American Idol: Top 2 Revealed
Three contestants remain which means there was a lot of vamping to be done to fill a one hour results show. Why not fill it with a former Idol winner who can show Syesha how “Fever” should be sung on that stage: Fantasia. At least the choreography for that horrible opening number was as horrible as expected. The three remaining contestants are so very different in singing style and genre that they should never really be singing together on the same song as it’s just not going to work for all of them. Tonight the number went better for Syesha than the Davids. With all the potential of the Top 24, how did we end up with this Final Three? Are these the best three vocalists in the competition? I don’t think so, but then this happened to us last year as well, didn’t it. And this was the week we lost Melinda Doolittle, arguably the strongest vocalist of the Top 3.
”American Idol”: When You Wish Upon Two Stars
She doesn’t have to change her name to syNOsha, does she?
Sorry, I just couldn’t help myself, considering how the contestant formerly known as sYESha Mercado saw her surprisingly long season 7 run end in a third-place finish tonight, giving us the finale that’s pretty much been a foregone conclusion for the last 10 or 11 weeks: David ”Snuggle Bear” Archuleta vs. David ”Cougar Bait” Cook!
Yes, it’s a little discouraging that we’re headed for the season-ending extravaganza that Nigel Lythgoe has been dreaming of (and unsubtly lobbying for) since late February. But even the most ornery American Idol fan would have to admit a David-David showdown is going to be more suspenseful than any matchup involving the aggressively chipper model-actress-belter who never quite won over the judges, the squealing audiencebots, or the majority of EW.com readers.
American Idol predictions: Who Will Win?
Check out #4! Heh.
‘American Idol’ Elimination: Syesha Mercado Makes Way For Long-Awaited David Vs. David Finale
And then there were two ‘ who were both named David.
Before the conclusion of Wednesday night’s “American Idol” results show, and before host Ryan Seacrest revealed who was staying and who was going, judge Simon Cowell predicted there would be a “real humdinger next week. ” There certainly will be, now that the battle royale the audience has been waiting weeks and weeks for is finally on deck.
The battle of the Davids is a go, and David Cook ‘ the 25-year-old “Daughtry Dos” with the Peppermint Patty comb-over ‘ and David Archuleta ‘ the charming 17-year-old with the cherubic face who says “gosh” a whole bunch ‘ are set to take the stage for the show’s season-seven finale.
Syesha out: It David vs. David on ‹Idol
All is right with the …American Idol universe. It an all-David final, as the judges and producers have seemed to want for weeks.
Teen idol David Archuleta and ex-bartender David Cook will square off next week in the …Idol finale. Would-be party-crasher Syesha Mercado miracle run finally ended, as she was eliminated Wednesday to finish in third place to the great relief of the judges and production staff.
Recap: ‘American Idol’ Sets its Top Two
David versus David. Cook versus Archuleta. The High School Student versus The Rocker. We’re a week away from the American Idol Finale that we’ve been cruising toward for at least two months. Would Wednesday (May 14) night’s results episode be as perfunctory as it seemed? Or would Syesha Mercado be able to play spoiler?
Reality Check: Syesha Out, Sibling Rivalry In on ‘Idol’
The big news on Wednesday night’s “American Idol” wasn’t that Syesha Mercado was given her walking papers. Please. While the girl has put up a decent fight of late, her fate was sealed weeks ago.
It wasn’t that Fantasia performed or that Paula both looked good and made sense (a winning, and somewhat rare, combo) or that everyone got really, really excited when our “Idols” went back to their respective hometowns.
No, the most fascinating information gleaned from the results show this week is that David Cook’s brother has every right to resent our top two finalist with all his might.
American Idol Banter: Sayonara Syesha
Sometimes, things turn out just like you thought it would. That new program manager you thought was flirting with you over the water cooler asks you out. You cut out carbs and lose five pounds. Keeping the Tater Mitts gloves you bought after watching that infomercial and treating Mom to a pedicure instead guarantees you a happier Mother’s Day. And the two “American Idol” finalists everyone was betting on, at least since the moody and glorious Carly Smithson felt the blade a month ago, are indeed battling for the crown next week.
David and David — the clean teen versus the Bedhead-by-TIGI coiffed rocker — should make for a final round marked by big notes and bitten lips. Both young fellows looked kinda sick after learning they’d be going on, in contrast to departing Syesha Mercado, who kept her Miss World smile frozen in place as she delivered yet another pitch-perfect, stylish performance, reprising “If I Ain’t Got You” by Alicia Keys.
David Battle Royal
Wednesday night, the final night in the Idoldome, saw at last the journey reach its irreducible core. After all the ups and downs, what the season was about was what it had seemed to be, what many hoped it would be for these past weeks ‘- the battle of the Davids, David Cook vs. David Archuleta. Syesha Mercado having dodged so many bullets for so long was finally dispatched at the very respectable number three slot on a night as tear jerking as any the show has yet produced.
There are two crucial episodes in each American Idol season. The first is the Green Mile — the show at the end of Hollywood week in which the remaining fifty-some aspirants learn one by one if they have been accepted into the Top 24, an entire episode of pure razor edge dramatic tension as each is hurled to the entertainment heavens or plunged forever into the abyss of anonymity.
American Idol: Elite Math Ends the Journey For Idols Hilary
Tonight was the results show for the top three, witnessed by the promise of the finale that couldve been ‘ Carly, Michael Johns, Chikezie, Kristy, Ramiele (not so much), the gay stripper, and, waaaaay in the back, perpetual audience member Luke Menard. Alas, all of these folks were sent home before their time (more or less). We got stuck with Squinty, Shouty, and Big Head Todd.
The show veered a little from the norm tonight. Sure, Paula boobs were there for all to see and Randy was inexplicably booing Simon (if that not the pot booing the kettle …black), but Simon was actually wearing a white shirt. So you know all was not per usual. Happily, Ryan spared us from the weekly judge ego massage, the viewer call-in segment. And we did not have to endure another week of the grammatically questionable …Celebrate Me Home. One could say the show was improved by these omissions.
The show wouldve been even more improved if The Powers That Be had ix-nayed the group song at the start of the show (…Aint No Stoppin Us Now). It wouldve also been improved if 1) the background vocals for the song were not canned or 2) the contestants had dressed up as characters from …Boogie Nights, the soundtrack from which this song was taken. Syesha as Roller Girl. Cook as Dirk Diggler. Archuleta as Burt Reynolds Jack Horner or Julianne Moore Amber Waves (very patriotic). It would have been brilliant.
Have the ‹American Idol Producers Turned Against David Archuleta?
For anybody with at least one functioning eardrum, David Archuleta’s victory on this season of American Idol has seemed inevitable, pretty much from the day his audition was televised back in January. And, since then, Idol’s producers have been perfectly happy to play up this obvious fact, with David frequently getting the much-coveted “pimp spot” (i.e., having the advantage of performing at show’s end, so fans do not forget that he exists before the voting opens), and judges withholding all negative criticism, even after the times he intentionally flubbed lyrics to trick viewers into believing that he’s a real boy.
But on last night’s episode, the surviving finalists sang three songs: one chosen by the judges, another by the contestants themselves, and one by the producers. And not only did David not get the pimp spot, he was forced to sing a Dan Fogelberg song so bad it almost made us think that Syesha had a chance of making the finale. Just kidding! God, could you imagine?
David Archuleta: After Idol
Missing from the conversation about 17-year-old Utahn David Archuleta is what will happen after this season’s “American Idol” competition is over. The winner receives a recording contract, which can lead to some sales due to the show’s widespread popularity. But what separates winners like Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood from a Taylor Hicks? Hicks, remember, won the competition in 2006, but quickly lost his recording contract due to low sales. The Salt Lake Tribune asked artists, record producers, writers, academics and publicists who have worked in the music industry to give the young Mormon singer advice, regardless of whether he wins “American Idol.” All were asked: What should David Archuleta do to have a successful career in music beyond these first 15 minutes of fame?
Shine-ing star
Simon Cowell has told …American Idol season seven finalist Syesha Mercado that she no Whitney Houston, but to jazz musician Boney James, the 21-year-old is the next best thing to Faith Evans.
Yesterday Concord Records released …Gonna Get It, recorded by James and a then-unknown Mercado in August 2006. The song is available for purchase exclusively on iTunes, but can be heard for free on a number of Web sites.
…She was wonderful. I think she was only 19 at the time, Lowell-born saxophonist James said of Mercado.
American Idol Rules Tuesday Night
Down to its final three contestants, Fox’s “American Idol” climbed a notch from last week to rule Tuesday night.
“Idol” (24 million viewers, 8.6 preliminary adults 18 to 49 rating and a 2.4 share) came in first place for the night. Lead-out “Hell’s Kitchen” (12.4 million, 5.5/14) continued to show strength behind “Idol” and matched its series high.
Jason Castro: It’s Nice to Be Doing Something Different
Not that hell necessarily be stress-free in the near future; after a cameo in the audience during tonight results show, Castro begins rehearsals for the finale tomorrow and starts tour rehearsals on June 1st. …Theyre letting us have more input, he says of the tour, adding each performer will get to sing three songs each. Castro says he considering Gnarls Barkley …Crazy (his audition song at home and during Hollywood week) and his ukulele rendition of …Over the Rainbow.
After the tour, Castro says he wants to take some time off and create material for an upcoming album. No deals have been confirmed, but Castro says he been taking a look at producers of people he likes, including Ray Lamontagne and Ben Harper. …But I dont even know how you get in touch with those people, he laughs. …Well see if they want to work.
Jason Castro discusses the ‘American Idol’ Swaybotsà ¢’ž ¢
In the third and final installment of our interview with the delightful Jason Castro (click here if you missed parts 1 and 2), the dreadlocked dude discusses the worst thing that ever happened to American Idol (the dreaded Swaybots à ¢’ž ¢) and whether or not he envisions following in the footsteps of the show’s most successful fourth-place finisher, Chris Daughtry. Hope you all enjoy!
VIDEO: Same old David Cook’s sister says fame hasn’t changed him
Jenna Foraker sat in the front row, her finger continually touching the headphone connected to her ear.
For Foraker and fans of her brother, …American Idol contestant David Cook, Tuesday was an important night. As top three competitor, Tuesday was the night voters would decide if her brother would make it to the final round.
With so much on the line, Foraker didnt skip a beat voting through the Bluetooth headphone connected to her cell phone.
…Im optimistic without jinxing it, Foraker said. …I dont think anything is guaranteed.
Should David Cook win American Idol?
First, the good news: each of the final three American Idol contestants are guaranteed record deals and a music career. The bad news? I have this awful feeling in my stomach, the way I sometimes feel after eating too many potato chips, that David Cook is going to win the whole thing. That would be a shame.
I know that there are a lot of Cook fans out there, but I’m wondering: have you noticed that he sings just like 88% of the bands you hear on the radio right now? I don’t want to call him a poseur, but I’m curious if he has that voice and style because that’s how other successful, current singers sing. Don’t we already have a Chris Daughtry?*
Cook fans rally in support of ‘Idol’ star
Bill Fickle wasnt surprised when more than 200 David Cook fans gathered to cheer for the Blue Springs star in a hometown establishment Tuesday night. After all, the Side Pockets owner has hosted American Idol …watch parties for the last half-dozen weeks, and each party is larger and more vocal.
Fans gathered throughout the bar to watch two giant-screen televisions and a host of smaller TV lining the walls of the billiards bar at 1237 S.W. Missouri 7. Predictably, the audience was mostly quiet during the performances of Cook rivals, but erupted at the close of Cook three performances, some of them jumping from their seats and cheering, arms in the air.
American Idol, Send Archuleta Home
Sometimes things don’t work out the way you thought they would.
The GIANTS won the Super Bowl.
No Country for Old Men had a LOUSY ending.
And David Archuleta is NOT the top singer on American Idol.
Yeah, that’s right. I said it. The 17-year-old wunderkind-warbler that so many of us thought was a lock to win the whole shebang is not the best.
Sure, David A. has had some great performances this year, and has put most of the other singers to shame. But this week, going head-to-head against David Cook and Syesha Mercado, I think David Archuleta was definitely the weakest link.
It’s not that David was that BAD. At this point, all three are so good, it really comes down to who messes up. Even if it’s a little bit.
Taylor Hicks Drops From Regions Classic
BIRMINGHAM, Ala (WBRC-TV MyFoxAL.com) —
American Idol winner Taylor Hicks will not play in this year’s Regions Charity Classic Charter Communications Pro-am Tournament.
The Birmingham native tells FOX6 Sports Director Rick Karle that he is pulling out of the pro-am because of a family illness and a scheduling conflict.
Hicks was scheduled to tee off at Ross Bridge on Thursday morning.
Diamond scores career first with No. 1 album
NEW YORK (Billboard) – With “Home Before Dark, ” Neil Diamond has landed his first chart-topping album. The Columbia release, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, got a big plug when Diamond appeared recently on “American Idol, ” bolstering its 146, 000 first-week U.S. sales, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
In a busy week of new releases in the top tier of the album chart, Toby Keith’s double-disc collection “35 Biggest Hits” (Show Dog Nashville) bows at No. 2, with sales of 103, 000 units. The country star has scored three prior No. 1 albums and two No. 2s.
Meanwhile, Madonna’s “Hard Candy” (Warner Bros.) falls from the top slot to No. 3, moving 94, 000 copies with a 66 percent slip. “American Idol” star Clay Aiken debuts at No. 4 with “On My Way Here” (RCA), with a slightly lower sales total than “Hard Candy.” Aiken’s last studio album, 2006’s “A Thousand Different Ways, ” started at No. 2 with the much larger sum of 211, 000.
Kirk Whalum to Headline Benefit to Relieve Poverty, Hunger & Disease in Developing World
Saxophonist Kirk Whalum will headline a benefit dinner concert at Lincoln Center this Thursday for Millennium Promise and Malaria No More, two leading philanthropic organizations. The event, which honors philanthropist Raymond G. Chambers, News Corp. President and COO Peter Chernin, global economist Jeffrey D. Sachs and financier and benefactor George Soros, will be held at the Tent at Lincoln Center at 7:30 PM, preceded by a 6:30 reception. Other artists slated to perform alongside Whalum include Japanese pianist Tanaka, American Idol finalist Melinda Doolittle, Nigerian Afro-pop fusion artist Wunmi and jazz guitarist Jeff Golub.
Jennifer Hudson’s unfussy fashion
‘Sex and the City: The Movie’ star Jennifer Hudson doesn’t know her designer labels.
The singer-and-actress, who was discovered on ‘American Idol’, revealed that despite starring in the fashion-conscious movie, she’s not really into clothes.
Hudson said: “I have never been label-crazy. But I wouldn’t do a knock-off. In a recent interview they asked me what was I wearing. And I said, ‘I have no idea.’
LISTEN TO THIS: Jennifer Hudson’s Sex and the City Song
Jennifer Hudson is not only appearing in the Sex and the City movie ‘ but the Dreamgirls Oscar-winner is lending her vocals to the film’s soundtrack, as well. People.com has the official first listen of Hudson’s song “All Dressed in Love, ” available May 27.
Exclusive: The New Idol Stamp Will Change Your Life
Every now and then, we at MTV News wonder not about the Postal Service but about the postal service. Like, how much longer will it take for us to Get With The Times and pay all our bills online? How many more months until grandma learns that electronic mail is the way to go, and stops expecting us to send her …letters that strain our distant memories of cursive? What greater purpose could there be left to snail mail ¦??
Well, thanks for filling the void, …American Idol! Because today we have been happily reminded that the purpose of ye olde-fashioned mail is clearly ¦to have something to stick an …American Idol stamp to. And here we have the chance to unveil to you the very latest in that prestigious line of sticky squares fit to make the American Philatelic Society proud: Ms. Jordin Sparks!
‘American Idol’: Nadia Turner Rates the Top 3
n corner one, we have Dapper David Archuleta. In corner two, we have Sexy Syesha Mercado. And in corner three, we have the Determined David Cook. Let’s get ready to rumble, ladies and gents…and the crowd roars!!!!!!
On the scene: ‘Idol’ final three performance night
With that in mind, let’s move on to the final three. In the last few days, much of the media focus has been on David Archuleta and his dad’s banishment from Idol rehearsals. So not surprisingly, when Jeff Archuleta walked into the studio, all eyes were fixated on him and that bouncy plaid cap. It seems Father’s Day came early for this audience, since Papa Archie arrived a good 30 minutes before show-time, dutifully taking his seat behind the judges’ table. He didn’t sit still for long, though. It seems the Idol floor is also a networking opportunity for Mr. A, who chit-chatted with friends and nearby B-listers like Marilu Henner. Though there’s no doubt he kept his distance from Nigel Lythgoe, it wasn’t like he was confined at all. Just before Corey got his shtick going, Papa slipped out to the green room area undisturbed. That’s not to say that I wanted to see some drama (okay, maybe a little), but all in all, it was painfully uneventful.
The Final Three ‘ What You Didn’t See
After months of tryouts, eliminations, auditions, performances, interviews, commercial shoots and even more eliminations, it’s come down to this ‘ the final three contestants on the seventh season of American Idol. And so it was fitting that this trio of competitors would each sing three songs ‘ one selected by an Idol judge; one of their own choosing; one dictated by the hit show’s producers.
But before the show could even begin, the contestants were given an object lesson ‘ in the form of Season One runner-up Justin Guarini ‘ in just how important it is to be crowned the Idol champ. According to an in-audience witness, when the puffy-haired singer, who came in second to original Idol Kelly Clarkson back in 2002, entered the studio on Tuesday night, the star of notorious box-office bomb From Justin to Kelly “went practically unnoticed as he walked to his seat and got a weak applause when the warm-up guy announced him to the crowd.”
Ouch.
