David Cook and David Archuleta

ETA: Nigel Lythgoe releases a few more spoiler details

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with Ryan Seacrest this morning on KISS:

  • David Archuleta will sing “Imagine” (there is also a rumor that Clive’s choice for Archie is “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me”. He chose not to spoil any of David Cook’s songs. Since Cookie’s camp is sealed up tight as a drum, we probably won’t know the songs until they are leaked right before the broadcast.
  • The Top 2 were able to pick their own coronation song from the Top 10 vote getters of the Idol Songwriters contest. There were only 20 songs total to begin with. Some “contest”, huh? Think TPTB didn’t like the song that got the most votes? They just changed the rules of the game midstream. Makes it hard to do the contest again next year, don’t you think?
  • There’s going to be another “Dead Elvis” video (last year, Celine Dion sang a “duet” with Elvis Presley), this time including several people. Blech.
  • The “biggest star” in the world will be there. Whatever!
  • Nigel confirmed that the Top 5 will sing duets with “somebody.”

ETAA:

  • David Cook is performing U2′s “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For”. Not sure if it’s his own pick or the producer’s pick… This will be the first U2 song sung on the Idol stage on performance night. Contestants have tried, but have never been able to get U2 songs cleared.

More spoilers here.

The producers are keeping a tight rein on the song choices for the Finale. Last year, the Top 2 were able to pick two of the three songs they performed for the big Tuesday finale showdown. This year, TPTB feel it necessary to allow Clive Davis, who was recently demoted from his position at BMG, to pick a song for the Final Two. The tight rein tells me that the producers are trying extra hard to control the outcome of this year’s contest. It’ll be pretty easy to tell who they want to win by the songs Clive picks for the contestants (Anyone remember the crappy “Open Arms” pick for Elliott Yamin Season 5?) and how the songwriters contest finally plays out.

I think the producers are gunning for a David Cook win. He’s the contestant with the most commercial potential. He’s got music that can be played on pop stations right now. Even his pre-Idol EP Analog Heart, although demo-quality, contains glimpses of Cookie’s potential as a successful artist. Archie’s appeal isn’t as certain. If his trainwrecktastic take on Chris Brown’s “With You” last week is any indication, Archie may have a hard time finding a spot on the Top 40 charts. His inspirational ballads are better suited to Adult Contemporary–not a market that sells a ton of product.

But the producers don’t always get what they want. See Hicks, Taylor. The voters decide. Yes, I really do believe that. And this year’s contest is shaping up to be a close one. We haven’t had one of those since the Season 2 showdown between Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard.

So, here’s how the song picks are going to work One song is a pick from Clive Davis, One song is a contestant pick, the other is whatever heinous tune wins the American Idol Songwriting contest.

What do you think will happen peeps? Should the contestants pick a new song, or reprise an old one? (I say wow us with something new). Just how hideous can Clive Davis’s pick be for the two Davids? And speculate on which craptastic song will win the Idol songwriting contest…

 
  • Duke

    “I think the producers are gunning for a David Cook win. Heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s the contestant with the most commercial potential.”

    -Nah, you’re just in love.

  • GwendolynD

    Rumor at IDF:

    Clive Davis’ choice for DA is “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me”.

  • geekygirl

    LOL, aren’t we all!

    I have to agree with MJ’s analysis of commercial appeal, altho the youngsters will probably support DA until they move on to their next teen crush. DC might have a bit more longevity.

  • http://www.myspace.com/rjveritas MrRJ

    I would think DC would have some covers he has been doing for some time that are right up his alley. The only question is getting them approved by the tightwad producers.

    I’d give great odds DA does “Imagine” (Which is an odd song for and LDS person since it wishes there no religion) It worked well for him before and I’d bet Daddy wants to go with a sure thing. The problem is catching lightning in a bottle twice (see Blake and WGLBN)

  • flgurl

    I hope you are right about setting up a DC win. He will sell the most CDs, he is the most commercial, and the most appealing to all demographics. It is the logical choice. If he doesn’t he will far outsell DA, and that would be another slap in their faces… again. If they want to save the show, David Cook must win it.

  • t2

    Ummm…did anyone else get family members on stage with them last week?

    I’d say it’s a slam dunk Cook win…but I also believe they are loose with how they count the votes..

  • calimari

    I hope Archie doesn’t do “Imagine” again. I hated that he totally ruined one of my all-time favorite songs. I also think it’s a wasted opportunity for them to reprise a song they did before if they have the option to sing something new. Especially Archie – he needs to show he can do something young & fun (and NOT my boo). I’m hoping cookie wins it all – he deserves it.

  • kiwifan

    Longtime lurker here MJ, just wanted to say thanks for the great blog!

    Am really excited about the final.

    I’m in denial about the Archie IDF spoiler. If that turns out to be correct then that will be the 3rd (yes 3rd!!!!) time Clive’s chosen this song for a contestant.

    Earth to Clive there are more than 5 songs you can chose from.

    If Archie is stuck with this, then I think to have any chance of winning he needs to do an up tempo song as his choice. I think reprising Imagine would be a mistake, as he’ll have the craptastic coronation pile of goo to finish on. To me 3 ballads = DC wins AI…..irrespective of what DC sings.

  • J.S.G.

    Clive’s choice of ‘I Believe I Can Fly’ for Katharine was just as maudlin as his choice of ‘Open Arms’ for Elliott.’

    And this just in, JeffA has changed to the lyric to the Elton John classic to, ‘Don’t Let My Son Fall Down On Me.’ Unknown who will be singing it at this time, Jeff or David.

  • Trina

    I don’t like the idea of Archie doing Imagine again. That was one of those ‘moments’ that it will be hard to top. Some things are better off left as is. Same goes for Cookie, I hope he doesn’t go for one of his big songs like Billie Jean or ABMB. If he has to reprise anything I’m hoping for “Hello”. I think that would be amazing on the big stage in such a big venue.

    About his brother coming up on stage, didnt Blake’s dad get brought out on stage during Top 3 week?

  • jpfan

    It’ll be interesting to see if production values, choices, judges’ comments favor Cook. They can determine the winner in a close final like this. David Cook would be a decent winner. He’s a little boring but respectable. They could market him very easily and he should at the minimum get decent sales. Archie would be a more “difficult” winner for the show. He’d be a little harder to market plus he comes with the Dad. That would make two 17 year old winners in a row.

    I’m actually more interested in how they manipulate the show to get the “right winner” than the actual winner.

  • Layla

    I am so torn between personally wanting to hear DC do something new and yet thinking that it would bettwer work to his advantage to reprise ABMB, Hello or Billie Jean. I have read that many casual voters don’t follow and maybe in order to get the votes he needs to sing a song that will wow first time listeners….and those who love those songs already will really be stoked to hear them done again.

    Gawd I want to see that confetti rain down on his head! DCFTMFW!!!!!!!!!!

  • cheese

    Ummmà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦did anyone else get family members on stage with them last week?

    Umm, did anyone else get family members/personal vocal coaches/arrangers at every rehearsal session all season long? ;)

    I still think the outcome will come down to the actual performances and who is declared the winner by Simon tomorrow. DC seems to be running on fumes and he could very well tank. DA could forget all his lyrics. A lot could happen. I hope both Davids perform well and give us a good show.

    Clive’s rumored pick for DA does not give me much hope for DC. Shouldn’t Clive know more than 7 or 8 songs? I guess I’ll just assume that he’ll get some horrible Journey song and then be pleasantly surprised if he gets something decent.

    If they do reprises, I want DA to sing “My Boo” and I want DC to sing “Hello.” I really wish DC could sing “My Hero” and I guess we don’t know for sure that it couldn’t be cleared, just that he was going to sing it and didn’t. If Clive picked a slow ballad, though, DC would probably have to go a bit more upbeat. I’ve been waiting all season for a DC song that’s just him and his acoustic guitar, but maybe the finale is not the best time/place for it. I think it would be different enough from his usual sound to be unpredictable and could go over well.

    It’s hard to pick which horrible song I would want for the coronation song. I thought the 2 songs that would fit either David were “In This Moment” (my preference) and “Something Like Heaven.” I liked “No Turning Back” and “Overcome” for DC (using the term “like” very loosely)

  • Chicago-sally

    I’m glad Clive will be there. It puts the stamp of approval on Idol. We just don’t know if he’ll be there next time.

  • jpfan

    Did anyone in the Top 12 have to do three hours a day of school work on top of a hideous work load? The pace this season was brutal. Who knows if Daddy Jeff was more negative than positive for Archie? In the end, all that matters is what’s televised on the show.

    I’ll be watching tomorrow to see if Cook gets the strings, rocker lighting and maybe flames and Archie gets Syesha’s chair. I just hope it’s fun and they both don’t look hollowed eyed and exhausted.

    Clive being there is a good sign for Cook. I think they see someone who can sell albums for them.

  • Karen

    PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE …

    I HOPE BOTH DAVIDS DO A SONG WE’VE NEVER HEARD, SINCE WE HAVE TO ENDURE BOTH CLIVE-SCHLOCK AND CORONATION-SCHLOCK.

    NEW SONGS! NEW SONGS!

    [DCFTW]

  • chachi

    Man, this is tough. Seeing Clive’s choice for Archie makes me pretty sure that DC is going to have to sing Open Arms.

    For the reprise/new, I’m really hoping for “My Hero” or another acoustic arrangement. Cocky really shines when it’s just his guitar and his voice, so I’m hoping he’s going to whip that out for us.

    The coronation song. I wouldn’t wish those songs on anyone, so I really don’t want to pick.

  • psnax

    I’m with those who agree that the contestants should not reprise a song already sung. Trying to recreate a “moment” or get accolades for a song previously panned is too risky. I have a vague recollection of seeing snippets of the season 3 finale and I’m sure Paula asked Diana DeGarmo “what happened” when she evidently reprised a song previously sung well (I think that might have been the only episode I saw that season). I don’t suppose we’ll be lucky enough to get a recap of songs from previous weeks? That can help the casual viewer get a sense of what the boys can do.

    I think both Davids should really choose a song that showcases their style and personality. DC did that more last week than DA but he didn’t have a “moment” like in previous weeks. DC has sung Bon Jovi’s Living on Prayer on several occasions and does (IMO) a good take of the slowed-down version. That might work, plus it’s a well-known song which at this stage could be better than something obscure. I think that the other two songs will be an opportunity to showcase versatility in genre.

    (PS – mj, I have loved reading the blog this season. I stumbled upon it quite by chance and it got me totally hooked on Idol!)

  • calimari

    I know in Season 5 they had to reprise TWO songs, and then sing the Clive choice. I really felt ripped off because I’d already seen Taylor do Living for the City & Levon – he did them great the 2nd time, but what was the point? And Kat had just done SOTR the week before and sang it again the very next week. That was quite dull.

  • jpfan

    Maybe Clive will give Cook Open Arms or I Believe I Can Fly. That would be pretty funny.

  • sumidol

    I think that Jason should sing Crazy and I hope Clive picks something really good for him, to show off that wonderful style of his.

    Oh wait Jason didnt make the top two – OK I do hope that Cook sings ABMB again. I did not see him do that the week he did it but I LOVE listening to it now. It is my favorite

  • Layla

    I too would love to hear DC sing “My Hero”…really does show off his vocals, but he also needs to show off his range.

    I love his “self-indulgent choices” : Innocent and “Dare You to Move” but I don’t the finale is the time for his more obscure choices. He needs to do a crowd- pleaser.

  • Layla

    I too would love to hear DC sing “My Hero”…really does show off his vocals, but he also needs to show off his range.

    I love his “self-indulgent choices” : Innocent and “Dare You to Move” but I don’t the finale is the time for his more obscure choices. He needs to do a crowd- pleaser.

  • t2

    Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m actually more interested in how they manipulate the show to get the à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“right winnerà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  than the actual winner.

    jpfan, you and me both.

  • GwendolynD

    I kind of hope Clive did stick Cook with something cheesy, but only because he’s rocked out this season on some of the cheesiest songs ever. “I Believe I Can Fly” on the scale of “Hello”? Uh huh.

  • JessC77

    I totally agree with Gwen!

  • http://www.myspace.com/rjveritas MrRJ

    I do not see a vast or minor conspiracy to pick a winner of Idol. Taylor and Kat as finalists kind of blows that theory.

  • sumidol

    I dont understand the “dont sing the same song” again? I would never get sick of him singing something that he (Cook) has done so well on. If that was the case I would never listen to anyone over and over on the radio like I do. Oh no – not THAT same song AGAIN! Switch that channel quick, boring. Anyhow, that is just my opinion. I would love Cook to do one song he has already done and two different.

  • Lisa

    From the AI boards: (apparently you can download it from the station)

    Nigel on KIISFM

    DA will sing “Imagine,” on the finale.

  • calimari

    Do you think they are going to drag any folks from the lame auditions back for the finale? Like the “I am your brother” guy or the really overweight girl w/ the morbidly obese mom who was supposedly getting help from Idol w/ their weight issues? Just wondering out loud…

  • KrazeeK120

    I agree with MJ….NEW SONGS, PLEASE! Blake’s YGLABN did not go over nearly as well the second time. DC should seize this opportunity to wow us one more time. Since he has no control over the other 2 songs, it would be to his benefit to have his own choice be phenomenal.

  • GwendolynD

    Lisa
    May 19th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
    From the AI boards: (apparently you can download it from the station)

    Nigel on KIISFM

    DA will sing à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Imagine,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  on the finale.

    But…of course. :rolleyes_tb:

  • http://www.myspace.com/blakelewisfansunite Blaker_Cindy

    Do you think they are going to drag any folks from the lame auditions back for the finale? Like the à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“I am your brotherà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  guy or the really overweight girl w/ the morbidly obese mom who was supposedly getting help from Idol w/ their weight issues? Just wondering out loudà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦

    Oh, I’m almost positive they will atleast bring back the “I am your brother” guy..
    I’m just hoping they don’t make it last for a long time. lol…

    As for what I think DC and DA should sing… I kind of almost hope Archie chooses an up beat song, because Clive will mostly likely choose a ballad for him, and the coronation song… Yeah.., but if he sings Imagine again, his fans might like that…

    However this Jason fan wants Cook to win.
    [:

  • flgurl

    Looks like they are repeating a song. I’m sure DC will make anything sound even better the 2nd time around. Have faith. In a way I’m glad they won’t have to prepare 3 new songs. I rather have DC concentrate on making the other two incredible.

  • Lisa

    Since we know Mikalah Gordon is going to be at the Utah party, do we know who is going to do DC’s besides 93.3?

  • Lisa

    Butà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦of course.

    Yeah but even Nigel won’t give up Cook’s song, WTH????

    Here is the total post from the AI thread:

    “He is talking about the finale and also the ‘audition’ at the Nokia theater for SYTYCD. Starting at 3pm TODAY. HUGE SURPRISES! D and D will be able to see this audition in action. DA will sing “Imagine,” Talked about the season 2 close call and mistake of numbers. And the Chaka K mistake on the cue cards. Someone is going to surprise someone by coming behind them. ‘Biggest star in the world’, right now will be in the finale..will not talk anymore than that!”

  • gumby

    Cook singing “My Hero” and dedicating it to his brother sitting in the audience could be another great “moment” for AI, but you just can’t script moments on reality TV. Unfortunately, I don’t think Dave Grohl of the Foos would clear that song on principle–I’m sure he abhors the show.

    I never doubted that Archie would sing Imagine again. It was his shining moment. I think Cook could get away with performing Hello again. Most people were still hating on him at that time, with his Constantine-like camera stares and cocky demeaner. I know I was an early hater, but Hello changed my mind. I would like to see him sing it again, now that I’m a total Cooktard. LOL

    Unfortunately, he’s probably of the mind that repeating a song is like a free pass, and will want to sing something different. I think he sometimes forgets this is a competition!

  • psnax

    I also won’t get sick of listening to DC singing a song he has done well on (which is why I have him on my ipod). And I wouldn’t hate it if he (or DA) sang a song previously sung in the final. However, the difference between radio play or a live concert is that no-one is judging them, nothing is at stake. If an artist sings a song below par one or two times during a 50 date concert most people probably won’t care. A finalist in a so-called singing competition botching up a song he has previously wowed on could make or break the result, and people will care. So, IMO, it’s too risky (as mentioned in my previous post). But like I said, just my opinion.

  • erennick

    I also would like the contestants to reprise a song. I think the problem with Katherine and Blake was that their reprises were from too close to the finale. As long as they go back more than a few weeks they should be fine. It’s a looong season! Although, I for one will be sad for it to be over.

    Re: the manipulating. I will be shocked if David Cook doesn’t get the seal of “You did enough to win” from Simon. I noticed in the recap of their journeys so far that they showed all of the times he was told he could/would/should win it all. They showed Archie’s compliments, but not the big pimping. Of course, I am not so bothered by the manipulation because I am a Cook Fan.

    What can I say- DCFTMFW!

  • grayhound

    I think the finale will be interesting.

    I hope DC does not sing another “message” song – that type of song will be fine for his CD but I truly believe the viewers want to hear something they are somewhat familiar with. It gives the viewers more of an opportunity to compare the original to the Cookified version.

    I am waiting to hear judges feedback – that will go a long way in pointing us to the chosen one.

    If there are no strings on the stage when DA sings, it is because he didn’t ask for them or they didn’t fit whatever arrangement Dadchuletta comes up with – period.

    I sort of want DC to sing a LONG version of Hello – yes the WTF WOW factor won’t be the same but that version of the song is a winner. And so what if the next day there are “Covergate” comments – it won’t matter because the votes will already be in. Also, re: Clive’s choices – let’s remember what he picked for Taylor. There may be hope…….

    BUT I have a feeling that tomorrow we will be freaking out at whatever DC’s actual song choices are! In the end I just hope his voice makes it through because even on the iTunes version of IDWTMAT it sounds really ragged.

    DCFTMFW

  • sumidol

    A finalist in a so-called singing competition botching up a song he has previously wowed on could make or break the result, and people will care. So, IMO, ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s too risky (as mentioned

    I think that with the way Cook was so tired last week and messed up two of the newer songs because I dont think that they are able to get enough practise in, it would then be “safer” to sing a song that he has already done well and come on, its Cook – he will only make it better!!!

  • ettacandy

    I would love to hear new songs, but considering that the contestants have 6 days in which to select, learn, arrange and rehearse 3 songs for the competition, and then God knows how many songs and group sings for the finale… I believe they both will bring back a song from earlier in the season. And I won’t blame them one bit.

    I do agree that the best choice for both would be songs from earlier in the season. If the spoiler is true… perhaps DA will arrange DLTSGDOM to a hip-hop beat to get an up-tempo number? :lol_wp:

    I really want to see both Davids rested and delivering some quality vocals. I don’t know if that’s possible but I’m rooting for it anyway…

    and rooting for DCFTW!

  • Lisa

    Link for Nigel on air with Ryan:

    http://a1135.g.akamai.net/f/1135/18227/1h/…h_Ryan_Seacrest

    David Cook & David Archuleta were allowed to *choose* their coronation song. They *each* chose one.

    DC, No Turning Back PUHLEASE…LOL

    Top 5 sing duets with someone.

  • sciencefan

    I think it would be a good idea for Cookie to sing “Hello” again since it’s been a really long time since he did it the first time, but then again, with the dwindling viewing audience, I really wonder what percentage of the viewers are not hard-core fans who’ve been watching since the top 24? Perhaps most everyone HAS seen it. But really, that song put him “on the map”, as they say. For goodness sake, Lionel Richie was crazy about it!

    Archie… well, I wouldn’t mind if he did Imagine again. Apparently, it’s one of the staples of his repertoire.

  • holeighannie

    I wish Jason were still around so I could get more excited about all of this, haha. Then again, I have to miss Wednesday night (Kenny Chesney concert!) and I’d be freaking out if Jason were still competing. Personally, I would prefer to hear both Davids sing new songs, to give me another chance of maybe liking their choices. And nothing against the Cooktards, I’m not trying to bait anyone, but I cannot wait to never see “DCFTMFW” ever again, haha.

    ETA: “Top 5 sing duets with someone.” So this has now been confirmed by Nigel? Goood, I know some people were hesitant after watching the video where Jason and Brooke suggest this, but don’t come right out and say it.

  • Michelle

    No reprisals! I want something new from both. I’m in the minority but I especially don’t want Hello if DC does choose to reprise (though I’m 99% sure he won’t). IMO the reason Hello was a moment was cause that’s when he first brought out the whole “omg he turned it into a rock song!” thing. That won’t work anymore, and I don’t think it’s a great song to show anything vocally. I’d rule out ABMB because the reason that was a moment had a lot to do with surrounding circumstances. If he must reprise, I would choose Billie Jean (tho that’s problematic too cause of Covergate.)

    Assuming Clive will saddle him with something slow and schlocky, and knowing DA will have 3 slowish songs, he needs to go back to Rockstar!David for his free choice, back to the vibe of All Right Now and Day Tripper.

    eta:

    David Cook & David Archuleta were allowed to *choose* their coronation song. They *each* chose one.

    OOH. Gamechanger!

    DC FTW.

  • Lisa

    Ok did anyone else catch Nigel say they would do a song *they’ve either done during the series or something they wanted to sing*. We know DA’s is Imagine (which he has done), and we know DC wanted to do There Goes My Hero. Could it be???? I think it could be…WOOHOO if it is!!!!

  • RainonOurParade

    Since I’m posting this so late, I don’t know if anyone will see it. However, I have to disagree with the thought that they want David Cook to win. I base my opinion on the fact that the Jonas Brothers (an extremely YOUNG recording group) are scheduled to perform. — I think that tells the tale, so to speak!

  • Chicago-sally

    Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll be watching tomorrow to see if Cook gets the strings, rocker lighting and maybe flames and Archie gets Syeshaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s chair. I just hope ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s fun and they both donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t look hollowed eyed and exhausted.

    JP: :biggrin_wp:

  • Trina

    OMGOMG they actually let them pick their own songs?! They must really, really like those boys LOL

  • sumidol

    Thats a good idea Michelle! Now that coronation song is definitely a song I have never wanted to hear sung twice!!! I am the biggest – hugest Jason fan too Blaker-Cindy and I feel so disloyal liking Cook but I do like him and I now hope that Cook wins. I allowed myself to take time away from watching all the Jason stuff and started watching Cook -again (I did like HIM before I found I LOVED Jason) and he is FUNNY and nice and down to earth and if my Jason cant win – I hope David Cook does and that the AI rocker image doesnt hurt his image.

  • vixen

    they get to CHOOSE their coronation songs? oh, win.

  • cheese

    Ooh, I’m cautiously optimistic knowing that neither David has to sing “This is The Other David’s Now.” I wonder how many they got to choose from? I’m guessing two, and the choice was not difficult for either of them.

    I can’t decide how I feel about reprisals. I guess it depends on how much time they got to work on the coronation song before this past week. If they just got it on Thursday, then I would not blame either one for going with what they already know.

    I base my opinion on the fact that the Jonas Brothers (an extremely YOUNG recording group) are scheduled to perform. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  I think that tells the tale, so to speak!

    I don’t think The Jonas Brothers appearance signals the tides turning in DA’s favor. I think it signals a desire to have kids and teens tune into the finale.

  • Kirsten

    David Cook & David Archuleta were allowed to *choose* their coronation song. They *each* chose one.

    So, why did they have people vote? Is this how the entire competition is going? Voting doesn’t count?

    And, people actually had to pay to enter that stupid songwriter contest.

    Interesting that Clive showed no interest in the show last year, but he’s come roaring back this year and taking over the finale.

    Yay, top 5 get duets. Last year it sucked on the finale.

  • http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=84731174 purplesmile

    Oh, Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m almost positive they will atleast bring back the à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“I am your brotherà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  guy..
    Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m just hoping they donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t make it last for a long time. lolà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦

    I just hope they do something interesting (but not too disrespectful) with him or his song if they do decide to bring him/it back. The poor guy had opportunities after his appearance that he couldn’t take advantage of at the time as he was tied to the AI contract. An appearance might revive those opportunities for him. But, yeah, it should be short (and funny).

    Clive Davisà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ choice for DA is à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t Let the Sun Go Down on Meà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ .

    I do hope the sun does not go down on Archie this soon. The kid’s only seventeen! I like that song, though, so I won’t mind hearing it again. I just hope Archie manages to do a good job on it.

  • http://www.myspace.com/rjveritas MrRJ

    Jonas Brothers don’t make sense. First they are a horrible Disney creation. Why would Fox promote ABC/Disney business? Second, they are not a good live band. I guarantee you, my TV set will be off or on a different channel during the Jonas Brudder’s song. They are like fingernails in a chalkboard to me. They are also an insult to all the wonderful bands out there fighting for a living while this Disney fluff rakes in the bucks.

  • Lisa

    Cheese, they got to choose from the *Top 10* per Nigel.

  • Kirsten

    I wonder how many they got to choose from? Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m guessing two

    I think Nigel said they got to pick from the top 10 songs. I’m guessing that’s how deep they had to go to make sure TCO got an acceptable song. Weren’t there only 20 songs in the first place?

  • mandalay

    Hey, maybe we can get Toni Braxton to come back and do a sloppy bump and grind with Archie (ala with Taylor Hicks Season 5 finale).

  • http://www.myspace.com/rjveritas MrRJ

    Hey Kirsten, you baffled me with TCO? I guess I am not good apuzzles today. Can you fill me in?

  • jpfan

    TCO = DAVID Cook

    Since the voted on coronation song would favor Archie, they need to give Cook more chances to do well.

    Not such a difficult puzzle, really. :)

  • Michelle

    I think Nigel said they got to pick from the top 10 songs. Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m guessing thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s how deep they had to go to make sure TCO got an acceptable song. Werenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t there only 20 songs in the first place?

    Ha, so No Turning Back was tenth highest in voting… ;)

  • rher

    I don’t think that bringing in the Jonas Brothers is a slam-dunk for the Idol powers to lower the tryout age to 14 or somehow means that they are heading in that direction. This is simply another way to lure viewers, same as Miley Cyrus at IGB. Did having Miley “sing” 2 songs bring in the young viewers? Perhaps. Are they going to stay and watch? Nah. Face it, Nigel&Co., even with a baby-faced contestant that most pre-teens and young teens can relate to, the youngsters aren’t watching. Conclusion? PLEASE DON’T LOWER THE CONTESTANT AGE LIMIT!

    signed,
    a hard-working somewhat hip mom who enjoys music

  • psnax

    Interesting development re: the coronation song. From what I’ve read it was supposed to be a songwriting competition – this development kind of brushes over that point. Wonder what the reasoning will be (if we are given any) why two different songs are being sung. I’m in agreement that the true reason relates to song styles. TPTB clearly don’t want a repeat of last year where one contestant is forced to sing in a manner that just does not work for them. I guess this route is favored rather than allowing arrangements of an original song to be changed.

  • Michelle

    psnax, they could say finale votes count as songwriting contest votes ;) It’s a stretch…

    I’m thinking they saw the #1 vote getter and decided it was dreck and did not want it to be the Coronation Song, period, regardless of who was TCO at the moment.

  • Kirsten

    Hey Kirsten, you baffled me with TCO? I guess I am not good apuzzles today. Can you fill me in?

    TCO = The Chosen One – the one the producers would like to see win.

    Who it is, I’m still not entirely sure. I’m leaning towards Cookie after last week’s behind the scenes report and song choices.

    I suspect that there were a lot of songs on the top of the voting poll that were potential train wrecks for one of the contestants and they had to go deep to find a song that contestant could sing (I’m thinking Cookie since there are reports Archie fans were uber-organized and not only voted thumbs up for songs they thought were great for their guy, but thumbs down on songs they thought would be great for the other guy. Which is why they can never allow the fans to vote for the song they would like each contestant to sing. Some fans are smart and organized. And, this is why schemes like Single Transferable Votes and Mixed Member Proportional Representation are more prone to strategic voting than First Past the Post (voting system used in the US and most other countries)).

    Intersting that Nigel spilled the beans on one of Archie’s songs. What’s up with that? I thought he didn’t want us knowing spoilers. So, if he gives us a spoilers, why does he want us to know about it? To blunt the surprise? To make it predictable by that time? To make us want to tune in? To make Cookie fans crazy? Nigel never does anything like this without meaning. That’s the only concrete spoiler he gave us. He didn’t even tell us directly about the Jonas Brothers and that’s been all over the internet for days. Everything else was hints. Most puzzling.

  • catdog

    I’m surprised they are letting Clive pick anything since he was demoted. I guess this will probably be his major function at RCA from now on. Being a Clay fan I don’t like Clive picking Archie’s song – “Don’t Let the Sun go Down on Me” was one of Clay’s highlights. Poo on Clive – that old buzzard!!!!

  • Kirsten

    TPTB clearly donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t want a repeat of last year where one contestant is forced to sing in a manner that just does not work for them.

    It seems to me that years they want one clear winner, they go with one coronation song that favours one over another. For years they would like to have co-winners, they give them different songs.

    Same song(s): Season 1, Season 3, Season 4, Season 6
    Different songs: Season 2, Season 5 (and now Season 7)

    Season 1: First season, must have a clear winner
    Season 2: Both so popular, let’s keep the competition going on afterwards
    Season 3: Must make winning important again (Simon said that several times during that year)
    Season 4: Carrie was TCO^500
    Season 5: TPTB hated the guy that was the favourite. “America had gone crazy.” They wanted a co-winner. Note, there original CD release date was the same day and everything.
    Season 6: Winning had to be important again (especially with all the contestants saying “Who cares if I win?”)
    Season 7: See-sawing between TCO? Both seem marketable to them? The Winning favoured TCRU and this was the only way they could logically escape from having them both sing it?

    Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m thinking they saw the #1 vote getter and decided it was dreck and did not want it to be the Coronation Song, period, regardless of whoever was TCO at the moment.

    A) They chose the 20 songs. They could have filtered out the complete dreck before it got to the voting stage. They had hundreds, if not thousands, of songs to pick from.

    B) Coronations songs are always dreck. It’s in the definition.

  • skylight1219

    As a Jason fan, I think that DC can take whatever song is thrown at him, and, hit it out of the ballpark. Not so, with Archie.

    And, if DLTSGDOM was chosen for little David, he’ll be compared to Clay Aiken, and, probably pale in comparison. For that matter, Bo sang it and did an awesome job as well.

    Imagine is a strange song for Archie since it is actually anti-religious. I remember Randy asking him why he didn’t sing the first verse of the song, and, then chuckled with his evil chuckle.

    We have Simon championing David C., and, Randy is on the Archie wagon. Just makes for some scripted rivalry. I think Simon will tell David Cook, that he just won AI before the night is over.

    Although, I’m not voting, I do want DC to win. It just seems right for some reason.

  • jpfan

    “Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m thinking they saw the #1 vote getter and decided it was dreck and did not want it to be the Coronation Song, period, regardless of who was TCO at the moment.”

    It’s good to know that people voting for things on Idol is a waste of time. I’ll file it away for future reference. If I’d spent even one minute on that song contest, I’d be pissed right now.

  • http://www.myspace.com/rjveritas MrRJ

    “Imagine” could be a tickler to get the DA people to spread the word, as in you gotta watch him do THIS song. The song give away could also be to make Cook seem enlighted and imaginative by picking a unique song. The last scenario that crosses my mind is that Daddy Dearest insisted on “Imagine” so Nigel wanted to out the choice to piss Daddy Dearest off.

  • psnax

    Thanks for the summary of past seasons Kirsten – very enlightening. Just wondered what you mean by co-winner?

  • skylight1219

    I’m really curious why TPTB allowed daddy dearest to get away with what he has so long in this competition. They are going to have their hands full just by signing Archie. Of course, he will be 18 in December, however, I think he’ll always want his dad engineering his career. I don’t think age has anything to do with maturity.

  • Kirsten

    The last scenario that crosses my mind is that Daddy Dearest insisted on à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Imagineà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  so Nigel wanted to out the choice to piss Daddy Dearest off.

    Archie’s friends/family/assorted-hanger-ons leak like sieves. His songs are frequently spoiled. If Daddy Dearest cared about it, he would have stopped that by now (“Imagine” has been leaked already, Nigel just confirmed it). If Jeff Archuletta is as evil and as ALL-POWERFUL as widely rumoured, I doubt his friends/family/assorted-hanger-ons would dare to tempt his wrath. LOL

    BTW If Nigel did leak the song to upset Archie and his Dad, he’s a real super a$$. People get so annoyed at Jeff and his imagined machavilian ways, but Nigel often gleefully brags about his and he’s 100 times worse than any stage parent could dream of being. Stage-Daddy is an a$$, but I’m almost hoping that somebody manages to out-strategize TPTB. Maybe Jeff and Nigel and Fuller and Warwick can all be exposed as asses when the contestants invite them up on stage and give them sonic wedgies. Now, that would be a “moment”

  • Michelle

    The songwriting contest has always been fishy imo…it’s hard to find the voting site, you have to register, the voting system is all crazy, it’s not very well advertised, and the voting window is so short that by the time people think of going to vote, voting’s closed. They did throw everyone a bone by letting only the top 10 through, I guess. I’m sure they left themselves an out somewhere in the rules so they weren’t bound to the #1 vote getter (similar to The Clause.)

    If there *was* an organized effort where certain songs got 10s and others got 0s and they suspected it was a fanbase strategy, they may have decided that went against the spirit of the thing. I know that’s inconsistent with everything else they do to manipulate the show’s outcome but I’m just throwing out possible justifications they may use.

  • Kirsten

    Thanks for the summary of past seasons Kirsten – very enlightening. Just wondered what you mean by co-winner?

    “co-winner” is when they treat them both like winners. For instance, with Ruben and Clay, they sent them on a media tour together. Many times they were intereviewed together. The same happened with Kat and Taylor. You don’t get that happening so much when there is “One True Winner”.

    On the finale of Season 2, Clive came out and said that they were both so great that he was signing them both regardless of the voting outcome and that their singles would be released on the same day so that the competition could continue. In Season 5, both Taylor and Kat were scheduled to release their CDs on the same day. Usually, the runner-up is expected to wait a week or two. Kellie was also scheduled to release that same day (only Daughtry was given his own release day, originally).

    I have a feeling that this year will be another co-winner year.

    Maybe this will be the year when they go off-script and declare it will it a statistical tie and then send the voters to iTunes to prove the real winner. It’s bound to happen some day. It could either be the ultimate shark-jumping moment or increase buzz exponentialy as everybody speculates on who really won. Probably won’t happen for a few more years, though.

  • grayhound

    Maybe someday they will allow the F2 to sign songs they wrote themselves.

    Like this one for example: The Truth

    http://www.david-cook.org/OlkaTravelNet-Performance-t6.html

  • psnax

    Thanks Kirsten – I could see them going for co-winners again this year. Who knows, with the kookiness I’ve seen perhaps this will be the year for “shark-jumping” as you say – they’ll amazingly get the same number of votes and so the contest continues, right through to the new, revamped season next year ….

  • vixen

    Although, Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m not voting, I do want DC to win. It just seems right for some reason.

    then you should vote! even if you only spend ten minutes. *hopeful*

  • http://www.myspace.com/rjveritas MrRJ

    Maybe Jeff and Nigel and Fuller and Warwick can all be exposed as asses when the contestants invite them up on stage and give them sonic wedgies. Now, that would be a à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“momentà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 

    The potential pot of gold at stake gets in the way of someone having the ultimate guts to walk out on the stage, guitar in hand, and sing their own original song, leaving the band, the producers and poor Paula dumbfounded. Perhaps, what the show needs is an independently wealthy competitor!!!

  • Kirsten

    If there *was* an organized effort where certain songs got 10s and others got 0s and they suspected it was a fanbase strategy, they may have decided that went against the spirit of the thing.

    Then they would be morons. Anybody with half a brain could have figured out that is exactly what would happen. The coronation song is generally sung last and is often make-or-break for the contestants. You would want your favourite to have the best chance (and if they don’t share a singing style with their main competition, that means the competition will not have the best chance). This is one of the few ways that voters can help influence the system.

    TPTB found another money-making scheme (get people to pay money to enter a contest), so they should have to live by the results of that money-making scheme. I’d be pretty pissed if I entered that competition in good faith, paid my money, won the competition and then had victory yanked away from me (even if I get my $10K, if nobody sings my song, I won’t get the exposure). Likewise, I’d be annoyed if I had taken the time to vote.

    Don’t run the competition if you don’t want to live by the result. Or, be sensible and only let people vote for the song they want so they can’t spike the competition. Even then, it’s likely that the larger, more organized fan base would win. Nothing prevents others from getting equally as organized. That’s like griping because the speller who practiced the most won the Spelling Bee.

  • skylight1219

    Sorry, I’ve retired my voting finger for this season, and, all subsequent ones. I’ve watched this show since season 2, and the manipulations have never been as blatant as they have in this season. Or maybe I just stuck my head in the sand.

    And, I agree with Kirsten, they are going for co-winners again this year. I know exactly what she’s talking about. They will send both Davids out on interviews, because little D is a very poor communicator. Cook will have to carry the conversations, as Clay did with Ruben.

  • Lisa

    David Cook’s party on Wednesday will be at the Power & Light District in Kansas City with Mix 93.3. The girl I talked to at the station did not know who from Idol would be there.

  • Layla

    Just listened to the interview with Nigel and based on what he said, I can only surmise that DC will be singing a new song.

    Here’s to hoping that it will be “There Goes My Hero”…melodic, shows off his voice and range and he can keep his signature DC ending.

    Yeps…that’s my choice.
    Gotta say it: DCFTMFW!

  • Duke

    TCO?
    TCRU?
    TPTB?

    Sorry, I’m still a newb.

    I also want the contestants to sing new songs. I think DA’s Imagine could work either for or against him. I’m hoping he has a full on orchestra w/ strings and sings the living hell out of it- if he doesnt do something amazing with it, I fear ppl will just see it as a simple reprisal of the top24 performance.

    I think its awesome that they both got a “winner’s single”, not because I’ve ever liked any of those songs (maybe ruben’s a little, but seriously who actually like’s those winner’s singles?) but because I think they both really deserve a shot a Kelly/Carrie stardom.

    I think DA’s voice is so good that if he got some good upbeat songs for the radio, they dont even have to show off his voice, he could sell some serious records.

    DC already has a strong fanbase and he could easily pull out a daughtry album.

    Also, I’ve thought the Final 2 show has sucked the past two years, really really sucked, because all they do is sing 2 songs we have heard them sing before plus that crappy winner’s single…I hope this year is different. I want gloves off and no holds bar.

    Having said that, I would like to see Archie take the crown for a few reasons:
    1) I think he needs it more than DC to do well
    2) I think he has been more consistent throughout the season
    3) Who wouldn’t pay to see his reaction when/if he wins????????????

    This was my favorite season. I will probably buy the vast majority of the top 12′s albums. It was really really close to season 5 for me. I think they only thing I would change is the vote-off order ( ie Carly/MJ/Amanda/DH/Danny stay a bit longer) and I wish Jason/Brooke would have stepped it up a little bit at the end.

    Having said that…….

    DAFTMFW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • flgurl

    Layla,

    That’s my hope as well. ;)

    DCFTW!!!!

  • dahirsh

    3) Who wouldnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t pay to see his reaction when/if he wins????????????

    could be just me, but I’d rather see his fathers face when he comes in second.

    DCFTW

  • cakeymakeybakey

    TCO = The Chosen One
    TCRU = The Chosen Runner Up
    TPTB = The Powers That Be

    DCFTMFW!!!

    Nigel dropped hints, and rumor also has it that “the biggest star in the world” will be making an appearance. Paul McCartney?

  • jpfan

    According to Pop Tart (via TWOP), Archie had a “date” with Brooke White on the day of his junior prom. They danced together and according to Archie:

    “[David] Cook also asked if he could dance with me – that was a little awkward,” he said. “So I said no.”
    :)

  • JessC77

    David Cook and David Archuleta are like Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis!!! LOL

  • smartcookie

    Maybe the biggest star in the world will be Elvis’s ghost again. Paul McCartney would be good, though, but I can’t believe he would do it.

    cakeymakeybakey, did you get banned at TWOP? I think there was another housecleaning of a lot of Cookie fans. (Me included!)

    I don’t care whether Cook reprises an old song or does a new one. I still think it will be better than anything Archie can offer. Archie seems to get smaller as the stages get bigger, while Cook is the opposite.

  • hicksaholic

    à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“the biggest star in the worldà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  will be making an appearance.

    Guess it’s not Taylor huh? Maybe Daughtry or Carrie?

  • http://myspace.com/girlgeek mj

    The item about Brooke and David Archuleta is here:

    http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,356567,00.html

    Scroll down a little bit.

  • http://myspace.com/girlgeek mj

    cakeymakeybakey, did you get banned at TWOP? I think there was another housecleaning of a lot of Cookie fans. (Me included!)

    Just an FYI:

    My guidelines for posting here are based on the TWOP guidelines.

    http://mjsbigblog.com/?page_id=1172

    I’m not quite as strict, but I DO mod the comments pretty stringently.

    Also, no dissing of the TWOP mods or talking smack about their boards here, they have their hands full over there. I don’t envy them.

  • GwendolynD

    jpfan
    May 19th, 2008 at 2:58 pm
    According to Pop Tart (via TWOP), Archie had a à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“dateà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  with Brooke White on the day of his junior prom. They danced together and according to Archie:

    à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“[David] Cook also asked if he could dance with me – that was a little awkward,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  he said. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“So I said no.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 
    :)

    Awww…that is so cute. :smile2_tb:

    …and of course, DC is ever the dork.

  • gumby

    Oh boy! The Foo Fighters are on RCA! I’m hoping that means they can clear My Hero either as Cook’s choice or Clive’s pick.

    I’ve never done this, so here goes:

    DCFTGDMFW1!!!111 ;-)

    ETA: I wonder if they’ve snagged Madonna. That won’t help the tweeners viewership though.

  • skylight1219

    Biggest star in the world is going to be there? Britney Spears??? BWWAAAAAH!

    I do think Archie looks like a young Jerry Lewis. Either that, or I need new glasses.

  • Trina

    could be just me, but Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢d rather see his fathers face when he comes in second.

    LMAO!! *high fives*

  • beesims

    Biggest Star in the world:

    Madonna?
    Rihanna?
    Beyonce?
    Kanye West?
    Michael Jackson?
    Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr perform with hologram versions of John and George?

  • Jolene

    The fact that they can choose their coronation song is probably the best news I heard all week. I mean, really, this song is going to be the winner’s first single, probably be on the album as well… they should have some say in the matter.
    Also, I happen to know that Archie fans had a plan to vote for “Here I Am” because they thought it would damage DCs chances (many of them thought the song sucked, but I think most towed the line). That’s exactly how aweful songs get picked – when the agenda is to do the most damage, and not simply go for best song possible.

    I actually think that’s possibly the reason for this change up – “Here I Am”, if it did win, is so amazingly bad that I hardly think AI would want to be associated with it (yeah yeah, I know there were so pretty crappy coronation songs in the past, but I think this one is especially dreary).

  • Layla

    Oh boy! The Foo Fighters are on RCA! Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m hoping that means they can clear My Hero either as Cookà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s choice or Cliveà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s pick.

    Uh…What is the RCA connection?

    I’m listening to Hero now and he would fuckin’ kill with this!

  • sciencefan

    What does TWOP stand for?

    FWIW:
    David (age 13) doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t have any problem singing the first verse of Imagine –
    though he says “evil” instead of “hell”.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIBC6WigZYo

  • grayhound

    Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr perform with hologram versions of John and George?

    :lol_tb:

    On a separate note, I did hear this morning on local Fox that Ruben will be at the finale. Performing? Sitting in audience? Not sure.

  • archie1

    Please tell me how David’s song was released. I would like to see David change it main stream and really blow their minds. I do think they are trying to put him under the bus. If he is gonna lose, let him lose on his own, now on the show’s politics. If Simon says he had already won it, I will quit watching. Anyone know the answer to how his song got released.

  • kerfuffle

    sciencefan
    May 19th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
    What does TWOP stand for?

    Ooh! I got this one! :clap_tb: Television WithOut Pity. (Hope I did the quote thingie right, though.) :blink_tb:

  • http://myspace.com/girlgeek mj

    though he says à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“evilà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  instead of à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“hellà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ .

    He replaces the word “hell” but then has no problem with the anti-religious song lyric? Hm.

    TWOP is the website Television Without Pity. They have forums there. The moderators are notoriously strict. They hate fangirling and fan wars. They expect posters to respect each other. My rules here are based on their rules.

  • longsong

    Mormons just don’t like saying “bad words”. For example, when the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sings “To Dream the Impossible Dream”, they say, “to be willing to march anywhere” rather than, “To be willing to march into hell”.

    I think it’s the language, rather than the thought behind it.

  • flgurl

    Aaahhh grayhound that’s it. Ruben is in the show. Nigel did say the “biggest” star in the world… :devil_tb:

  • longsong

    Still missing Jason! I won’t vote, but I WILL watch with bells on and am looking forward to next year….

  • Layla

    TwoP is a interesting forum-well at least the David Cook threads, which is all I’ve read. They have some good info, intelligent posters, do their DC research and some great photos of DC. Didn’t seem that strict to me and some of the posters definately get fangirly which I really enjoy.

    Hard to keep up though because they can pile up the pages pretty damn fast.

  • calimari

    Sorry, but I think it’s a crime to change the lyrics to “Imagine.” I don’t understand that concept that “hell” is a “bad word” either. It’s in the bible…

  • kerfuffle

    longsong
    May 19th, 2008 at 3:48 pm
    Still missing Jason! I wonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t vote, but I WILL watch with bells on and am looking forward to next yearà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦.

    I miss him, too. But, he will be performing (along with the rest of the top 12) and I guess singing a duet (along with the rest of the top 5). So, it’s all good.

    Did everyone know that iTunes has released the rest of the video performances from the top 12 (including Jason’s Hallelujah)? To find them, you go to the artists’ individual store page (whatever it’s called) and select “All Videos” on the right side of the page. And voila! There they are. For some reason, it didn’t work for Brooke for me, (nor David Cook,) but I got the three I was missing of Jason’s. Now I can clear off my DVR.

  • longsong

    I wish Jason would’ve done a full length studio version of “Hallelujah”.

    Slightly O/T, I wish someone would do a compilation video of Constantine’s top 24 performance of “Kiss From a Rose” in which IMHO he was a Greek God, and then another of him 3 years or so later performing the same song to a smattering of an audience in the local Circuit City or some such place. So sad, yet a teeny bit funny…What happened?! He was my guy!

  • archie1

    I am still so freeking pissed off about the leak of David’s music. I really am.!!!!!!!

  • kiwifan

    Hmmm, I’m picking that Archie singing “Imagine” means that he couldn’t song clearance on his 1st choice. Personally, I think it’s a mistake. As an earlier post said, it’s hard to catch lightning twice.

    I really hope Clive’s choice is something upbeat, but I’m not holding my breath.

    If Cook is signing 3 new song, I think that’s an advantage.

    *crosses fingers* for wee Arch

  • archie1

    What does it mean to song clearance?

  • http://www.myspace.com/rjveritas MrRJ

    DA’s music has always leaked. There are loose lips in his camp. DC’s camp has set up a tight system of no information. Again, this has gone on all year. There is no conspiracy. (Except about the aliens……but THAT is another story! LOLOL)

  • cheese

    What does it mean to song clearance?

    American Idol needs to get legal permission from the person(s) who holds the intellectual property rights to a song in order for a contestant to sing the song on the show. Many artists have notoriously refused to “clear” their songs for Idol because it is, well, a cheesy show.

    I would imagine that Archie['s camp] chose Imagine because he could sing it in his sleep and it made a bigger impact than anything else he did this season (except for maybe “My boo” for different reasons). I’m sure there were other songs he coud have done, like “Waiting on the World to Change” which was already cleared. He has been most successful with ballads all year (so has DC actually, although a different type of ballad), so why change now?

  • Karen

    longsong, I also had a huge crush on Constantine. He also did that great Sting song, and I even liked I Think I Love You.

    Wouldn’t it be AWESOME if Madonna and Justin Timberlake were on and did Four Minutes? MAN!!!!!!

  • archie1

    Are you telling me out of large array of music out there that the couldnn’t find one that fit his style. Probably then seems. I would think that as long as he’s been singing, he would have a backup song that he could use, such as John Mayer, etc. Your thoughts?

  • jjz

    “DAà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s music has always leaked. There are loose lips in his camp. DCà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s camp has set up a tight system of no information. Again, this has gone on all year. There is no conspiracy. (Except about the aliensà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦but THAT is another story! LOLOL)”

    not sure about that. at least this time it was nigel released the spoiler (maybe not spoiler anymore). i wonder why he did release dc’s?

  • Lisa

    Here are the two songs *in the rumor mill* for David Cook for his choice. Both of which he has performed so he will not have to learn a new *choice* if one of these prove to be true.

    There Goes My Hero
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHb8Y-0do7Y

    Livin’ On A Prayer
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzFiNyr7xb4&feature=related

  • tinawina

    Are Archie’s song(s) being released really that big of a disadvantage? I don’t think so.

  • AInoob

    I think little D did a good version of “Imagine” but I am in the camp that prefers they both sing something new. Why push your luck and risk the chance of ruining a good thing?

    With so many of these behind-the-scenes stories coming out, it seems (sadly) that whoever wins its almost like a hollow-win. Especially for Cook, since the last week or so it seems claims are being made that Cook is TCO and that little D is being short-changed. I’m still firmly in Cook’s camp because his style is just the one that appeals to me more. In this day of downloading single song mp3′s, I’d drop my money for a full CD of his (and I rarely ever buy full CDs anymore). So regardless of where he would have placed in this competition, be it 10th or 1st, I’d still have purchased his release. I just hope if he does win its not going to be overshadowed with all this behind-the-scenes stuff going on.

  • tinawina

    I just hope if he does win its not going to be overshadowed with all this behind-the-scenes stuff going on.

    There may be something to that. Rueben’s win was forever tainted by the controversy surrounding Clay’s votes. I really think that whoever wins is going to catch some hell though. Archie has a lot of haters (especially in the media), and Cook is starting to look like the producer’s favorite. Way to ruin a good finale, TPTB!

  • Trina

    Here are the two songs *in the rumor mill* for David Cook for his choice. Both of which he has performed so he will not have to learn a new *choice* if one of these prove to be true.

    There Goes My Hero
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHb8Y-0do7Y

    Livinà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ On A Prayer
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzFiNyr7xb4&feature=related

    Lisa, where did you hear those rumors? Because if they managed to get My Hero cleared I may need some kind of a warning..and a large box of tissues.

  • Lisa

    Trina, one of the places was on the AI boards. They are just thinking of songs he did or wanted to do.

  • abbysee

    I too think that Nigel spoiling Imagine is one of his little nefarious misdeeds. I didn’t want him to reprise that, but I understand given the time restraints that all new songs would be difficult. Clive picks always suck, so anything his picks for either of them is a draw.

    I agree with Kirsten that this will be a co-winner year. They are expecting it be more like the aftermath of season two, and less like season 5. After season 2 both “winners” sold. That is what they are hoping for two cash cows instead of one. Sadly they may get it. It is sorta like rewarding them for steering us to the winner.

    I am not upset as this is the 6 out of 7 years that my fave got into the top two. Anything more is gravy.

  • Lisa

    David Cookà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Brother Unlikely to Attend Idol Finale

    http://tvwatch.people.com/2008/05/19/david-cooks-brother-unlikely-to-attend-idol-finale/

  • Jolene

    There may be something to that. Ruebenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s win was forever tainted by the controversy surrounding Clayà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s votes. I really think that whoever wins is going to catch some hell though.

    Archie has been pimped to the highest degree all season. It’s funny to me how that only becomes an issue when DC starts getting pimped as well.
    At this point, nobody’s sure who’s TCO, while in previous years it was often quite clear.
    Anyway, DC has done more than enough that I don’t think anyone but Archie fans would argue he only won because of pimping.
    Also – I truly believe that if he’s anything but brilliant tomorrow, he won’t get enough casual votes to beat the rabid voting from Archie’s fans.

  • skylight1219

    There was some discussion yesterday about the idols getting paid extra for the Ford commercials. I found an old article in which Ruben Studdard stated they do NOT get paid extra.

    I know this should probably be in today’s headlines, but, this seems like the watering hole today.

  • JessC77

    I truly believe that if heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s anything but brilliant tomorrow, he wonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t get enough casual votes to beat the rabid voting from Archieà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s fans.

    Don’t count out the rabid DC fans!!!

  • http://myspace.com/girlgeek mj

    The “My Hero” rumor seems to be more wishful thinking on the part of the fans at this point. Sort of like that “rumor” about Taylor Hicks performing on Idol.

  • skylight1219

    You mean, Taylor won’t be performing on Idol? I’m shocked, I tell ya, totally shocked!

    Aw, I don’t hate little David. He just isn’t my cup of tea. I find him amusing if anything.

  • tinawina

    I hate to say it but a large amount of the DAà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s haters are on this website which isnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t that large. There is a big world and we have no idea what the real voters are thinking.I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t know why you would think the reporters, etc. hate him.

    I actually wasn’t talking about this website. That said, Archie has a lot of fans but he has a lot of detractors too. How many articles have called him boring, one-note, too young, etc. I’ve seen a lot of negative statements even in articles then they are saying hes going to win! Too me he seems to be a little like Clay – with a very strong and passionate fanbase, but a sizeable amount of the population just doesn’t get him. Anyone who gets too popular on this show gets a backlash, Archie is not different.

    I don’t hate Archie by the way, I just think that whoever wins may be in for a bit of a hubub. I am happy with either of them taking the crown: I think they are both good and deserve it.

  • http://myspace.com/girlgeek mj

    I know this should probably be in todayà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s headlines, but, this seems like the watering hole today.

    There is no such thing as a “watering hole” here. Headlines need to stay in the headlines thread, unless they are pertinent to the topic of the thread.

  • Layla

    The à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“My Heroà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  rumor seems to be more wishful thinking on the part of the fans at this point. Sort of like that à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“rumorà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  about Taylor Hicks performing on Idol.

    I hope the rumor that Taylor Hicks is performing stays just that..a rumor.

    However DC singing “My Hero” is at least a hopeful possibility-right?

  • Lisa

    Your probably right MJ.

  • Jolene

    Donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t count out the rabid DC fans!!!

    Oh, I’m not…. I’m one of those! LOL
    However I do believe DC needs every vote he can get. I’m far from thinking he has this in the bag. Hope all those who want him to win take part in actually making that happen.

    I don’t believe the “My Hero” Rumor… Does seem like wishful thinking to me. Also – while I loved his performance during homecoming, I’m not entirely sure the song has enough of a “wow” factor for that big stage in the finale. It was lovely, but is it a showstopper?
    I think we have at least one more WTF!Cook moment ahead of us.

  • Layla

    Archie has been pimped to the highest degree all season. Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s funny to me how that only becomes an issue when DC starts getting pimped as well.

    Amen! I just don’t get that!

    DCFTMFW!

  • Trina

    Donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t count out the rabid DC fans!!!

    Seriously. I don’t understand this belief that only Archie has rabid fans. Have you looked around some of the boards? To my eye both guys have pretty intense, rabid fanbases..which is why I think they keep predicting a close race.

  • http://myspace.com/girlgeek mj

    However DC singing à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“My Heroà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  is at least a hopeful possibility-right?

    It hasn’t been ruled out, but there is no evidence whatsoever anywhere that DC is going to sing this song, or “Living on a Prayer” for that matter. I don’t consider it a rumor. It’s speculation. Fans repeating something over and over hoping to make it true.

  • archie1

    As much as I am an Archie fan, I will be happy either way as DC really seems to be a good guy and seems to protect DA. I saw their interview last night and he seems to like DA alot. I like that. I felt a little better about DC winning. If he seemed cocky I would like like his win.

    So as though I will vote 500 times for DA, I will be okay if DC wins.

  • JessC77

    I can’t wait, I can’t wait, I can’t wait til tomorrow!!! :cheese1_ee:

  • poporange

    Ok a little humor……..Nigel and Simon Fullor popped chanpaign corks after the sucess of project D. It was a top secret project planned to inth degree in the Yukon territory in Canada. They later moved the project to the US almost found out because A)it was a red building not made of snow and stood out quite a bit from the surrounding white B) the sled dog kept releaving thierselves on thier top notch shoes..C)The story that they were thier to hunt did not wash.Wearing a three piece suite ,guchies and no warm coat sans bow and arrow.D)Not knowing what hockey is a big mistake.

    I would like someone to put on lift shoes and do the Pee Wee dance across the jughes table..

    Seriously though a big star so thier bring Charlten Heston back from the grave?

  • jbrad

    I wonder if Mylie Cyress is the “biggest star in the world”, at least the world according to Clive. She does sell a lot of units, and thats all that matters to him. They have already pimped her on IGB, why not on the finale, too.

  • GwendolynD

    What Miley Cyrus does is not singing. They really should give it another name. My ears are still bleeding from that double whammy she gave us for IGB.

  • AInoob

    I agree Trina, I think both of them seem to have an intense fanbase. They both have such different styles and appeal to different people, that I doubt there are very many who are torn between the two. I think little D seems like a great kid and has a good balladeer voice, its just not a style that appeals to me, personally.

    However I do believe DC needs every vote he can get. Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m far from thinking he has this in the bag. Hope all those who want him to win take part in actually making that happen.

    I don’t think he has it in the bag either, Jolene. He’s only been pimped recently by Simon. Randy seems to be in little D’s corner, and Paula straddles the middle ground (although maybe leaning towards Cook).

  • holeighannie

    Archie has been pimped to the highest degree all season. Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s funny to me how that only becomes an issue when DC starts getting pimped as well.

    Amen! I just donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t get that!

    They’ve both been pimped to high heaven for weeks. I’d say any show pimpage for them is about equal.

  • Kirsten

    Archie has been pimped to the highest degree all season. Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s funny to me how that only becomes an issue when DC starts getting pimped as well.

    We’ve been griping about DA pimping from before the season started. LOL. I got so grumpy at one point (I think it was after “Imagine”), I suggested they just put DA in the opening credits and be done with the season.

    People here like to notice the pimping because it helps us be able to predict how the season/shows will unfold. Plus, it’s always fun to complain about it when yours isn’t the producer’s pet. Be happy if your favourite is the producer’s favourite. It’s all gravy.

  • Karen

    All I know is, only 27 hours to wait! I’m stoked!

    [DCFTW]

  • Natasha

    If Miley Cyrus is who they consider the biggest star in the world I’m going to laugh and cry at the same time. Maybe if you’re 11 years old she is.

    I’m glad DC and DA can pick their own poison (coronation song) since that’s a lot better than having one shoved down your throat. I wish we’d get some DC spoilers, I’m very curious.

  • http://myspace.com/sarahtheo Seraphina

    Archie has been pimped to the highest degree all season. Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s funny to me how that only becomes an issue when DC starts getting pimped as well.

    Thank you, Jolene. We’ve had Archie shoved down our throats the entire season as the second coming, despite dropped lyrics & the like. Cook has worked hard for his praises and earned them increasingly over time. Funny to me, too, that suddenly the possibility of him winning is down to ‘pimping’.

    Maybe it’s just me seeing through Cook-coloured glasses, and finally enjoying the possibility of my early fav winning this year with the SUPPORT of the TPTB, but I wouldn’t see a DC win as orchestrated.

    On picking their own coronation song from the top 10: Hell yes! Best news I’ve heard. Sorry to those who might have shelled out money and time on entering, thinking one song would ‘win’, but AI should be about the contestants. A degree of artistic freedom on coronation songs (finally) is more important than a songwriting contest run on the side, IMO. If you can call any of it ‘important’. heh

  • archie1

    I was thinking about how over the top this must be for DA. Here is a 17 year old kid that is gonna be on the biggest stage and he has to perform. DC seems to take it in stride. No stage problems. But DA, how mortifying that must be. Nerves have to kick in heavy. I hope or wish he ad support during this ordeal. Unfortunately because he has the rath of kahn he probably won’t have any at all.

    I feel for him, either way win or lose.

  • Layla

    Thanks MJ-that was the cold water I needed to help me settle down.

    A new WTF moment from DC would be a far better choice of course. I’m just a little worried and biting my nails over his choice. I think he can take anything Clive throws at him and put the DC spin on it…not worried, as I wasn’t worried about Yo’ Face. The original song-the same. It’s just that DC can go a little deep and pick a song that the audience may never have heard of…that’s what I’m worried about.

  • Kirsten

    I wonder if Mylie Cyress is the à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“biggest star in the worldà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ , at least the world according to Clive.

    Poor Clive doesn’t get a piece of any of those units. She’s on the Disney label.

    Maybe they mean Leona since she has a hit on both sides of the Atlantic. I wouldn’t consider that so great because we’ve seen her already this season.

    Could be Bryan Adams since his new CD is number 1 already in countries on three continents and there have been lots of rumours about him (and the auditions were all about Bryan Adams. Archie can duet “Heaven” with him and Cookie can do that horrible Robin Hood song).

    Or maybe it’s a dead star. Sinatra and Elvis have been done. Maybe it’s Bob Marley. Jimi Hendrix would cause people to march on the Nokia and burn it to the ground. Maybe it’s somebody tame like Pat Boone. I don’t see his fans rioting in protest over the outrage. Plus, Pat Boone has a diverse catalogue. He can sing a sappy ballad with Archie and some “Stairway to Heaven” with Cookie.

  • cheese

    Here is a 17 year old kid that is gonna be on the biggest stage and he has to perform. DC seems to take it in stride. No stage problems. But DA, how mortifying that must be. Nerves have to kick in heavy.

    It sounds a bit like last year’s finale. I think the 17 year old won. It could happen again! I thought David A was in the final round of a televised singing competition before, too. He’ll be fine, I think.

    I certainly don’t feel cheated because I voted in the songwriting competition. Hell, I was operating under the impression that my votes probably wouldn’t count but I voted just in case. The fact that they took the Top 10 makes me feel like they probably DID count. The “winning” songwriter might get cheated if neither David picks their song, I guess. There must have been some serious fine print on whatever contract the writers signed.

  • milajoy

    My thought on why they let each choose their own ccoronation song: They HATED the winning song. Easy and that.

  • Michelle

    I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t believe the à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“My Heroà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  Rumorà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦ Does seem like wishful thinking to me. Also – while I loved his performance during homecoming, Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m not entirely sure the song has enough of a à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“wowà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  factor for that big stage in the finale. It was lovely, but is it a showstopper?

    I agree, My Hero was a lovely gift for the fans but he needs to impress on a big song to pull in votes. Also it won’t do to out-ballad Archie.

    archie1 – for all he seems a kid, Archie has actually taken everything well so far. Every negative critique he’s gotten from the judges he’s just smiled off, and judging from interviews he is annoyed by the rumors about his Dad but not overwhelmed by them. I respect him for handling himself with the amount of grace he has, especially at his age. I think he’ll be fine, and he has a huge base of loyal fans who’ll support him no matter what happens Wednesday :)

  • http://myspace.com/saltwatercures pj
  • skylight1219

    What I meant by the watering hole is that there appears to be more interest in this thread today, than the headlines thread. You can delete my post if you like.

  • archie1

    Thanks for your comments Michelle

  • http://www.myspace.com/rjveritas MrRJ

    Oh boy Pat Boone!!!!! How lucky we would be (not).

    Biggest Star in the world, hmmmm Aretha is getting bigger everyday, so it may be her!

  • Kirsten

    My thought on why they let each choose their own ccoronation song: They HATED the winning song.

    Well, then why did they pick the darn thing for the voting rounds? This is like when they pick some fodder they despise and then get enraged when people actually vote for them.

    If they did put a song on the final 20 list that they hated, they are STUPID. I can see why they might do such thing with contestants because they have to make the show interesting and cast a spectrum of contestants. Plus, they have to have fodder to keep their pets safe. No such reason exists for the songs.

    Put out 20 songs you would happy to see as the coronation song. If you can’t find 20 songs you like out of all the drek, better to put out 10 songs. Whatever you do, do not put a song out for voting that you HATE.

    Sometimes, the producers are so freakin’ childish.

  • sumidol

    The à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“biggest starà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  in the world will be there. Whatever!

    But MJ it is David Hasselhoff, instead of crying in the audience they are gonna have him sing for us.

  • milajoy

    Theyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve both been pimped to high heaven for weeks. Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢d say any show pimpage for them is about equal.

    Back in November, During Hollywood week, every single contestant I talked to said that it was 100% evident that TPTB wanted Archie to win. Not only that, but Cook was intended as Fodder for the Rockers, to push Michael Johns, Robbie, and Carly into the top 12.

    With Hello, he made them sit up and take Notice,…it changed then.

    Then after Billie Jean, Archie winning was not Mandatory to TPTB.

  • colette

    It’s so interesting that Mr. Cook does better with songs others choose for him. It sorta worries me about his taste in future….love the voice, the attitude, the musicianship, but are we going to be hearing a lot of marginal, semi-tuneless indy stuff from him? Who the heck knows, but I hope not…..

  • skylight1219

    I wonder if Sponge Bob Square Pants is available for the finale???

  • Natasha

    Except for two songs last week, Cook has picked every song he sang. He picked ‘Hello’, ‘Billie Jean’, ABMB, Eleanor Rigby and everything else. I think he’s made the best song choices of any contestant this season, actually.

  • http://myspace.com/girlgeek mj

    Except for two songs last week, Cook has picked every song he sang. He picked à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Helloà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Billie Jeanà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢, ABMB, Eleanor Rigby and everything else. I think heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s made the best song choices of any contestant this season, actually.

    Interesting to me–I think DC has made better song choices when the choice of songs was really narrow. When given a wide open field, like IGB and Rock Week, his choices weren’t as good.

  • cheese

    Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s so interesting that Mr. Cook does better with songs others choose for him. It sorta worries me about his taste in futureà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦.love the voice, the attitude, the musicianship, but are we going to be hearing a lot of marginal, semi-tuneless indy stuff from him? Who the heck knows, but I hope notà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦..

    My opinion as a certified Cooktard is that he’s much better at doing his own rock stuff than he is of doing straight covers of similar rock stuff. His original music is well written, has some intelligent, interesting lyrics, some decent melodic hooks, even some decent guitar hooks. And that’s based on Analog Heart, which he recorded in 2005 when he was 22. The recording itself is rough, and the sound mix drives me crazy, but there’s some good, radio friendly stuff under all the guitar noise.

    I suppose it’s possible that his own stuff will never see the light of day, but I continue to hope that he will be treated more like Daughtry than Bo, once they hear what he has to offer. I think he’s a few co-writers and a little polish away from being pretty successful as a mainstream recording artist.

  • SpenserJ

    I wonder if Sponge Bob Square Pants is available for the finale???

    Well, that would be a HUGE hit in my house.

    wow – you have all been busy today, how will I ever catch up?

    PS to Sarah: I’m still not sure if I can go to the Tampa show – but I ordered us some tix just in case – so we’re covered.

  • Michelle

    Free choice does seem to be when DC stumbles a bit performance-wise (and that’s only relative to his other performances, he’s never actually been horrible imo.) But even Innocent was fine as a studio version. I think clearance issues play a huge part behind the scenes, I’ve heard contestants say many of the songs they ended up performing were 4th, 5th, 6th on their lists.

    We’ve gotten a nice opportunity to see what sort of music DC comes up with on his own thanks to his solo album from a couple of years ago. It’s a little generic but has potential, and if he gets some good writers and producers to help polish up his material I think he’s in good shape. (Speaking as an incredibly biased DC fan, of course!)

  • http://myspace.com/sarahtheo Seraphina

    You mean Simon isn’t the “biggest star in the world”? Somebody needs to memo him.

    I wonder if they can top the Prince entrance. How big a stah could it be? Madonna & JT would certainly be a coup.

  • spanishfan

    The biggest star ever I have heard is Paul McCartney. He is fantastic. His new album is amazing.

  • Jolene

    but are we going to be hearing a lot of marginal, semi-tuneless indy stuff from him? Who the heck knows, but I hope notà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦..

    Have you heard “Analog Heart”? That album won me over as a Cooktard. Before hearing it I was only mildly interested (of course, I did hear it right before “Hello”, so there wasn’t as much awesomeness on the show itself yet). I love AH so much, I seriously hope he won’t stray too far from it with his first major label release.

    Oh, this is random, but some Cooktards might enjoy it… They’re using “Billie Jean” in Israel for a TV promo:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqZqJ_Voeig

  • Caffiend

    I don’t know what time they are letting us in for the finale Tuesday, but we’re supposed to get there super-early. I think it also mentions a rehearsal. So if I can smuggle my phone in, I’ll text mj from the ladies’ room.

  • Kirsten

    Except for two songs last week, Cook has picked every song he sang. He picked à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Helloà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Billie Jeanà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢, ABMB, Eleanor Rigby and everything else. I think heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s made the best song choices of any contestant this season, actually

    I think he does an AMAZING job of picking the correct ancient song to sing and arranging it so that it sounds current.

    Whenever he gets a free pick, though, he choses badly. I think one of his biggest problems on the free picks is that he is unable to chose a song that can be condensed. IGB was a free pick and he chose “Innocent”. Great song, but it doesn’t come off well in 90 seconds. Top 500 Rock songs was pretty close to a free pick (and right in his wheelhouse as the only remaining rocker) and he picked “Hungry Like the Wolf” and “Baba O’Riley”. The first was utter cheese. I don’t know how that didn’t work. It’s a stalkerish song and he’s been turning everything into a stalker song. He could probably turn “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” into a stalker song. But, when he gets a real stalker song, he turns it into bleh. Then, BOR just couldn’t be truncated and was over before it started. His final free pick was last week and it too didn’t work because it couldn’t be compressed.

    Now, this won’t be a problem when he makes an album and has more than 90 seconds per track, but it really confuses me that he can’t seem to pick a current song. Weird. If TPTB want him to win, they should give him 10 cheese-fest songs from the 80s to pick from. If they want him to lose, they should give him a current rock song. Bizarro.

    Meanwhile, if the want DA to win, they should give him a sappy ballad. If they want him to lose, they should give him a sappy ballad. Polarizing dude.

  • Kirsten

    I wonder if Sponge Bob Square Pants is available for the finale???

    Perhaps The Wiggles will make their much anticipated appearance.

  • JessC77

    I’m sorry but I just don’t see Paul McCartney as the biggest star ever!

  • Lisa

    Polarizing dude.

    **Adds Kirsten’s posts as ones not to read while drinking something** LOL

    Why has Tyson gone underground? We need our hints, especially for DC since we have two of DA’s.

    ETA. Simon said on an interview two days ago that Leona Lewis was #! in the USA. Hopefully they are not meaning her & we get a repeat of her.

  • http://myspace.com/sarahtheo Seraphina

    I think one of his biggest problems on the free picks is that he is unable to chose a song that can be condensed.

    Agreed. Some of those songs have ended just as they were getting going, leaving the listener less than satisfied. The funny thing is, he’s such a good arranger on other songs, it’s curious to me that he crafts/listens to these highly truncated versions and feels they’re ready to perform. Never enough time to fully tweak, I suppose.

    ETA: Please not Leona again. Please.

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

    If Miley Cyrus is who they consider the biggest star in the world Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m going to laugh and cry at the same time.

    Count me in. Pffft.

    Wow, they get to choose from the top 10 vote-getters! I guess this means we’re going to get one of You Believed In Me, No Turning Back, Over…something (Overturn? Is that even a word?), or Align from Cookie. I’m actually kind of hoping he does Only Love or pulls another MOTN, but that’s vain wishing right there, so nevermind.

    I haven’t read all the comments yet, so sorry if this has been asked already, but any word on whether rearrangements are allowed or not?

    ETA: LOL, Kirsten. I don’t think I could consider a songlist of 10 crappy songs a “free pick”, though, so hopefully he picks well and this doesn’t all just backfire on him.

    Ugh, no, not Leona again. Please.

  • cheese

    Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m actually kind of hoping he does Only Love

    Ooh, I really liked “Only Love” aka as “The Jason Song.” Since we’re all talking about how Cookie has semi-tanked on rock songs, maybe this would be a smart move for him.

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

    Only Love was the only song out of the 20 I’d have considered buying if released as singles, so here’s to hoping Cookie reads this, cheese. Here’s to hoping.

    /wishfulthinking

  • SpenserJ

    Perhaps The Wiggles will make their much anticipated appearance.

    I have to say, the Wiggles concert was almost entertaining. (And – they should give out medals to the parents who actually sit through that crap for their kids – or at least they should give us free booze and a ride home).

    Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m sorry but I just donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t see Paul McCartney as the biggest star ever!

    I’m sure with all of the records the Beatles hold for album sales, and their undeniable impact on American music during their heyday, an argument can be made for why Sir Paul is still one of the most recognizable musicians in the world.

    From my own personal experience, I never really believed the hype. For one, I never realized how many Beatles songs I actually knew. And, I wasn’t born when Beatlemania occured. When I was in elementary school, Paul McCartney was in “Wings” for crying out loud, and John Lennon was a dirty hippy with a creepy wife who sang songs about how cool it would be if we were all atheists and communists.

    BUT – then, a couple of years ago, I was invited to a Paul McCartney concert, and damn was I impressed. It was the Tampa show, where for a moment, he actually fell in the hole where the piano rises out of and we were all thinking “wow – I bet he just broke a hip”. Thankfully, he popped right back out, with both hips and his sense of humor intact. Overall, he was witty and engaging, a superb performer, incredibly musically adept (seriously I think he played every instrument on the stage at one point), and he can still sing.

    So I realized, there’s a reason this guy is a legend. If anyone wants to refer to him as the biggest star in the world – I’m not going to argue.

  • longsong

    So I realized, thereà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s a reason this guy is a legend. If anyone wants to refer to him as the biggest star in the world – Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m not going to argue.

    I agree. When thinking of the “biggest star in the world” amongst still living recording artists, Paul McCartney comes to mind for me.

    JT and Madonna? Not even close.

  • t2

    What do I think should happen? I think they ought to let Michael do a duet with Neil Diamond and then a duet with Dolly Parton…but then I am a little biased.

  • Natasha

    LOL at Sponge Bob Square Pants and the Wiggles.

    Jolene – Cool!! Thanks for posting that. Kinda makes me wish he would do ‘Billie Jean’ again.

    MJ and Kirsten – yeah, I do agree that when the field is wide open Cook tends to fumble a little. I think it does have something to do with the way the songs get cut up. Like with DYTM it seemed like he just got going and it was over. Cook needs time to work a song like that and he just doesn’t have it.

  • sciencefan

    spanishfan May 19th, 2008 at 6:01 pm
    The biggest star ever I have heard is Paul McCartney. He is fantastic. His new album is amazing.

    Oh well then he probably IS the one Nigel referred to. Goodness knows the guests have to have an album to promote.
    I think it would be very fitting if McCartney would do the show. After all, they did have two weeks of Beatles music.
    .
    .
    About the song contest… since the contestants are already used to choosing a song from a list of about 20 or so anyway, why donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t they just narrow the field down to 20 songs and then let the finalists choose from that list? I think ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s a great idea. At least they would be able to choose something they feel they can connect with, which would probably make the song go over a lot better, too.
    .
    .
    Cool that theyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re using Billie Jean in that Israeli promo. Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s that Friday Night Lights show, right? I think NBC can get sued for using it. I would think AI owns the rights to that recording. Davidà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s got a really recognizable voice. Heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s going to do well.

    JessC77 May 19th, 2008 at 6:09 pm
    Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m sorry but I just donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t see Paul McCartney as the biggest star ever!

    Maybe Nigel thinks so because theyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re both British.

  • Lisa

    New Info per Mikalah Gordon’s official website:

    Mikalah is going to David COOKS hometown! NOT David Archuleta’s! Make sure you tune in Wednesday and catch her on Idol!

    http://mikalah-gordon.org/index.php

    ***hears a pin drop***

  • http://myspace.com/sarahtheo Seraphina

    JT and Madonna? Not even close.

    I suddenly feel the need to qualify my older post…

    Not for a moment would these two be the biggest stars for me, either (JT particularly isn’t my musical taste), but in terms of hot pop culture right now, their duet would be big ticket for AI.

  • jbrad

    I think they should have at least an hour and a half for the final 2, let them do complete songs, and have it more about the two of them. Cut the finale down to one hour, or 90 min. Let the final two shine a bit more, instead of shoving anyone they can get to show up down out throats. While it is fun, it does take away from the idols. I know they are trying to get more viewers, but they could do that by just having previous idols, and not The Jonas Brothers, and a dead person.

  • Rebecca Rose

    Here is a downloadable mp3 of the Nigel Lithgow interview with Ryan on Kiss FM.
    The file is about 7 min long and has a few seconds of dead air at the start.
    Credit to musiclover2 for posting it originally.

    http://www.mediafire.com/?g0ddjm0dbyw

  • KrazeeK120

    The à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“biggest starà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  in the world will be there.

    I really dislike these kinds of spoilers. “Biggest star” is kind of subjective, no? I’m not getting my hopes up. It’s probably just Randy Jackson playing bass or something.

    On the other hand, I’m VERY relieved that they do have some kind of choice with the coronation song. Things are looking better and better for DC! I really do hope he chooses a new song for his personal choice. DA’s doing a reprise and I think DC can blow him out of the water with something brand new and amazing.

  • Linny

    Good gawd. The biggest star in the world? I was thinking they might mean Madonna, but I never even considered Sir Paul. This man used to be my Idol in another lifetime, but his more recent music just does not cut it for me. Idol is always trying to best itself. And, thank you very much, now I have visions of Taylor singing with dead Elvis. Did they not know that the Celine bit made us howl?

    WHAT ARE THEY THINKING???

    I listened to those songwriter contest songs and they were so damm sappy and made me gagg. I can’t imagine which ones they would have picked, but for sure, they are more suited for Archie than Cook. Oy!!

    Like MJ says, I love this cheesy show.

  • SpenserJ

    I suddenly feel the need to qualify my older postà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦

    Not for a moment would these two be the biggest stars for me, either (JT particularly isnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t my musical taste), but in terms of hot pop culture right now, their duet would be big ticket for AI.

    Actually, I also think it’s perfectly reasonable for someone to hyperbolize that Madonna is “the biggest star in the world”. She’s been moving units (and lots of them) since the early 80′s. She also has some of the highest grossing concert tours, and her worldwide recognizability factor is pretty huge.

    But, considering this is the Clive factory that we’re talking about – I’m going to assume it’s someone like Celine or someone else currently or previously in his “stable”. I would say maybe Mariah, but she’s already been on.

    Considering what fools these people are, and how they define “star”, I also don’t think it’s out of the realm to assume they’re talking about Hannah Montana or one of the other flavors of the month who will be nothing but a True Hollywood Story five years from now.

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

    PS to Sarah: Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m still not sure if I can go to the Tampa show – but I ordered us some tix just in case – so weà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re covered.

    I heart you, Spense. :) I was just thinking that I needed to call you to see if you knew yet how things were gonna shake out for you. :) I hope you can go!!!

    I haven’t had time yet to read the whole thread so these things might have already been mentioned, but I’m gonna throw it out there anyway:

    FWIW, the first person that popped into my head when I read “biggest star in the world” was Madonna. I don’t know how she feels about AI, but she does have an album and single to promote right now. But yeah, it will probably be like, Elmo or something. LOL. (ETA: I see now that other people have had the same thought LOL.:))

    It’s also interesting to me that they got to choose from the top 10 songs from the “contest.” I wonder if the song that won was “Only Love”? I bet the Jason and Brooke fans were out in as full force voting as the Cookie and Archie fans were, and I know a lot of Cookie fans who were giving that song upwards of 5 pts just because they liked it. I’m not sure about the Archie fans. Yet, the song fits neither Cookie or Archie. Just a thought…

  • cooktard76

    am i the only journey fan here? lol… i would KILL to see cookie sing “dont stop believin.” and i’m not THAT old! i just love steve perry so screw u guys! =))

  • lili

    On Deco Drive in Miami, they just said Cook will be singing U2′s “I still haven’t found what I’m looking for”

  • Joyce

    Biggest Star could be Tina Turner? She’s getting ready to tour and she’s an International star isn’t she?

  • Rebecca Rose

    Cooktard76, I still love Journey among many other bands that are also favorites. I would also love it if Cook did The Eagles “Take it to the Limit” on tour which somebody else suggested for a final song (I think that was on TWOP.)

    I did hate Clive Davis’s choice of Open Arms for Elliott Yamin on season 5 – that was a bad fit. Clay Aiken did it better in season 2.

    I hope Davis does better for Cook this year. I do feel a little ill that David’s song choice is in Clive’s hands but expect David to triumph anyway. (I still remember the pro-Clive reporter who called Cook a ringer which was ridiculous and caused the Analog Heart pulling mess.)

    I did see People.com is now saying Adam Cook may not be at the final due to his health. I hope they are wrong and this is just a Cook family smokescreen and the Indiana Cooks will sneak into town on Tuesday for David’s sake. Regardless – David Cook FTW!

  • SpenserJ

    Oops – screwed that up

  • sue

    Why did Clive choose that song for DA, come on? Does Clive know any other songs? I guess DA didn’t get “Crazy” cleared so he went with “Imagine”. I was hoping for a new song or even a Spanish inspired song since he can sing in Spanish, dang it. Oh well, I hope DA does more than on verse of “Imagine”. As for letting them pick the coronation song, that is just wrong. What’s the point of the whole freakin contest anyway? I wonder what DC is going to sing. Now it’s getting down to the wire. I am sure he will do great. It all depends on how the judges praise them, especially Simon and how they perform and if there are tears from the audience etc…:) Oh well I hope Archie can pull a miracle and win this thing but by the looks of it, it may just be a Cookie victory. My bf loves Cookie so I kind of like him too. My favorite Cookie song is actually “Little Sparrow”, that was great. Good luck to both of them. It going to be exciting…

    If Cookie sings the U2 song he is going to win for sure. That song is so freakin popular. I love U2, but did they clear it? I thought he was going to do something by Depeche Mode, who I also love. DC is giving me 80′s flashbacks…:)

  • http://inkdbylilyanna.com carolina

    The entertainment report on Fox News with Shephard Smith said that Cook is singing a U2 song . . .

    and I missed the title :doh_tb:

  • Grammie Kari

    Tina Turner is a good guess, but wouldn’t Paul McCartney be a better guess?

    cooktard, I am a huge Journey fan and have seen them in concert three times! Steve Perry was one of the best!

    Is it confrimed that Jason will be doing a duet, or will it be Jason and Brooke with someone?

  • SpenserJ

    So, anyway…

    am i the only journey fan here? lolà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦ i would KILL to see cookie sing à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“dont stop believin.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  and ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m not THAT old! i just love steve perry so screw u guys! =))

    Oh – I love Journey. Yet, I also agree that Clive’s pick of Open Arms for Elliott was dumb, and that conversation between Clive & Elliott that night was completely uncomfortable.

    I agree with you that Cookie could do a fantastic rendition of DSB.

    And, as a sidenote, I’ll be seeing Journey (not original recipe – the version with the Steve Perry imposter of course), Cheap Trick and Heart this summer, and I am very very excited!

  • lili

    (posting again since this was the last post on the preious page), it was just announced about 15 minutes ago, David Cook is choosing U2′s “I still haven’t found what I’m looking for”

  • sciencefan

    The top 5 idols will each do a duet with someone.

  • http://myspace.com/girlgeek mj

    The entertainment report on Fox News with Shephard Smith said that Cook is singing a U2 song . . .

    and I missed the title

    Did that just happen? I can grab it from redlasso…

  • grrrr

    The entertainment report on Fox News with Shephard Smith said that Cook is singing a U2 song . . .

    and I missed the title

    “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” Dude, I’m seriously impressed if they managed to clear U2.

  • http://inkdbylilyanna.com carolina

    it did just happen mj — about 10 minutes ago

  • http://inkdbylilyanna.com carolina

    He had an entertainment reporter on satellite — was pestering her for information

  • dv

    Carrie singing “Last Name” on the finale

    http://www.myspace.com/carrieunderwood

  • Frances

    The reporter talking to Shepherd Smith also said that Robert Downey, Jr. was reported to be on the finale. Apparently he sings, too.

    http://www.robertdowneyjrmusic.com/

  • http://myspace.com/girlgeek mj

    it did just happen mj à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  about 10 minutes ago

    Thanks. It looks like we have the answer, but I’ll throw in the proof for good measure!

    So, Archie gets a 30 year old Elton John song that’s been sung a billion times on Idol (Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me) and Cookie gets the first U2 song to ever be sung on the Idol stage?

    Hmmm. Now, who do you think the producers want to win?

    ETA: I’m assuming the song is Clive’s pick?

  • SpenserJ

    Biggest Star could be Tina Turner? Sheà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s getting ready to tour and sheà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s an International star isnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t she?

    Plus, she’s Tina fucking Turner!

  • chachi

    à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“I Still Havenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t Found What Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m Looking Forà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  Dude, Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m seriously impressed if they managed to clear U2.

    UM. HOLY SHIT. Thanks lilli and caro. Whoa.

  • grrrr

    ETA: Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m assuming the song is Cliveà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s pick?

    mj, since I read it on TWoP, I’m not sure, but it seems the woman mentioned it in the same sentence as Archie’s “Imagine” so it might be DC’s own pick.

  • Trina

    GET THE HELL OUTTA HERE! Cookie is singing U2?? Like, the producers actually paid for that?!

    DCFTMFW!!!

  • smartcookie

    “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” is supposedly Cook’s choice and “Imagine” is Archie’s?

    So we know Archie will have a coronation song, “Imagine” (his choice) and something else from Clive which may be that Hercules/Michael Bolton song?

    And Cookie will have a coronation song, “I Still Haven’t Found” (his choice) and something else from Clive that we don’t know anything about.

    So far, it’s sounding like a pretty good line up.

  • http://myspace.com/sarahtheo Seraphina

    U2?? Holy Carp! Okay, THAT is the best news I’ve heard. :mrgreen_wp:

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

    The à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“My Heroà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  rumor seems to be more wishful thinking on the part of the fans at this point. Sort of like that à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“rumorà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  about Taylor Hicks performing on Idol.

    And kind of like the Taylor singing “Georgia on My Mind” at the AI5 finale too. Wishful thinking from the fans (with the aid of a fake spoiler or two as well, IIRC. LOL.).

    I think it would be a mistake for Cookie to do “My Hero” or a simple acoustic guitar-driven version of any song. The finale is not the time nor the place for it.

    ETA: WOW. Am I reading this correctly? U2 finally cleared a song for AI? Just wow. DC pleaaaaaaaase do this song justice.

  • Margaux

    Robert Downey Jr. sang on Ally McBeal. Not awful, not really good.
    He was the biggest star in the world last week, but got beat out this week by “Narnia”.

  • cooktard76

    I agree w/ Duke. Not about DA winning of course, but about this being my fave season since s5. I loved s2, but pretty much just for clay. and i liked s4 ok. but s5 and 7 are the ones that i can honestly say i enjoyed over half of the top 12! and also agreed, only thing i would change about this season would be the pecking order, aka mj and carly shoulda been in there longer than klc and syesha, but whatever…
    DCFTMFW!!!

  • hollygo9

    Cookie ISHFWILF = loss of sh*t. I just lost my entire sh*t. I’m seriously Paul Abdul incoherent now. Words…escaping..brain.

  • GwendolynD

    Please, please, please let the Cookie rumor be true. Please…..

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

    Cookie ISHFWILF = loss of sh*t. I just lost my entire sh*t. Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m seriously Paul Abdul incoherent now. Wordsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦escaping..brain.

    Me too hollygo. I’m still trying to scrape my jaw up off the floor.

    Just. Wow.

  • cooktard76

    Sorry O/T but to Longsong & Karen– me too– Constantine fan. “I think I love you” was my fave. Tho I do love Carrie now (after the fact). Just saw her in concert recently w/ Keith Urban, was mucho awesomeness!

  • Frances

    You guys are quick. I heard them say the name of the U2 song but didn’t understand what they said. By the time I checked the tape and came back to the computer, someone had already posted it.

    Maybe Downey is the biggest star in the world that everyone’s talking about.

  • hollygo9

    I have kissed honey lips
    Felt the healing fingertips
    It burned like a fire
    This burning desire

    I. Am. So. Cooked.

  • Layla

    DC singing U2!!!!! Oh sweet merciful Buddah! ISHFWILF!!!!!! I am doing the biggest freakin’ happy dance imaginable!!!

    I bet Bono likes the Idol Gives Back stuff. Or maybe he has seen DC and feels he can do the song justice!

    I am one. fuckin.happy.camper

  • meme

    When Jason got voted off I said that I was done voting for this year. I just may have to pull my voting fingers out of retirement if this spoiler of U2- ISHFWILF is true. :wink_ee:

  • smartcookie

    Could Bono be the biggest star in the world? He is…kind of…at this moment, with all the Red stuff and everything else going on.

    Otherwise, it sounds like Barbra (which would be a huge WTF moment), Whitney (so washed up as to not be a big star at all anymore but maybe Nigel thinks so) or I guess Paul McCartney. My aunt would say Andre Rieu because she’s a Lawrence Welk kind of woman.

    I guess I feel like U2 has been performed on the show before, although only on results night, because Elliott and Mary J. Blige did “One Love” at the finale. Maybe that only counted as a Mary J. Blige song.

  • Layla

    I am almost struck dumb! Please please please let this be true!

    If it is I will never say an unkind word about Clive again!

    Does anyone know how long the songs will be? Still the 1.30 minutes?

  • Layla

    I have kissed honey lips
    Felt the healing fingertips
    It burned like a fire
    This burning desire

    I. Am. So. Cooked.

    Amen sistah! Stick a fork in me. Am really trying hard not to get all fangirly but dayuuuuum! Hope MJ can confirm this soon.

  • vagabond

    That U2 song is going to ROCK! OMG! I’m excited to watch the show more than ever now. I do hope David Cook wins. He is what Idol needs right now.

    And the duets – hopefully they pick some good people for the top 5 to sing with. Someone creative did a “duet” of sorts with Iz and Jason singing “Over the Rainbow” – something like that would be pretty cool if they are seriously going to do the Hologram Singers. I’d love to see Jason sing with Ray LaMontagne or Jack Johnson. Brooke and Carly Simon would be fun too – don’t know Syesha and ? maybe Fantasia?? LOL – David A. and Kelly Clarkson since she’s his Idol – David Cook and Bono. Well a girl can dream. Actually David C. and Kelly C. could do a fabulous duet!

    But David Cook and I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For – well David after you sing that, if you are looking for the AI title – you may just get your wish. :)

  • cooktard76

    lmao @ biggest star being randy playing bass!!! hahahahahaha

  • Natasha

    Could Clive have come up with U2 or is this Cook’s pick? If it’s Clive’s pick it would be amazing.

  • http://myspace.com/girlgeek mj

    I just hope cookie works out a good arrangement for it.

    He’s got a lot of pressure right now to make this song into an INCREDIBLE performance. It’s a pretty big responsibility. I hope he’s learned from prior efforts that didn’t work out so well as far as what NOT to do with the arrangement.

  • jpfan

    Voting for coronation song – scratch that, let Cook pick his own song – check

    Moldy oldie for Archie, U2 classic for Cook – check

    Next will be the lights, strings, Cook family in tears,

    I don’t really mind Cook winning, but please no more outrage about the TCO, unfair judges and producers, etc. Oh wait, when your fav is TCO, there is no outrage just glee.

  • Jolene

    Still no word on if ISHFWILF is his choice of Clive’s?
    I’m hoping it’s Clive, cause if it is, I still have one WTF!Cook choice to look forward to. If it’s not, well, I’ll still be worried about what Clive might saddle him with.

  • baxter

    Sweet Mericiful Heavens…..U…fucking…2!!!! GAH….Cookie please please be in perfect voice on Tuesday and hit a homerun.

    HOLY CRAP!!!!

  • cooktard76

    hmm, if its true, i dont like the idea of “i still havent found what i’m looking for.” seems like a slap in the face eh?

  • jpfan

    Thank God, they didn’t clear Crazy for Archie because that would have been so UNFAIR. :)
    I still think there are more shoes to drop. The stack hasn’t been totally stacked yet. So more to come I’m sure.

  • http://myspace.com/girlgeek mj

    Oh wait, when your fav is TCO, there is no outrage just glee.

    That’s a generalization about a fanbase. We try to avoid that here.

  • http://myspace.com/sarahtheo Seraphina

    Could Clive have come up with U2 or is this Cookà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s pick? If ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Cliveà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s pick it would be amazing.

    He cleared Springsteen for Taylor. When Clive wants something, he gets it.

    Do we really have to wait another 24 hours?? I swore I wasn’t getting invested in this show again after season 5. Thank you, David Cook, for giving me a reason to love Tuesdays all over again.

  • cooktard76

    SpencerJ– I too wanted to see the Journey/Cheap Trick/Heart show, big fan of all 3, but now must use summer concert money to drive 4 hrs to see my cookie and friends, plus gas (3.74/gallon!!!), hotel, food, cookie memorabillia, etc. But I heard the current Journey singer is very Perry-ish so have fun!

  • lili

    on the news program that I saw, it was said ISHFWILF is Cookie’s choice. I am a bit nervous about this choice.It’s like when the girls pick a huge Whitney or Mariah song, they rarely get good comments from the judges.

  • http://myspace.com/girlgeek mj

    on the news program that I saw, it was said ISHFWILF is Cookieà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s choice. I am a bit nervous about this choice.Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s like when the girls pick a huge Whitney or Mariah song, they rarely get good comments from the judges.

    So, we don’t know what Clive has picked for anybody. There are a few rumors, but we don’t actually know.

  • jpfan

    OK, strike that. :) Like I said, watching the producers “fix” the show is actually more entertaining than the actual contest. If Archie gets Syesha’s chair, while Cook gets the string section again, I’ll really bust a gut.

    Anyway, they’ve wanted a rocker to win this thing for awhile. I can’t really blame them. It’s just a better finale when they even things up as much as possible.

  • imaj0000

    “One” was done by Mary J. Blige and Elliot on season 5, therefore this isn’t the first time they got the rights to U2, personally I don’t think this song is very good for cook, not alot that he can do with it, being compared to the original, and not a very good finale song…..this scares me!!

  • spanishfan

    This is Cook ´s choice not Clive ´s. They will be performing with celebrity coaches Mariah Carey and Neil Diamond.

  • Jolene

    on the news program that I saw, it was said ISHFWILF is Cookieà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s choice. I am a bit nervous about this choice.Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s like when the girls pick a huge Whitney or Mariah song, they rarely get good comments from the judges.

    So yeah, still nervous about Clive’s choice. And about the insanely high expectations from Cookie.
    But – if the boy chose the song, I’m going to trust him that he knows why.
    Is this the first time Cookie’s choice has been leaked by the show? Innocent doesn’t count, that was all OLP.

  • smartcookie

    When will they be performing with Mariah Carey and Neil Diamond? Are those Cook & Archuleta’s duet partners for the final show?

  • Jolene

    They will be performing with celebrity coaches Mariah Carey and Neil Diamond.

    Is it final that that’s who the Davids will perform with?
    If so, I hope he gets Mariah for a rendition of his ABMB.
    What DID Arch sing during ND week?

  • http://myspace.com/girlgeek mj

    Here’s the clip from Shepard Smith:

    Fox News

    The reporter says that “each of the contestants are going to sing with one of the celebrity mentors, maybe Mariah, Carey, maybe Neil Diamond, one of the celebrities that appeared on the show”

    It sounds like the Idols are going to duet with the celebrity mentors???

  • cooktard76

    why does that damn banner keep coming up w/ my comments, ugh! sorry, still new to this. anyway, dont get my wrong i like U2, but i dont feel like ISHFWILF is the right choice. If for nothing else, lyrically. He is possibly getting ready to win the show, the record deal, a tour, and all b/c of us really, the fans.. yet he still hasnt found what he’s looking for? i dunno, i just dont get it. I would have preferred With or Without You but i am biased b/c that is my fave U2 song. Whatever…
    DCFTMFW!!

  • Lisa

    AI boards are saying one of the contestants is in the hospital. Someone else said it was Luke Menard.

    http://www.americanidol.com/myidol/forums/topic/?tid=973129

    ETA. I have no idea if this is true, someone saw it on Fox they say. I can find nothing yet on Foxnews.com

  • dfc

    I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For

    I have climbed the highest mountains
    I have run through the fields
    Only to be with you
    Only to be with you.

    I have run, I have crawled
    I have scaled these city walls
    These city walls
    Only to be with you.

    But I still haven’t found
    What I’m looking for.
    But I still haven’t found
    What I’m looking for.

    I have kissed honey lips
    Felt the healing in her finger tips
    It burned like fire
    (I was) burning inside her.

    I have spoke with the tongue of angels
    I have held the hand of a devil
    It was warm in the night
    I was cold as a stone.

    But I still haven’t found
    What I’m looking for.
    But I still haven’t found
    What I’m looking for.

    I believe in the Kingdom Come
    Then all the colours will bleed into one
    Bleed into one.
    But yes, I’m still running.

    You broke the bonds
    And you loosed the chains
    Carried the cross of my shame
    Oh my shame, you know I believe it.

    But I still haven’t found
    What I’m looking for.
    But I still haven’t found
    What I’m looking for.

    But I still haven’t found
    What I’m looking for.
    But I still haven’t found
    What I’m looking for.

    I wish they could have longer than 90 seconds for each song. This should be good.

  • Layla

    I have loved U2 for over 20 years and, ISHFWILF is my favourite U2 song! I still cannot believe he is singing it.

    So it was his choice and not Clives….that’s a bit of a bummer. Am getting really anxious about Clive’s choices.

  • hollygo9

    It sounds like the Idols are going to duet with the celebrity mentors???

    The only mentors they could possibly use would be:
    Mariah, Neil, Dolly, Lord Andrew and one of the surviving Beatles.
    So, will JCas be singing Octopus’s Garden with Ringo Starr? Cuz that would kind of rock.

  • http://myspace.com/saltwatercures pj

    The reporter says that à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“each of the contestants are going to sing with one of the celebrity mentors, maybe Mariah, Carey, maybe Neil Diamond, one of the celebrities that appeared on the showà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ It sounds like the Idols are going to duet with the celebrity mentors???

    Hmm. Only four mentors for the top five? She did say each of the contestants, so maybe this is one huge medley with just one of the celebrity mentors and the top 12? Confusing.

    If they’re assigning a mentor to 3-5, then they could toss out ALW (does he sing?) and give Mariah to Sy, Dolly to Jase, and Neil to Brooke. They could then give the Davids other duets.

    ETA: I’m not sure how I feel about ISHFWILF. It’s such an iconic song. Cookie will have to absolutely nail it.

  • idolfan86

    So they can get U2 cleared but not Gnarles Barkley??? Sure…

    I think they’ve made it pretty blatantly obvious who TCO is. And here I thought they might even try and make things fair for once and let the chips fall where they may. Apparently not. They must feel really threatened at the possibility of Archuleta winning with all the hoops they’re jumping through to make sure Cook “wins”.

    Oh and not to mention how convenient that the top 2 get to pick their coronation song this year. First time ever they’ve let this happen. So obvious why. I’m sure the winning song didn’t fit their precious TCO.

    I love Cook, don’t get me wrong. But I will NEVER buy anything he puts out after the manipulation and obvious favoritism TPTB have shown this year. And they wonder WHY their ratings continue to decrease…

  • Natasha

    Luke is having health issues? I had no idea. Feel better Luke!!!

  • holeighannie

    So, will JCas be singing Octopusà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Garden with Ringo Starr? Cuz that would kind of rock.

    LMAO!

    As far as the U2 song goes, David’s got his work cut out for him. If he does it right, he wins. That’s obviously a huge song/band and will garner tons of attention from casual viewers. And I think this spoiler should clear up any talk of who’s being pimped, ahah.

    I also read Luke Menard was in the hospital: they removed a blockage from behind his heart or something? I hope he recovers well!

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

    LOL. Did I miss where David Cook has been the obvious favorite the WHOLE season? If so, MAN, that Nigel is stealth! You really never would have known that DC was their favorite during the Carly, Michael, Archie, and Brooke pimping!!!

  • http://myspace.com/girlgeek mj

    “One” was done by Mary J. Blige and Elliot on season 5, therefore this isn’t the first time they got the rights to U2

    There is a huge difference between Mary J. Blige performing a song she has already recorded on the Idol finale, and a contestant getting a song cleared for competition. I think it’s a pretty big deal.

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

    Sheeeee-it. If U2 got cleared for Cookie (!! can y’all say TCO?), I ain’t gonna be on that ledge anymore. *excited*

    /poorgrammar

    Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m not sure how I feel about ISHFWILF. Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s such an iconic song. Cookie will have to absolutely nail it.

    That’s his only problem (and that I still think his voice is sounding a bit strained these last few weeks), but he pretty much nailed Yo’ Face, so why not this one? :)

    (Yeah, you can really see how excited I am; I’m being optimistic for DC probably the first time all friggin’ season…)

  • http://myspace.com/girlgeek mj

    As far as the TCO business is concerned, I’d call it a huge wash. Both the Davids have been favored and helped by the producers at one time or another during this competition.

  • dante

    I am so excited for tomorrow night – nervous hoping both Davids do well but that DC wins – and sad too that it will soon be over.

    I never thought I would get invested again after S5 but I have loved many of the contestants this year and besides voting have given the greedy PTB my money by buying many of the iTunes songs – I have all Jason’s and Cookie’s and some of several of the others plus some of the IGB songs.

    It has been so much fun to read this thread today and I have bought a few ITunes after watching youtubes posted here :wallbash_tb:

    I am such a sucker for good music.

  • hollygo9

    So they can get U2 cleared but not Gnarles Barkley??? Sureà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦

    It comes down to the artist. Reportedly, DJ Dangermouse is totally against letting anyone on Idol do Crazy. Bono, however, was involved in this year’s IGB so maybe he’s softened to the idea over time.
    According to Uncle Nigel, they’ve been trying to negotiate with Dangermouse since Hollywood week.

    As for the duets, let me guess:
    Sy with AWL cuz she’s BROADWAY
    Brooke with Neil Diamond (you don’t bring me flowers)
    Jason with Dolly (something from her folkie period)
    Archie with Sir Paul (could be anything)
    DC with Mariah (cuz she wants some of that)

  • dante

    hmmm…..why did my comment go into moderation?

  • http://myspace.com/saltwatercures pj

    So they can get U2 cleared but not Gnarles Barkley??? Sureà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦

    Well, U2 has been friendly to Idol since IGB, so maybe that has a something to do with it. Danger Mouse is reportedly the one who didn’t want to clear “Crazy.” Cee-lo was all for it.

  • Jolene

    But I will NEVER buy anything he puts out after the manipulation and obvious favoritism TPTB have shown this year. And they wonder WHY their ratings continue to decreaseà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦

    Yeah. Cause there was never TCO before on this show. Cook is the first one. Pfffft.
    I won’t believe he’s TCO untill I see what Clive saddles him with. The song he gave Archie is great for him.

  • Lisa

    I think U2 IS a big deal here. As far as Crazy being cleared, isn’t there one person that keeps turning it down? There are alot of folks who won’t let their music on AI. In this day & age I have no idea why not, but it’s true just the same. If DC picked U2 & it was cleared, who was stopping Archie from choosing more than one song from another artist that might not turn it down????

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

    As far as the TCO business is concerned, Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢d call it a huge wash. Both the Davids have been favored and helped by the producers at one time or another during this competition.

    I agree. David Cook has had his share of pimping this season, but I TOTALLY disagree that he’s been the favorite since the beginning.

  • baxter

    MJ…once again you are the voice of reason. Yes both David’s have been pimped out the wazoo and the TCO from week to week, whether from the Judges or the Producers. If this U2 song is Cooks choice and it got cleared, good for him for asking. If Archie can’t or couldn’t get Gnarlys Barkley to clear Crazy, maybe …just maybe….it’s because the artist doesn’t want it cleared and not Nigel not trying hard enough.

  • holeighannie

    It could very well be that Nigel has tried his hardest to work with Danger Mouse and couldn’t make it happen. However, I don’t know if I believe that no one in 7 seasons of this show ever wanted to sing a U2 song and DC just happened to stumble across it with no issues.

  • Margaux

    I have always wanted to hear someone try a deconstructed acoustic ISHFWILF — which in my head often turned out not that different from Cook’s “Billie Jean”. There’s a lot of emotion in that song. Bring up the voice, bring down the bombast till you need it… yeah, it could work.

  • http://myspace.com/saltwatercures pj

    Oh, and does anyone else see the irony in Danger Mouse refusing to grant permission for “Crazy” after his own failure to obtain the rights from EMI to mash up the White Album with the Black Album, which resulted in the Grey Album’s distribution being blocked? :laugh_tb: Maybe it’s better to ask for forgiveness rather than permission.

  • jpfan

    Cook is so lucky. He could have picked it for rock night and it wouldn’t have the same impact. Amazing good fortune that the song cleared for the finale. I don’t think any females this season were ever TCO. Hope Luke is ok. That is scary news.

  • erennick

    I love Cook, donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t get me wrong. But I will NEVER buy anything he puts out after the manipulation and obvious favoritism TPTB have shown this year. And they wonder WHY their ratings continue to decreaseà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦

    I don’t know why you would punish Cook (or any singer for that matter) for something they have no control over.

    As far as the TCO business is concerned, Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢d call it a huge wash. Both the Davids have been favored and helped by the producers at one time or another during this competition.

    Also agree. They have both benefited, which is what makes this finale so exciting.

    Re: U2 songs. I know that Kurt Nielwn sany “Beautiful Day” on World Idol. He was the first (and only?) Norwegian Idol.

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

    He could have picked it for rock night and it wouldnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t have the same impact. Amazing good fortune that the song cleared for the finale.

    Um, considering that U2 has never been sung before on AI, I think that it would have impact of the same extent no matter where and when it was sung. At least pertaining to the fact that none of their songs have ever been cleared for the show before.

    I agree that with Bono’s involvement in IGB, he may be a little more willing to clear songs now.

  • reinharv

    Re: I love Cook, donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t get me wrong. But I will NEVER buy anything he puts out after the manipulation and obvious favoritism TPTB have shown this year. And they wonder WHY their ratings continue to decreaseà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦

    AND SARAH…LOVE YOUR COMEBACK!!!
    Re: “LOL. Did I miss where David Cook has been the obvious favorite the WHOLE season? If so, MAN, that Nigel is stealth! You really never would have known that DC was their favorite during the Carly, Michael, Archie, and Brooke pimping!!!”

    Yes, I must have missed it too. Cook was not the favorite this whole season. Even David Foster, WHO NOT TOO LONG AGO, gave an interview (video) saying Archuleta has improved week after week and David Cook has “gone down hill.” I don’t know WTF Foster is smoking.

    During Hollywood week–Paula had to fight to get Cook into top 24. Cowell voted “no” on his 2nd try. When David Cook sang Billie Jean, Paula did an about face and looked him right in the eye and you can tell she said “I told you so…” He gave her the high five.

    I have watched the judges praise Archie week after week doing ballad after ballad, flubbing words–but high praise. Just recently Simon started to give honest critiques, but Randy turned on Cook and didn’t like anything he did and said he was “predictable.” Predictable and Archie are one and the same words.

    Yes, it was Carly, MJ, Archie & Brooke who were always being talked about and then it was just Archie–anything he did, even if he flubbed his words–”Fantastic, Can Sing the Phone Book, The Bomb.

    Sorry, Cook fought hard from being a dark horse to a front runner but people are still saying Archuleta’s fans power vote to perfection. Archie is still the one to beat, but at least now it’s not 100% and give him the damm crown and send everyone home, but more 50/50.

    I have no doubt that Cook can make U2 proud if he is indeed doing that song. It’s the kind of song that suits him and people are familiar with the song. A better choice that Innocent by OLP.

    Archuleta is doing “Imagine” – go figure!!! It’s safe–he did it before–it was a hit so why venture out into untested territory right? People will yell and scream from pure delight no doubt.

    Cook is smart, he’s not going to reprise something he’s already done, which again shows he’s not afraid to take on 3 new songs instead of doing Billie Jean, ABMB, etc., and playing it “safe.” It takes guts, and he takes risks and if he nails this and makes it different enough–he could very well win this whole thing. He’s not going to risk the judges saying “Not as good as when you did it before….” He doesn’t have the “pimp” spot so he needs to make an impact that will deflect what people hear last prior to voting.

    As far as having a choice of which Idol Winning Song–well I guess Blake made his point in losing Idol because of a song that was SO JORDIN. He didn’t have a chance because it’s like it was made just for her and he looked stupid.

    I think it’s a good idea because people can then blame the artist for not singing well because they chose the song and not a bunch of stupid kids out there. I know for a fact that Archie fans were voting like crazy for the song that Archie could do well to “ensure victory” and that’s in quotes because that’s what they canvassed to do. I’ve read their blogs about it. Who the heck else votes for that song contest? Nobody I know….It’s why Jordin won–the tweens picked her a nice power song (gooey This is My Now????) and that just didn’t suit Blake and you could never imagine him ever singing something like that–not any male singing that because they’d all look pretty stupid.

  • http://myspace.com/sarahtheo Seraphina

    Re: U2 songs. I know that Kurt Nielwn sany à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Beautiful Dayà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  on World Idol. He was the first (and only?) Norwegian Idol.

    Thank you for the reminder! I was so impressed with this guy when I first heard him, fabulous voice. I’d completely forgotten it was a U2 song…

    ETA – YouTube – Kurt Nilsen Beautiful Day

    Nervously excited for Cook. I hope he knocks it out of the park, though agree it’s a huge song to take on with pressure aplenty at this stage of the game.

  • annoula

    Um, I’m going to be completely biased in this post.

    Maybe they got clearance for a U2 song because DAVID COOK is singing it. At the same time, maybe they didn’t get clearance for “Crazy” because Archuleta wants to sing it. Perhaps it’s just a case of who’s going to nail the song and who’s going to butcher it and make a mockery out of it.

  • hollygo9

    Maybe they got clearance for a U2 song because DAVID COOK is singing it. At the same time, maybe they didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t get clearance for à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Crazyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  because Archuleta wants to sing it.

    It’s possible. Prince released a song for Paris and Paris only in season five.

  • kiwifan

    Interesting one on the Gnarles Barkley song. Danger Mouse didn’t seem to have any problems in clearing “Crazy” for use on AI Australia last year, as it was sung by Natalie Gauci on the show on their equivalent of IGB night.

  • Kirsten

    It comes down to the artist. Reportedly, DJ Dangermouse is totally against letting anyone on Idol do Crazy.

    That’s not true. DJ Danger Mouse has no problems with people singing the song on Idol. It was a “moment” for one of the Australian Idol contestants during their last season.

    Now, we’ve all heard about people clearing songs for foreign versions of Idol (all run by 19Alphabet), but not American Idol (like those artists who won’t do commercials in the US, but will do them oversees?).

    But, we’ve also heard about 19Alphabet only clearing songs if they want to. Songs that were cleared one year, but not the next. Songs that were cleared for one contestant, but not another. etc. etc. etc.

    So, was this Dangermouse hating on the American version of Idol or was this producers shenanigans.

  • annoula

    Oh, and reinharv, when I saw your super-long post, I was like oh no…but you made me cry with conviction.

    God, people, even though I know that there a million things more significant and important in the world, and there are people starving and dying, etc…this contest has become a musically philosophical debate…and a fight, even, for what’s right. Yes, the show is all about commercialism. But let’s face it, it reaches a huge audience and it affects what music is like. So yeah, it’s a matter of principle to have David Cook win. He is an artist. He creates music. He feels music. He looks at lyrics and melody…and he doesn’t just sing a song because he has a “pretty” voice. Music is not about showing off someone’s voice. Music is about evoking an emotion, any emotion, as long as it’s real. If we let Archuleta win, then we are giving in to manufactured emotions, which, frankly, are comparable to the chemically processed foods that are slowly killing us. Archuleta is junk food, Cook is organic.

  • hollygo9

    Danger Mouse didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t seem to have any problems in clearing à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Crazyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  for use on AI Australia last year

    Brad Pitt does commercials in Japan but not in America. Could be a similar thing with Danger Mouse?

  • Natasha

    I don’t know why anyone would punish Cook for what they perceive to be the actions of the producers. He doesn’t have any control over it. And Cook was never pimped at the start of this. He came out of nowhere. Originally it looked like the whole season was going to be a coronation walk through the park for Archie with maybe a little competition from Carly and MJ.

  • reinharv

    annoula: I agree, it might very well be that they cleared that song because they have faith that Cook will not embarrass them. He may not top them, but he’ll give it the Cook special touch.

    Well, enough of this–really Cook is killing me–need rest, zzzzzzzzzz

  • kiwifan

    It could be that DM’s happy to release to AI outside the US only. But I think a more likely alternative is that he wanted significantly more $$$ for its use in the US market and we’ve all heard the rumours of how tightly AI hold the purse strings.

    My guess is that they couldn’t reach a commercial agreement and it wasn’t a matter of principle for Mr Mouse.

  • jpfan

    I like Archie’s voice. It’s quite pure actually. But I’m shocked to hear his voice is killing us. How can we not “let him win?” I don’t think a few votes thrown to Cook will be enough. This sounds more serious than global warming.

  • kiwifan

    Lol jpfan!!!!!

  • http://inkdbylilyanna.com carolina

    I think that Gnarles Barkley (both of them) can speak for themselves. I’m sure Bono/U2 thought it was best they didn’t agree to clear a Gnarles Barkley song.

    Just a thought.

  • hollygo9

    tulsa local news just announced that david cooks brother WILL be there tomorrow

    I just saw this on a gossip site. Can anyone confirm?

  • annoula

    jpfan, I was speaking figuratively, but if you want to be ironic in order to appear more intelligent than me, go ahead. :) Music is as necessary as food to me, so I thought the comparison was appropriate. You may disagree if you’d like.

    Archuleta’s voice has a nice tone to it. He’s trained well. That’s it for me. I see no further substance than that.

  • http://myspace.com/saltwatercures pj

    We don’t know that Archie asked to sing “Crazy” in the finale. We know he and Jason sang it pre-top 24 rounds. That’s all.

  • Kirsten

    Music is not about showing off someoneà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s voice. Music is about evoking an emotion, any emotion, as long as ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s real. If we let Archuleta win, then we are giving in to manufactured emotions, which, frankly, are comparable to the chemically processed foods that are slowly killing us. Archuleta is junk food, Cook is organic.

    Somebody might argue the reverse. Archuleta is nothing but voice so he’s the pure form of music (organic). Cook uses an electronic guitar most of the time, ergo, he is artificial. He’s like a big old BPA container full of Red Dye #2 LOL.

    I’m glad that you have found an artist that you like, but I don’t think that everybody will agree with you. Some people are moved by Archie singing too. Some people prefer people with pure voices. Doesn’t mean it’s junk food. Just means that it’s different food.

    If it were me, I would say that Archie’s food is more gourmet food. Food that is designed to be enjoyed for it’s perfection. Meanwhile, Cookie’s is more like comfort food. A big old plate of ribs, bowl of tomato soup or Mom’s Mac & Cheese. Not as fancy to look at, but comfortable and satisfying. It is debatable which would be more nutritious.

    And, like most people, sometimes I want me some fancy gourmet food and sometimes I want me some comfort food. And that’s okay too.

    Of course, there are lots of analogies out there. Maybe somebody else thinks Cookie’s music is like Thai-Cajun fusion cooking with a dash of Ukranian spices and a Peruvian twist.

  • skylight1219

    And, let’s not forget that Springsteen cleared a song for Taylor during season 5 – “Dancing In The Dark.”

    I think Cookie will do an awesome job on ISHFWILF. Kalan Porter sang it on CI a few years ago, and, if he can nail it, there’s no doubt in my mind that Cookie won’t be able to.

  • Lisa

    tulsa local news just announced that david cooks brother WILL be there tomorrow

    I just saw this on a gossip site. Can anyone confirm?

    This is Tulsa’s FOX channel: http://www.fox23.com/

    I just called the station and the news guy looked through all the scripts and could find no mention of Adam. (Thank you Fox Tulsa for the help!). He said they do have a reporter in L.A. who did an interview with David & David was talking about the new BOK Center here. That’s about all I have. I will check the other channels, but doubt there is anything.

  • sgof

    I agree with your post reinharv. David cook is favored now, but it wasn’t always this way. He started out as a dark horse and he earned his place as a frontrunner by giving consistently giving solid and amazing performances. The ones that the producers favored in the beginning were michael, david archuletta, carly, and brooke and imo amanda to a lesser extent. I don’t think the producers really expected DC to become as popular as he did. he certainly was not a favorite of simon. he became popular and a favorite of the producers because he consistently showcased his talent throughout his performances.

    I also am glad that they let the idols choose their own coronation songs, I think that is fairer to them and prevents a situation like last year, where the song that was sung was right for ordin, but did not suit blake at all. this year the contestants have a better shot at choosing a song that fits them, i hope that they let them choose the songs in future seasons of AI.

    In regards to the clearance for the U2 song goes, this is actually not the first time that U2 has cleared a song for an AI contestant. Back in season 4 they cleared”Where the streets have no name” for Nadia Turner. The producers did not offer her this song, but Nadia knew a cameraman that had worked with them and she asked him to ask their permission. the song did end up getting cleared for her but it was after she got eliminated.(I read this information from an article on Mtv’s website). Kurt Nilsen from Norwegian idol has sung at least two songs by U2 on the show. I am glad that DC gets to sing a U2 song on AI, I hope he does well on it .

  • Lisa

    If this was posted earlier, please delete as I did not see it!

    A contestant on X Factor sang U2′s à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“I Still Havenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t Found What Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m Looking Forà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ .

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Wijz8GQzhI

  • Trina

    Well Archie admits here he couldn’t get something cleared, so maybe it was Crazy
    http://www.usatoday.com/life/television/news/2008-05-19-idol-davids_N.htm

    Archuleta couldn’t get at least one song cleared for tonight. “Hopefully, the song I ended up with will work. I’ll do the best with it,” he says. “I have done my best to show my vocal ability. I wanted to show people why I love music, and I think I’ve managed to do that.”

  • annoula

    Yeah, Kirsten, I see what you’re saying. My point was about the amount of substance and depth each artist has (I’m not using the word “singer,” because even though AI is a “singing competition,” it really should be an artist competition).

    And I really don’t want to invite a swarm of attacks, but I must be deaf because I just don’t hear “perfection” or “purity” in Archuleta’s voice. I feel like maybe one of the judges said it in the beginning, and people just repeat it. And I’m not looking for perfection; imperfections are what give character, but all I hear from DA’s fans is that his voice is perfect, and I just don’t hear it.

  • http://myspace.com/saltwatercures pj

    LOL, I would argue that both Archie and Cookie have a bit of affectation. Not that there’s anything wrong with that.

    Jason, now, he’s truly organic. Talk about green! I mean, I think I noticed a broccoli florette in his dreads during his SOTR performance. I suspect when it’s all said in done, Jason will have multiple grammy awards and a peace prize under his belt. Just sayin.

  • Kirsten

    Talk about green! I mean, I think I noticed a broccoli florette in his dreads during his SOTR performance.

    That wasn’t brocooli. That was mold. Darn dreads are hard to keep clean!

    [runs and hides from Jason fans]

    I think we can all agree on one thing: Robbie (aka “I Look Like a Rocker Therefore I Am” or “Wig Man”) Carrico was cheese in a can.

  • chachi

    Y’all are making me want cheese fries like MAD. They kill me slowly like Archie’s With You, but they taste good like DCook’s Billie Jean.

    However, nice to meet you, annoula. Your post was heartfelt, and your opinion is valid. I happen to agree with it, so that helps your cause with me. I would probably liken Archie more to a musical Dementor, sucking the soul out of the room, but that’s just me, I’m sure.

  • http://myspace.com/saltwatercures pj

    I think we can all agree on one thing: Robbie (aka à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“I Look Like a Rocker Therefore I Amà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  or à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Wig Manà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ) Carrico was cheese in a can.

    True, and I meant to disagree with the poster that said Robbie was a TPTB choice for top 12. They consistently called him out on his lack of authenticity. Sure, it was deserved, but I doubt he was expected to go far in the competition.

  • jpfan

    From USA Today article about their albums:

    “As in previous seasons, both finalists will release albums.

    Cook wants “a pop-based rock” record, citing such influences as Switchfoot and Jimmy Eat World. Archuleta will seek music “that’s in the soul,” along with pop that fits someone his age.”

    Archie’s album sounds more “tasty” to me. Cook’s taste in pop-based rock. seems a little “junky.” ;)

    Everything on AI is pretty much cheese. When they release their albums, the world will still spin on its axis and we can listen to the music we like and ignore the stuff we think is crap. Just like we do with non AI stuff.

  • mocha

    On Cook singing the U2 song- my only concern would be that it is SO well known to everyone, that he could be slammed if he tries to change it up too much, and slammed if he doesn’t measure up to the original. I think he can pull it off, but he needs to watch his pitch this week.

  • gumby

    It’s funny–I heard With or Without You on the radio the other day and I thought, “that would be a great song for Cook!” Unfortunately, I’m not so sure about ISCFW… Think it would be better sung by Michael Johns, frankly. It’s got a bit of a bluesy/soul sound.

    I’ve found I’m much better off having no expectations for performance night–that way I’m always (most of the time) pleasantly surprised.

  • http://myspace.com/saltwatercures pj

    à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“As in previous seasons, both finalists will release albums.

    Cook wants à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“a pop-based rockà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  record, citing such influences as Switchfoot and Jimmy Eat World. Archuleta will seek music à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s in the soul,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  along with pop that fits someone his age.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 

    Archieà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s album sounds more à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“tastyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  to me. Cookà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s taste in pop-based rock. seems a little à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“junky.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  ;)

    Everything on AI is pretty much cheese. When they release their albums, the world will still spin on its axis and we can listen to the music we like and ignore the stuff we think is crap. Just like we do with non AI stuff.

    At least Cook gives real life examples. I have no idea what “soul” means to Archie. Based on his performances on the show, I don’t see much “soul” coming from him. Guess we’ll see.

  • abbysee

    I didn’t have a chance to read all of these posts, but for me Archie is all about soul. From auditions Heaven to Angels, to Imagine, that is pure soul to me. Soul means different things to different people perhaps, but I guess a good example for me is that Archie has soul, Jordin Sparks not so much. Can’t explain it, it just is.

    Also for me it’s not about how much he’s gonna sell this year or next, but the possibilities are endless. I see exponential growth possibilites, for Cookie, I don’t really see it. He is where he will be in 5 years. I can barely watch Archie as a child on Star Search, I thought it was horrendous for the most part. Now watching him takes my breath away and I don’t mean that in a skeevy or fangirly kinda way. I actually mustered up some nerve to watch With You again and after the horrendous beginning he sang the crap out of that song. It was the dumb ass lyrics that derailed him, not the genre. It wasn’t something that would ever come out of his mouth. Somehow I don’t think Daddy picked that song……

    Anyway, it’s all going to be played out on the stage tomorrow and for the next few months as this saga does not end on Wednesday. It’s gonna be interesting.

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

    For people who haven’t listened to Cook’s original music, what he’s displayed on American Idol is only the tip of the iceberg. He writes a hell of a good lyric and a good hook. Like cheese said earlier in the thread, with a little songwriting help and some studio polish, he’s ready for mainstream.

    Both of them have growth potential. Just because an artist is 25 years old and has a firm idea of who he is musically does not mean that said artist is going to be the same person 5 years down the road. That really sells the artist short.

    I don’t get “soul” from the performances Archuleta’s given on the show, either. Unnecessary vocal runs all over songs that don’t need them disguised as “soul,” sure.

  • Colleen

    Sarah,
    I agree with your point about David Cook’s AI music is just the beginning.
    Analog Heart has some beautiful songs written and sung by DC.
    Wasn’t it one of Cook’s Drama teachers that said DC is multi-talented and has several more gears he can do into during this competition?

    Can’t wait for the surprises during the finale tomorrow.

    Biggest Star? Paul McCartney gets my vote. Paul and DC could sing a fabulous duet together.

    Paul and Michael Jackson did a few duos together. Michael sang falsetto, just like DC can do.
    “Say, Say, Say,” “The Girl is Mine” and “The Man” from Paul’s Pipes of Peace album. It is a lesser known song with an inspirational message.
    http://youtube.com/watch?v=rXgim4YXLXk&feature=related

    I swear, If David Cook and Paul McCartney perform a duet together, I’d have a Royal moment right there.

    m_3eebd718a53f23a498db17375d069b27

    Looking forward to watching the AI finale.

    Cant’ wait to vote for DC!!!

  • reinharv

    Well they did hint “a real big star” so it can’t be Mariah nor Neil Diamond because both of them were mentors and already performed a song on AI this season. This is interesting. In my book, McCartney is pretty “big” to me and would be a very big surprise.

    if Archie is singing à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t Let the Sun Go Down on Me,” it’s what Clay Aiken did once when he came back as Wildcard and again I believe in the finale, and a 3rd time when he came back on the show and shocked everyone with his new look. Like him or hate Clay, Archie can’t top Clay doing that song and again, if I was competing for the

    Gold

    , I wouldn’t touch it with a 10-foot pole because it’s been done before too many times. If this is true, it’s interesting because this has turned out to be a Clay/Ruben competition and Archuleta is doing it. Archuleta is not in the same league as Clay if you are going to do a ballad.

    When Cook performed songs that were not “well known” it didn’t go over too well with Simon or Randy. Doing a well-known song people can relate to is a better choice and more risky because people can compare. When Cook performed

    Innocent

    by OLP, I loved it but there are not well known here in the US and the judges hated it.

    Whatever Cook does, he needs to the the beginning, middle, and end version of the song rather than leaving us craving for more and I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For, doesn’t have a slow build towards the “meat.”

  • ra.chatterbox

    Oh my gosh! (hehe, Archie can I borrow your GOSH for this comment)

    U2?!?!? Just like my dream! Im a big U2 fan and Im so happy that Cook gets to sing this.

    I still hope for Archie doing Gnarls BArkley’s “Crazy”.

    “Dont Let the Sun Go Down On Me”? I hope not. Bo and Clay Aiken sang this in the past and I am so tired of this song already. Why don’t they choose a rock ballad instead? Like “Chasing Cars” or even a ballad version of U2′s With or Without You (see Utada Hikaru’s version) for Archuleta? That would be great! Still within his comfort zone but something different.

  • ra.chatterbox

    I’m guessing THE BEATLES? Paul McCartney and the rest of The BEatles a la last year’s Elvis mode???

  • Layla

    Okay…this is how I think it will go tonight:

    Cook will cook the hell out of all 3 songs:

    On the songwriter’s choice he will play acoustic guitar and use his amazing voice to make gawd-awful lyrics palatable.

    On the U2 song he will play his Les Paul and rock the shit out of it!

    Clives choice-doesn’t matter the song- he will do the cook it in the traditional way of starting sexily queitly then end it with that amazing crescendo style he has.

    He will rock the effin’ HOUSE!

    DA- will sing all 3 songs in the same boring bland way, which is actually mindnumbingly boring – won’t be an uptempo beat or note in any of the 3.
    Can anyone see him really and truly getting play time on the radio, video rotation or keeping the interest of the tweens? No? Neither do I. I honestly and truly think he is a cute kid with a pleasant Muzak vocals.

  • http://myspace.com/girlgeek mj

    Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m guessing THE BEATLES? Paul McCartney and the rest of The BEatles a la last yearà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Elvis mode???

    That would be pretty disgusting, imo. I don’t think Paul and Ringo would cheapen the Beatles legacy with a stunt like that.

    If they did decide to pull off a virtual Beatles reunion, I think they’d do it via their own self-produced overly-hyped special.

  • http://www.myspace.com/rjveritas MrRJ

    Peruvian twist? Sign me up for a tasting.
    I would have to say that singing is a mix of emotion and sonic quality. Some like Dylan and Cohen make up in emotion what they lack in sonic quality and others like Groban lack emotion. The best singers are sonically pure and emotionally rich. These are rare..(See Elvis Costello)