Simon Cowell on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno – VIDEO

Thanks for the clips, MJ. I missed the show. So, now, we have another spin on Paulagate. And, I’d love to have Simon hooked up to a polygraph, just to see if he’s really the “most honest” man. I think not! He is very interesting to listen to when he’s not on AI.

I had forgotten how blank all the contestants looked while Paula was rambling. Priceless!

So “honest” Simon Cowell doesn’t care which David wins. Heh.

funny while simon is explaining the pauler blunder, he says, ” think they are buying it?” (something along those lines.)

Yes, the only thing DC has over DA is that he works in a bar.

Simon angers me. Archie has worked hard too. Dumb dumb

“I spoke to her [Paula] almost an hour ago and she said you did great tonight.”

Haha! Good one, Jay!

I beg to differ. DC has much more than working in a bar over DA.

Start from working in a bar, and whether you go back or forward, he just has more life experience. He’s a college graduate. He was part of a band. He recorded a cd, without the help of a record company.

He hasn’t a keeper, he chooses what to sing and how to sing it. I’m sure he runs some of it randomly by others but ultimately makes his own choices.

Archie has been so overly protected, managed and smothered that he either doesn’t have the maturity or ability, or, can’t/has a fear of going outside his box, the box that was chosen by someone else. He’s totally dependent on others to speak and think for him.

He isn’t capable of handling interviews with any sense of himself. He’s a very young 17year old who actually appears to have the maturity of a 13 year old, and depends on others to not only make decisions but to speak for him as well.

If he wins AI I’m sure that tptb will chokehold his father — cut him out of the mix — and Archie will be expected to mature 10 years in that moment. His chances for failure are huge.

That’s not to say that he never will but, ultimately, it’s his choice to become his own person. He hasn’t done that yet.

I wonder why would his fans want this for him.

What load of crap. Simon Cowell is such a dumbass. But I already knew that of course. So now DC deserves it because he has “worked harder”??? What a load of bullshit. The manipulations and favoritism by this show never cease to amaze me.

I really like both Davids and wasn’t going to vote but I’ve changed my mind and am now voting for DA just to screw with TPTB. Their over the top pimping of DC disgusts me.

If Simon is a dumbass he’s sure a rich dumbass! Obviously he’s made some good choices and decisions along the way.

I think we have a few cases of can’t see the forest for the trees.

It depends on what day of the week it is in regard to what Simon says.

What’s funny is we all remember a game called, Simon says, and, it’s being played out on national tv.

carolina,
nail.on.the.head.

I really feel for Jay Leno. Can you just imagine how long and painful 5 minutes will feel to Jay on Thursday if Archie wins this thing and he has to interview him??? I think a drinking game maybe needed. Everytime Archie says Gosh, ummmmm, ohhhh, well ahhhh, cool or glad….I say take a shot. You’ll be drunk in no time!!!

ETA…why is anyone surprised by what Simon said tonight on Leno. Every year he does this and picks his winner. Whether you agree with his reasons or not, he has done it and will continue to do it next year. Just because it’s not your favorite getting the nod from Simon, doesn’t change the fact that THIS IS WHAT SIMON DOES!!!

This was hilarious, especially the Fantasia stuff. I agree that Cook deserves the win because he’s taken more risks and as a result has pushed himself harder. And yes, he’s definitely paid his dues along the way and had more of an uphill battle because he didn’t start out as a frontrunner at all. This is strictly my opinion though.

I was all set to vote for David Archuleta but after watching Simon on the Tonight Show, I’ll be power voting for David Cook! Yes!.

Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve changed my mind and am now voting for DA just to screw with TPTB. Their over the top pimping of DC disgusts me.

Simon does this every year. It’s already been known he favors DC personally, I can’t see how any of this is news to anybody, and I can’t see how this qualifies as “over the top pimping”, Unless you’re really trying to work yourself up. Just MHO.

I actually think the reasoning Simon gave is not at all good. DC should win because he had done much more to deserve it all season, not because he used to be a “Baaargh-tender”.

Let’s face facts. Simon doesn’t give a rat’s patootie who wins. His work is done after Wednesday night. He collects his fat paycheck, books a flight to the UK, and, lets the fan bases fight it out with their pocketbooks. He’s a smart one, that Simon Cowell.

idolfan86
david cook was not TCO at the beginning of the season. it was all lil david. At this time, i think the pimping is pretty even. Randy pimps lil david no matter what. Pauler is pauler and doesn’t count. The last show was one of the only times Simon pimped Cookie. So over the top-not to me. Lil david forgot lyrics and it never got mentioned. He has no stage presence and it is never mentioned. He has problems with breath control and squints his eyes but no one says a word. Lil David-tongue baths all season. Cookie-recent cleansings. Simon has always picked a favorite. He picked Carrie from the start and stuck with it. I don’t let the judges manipulate my choice. If it was Randy on the show and he picked archie, would that be any different?

I think Simon’s comments about DC having worked harder was just a Cliff Notes version regarding DC’s readiness to be the next American Idol. He’s had a few more years of life experience to draw from and it has prepared him for winning.

I think DA is adorable and he has worked very hard as well but I doubt that he’s ready for this. Recently, in several interviews, he has spoken about how hard it’s been to do the show – a lot harder than he thought it was going to be. After the show is over, it’s not going to get any easier.

Simon can be such a jerk. I think both Davids are talented and deserve to win. The fact that David Cook wasn’t preselected to be a contestant makes me want him to win. People have their own mind. Yes, Simon does this every year.

Dlynne, I agree with your comments about DA and realize he will need someone with him on these interviews, even as runner-up.

So, Simon wasn’t impressed with Fantasia’s performance?

David Cook said he is going to be working hard the next 2 years. I’ve often wondered what is going on behind the scenes with him and TPTB? He knows he’s going to get signed, and, maybe they’ve already signed him. Things that make you go hmmmmmmmmmmmm. I’m not sure when he came out with this, but, I think it was well before or during the top 5.

And, I truly believe that Archie was TCO this year, until Cook stepped up to the plate. Since then, they have given him the Clay Aiken treatment. For some reason, they believed that Ruben was more marketable, and, Simon is still picking the crow out of his pearly whites over that one.

As I’ve stated many times, I’m not voting tomorrow night, and, don’t care who wins. So, as an objective viewer, Cook is the more marketable of the two.

But, something is wrong. When they brought Andrew on stage, it seems he was the one auditioning, then supposedly, the producers wanted David to try out. But, in another interview Cook stated that he had watched Daughtry tapes before auditoning, so, something doesn’t fit here. So, it certainly sounds like he had planned to audition.

Who’s going to win? I believe David Cook will. Archie is going to be a hard sell to the radio stations, unless its AC. And, trust me, they want a cash cow who can give them a quick return on their investment. Archie may sell lots of CDs out of the starting gate, because of his loyal fan base, but, I don’t see him growing beyond the crooning stage. He just isn’t that versatile. Cook can always do Broadway too. What used to be a slam, is now an accepted commodity for AI with so many former contestants putting their mark on the Great White Way. Plus, Cook has done musical theatre in the past, so, he has various avenues open to him.

Okay, seriously, that was one of the most enjoyable Leno clips I’ve ever seen. I love seeing Simon just be real. That first clip with the talking about his first kiss and putting on makeup was priceless.

Thanks for posting those, MJ.

SKylight, Andrew is the one that was originally trying out for AI and David went along for support. They talked David into auditiong at the VERY first audition sessions. It was after he made it through that audition that he started watching Daughtry to be ready for the next audition rounds.

I agree completely with Simon about Fantasia’s performance.

When they brought Andrew on stage, it seems he was the one auditioning, then supposedly, the producers wanted David to try out. But, in another interview Cook stated that he had watched Daughtry tapes before auditoning, so, something doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t fit here. So, it certainly sounds like he had planned to audition.

The auditions where David was only there as moral support were the very first auditions in front of producers. Once DC made it, he started getting into the whole thing.
There are videos from that first producer round on the FoxKC site. It’s been a well known fact among Cooktards that DC only auditioned in the first place because of Andrew.
Andrew never made it to the judges round, therefor his audition was never shown on TV.

ETA – The story is here: http://www.myfoxkc.com/myfox/pages/Home/Detail;jsessionid=6A3E5EB2625AA1484E1FEC415BB30223?contentId=6553264&version=4&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=1.1.1&sflg=1
and there’s a video link on the bottom right.

What’s interesting is that Fantasia screams in her songs and James Brown did the same thing and nobody complained; so does Sam Moore. They are blues singers/R&B singers who “scream” in their songs. I thought her performance was high energy and brought to life a show that seems to wrap itself around dull boring slow songs. At least she MOVED on the stage. Most of their guests just stand there and sing in front of the mic.

Simon angers me. Archie has worked hard too. Dumb dumb

Yep, mainly on Youtube.
Does anybody know if David A performed in pagents, or local church concerts or anything Professional? I don’t think so, so no, he didn’t “work hard” like David Cook did.

don’t the winner and runner up get signed?
… or at least they have for the past few years so david cook saying he will be working hard for the next couple of years is NOT a grassy knoll type of thing .. i dont think

DCFTMFW!!!!

The winner isn’t suppossed to be the one who has *worked harder* it’s suppossed to be the one who is the
BETTER SINGER
and notice, please, that there was ZERO mention of that by Simon.

If age was going to be a factor and apparently the deciding factor, according to Simon’s reasons why Cook should win,
why let anyone under the age of oh, 23 audition in the first place?

ETAà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦why is anyone surprised by what Simon said tonight on Leno. Every year he does this and picks his winner. Whether you agree with his reasons or not, he has done it and will continue to do it next year. Just because ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s not your favorite getting the nod from Simon, doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t change the fact that THIS IS WHAT SIMON DOES!!!

Completely agree. And if I remember correctly, he didn’t just state that opinion out of the blue. He was point blank asked. Plus, it was right after he said he didn’t care who won.

chicago sally, David Archuleta’s 2 years on Star Search I think would qualify him for working dang hard! That made me mad Simon saying DC worked longer. Yes, he has also performed at other engagements. You can youtube to see some of them. David A has been singing most of his life – other than when he couldn’t with his vocal chords. If anything, he has overcome an extreme difficulty to be where he is.

I would say both David’s have worked real hard to get where they are. David A, being in the public eye since he was much younger.

I think Simon went out of his way to downplay his personal choice (Cook) last night.

david cook was not TCO at the beginning of the season. it was all lil david. At this time, i think the pimping is pretty even.

weelassie, I’m seeing a little more lean toward Cook in the pimping as of late but, you’re right, Archuleta dropped lyrics on at least 3 occasions while getting raves… good points. But Simon has clearly come out in favor of Cook. Last night he downplayed that. A lot.

Simon angers me. Archie has worked hard too. Dumb dumb

Archie has been working the business since 11, but his father and he have been pursuing success in a pagent, concert, recording industry track. He’s never been a struggling musician/artist. Cook has been pursuing success by “gigging”, solo and in bands. I see this as “paying dues” as a musician. So, I can see what Simon was saying, and agree that Cook has worked very hard to get to this point. Personally I think Archuleta has been worked very hard. That’s just my view, though – you’re entitled to your own.

Responding to David A not being ready for this: Why isn’t he? Because he is awkward during interviews? There are lots of musicians who don’t interview well!

Working on a Reality Show – the schedule of filming, the interviews, the photo shoots, the groups songs and videos, the rehearsing with the producers/vocal coach and band, the learning multiple songs in 1 week, is that what makes you ready to be a star? I would say he is just as ready as Jordin was, only he has a better voice and appeals to more people!

I think David C. is ready as well. I think this is a tight contest. Two extremely different guys, with broad appeal for both!

Not even gonna comment on Simon being unfair re pimping either contestant as he’s pimped both. It’s not a big deal anymore. Simon doesn’t vote. And if he does, it doesn’t count as much as any of ours. My only hope is that they don’t judge the rehearsal and to let the voters speak, and to leave us alone if we beg to differ and they get the guy they didn’t want. The fans will bludgeon each other enough after the finale and into the future. Tamyra Gray’s fans are still talking about how she was robbed so this crap going on is nothing new for idol.

As for his comments on Fantasia, remember this is they guy who bought us Il Divo and whose favorite song is Unchained Melody. He doesn’t do it “rough” like Tina Turner would say. Hell passion like that probably scares the hell out of Simon.

I commpletely agree with Simon about Fantasia! I watched/listened mouth agape. I could not believe that performance. While it WAS energetic, I couldn’t understand a word she said! It reminded me why I could not stand her when she was on Idol! Blech.

A friend of mine who is an AI fan and who also happens to be black (though that doesn’t matter so why did I mention it??) called me as soon as Fantasia finished singing that night and she was in tears from laughing so hard. I definitely got a good laugh that night!

Ha ha..and I DO know how to spell “completely.”

The winner isnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t suppossed to be the one who has *worked harder* ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s suppossed to be the one who is the
BETTER SINGER
and notice, please, that there was ZERO mention of that by Simon.

Quote from Simon:
à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“I think heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s done more to deserve it over the eleven weeks,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  Cowell says. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s taken more risks, heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s done things with certain songs that have been more interesting. If Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m gonna base it on who has done the best performances over the live shows, David Cook deserves to win.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 

Simon also told David COOK if it were just a singing contest and NOT a popularity contest, he would win.

As for Archuleta. Something is still wrong with his voice. Yes yes I understand about his vocal chord problems, but they are still there. He has a horrible gasping/breathing intake while he sings and it is very apparent & annoying. That is something that will have to be addressed before he can make a cd. *IMHO* he should heal all the way before pushing that voice, remember Jordin and the bleeding vocal chords? I don’t see Archuleta far behind. Archuleta in 6 years or so will be great.

David Cook right now is great, ready to record tomorrow.

First of all THANKS MJ for posting this. This old lady is in bed waaay before Leno comes on. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to watch.

This was the most hilarious interview. Simon should have a second career as a comedian. I loved the dueling big 70s hair pics and the laughing corpse story. And you know he isn’t saying any of this with a straight face when he asks, “Does anyone believe this?” re: Paulagate.

His choice of DC? Well, he was asked, and he gave his answer. He has a right to his opinion. I don’t think there is any conspiracy or pimping at this stage of the game.

I really enjoyed those segments, MJ. Funny shit.

As for Simon favoring Cook, Cook earned it working hard each week. To me, the week that Simon’ commented about doubting that little D picked “that’ (and I can’t remember which) song indicated to me that he’d had it with Daddy-A.

ettacandy said:

Personally I think Archuleta has been worked very hard.

That’s a good way to put it.

In his adult life, Cook has had to actually work to feed himself, trying to support himself in the business. The bartending put him in a club where he could perform, but it also gave him a regular paycheck. There’s a big difference between entering contests while still living at home, and actually putting yourself out there trying to earn a living doing what you love — just my opinion, obviously.

I hope Cook wins it – I think he’s the most deserving.

What — no spin on Simon’s incredulous look after Fantasia’s horrid performance?

Simon doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t vote. And if he does, it doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t count as much as any of ours.

I agree in the respect that I don’t think Simon votes. However, I don’t really understand the second part of your statement as I was under the impression that all votes counted the same.

Anyway….I loved seeing embarrassed Simon! Jay was TORTURING him…so great. I would agree with him regarding Fantasia and I’m glad he gave a nod in the direction of David Cook for the win!!

I think all this talk of who’s the ”most deserving” is pretty irrelevant. The winner should be the person who gets the most votes – the person the audience at home wants to see win.

Unfortunately, with all the producers’ and judges’ manipulations and the doubt whether all the votes are in fact counted, the winner is pretty much up to TPTB and not the viewing audience- people are finally catching on to this and are feeling more cheated by Idol than ever before.

I’m going to comment here because the thread where MJ mentioned Hicks, Taylor as proof that TPTB don’t always get what they want is kind of buried. I wanted to challenge her just a little bit on that because she forgot to add an important corrolary to that theory: Once we reach the FINAL TWO, TPTB always DO get what they want. Always. Without exception. Hicks, Taylor is a flawed example because of the pre-finals elimination of Daughtry, Chris. Once the F2 was set, it was obvious that he was their man. The evidence of this is the throwing under the bus of the other two contestants (see Yamin, Elliott “Open Arms” and McPhee, Katharine “My Destiny”). The results of the finals are NEVER a surprise, and whoever TPTB want to win at that point always does.

It’s true that Simon loves to say that the wrong “guy” won Season 5, but notice the gendered noun there. On Larry King, Randy challenged him by asking who the runner-up was and Simon refused to say her name (he knew darn well who it was) because it undermined his point–they wanted HER to win even less than they wanted Taylor! Had the runner-up been Daughtry, you bet he would have said who it was.

That being said, I’m not certain that TPTB really are gunning for a Cook win. There is usually a TCO from the outset, and if that person makes the finals, that person invariably wins (see Studdard, Ruben; Barrino, Fantasia; Underwood, Carrie) no matter how much buzz the eventual runner-up might have (see Aiken, Clay; Bice, Bo). The one time that there was a huge backlash against a TCO (see Barrino, Fantasia) from conservative groups and others, the problem was taken care of by the early elimination of the biggest threats (see Hudson, Jennifer; London, LaToya; Huff, George). The TCO is often eliminated early (see Daughtry, Chris; Doolittle, Melinda), but when this does happen, the final two is either no contest (see Sparks, Jordin) or the aforementioned “best of what’s left” pimping with Hicks, Taylor (even though they may regret it now, that’s what TPTB thought then).

This year’s TCO was David Archuleta. He’s in the finals. He’s singing second (no first-position singer has EVER won the finals). Are the producers really gunning for a Cook win? Don’t be so sure. Rickey Yaneza is heavily pimping Archie, as is VFTW. The Mormons tend to vote in droves for their own. I actually think that given the early TCO designation, the singing position, and the strong power-voting Mormon bloc, Cook is actually the underdog. I really believe that. WHEN TCO MAKES THE FINALS, TCO WINS!! ALWAYS!

One final point–there are two things Simon does that TPTB should really halt. They are both extremely annoying. One of them is using the word “Broadway” as a pejorative criticism (I think the producers realized how ridiculous that was starting to sound, given the number of former Idols on Broadway and also the fact that singing Broadway is by no means easy, and have stopped him from doing that–ALW week is evidence of that). The other is something he still does, and that is to crown the eventual winner before the Top 12 have sung a note. He really needs to be stopped from doing that–it kills the joy of actually watching the show and following it–and such things give us the Studdard, Rubens of the world. I’m frankly quite surprised that TPTB don’t put Mr. Cowell on a shorter leash.

MahlerFan, very interesting post. I agree with 90% of it except I still think Cook is TCO this season. He took over from Archie when Randy gave him the standing ovation. Archie is going second because he won the coin toss.
However, the rest makes sense. They always get the winner they want from the finale. Or they have in the past.

Enjoyable Simon intereview and I believe him when he says he doesn’t care who wins. I don’t remember him picking the winner for past finales but maybe I wasn’t paying attention.

Loved seeing Simon squirm….

And, I agree that he downplayed his DC preference…a whole lot. Good for him.

Thanks, jpfan.
On the subject of the Mormons voting in droves for their own–look no further than Rasmusen, Carmen making it as far as the Top 6…

Actually Mahler, one singer who performed first did win. That singer was Ruben Studdard.

(no first-position singer has EVER won the finals).

Season Two, Ruben vs Clay, Ruben sang in 1st, 3rd and 5th and won.

Oh, my mistake. Now I remember that “Bridge Over Troubled Water” closed the show. Thanks for the correction!

I think all this talk of whoà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s the à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ most deservingà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  is pretty irrelevant. The winner should be the person who gets the most votes – the person the audience at home wants to see win.

Totally agree. I don’t want AI to turn into a sob-fest where we tally up everybody’s life experience and decide which charity case is most deserving of the win. If Cook deserves to win, it’s because he gets the most votes not because it took him 8 years longer to get to the same point in a reality competition as some kid.

I don’t have a problem with Simon having favourites. Nobody said that the judges have to be impartial. But his recent love of hard work is a little surprising. I don’t recall him saying that he wanted Bo to win over Carrie or Taylor over Kat or Blake over Jordin. All of those guys had similar work experience to Cook compared to their final 2 competitor. That’s why his reasoning rings hollow to me.

But Simon is Simon. He loves to manipulate. He saw this as one more tool in his box. He is the master at undermining somebody without even saying much.

Re Taylor as an example of TPTB being fair with counting the votes. I think TPTB play with the votes all the time when they “need/want” to and can normally get away with it under the cover of “split votes”, “sympathy vote”, etc.

In Taylor’s year, the votes were so overwhelmingly in Taylor’s favor that making a semi-convincing argument that Taylor was voted out would have been impossible. They would have had to get rid of him early on in the contest, and they didn’t want to do that because of ratings.

They took a BIG chance with the Season 2 finale and suffered from it for a long time. Hence some of the caution.

After Taylor won, they have been less…ummm…conservative in their manipulations — both on screen and behind the scenes.

Yeah, I know — it’s not everyone’s point of view, but there ya have it. By the way, we are having elections over at the Grassy Knoll. Please place your vote for T2.

A little confused by what you mean by the “BIG chance” in the Season 2 finale. Was the big chance allowing Clay to get into the finals with TCO or manipulating the votes for Ruben? And if that was the big chance that backfired, what exactly is the caution? And do you mean that this “caution” was gone after Taylor won?

Please clarify just a bit because your post is interesting–just a little ambiguous. Thanks!

Umm… folks,

Nigel said recently in an interview that both David’s are getting a record deal. The show winner gets a more restrictive contract (and about $500,000-$600,000 in endorsements/deals as a result: at least Taylor did allegedly)

So, do you want David Cook doing the craptacular talk show/private concert circuit, while trying to get out his 1st album, or do you want David Archuleta to do it? Think male Miley Cyrus.
The kid has Disney Channel written all over him. Clean cut, tweens luv him, and he can sing Disney-style music. Face it: Cook Deserves to win like Taylor did in a small way: he paid his ‘dues’ on the road, sure. But do you REALLY want him to have to answer the same questions over and over and OVER instead of having quality time to get his music together? I don’t.

Be careful what you wish for.

Mahler — “big chance” by TPTB — loosely counting the votes in the finale for the Ruben win. I was a big fan of a performer from another talent contest where people voted and the guy’s mother was quoted as “I can’t say much, but let’s just say there’s not much reality in reality tv.”

After listening to Simon talk about who “deserves” the win (not who’s most talented or even “popular”), I’d have to say it’s Cook’s to lose.

All the contestants really worked hard for this: Chikezie, Michael Johns, Carly, Brooke and Archie (etc, etc).. But I felt that Cook really took this competition seriously that I feel every week is like a mini-concert for him: planned and designated to thrill audiences. He even took on a Mariah Carey song. But, Archie is really popular plus the fans of his are really dedicated to make him win.

If you look at Cook’s performances every week, his itunes are more popular and even non-fans (neutral viewers or indifferent viewers) would download his mp3. I even read in his VOTEFORTHEWORST.COM thread that they bought his itunes and they would remark “it is actually good”. For me, that’s unbiased opinion.

Simon actually said in a Larry King interview that Archie would probably win because of the teen and granny votes. I guess in this interview he is just saying that Cook DESERVES to win. He probably still thinks that Archuleta would win this thing.

Personally, I feel that it would be pointless if Cook doesnt win. First, he showed real professionalism (not botching up the lyrics and delivering concert-worthy performances most of the time), creativity and good vocal range (from broadway to rock to cheesy rock songs). If he doesnt win, it’s like it doesnt matter if you perform well anymore. All you have to do is look good and be likable. Those traits would work if this is a beauty pageant. It’s like his hard work are just useless and it would ruin the appeal of the contest for future dreamers who want to use this platform to succeed in the music industry.

Chuckles,

I see your point, but then again isn’t that David Cook’s issue to deal with if he wins? He’s a big boy. He made the decision to go on AI. It’s not like he’ll have a lifetime contract. Sometimes we all have to get down and dirty to go after what we want. We all speculate that it’s a bad thing for the winner, maybe it’s not their feelings on it. So my votes are for Cook. If Archie wins, congrats to him too. This has to be the first year I haven’t strongly disliked my idol’s opponent. But I’m still voting like a mad woman for who I want.

As for Archuleta. Something is still wrong with his voice. Yes yes I understand about his vocal chord problems, but they are still there.

If David A wins and gets the fat prize of record contract (so yesterday) and endorsements, they better tie Daddy down with a rope and shove him in a closet. Can you see the micro-managing behind the scenes. I’m sure all eyes will be watching him while he’s on tour w/ his dad.

I’m sorry but I agree with Simon about Fantasia’s performance. Didn’t understand a word. I’ve been mad at Simon since he asked Jason, “What were you thinking”? Although it did make a great tv moment, “I was thinkin’ Bob Marley”.

Enjoyed Simon on Leno. He is very funny. I almost forgive him for being so obnoxious to Jason.

I’m a Jason and David Cook fan, but I must say that David A. is growing on me. He is a hard worker and has a nice voice. Loved the video of both Davids where DC walks away and leaves DA standing there by himself. I tried to put myself in DA’s shoes last week, trying to perform with all the other stress, on top of people trashing his dad. I thought he handled it well. The more he smiles the more my heart melts, and I’m no teeny-bopper by any means.

I wish both of them the best tonight. They will both be fine.

“No first position has ever one the finals”. Sorry but that is incorrect. Season 2 Clay one the coin toss and chose to go second. I remember it well b/c I am a huge Clay fan. I have no idea about the other seasons but that is how Season 2 went down.

MahlerFan,

Actually Carrie Underwood sang first during the Finale. But she still won. Some people compare her to Archie in terms of inexperience. But I dont agree. Archie has a lot of vocal trainings and competition experience. Carrie Underwood was the real competition/vocal “virgin”. However, I understand the appeal to why she has won. She showed amazing range as well. She could sing Heart’s ALONE and Pat Benatar’s “Love is a Battlefield” eventhough it is not country type of song. She can sing ballads. She can sing upbeat (country) songs.

Going by Kelly Clarkson’s statement that “(Being the winner) of American Idol means you can do anything”, the winner should have that quality. I am not against archuleta but he tried singing “My Boo” and it was very disappointing. If he had sung that perfectly and showed that he can sing pop songs to rock— I would be really thrilled or amazed. But he didn’t. I know Archuleta fans would be angry with this…but the truth is, Im just giving my observation. I do not have blind loyalty. For instance, I love JASON CASTRO but I am not blind to his bad performances.

Oops, I meant Clay “won” the coin toss!

deleted to long and boring

Melinda was never TCO. Jordin was TCO from day one and pimped heavily. If Melinda was they would have signed her like they signed Daughtry.

Am I the only one who thinks they don’t even have a TCO this year? Both guys have been endlessly pimped, both have been presented extremely well, both have gotten excessive praise and now this business with them being allowed to pick their own coronation song. That has NEVER happened and TPTB have never played fair like that. If they were so dead set on Archie winning they would simply let DC sing the winning song, as is with no change-ups like they did with Blake last year.

idolfan86, that’s funny. And here I was, agreeing to comments and editorials I’ve read on how they are pimping D.Archuleta to win right from the start of the competition. I dont find that irritating. I mean, DA was really recognizable during the hollywood and top 24 week. But give DC the credit he deserves.

I watched the American Idol 7-repeat last weekend and I felt like Cook wasn’t given that much attention. However, when he showed he can sing and deliver MEMORABLE performances…he got more notice from the media and viewers. So, if he is getting more “pimped” it’s because he’s got the smarts on how to strategically get the heart of the judges, media and viewers.

Carrie Underwood was the real competition/vocal à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“virginà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ .

Actually, I think she toured with a band.

Anyway, I’m voting for Cookie because I think he deserves to win. Of the two remaining guys, I think he’s been the most solid throughout the contest. I’m also more interested in his original music and seeing him on tour. And for those who think 2nd place is the new 1st, it hasn’t done anyone any favors, except for Clay Aiken. It will be interesting to see how this all unfolds over time.

ETA:

Am I the only one who thinks they donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t even have a TCO this year? Both guys have been endlessly pimped, both have been presented extremely well, both have gotten excessive praise and now this business with them being allowed to pick their own coronation song. That has NEVER happened and TPTB have never played fair like that.

I think they had several CO’s and were waiting to see how they did. Some faded fast (Michael Johns), while others hung on a little longer (Carly Smithson). I don’t think they played fair this season at all, however. Maybe for the finale song, but it sucks for those peeps who spent money entering their “contest.”

I think Cookie earned his spot as a CO. I don’t think he was their rocker of choice (that would be MJ), but he outperformed MJ.

As for fair, they definitely threw several contestants under the bus this year.

Actually Carrie Underwood sang first during the Finale.

No, she didn’t. She won the re-do coin toss and chose to go second (that was the year that the coin fell down the grate and Bo and Carrie had take the grate apart).

Here is the recap from TWOP: Coin Toss

The only winner in 6 seasons to sing first is Ruben (and that was the closest vote in AI history). Was that coincidence or does singing last really leave that much of an impression at this point in the competition.

Didn’t Taylor refuse to sing the coronation song and given the option to pick another? I thought Kat sang something different than DIMYP?

What I loved. Jay Leno and Fantasia, Jay , he is funny!! And Fantasia brought so much energy on stage I loved it!! Simon is boring and predictable as usual….yawn……

No, she didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t. She won the re-do coin toss and chose to go second (that was the year that the coin fell down the grate and Bo and Carrie had take the grate apart).

ah, you are right! I remember now.

Carrie Underwood was the real competition/vocal à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“virginà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ .

Actually, I think she toured with a band.

No, she didn’t have any vocal training at all. That was so amazing about her.

Going by Kelly Clarksonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s statement that à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“(Being the winner) of American Idol means you can do anythingà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ , the winner should have that quality. I am not against archuleta but he tried singing à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“My Booà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  and it was very disappointing.

I’m not sure “My Boo” should be the measuring stick we use for deciding if somebody should win. I don’t think Carrie or Taylor could have sung that song with any conviction either. Ruben might have. Fantasia would have change it up and you probably wouldn’t understand a word she said (so, “My Boo” wouldn’t be a problem).

It was a bad song choice for Archie. He did sing “Waiting for the World To Change” well enough so I do think he can sing songs that are contemporary. He just can’t sing songs about “My Boo” because that’s not him.

Kelly, now I think that she can sing anything.

Cook has had his disasters too. Hungry Like The Wolf. That Switchfoot song. He’s been pitchy. He’s messed up the lyrics. He’s had bad hair days. He has had a few fashion faux pas.

I think it’s a mistake to judge based on one performance. I really do think both Cookie and Archie have done enough to make the Final 2. I would be happy with either of them winning and I think that whoever has the best performances tonight should win.

But, I think Cook will win.

Based on comments I’ve read on several message boards, Cook seems to have the largest fan base and they are promising to power vote until their fingers bleed. Rickey’s is the only site I’ve seen that seems pro-Archie (and, of course, they will be power voting too). But, there is the big voting block of people who do not go on the internet. That’s the one unpredictable factor.

Didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t Taylor refuse to sing the coronation song and given the option to pick another? I thought Kat sang something different than DIMYP?

Yes. Taylor wanted nothing to do with those crappy songs that they gave him and he demanded to pick another one. Sort of the least shi$$y out of the bunch. Kat sang “My Destiny” or something like that. I think TPTB just sort of gave up at that point. All they wanted was to get the season over with and get on to making Daughtry a super STAH.

If they were so dead set on Archie winning they would simply let DC sing the winning song, as is with no change-ups like they did with Blake last year.

Ummm. I dont feel that the changes in the coronation song selection has something to do with winner set-up. I think it is more of rebuilding AI image to viewers (due to the slide in ratings)

The coronation song has been heavily criticized for being too adult contemporary. Judges are always pushing for a pop singer or someone who could compete in the music industry. Plus, they always push contestants to “make it ur own!”. The “twist” in the coronation song might be a way for them to showcase the ability and musical taste of the contestant to choose a possible hit.

The only winner in 6 seasons to sing first is Ruben (and that was the closest vote in AI history). Was that coincidence or does singing last really leave that much of an impression at this point in the competition.

I don’t think any of the results would have been different had the coin toss gone the other way. Kelly, Fantasia, Carrie, Taylor and Jordin were all going to win (can you imagine ending the finale show with “My Destiny”or Blake’s version of “This is Jordin’s Now” and Kat or Blake winning?)

I think DC could break the coin toss curse and win if he has a good night, and I think he can break the runner-up curse of the poor sales if he loses.

And don’t forget Archie’s got VFTW voters behind him as well. While I’m a Cook fan, I think Archie’s fans have the power voting nailed. IMO, I think Cook’s fans ages tend to be 20-somethings going up, and if they even bother to vote, it might be once or twice. I can’t see them texting, and/or power-dialing for hours. That’s not to say that he doesn’t have a devoted fan base, because from what you see online he does, but I think a large chunk of his fans aren’t exercising their dexterity today in anticipation of tonight’s voting.

As for the pimping, I agree with the poster that said its all a wash. If we’re going to be honest, they’ve both had their fair share of pimping throughout the season. And yes, Simon said that he thought Cook deserved to win, but let’s not forget the snide comments he’s made to Cook throughout the show. I believe it was after he performed Daytripper that he told Cook he didn’t think the performance was “as good as you think it was”, he’s said he found him arrogant (pot, meet kettle), copycat, just above average – really, until the last show or two he didn’t seem completely sold on Cook at all. Conversely, Randy seemed more positive until last week. So who knows. I definitely believe its anyone’s game, both have their fan bases and both have been heavily favored at different times (hasn’t Randy said on the show that Archie is the one to beat?). Also, judging from comments I’ve read in various blogs online, Cook has quite a lot of people who dislike him, calling him a wannabe, phony, cocky, a sell-out, etc. so even those who don’t like Archie but hate Cook will be voting against him tonight. So to me, he is the underdog.

But both finalists come across like nice guys, I don’t think either one of them is feeling overly confident that they’re going to win the whole thing, and at the end of this competition, they’re both getting contracts so I wouldn’t feel too badly for whomever loses.

Sorry for the long post.

I don’t really care who wins. David Cook is my favorite and he will do well regardless if he wins or not. The winner usually gets stuck singing the coronation song on their TV appearances. That may not be an advantage for David Cook. I could see Archie doing it with no problem. He’s got it like that.

I am still chuckling at people waaaaay underestimating Cook’s fanbase texting/voting skills.

LOVED watching Simon be made uncomfortable during Jay Leno’s interview!
THAT’S great television!

Lisa
May 20th, 2008 at 11:26 am
I am still chuckling at people waaaaay underestimating Cookà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s fanbase texting/voting skills.

I loooooove that it’s underestimated. They have no idea just how psycho we are. Hehe. :wink1_tb:

And, I think Ryan pulled the wool of lots of people’s eyes about the vote totals being so close. I don’t believe that for a second.

I am still chuckling at people waaaaay underestimating Cookà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s fanbase texting/voting skills.

Interstingly enough, it’s Cook’s own fanbase that seems to be the ones that doubt their own texting/voting skills. Is that wishful thinking, self-doubt or unawareness, I’m not sure.

It seems that the Archies are fully prepared to do battle. They seem to respect the competitions voting skills.

I am still chuckling at people waaaaay underestimating Cookà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s fanbase texting/voting skills

Rock n Roll Hall of Fame week Cookie had a lot against him. It was the week of the infamous Daughtry!Shock!Boot! He went first, gave two performances that were seen as bad or simply ok, got mediocre reviews, Syesha pulled out the tears, Archie was told he crushed the competition while performing in the pimp spot, and Jason who was known to have a massive fanbase that has saved him each time he got slammed got ripped a new one…yet Cookie was at the top of DialIdol by a pretty comfortable margin. Yeah his fanbase is beyond lazy.

And donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t forget Archieà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s got VFTW voters behind him as well. While Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m a Cook fan, I think Archieà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s fans have the power voting nailed. IMO, I think Cookà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s fans ages tend to be 20-somethings going up, and if they even bother to vote, it might be once or twice. I canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t see them texting, and/or power-dialing for hours. Thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s not to say that he doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t have a devoted fan base, because from what you see online he does, but I think a large chunk of his fans arenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t exercising their dexterity today in anticipation of tonightà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s voting.

Twenty something can’t text vote? Oh, they can. How do you think Taylor Hicks won? The Soul Patrol chuckled when Kat fans were spending money sending flowers to her dressing room finale night. The SP were spending their hard earned cash buying Go Phones by the dozen and passing them out.

If the these adult fans didn’t know how to text vote, they know now. I’ve said this before, kids can’t manage the dedication, financial resources, organizational skills and time to power voting like the invested adult fan can.

A contestant with mostly young fans vs a contestant with adults fans? I’d give the win to the adults.

Having said that, I think Archie has plenty of adult fans voting for him.

As far as Archie’s viability as a current pop star? So far, taking his Idol performances as a whole, he’s proven to be the most adept at AC ballads. Top 40 hitmaker? Not from what I’ve seen so far, imho.

“Cook has had his disasters too. Hungry Like The Wolf. That Switchfoot song. Heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s been pitchy. Heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s messed up the lyrics.”

HLTW was an odd song choice and it was sung so-so. It wasn’t a disaster, it was just, as Randy would say, “ok.” Switchfoot was way pitchy to start, I agree.

I am kinda nuts about lyrics. I didn’t notice DC missing any lyrics. What lyrics did he mess up (if he did at all).

How about I just say both fanbases should not underestimate each other? That sounds good.

The Soul Patrol chuckled.

The SP were spending their hard earned cash buying Go Phones by the dozen and passing them out.

Sp’rs know how to text? heh We go to bed at nine, are not rabid voters, don’t know how to text, surely don’t have any tips this season. :lol_tb:

MrRJ
May 20th, 2008 at 12:07 pm

I am kinda nuts about lyrics. I didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t notice DC missing any lyrics. What lyrics did he mess up (if he did at all).

Heheheh. Heh. Rumor has it that he flip-flopped the words “floating/falling” (or “falling/floating”) when he sang MoTN. Hee.

Also, I think he might have stumbled and said “day stripper” while singing “Day Tripper”… not that I’m complaining. :laugh_tb:

I got two Go Phones for season 5 and my son and I got in over 1200 votes for Taylor Hicks. That’s what we’re doing tonight for David Cook.

But, something is wrong. When they brought Andrew on stage, it seems he was the one auditioning, then supposedly, the producers wanted David to try out. But, in another interview Cook stated that he had watched Daughtry tapes before auditoning, so, something doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t fit here. So, it certainly sounds like he had planned to audition.

I can clear this up. In the Beginning of August, David and Andrew went to Round one in Omaha so Andrew could Audition. David ended up auditioning as well, and he passed Round one and Round 2 that day. Andrew did not.

Then in September (2 months later) David went to Audition for round 3 (Nigel, etc) in the morning and Randy, Paula and Simon in the Afternoon.

In between him passing the first couple of rounds in August and getting ready for the September tryouts, Cook watched the Daughtry audition, etc. in order to prepare.

Its not just one audition on one day in order to get to see the trio.

Milajoy! You have my email address, right?

mjsbigblog@gmail.com…

I’m amazed that there are still people in the world that think the three stooges are actually at the big 20k stadium cattle call auditions.

LOL, well I can own up to being misguided about the devotion of the adult fans. And in this case I’m definitely happy to be in the wrong. My opinion was based (mistakenly) on the people I know that watch the show, comments I’ve seen by some fans posting online, and by a comment made in an entertainment segment on my local Fox channel when MJ was voted off (she blamed it on the fact that older fans aren’t the ones that call in and they were his most staunch supporters). Before this season, I’ve only watched one other several years back so I am by no means well versed in the machinations of fans getting their favorite to move on.

AInoob, it’s ok! I will even admit to us SP’rs taking it to a whole different level in Season 5 with voting. I was not referring to you really. I have seen so many sites for the Archies that think Cook just has older fans and that the older fans don’t vote. Ummm yes they do, and rabidly.

Wow, young Jay and young Simon look like they were separated at birth!
I kind of wish that Simon wouldn’t tell us who he would like to win at every given opportunity. If he says it often enough it makes the result look like a foregone conclusion. Which kills the excitement somewhat. Anyway, I’m pretty sure that every year he picks the contestant most likely to win, just so he can look like a wise old sage when they do!

I’m not sure if anyone has ever posted this picture of a very young Simon with his first true love, but I have to say the “Simon is the greatest” t-shirt made me smile.
…….he hasn’t changed much has he?

This clip of Simon and Jay was so hilarious. My husband and I were just dying with laughter.

I think Simon was so shocked with Fantasia because that girl could never sing. He’s just finally realizing it. All she seems to do is scream.