7 Things I Love/Hate About American Idol
As we celebrate the end of Season 7, I thought tonight’s finale on a little show called American Idol could use some hype and exposure – so I thought I’d share an opinion or two. In all seriousness, I’m expecting Tuesday and Wednesday night’s viewership and vote totals to go through the roof.
It may be the best finale ever: David the Romantic vs. David the Rocker.
I first started watching American Idol after I had to cover the Season 1 Finale between Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini for a TV Guide Editor’s Pick of the Night. I hadn’t watched an episode before that night… and I’ve been a fan since, though it seems I only watch every other season pretty closely. I guess I love a lot of the show… and hate some of it too. Let’s see if you agree or disagree. Here we go…
7 THINGS I LOVE ABOUT AMERICAN IDOL:
1. CARRIE UNDERWOOD: SMALL TOWN GIRL… BIG TIME DREAMS. Have you ever been to Checotah, Oklahoma – population 4,000? Carrie was a long, long way from Hollywood glitz and glamour. I love how American Idol gives people the opportunity of a lifetime. The show gave Carrie Underwood an opportunity – and she hasn’t come back to earth since. She’s a multi-platinum selling, three-time Grammy Award winner – and the first AI winner to sweep Billboard Music Award, American Music Award and the Grammy Award in the same season. Girlfriend can sing. She’s introduced country music to a brand new audience – and best of all, my buddy Barlow has touched the “small of her back” and he now has reason to continue living.
2. JENNIFER HUDSON: DREAM GIRL. As I previously stated, American Idol gives you an opportunity – and it’s up to you what you do with it. I love that you don’t have to win AI to be a success. Heck, you don’t even have to be a finalist. I love what Chris Daughtry is doing - but you can’t miss Jennifer Hudson’s meteoric rise to the top. Jennifer was a Season 3 contestant that didn’t even make it to the Top 12 – and was brought back by Randy Jackson in a wildcard round! She ended up finishing 7th that year. When life gave her lemons, she won a SAG Award, a Golden Globe and an Oscar for her performance in Dreamgirls. Her highly anticipated debut album comes out in September and she will be in three movies within the next year (Sex and the City, Winged Creatures and The Secret Life of Bees). Her new single “Spotlight” will be on the Sex and the City soundtrack. Hudson is proof that talent and perseverance prevails… and you don’t have to be a size 2 to make something of your life in an annoyingly materialistic industry.
3. I UMMM… WATCH IT WITH MY WIFE. Idol is the only show that I hear guys always referencing it as “watching with their wives or with their kids”. While that may be true – I can’t tell you how many Idol conversations I’ve walked in on where there were no women or kids anywhere in sight. It’s a cool enough show for guys to discuss. Sex and the City is as well… or so I hear.
4. GRACIOUS CONTESTANTS. Last week’s result show documented the hometown visits for the three finalists. I loved the fact that all 3 of them were moved to tears in front of hometown crowds showing them the love. It appeared that they were in genuine awe of their sudden stardom, were graciously taking it all in and humbled by the experience. Hopefully, they never forget their roots and their fans that have helped get them this far.
5. YOU CAN SING, BUT CAN YOU PLAY? Love the fact that AI has allowed contestants to perform with instruments this year. Musicians like it because it’s no longer just a singing contest – and it shows off their musical chops.
6. WILLIAM HUNG: HE BANGS. Has humility ever done so much as it did for William? After Simon blasted him with “You can’t sing, you can’t dance, so what do you want me to say?”, America fell in love with his “I already gave my best, and I have no regrets at all” response and a cult following began. I think I love Hung cuz T-bone Robkoff actually gave me his first album for Festivus. True story. Finally, somebody with a worse voice came along that I could actually sound like. I performed Hung’s She Bangs at a wedding I was DJing – and it was pretty wild. I nailed the Hung dance and vocal impersonation. Whether it was considered “successful” is relative.
7. SIMON SAYS. Simon is the only judge I understand… and he’s British. I need subtitles for Randy (sorry Dawg, you’re still molten lava hot – hot baby! Yeah! ) See, you don’t understand that ether. Paula is on my next list – which leaves us with Mr. Cowell. He’s the “Big Hook” on the show and always delivers. The guy also knows what it means to be at the top – and at rock bottom. He knows the world (and especially the music industry) can be a cold hard place, and tries to prepare the karaoke singers ahead of time. He knows what he’s talking about and I find myself usually agreeing with him. So, he’s rude, mean and sarcastic – but every contestant waits with baited breath for his criticism… and there’s something to be said for that. At this point in the game – you know what you’ve signed up for if you step foot in his domain. No surprises.
7 THINGS I HATE ABOUT AMERICAN IDOL:
1. STRAIGHT UP… PAULA ABDUL. I don’t hate Paula the person. I just hate hearing comments such as, “You look like a star up there”. Paula, we all know that’s code for “I’m trying to find something nice to say cuz that was a terrible song choice, and an even worse performance”. Last time we checked, it was a singing competition – so please JUDGE the singing and stop the incoherent babbling. It’s not a beauty contest. By the way, I think it’s fair to assume that Paula shared her drugs with Jason Castro this season. What a train wreck those two were.
2. THE VOTING SYSTEM I think I have a better idea. Until we get to the bottom 3 finalists, why not VOTE OFF the person you want to see go home? If 12 people just performed, you’ve got to vote 11 times to really say “Person #4’s gotta go”. The question was rhetorical. The reason is because numbers don’t lie, and advertisers and the like can be wooed by big numbers. I’m sure there’s a lot of money being exchanged with every text, and every call. I don’t care for the system. I would also like to see the judges get a percentage of the final vote. Maybe 25% or so. Perhaps they can bring some sanity to the madness and help eliminate the notion that AI is a popularity contest.
3. DON’T TALK BACK. I really hate this one. If you’re a contestant and you’re getting criticized by Simon – keep your mouth shut. If you want to prove him wrong, listen to him and bounce back next week (if you survive). This guy may have single handedly made you a household name. Remember what you’d be doing if you were not on this show. Keep quiet, and go review the tape before popping off. I remember one year when country boy/Marine Josh Gracin challenged Simon to come up to the stage to do push-ups. Dude, act like you’ve been there before. Historically speaking, the voters usually follow Simon’s lead.
4. I’LL SEE YOU IN COURT. After losing to Ruben, Clay Aiken got a big-shot lawyer to get him out of his management contract that kept him with Fuller, the owner of American Idol – for years to come at a very high commission. Clay, stop acting like a diva, dude. You were a choirboy before the competition. Read the fine print before you audition next time. Wow, people can get greedy pretty fast. I know Clay’s not the only one – he just seemed to fit the word “diva” perfectly.
5. AND STRETCH, AND STRETCH… How long does it take to say, “After last night’s record breaking 86 gazillion votes, the person going home tonight is… so and so”. Does the results show really have to be an hour long every week? I know, I know – advertising money. And why is AI making them sing the same song that America voted them off with as their sayonara? Here’s what Seacrest should really say. “I know America hated it, and now you’re going home because they hated it… but ya mind singing it again? We’ve got 4 more minutes to fill…”
6. THE DISAPPEARING ACT. Where is Ruben? Where is Taylor Hicks? Where is Katharine McPhee? All I keep hearing is that the Labels keep releasing these peeps. How can that be? They had the world on a string not that long ago. Anyone, Anyone? I think Ruben ate Taylor.
7. FROM JUSTIN TO KELLY. Do not watch this movie. I had to go through the EPK (Electronic Press Kit) for sound bytes and clips – and it was the worst idea ever. Only Olivia Newton-John is happy because this was worse than Xanadu. Somebody owes me 2 hours… and I guarantee I will never get them back. From Justin to Kelly brought in a whopping $5 million at the box office, proving that Idol fans will almost do, and see anything for their faves. They will not go spend another $5 million on rentals and DVD purchases to get it to break even from its $10 million dollar budget. Even the zealots know where to draw the line. Consider yourself warned.
What will happen on Wednesday night? Who will be the next American Idol? Who will sell more albums? Whose album would you buy? What do you Love/Hate about Idol?
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Yo, Dawg, I think you’re right – Rueben took Taylor in one huge bite. I wonder if he sprinkled tabasco on him first….
I think you nailed it.
DVR may have been invented specifically for American Idol.
In my house, the fast forward button is affectionately referred to as the Paula/Seacrest button.
Anytime they appear on my screen, it’s time to move ahead.
I also hate the little mini-interviews done on the stools with the Coca Cola bottles in the background, hate it.
The only thing worse than that is the absolutely prepostorous call in questions.
I got sucked into American Idol in Season 2, because I am a husband of a singer. I’m a sucker for a good rags to riches story, so I bought in. I readily admit that I rooted for Clay Aiken. Only because I thought it would be hilarious for a nerd to win the thing, and he looked like my HS Sr. picture.
As for this year, if I could vote for David Cook 3 million times I would. Not because he is so good, not because he has Tulsa connections, but because he is NOT David Archuletta.
I know the kid is probably sincere and sweet, but not since Matthew McConaghey has someone turned my stomach so much.
Not to mention, I can’t imagine anyone over the age of 7 buying anything the kid would EVER sing.
Did you hear his Chris Brown? That’s the one and only contemporary song he’s tried folks!
Since they broke from Hollywood week, I have not understood the love affair with this kid. He sounds like a female 70’s piano bar singer.
There is NO DOUBT in my mind that Randy Jackson is either sleeping with the kid, or has a VERY LARGE invested interest in him.
In the end, it doesn’t really matter who wins the show. David Cook will be a bigger star than Archuleta.
At least this year was better than last year.
You did nail it bro.
Sharona- I don’t know if I could watch the show if it wasn’t for the DVR. Paula is the weakest link, by far.
Seacrest has gotta go too.
How bout those Ford music videos? Enough already.
Great blog, D.
Right on the money!!!!
What I hate about AI is it spun off our show, Idol Tonight. Perhaps the worst show ever about what happens on AI.
Great post P. I agree with just about all of it. I think there will be changes next season. Already heard the results show will be cut to 30 minutes.
I’ve been saying judges vote should count for half the percentage for years. The only problem with that though is like you say, Paula and Randy are almost worthless.
I’m admittedly a Dancing w Stars watcher as well. And I don’t need my wife to watch it. Is there somewhere I should turn my Man Card into now?
My top 7 things I hate would absolutely have the new “mosh pit” travesty on it. What is that? Every time I see the teeny bops swaying their arms I want to shoot myself.
Also “theme selection”. Nobody sang anything relevant the entire season because no one ever could! Two weeks of Beatles? Neil Diamond, Lloyd Weber, and like every decade other than the one we currently live in. Hmmm, wonder why ratings are slipping.
And I’m with Sharona, I like Archuleta, but if the kid wins I might yack. He has a nice voice, but you couldn’t be any more one-dimensional with less stage presence.
Every time I see Paula now, I think of 1NationUnderAl’s post about Abdulagra from the Lunesta blog. Great posts everybody! Don’t know what else to add other than I agree that it will be a ratings bonanza, and Castro was an idiot. How have you lived and never heard of Cats?
Man card… Very funny V!
I agree V.
In fact, I think the theme selection is part of the conspiracy to hand the title to Archuleta.
They have so many ol fogie themes, in order to keep Archuleta from having to do something contemporary.
Tonight’s theme for example: Whiny Homosexual Piano Players.
I think he could nail it.
The one thing I hate about AI is the theme song… Catchy I know but hate it just the same.
Yo…. so check it out…. check it out dawg, you did your thing. It was a good blog. I mean…. I wasn’t in love with it… it was just ok for me. It was a little pitchy…. I mean you had some pitch problems here and there …. I just wasn’t feeling it. but overall, it was ok. it was ahhhight for me.
No seriously…. good blog. The deeper into the season AI gets….the harder it is to watch. I just see who got booted on the web the next day. This season, I think I never fully recovered from that performance by Terry Hatcher.
I don’t know if he will win, but Archuleta is without question the best pure vocalist this show has ever seen. Sharona… I disagree. I think Archuleta will be a bigger star or at least sell more records than Cook in the long run. If I was a record label… I’d choose him over Cook. Because he doesn’t sing very current trendy stuff like the young pop stars is precisely why he will have more longevity in the industry. I’m not a huge fan, but guys like young Josh Groban will be selling records long after Chris Browns house has foreclosed and his whips have gotten repossessed. Pure talent…. ability to do things that others cannot is what will keep him on the charts. David Cooks are a dime a dozen, but Archuleta’s voice is extremely rare.
Maybe that’s why there is a conspiracy to make sure he wins…. cause they know his potential to sell is highest.
Great blog! I agree with pretty much everything you said. As for the judging, I think it should come down to the 2 with the lowest number of votes and then the judges get to oust the worst (or not as great) of the 2.
Carrie Underwood is my favorite AI winner… along with David Cook (fingers crossed).
I began by watching some of Season 1 much to my husband’s chagrin. He thought they were so unworthy to be in a musical contest if they didn’t have a band or write their own stuff. But, I being a musician/writer/composer appreciate great vocal talent. There are great songwriters out there that you really wouldn’t pay to see… no stage presence… can’t sing… not quite so pretty… writing for a genre you couldn’t quite see them sing… being too old to sing such a young song, etc. Of course, my husband is now hooked as well.
I really appreciated AI letting the contestants bring their instruments into the mix. That was the main reason Brooke stayed in so long. I am also a Brooke White fan… if you appreciate what songwriters like Carol King have done for music (“(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman”, “One Fine Day”, “Some Kind of Wonderful”, “Pleasant Valley Sunday”, then you can appreciate Brooke and all of her sincerity and pure love for music even if she doesn’t have the best chops… I’m glad they diversified a bit from JUST a vocal contest to vocalists with more musical talent.
Because of the results shows, I LOVE my DVR even more! YES! Get to the point already!
But I, as an eternal optimist and believer in one finding one’s God-given talents, believe Paula is somewhat necessary so as not to send most of the non-musically talented people over the deep end in disappointment and despair. Yes, they need a wake-up call, but they need to quickly be redirected to find their God-given talents before they either fade away into non-existence or try to prove the judges wrong.
As for Katherine McPhee, I believe she is pursuing her acting career, what’s his name with the gray hair wrote a book, and Ruben still makes albums.
Oh… and Jason Castro…. yes, he needed to go a long time ago, but you really must give him props for even trying out for AI since he had only been singing for 1 year! That’s not too bad! And that’s probably why he didn’t know “Cats”. Give him some time, experience, some great coaching and direction, and he’ll find his niche.
But really, for AI to go on much longer, they will have to change a LOT of things OR find more original people like they did this season (like Amanda Overmyer… not the best voice or my fav style, but she knew her niche and the music she loves… she’ll do great with the Joplin style rockers… she would have been a good mix for their top 10 roadshow… better than Kristy.)
And come on, let them go out singing their best or favorite song of the season… don’t leave reminding us of why you are going…
Things I love/hate… I actually have a love/hate relationship with Simon…love how he says exactly what we at home are thinking but hate his know it all attitude…
Hate how everybody is always “pitchy” with Randy…I mean pick one Randy sharp, flat, off key completely…be more specific how is that advice supposed to help somebody…
Can’t stand Paula’s rambling I often wonder what’s in her coca cola cup, half the time she sounds either drunk or high…
Tonight’s show again perfect example of why something needs to change…here it is what we’ve all been waiting for, the grand finale and in my opinion this has to be the most boring finale yet. It seems like Cook didn’t even try almost like he didn’t want to win. Simon says it was a knockout of course it is when the other guy isn’t even putting up a fight. But maybe it’s part of Cook’s plan to not have to deal with idol contracts by coming in second place…Although the results aren’t in yet his fans may pull him through.
I’m going to agree with One nation under Al on this blog. It was your night to shine. I don’t know so much about the second blog you wrote. Maybe it was the topic you selected…what? No second blog?
How can you not love Paula? She’s so entertaining.
1Nation,
Archuleta is Clay Aiken, pure and simple.
The greatest vocalist the show has ever seen? Carrie Underwood has that title, and it is not even close.
Unfortunately for Archuleta, is contemporary will always be right now, he does nothing that could interest many people over the age of 12, other than you. Yeah, David Cook’s may be a dime a dozen, but they sell records. You’re telling me he’ll sell more records because he doesn’t sing anything that people are listening to now? In the words of Ron Burgundy, “That doesn’t make sense.” He will be singing in Vegas or Branson or both before all is said and done, not that there is anything wrong with that.
He sang two very predictable songs tonight, Elton John and Imagine. Shocker.
I think he did very well tonight, but he didn’t try anything different.
I would buy a record from Dino’s weiner dogs before I even glanced at one by David Archuletta.
As Simon would say, “Sorry!”
Just got done watching the competition. How do you put Michael Buble and Bono in the same competition? I have BOTH their albums.
This is what we have here: Two totally different styles. Talk about stating the obvious. When Hollywood week ended, I predicted Archuleta would win right here on this very blog. That was 12 weeks ago, and it was based on the “Beatles” type roar I kept hearing from 13 year old girls in the crowd – and that he clearly sounded like the best singer to me.
After watching tonight, I think Archuleta wins… though I have no idea what age group is going to represent the dominant vote. Older crowd will vote for Cook – so we’ll see if they can keep up with world record-setting texters.
I think Archuleta is the guy that quietly hits .400, while Cook has been more inconsistent week to week. However, Archuleta’s .400 average is made up of a lot of singles and doubles – and Cook has hit monstrous homers that haven’t landed yet (Billy Jean for one) – and that’s what everyone talks about. It’s Ichiro vs. Pujols… and the balls that leave the stadium make a better highlight on ESPN. I think people are drawn to the performer in Cook (especially guys) – and Archuleta looks boring… but I’m with Nation – I think he’s a better singer.
Anyone remember Carrie as a performer on AI? Atrocious… but it didn’t matter because her vocals were so unreal. Carrie Underwood’s stage presence was horrific compared to that of Bo Bice – and she mopped the floor with him, so we’ll see…
If Archuleta is in fact Clay – then he will lose and sell more albums than Cook – just like Clay did.
Clive Davis picked a U2 song for Cook and an Elton John song for Archuleta. Can’t hold that against him. He’s also only 17. What were we doing at 17??
I think it’s probably better for Cook’s career to lose the competition. I can’t see Daughtry as an AI winner and having the same success he’s having. I can’t prove any of this of course, just an opinion…
Certainly seemed like the judges want Archuleta to win. With Nation again, I think he’ll sell more albums as the winner than Cook would.
itsawonderfullife – I respectfully disagree on Paula. She has to offer something, other than examples of why not to drink and judge.
Jiad – too funny. You had me confused for a minute, and that made it funnier. You never disappoint.
V – After this post, I would also like to turn in my man card.
Look, nobody is arguing that Archuleta’s voice is good. The problem is, his target audience is still in middle school.
When those kids grow up, they’ll move on and then what? You think the pre teens that follow will oblige?
Hanson anyone?
Yes, Clay Aiken sold more albums than Reuben, but it was Reuben.
Aiken is now on Broadway. Not a bad gig, but miles away from a Pop Star, which is what the objective of this competition is.
That being said, David Cook will never be a pop star either. He’ll go the Daughtry rout, but he’s not as good as Daughtry.
I also disagree that Carrie Underwood was atrocious. It was obvious from her first audition, that she would be a star. Simon even predicted she’d sell more records than any other.
I don’t know why I take this so personally, but I get a knot in my stomach any time I hear a positive comment about Archuleta.
It’s like the kid killed my dog or something.
It’s funny but I’m right there with Sharona. Archie is a really good kid. He’s dopey, and cute and all that and that’s why the teenies love him. And vocally he was probably the best all year. But he’s awfully one-dimensional, he sings the same type of cheesy song every week, at times he looks completely overwhelmed on stage, and he messes up lyrics every other week (without ever being called on it). And all of that is not his fault. He’s a 17 year old kid, who’s been groomed by a stage Dad his whole life to win Star Search. And that’s what I see every week…a Star Search Singer.
Last night was frustrating because Cook didn’t have anything to work with. U2 is a great choice for him, but not “I Still Haven’t Found…” He needed to belt out “Pride – In the Name of Love” or something. Second round he had to choose from a batch of 10 songs that wannabees all wrote in the vein of “cheesy finale, this is my moment” song. What a softball for Archie. Third round he sings what I thought was the best of the night, but he didn’t do anything drastic like Simon wanted him to. Meanwhile Archie sings “Imagine” again and Randy just about soils himself.
I just can’t see what Archie will do with an album. All cheesy new songs or covers from cheesy old songs?
Maybe I’m just bitter because Michael Johns and Carly got knocked out too early. If you haven’t done it, check out their studio versions of their performances on iTunes. They both sound fantastic.
I didn’t say Carrie was atrocious. Her stage presence certainly was. I had to cover the show – and she was great to listen to, but she had no stage presence at all. Every now and then she’d move a shoulder or a leg – but I think it was because she had to pee. She didn’t move at all and just stared into the camera – good thing for her, she’s a knockout. Bo Bice was the “performer” that season… and EVERY guy in the building was voting for him. This seems eerily familiar to me – except that people don’t like Archuleta because he’s golly gee Opie.
She has obviously since been trained to “perform” and I agree with you that she has the best vocals to come out of the show. She may have set the bar so high, that I’m not sure anyone not singing country will catch her.
Archuleta obviously rubs you the wrong way – and I’ll assume you’ll be turning in YOUR man card as well after that admission. As soon as V let’s us know where to go… we can catch up in line.
Only time will tell who among us can predict the AI future. I’m hoping Archuleta has a better career than Taylor and Jordin Sparks if he wins. I think the best route for Archuleta is the Groban behind the piano route.
Randy did soil himself, didn’t he? I wonder if it was hot baby hot!
Again, I rooted for Clay Aiken, I rooted for Carrie Underwood, I even rooted for Jordan Sparks. Archuleta is another animal entirely.
Yes, he rubs me the wrong way, and has since I first heard him speak. If you could hear me, I can do a killer Archuleta impersonation, I’m doing it right now actually, and it’s killin’.
There has GOT to be something in it for Randy Jackson. There is no way that kid was THAT good. When I heard he was redoing Imagine, I thought it was a complete and utter cop out. Something the judges have frowned upon in the past, even criticizing Michael Johns this season for rehashing Light My Fire.
But not only did they applaud Archuleta for taking the easy road, they criticized Cook for not doing the same.
V is absolutely right, not only last night, but this whole season has been a softball for Archuleta.
Think about what Cook’s claim to fame is this year. He redid Hello by Lionel Richie, Billie Jean by Michael Jackson, and Sparrow by Dolly Parton.
What would Archuleta have done if they gave him songs from Pearl Jam, Stone Temple Pilots and Aerosmith?
Ok… first of all….. did they really make them wear boxing robes? Wow. The Michael Buffer gig was one thing, but boxing robes? Now THAT was dumb.
Anyway Rona…….. I honestly think in a one on one singing competition, No make-up or high heels, no music… just pure singing, hitting notes, runs, falsetto etc, Archuleta would destroy Carrie Underwood. If you close your eyes and really listen to both of them sing, she is great but she does not have the range that Archuleta has. And they haven’t even worked with him yet like they have Carrie. This kid has a gift and many years left to perfect it. His career will go from Groban like to Celine Dion like as he matures. (if marketed properly)
Archuleta chose the right song and the right strategy. When you do a concert, the last song you sing is a trusted hit… a slam dunk, not something new and unproven. He chose the song that is proven to show off his best vocal abilities. I don’t even remember the last song Cook sang. Simon was right, he should have went with Billy Jean.
“He does nothing that interests people over the age of 12″? Sure he does. He can sing with a mature voice!!! Don’t judge how the greater public will receive him only by the screaming young girls at the Nokia Theater. (They proved to be an unworthy indication of record sales with Soul Patrol) My mom and wife (who’s ages shall remain anonymous, but let’s just say they are not teens), both watch AI and both would and probably will by Archuletas album. My mother is a life long singer and she likes his vocal abilities. Neither of them dislike Cook, but they probably wouldn’t by his record. What I’m saying is that Archuleta will have more mass appeal… like a Groban, which will equal greater longevity. Cook, if he goes the Daughtry route, will get lost. (I personally think he should go more the route of like a Sting or John Mayer.) There will be many people to choose from right next Cook that can give you the same feel. But, like them or hate them, people like Dion and Groban are one of a kind. Archuleta has potential to be like them, Cook does not. Reason being is that I could eventually teach Archuleta a lot of the things people like about Cook,(if he doesn’t grow into those qualities on his own) but you could never teach Cook to sing like Archuleta.
As several AI contestants are finding out the hard way, at some point, the newness will wear off and it will take a foundation of talent to survive when your face isn’t on the highest rated TV show anymore. Archuleta, better than anyone, has that foundation. That’s just my unbiased opinion. Why do you hate this child so?
Archuleta would have sung a smoother version of “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” by Aerosmith…. or “Black” by Pearl Jam…and he would have nailed it. That’s why they kept saying it doesn’t matter what he sings….. he could pull it off… because his pure vocal talent gives him the ability to make anything sound good! Really though… he would be about as bad as Cook was when it was Mariah Carey week.
By the way, as beautiful as she is, a big part of why Carrie Underwood is selling more albums is because she is country, where there is less competition. Like Daughtry, Reuben, Clay, Jordin Sparks, Elliot Yamin, Fantasia and others, she too would find it more difficult to sell among the likes of Coldplay, Amy Winehouse, Gwen Stefani, Alicia Keys, Usher, Mariah, Fergie, etc. I said from day one she would be great and I like her because she’s not trying to be somebody other than herself…. but let’s keep it in perspective. Her odds were better against Taylor Swift, Trisha Yearwood and Shania Twain.
Sharona – How do you root for Clay over Reuben and hate David Archuletta? Are you kidding me? You may be the only guy I’ve ever heard say that out loud.
Clay was aweful on stage as a contestant. Reuben had presence – and a lot of it
Reuben was the big teddy bear with a great smile that had a lot of “soul” in his voice and was connecting with viewers… and Clay was Barry Manilow – and you liked Clay??!!??
“Bridge Over Troubled Water” vs. “Sweet Home Alabama”? No contest.
The only part of your Archuleta argument that is holding water is that you don’t like him. Archuleta is a prodigy with the biggest upside if handled properly. AI producers have to know this or they wouldn’t be pushing so hard. We already have a Daughtry and a John Mayer – but there isn’t anyone quite like Archie – and he’s only 17!!
You have to be more creative and take more chances when you don’t have as much raw talent as your competitor – and that’s with anything in life, and that’s what Cook is doing.
Nation – it doesn’t matter if I agree or disagree with your take – I like how you’ve backed up your opinion with something other than “I don’t like him”.
If I hear one more person at the office tell me that Cook isn’t as good a singer, but a better performer – and that’s why he should win I’m gonna go postal. It’s a singing competition.I have yet to hear from anyone that thinks Cook can outsing Arch. Everybody keeps talking about the performance factor. So what? If there are sides, I’m with George and Al Davis and Seuss. Cook’s are a dime a dozen. Clay is little diva I hope he doesn’t show up tonight. Stay on Broadway you little girl.
Hey D,
Great blog!
Every week dawg you keep doing it with this killer blogs…..My vote is for Cook.
I think you should replace Seacrest!
Hey Sharona…. when’s your birthday?
I’m gonna send you a birthday gram where Clay pops out of a cake in a Chippendales tuxedo and sings you happy birthday. If I can get enough in donations,…. I’ll pay Danny Noriega to back him up in a rubber catsuit for ya.
huh?…who loves ya buddy
If you read my earlier post, it states that I rooted for Clay, because I thought he was a nerd, and there was nobody else worth rooting for.
I didn’t buy his album though. I wasn’t able to get to the record store the 15 minutes it was available.
We’ll have to agree to disagree on this one. “It’s just an opinion!”, but I do not like Archuletas voice, at all, not one little bit.
Just for the fact that 1Nation not only puts Archuleta into Carrie’s class, but says he’s better, It’s obvious I’m speaking to the wrong crowd.
My final word on this; I’m not saying David Cook is a world beater, I’m saying Archuleta sucks.
That is all.
FLAG ON THE PLAY!!!!!! There are multiple infractions on the play.
We have an EMOTIONAL OPINION on Sharona. That penalty is declined. We also have an ILLEGAL CONTRADICTION in the backfield against Sharona. That penalty is accepted. 10 yard penalty, loss of down.
Ok, now I’m confused, first you said “Look, nobody is arguing that Archuleta’s voice is good. The problem is, his target audience is still in middle school.”
And now you say “I do not like Archuletas voice, at all, not one little bit… I’m saying Archuleta sucks.”
How can a guy who’s voice is good, suck in a singing competition? Honestly, I will be shocked if either one of these guys doesn’t sell a lot of records. But I think you are basing your opinion on something other than talent. What?….. I can’t figure out.
And you haven’t told me why Carrie is better. You say Archuleta is not even in the same class, but you have no explination as to why, other than YOU don’t like his voice. So I must dismiss it as an emotional opinion. I can’t say Barry Bonds sucks because I don’t like his swing.
Oh well….. If you get tired of Achuletas fake near emotional outbursts… feel free to turn over to espn and watch us punch the Spurs in the mouth tonight.
Did I mention I hate the way Seacrest says: “THIS…. is AHHMMMMMERICAN Idol”
Archuleta sucks? Good one, putz.
Can someone please let me know to skip arguments that are lined with complete lunacy next time? You don’t have to like him – just don’t start a thread that is one contradiction after another. Apparently, you are the wrong person to talk to if you reooted for Clay because “there was nobody else rooting for”. How in hell did you miss Reuben?
Have a take and don’t suck. THAT sucked.
Be back after the show.
1Nation – Please “cc” me that birthday gram. I love fruit cake.
I was team Cook all the way until i heard little Archie knock it out of the park with his duet with One Republic. I know he can be pop. I’m switching teams…out of the closet…Archie fan.
Highlights:
Austin Powers dressed as new double agent
Cook w/ZZ Top
Archuleta w/One Republic
Carrie Underwood and her outfit
Lowlights:
Too many group songs (we’ve been watching for 12 weeks!)
George Michael
Donna Summer
Bryan Adams
Boxing Theme from last night (still lingering)
Too many group songs
Conspiracy Question: Did Simon apologize because he knew the results – or did he apologize because he realized he screwed up the night before? Or both?
I was right:
Night would result in record setting vote:
97.5 Millllllion votes
I was wrong:
I picked Archuleta to win 12 weeks ago. I was only off 8%… or 12 million votes
Cook took one for all the rockers that came before him that couldn’t finish. First words out of his mouth as champ, “Give it up for David Archuleta”. Class act.
Good luck Cook – make us proud, dude. (What are the odds he reads that?)
Now, if we could only be this excited to vote in November…
Well I for one will be going to bed happy tonight. The Yanks finally won a game. Oh yeah, and Cook won. Although it doesn’t get more classic than: watching literally every show this season and laboring through 1:59 minutes and 58 seconds of the finale to hear “and the winner of American Idol 2008 IS…David…” and cut! DVR off at 10:00PM you loser! Way to not set it to record for 5 minutes longer. And I’m so glad I got to watch that tard sing with the USC band for 5 minutes but miss the entire ending. @#!%^!@!#
So I YouTubed it. Where would we be without YouTube? The right David won. Like Sharona, I’m not a fan of Archie, but I recognize the kid can really sing. He’s just not the whole package yet.
Highlights:
-Carrie Freaking Underwood. Glory.
-Michael Johns and Carly duet.
-Stiller, Black and Downey Jr.
-Ummm….I guess the Archie-One Republic was pretty good.
Lowlights:
-Too long.
-Too many group songs.
-Ladies and Gentlemen, it’s the 80’s All-Stars! (and 60’s too -Nash, Gladys Knight)
-Tard and USC band
-Shameless promos at every turn.
Last comment I swear (is this my blog?), next year they need to have a week where when they get to the Top 4 they have to pick a song that doesn’t “fit” the singer’s style and tell them to “make it their own”.
Putz?? Seriously? Start a thread that is one contradiction after another??
Last I checked, I’m not the owner of this blog, therefore, I didn’t start the thread.
I’m sorry that my opinion is less valued than yours, you must be right, and I’m wrong.
You have to understand one thing Mr. Can’t Spell Cinco de Mayo, I know Hay Seuss, I know 1Nation, I’ll take crap from them all day, and I’ll give it back, because blood is thicker than water. I don’t know you from the 4th of July, so I don’t need to hear from you how my “take” sucked. Thanks anyway Jim Rome.
Now, about the show, as usual, we DVRd it, some people go to church on Wednesday nights. We just got through watching it.
Overall, I actually enjoyed it. The little crappy medleys they normally do were bearable, and I liked all the guest singers.
I wasn’t feeling all that well today, and I fell into the same trap I did a year ago.
Here’s the instant replay from my DVR:
Seacrest: And the winner, of American Idol 2008 iiiiiisss…….(STOP)
I had to watch the last 5 minutes on YouTube, seeing in the title who won.
Maybe I do suck.
P.S. I’ve heard rumors that some of the group One Republic, who performed with Archuleta tonight, have ORU ties. I can neither confirm or deny this. But people I know who were at ORU after my time there, seem to think they know these guys.
WOW.
All I can say is… WOW. I’m stunned, and speechless. I definitely didn’t see that coming.
What an amazing contest. What a great comeback. Just when you thought he couldn’t pull it off. He comes through to take the victory. I’ll be watching that over and over again. I can’t say enough about the talent, poise, character, and determination of one…… Mr. Kobe Bryant and the L.A. Lakers. WOW! Down by 20, they took the lead for the first time with a couple of minutes left in the game and pulled it out to take a 1-0 series lead in the Western Conference Finals.
Hey, does anybody know what happen on American Idol?
kidding…. I assume Cook won….. My DVR… “And the winner, of American Idol 2008 iiiiissss David Coo…… (STOP)
Well Sharona….. I guess America agrees with you. Either that or the 6 girls that sent in 48 million votes for Archuleta just couldn’t text fast enough.
By the way….. if anybody is thinking about becoming a young…. hot….. sexy female country star… we are no longer accepting applications, that position has been filled.
My DVR joke first!!! Glad to hear I wasn’t the only one. Mine literally cut out in his 1 second gap after Seacrest says “…David..”. Completely classic.
And I got your back Sharona. Archie’s got nothing on Carrie Underwood. Granted, as he matures he may be off the charts, but I don’t think he has a ton of range yet. Being able to do his runs and belt out loud in the same key doesn’t mean you have great range.
And I pulled for Aiken too back in Season 2. I still think he may have been technically the best vocalist on the show. And he went from uber-geek to almost cool. Since then he’s become almost a caricature of himself and we’ve become afraid to admit we rooted for him. Those of us who still have man cards anyway.
I’m not afraid or ashamed to admit I rooted for Aiken. Mainly because, I only rooted for him because I thought he was a dork, and thought the show was stupid, and thought him winning would make a complete mockery of the show.
I’ve been sucked in since. Well, not completely true. I didn’t watch it at all the Fantasia and Taylor Hicks years.
Anything you do or don’t do while watching American Idol can not be responsible for you losing your man card.
You’re watching American Idol, it’s already gone.
Where the heck is Buck?
Here’s my picks:
Funniest moments: Robert, Jack and Ben sketch/ Jimmy Kimmel/ Randy’s red suit.
Hottest celebrities: George Michael/ One Republic/ Carrie Underwood.
Saddest moments: Archie’s face when he lost/ Archie’s dad’s face when he lost/ I’m going to watch this crap for another season.
And if anyone should be calling anyone a PUTZ around here, it’s me. I have worked hard to be the cyberbully.
V –
I don’t think Archuleta only belts in one key, he has a good range. But I did go back and listen to some of his performances and I compared them to a couple of Carrie’s songs (including last nights performance) and you may be right, Archuleta doesn’t have a ton of range. He goes into false every now and then but he didn’t really display a huge range. Now, the range he stays in, he absolutely nails it, but it isn’t extremely wide. So to confirm, I took a poll around the office (I work with a lot of musicians, engineers and producers) and they all said that Carrie has a little more range and is a better than Archie at the moment, but he MIGHT eventually pass her in vocal ability… depends on how well he develops. So I guess I’m outvoted there. Maybe I just like his runs better, I don’t know. But they are both in the same class Rona…. that’s for sure.
You are also correct that Archuleta is not the complete package yet. Cook is more the complete package today. But I think once they are done with Archuleta, he will blow Cook away and stick around much longer.
I must say, I never “rooted” for Clay Aiken, there was just something weird about him, but I too thought he was the best technical singer. Dork or not… Clay can sing.
My final season 7 predictions:
Amanda Overmyer – Will find work in a Harley Davidson shop
Michael Johns – Will surprise many with his success as an artist, especially outside the US. People will say..”that was one of the guys from American Idol?”
Carly Smithson – Will eventually tattoo her face like her husband
Jason Castro – will find work as a hand model or in United Colors of Benetton ads
Syesha – 2 records max before she fades (too much competition)
David Hernandez – will head up a male revue on a cruise ship somewhere
Brooke White – back to babysitting
Ramiele – Fades into oblivion.
Chikezie – See Ramiele
Kristy Lee Cook – See Chikezie
Archuleta – Will be in the top five most successful Idol contestants ever (somewhere below Underwood but above Daughtry)
David Cook – Will have 2 or 3 solid releases, but will need to somehow separate himself from the crowd in order to go much further than that.
I think Archuleta will be doing State Fairs with Hanson and the Oneders, but that’s just me.
Hay Suess and 1Nation, no hard feelings after all…
I AM YOUR BROTHER! YOUR BEST FRIEND FOREVER!
Singing the songs, the music that you liiiiIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIKE!
Brothers till the end of time
Together or not you’re always in my heart
You’ll hurt your feelings, and you’ll be reign no more!
I AM YOUR BROTHER! YOUR BEST FRIEND FOREVER!
Singing the songs, the music that you liiiiIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIKE!
Brothers till the end of time
Together or not you’re always in my heart
You’ll hurt your feelings, and you’ll be reign no more!
I AM YOUR BROTHER! YOUR BEST FRIEND FOREVER!
Singing the songs, the music that you liiiiIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIKE!
Brothers till the end of time
Together or not you’re always in my heart
You’ll hurt your feelings, and you’ll be reign no more!
I AM YOUR BROTHER! YOUR BEST FRIEND FOREVER!
Singing the songs, the music that you liiiiIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIKE!
Brothers till the end of time
Together or not you’re always in my heart
You’ll hurt your feelings, and you’ll be reign no more!
I AM YOUR BROTHER! YOUR BEST FRIEND FOREVER!
Singing the songs, the music that you liiiiIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIKE!
Brothers till the end of time
Together or not you’re always in my heart
You’ll hurt your feelings, and you’ll be reign no more!
If I only had a dance to go with this….. Nation knows what I’m talking about!
Ooh my little pretty one, pretty one.
When you gonna give me some time, Sharona?
Ooh you make my motor run, my motor run.
Gun it comin’ off the line Sharona
Never gonna stop, give it up.
Such a dirty mind. Always get it up for the touch
of the younger kind. My my my i yi woo. M M M My Sharona…
Come a little closer huh, ah will ya huh.
Close enough to look in my eyes, Sharona.
Keeping it a mystery gets to me
Running down the length of my thighs, Sharona
Never gonna stop, give it up. Such a dirty mind.
Always get it up for the touch
of the younger kind. My my my i yi woo. M M M My Sharona…
When you gonna give it to me, give it to me.
It is just a matter of time Sharona
Is it just destiny, destiny?
Or is it just a game in my mind, Sharona?
Never gonna stop, give it up.
Such a dirty mind. Always get it up for the touch
of the younger kind. My my my i yi woo. M M M My Sharona…
You mean like this:
Nawww…
Something a little more original.
Like this:
http://www.kingp.com/Sharona/Sharona.jpg
Nation – Totally think you are reaching with success potential for Archie, but good for him if it happens. It’s really going to come down to music choice. I can see his first album doing well say first week or two, but possibly a disaster as well. Here’s a kid who will pretty much have no say in what he records, so it’s going to be “19″ and his Father dictating things. God help him.
If he can find a style that works..songs that play to the younger crowd and still have a “Adult Contemporary” bent, he may do alright. You just have to have the “something” in your voice to distinguish yourself, that “it” factor, or find a niche without as much competition. I don’t think Archie’s voice is all that unique (it’s good), nor does he have that “it” factor yet. You think about the three Idols that have really made it in the industry (Daughtry, Clarkson, and Underwood)and they all had it – unique voice, good looks and the “it factor”, plus maybe most important, some really good songs that played to their strengths.
ONYD!
Sharona, I hope you were wearing a white cape when you typed that.
Did somebody shoot you in the back during the reception?
I pray to heaven there is nothing in that vault on me!
Saved it Seuss…. he may run for president one day.
Oh and hottest celebrities: George Michael?? Come on. Dude is like 45 and he looks like he’s pushing 60 under those too big sunglasses of his.
Thank God for the Jonas Brothers and One Republic. I thought Graham Nash had died, and wondered how they made Donna Summer’s corpse sing like that.
V-
I think vocally he has “it”. But it will definitely boil down to how they package him and what he sings. And yeah, his biggest obstacle might just be his dad.
Talk about having “it”… this little girl has Archuleta beat. I think she’s was 14 or 15 at the time they shot this. First time I saw it, I though she was lip syncing.
Rona….. If you live in Oklahoma, it doesn’t get any bigger than the State Fair.
Not anymore.
Once the Oklahoma City River Otters get the NBA season going, we’ll be jammin’.
By the way, I received confirmation today, Ryan of One Republic, was at ORU from 96-99. He lived on Covenant, wherever that is.
I think I knocked him out in a flag football game, I wish I could say I’m sorry to him, but as we all know…….It’s too late to apologize….it’s too late….
Speaking of apologizing. You know apologizing is the same as saying I’m sorry.
Unless you’re at a funeral.
…if I was invisible….wait, I already am.
Uh…. go Lakers.
So, Clay’s gonna be a daddy…
judging by his latest album cover i would say that he does not look very very special.
Who is the father?
It should be noted. Astros 1st round pick in 2008, catcher, Stanford University…..Jason Castro.
Was it something I said?
I can’t get over how intense these posts have been.
Seriously gotta get some other hobbies besides American Idol and Blogging lol.
Byron, don’t be surprised if me and D show up Thursday afternoon and drag you to the staples center.
Just warning you, there is a possibility.
I’m so glad you didn’t show up and drag me to the Staples Center. That would have been painful.
I am highly disappointed in the lack of Celtics/Lakers smack talk.
So it’s been quite a few months since our last blog…maybe just a few of us loyals still check back every now and then to relive some of the all time favorites like “Are You Hornee Baby!” only to bust out laughing like it’s the first time all over again…thanks to CTBRD and INUA…but here’s a topic to throw out there…Is there such a thing as Facebook etiquette? I find myself in super stealth mode on facebook, you’d have better luck trying to find Bin Laden than to find me. But then I ask myself if there was such a thing as facebook etiquette, which some say there is, then I shouldn’t have to hide right? People should just get that I don’t want to be friends with them and not feel slighted, right? So why I ask you is that not the case??? Anyone…anyone…Bueller…