls? Cook is the bomb.com!

I did notice that lilq! That suggests that David C has more potential for success in the industry.

I noticed that as well with the crowd mix. Personally, David C’s visit home made my tear up more than the other 2.

Home Packages: things i noticed-
- David Archuleta’s “Gosh!” count: 4
- I think it is a small miracle when you think about the fact that David said he really decided he wanted to be a singer when Idol came on TV. So put yourself in his position: you work your butt off preparing for something for 6 years and when you are finally old enough to audition, you come out as an early favorite on the biggest show on tv and your favorite show on tv and do a pretty damn good job (especially for a 17 year old!) of staying near the front every show. I get goosebumps when i think of it like that.
-Is it bad that i was kinda hoping syesha’s helicopter would of crashed?…it was only for like a split second i swear! nah, shes a nice girl. i hope she does well post-idol.
-I would love to see how David Cook’s initial cattle-call audition went and how he magically came to audition. i find that interesting.

Please remember, David will grow and so will the age of his audiences. Hello!

The two in the finale are….David A and David C…

That was predictable.

there you go…david vs david

props to syesha for putting up such a great fight!

So we get the predicted David vs David finale. Good luck to both of them.

I love David Cook! He’s my homeboy!

What a shocker! NOT!!

2DF2!!

DCFTMFW!! DAFTMFW!!

IDFC…..

Okay was it just me or at the very end of the show did David Archuleta already look scared to death for next week?

Syesha?!!!

OMG! I didn’t see that coming! :tongue1_tb:

Sayesha didn’t see it coming either, she’s still under the bus they parked on her last night during performance show, lol.

Hopefully someone other than 19E will sign Syesha to something big at their first opportunity…

Jovi
May 14th, 2008 at 10:02 pm
Sayesha didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t see it coming either, sheà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s still under the bus they parked on her last night during performance show, lol.

Wow- i award you 2 points. hilarious.

Yeah, seriously about the buspushing. They really made sure everyone thought Syesha sucked last night. When, psst, she didn’t! (imo)

WOW to Fantasia, the girl owns that stage, the song was strange, messy, wacked out and the best part of the craptastic show tonight.. love her and her day glo hair and her glittery dancers, and in your face styling moves.
the finale next wk, predictable, ho hum, could care less who wins at this point

Finally – Syesha is gone – NO WAY – David vs David??? I NEVER would have guessed THAT one!

lilq May 14th, 2008 at 9:17 pm

Raise your hand if you think Fantasiaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s hair color is natural. Me either. Boy, that performance was an effing hot mess. What was that?

You got that right, dude! I mean, BAAAADDDDD. How hilarious was Simon’s face during it?

I like Fantasia but the look on Simon’s face hit the nail on the head WTF!

Aww I loved everybody’s home coming video.
I like Syesha and I’m sorry Syesha fans.
That ford Video was cute.

:drunk_tb: I’m so flippin happy that its Cookie and Archie in the final 2!

Hm, will we hear about the cointoss?

Yeah….totally not surprised by the final two. In some senses I would have almost liked to see a SHOCKER!!! but I’ll deal with some good competition instead!

Bring it on, DAvids!

and WTF was up with Fantasia? I mean first, her hair, I could deal with that. I really could. But if that was a song, I missed every word of it. I mean I don’t know what the hell that was, but I didn’t like it. I was never a Fantasia fan, and I was painfully reminded tonight why, but even compared to that WTF moment, I’ll take every single one of her idol performances a million times over.

Simon’s face in the middle of the performance somewhere, said it all. I concur, Simon, I concur.

I thought Simon’s face during Fantasia’s performance was the best part of the night. That and the Ford commercial which was actually a good one for a change.

Fantasia, honey, WTF? Huh? Simon’s face is THE funniest thing I have seen in a long time.

Congrats to Arch & Cook!! They deserve it!!

Man…for some bizarre reason I started to irrationally panic about half way through DC’s home visit video, and by the time they finished his idol journey piece I was sure something had gone wrong and we would be celebrating him home. lmao That was not a happy few moments!

Archie actually made me tear up a little. Gosh darn it, he’s a sweet kid and I wish him success…even though I hope I never have to see him or hear him sing again. heh.

Fantasia?!? Holy carp! Not a song I’d listen to on the radio (was it a song??), but that was one heck of a performance, girl. By the looks of it, Simon was as stunned as I.

Bring on next week! DCFTMFW!

Best part of the night for me, DC in the finale!!!! DCFTMFW!!!

Runner up was the whole DC homecoming vid, hope hope hope MJ has that available???

Third place was the WTF look on Simon’s face while Fantasia was on. I agree, WTF.

What a surprise.

David A looked like he was either going to hurl or faint on national TV. If that boy wins next week, I hope they have medical staff on hand.

I would like to see Cook win but David A’s fan base is humongous.

By the looks of it, Simon was as stunned as I.

He was, wasn’t he? As star said so cleverly in chat, his face was like :O

*breaaathhes* I need to stop freaking out every week over Cookie. But, congrats, dear.

I laughed out so loud when they showed us the look on Simon’s face!
What word describes that look, anyway?
He looked like he didn’t understand what was happening.

I guess you don’t do Marley,
and you don’t do THAT!

Congrats to the David fans!

Please oh please, MJ, get a screen cap of Simon’s face for your recap. I don’t get to see the show tonight but I really want to see this!

David A’s fanbase was a teen idol in the making. I mean it was literally was….a scary, fanatical force.

DC had a much older fanbase. Thank goodness.

FINALlly – David vs. David FTW!

A few thoughts:

Archie’s home town visit was very badly managed, from reports I got form one of my buddies that was there. The AT&T shills had set up an autograph table for David to sign autographs: you know, a couple hundred head shots, 4 or 5 Sharpies, an hour spent kissing babies.

They drew 45,000 people downtown, by Park Service estimates.

He got MOBBED. It was scary.

As for Cookie: good for him. Well deserved. And throwing out the 1st ball at the Royals game reminds me of Season 5 and Elliott (and his dear Mom) riding into Braves stadium in Richmond.
Love that Elliott.

Syesha: MUCH better job of reception that I expected – better than McPhee’s (the low point IMHO).

As for ‘tasia – well… I like to Quote Christian from Bravo’s Project Runway: “She was FIERCE!”
And “… a hot mess” indeed. Good Lawd. Nice braces, tho.

Seraphina, I had the same moment about one minute before the actual announcement. I thought David vs David is tooooo obvious they will do a shocker and actually said that David C would go home. Very glad I was wrong by the way.

Second to Simonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s look was Archie’s embarrassment whilst watching Fantasia and her posse hip swivel about the stage. :mrgreen_wp:

Syesha: MUCH better job of reception that I expected – better than McPheeà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s (the low point IMHO).

Yes, Syesha had TWICE as many fans show up as Kat. However, I did notice she got the honorary “Katharine McPhee Helicopter Ride of Filler” treatment.

Ooh! The evil chick inside me was a teensy bit gleeful about that, even though I’m *sure* Syesha has TWICE the genuinity of Kat.

Fanty – what a hot tranny mess she’s become. I wondered if they did that to show what a double-edged sword winning can be.

Wellll….I never had a doubt in the world Cocky McSmugface was safe tonight…… :smoke_tb:….ok that’s a total lie. Damn this next week is going to kill me.

And speaking of fanbases….do not under estimate the size of Cook’s. He draws from a huge city of KC, a wider spread of ages and if you check out Dial Idol just for giggles…look at the geopredictor…..DC, last night won 90% of the states reporting. That is a snapshot of his voting base to me. Mormons and tweens beware…the Pasty White Midwestern voters are not to be taken lightly!!!

I am actually sad that Syesha. I think she has a lot more potential than David A. David A has a future in contemporary Christian music (not saying there is anything wrong with Christian music) or elevator music. But, I don’t think he has what it takes to be a recording star. Syesha I think had more potential.

Many people say it would be best for David C. if he did not win. That the AI recording contract could actually be bad for him. since this is my first year of being an AI junky I am curious what others think.

I thought Fantasia was Fearless. That performance was mesmerizing to watch and I can’t quite decide about it. I KNOW that people on the scary boards are most likely having a field day of daggers over her “Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs”, of which she seems quite fond. They drive me a bit crazy as well.

She rather reminded me of a retired legend who still has “got it”. She performs beyond her years.

Maybe DA’s audience will grow just like he will, but I was once a member of NKOTB’s audience. They grew and so did I, but in different ways. They grew up and I grew out of them. Come on? A 12 year old likes the newest and greatest. I can’t think of a single artist I liked at 12 and still like today. Honestly, Led Zep is the only band I’ve liked steadily and DA is no LZ. Good luck to him. Once the kids grow out of the DA phase, at least he’ll still have the middle age cat ladies. He has a beautiful voice and he’ll do well, but he’s likely to be a fad or Vegas star. I hope I’m wrong.

bdt all I can say for DC is that by this point he has seen the contract and he has stated in various places over the last two weeks that he wants to win. He obviously is not put off by the contract.

I will do my dangdest to help in that cause!

Many people say it would be best for David C. if he did not win. That the AI recording contract could actually be bad for him. since this is my first year of being an AI junky I am curious what others think.

Those people are wrong, wrong, wrong. I’ve made this argument countless times on DC’s facebook fangroup, but people do not care.

Anyway Look at past runner-ups:

Justin Guarini
Clay Aiken
Diana DeGarmo
Bo Bice
Katharine McPhee
Blake Lewis

Not exactly a stellar group of burning up the charts artists there. Clay has done very well, and Bo hasn’t done bad for himself either (considering that his debut sucked ass. Thanks Clive!).

2nd place is not exactly where you want to finish on this show. At least looking at it in a historical context.

ETA: Oh, and I want to know what all these people know about the AI contract that the rest of us don’t. Simple – nothing. Pretty much all of us know next to nothing.

Also, if DC wants to win, who do these fans think they are, wanting to deny him that?

Oooo – The McPhee Copter Extravaganza! I had forgotten that one! Thanks Longsong!!

As for why ‘tasia this week? Let’s do the Idol Winners Appearance Count:

1) Kelly – saw her this year
2) Ruben – every freekin week
3) ‘tasia – check
4) Carrie – oh yes.

6)Jordin – yep, gold recs and all.

Ummm… who’s missing here? :cool_wp:

BDT: The “Don’t win Idol, just top 5″ idea really sprang up in Season 4 after Bo broke the mold and rocked Idol. The Daughtry Shock in Season 5 caused folks to take it to heart even more.
Ultimately, it matters not if you win or lose in Idol: you get job offers based on many factors, but if you WIN you know your fate. You get a year’s worth of hype machine from 19Entertainment and a 3 record deal that guarantees lota of payola to get your record played if they think it”ll sell.

David Cook was a pitcher when he was in school and had 5 wins and 1 loss.
He must have LOVED tossing out the first pitch!

I can bet 10 to 1 someone at VFTW is hard at work on an animated Simon look as I type.

Archie won the coin toss and is going second.

How do you know that Lisa?

Ugh, Duke. Ugh.

I loved both of the Davids home visit thingys – when I only thought I would enjoy DC. David A’s was surprisingly touching. I’m not voting, but I would be happy with either winning. They’re both good guys.

not obsessing
I’m a Jason fan
I put that in there for the enjoyment of the Cook fans
I heard it while I was watching the live internet stream of his hometown visit last week.
Besides I like baseball

I’m curious how they got 56 million votes!
They lost the majority of the Castro fans.

I’m focused more on post-Idol promotion and Season 8 right now. And hopefully America will be voting for you, Sarah!

They lost the majority of the Castro fans.

Not this one. I voted for 1.5 hours.

Dlisted has the Simon photo

It’s ridiculous to say Cook would be better off losing because he’s still locked into a contract with the same people if he loses. It’s not like if he loses he has a chance to go somewhere else so he might as well win. Besides that, he’s said he wants to win.

Baxter – I have a feeling I know but who is “Cocky McSmugface”? I hope you know him personally and are basing your nickname on that as opposed to TV and press stuff.

Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m curious how they got 56 million votes!

text messages – Archie’s fan base is probably really good at it!!!! LOL

She rather reminded me of a retired legend who still has à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“got ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ . She performs beyond her years.

Agreed, longsong. It may have been somewhat of a hot mess, but dang it was a fierce hot mess and I adored her confidence. She looked like an old pro with that stage hers to command.

At the end of the group performance when they showed Chikeze, David H., and Amanda in the audience, you could see some dreads!! Ah, JASON! :]

Sorry, the Jason fan in me.

2nd place is not exactly where you want to finish on this show. At least looking at it in a historical context.

ETA: Oh, and I want to know what all these people know about the AI contract that the rest of us donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t. Simple – nothing. Pretty much all of us know next to nothing.

Also, if DC wants to win, who do these fans think they are, wanting to deny him that?

I think it’s so sad after so many of us voted till our fingers fell off last night to get him to where he is now and to see comments like this. He made his point very clear he was in this to win it and I don’t see how anyone who considers themself a fan of his would deny him that either.

The guy on stage with Cook was that the one with cancer? and at his home video was that the sick brother?

So the big question now is: Who is the fiercer performer- Danny Noriega or Fantasia?!

No, BetterChicken, the one on stage with him is his younger brother Andrew. His older brother, Adam, is the one who has cancer. And yeah, he was at some parts of the homecoming, but Andrew was the one in the car with him, etc.

Pam, I know. Just ugh. I’m just annoyed at that. REALLY annoyed.

Thanks for the inside info Lisa! Cool!!

Great info Sciencefan – I didn’t know that. As for the # of votes: folks wait ’till the last couple of weeks to multi-vote, and Jason’s fans will, for the most part, still watch to see who wins, and many of us develop secondary favorites. This is one of the reasons Daughtry got voted off in Season 5 – Daughtry fans split votes to keep Elliott around – and Daughtry got zapped.

How do we know? Well, there are sites that have tabulated info (like DialIdol) or have sources that hook them up with the actual voting company after-the-fact, that we can use to analyse and guess what happened. That’s how we found out that Carrie Beat Bo by 230,000 votes outa 40 some odd million.

What will the final show song choices be? Who will be performing on the finals show?

Oh boy oh boy oh boy…

Thanks Sarah

How do you know that Lisa?

It’s from IDF, someone’s friend was at the show tonight and they always do it right afterwards.

Thank You for the vids MJ YOU ARE DA BEST!!!!!!

What a fantastic top 2. Very happy with the results. David vs David should make for a great battle next week. Especially now that Archie is going 2nd.

Baxter – I have a feeling I know but who is à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Cocky McSmugfaceà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ? I hope you know him personally and are basing your nickname on that as opposed to TV and press stuff.

Some of us Cooktards call him that as a term of endearment, Natasha (this happened a few weeks back; you’d have had to see it). Don’t worry, it’s all good.

Thanks, prpldva! That was hilarious! I think I understood *maybe* five words of that entire song. Yikes!!!!

“David Archuleta goes home and cries
Syesha Mercado goes home and cries
David Cook goes home and cries”

hahaha…my whole family noticed that as well…my dad was like, “What in the fuck are they all crying for?”..i told him he would never understand.

Who will be performing on the finals show?

I have read in a couple of places this past week that Bryan Adams would be one of the guest stars on the show. Makes alot of sense since Cook sang *Everything I do* in Hollywood. Plus I do get a sort of Bryan Adams vide off of him, vocally.

ETA…Simon’s WTF vid is now up at VFTW LOL. That did not take long.

text messages – Archieà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s fan base is probably really good at it!!!! LOL

Don’t underestimate the Cookie fans when it comes to the text messages. I’m not even a tween and I text till my fingers are numb AND phone vote the whole time. My 12 year old has been texting for him too.

Willfully ignoring my guidelines = You Are Banned.

Donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t underestimate the Cookie fans when it comes to the text messages. Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m not even a tween and I text till my fingers are numb AND phone vote the whole time. My 12 year old has been texting for him too.

Adults can be the most rabid, organized and dedicated voters. That tweeners vote the most and the most consistently, is a myth, imo.

I have read in a couple of places this past week that Bryan Adams would be one of the guest stars on the show. Makes alot of sense since Cook sang *Everything I do* in Hollywood.

Nooooo! I hate Bryan Adams. Maybe he’s going to sing ‘Heaven’ with Archie? Cookie deserves someone awesome like Stephen Colbert.

Adults can be the most rabid, organized and dedicated voters. That tweeners vote the most and the most consistently, is a myth, imo.

True dat. :wink1_tb:

My house alone we use 3 cells and a landline to vote. I am thinking about getting two more for next week, all for DC, heh. 4 hours is a breeze.

Adults can be the most rabid, organized and dedicated voters. That tweeners vote the most and the most consistently, is a myth, imo.

Yeah, I’m a tween and I get very, very lazy with the voting (and none of my friends vote, although I keep trying to get them to for Cookie). A lot of the more rabid, adult voters around here put me to shame when it comes to vote totals, seriously.

I’ll be up the entire 4 hours next week for Cookie! This will be my 3rd straight year of finale voting. I’ll be exhausted, but it will be worth it!

Donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t underestimate the Cookie fans when it comes to the text messages. Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m not even a tween and I text till my fingers are numb AND phone vote the whole time. My 12 year old has been texting for him too.

Don’t underestimate fans who have him as their second fave either. We are legion. And we vote for who deserves to win.

In the scheme of things 56 Million votes suck.

I’m in a small southern city of 2M and we’ve been known to own an Idol or three.

If everyone in this city voted 3 times for an Idol, that’s 6M votes.

56M – drop in the bucket.

I really enjoyed the production of the show tonight. The hometown visits were really enjoyable. They made me glad for all of them, they really must be living in a dream.

The journey to the top three montages were swell too. I do have a question about David Cook’s audition. I thought the story was that he studied Daughtry’s audition, yadda, yadda, yadda. I didn’t hear about the I wasn’t going to audition part, although I knew he came with his brother…..was funny when Ryan told his brother he would see him next year, it looked as though his mom say, hell to the no! Must be stressful for the family. Never saw that side until tonight. Makes some things alot clearer.

Yep, Fanny was a hot tranny mess, and I freaking loved it. Fantasia was the first idol to understand what performing was all about. She worked the crowd, the band, hell she just WORKED, and it was indeed FEIRCE. I never knew she could dance like that, it was incredible in my view, hair was wild, but the makeup was the bomb. She is so versatile I would not have believed this was the same chick from the Color Purple if I hadn’t seen it myself.

Kudos to Syesha for rising above her circumstances and making this otherwise ho hum season alot of fun for me. It was exhilarating to see her blossom and grab at that brass ring. At least someone acted as though they really wanted it. I will her take on If I Were Your Woman, it’s a beautiful version. That was the first song of hers I purchased. Yep, I am the one, lol.

Kudos to David Cook for making the world take notice. He will be a force to be reckoned with. I won’t guess at his numbers, cause there is no way of telling, especially with that Warren women lurking around him, scares the s$^t out of me, for him.

Kudos to David Archuleta for handling this TCO title with so much dignity and humility. I was touched by a part of his hometown visit that they didn’t show. One of the TV reporters that had been shadowing him throughout the day asked him at one of the rallys to tell the crowd to vote for him. And he didn’t he instead thanked them for their support and he wouldn’t pander for their votes but said he would just try his best. That endeared me to him all the more. Win or lose, this guy is gonna make the world take notice.

…especially with that Warren women lurking around him, scares the s$^t out of me, for him

If we’ve learned anything, it’s that Cookie can turn schlock into hotness. It’s his magical power.

Natasha…..it’s a true term of endearment from the DC fans at MJ’s.

Cocky McSmugFace = LOVE!!!!!

Abbysee- Regarding the whole Daughtry video watching by DC. I am assuming here, but since the auditions take place over several days as well as a call back in front of the judges a month later, he watched the video between the initial audition and the golden ticket episode a month later. Make sense???He has admitted to not watching the show so I have a feeling that during that month, he did his homework on youtube.

I thought the story was that he studied Daughtry’s audition, yadda, yadda, yadda.

David attended the big initial cattle call with his brother Andrew, not intending to audition. That’s the story he told tonight.

He studied Chris Daughtry’s audition the night before he auditioned in front of the judges. That was probably about a month after the initial audition he attended with his brother.

Two separate stories.

He auditioned on a whim, but he got serious once he made it past the first rounds.

I do have a question about David Cookà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s audition. I thought the story was that he studied Daughtryà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s audition, yadda, yadda, yadda.

I think he meant after the initial audition for the producers, he got through to the next round and then studied up before standing in front of Pauler, Simon, & Randy…

ETA – MJ & baxter are too quick.

Did anyone notice how Cook takes care of Archie? He rubbed his shoulders on way over to seats. He directed him down to Sy. It is very nice to see.
I think DC is a big time class act. I just hope the stupid sappy song won’t kill him in the final.

I would have loved Ryan to ask DC’s brother to sing or ask how far he got in the audition process

Fanty was one of the best moments in this whole rotten season full of the best talent ever. Hope she and the rest of the Idol winners come back for the finale (missed her at last year’s finale).

Cindy – I miss Jason too.

I wasn’t going to bother watching it on tv (maybe just watch some of the uploaded vids) but hearing about Fantasia made me turn on my TV. My house was in hysterics, mouths open, in total disbelief. Unbelievable! You didn’t know what was going to happen next! I wish the rest of the final 2 announcement were as suspenseful…

Now it’s on to songs for next week. Hope DC is a little less self-indulgent with his song choice. He should sing:

Song previously sung: Billie Jean (will really make an impression on the casual viewer who may not have seen/heard it.

New song: My Hero This is just so effin’ brilliant!

The Other song: read somewhere that the last two standing will have permission to change this crap up to suit their individual style…anyone else heard this. I hope so because we all know that this song ALWAYS sucks.

DCFTMFW!!!

Again the lighting tonight was really strange. Fantasia was also strrange, but in a good way I think. Simons face was a a gas. This stage just doesn’t work as well as others. Does anyone, anywhere know why they still have the mosh pit? It is universally panned by everyone. Maybe Nigel does not have a minion reading the press……or just thinks he knows more than anyone.

Did anyone notice how Cook takes care of Archie? He rubbed his shoulders on way over to seats. He directed him down to Sy. It is very nice to see.
I think DC is a big time class act. I just hope the stupid sappy song wonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t kill him in the final.

Yeah, I noticed that and especially the week that Archie was forced to pick groups and how Cookie sat down right next to him. He treats Archie like a little brother and I think it’s really sweet.

I hate these cheesefest finale songs with a passion! LOL

Changed my mind…DC should sing “Always Be My Baby” actually my fave DC song…love it!

Pretty good show tonight. I enjoyed all the home videos.

Fantasia was awful. Yes, Simon your face said it all and I was right there with you.

David vs David should be a very good finale.

Still lovin Jason!

Cook is still my favorite.
My money is still on Archuleta for the win.

I think DC is a big time class act. I just hope the stupid sappy song wonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t kill him in the final.

If he can sing Music of the Night and First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,
do you really think there is need for worry regarding the sappy song?

Finally, Simon is seeing Fantasia through my eyes.

What an unsurprising final two!

I have never posted here before but felt the need to put in my two cents on this year’s finale.
First of all, am I the only one who questioned the part in Archie’s homecoming video where he said he realized he wanted to sing when he watched American Idol? Then, why was he on Star Search before AI’s first season started? Just saying.
I have watched this show for all seven seasons and have seen the good, the bad and the highly questionable. I have seen good and not-so-good winners. I have repeatedly seen runners up and other finalists get thrown under the bus in order to further the career of the winner. I have never complained, never said a word, simply enjoyed the entertainment factor for what it was.

That being said, I will be completely done with this show if David Archuleta wins. His winning would be in total contrast to what this show is supposed to be about: finding undiscovered talent, not former Star Search winners who have known the show’s producers since they were 11 years old. In addition, I cannot wrap my mind around what the marketing possibility is for him. Jonas Brothers do Josh Groban?

David Cook represents what the show is about. He did not have pre-show hype, no professional singing training from birth and certainly no connections to producers or talent competition winnings in his past. He came seemingly out of nowhere, with a viable musical identity, and forced people to notice him. He earned every bit of pimping he would later receive. It wasn’t handed to him automatically and his mistakes have not been overlooked. He has worked his a** off to get to the finale and a win from him could go a long way to restoring some of the credibility that was lost when Daughtry left. He also offers a genuine opportunity for this show to have their first commercially successful male winner. I can’t say the same for the other David.
IMO, an Archie win would only serve to further erode an already dwindling audience and embody what so many people dislike about AI.

And, on a side note: As far as the aw, sympathy contingent, I personally feel that it would be awful if David Cook’s dying brother had to watch him lose while Archuleta’s domineering stage father got to bask in his son’s reflected glory.

I never thought I would say this, but, I agree with Simon Cowell: David Cook deserves to win this.

“That being said, I will be completely done with this show if David Archuleta wins. His winning would be in total contrast to what this show is supposed to be about: finding undiscovered talent, not former Star Search winners who have known the showà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s producers since they were 11 years old.”

So your saying that because of a singing competition that David won 6 years ago he shouldnt be allowed to audition? All he has done other than star search is the singing in church/talent shows/ and other small events. And he was 10ish. Dont understand that.

So what about David Cook who has put out several albums? Hm.

“And, on a side note: As far as the aw, sympathy contingent, I personally feel that it would be awful if David Cookà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s dying brother had to watch him lose while Archuletaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s domineering stage father got to bask in his sonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s reflected glory.”

So David Archuleta is not allowed to win because we have to think of the oppositions sick brothern? thats really fair…

Having said that…Archie will win if he sings the coronation song last and better than Cook.

good post sherryw – agree with almost all you said!

Oh my Sherryw, I agree with every word you said. Cook is a picture of what we were lead to believe the mission statement of Idol was all about. Find undiscovered talent and give them a chance to shine. Please folks, let’s vote for Cook.

Fantasia, girl! Will you please fire your stylist if you have one? She looked like an Amazonian troll doll that had been left in the rain…..

OK,. did anyone understand one single word of that song she sang? What’s it called, “You Bore Me”? Well, it wasn’t borrrring, as Simon might say. And for sheer flipping out weirdness, it was a trip. Guess she’s anxious to kick the Broadway dust off those shoes, and get back to making really awful pop music.

But I digress.

No one, not even MJ, has pondered the extra-double-cheesiness of that opening tune. It wasn’t right for any of of them, and it made me laugh to see DC be a good sport and stride through something his Tulsa pals will never let him live down….

Syesha got more than she expected, perhaps more than she deserved. You gotta love her tenacity, and she did actually get better and better as the contest progressed. There’s a role waiting for her in “Hairspray” or “Grease,” and that may be just fine.

Watching the Archie home video, I really got scared the little guy was going to be torn limb by limb in some twisted pubescent Dionysian rite. He’s certainly talented, but does any of us wish him the life of teen superstar? Haven’t Brittany, Lindsey, et al showed us how utterly sick and twisted that can be? His music doesn’t do anything for me, but my maternal instincts make me want to kidnap him, find a safe haven for him in Bulgaria or somewhere, and teach him how to herd goats for a living.

DC is obviously a lot more capable of dealing with all this stuff and nonsense, and musically more mature too. Once again, I have to admit, I relistened to the numbers 1 & 3 from last night (I spared myself from wretched 2), and they really held up. Even those straining high notes.

I’m praying now that he doesn’t have to do stinko duets at the finale with pop singers who are from another planet than he is musically. Do you remember the immortal duo of Taylor Hicks & a very odd Toni Braxton? And the wretched Burt Bacharach medley (I love his songs, but you gotta have a very particular voice to sing them right)?

Please, gods that be, don’t make me watch DC duet with Jessica Simpson! Or David Archuleta jam with Snoop Dogg!

that said…..go Cookie! I agree with MJ and others: he’s the real thing, the guy who might never have been discovered, deserved this shot, and made the frickin’ most of it……..

Cook had nothing to do with his brother’s illness, just as Archuleta had
nothing to do with his father’s domineering.

Backstories…..aaarrrggg! I detest them!

David Cook is my absolute favorite this season; but I hope Archuleta
wins the title. He needs it more, IMO. Cook will do fine and sell
millions. He doesn’t need the tiara.

Do you know what it’s like to watch Idol on a black and white 7″ TV screen,
when you’ve lost power an hour before the show? LOL

Thank God for torrents.

Great post, Sherry! Welcome to MJ’s!!

I agree with your comments, especially about Cookie. His “arc” on the show reminds me a lot of Kelly Clarkson. Seemingly came from nowhere, gave some truly stellar performances, but was still under the “shadow” of others, per se.

I’ve said since about top 12 week that dcook could be the male version of KC, and I still stand by that.

Dukesterathlete – David Cook has one full length recorded album and it was independently produced, by David Cook. He does not have connections or a professional vocal coach (aka paid mouthpiece). And has not been training for singing competitions for the past oh, 6 years.

*begins the slow clap for sherryw*

I am not saying that Cook needs the title to sell albums but history on this show has proven that second place is not the place to be unless you like looking at the large bus above you. And I think it would be a shame for such a credible talent to go to waste in favor of a child who appeared from day one to have been the hand-picked winner.

BTW, David Cook’s albums were independently made (on his own, without a label). He was not the winner of a nationally televised talent competition and he did not perform in front of the Season 1 contestants at AI producer requests.

sherryw – well said. i have also watched since season 1 and i’ve never seen a contestant like David Archuleta on here – such a seasoned pro, a child star who has already won what could basically be considered American Idol Junior High – Junior Star Search. I like David Archuleta, but he has only half of what it takes to really be a star in the real world, a good voice. What he is missing is artistry and creativity and i don’t see how you can be a true music idol without that. It also greatly bothers me that the number of votes he gets is probably 30 times greater than his actual fan base. Most of his fans are frenetic and over-zealous, power-voting like fiends on Tuesday nights. This makes him seem way more popular than he actually is. All i have to say is that if he wins, these people won’t be buying or downloading his songs 30 times in a row, will they?

Archuleta’s competing on Star Search led to appearances on The Jenny Jones Show and CBS’ The Early Show, and meeting the finalists from American Idol’s first season, for whom he performed a spontaneous a cappella rendition of “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” from Dreamgirls.

David Cook, made a CD with his own money. No label supported him. It is a common thing to do when you are starting out in the singing world. Again, remember, he had no vocal coach other than his teachers in school.

Duke

And he was 10ish.

He was 10ish when he won Star Search? How sad is that.

No reward when all has been said and done. Ten years old and expected to compete with talent way beyond his years. Obviously he did compete and win but what has he to show for that today? Here he is again, hoping against hope.

Seven years later he’s right back where he started and I have no problem saying he won’t win this competition. He’s a precious boy who has been micro-managed and used. Think about it — if he fails, where does he go from here? If he wins, where does he go from here?

He isn’t current, hasn’t the ability or mindset. He ends up with tons of cd’s in his trunk and heads to Vegas hoping someone will listen.

He’s a young boy forced to be beyond his years. There’s a huge hole in his life.

Where was DHR when he needed them.

Sherryw- Please promise me that you plan to stick around and post more often. I give you a standing ovation…. :clap_tb:
I agree with you 110%. I have been saying for weeks now, just what in the hell are they going to do with Archie if he wins??? Make a cd full of sappy ballads that get no airplay and ship his ass off to Branson, MO. He showed us on Tuesday just how hip and contemporary he is….NOT. His demeaner is of an awkward introverted emotionally submissive teenager with a domineering father. Bet that’s exactly what TPTB are just DYING to get their hands on.

DC gained momentum slow and steady. Hell his own brother admitted he didn’t think DC had a chance to win this thing. Top 6 was his best guess until he sang BIllie Jean. He has proven himself to be musically and vocally versital, with the ability to jump in and out of genres with suprising ease. He has a fantastic recording voice and would wear the title of AI winner well, not to mention be a face of the franchise that would represent it well. A smart, well spoken, great voiced musician that can emotionally and physically handle the requirements that come with the title.

I say DCFTMFW!!!!

Archie was not 10, he was 12 on Star Search.

Nola, when you have a domineering Father or Mother, it takes most of a lifetime to correct that.

DA is 17. He doesn’t recognize it for what it is and he certainly can’t fire him.

Give him 10 years or, sadly, maybe 30, he’ll fire him in a nano-second!

He will not sell. Disaster waiting to happen.

Oh, Hello Ms. Bax….Long time no see…

OMG – he was 12! Huge difference. Come on Nola. He was still a puppy.

Hey, he’s 17 now and he’s still a puppy.

oops, that should have been directed to MrRJ.

MrRJ, Jenny Jones Show? Isn’t she the host who had breast implants and then had them removed ? Didn’t help her ratings. Gone in a glimpse.

CBS Early Morning! huge. (how do I take the font down to 2?)

A cd recorded at your dining room table does not make you a “professional” musician.

Well hello MrRJ….fancy meeting you here..

Sarah were you talking to me?

Do people really care that much that DA won SS? I thought that might help him..And i’ve had a seriously domineering parent growing up and i dont think that should really come into play- he has absolutely no control over that factor..its really a misfortune. BUt he was quoted in TV GUIDE mag saying that he really appreciates how his dad helps him. I bet that is very true.

I wouldnt mind either winning b/c i see them both as very good winners- but i cant help but keep thinking that DC never really wanted this prior to auditioning and kinda gives off the vibe (imo) as being a little too cool for the show.

I just think it means more to DA…and who wouldnt pay to see his reaction if he wins!

First of all, am I the only one who questioned the part in Archieà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s homecoming video where he said he realized he wanted to sing when he watched American Idol? Then, why was he on Star Search before AIà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s first season started? Just saying.

I have watched this show for all seven seasons

LOL. Oops. Hello, I’m the numbers nut.

The first season of American Idol aired from June 11-September 4 2002.

Archie was involved in Star Search in 2003.

So, Archie was not on Star Search before the first season of AI.

In other news…I’ve never seen AI as a morality play. I know that every year, people come out and say that so-and-so should win because they most embody the spirit of what American Idol is meant to do. That’s nice. And debatable. From it’s inception, Idol has featured artists that are considered by many to be ringers. Some have even won the show. You will get lots of opinions about what this show is meant to embody.

I watch the show for entertainment. I refuse to believe that karma has anything to do with them winning. I refuse to believe that the people who did not win the show were less karmically deserving. I refuse to believe that you must only have sung in your shower and to your teddy bears before showing up at the auditions. I refuse to believe that somebody deserves the win because they are somehow “more pure”.

IMO, somebody deserves to win the show because they convince more people to vote for them than at least one other person each and every week of the show. I may not like that person. I may think they are ugly. I may think they are talentless. I may think they are screechy. I may think they are boring. I may think that I will never listen to their CD if you pay my fifty gazillion dollars. But I still think they should win.

I hate this math of who is more pure. Contestant A had a recording contract before, but he didn’t sell many CDs. Contestant B was on a cable TV show. Contestant C sold CDs on Amazon. Contestant D sang in clubs. Contestant E was raised by wolves in a place where there was no TVs and, up until he wandered out of the woods and straight into the audition line-up, only the bears had heard him sing. Clearly, Contestant E deserves the win despite sounding like a cross between a wounded beaver and a squirrel in heat.

I respectively allow others to differ from me. I respectively allow others to weigh other factors. I respectively allow others to vote for whatever reason they like even if it is just to stick it to TPTB.

All I want is an entertaining show.

Archie is what he is. His voice is not one that appeals to me. His voice will appeal to some. He will not be a big seller. His fans (other than Rickey) tend to be at the age where they are not going to be big CD buyers. He is not going to get top 40 radio play. His attempt at up tempo shows that it just doesn’t work for him.

The Daughtry/Taylor sales disparity really hurt the shows credibility and if Archie won, the Cook/Archie sale disparity might just make winning a joke in the future and doom the show.

On top of all that Cook would be a wonderful banner carrier for the show. He is the hard working baaargh tender made good. The guy who goes back to hug his elementary music teacher, and who supports his brothers through thick and thin, is just what Idol and heck, the whole country needs.

Tasia had a molten hot lava bomb in her britches.

“The Daughtry/Taylor sales disparity really hurt the shows credibility and if Archie won, the Cook/Archie sale disparity might just make winning a joke in the future and doom the show.”

So it is written in stone that Cook will sell better than Archuleta?

“On top of all that Cook would be a wonderful banner carrier for the show. He is the hard working baaargh tender made good. The guy who goes back to hug his elementary music teacher, and who supports his brothers through thick and thin, is just what Idol and heck, the whole country needs.”

So if Kristy Lee Cook did these things, she would deserve to win ?

Who doesn’t love to read Kirstens posts? “Clearly, Contestant E deserves the win despite sounding like a cross between a wounded beaver and a squirrel in heat.” That is good stuff.

I too want an entertaining show, but I also, in shows, car lots, court rooms, soccer fields, and everywhere, want the good guy/gal to win. The US/ Russia hockey game would have been entertaining even if the boys had kept it close, but wasn’t it better when they won?

I have no problem saying that Cook will outsell Archuletta 10,000 to 1.

And what does KLC have to do with it? Do a search on this board alone and see how many times her name has come up since she’s been gone.

I personally believe that I am the contestant E in Kirsten’s post. I do sound like a cross between a wounded beaver but it is, indeed, a chipmunk in heat. So, i think i’m deserving this. Besides, my husband can be a grump, my son is a pain in the rump, and I’m really short. So here it is 1-866-43657-00 for me. lol. Actually, I think MJ should win cause she is the stickliest. :wub_tb:

It also greatly bothers me that the number of votes {Archie] gets is probably 30 times greater than his actual fan base. Most of his fans are frenetic and over-zealous, power-voting like fiends on Tuesday nights.

Most of his fans? How do we know this? Sure, there are people on the internet claiming to voted 200 times for Archie, but 200 times the 20 or so people on the internet claiming that is 4000 votes. That isn’t going to win you anything. It is entirely possible that he’s surviving week to week by the bulk of his votes coming from many Ma and Pa Smiths in NoWheresVille voting just once each.

And, I’ve seen lots of posts from people on this very site saying that they power vote for Cook. People who even admit that they are going to power vote before Cook even sings a note. And I don’t see a darn thing wrong with that. Power voting is all part of the game.

I don’t think that there is an Idol contestant that doesn’t have a group of dedicated fans determined to vote until their fingers bleed. Text phone banks. Co-opting the kids to help vote. Co-opting the grandmas to help vote. Etc. Etc. It’s all been done.

I also think that the bulk of the voters vote only a few times. I can’t wait until the tell-all book reveals the true details about voting patterns.

I really don’t think that anybody can claim that other guy is the only one benefiting from crazed, rabid voters. LOL. Anybody remember the old claims about Papa McPhee hiring people to work phone banks to vote for his daughter like she was some real life Veruca Salt? Oh, those were great days on the knoll!

This makes him seem way more popular than he actually is. All i have to say is that if he wins, these people wonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t be buying or downloading his songs 30 times in a row, will they?

Sadly, they just might. You have no idea what lengths some fans will go to for victory. Just wait until Operation gets started.

I just hope we get a great final next week. I hope that everybody brings their A game. I hope that the producers sit this round out. I hope the judges check their agendas at the door. I hope that we end up with a nailbiter of a final.

I also hope that we get a decent final show. Nigel, I’m looking straight at you.

caro, I could care less if he doesn’t sell millions.
Taylor didn’t sell either, in the eyes of most.
Since when did this show turn into STAR Idol?
You don’t have to sell millions to be successful in this world.

David Cook is my absolute favorite this season; but I hope Archuleta
wins the title. He needs it more, IMO. Cook will do fine and sell
millions. He doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t need the tiara.

But…I’m not sure he REALLY wants this as much as this is what his family wants for him. Here’s a link to an interview that he gave recently. He wants to go to college and pursue a degree in medicine – perhaps ENT medicine so that he can help other people who have suffered from vocal cord damage. He’ll never stop singing but who’s to say that this is his calling.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24502366/

For David Cook, this is it. He has spent the last ten years of his life trying to make this happen. He went to college and graduated – and yet, he still wants a career in music. He really wants this. He’s sure.

Wow Dynne, good digging. Thank you for that perspective.

Nola, I guess I want more for them than you do.

I doubt Taylor is happy that his PR and industry opportunities has gone from huge to nothing. The place he desperately visited and once knew doesn’t remember his name. I think it bothers him so it bothers me because I hoped for the best for him. (granted, he helped sink his own ship).

When did it turn into Star Idol? From the get-go. Go commercial and the bottom line is success.

Kirsten, beautifully stated!

I learned one thing this season. It’s a hell of a lot more fun when
you don’t vote and just sit there and watch the entertainment.
When I was voting, nobody even came close to my favorite,
Sound familiar? Everybody sucked but my favorite.

If you just sit back and enjoy the show…and it is only a reality
TV show, it will open your eyes to the fact that there are some
fabulous talents.

Archuleta is still in this thing because his fans voted to keep
him there. So is Cook. They are both deserving. I wouldn’t
be disappointed with either as a winner. I adore Cook; but
the little man can sing.

carolina
May 15th, 2008 at 2:48 am
Nola, I guess I want more for them than you do.

When did it turn into Star Idol? From the get-go. Go commercial and the bottom line is success.

How do you know how much I want for them?
Personally, I think Taylor is very happy. He is living his
dream. He is making enough money to pay his bills.
I think it’s the fans who are the ones unhappy. They
wanted the million dollar sales. Doesn’t that make them
sorta domineering? For shame!

Power voting is all part of the game.

Am I weird to like the idea that the singer with the MOST FANS should win the title of American Idol? When you can vote an unlimited number of times, and one of the contestants is definitely the favorite in the demographic that would most likely power vote – how is this about getting to the TRUE number of votes, and ultimately to the singer with the most fans? What good is it if the winner simply had a fan-base that had nothing better to do than power vote all night???

If that’s what this show has come to, it makes me SICK…

I too want an entertaining show, but I also, in shows, car lots, court rooms, soccer fields, and everywhere, want the good guy/gal to win. The US/ Russia hockey game would have been entertaining even if the boys had kept it close, but wasnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t it better when they won?

Gah! Gah! Gah! Gah! Can open. Worms everywhere.

With all due respect MrRJ, I was more into legos and hopscotch than hockey when the “Miracle on Ice” occured and I would have seen it from a slightly different perspective than those who can vote for American Idol.

Yes, it can be fun to be swept up in the excitement that we are the good guys and the bad guys deserve their defeat, but I have to admit that I find that mindset a little troubling when it comes to American Idol. I know, I know, a lot of people are just having fun with it and they don’t mean it seriously, but this is just about music. All of these contestants just want to fulfill their dream (or their parent’s dream, LOL). Just because they are competing against my favourite, it doesn’t mean they’re evil.

I can enjoy somebody without hating all the other contestants. Without coming up with reasons why the are less deserving of winning. Without getting morally outraged. I save my moral outrage for producer sheningans.

If you really think about it, those Soviet kids only wanted to win a medal. They may have also gotten swept up in the cold war mindset of the time and wanted the win for their side. But, most of all, they just wanted to win a hockey tournament. And most of them are probably pretty decent folks and the two teams would probably have happily shared stories over a beer under different circumstances.

Every year, the contestants all seem to be great friends while their fans go to great lengths to fued. From simply fanwars on websites, to calling radio DJs to say they hate the other’s song, to damaging CDs so they can’t be sold, to re-arranging CDs so that some are more prominent and others less prominent to dumping nachos on the chairs of fans of other Idols so that they must give standing Os for the other guy. Seriously, it gets deranged. And it kind of squicks me out.

Just my opinion about the meta-debate. Don’t worry, I know how to use the scroll bar to bypass discussions that I don’t personally enjoy. I just want to make a plea for the claim that these are both hard working young men who seem to get along really well. Let’s watch and see what they can do. It’s better to win when your competitor nails all his jumps than when you win by default because your competitor zambonied the ice with his ass.

Kirsten
Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s better to win when your competitor nails all his jumps than when you win by default because your competitor zambonied the ice with his ass.

now that is brilliant:) i have seen many a nationals, worlds, or olympics when that has indeed happened. and it isn’t the same as if every single one did great.

My perspective is, it is generally more fun when you have a favorite. Having a favorite doesn’t necessarily mean you “hate” any non-favorites. Heck I like Archie, he seems to be a very nice kid. ( His father seems to be a total Jackass, but the sins of the father should not be placed on the son). I hope for a great show where neither falls and it is a nail biter on announcement night. I remember Carrie/Bo being in a real suspenseful moment as I don’t think anybody knew who won beforehand. So in this way I agree with Kirsten, I want a great show, I want to be entertained, but I’d like my favorite to win. If he doesn’t, I am not threatening to “never watch the show again” I know come next year, I’ll end up liking a few singers more than others and get caught up all over again. Why? The answer is simple, it is a great deal of fun.

I just came across this. AI actually is really pimping Cookie to win Idol! The Armageddon song à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“I dont wanna miss a thingà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  for Cookie was actually for Archie!! No wonder Jeff A. was pissed with Nigel that night!! Plus they refused to change up Archie and Syeshaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s arrangement during the top 3 BUT OKà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ed to Cookieà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s arrangement!
Proof AI is rigged

My Fox Utah

Am I weird to like the idea that the singer with the MOST FANS should win the title of American Idol?

No, it’s not weird. It’s a totally valid opinion. The problem often is how do you measure the MOST FANS? The only way to ensure that would be to allow only one vote per person and to force all viewers to vote.

Many people watch this show are fans of a contestant and can’t be bothered to vote. Shouldn’t their votes be counted? They are fans. If we want to find out who has the MOST FANS, we must count them. But, some will argue that if they are too lazy or disinterested to vote, then they don’t deserve to be counted.

But, then, shouldn’t the rabid fan who is willing to devote time (and sometimes money) to voting mulitple times count for more? Maybe each and every one of their multiple votes means something.

Are all fans equal? Are all votes equal? This is entertainment. Some people will just toss a vote out to be part of the fun. That person isn’t even a fan. Why are they counting that vote at all? Should you have to pass a test to vote. Unless you can name the contestant’s parents and at least two pre-idol songs of theirs on youtube, you don’t get to vote!

And, then what about households with 15 people living in the house? Shouldn’t they all get to vote? Even if you limit votes to 12 votes per household, that’s not fair. Single person gets to vote 12 times and 3 people in the 15 person household don’t get to vote at all.

There is no easy to measure the MOST FANS.

Plus, I find it highly speculative. What makes you think that if Archie won, he doesn’t have the most fans? Where does this suspicion come from?

What good is it if the winner simply had a fan-base that had nothing better to do than power vote all night???

Every person in the Final 2 has a segment of voters willing to power vote. Every one of them. Nigel claims, and he’d be one of the few people who knows, that the majority of voters are casual voters who vote only one or two times. He claims the power voters have an insignificant effect. He also claims that everybody on an AI blog is a loon, so take his claims with a grain of salt (or maybe that improves his credibility in your mind)

I’m going to assume that some people here are arguing that Archie’s fans are power voting all night because they are tweens. It’s a four hour voting window. Maybe those tweens have to go to bed. Is it fair that contestants with old fans get to win? LOL. See where this goes when we make assumptions?

If thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s what this show has come to, it makes me SICKà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦

It’s not what this show has come to, it is what it has always been. When Fuller first started the concept of American Idol, he believed that young men who appealed to the teenage voters would win every year. Boy, was he wrong.

Very interesting, Mackie.

This is the same guy who said Jeff A. had no problems on Star Search…I don’t think he is believable. Where would Sy have used strings? The first song is a piano song. There are no strings in Fever other than the Bass, and that was there. There is no way the Penguin song could have used strings. The guy is thus full of beans.

The problem often is how do you measure the MOST FANS? The only way to ensure that would be to allow only one vote per person and to force all viewers to vote.

That’s what I want.

I want a great show, I want to be entertained, but Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢d like my favorite to win. If he doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t, I am not threatening to à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“never watch the show againà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  I know come next year, Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll end up liking a few singers more than others and get caught up all over again. Why? The answer is simple, it is a great deal of fun.

We are in violent agreement on this. It is a lot of fun to have a favourite and I see nothing at all wrong with that. I generally have a favourite too. Competitions are more fun to watch when you are cheering for a side.

Thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s what I want.

Okay, then how do you ensure that everybody who is a fan takes the time to vote? Because, I’ve got to admit, I never vote for anybody on American Idol. LOL.

Kirsten, you vixen you! I am liking you more all the time.
According to his vocal coach, DA didn’t want to squat while singing “With You” but the Producers made him. Also he was cleared to sing Fantasia’s song, but they took it away from him. The Bastards!!!

Okay, then how do you ensure that everybody who is a fan takes the time to vote? Because, Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve got to admit, I never vote for anybody on American Idol. LOL.

The people that would be voting are the same motivated fans that are voting now – except that they can only vote once. I’d love to see THOSE results. Now, that would be exciting.

They’d find a way to vote more than once, trust me.
Hell, we have dead people voting in our political contests here in Louisiana.

When Ryan says “Wow, we received over 53 million votes last night” – it’s like who cares? The frightening number would be how many individual voters actually made up that 53 million? They would never want you to know…

Kirsten, you vixen you! I am liking you more all the time.
According to his vocal coach, DA didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t want to squat while singing à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“With Youà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  but the Producers made him. Also he was cleared to sing Fantasiaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s song, but they took it away from him. The Bastards!!!

poor Archie!! I really think Ai want David Cook to win now…

The vocal coach has already changed his story 3 times on that. Aerosmith, Roberta, now back to Aerosmith.

Be glad he did not get Aerosmith, have you forgotten *I need you Boo, I gotta see you Boo*…

:lol_tb:

The vocal coach has already changed his story 3 times on that. Aerosmith, Roberta, now back to Aerosmith.

Be glad he did not get Aerosmith, have you forgotten *I need you Boo, I gotta see you Boo*à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦

really? I’m curious.. Can I see a source link for that?

Kirsten! I agree with you 100%! I feel like a voting system should be implemented (if it isn’t already) that allows powervoting from one phone, but where the more votes that come from that one phone, the votes decrease by a fraction of a value. For example, after every 100 votes, the votes then only count as 75% of a vote or something like that.

So Archie’s claimed the pimp spot for next week? Hmmm…that makes things interesting. I think he’ll inherit a lot of Syesha voters – he’s the next best thing to a diva-belter – and he’ll be singing the puppies-and-rainbows coronation song (which will fit him like the best fitting glove ever) last. He’s the one that will be leaving the final impression with the casual performance-based voters and if DC is anything less than blindingly brilliant I think Archie will be in prime position to take this…

Sure Mackie, check out the AI boards, it was all over them earlier.

Since Cook got the pimp spot this week, wouldn’t it be fair for Archie to get the pimp spot next week?

Sure Mackie, check out the AI boards, it was all over them earlier.

Ok, i’ll try to look for the claims by the vocal coach…thanks anyway.

Mackie- I in no way am going to believe the vocal coach…coughfamilymouthpiececough about any of this crap. Of course he never says anything about the over pimping that little d has received in the weeks he never should have gotten any….ie: missed lyrics, flat notes and cracking vocals. How about the fact that just this week DC announces his personal song choice on TV and has a completely new song come Tuesday?? This is not the first time this has happened to DC this year either. I in no way believe that Little D was going to sing a rock ballad. LMAO!!! “My Boo” was enough comedy for one night if you ask me. You nor this vocal coach will ever convince me of that. Also his bitch about song order??? They laid it out as groupings…judges choice, idol choice and producer choice. DC’s best song in my opinion wasnt even his last song but his first. So you want to switch the order around…fine….then little d can sing again before IMHO DC’s best song of the night. And just where were these mysterious strings suppose to go in any of Syesha’s songs???? I would just as soon buy a donut off a drunk than believe ANYTHING this guy ever says.

Sound to me like the Archie clan is running scared!!

Archie does get the pimp spot next week, he won the coin toss and chose it.

Ah yes but everyone forgets…Simon will get the last word. His stamp of approval will tell all. I have a feeling that they will bring them both out at the end for the final verdic of the judges and tah dah….totally will negate the pimp spot!

Since Cook got the pimp spot this week, wouldnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t it be fair for Archie to get the pimp spot next week?

Has anyone said it’s not fair? It was decided by coin toss…how could that be deemed unfair?

ETA: If Cookie had won the toss he would have been perfectly justified to take the pimp spot even if he did have it this week…them’s the rules. If you want to win the game you don’t go around handing the advantage to your opponent, and no one should “expect” you to either.

Archie had the luck and made the proper choice…

Has anyone said ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s not fair? It was decided by coin tossà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦how could that be deemed unfair?

ETA: If Cookie had won the toss he would have been perfectly justified to take the pimp spot even if he did have it this weekà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦themà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s the rules. If you want to win the game you donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t go around handing the advantage to your opponent, and no one should à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“expectà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  you to either.

Archie had the luck and made the proper choiceà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦

I am not saying it is not fair. I am just curious, why the need to have a coin toss? i thought its a matter of taking turns? Furthermore, i thought Archie crushed the competition during the top 4 when he got the pimp spot. Can’t that be taken into consideration since you said Cookie is perfectly justified to take the pimp spot next week?

Why the need for a coin toss….Cause thems the rules. All asigned performance orders stop at the finale. It has always been a coin toss. In Season 5 Taylor went last on top 3 night and won the toss….and went last again the next week.

Why the need for a coin tossà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦.Cause thems the rules. All asigned performance orders stop at the finale. It has always been a coin toss. In Season 5 Taylor went last on top 3 night and won the tossà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦.and went last again the next week.

I see.. I didn’t know that they would do coin toss for the finale! Thanks for the info! Hope the best winner wins whether or not he gets the pimp spot! Go Davids!!

I am not saying it is not fair. I am just curious, why the need to have a coin toss? i thought its a matter of taking turns? Furthermore, i thought Archie crushed the competition during the top 4 when he got the pimp spot. Canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t that be taken into consideration since you said Cookie is perfectly justified to take the pimp spot next week?

Oh, I think they should take turns. The allocation of performance order in these shows is a big bugbear of mine. However, as far as I know they’ve always decided by coin toss at this stage…they must consider that leaving it to chance is the fairest way when there’s only two.

I’m not really sure I understand your other point. Looking at Dial Idol, Cookie crushed the opposition in the pimp spot this week so it seems it might be quite significant to me. If I were either of the contestants and had a chance to sing last, I’d take it.

Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m not really sure I understand your other point. Looking at Dial Idol, Cookie crushed the opposition in the pimp spot this week so it seems it might be quite significant to me. If I were either of the contestants and had a chance to sing last, Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢d take it.

Is DialIdol 100% reliable? Cos during Kristy Lee Cook elimination, she was number 4 green zone (Top 7), if I am not mistaken meaning safe. How come she still got kicked out? Also, during top 5, Syesha was number 1 green zone (Top 5) safe too but she was in bottom 2 with Brooke. And I heard somewhere all these crazy Archie fans going up with vote texting, does this count to in DialIdol?

Am I weird to like the idea that the singer with the MOST FANS should win the title of American Idol?

It sounds like a lovely idea, really, but it is SO hard to gauge. For example, how discount fans of the artist and fans of the show?

There are so many people who could care less about what happens to the winner after the show is over, but will tune into AI religiously and even throw some votes to people they think are great. As soon as AI is over, that’s it until another season.

I’ll even throw myself into that category occasionally. Last season I voted for Blake in the finale even though he didn’t win, but I can’t say I’ve paid a lick of attention to what has happened to him after the show. Does that constitute me as a fan, even though I voted for him? I don’t think it does.

So while it looks like there are such rabid AI fanbases now for both of the Davids, it does make me wonder if it will carry over when the curtain falls for the last time, and the waiting period happens between the end of the show and an album. I know there is the tour, but not every rabid fan can go. That’s a long time for a teenybopper.

I’ve never been on the AI tour…but I think I may actually go this year…for a certain blue eyed dreadlocker, and because a bunch of my girlfriends and I thought it would be fun.

St. Lucia, the tour is great fun! I only went in Season 5 because I was able to use my nieces as cover, but they live in Houston now, so I doubt I can find anyone to go with me :glurps_tb: . I would love to go this year, oh well!

I’m sorry I missed this discussion last night. Kirsten, the voice of reason as always. I think whoever gets the most votes deserves and should win, because thems the rules! It’s always fun when that turns out to be your favorite; but it’s not necessary for enjoyment of the show.

I still say the best part of the night was Simon’s expression during Fantasia’s “performance”. What a mess that was. I think his thought’s were “and she’s won American Idol”? Sorry, I just don’t get Fantasia, I don’t think she’s that good. But that is just my opinion.

I think David Cook really wants this and he has my votes.

Once the kids grow out of the DA phase, at least heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll still have the middle age cat ladies.

Late to the conversation, I just HAVE to respond to lilq’s comment way back up there at 10:39 last night.

I happen to be a middle-aged cat lady (single, no kids, cats and dogs at home) and trust me, David Cook is the one who’s on my iPod.

In fact, it’s funny. Next week I’ll be watching the finale with my 23 year old niece. I learned that she’s an Archuleta fan! When I got that email from her telling me that, I asked her where her mama went wrong. Ought to be an interesting night.

Not sure where to put this news this morning. I was tuned into my local FOX59 show this morning. At the 6:50am mark they gave some breaking idol news. They are reporting that JA is not longer banned from backstage. Jeff just can’t be around his son when he is in practice. Make up your mind on the rules idol. :annoyed_tb:

I still say the best part of the night was Simonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s expression during Fantasiaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“performanceà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ . What a mess that was. I think his thoughtà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s were à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“and sheà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s won American Idolà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ? Sorry, I just donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t get Fantasia, I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t think sheà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s that good. But that is just my opinion.

i dont get her doing just songs.. but when she is playing a role like in colour purple OMG she is ferking awesome… the power and emotion she brings to the song is a sight to behold… i just think its too bad she can’t do the same for “everyday” songs JMO

Some interesting posts here, as ever.
I listened to the Kaelin piece where he describes the unfairness around song selection and arrangements and hope someone in AI land responds. I can’t decide if I think it’s sour grapes or truth… perhaps it’s a bit of both? ‘ll be looking for more on this one. And the “ban” on Daddy is a one week ban? That’s bizarre!

Well, regardless, I think we should have an awesome final next week and only hope they give these kids time to rest their voices and bodies, even for a day.

ETA: The look on Simon’s face during ‘Tasia’s performance is PRICELESS! And he absolutely loved her during her AI run… I never “got” her but last night was beyond horrendous. No molten hot lava for me, dawg.

Dancin’ I will correct myself because I did hear that Fantasia’s run on the Color Purple was amazing and I would have liked to have seen it. But her deal as a singer on that stage (during her Idol run and since then) for just singing/performing in that venue is horrendous. Every time she has come back to Idol to perform I sit there going WTF.

Jeff’s ban (according to Nygel) has always been for rehearsals and any room that David A. is preparing in.

lol i agree jovi.. but then maybe i’m not paying so much attention to her singing as wtf she is wearing or has done to her hair lmao
she’s different lol

DCFTMFW!!

This season is so full of controversies… I just wish its just about viewing singers with talent and no hidden agendas like previous seasons.. I miss the Kelly Clarkson, Tamyra season..

I think everything the voice coach said is truth, but I also think this kind of stuff happens on AI all of the time. They switch things up to highlight the chosen one. And that makes it a problem for Archie that his father is not there to stand up for him. He’ll just go along with whatever they tell him to do and hope his voice carries him through.

I haven’t expected fairness from AI ever since “the Vincident” so …

At this point I don’t really care which David wins whether its the high school student or the bar tender. I just can’t wait how both of them perform their duet finale. Pop V Rock

i’m a little bit popppppppppppp i’m a lil bit rock and roll….. david v david… donny and marie lmao

*wake me up from my nightmare* hehe

Some folks way back up in this thread were asking about Cook’s Omaha audition. Here’s a video from the local station showing him before the audition. Caution: he has that bad hair look here. I mean, really, really bad, not just Happy Together bad:

http://tinyurl.com/4wwoa2

I think the story has to do with the way auditions are done. There’s a round where they audition just to see if they get to do the real audition. That’s where David and Andrew both auditioned, and David got through. Here’s an interview with David and Andrew after the first round:

http://tinyurl.com/5gxfoc

(Personally, I think this interview makes Andrew look really attractive to the Idol folks. He’s funny, quick on his feet, self-deprecating – oh, is he a Cook, too? Love him saying that if David wins, he’s going to go “Ashlee Simpson” on him)

And here is a little video of David when he was being groomed for his super stardom, at age of 10:

http://tinyurl.com/5pvo4f

There’s a whole treasure trove of this stuff at the KC Fox station website:

http://media.myfoxkc.com/idol/index.html

DCFTMFW!

The look on Simon’s face during Fantasia’s performance was the same look I had. Priceless! I thought the homecoming packages were nicely done – all 3 looked truly touched. David Cook’s reminded me of Taylor’s due to the crowd size, parade, etc. Syesha had a much higher turnout than Melinda last year, or Kat the year before. Archie was mobbed by those cheerleaders – probably his pre-teen dream come true!

Kirsten, the clarity you bring to this show, and this blog is commendable. Both young men are equally deserving to win as they are the two still standing. Go Davids! I don’t care what happens at this juncture as both finalists are going to have a shot at the brass ring. My money is still on the kid, just cause I think it always comes down to the voice. Not who is more marketable, or cuter, or younger, sexier etc.

Ah, I shouldn’t have went to bed last night and missed all the debate! Now that I’m caught up….

I wouldn’t believe a word out of that vocal coaches mouth. He’s a paid employee doing the bidding of Archie’s dad. And – I certainly don’t blame Archie for anything this whackadoodle says. The voice coach has probably been complicit in Papa Jeff’s dominance over that kid for years.

As far as winning goes – I’m with the group that believes the only person who “deserves” to win is the one who gets more votes than the other guy. And, I actually believe Nigel – I think the casual votes who send in just a handful of votes so far outnumber the power voters – that I think they’re the ones in charge here. Doesn’t take the fun ouf of it for me though – I’ll still send my texts.

I’m convinced that Cookie will do enough to win next week, and I’m hopeful that we’ll see a good show. If I’m wrong, the bright spot for me will be the possibility that the 19 peeps will free Archie from his daddy.

I also 100% agree with Kirsten, that while the fanbases fued, the contestants themselves develope a very strong bond. When they started that group song last night, Archie looked terrified. He looked to both Syesha and Cook multiple times. I could be wrong, but the looks Archie received in return appeared to me to be looks of support. Throughout that horrid performance, the look Cookie seemed to be giving his fellow contestants said “this really sucks, and we’re not singing it too well, and we’re all run ragged, but hang in there guys”.

Maybe I’m reading too much into it, but I get the feel of a big brother, protective vibe from David C. And, the three of them sure looked to me like they liked and cared about each other.

rita205, I too am a middle-aged cat (and dog) single woman and I’m DCFTMFW all the way!

Archie was mobbed by those cheerleaders – probably his pre-teen dream come true!

Heh. Cook had cheerleaders from the Kansas City Chiefs (NFL team) at his mini-concert at the football stadium. Front and center. A couple of the fan videos that were posted on youtube come perilously close to being booty shots of the girls

Probably a 25-year-old bartender’s dream come true, too!

Actually between David A V David C is more like Pop Ballad V Rock Ballad- may the best win the record deal!!!

Last night on my local news Blake Lewis was on and he was saying that he felt he was at a disadvantage on final 2 night last year because he was not allowed to change up the coronation song to fit him. He said that he had been able to change up his songs the entire season and that it possibly hurt his chances of winning.

(MJ – if I’m repeating this from somewhere else, just poof this post – I haven’t gotten caught up yet)!!

On a separate note it sure is easier not to have a favorite contestant. Last year I didn’t vote once, and didn’t care who won.

Ahhhhhh, but now I am sucked in and am living 2 doors down from MJ in Cooktardistan. (MJ’s lawn is much nicer than mine)……..

So I am back to power voting but it’s worth it – I love it when a talented musician has a chance to make it in the business. Never a guarantee whether they will be successful or not, but they have a much better chance to succeed if given the opportunity. DCFTGDMFW

I don’t see how it can get better than this. We have two very talented and humble contestants with great characters. For me, the finale will be a feel good night just enjoying the two David’s success. I don’t see a need to ponder on who will sell the most.. etc because the record business is crazy and you never know what is going to sell and what doesn’t at any given time.

This here:

I was touched by a part of his hometown visit that they didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t show. One of the TV reporters that had been shadowing him throughout the day asked him at one of the rallys to tell the crowd to vote for him. And he didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t he instead thanked them for their support and he wouldnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t pander for their votes but said he would just try his best

… is just a great kid!

Speaking of that, I think Dean Kaelin needs to just keep his trap shut because he is just sounding like sour grapes and I don’t think that is what David A wants to represent from what I’ve seen of him.

IGetCranked, WORD about the Dean thing. That crap happens with a song every season. Par for the course.

I wasn’t a big fan of last year, first year I didn’t vote like a fiend after the performance show. Did Blake really have a shot if he had been allowed to switch it up. I don’t really think it would have matter, but maybe?

I don’t know that it would have mattered but I would like the contestants to be able to switch it up if they want. It would be far more interesting and show their individuality and skills.

I don’t think that either of the David’s deserves this more than the other. I prefer DC so that’s who I’ll be voting for but have no idea which way it will go.

I loved seeing Michael and the rest of the top 12 last night. I imagine they’re in rehearsals for the finale. I just hope we see a lot of them in it. I’d like for them to just bring in Jordin and none of the other former idols. Let this season’s idols be the focus unlike last year.

I found it interesting that they played “Dream On” through part of David C’s home visit video. It seems so linked to MJ and I was distracted trying to figure out if it was him singing (it wasn’t). I wonder what Michael thought about it?

what are the song choices next week besides the winning songwriter.
does the contestant sing his own song. I don’t remember from last year.

OMG, don’t give any credence to Dean K. It is clear that he is lying for JA. Think about it, where would Sy have put strings? Remember this is the same guy who said there were no problems at Star Search…..When would DA have sung Arrowsmith……think about it! He also says that they conspired to move “And So It Goes” to the first song. Interesting….DC hit one out of the Park on first song….

Everyone can scheme and plot all they want, I really think this is DC’s to lose at this point. Even when he’s “just OK” he’s still better than Archie. I think he’ll be fantastic next week though…Archie won’t be able to compete with that.

OMG, donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t give any credence to Dean K. It is clear that he is lying for JA.

I don’t give any credence to Dean K either, but it’s because I think he’s a famewhore who found out how to get his 15 minutes of fame: Say radical things.

Jeff may have encouraged him in the first place (to go out and defend him as the uber-stage-dad-from-hell), but I’m sure he’s regretting it now. Sour grapes never helped anybody win.

If Dean wants to help Archie, he needs to shut up now.

I don’t know why Dean doesn’t realize that this along with papagate is going to hurt Archie’s chances worse than a forgotten lyric. Oh well, I can’t wait till finale night! Maybe we’ll get another chest bump!

Is Dean Kaelin related to Kato Kaelin, the famous house guest who got more than 15 minutes of fame?

I agree that the contestant who gets the most votes is the contestant who deserves to win

Having said that, the day fans are all sitting together, holding hands, singing kumbaya and loving each and every contestant, including the contestant that’s standing in the way of their favorite’s win…is the day the show finally takes that huge ratings dive everyone is anticipating.

By design, the show is like a soap opera. There are heroes and villains–and one fan’s hero is the others villain and vice versa. Emotions run high–that’s the nature of the show. It’s also part of the fun. What I hate is when the battles are still being fought when they don’t matter anymore–come November when the albums are released. Those feelings are so strong for some–they can be hard to turn off.

http://thumbsnap.com/v/1jFaJ2e6.gif
Simon watching Fantasia

Trying to visualize DA singing the Aerosmith song (even if it is a Diane Warren written one). :blink_tb:

I am a fan of both the Davids, in my opinion the Armageddon song “I Don’t Wanna Miss A Thing” suits David Cook’s voice more than Archie based on the texture of their voice. I mean its obvious that song is a rock song which definitely suits Cook’s gravelly more mature voice. Having said that, the producers should have been fairer on Archie and given a more recognizable song. Come on, Longer?? an old wedding song for a 17 year old? Why can’t they just gave him something like “My Girl”

Having said that, the day fans are all sitting together, holding hands, singing kumbaya and loving each and every contestant, including the contestant thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s standing in the way of their favoriteà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s winà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦is the day the show finally takes that huge ratings dive everyone is anticipating.

*slinks* I’ve been swaying and singing kumbaya this morning BUT I wanted to set off a smoke bomb in Syesha’s hair so maybe I’ll be ok after all!

ROTFDL @ that gif! Simon dear the big ol open shirt deserves an eye roll too. All you need is a chain with a giant gold record hanging from it and you’ll be all set for the 70′s. :biggrin_wp:

Does anyone have a link for where it says that Archuleta wanted to sing the Aerosmith song? I can’t fathom that since he seems very selective about the lyrical content in the songs he chooses on the show. I just can’t see him singing about lying next to a woman, watching her sleep, wanting to kiss and hold her, etc. Just doesn’t seem to fit him when he seemed sheepish about saying “my boo”.

There weren’t many surprises in last night’s show (except for Fantasia’s performance but that just leaves me speechless). It was sweet seeing the three of them up there holding hands. I’m a Cook fan myself so I’m pulling for him to win. I read a few blogs where they commented on how David A never hugs back or touches David C in any way, but he’s hugged back other contestants. I think they’re trying to allude to some kind of tension between the two. What do you think? Personally, I never noticed and I always got a vibe that David C seems sort of older brotherish to David A. (particularly during his hand-over-Archie’s-shoulder moments on the safety couch). Maybe that’s just me.

DC always takes care of Archie.

Here is the link to the Dean Kaelin interviewwhere he talks about David wanting to sing the Aerosmith song.

Having said that, the day fans are all sitting together, holding hands, singing kumbaya and loving each and every contestant, including the contestant thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s standing in the way of their favoriteà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s winà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦is the day the show finally takes that huge ratings dive everyone is anticipating.

I wouldn’t like to see that either. I love hearing why people like who they like.

I just personally don’t like it when it turns to demonizing of contestants. Demonizing and moral high grounds are fun. I’m all for that. But, personally, I reserve it for TPTB. I think that the contestants are all getting so screwed over by production, that it’s hard for them demonstrate any demon-like tendencies even if they are true demons at heart. I love it whenever a contestant seems to get an upper hand on production. A little part of me does a happy dance that the Archuletta’s got the producers to open their wallets to pay for “Beautiful Girls”. I can almost hear the rusty hinges of the wallet creaking from here. And the funny thing is that it was such a brief moment, I don’t think it even helped Archie. It just cost Fuller some of his money-money-money.

That doesn’t mean that I’m trying to prevent others from getting their hate-on for the contestants. Goodness knows that I annoy people here by pointing out what I think is demon-like stunts pulled by the producers (performance order, flames of pimpage, unflattering camera angles, judges undercutting performances). “Much ado about nothing” I know some mutter (and I’ve been called crazy more than once. LOL)

I was only expressing how I don’t like the morality play aspect of things (and the producers certainly play that up soap opera style). Doesn’t mean that I’m telling others that they must stop. And it certainly isn’t meant as some sort of moral judgement on my part. LOL. One must only read my coments about the producer/judges song choices over the last week to know that I’m all for being outraged and having knollish theories. I certainly cannot cast the first stone.

Archie even admitted to his friend, Adam that his songs were all boring (after the Top 3 night) when he text message him and he even thinks that David Cook deserves to win.

On our Morning Fox news (In Michigan) they showed both Davids talking about being in the top 2 with each other. Each said something really nice about the other:

Cook: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“To be here now is a huge honor, and I get to compete against one of the coolest kids. Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll admit, honsetly, I mean, the kids is as legit as they come. So Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m stoked, this should be fun.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 

Archuleta: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Cook definately deserves it, you know, heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s just proven week after week how, how talented and amazing he is. Like how great of an artist he is, and how true is is to himself. And Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve always admired that of him. And to be standing next to him in the finals is just such an honor, ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s like, woooà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  (did the little hand gestures like when he met Mariahà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦lol)

http://www.sltrib.com/ci_9263957

I didn’t get Fantasia’s performance last night either. That was like a quadruple espresso. I did like her Ikette dancers though, and I thought David A looked a little shocked …get ready little fella, ya ain’t seen nothin’ yet.

Both hubby and I let out a huge LOL when we saw Simon’s face last night – we had to replay it a few times for the giggles.

I too am a gal of middle-age. My son is the same age as Jason C. and daughter is about David A’s age. I watch with interest the shots of the parents. We’re seeing more of David A’s mom now. Glad to see her with David during the home trip. Speaking of that I got kinda skeered for the little guy when he’s walking in the midst of teenage girls and an arm grabs him. Did you see his face? He looked horrified. Then the big burly handlerguy pushed the arm off of David.

I agree that Cook was playing big brother…he’s got a very nice protective vibe about him.

Well I’ll be voting for Cook. Nothing against little David but I believe Cook will be able to handle the pressure of the next year better. He’s more mature and won’t need as much ‘care’ . He’ll be less high maintenance and won’t have a Daddy A hanging around. I think he’s more marketable and the general music buying public relate to Cook more than Archie. Archie needs more time to develop as an artist.

Jason will be the one whose CD I’ll be waiting for…he’s different and I think once he’s submerged in the music world we’ll see some very interesting things from him. I think he, like Cook, has some good instincts about music arranging. These guys are more about the music than about being ‘stars’.

I didn’t see Jason last night. Will have to watch again.

I like David Cook, but I think David A. is a sweet teenager. I loved the hometown visits. Best moment of the night for me was Simon’s expression. Priceless.

I read an article from People Magazine that a reporter who was there Tuesday night said when David Cook got a long standing ovation for his last song, Jeff A. stayed seated. If his son doesn’t win, I feel like Jeff will be one sore loser. DA is trying so hard to please his dad.

I wish the best for both David’s.

Simon’s reaction was just on The View. Love it.

Father spurned fantasy:

DC wins. Jeff stomps up to the stage, punches poor Seacrest’s lights out, rips the tiara off DC’s head and puts it on his son’s, at which point Little David musters up the courage to launch into a chorus of “Papa Don’t Preach” — with, of course, new lyrics to befit the occasion….as Paula kicks off her stilettos, joins in the fray and decks Dad.

just kiddin’, but that would be a wow finale…..

beesims May 15th, 2008 at 11:03 am

Here is the link to the Dean Kaelin interviewwhere he talks about David wanting to sing the Aerosmith song.

Thanks.

This show is a lot more manipulative than I ever imagined.
Another good reason not to watch anymore.

I have been reading through all these comments, and, without seeming like someone who has a secret room with devotional candles lining walls of clipped out comments from MJ’s, I bow to the power of the Kirsten commentary. You outdid yourself this round.

Somewhere, back there, you said it is all about the entertainment. So very true.

Along those lines. Idol has become much more than just this little singing contest Kelly Clarkson won a few years back. It has now become Grande Theatre. In the corniest sense of the word.

Heroes! Villains! Beauties Who Can’t Sing! Handsome Men and Boys! Brave Little Munchkins Who Go Beyond Their Humble Origins! Quirky Rawkers! Kids! Been-There-Done-That Adults! Plants!

They have all been on this show for 7 seasons, and Idol is not about to let go of all this drama whatever form it takes. It is what makes the show go ’round. And it still is peripherally about the singing.

I am one who lives for the nights when someone knocks the show slightly off plumb. Or there is a contestant who brings something totally different to the stage.

This year I feel we have pretty much the cardboard cutouts Idol wants. The “rocker” and the “teen heartthrob”. Talented boys. I like them both very much. But they never really set this show on its ear.

I only vote when I have a bit of passion about someone. So I won’t be voting for this final 2.

Watching and being entertained and then turning the page until next year.

Thanks for the link. For some reason the first time I tried it the video wouldn’t load but this time it did – thanks!

I just watched the interview with DA’s voice coach. Talk about sour grapes. Geesh. Not someone I would really want influencing my kid.

I didn’t know Cook and Lacey Schwimmer were dating.
Of course, I don’t read many backstory articles.
Cute couple.

I was just listening to Jason’s interview on a Detroit radio station. In the beginning, they record his handler telling the DJ’s NOT to ask him any questions about Papa-gate. Thought that was interesting.

Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s not what this show has come to, it is what it has always been. When Fuller first started the concept of American Idol, he believed that young men who appealed to the teenage voters would win every year. Boy, was he wrong.

Kristen

Where did you learn of this? Yes he was wrong!!!

LOL Colette. You might not be too far off-base. I’ll bet Jeff will start ranting about how this show was rigged for Cook. I think he likes this extra attention he’s getting.

I was just listening to Jasonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s interview on a Detroit radio station. In the beginning, they record his handler telling the DJà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s NOT to ask him any questions about Papa-gate. Thought that was interesting.

Good for them…Jason should get to talk about Jason, not about someone else’s dad.

Fierce Fantasia! Simon’s Face. Priceless!
Ha..ok sometimes she’s over the top, but i absolutely love her voice. Don’t love most of her current songs but love when she does old style r&b, aretha stuff etc.

PJ, will you be going to AI’s Concert Tour? I agree, Jason should be talking about Jason. Wish I had heard the interview!

I am rather neutral on who I want to win. I am sure casual voters will watch both performances and decide that night who they will vote for. Both Davids have been good for the show.

After watching Fantasia’s performance, I was speechless. I really don’t know what topic she was screaming…singing about. At least she showed the Final 2 how to work the stage. Yep, Simon’s look was priceless.

Grammie, here’s the interview. It’s right under the picture of Jason at the airport.

http://www.castrocopia.com/

Thank you, Frances!

Think about it à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  if he fails, where does he go from here? If he wins, where does he go from here?

I think Disney is ready for David A. – they are already looking for ‘short’ talented teen girls just for him. He may well end up at Branson, but I see him on Broadway first. His voice was made for the arena and many critics have called him a prodigy. Time will tell.

However, I can see the viewpoints mentioned for David Cook. He stood in line and got an audition. I hate the fact that AI has had preselected contestants who walk in at the end of the day. Let them all stand in line.

I feel dumb.

What does MJ mean by, “ETA:”

?

Edited to add.

Grammie Kari,

Yes! I am most definately going to the concert tour. I’m going to look into getting tixets when they go on sale Saturday.

I wasn’t able to get to the TV until about 9:45 last night, and therefore only watched the homecoming video now. (Thanks again MJ!)

I thought David A was completely charming in his video – much more at ease than he’s appeared at other points. I could read (or perhaps read into) his face when those cheerleaders showed up… his eyes lit up, “oh Wow, the Cheerleaders are here!”… and he was a teenager at that moment… albeit briefly! Whatever is going on with his family, I hope that David A manages to experience more moments of youthful joy.

But I have to say: David Cook is my boy. I liked his music and his presence and his style, from the time he appeared… but did not expect him in the final. Not at first. I also had no idea he would prove to be such a sweetie in real life… his commitment to his family is heartwarming. And I never, ever imagined that he could sing MOTN… legit… and belt that big note! In-freakin-credible. For me at least! So, now he’s pimped and seems to be the producer’s favorite. I think he just has more momentum, and better press, on his side at the moment.

No matter who you’re rooting for, or even if you’re not rooting for either, this will be a really good finale. I’m psyched because, I watch AI for entertainment and this will be a very entertaining show. And a very close one!

The apparent friendship/mutual admiration between the Davids is quite touching. I’m gonna watch the finale in a whole different light.

I’m still marvelling at Fantasia’s performance. That song “Bore Me” is a piece of work, alright. (Google the lyrics.) I’d say it was actually a pretty daring song choice both in form and content. Nobody on the show this year has anywhere near the cojones. Fierce for real.

Love her. LOVE!

BTW, I don’t think lil’ David was at a loss for anything during her performance. He probably took a few notes. Have you SEEN the “Star Search” youtubes? (check out “I Surrender” in particular) There was a level of uninhibitedness there that is far removed from the David A. of today. The diva is inside the cocoon. Give him a few years to shake off the inhibitions of puberty and Dadchuleta and he’ll spread his wings.)

I thought Fantasia was Fearless. That performance was mesmerizing to watch and I canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t quite decide about it. I KNOW that people on the scary boards are most likely having a field day of daggers over her à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Yeah, Yeah, Yeahsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ , of which she seems quite fond. They drive me a bit crazy as well.

She rather reminded me of a retired legend who still has à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“got ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ . She performs beyond her years.

I tend to agree. I described Tasia as Patti Labelle on steroids. Anyway, you could tell Simon was flabbergasted and seeking words to describe what he just saw….what you saw Simon was a “performance artists”….there are no singers anymore, they are performance artists….blame Madonna for that.

And she’s doing her “thang” like it or not….you know Tasia has that attitude going. You either like it or you don’t. I could do without all the screaming, but maybe it goes with the song???

It is a bit disheartening when more people are talking about Fantasia’s performance than about the Top 3′s songs. Great for her, but I wonder if the producers are now feeling a bit queasy that a former winner has made this year’s “best” rather forgettable?

Margaux: If Fantasia did nothing but wake up the audience because that show needed a “jolt” or a surprise or something. It was bordering on boring and predictable….sort of like what JLo did last year….singing in Spanish and there was all that controversy….I liked that Fantasia did her “thang” and she’s going on tour and if it’s a success and she sells out, she’s a star.

where was clive last night? Is he returning next week? I miss Clive.

Simon Cowell has told à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“American Idolà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  season seven finalist Syesha Mercado that sheà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s no Whitney Houston, but to jazz musician Boney James, the 21-year-old is the next best thing to Faith Evans.

Yesterday Concord Records released à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Gonna Get It,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  recorded by James and a then-unknown Mercado in August 2006. The song is available for purchase exclusively on iTunes, but can be heard for free on a number of Web sites.

à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“She was wonderful. I think she was only 19 at the time,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  Lowell-born saxophonist James said of Mercado.

Do you think that Syesha will start recording with James now that she’s an Idols star? I would like to hear the song, and I always believe Sy was a jazz & Broadway singer. This should get good, esp. for 19E.

Clive’s been demoted and I would think, uninvited (or at least sitting somewhere with the masses). I’m curious if we’ll see the new boss…

Archie even admitted to his friend, Adam that his songs were all boring (after the Top 3 night) when he text message him and he even thinks that David Cook deserves to win.

That doesn’t mean DA doesn’t want to win, or doesn’t deserve to win. All that means is that he’s a nice, humble kid. At his homecoming, he wouldn’t even ask people to vote for him when prompted. He said people should vote for who they like.

At least he auditioned on purpose…

It is a bit disheartening when more people are talking about Fantasiaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s performance than about the Top 3à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s songs. Great for her, but I wonder if the producers are now feeling a bit queasy that a former winner has made this yearà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“bestà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  rather forgettable

If they’re queasy or quizzical or in a quandry over former Idol winners returning to overshadow the best.cast.ever, then it’s their own fault.

The producers are responsible for minimizing the importance of the contestants to the contest itself by overloading it with guest mentors, the judges’ pet projects, bloated sets, overlong and overpadded results shows, and unimaginative theme weeks. I honestly think they could care less since there’s a vested intrest (one way or another) in all of the ones that do return.

Former Idols are supposed to come on and provide an example of post-show success and professionalism for the “kids”. If they blow the roof off the joint in the process, good for them. And good for us.

I agree that Fantasia lit up the stage. It is for others to decide if it was in a good way, but she sure woke ME up. (Although, I think my expression may have resembled Simon’s).

I still favor having mentors on the show. Often they are interesting and almost always present a challenge. At times, maybe even a little drama. Song selection was the problem, although Syesha did try to liven it up. When will TPTB ever learn?

On Larry King, Ryan said there will be some changes made but it won’t involve a judge. Perhaps removal of a judge would shake things up a bit?

Fantasia definitely made an impression, Lady Bug. LOL!

Fantasia frightened my dog so badly that it took an hour to coax him to come out from behind the couch. What the hell was that ? We should have had a warning before that mess came out on stage. Bad , Very Bad , Very Very Bad.

Yes, Fantasia was a red hot mess of something different – cool and unique. A shot in the arm that the show needed. I never really got her and was prepared to dislike but dayum – she finally shook the place up in a crazy wonderful way.

I am a Fantasia fan but I hated what she did Wed. For me, it was possibly the worst thing I have ever seen on Idol. Her hair, outfit, & screaming non-lyrical performance made for a scary few minutes. Simon & I had the same look on our faces at the end.