You've seen Julie's post, right? Read that first...

By Clyde Collins

Seems my esteemed colleague, Julie Heart, took it upon herself to post some celebrity look-alike matches for the top American Idol finalists. It was definitely entertaining, but I couldn't help but think there were a few matches the program overlooked.

I mean, just by looking at them, you can usually come up with a pretty good match or two...or five. Scroll down and see what your favorite Idol Expert came up with.

Let's have a little fun with our heroes, shall we?

Golden Boy David "Archie" Archuleta bears more than a passing vocal resemblance to Clay Aiken...he might actually be Clay Aiken. Same musical style. Same sloppy, gawky, awkward look. Same old lady fanbase. Before long, they'll probably move into some kind of Adult Contemporary Batcave, together, living as celebrity millionaire and faithful ward.

You have to admit, Archie gives off a Dumb & Dumber vibe whenever he speaks. Lloyd Christmas is an okay match...but the next one is pretty much my favorite...

David A = kd lang! Oh, quit whining about how "mean" that is. Just LOOK AT THEM! Totally the same person. He may be her tiny clone. Mini-lang, or something.

Carly and Delta Burke are a match made in heaven...especially after Seacrest pointed out this week that the tabloids are chalking up her "extra weight" to pregnancy! Mrs. Smithson denied it, of course. The pregnancy part, that is. Not the chubbiness.

Remember when Jimmy Fallon played that college stoner character? Yeah. Jason Castro's that guy.

But he's MORE this guy! Look at those baby blues! I think I've fallen in love with both of them. Can't...look away...too...adorable...AAAARG!

Chikezie reminds me of Reuben, both in looks and in song choice. Didn't make it quite as far in the competiton, though.

I think he's got a bit of Big Willie Style going on, too. Gettin' 'Kezie with it!

I found a bunch of David Cook-type matches. I'll get meaner (and more accurate) as we go along. See that brooding look on Young Bowie's face? See that hair? Not too shabby.

This Pete Wentz tool is a perfect match for David Cook. Because they look similar, and are both complete tools.

Wrestler Jeff Hardy has 'tude to spare...and gets bonus points because he could beat the snot out of Cook. I'd watch that match!

David Cook = Julia Roberts as "Tinkerbell" in Hook. Come on, you see it. But this LAST one is truly perfect in every way.

I think he might actually BE Beetlejuice. It's uncanny. Feel free to make this your forum signature and post it elsewhere on the Internets. It's pretty much brilliant.

You wouldn't like Michael Johns when he's angry...and you probably wouldn't like Lou Ferrigno at all, in any situation.

Not the best match, but Amy Poehler would be really funny if she played KLC in American Idol Season 7: The Movie. A comedienne WOULD have to play Kristy, at this point. She's just laughable.

Back to WWE, where we find Playboy covergirl Maria...not a bad match for our patriotic warbler.

Sorry. Little Miss Little House IS Kristy Lee Cook. This one's perfect. The look is dead-on, and they both have experience with horses. I like this one.

Now, let's have some fun. Biker-Nurse, you tortured me long enough. Hopefully, looking at you next to the chick from Strangers with Candy will cause you as much torment as listening to your voice every week caused me.

There's a bit of a Ginger Spice thing going. Not great, but you can see why I included it. The next two more than make up for it.

Amanda Overmyer is Monkee Mickey Dolenz? I'm a believer!

Poor, unfortunate souls...if only Amanda had been able to steal someone's beautiful singing voice before showing up on Idol.

Syesha totally looks like the bubbly, curly-haired chick from the morphing bit at the end of Michael Jackson's "Black or White" video. Spot-on.

I've saved my favorite for last. Brooke White is Phoebe's soulmate. Slightly out-there, strumming her little guitar and singing songs about smelly cats, or whatever. A great match, but...

...I think she's just as adorable as a little puppy, no matter what.

And that is how this season's best play the Match Game.

***** DISCLAIMER *****
The opinions expressed by the three "FOX43 Idol Experts" do not necessarily reflect the opinions of FOX43, Tribune Broadcasting or FOX.
***************************

Posted by Prisoner No. 24601 at 5:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
TAGS: Clyde Collins, Idol Chatter, Idol Experts, look-alikes

Just thought a little Idol Internet fun was in order…

By Julie Heart

Hey guys, I was boppin’ around on the Internet and started thinking about this year's Idol crop of contestants and what it takes to be the next American Idol. I hate to say it, but it really has a lot to do with your looks. Don’t get me wrong singing makes a big difference, but there’s got to be a reason Kristy Lee Cook is still hangin’ around. Anywho, I decided to get a little creative (with the help of the myheritage.com website)and check out who the top twelve most resemble with it comes to the hollywood crowd.

So in no particular order here goes…

MyHeritage: Family trees - Genealogy - Celebrities

I was really surprised when Elisha came up for Amanda, personally I think Amanda looked like the female version of skunk boy Jason Yeager, but it's not like the website is perfect...Amanda was also matched with Beyonce Knowles and a young Leonardo Dicaprio if that's any indication of it's accuracy. I'm just glad the biker nurse is on her way with that wacked out hair-don't. Is it just me or is there always one rocker girl with weird colored hair each year...usually pink.

MyHeritage: Family trees - Genealogy - Celebs

David Cook as many of you know is my favorite guy, and I honestly never would have seen the resemblance to Keanu before, but now I kind of see it. Either way he looks hot, but this just proves to Clyde that he would probably be cute with short hair too. I don't care if he has a comb-front or whatever, maybe it's just a big forehead...he did say he had a big head as a child, either way he's a rocker and he's cool in my book. BTW David also had matches with Carson Daly, Heath Ledger, and Elvis.

MyHeritage: Family tree - Genealogy - Celebrity

Brooke came up with a big match to Kim Basinger, and with this picture I can really see it. I guess Brooke may have a chance of aging well if she looks anything like Basinger in a few years. I know Brooke is Cylde's sweetheart, and I can see why, she is a sweet and innocent and is loved by all...although maybe a little too much by the judges. I was really surprised that she didn’t get a match with Jessica Biel with this picture, she really has her cheekbones.

MyHeritage: Celebrity Morph - Ancestors - Yad Vashem research

David's is one of the creepier morphs, he really looks like Kristen Bell, stop it in the middle for an interesting combo shot. Archuleta has such a babyface he matched up with mostly young actresses. Some noteable matches being Thora Birch, Kirsten Dunst, and weirdly enough Anne Frank.

MyHeritage: Family trees - Genealogy - Celebs

Carly looks like Katie Holmes, but I think Katie has a lot softer look to her. I love the dark hair and light complextion of Irish girls. I wonder if Katie has an English or Irish background? Carly also had matches with Madonna and Scarlett Johansson but those two really didn't fit very well.

MyHeritage: Family tree - Genealogy - Celebrity

I guess Chikezie looks like Charles Barkley, but I think they just matched because of their smiles and head tilt. It was funny to see the other men Mr. Eze matched up with though. Former Idol winner Ruben Studdard was one of his matches, and that was actually really close. The site also came up with presidential candidate Barack Obama-but their head shapes are way off.

MyHeritage: Family trees - Genealogy - Celebrities

Hikaru Utada (she’s a Japanese pop singer) is Ramiele's best match, which was pretty good. She matched up with a lot of people with hair in their faces like Ashton Kutcher. I really like Ramiele's hair and style, if only she would pick more upbeat songs to sing and showcase her big voice. When she sings those kind of songs her attitude shines through and I think the fans love that side of her...I know I do.

MyHeritage: Family trees - Genealogy - Celebs

Old Crazy Eyes David Hernandez matched best with Liv Tyler...and I have to admit I laughed out loud for real when I saw this morph. He really does have feminine features, he had a couple of strange female matches for this picture including Halle Berry...how weird is that?

MyHeritage: Celebrity Morph - Free genealogy - Genealogy software

I love Syesha, to me she just has the "it" factor. I hope she survives after being in the bottom three this week. I love that she does such diverse things to her hair and she has such a familiar face. I was a little disapointed that she didn't match with somebody that was more famous. Garcelle Beauvais Nilon is a model/actress that looks really familiar, but I don't think I've seen anything she's been in. Syesha also got matched to Eva Longoria and Beyonce Knowles.

MyHeritage: Celebrity Morph - Family web page - Family tree software

Jason was another one of the guys that matched up with a bunch of girls. I played nice with Jason though and let him morph into Zach Braff. The girls he looks like are… a young Demi Moore, Tori Amos and coming completely out of left field Queen Latifah. I have to admit the dreads aren't really my thing, I can't stop thinking about the potential of bugs living in there, but he does have amazing blue eyes going for him.

MyHeritage: Celebrity Morph - Free genealogy - Free family web page

Kristy Lee looks a little better as Kirsten Dunst than David Archuleta probably would. The patriotic princess also got matches with Dakota Fanning and Katie Couric. I think at this point Kristy Lee is just coasting on her good looks, because her singing isn't doing her any favors. I also wonder if that "votefortheworst" site isn't making a difference in her sticking around. DON'T LET HER BE THIS YEAR'S SANJAYA PEOPLE!

MyHeritage: Celebrity Morph - Family tree program - Free genealogy

Check out Michael Johns morphing into Harry Connick Jr. This came as no surprise, Michael is a pretty good looking guy, so I figured he'd have some hot guy matches. Johns also looks like Pierce Brosnan and Billy Joel. You just know Michael is going to have a music deal after Idol. He's such an attractive guy, a great singer, and he already has the experience to back him up. I highly doubt he'll win the competition, but we'll be seeing Mr. Johns again.

Hope you enjoyed all the fun morphs, head over to myheritage.com to try your own pictures. If you think you know who the Idol look like, leave me a comment and let me know!

Posted by Anna O'sullivan at 8:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
TAGS: Amanda Overmyer, American Idol, Artie Funk, Brooke White, Carly Smithson, Chikezie, Clyde Collins, David Archuleta, David Cook, David Hernandez, Idol Chatter, Jason Castro, Julie Heart, Kristy Lee Cook, Michael Johns, Ramiele Malubay, Syesha Mercado

Coming to FOX43 Wednesday, April 9...the biggest show on television invites the biggest stars in the entertainment industry to help raise money for some very worthy causes.

Last year's special raised $76 million, and American Idol is hoping to blow that number out of the water this time around with an unforgettable, star-studded night.

Here's a quick look at what to expect when Idol Gives Back in 2008!

Posted by Prisoner No. 24601 at 11:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
TAGS: American Idol, Idol Gives Back, Video

Clyde's got total bragging rights with his predictions, this week. Who went home after Songs from the Year You Were Born Week?

And then, there were 9.

The Bottom 3 contained what some might consider a few surprises. Chikezie was sent to the time-out stools first, followed by Syesha Mercado and Jason Castro. The audience was not thrilled with at least the latter two, and Kristy Lee Cook appeared visibly shocked when Jason was sent before the firing squad in her usual place.

But, when the votes were counted...Chikezie was the unlucky contestant to be sent packing, salmon-colored leisure suit and all.

You know, even better is the subtle humor found in the original picture of Chikezie we used to make that Kermit parody graphic...

Michael Johns is all, like, "Cheer up, Chikezie! It's not like it was me or something. I'm still safe!" What a heartless jerk that Aussie Queen-hugger is.

We'll miss you, Jacuzzi.

In the end, that Simon Cowell mistaken nickname kind of fits. Have to admit, you're more entertaining when you're BUBBLY.

FOX43 Idol Expert Artie put Ramiele Malubay, Chikezie and David Archuleta in the Bottom 3. That's 1 out of 3. Then, he had the nerve to say that poor, safe Ramiele Malubay was going home! Artie, how do you explain yourself?!

Funk: The inevitable dismissal of Mr. Chikezie came a week or two too early. But, I never really thought he was going to be the winner...and I REALLY don't think he's got a chance to win it all anymore, now. I think this week really hurt his chances of becoming American Idol. He has more potential than KLC does, so I think talent-wise he should've been voted off after Ms. Lee Cook. All in all, not a complete shock that he's gone. I'm looking forward to his future collaborations and artistic endeavors, dogg. And REALLY?! Syesha? Why the hate, America? She's HOT! Two of my favorite Hair People in the Bottom 3, what's going ON? I guess it's not a hair competition, after all. Confused about Syesha being there, disappointed. Again, doesn't bode well for her future in this competition, and that makes me sad!

FOX43 Idol Expert Julie was neck and neck with Artie. She, too, put Ramiele in the Bottom 3...along with Chikezie and Kristy Lee Cook. 1 for 3, and just as wrong on the "Who's Going Home?" call. She would've sent sweet, adorable, innocent Ramiele home, too! Julie, how COULD you?

Heart: Chikezie is out! He'll be missed more than the last two that left, but it doesn't bother me too much. It was no surprise he was in the Bottom 3, even though I did like his performance better this week than the previous two, where he just looked INSANE. I couldn't believe Ramiele was safe! I should've had more faith in her fans! And Kristy Lee looked SHOCKED to be safe...I should've known the rednecks would eat up that WE LOVE AMERICA stuff. Jason was a surprise, but you just knew he wouldn't be going home. I forgot how much I liked Kimberly Locke, too. She looks really good!

FOX43 Idol Expert Clyde was truly dominant and all-knowing, this week. One minor misstep aside - Jason Castro was the obvious "surprise" entry into the Bottom 3 this week - his call of Ramiele, Chikezie and Syesha, with Chikezie going home, was pretty darn good. 2 out of 3 and spot-on with the Biggest Loser. Clyde, care to address your adoring public?

Collins: That'll teach you not to listen to me! Castro was better than others, this week, but I don't believe it's IMPOSSIBLE that he could've been in the Bottom 3. Oh, well. In the end, song choice killed Chikezie. Should've ignored Julie and stayed fun and peppy. Instead, he went with a particularly uninspiring Luther drone, and he paid the price. Syesha was good but boring. She's just nothing new, people. She's good, but there are a trillion other girls in the music industry who do what she does and do it BETTER. And Castro...he was the victim of a forgettable song, I think. He can bounce back, I'm sure. See you next week, when I'll continue to be right about everything.

***** DISCLAIMER *****
The opinions expressed by the three "FOX43 Idol Experts" do not necessarily reflect the opinions of FOX43, Tribune Broadcasting or FOX.
***************************

Posted by Prisoner No. 24601 at 9:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
TAGS: Idol Chatter, Idol Experts, Results

The Top 10 singers stormed the stage to belt out songs that were released the year each finalist was born. Sure, this guaranteed a lot of 80s music...but it also guaranteed one song from 1947. Thanks, Michael Johns!

Okay, even I've had enough of these singers butchering Beatles music. This week's theme was a bit more abstract...but still led to several strange song choices. This may be the best crop of singers in a while, but it's quite possibly the worst song-selection season in years!

I thought there were some serious kick-butt performances last night! The battle only gets tougher for the contestants from this point, and they have to bring it to win that spot in the spotlight.

This night made me MAD up until the very end...and even liking what I liked made me mad. But, let's get to it, dogg! A lot of...interesting stuff went down this week.

Ramiele Malubay
performed Alone by Heart

Well. It wasn't very good. It was better than her past few performances, but I don't think that'll keep her out of the Bottom 3. She's pretty much dead in the water. If she doesn't go this week, she'll be picked off within the next 2 or 3, tops. Shame, she's adorable. Just hurts her chances of winning that she's not nearly as good as the others.

It's not good when the backup singers are better than you. Well...at the very least they over-powered her. I'm sad, because I think this just proved to me that I don't think she can win. She didn't move around the stage, she doesn't perform much, she just stands still. She could've done a lot more with it. Sure, she belted a few hot notes, but...I don't think it was good enough to stick around much longer.

I think it was a little too big for her, but I guess she was sick. I'm glad she didn't pick a real slow song, but this song choice still wasn't great. I like Ramiele, and I think her fans may not be able to keep her safe this week.

You know what? I don't care if one of them is sick, either. The question is, did he or she SING WELL. Whatever the reason. Sorry, but you have to be heartless about this kind of thing.

You know I can't do that, Clyde. I AM Julie Heart, after all. What if one of your favorites had a cold and blew it one week? You'd change your tune if it was Brooke White.

True, but I'd still put her in the Bottom 3!

Jason Castro
performed Fragile by Sting

I have no idea what that song was at all...but it was really good! I was feelin' his vibe. I love the little vocal tricks, you can tell he was feelin' it while he was singing. Hot! Awesome! Sweet! Off the HOOK! And that he reffed the "keytar" during his intro video gives him bonus points from Artie!

Aww, it's his birthday! He's been playing guitar since he was a kid...and this was a natural song choice for Jason. It's not really what I'd expect to see on American Idol, but I liked it. The vocals weren't that impressive, but it made him look good, and he needed that.

I think it WAS a good vocal, actually...and he retained his emotional edge. I think the little ladies have found a boy to rally behind...and I'll continue to support him because he's just DIFFERENT. He's not a polished, showy jerk. Music doesn't NEED more of those. He's the guy playing in the subway, sure. But that's his appeal. He's the guy at the college coffeehouse, and that roughness mixed with the blue eyes and solid vocals should keep him around for a while. He does need to find a way to show a bit of depth, but let's be honest...this is what he'd do if he made an album. Why try to make him into something he's not? Long live Castro.

Syesha Mercado
performed If I Were Your Woman by Alicia Keys

First of all...the hair is BACK, which makes me HAPPY! I love the hair! Second, I think the VOICE is back, too! She was pretty strong. I thought it was solid, maybe a LITTLE pitchy at times...but, still, pretty darn powerful! Good stuff.

Good vocal, but I'm pretty sure I'm over her. And it's not just a hair thing, Artie, I'm afraid. It's only a matter of time before we all have to pretend to be surprised that she's sent home. It was her best in weeks, but the video clip they showed of her in the recap at the end displayed the worst, wobbliest part of her performance. She may even end up in the Bottom 3, but I think she'll be back next week. She's lucky the other girls were just mediocre...

WHAT?! Clyde, you're crazy! It was awesome. I'm SO glad Syesha is reminding us why she could still WIN this season! I love her, and I thought this was great. I've never heard the song before, but it worked for her.

Chikezie
performed If Only for One Night by Luther Vandross

You know, I usually don't like Chikezie...but I didn't hate him this week! It was honest, I thought, where he usually comes off as cheesy...or just plain CRAZY.

We continue to disagree, Julie! BORING! Lame song choice. Decent vocal, especially at the end...but, bad song. He'll be in the Bottom 3, and may even go home. Should've learned his lesson...he wasn't in danger of being eliminated when he did faster, more energetic songs during the Beatles weeks. I think he's in trouble, even if he's got an okay voice.

If he's gonna' portray himself as a goof, he needs to stop singing sappy "make love to me" songs like this! It was a good vocal, especially that lower-register ending he did. But...personally, I don't think that's the kind of song he will be able to pull off out there on his own. I think he needs to do more upbeat, energetic songs. Still, a decent performance, but one DANGEROUSLY close to forgettable.

Brooke White
performed Every Breath You Take by The Police

I'm on the fence, because I kinda' liked it and I kinda' didn't. I didn't like the arrangement very much. I like the original, and that wasn't my favorite version. She didn't murder it, but she DID make it a Brooke song, instead of a Police song, which is admirable. I don't think it showed off her voice well, but it was still good. I guess. Wasn't bad enough to break my fanboy crush on her, though.

Even with the little mistake in the beginning, I think she still did OK. It could have been great, because this was a good song for her...but I agree with the judges that she should have stayed with JUST the piano, and not brought in the band. She'll be fine this week, though.

The false start was handled BRILLIANTLY. She just kept going. That's what a pro would do, people. She's shown the ability to admit mistakes and make strengths out of weaknesses. Here's where I disagree with you, once again, Julie. She was beaten up a few weeks ago for doing a slow song and NOT speeding it up into a rock thing...it was when she did "Love is a Battlefield." This week, she takes that advice and gets slammed for the arrangement. Oh, well. I thought it was great. Voice is still lovely, personality is still delightful, performance was good enough. I liked it, and usually don't much care for the song...she's got a knack for that! Safe, and still the strongest and most-original woman in the competition.

She's good, don't get me wrong. I just didn't like where the arrangement went. I think if she had had more TIME to work with it, it could've been better. Cramming that whole song into the short time hurts them, sometimes, because they may not always be the best parts of the song. Whenever she just sings and plays piano, she amazes you. When the band comes in, it's too much. A major improvement over last week, though!

Same here, dogg. Didn't dig when it sped up, but I still dig her.

I don't think either of you quite understands how powerful a thing it is for me when someone can make a song from the 80s, a POLICE song, bearable. This performance was a total winner, in my book. Warts and all.

Michael Johns
performed We Will Rock You/We are the Champions by Queen

Back to Queen, huh? Okay, well...I'm tired of the complex arrangements he insists on using, lately. He's standing out more, which is good...but, come on! He is NOT Freddie Mercury! He'll get away with it, again, mainly because there were worse performances. But he might not be able to perform another Queen song soon enough to save him from an early demise. I'M ON TO YOU, MICHAEL JOHNS! This will keep him safe for another week or two. He's got a fine voice, I just think he's very bland. Even during a rock classic. Bland guys with a bit of talent do well, but they don't win American Idol. Right, Blake Lewis?

He is NOT bland! I love that he rocked-out to Queen, again! That was great, and the audience went nuts. Great song for him and great performance.

That was what America wanted from Michael Johns! It was NOT, however, what Artie wanted from Michael Johns. I want him singing INXS, and being the new Michael Hutchence. He should've been on that reality show, where the winner became the new frontman of INXS! I don't know why. Doesn't really make sense. I just think he could pull that off. But singing Queen again is going to work for him, no matter WHAT I think...and that makes me sad.

Carly Smithson
performed Total Eclipse of the Heart by Bonnie Tyler

Back in time, we're transported to the 80s, once again. I hate this stuff. Pretty much all popular music from that decade was a big, gloppy, cheesy mess. That said, it was a fine song choice for Carly. This is what her concert would sound like...Celine Dion 2000. The ending was absolutely disgusting, and I don't think the entire performance was as solid as it should be from someone we're constantly told is SO talented. A little sloppy, but I liked her performance of "Blackbird," so what do I know? She should be safe, but you never can tell. America's stupid, sometimes.

I LOVE this song for her! It was the perfect choice! I disagree with Randy, this was Carly's song. She may not have executed it perfectly, but it was good and people will remember it!

She stepped back into Celine/Belting Mode. The run at the end was unnecessary, and I didn't like it at all. It was too much. I want to put her in the same category as Michael Johns...her fans will gobble it up, but I wasn't really into it. Solid vocal, just like his. I wasn't a fan of that. Just kind of smarmy and...meh.

David Archuleta
performed You're the Voice by John Farnham (jigga-HUH?!)

He comes off as theatrical sometimes, like he should be singing in Disney's High School Musical.

Julie, please. He's not old enough to be in high school.

Oh, of course he is, Clyde! And Paula was SO right saying he could sing the phone book and people would love him. It's so true! He's the Golden Boy right now.

That's definitely true. He can do no wrong to a lot of fans. It was a lousy song choice for anyone who isn't a Clay Aiken or Josh Grobin fan. And I suspect all of Archie's fans DO fall into one or both of those categories. He's safe as safe can be, though I kind of wish he'd stumble a bit. Maybe some kind of fire would be lit, and he'd prove himself to me all over again. He's not coasting, but he's not improving. I don't know...good enough, but not my thing.

Same as the last few, dogg! Good vocal, don't care about the song! I was frustrated last night, man. Just weird...the whole night just bugged me out, for some reason!

Kristy Lee Cook
performed God Bless the U.S.A. by Lee Greenwood

Cheesy jingoism at its best...which is the worst! She's safe, though, and I'll tell you why. This is proof that she can sing to the Country music-loving audience WITHOUT necessarily singing a Country song. Her best performances so far have been "Amazing Grace" and, sadly, this song. That's your audience, Kristy, darling. Sing to it and only it! But it was a brilliant song choice. If she goes home this week, I will absolutely be shocked. It would be the most shocking moment in American Idol history, no doubt. Safe, safe, safe. Vomit.

MISSION ACCOMP-LEE-SHED!

Cute, Clyde. And smart move, Kristy. She's banking on people not wanting to vote off the patriotic chick...and she actually did a pretty good job with the song, I have to admit. She might actually make it through another week!

I officially hate this week. It's split between "Who Cares About This Song Because I've Never Heard It" and "Who Cares About This Song Because I've Heard It Too Much." I was just TIRED after watching this episode. Everyone is spoonfeeding exactly what their audiences want to hear to their fans. Carly did a big, slow thing she can belt on. Michael Johns went back to Queen. Archie just did his normal, adorable, predictable thing. Now, KLC goes the blatant, easy, patriotic route. They're all playing the game, now. I know that's how you win votes, but...I don't like the pandering. She's safe, because America loves America...not because she's good.

David Cook
performed Billie Jean by Michael Jackson

I get to go first, because you guys will make fun of him the entire time, and he's awesome!

Be our guest, then. I'll take that as an invite to bash him harder once you've had your turn, ha ha.

You know what? Go ahead! He just gets better and better every week. I love him, and he makes music MAGIC. I'm not a big Michael Jackson fan, and I never particularly liked this song...but David made it GREAT! I don't care what Clyde or ANYONE ELSE says...it was freakin' SWEET!

Artie, go for it. I'll wait...

Know what? I liked it! I don't usually like David Cook's sound, but I thought he did a good job. He injected his own rocker facade into something that's a Pop song...and it made it into a rock anthem. He took the song, made it his own...I was actually cool with it. This is exactly the opposite of what made me mad all night. After Kristy Lee poured it on thick, I didn't feel like this was forced or pandering. It didn't feel fake...for ONCE. Dogg.

Okay, look. Unlike Julie, I AM a fan of Michael Jackson's music. He's one of the all-time greats, without question, and "Billie Jean" is one of his best. Let's talk about what was missing - the BASSLINE. That song is all about the groove, and that Cook made it into a tender rock ballad isn't cool to me at all. It was 500% melodramatic. Yuck. It's brilliant, sure, because his fans will eat it up. But, come on. He's nothing original. He's learned to play to his crowd, and that's good enough to keep him around for many more weeks. I will never be a fan. I hate his look, his demeanor, his smug attitude and his predictable performances. And, yes, they ARE predictable. I've never heard "Billie Jean" done this way, before...but I knew exactly how it was going to sound after the first line or two. A solid performance that will work for his fanbase and make fans of actual rock music - and Michael Jackson - squirm. He's neck-and-neck with David Archuleta for male frontrunner, but I'm happy to cast my vote for the Independent candidate and continue to support Jason Castro. He would CLEARLY do more interesting music than Cook, who, if he ever put out an album, would fill it with the same heartbreak-rock garbage Chris Daughtry has been peddling. No bald jokes. I'm done with him. He's dead to me. Enjoy the colossal mistake you're making, America.

Um...hey, I have an idea. Let's move on to our predictions. Maybe that'll lighten the mood up a little in here...

Ramiele's in the Bottom 3, overshadowed by her backup singers...along with Chikezie and David Archuleta. I know there's NO WAY he'll be in there...but he deserves it for that song choice. It feels weird putting the Annointed One in there, but I have to continue my "He's Good, But I Don't Know What He'll Do After This Contest" thing. The other two just didn't bring their A-games, and Ramiele might be seriously damaged at this point. Chikezie needs to bring back and maintain the energy. Ramiele's going home, though. Feel free to shock me, though, America! Oh, and Best of the Night were David Cook and Syesha.

I really hate it, but I have to put Ramiele in my Bottom 3. I love her, but there were some great performances, and she didn't kick butt. I'll put Kristy Lee in the Bottom 3, because she needs to go home...but probably won't. David Arcuhleta probably should be in the Bottom 3, but I'll round it out with Chikezie. I think Ramiele may go home, she's loveable but she's not picking her perfect song. David Cook, no surprise, is my shining star above all the rest. Best of the night!

Ramiele not being able to sing anything but this mythical perfect song well is a bad sign, you know. There's this ONE song that is going to make her the best? Please. She's on her cute way home...but not this week. I think Chikezie leaves, obviously putting him in my Bottom 3. I'll throw Syesha in there, too, just for good measure. Have to play Devil's advocate, you know. But, yes...this is the end for Chikezie, even though Ramiele should leave. I think being cute will save her, and it will be a terrible, terrible thing. Best of the night? Brooke, for me. She was the only one I cared much about, and the only girl who can win this competition. David Cook was good, but makes me too mad. I hate him as a human being, not just as a singer. He represents all that is wrong with music, to me. Last season, guys like Chris Sligh and Blake Lewis were doing THE SAME THING, taking recognizeable songs and flipping them all around with arrangements that fit their one trick. It's shallow and phony and I see right through it. Will America? Not this week. They won't see past Ramiele's short skirt, either. Chikezie's out, but doesn't deserve it.

***** DISCLAIMER *****
The opinions expressed by the three "FOX43 Idol Experts" do not necessarily reflect the opinions of FOX43, Tribune Broadcasting or FOX.
***************************

Posted by Prisoner No. 24601 at 9:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
TAGS: Artie Funk, Clyde Collins, Idol Chatter, Idol Experts, Julie Heart

Will this year's winner be the best singer? Maybe. But, in the end, it's pretty much up to the individual where they go from here.

By Clyde Collins

Every season, American Idol cruises along, singers dropping like flies, as we make the steady march toward the crowning of a new champion. I hesitate to say crowning of a new musical superstar, because...well, sometimes, this happens:

In a world without Idol, Snoop and Taylor Hicks may never have joined forces to redefine the term "Soul Patrol." I'll leave whether or not that's a good thing up to you.

But, I get to thinking, sometimes...what are the Forgotten Idols up to, these days?

It can't be a good sign that Reuben Studdard performing the "Good-bye Song" for this season of the show is probably the first time most people have heard him sing since he apologized for the entire year of 2004. I mean, let's be serious! He fell off the map...and that had to be a considerably hard landing. Loud, also.

What does YouTube turn up for the big man?

David Archuleta wasn't the FIRST to wow the crowd with a cover of John Lennon's "Imagine."

Judge for yourself, folks. Which is the best rendition of that classic song?

The choice is clear, to me. Reuben was just GOOD. Solid, soulful...you almost never hear anyone praise David "Archie" Archuleta without saying he's good "FOR HIS AGE." There's always a subtle disclaimer, in there.

They both lose to this guy, however:

But, I digress. There's a reason Reuben won Season 2, folks. He was truly bigger AND better than Clay Aiken. And Archie pretty much IS Clay Aiken, down to the gawky, awkward mannerisms.

But, as for Reuben...

...since then, he's done some Gospel stuff, which is lovely and all. Hardly mainstream enough to keep him on the radar, though. That's a HUGE blip on the radar, by the way. We wouldn't miss it if it was there.

At least he showed up during the Season 6 Finale, to show up Jordin Sparks:

Fantasia Burrito (I know that's not her last name, folks) was the best thing that happened during Season 3, without a doubt. I loved this performance when I first saw it. Just riveting.

Still, did winning make Ms. Burrito a tremendously-popular superstar?

Nah, not really. She was even the butt of some cruel illiteracy jokes, for a while.

She did star in a Lifetime life story movie, though.

Hm. Well, she's definitely good at what she does. Not exactly setting the music world on fire, though. She does something very specific...

...and, I think it's safe to say, her time in the spotlight is pretty much ancient history. Could she pop up with a hot R&B song at some point and have a decent run? Maybe if Idol had her back and pushed it. But would SHE be happy doing that kind of thing?

I'm not convinced she NEEDS that level of stardom.

It's interesting, really. The judges try hard to help the contestants figure out "what their records/concerts would sound like" while they're on the show. They try to pigeon-hole them, really.

It works, sometimes. Carrie Underwood was a Country singer, no doubt. And she's doing very well in that genre, which has a bit of crossover appeal with Pop musice, in many parts of the country.

Being pigeon-holed or simply choosing to do one style can backfire, I guess. But if it's a personal or spiritual choice, as I assume it was for Fantasia, maybe a decent amount of success and acclaim from the right audience is all you need to feel vindicated?

That's not for the average Pop music station, to be sure. But...you can't say she doesn't sing with all she's got in this clip. I'm still glad she whupped that little punk, Diana Degarmo.

The second place contestant, traditionally, doesn't do very well, either. There are a few exceptions to the rule.

Clay Aiken rules his legions of Claymates. Blake Lewis has an album out...probably won't have much staying power, but at least he's on the radio after losing in the finale. A lot of them don't get much exposure after the show, and just can't catch on at all.

Katherine McPhee? Meh. Who cares what she's doing? I'd be more interested to hear from Taylor Hicks again, honestly.

Bo Bice? Sure, like anyone's thought about HIM since he lost to Carrie.

And, of course...Justin Guarini, the Original First-Place Loser. Kelly Clarkson wiped the FLOOR with him at the end of the first season. He's a punchline for life, with that goofy, Bozo the Clown hair and over-earnest demeanor.

Kelly is STILL making interesting, current, radio-worthy music...and, perhaps, remains the best overall winner out of the 6. This isn't necessarily in terms of talent. They're ALL very good. She's just able to stay in the spotlight and continue to prove her versatility. Pop music listener tastes change pretty quickly, and keeping up is tough even for seasoned pros.

Carrie's a huge success, sure. Jordin Sparks is on the radio at this very moment, and making the talk show rounds to promote her debut album. She's bubbly and young and...well, her music really isn't anything different. She's got potential, though, and plenty of time to find her place in the industry before everyone stops caring.

It's happened before.

Look at Kelly Pickler! Even people who didn't even come close to winning the season can have a successful career. Consider Jennifer Hudson, or that military Country singer, Josh Gracin. She's winning Oscars, and he's still a recognizeable name to the right audience.

Even BUCKY COVINGTON is touring with original tunes. I mean, COME ON!

Some losers host entertainment shows. Others show up in soaps.

Some are punchlines for the ages, like Guarini.

Some leave amid scandal.

Then, you have the William Hung thing.

This show can launch a career for anyone who makes a splash deep enough into the pop cultural psyche of the American viewing public. These days, where you can be famous just for BEING FAMOUS, when you can score a reality show just by virtue of having been on a TV show at some point, when falling apart in the tabloids can make you not only current news, but a HERO to some...

...the sky's the limit, really.

Let's not forget, however, that they're looking for a POP STAR. In the end, it may not always be the best TECHNICAL singer taking the title of American Idol - hey, there, Melinda Doolittle - but the person who is most engaging to the audience, who touches the most people, who outlasts all the others, will have the best chance at becoming the next Kelly Clarkson or Carrie Underwood.

Will it happen?

Nothing's guaranteed. But does that mean the other winners are inferior, or that they shouldn't have won? Of course not. The right person won, every time. The most engaging singer won.

Whoever wins Season 7 will immediately be under the microscope. He or she will be judged by everyone, compared to past winners, and pretty much become a success or a complete flop within the span of about 6 months.

Maybe we won't be singing Brooke White songs 10 years from now. Then again, maybe we will.

What if Amanda Overmyer and David Hernandez put out a duet next week and it exploded into an Internet and radio sensation? Unlikely, but...never say never in the world of Idol.

And don't take winning - or losing - too seriously.

Remember when this commercial played every 13 seconds? Watch it, then hate me for a week...when it's finally out of your head.

I rest my case.

Posted by Prisoner No. 24601 at 4:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
TAGS: American Idol, Clyde Collins, Idol Experts, Video

The FOX43 Idol Experts scramble for cover as Idol-Bunny Kellie Pickler headlines a semi-surprising Bottom Three. Did your favorite survive America's thumbs-down?

With a Bottom Three consisting of the expected (Kristy Lee, now in her thirty-seventh consecutive Bottom Three), the deserving (Amanda, who should have left .2 seconds after we all realized she's a one trick pony), and the surprising (Carly, who openly lied to America about never before doing "soft ballads")... the votes were counted and...

America put Amanda Overmyer back on her cliched bike and sent her home.

Keep on rockin' in the free world, Amanda! So much for the Rock 'n' Roll portion of this summer's Idol Tour.

FOX43 Idol Expert Artie put Michael Johns, Kristy Lee Cook and Ramiele Malubay in his personal Bottom Three. Math is tough, but that's only one for three. Artie?

Funk: Dude. I may have been 1 for 3 this week, but I'll gladly be off if this is the result! We got another unexpected gift from America: No more Biker-Nurse mumbling lyrics that hurt and confuse our ears. I didn't put her in the bottom because I thought she had enough fans to carry her through another round, but I certainly had little love for ol' Blonde Streak.

And now I'm afraid to ever say that KLC deserves to go home, because I'm scared I'll never be right about it! At this rate, she's gonna win it all! (I truly hope not, though)!

By the way... I really don't think Carly belonged down there with the likes of those chicks.

FOX43 Idol Expert Julie put Chikezie, Kristy Lee Cook, and Jason Castro in her personal Bottom Three. Why I do declare, but that's another one for three. Did America misdial, Julie?

Heart: Carly in the Bottom Three is not cool! But before I continue, I have to point out how I had forgotten how cute/annoying Kellie Pickler is. Sort of like this:

Thanks for reminding me, Idol!

Anyway, Amanda O. is going home and I'm happy to hear it. She was too predictable and stopped being an original by her second or third performance.

Kristy Lee, your days are numbered!

FOX43 Idol Expert Clyde put Amanda Overmyer, Kristy Lee Cook, and Michael Johns as of bottom of his barrel. Clyde wins the week with two out of three, but to be fair, who would have predicted Carly's tumble?

Collins: Well, I was right last week... but I'm glad to be wrong this week, if it means not having to hear Overmyer quacking lyrics into her own armpit another week! Carly was a bit of a surprise, and I think Michael Johns or Syesha Mercado certainly deserved to make the Bottom Three instead. Still, no issues with the results. I've already pretty much decided on a Final Four, and all the others have to be picked off at SOME point.

Congrats to the Top Ten! You're going on the Idol Tour and that's a pretty nice prize in and of itself!

Next week should allow several favorites to bounce back, and I'm looking forward to weeding out the rubbish bit by bit.

Still, on being two for three this week... I mean, Amanda or Kristy? Either leaving is a relief, honestly. For the record, however, I'm glad it was Amanda. Good night and good luck, biker-nurse.

***** DISCLAIMER *****
The opinions expressed by the three "FOX43 Idol Experts" do not necessarily reflect the opinions of FOX43, Tribune Broadcasting or FOX.
***************************

Posted by Joe at 11:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
TAGS: American Idol, Idol Chatter, Idol Experts

Idol visits the Beatles catalog for a second week, making sure Sir Paul has plenty of money-ammo for his inevitable copyright battle with iTunes. Who will the Idol Experts pick to make it into the Top Ten (and therefore, your hometown concert venue)? READ ON!

ANOTHER Beatles Night? I'll gladly take it, whether it be, as Seacrest claimed, "by popular demand," or a scheduling error. Poor David "Archie" Archuleta...if he was nervous last week, he probably wet the bed from fear, hearing about the return engagement. Anyway, for the most part, it may seem like giving the Top 11 one more shot at the greatest collection of songs ever written would be a very good thing. As we've seen, though, it can easily backfire. Let's get to another evening out... with the Beatles! It's like a do-over, only without David Hernandez prancing around the stage. Shame, too. Scandals aside, he was actually talented.

I wonder if the contestants will pick bigger and harder songs tonight? Will somebody finally sing "Yesterday," after name-dropping a million times last week? David Archuleta better come back after missing the words last week, and Kristy Lee Cook is going to need to hit it out of the park if she expects to make the Top Ten.

So Beatles Week Two begins now! Let's get it on!

performed "Back in the USSR"

Funk: Same every week. I don't like her but I see her appeal for the Kentucky-fried chain smokers out there. She will stay because it was an OK performance that'll get those corncob votes.

Heart: This was a good song choice for her to do her thing and rock out. Although I'm still not a fan. She's predictable and I can't imagine her making it through too many more cuts.

Collins: Going first won't help her at all. I asked her to do "Oh, Darling" last week, and she ignored me. Bad call, biker-nurse. She's really not choosing songs that showcase her style... and the ones she IS picking don't really show any depth. This was, once again, the same-old. She was energetic, but it's just more shouting over guitars, melody be damned.

performed "You've Got to Hide Your Love Away"

Funk: I thought that was pretty good, but not winning the week good. Much, much better than the last two weeks... very strong finish. And she still looks purty. Happy she laid off the country. The pre-song montage spoke volumes about her inevitable destiny. Kristy, you're the underdog because you're not always that good.

Heart: Well, at least she knows her days are numbered. That was a lot better than last week, but not enough energy. I wouldn't be surprised if she's in the bottom three again.

Collins: I'm happier with this song choice and the arrangement than I was with that jug-band garbage she got away with last week... but it was just okay, for me. Forgettable, though not horrible... she has yet to blow anyone out of his or her socks yet, vocally. I don't think purty is enough to save her again this week. And why have these idiots never heard any Beatles songs? They're all JUST NOW discovering this stuff? Knowledge of Beatles music should be a pre-requisite to becoming a professional musician. Come on, kids!

performed "The Long and Winding Road"

Heart: People can't help but love this kid. He didn't go crazy with the song, but it still sounded great - and he remembered all the words! Ya know he's gonna be Top Five, maybe Top Two even. He has the "It" factor.

Funk: The "It" factor for what age group? Sure, this kid's got amazing tone and a cute personality - which makes America in general root for him - but the only people who are going to be interested in what this kid sings is... my mom. File him under Michael Bolton and Josh Groban. Very talented, but only Silver Foxes will flock to his concerts, granny-panties in hand.

Collins: Perfect song choice, but what a GOON he is! Now that we're forced to hear him speak more, it's plain to see that he's a complete dweeb. Anyway, good song for him, and he's back to form, thanks to Sir Paul's classic. David NAILED it, even if it was a natural, easy choice for him. Upgrade, Archie!

performed "A Day in the Life"

Collins: Okay, in reference to his intro video... his cover of "Bohemian Rhapsody," as I've said before, was the ONLY truly memorable moment he's delivered all season. That's terrible, considering everyone thinks of him as a real threat at winning the competition. He's going down. See, this was interesting on Difficulty Level, alone. But I'd imagine that any young people voting for him didn't like it at all. Old ladies? Sure. But it ended up just being a strange song choice from one of, maybe, THREE who actually know Beatles songs. He hit a bad note or two, and it was a tad boring. I think he screwed up the lyrics at the end, singing "having read the book" twice in a row. I don't know... it was just odd. This song is so all over the place, I think that super-cramped arrangement simply swallowed him up. Shame he decided to dedicate it to a deceased friend, rather than thinking about something the audience might actually enjoy.

Funk: Yeah, dawg, seems like the song took so much work to get chopped up, that it was almost unrecognizable. It was so stripped down that the whole feeling of the song was lost. That, plus he didn't knock any of those notes out of the park. Weak.

Heart: It was all right, a little rough in the beginning. I didn't really like the arrangement, but I think he has enough of a history singing well that fans will keep him this week.

performed "Here Comes the Sun"

Funk: Cheery, all right, but not her best. Underwhelming, but I'm still a fan. She'll be all right. She better be all right. And her post-song interview was HILARIOUS! She was awesome, like she was on a conference call with a bunch of close friends. She will get votes just because she is humble and natural.

Heart: Aww, Brooke she's so cute! Even in her awkwardness, she makes you smile. Not her best performance, but she'll be fine.

Collins: A bit of a safe song, kind of dull... but, she'll benefit from the intro video reminding everyone about last week's stellar performance of "Let It Be." It was decent, and she'll be safe. Even if her odd dancing made me miss her playing piano or guitar. Should be a good test of her fanbase, really. I think she has enough of one, at this point, to weather a lackluster performance or two... as long as there are still weaker singers around her. And there are.

performed "Daytripper"

Collins: In regards to his intro video, I disagree with his assertion that last week's "Eleanor Rigby" was his best moment. Maybe his favorite... but his best was still Lionel Richie's "Hello" a few weeks ago. Well, it was an interesting song choice, to be sure. A solid performance that his fans will eat up. He clearly called up that mimbo Constantine and asked for tips on making out with the camera. And what was with that goofy Peter Frampton, talking guitar bit? EEEEW. Talk about pseudo-cool. I suppose he was fine, but I don't like him. Still. And I don't think I ever will. And he's smug and completely not funny. I can't even get into his personality. When he finally goes home, it'll feel really, really good to me.

Heart: He makes you feel like you're watching a real concert and not just American Idol. Clyde, sorry, but Cook did it again! I really think the more you guys hate him the better he does. For the record, the voice box was cool.

Funk: This guy is a bad impression of three different rockers: Scott Weiland (STP), Scott Stapp (Creed), and Eddie Vedder (Pearl Jam). But guess what... he's not on enough drugs nor does he have the stage presence to be Scott Weiland. He's not sincere and intense enough to be Scott Stapp. And he's not awesome enough (nor does he have enough hair) to be Eddie Vedder... He's definitely got the rock FEEL down pat, and he knows what elements of a rock performance to put out there, but none of it feels genuine, or good. All that said, the ladies in the crowd love him, and I'm sure they'll vote with their nether-regions, much like both of the Kristy Lee Cook fans do. And David Cook, I know Peter Frampton. And you, dawg, are NO Peter Frampton. It's been a good three decades since talking guitars were cool. David, get ready for your very own Geico commercial.

performed "Blackbird"

Funk: Solid. I have to disagree with her statement that she hasn't done "that kind of soft, ballady-type song yet". Don't the hundred Celine Dion songs that she's already sang not count as "soft"? That aside, a good performance. She's still bound for Top Three, easily.

Heart: I think it was interesting seeing something a little different from Carly. It wasn't my favorite from her, but I still liked it. P.S. I really hope that 7 tattoo was more than just for American Idol.

Collins: Tremendous song choice. Elegant and understated, instead of that over-the-top Celine thing she likes to do. She chose a song she could really show off with, and she did a fine job. That big finish alone is enough to keep her safe for at least 5 more weeks. I can't believe I actually LIKED her, this week! I think Simon was way off, which is rare. Quite good.

performed "Michelle"

Funk: I thought it was pretty good. Again, not blowing me away. He continues to make the ladies swoon with his sweet and pure-sounding vocals and awkward personality. "Michelle" was a pretty good song choice for him, letting him play up the sensitive side we've come to expect from him. It did lack in excitement, though, which can be dangerously forgettable. I dig this cat, but I really don't think he's gonna win this season, and if he wants to stick around much longer, he's going to have to somehow kick it up a bit from here on in.

Heart: He seems like such a goofy guy sometimes, but he has such honesty in his voice. He did OK, but this week has been a little weak tonight so far.

Collins: A very plodding, Jason-style song choice, and he gave it a sweet, pleasant delivery. That much, we've come to expect. It was a bit of a departure, somehow, I thought. He seemed to actually be trying to flirt with the lady voters, for the first time...but it still came off as genuine. It was nice and serene, and should work for his fans, though I doubt it'll win a lot of new ones. And what did I saw last week about him needing his guitar?! Proof, fans. A good performance, but nothing that'll secure his spot in the season finale. I think I like that he's the Anti-David Cook. He's humble, genuine and subtle. Simple talent over forced attitude, long hair over thinning hair. He'll live to sing another week... LONG LIVE CASTRO! ONLY THREE TO GO UPDATE: At this point, I'm thinking Michael Johns REALLY needs Syesha, Chikezie or Ramiele to blow it. He has yet to top "Rhapsody," which was a BILLION weeks ago, and tonight's arrangement was lame. People may rush to put Jason in the Bottom 3, but I think he's safe on charm and vibe, this week.

performed "Yesterday"

Heart: Finally! Someone is singing Yesterday! She really sang this with some raw emotion and it was a high point in the night. She will NOT be in the Bottom Three after that performance!

Funk: ...Yesterday, your hair looked better than it does today... Julie, I gotta disagree, but let me talk directly to my girl Syesha on this one... Syesha, this could have been YOUR song... but you fell short, baby. Solid showing, but you fudged some of the notes and that kept it from being a ten. This was supposed to be your "Over the Rainbow" and it just wasn't. PS, "Fiance"?!?! Booooooooo! =^(

Collins: I really wanted her to hit a grand slam, with this one. And you know what? She FAILED. It started off very weak, and...didn't get much better. She's terribly inconsistent. I wasn't feeling this slow, dreary arrangement at all. She did the OPPOSITE of last week... instead of being screwed by a complex song, she didn't do ENOUGH with a simple one. You need soul and emotion for a song like this, and I felt like she sacrificed those things to focus exclusively on tired vocal tricks. It was just okay, to be honest. The judges CLEARLY just want to keep her in the competition, because she didn't deserve the glowing praise they gave her. Better than last week, but still not great. Stock DOWN.

performed "I've Just Seen a Face"

Funk: I must agree with Paula. I thought that was really cool, heartfelt at the start and then he busted out the harmonica (which may have been busted by itself), but then he pulled it back together with an upbeat take on the song. Which I dug. He made honky-tonk Beatles work where Kristy Lee failed.

Heart: Um, interesting? Wasn't really expecting that to suddenly turn country. It didn't suck but I don't know if it was really good.

Collins: It was a hot take on a twangy, lesser-known song. I think he did it again! It was a bit safe, but a good, energetic performance. Exciting and varied, it was a real showcase for him. The actual song IS very Country-ish, and it seems the judges forgot that. Anyway, he did a lot with it. Chikezie's found his groove, and I think the song got a little goofy in the end because, I suspect, HE is a little goofy. He pulled it off, I think he's safe. Pick apart the arrangement all you want, but his vocal was strong.

performed "I Should've Known Better"

Funk: Not the greatest thing I have ever heard, a little too mechanical and flat. Not flat tone-wise, but flat energy-wise. I keep waiting for her to blow me away and this didn't do it. Dawg.

Heart: I'm so glad she did an upbeat song this week, maybe not the best song choice but I still liked it. It looked a little karaoke but at least she was having fun and showing off that big voice.

Collins: Speeding it up after last week's Malubay Lullabye was a good call... but she's lucky she went last. Otherwise, it'd be absolutely forgettable. I'm not a fan of her hat... give that thing back to David Cook, Ramiele! It wasn't a HORRIBLE vocal, but it could've been better from a girl like her. Just decent-ish. I still think she's safe, honestly. But, we'll see.

OVERALL STANDINGS - Bottom Three

Funk: In the doghouse this week are Michael Johns, Kristy Lee Cook and Ramiele Malubay. Respectively: bad song arrangement, bad history, boring performance. I know we say this every week, but KLC needs to go.

Heart: My bottom three are Chikezie, Kristy Lee Cook, and Jason Castro. Clyde, I know you don't think Jason belongs there, but when you look at the singing, he deserves it. Although I'd switch him for Amanda Overmyer just because I don't like her and I don't think fans like her (even though this week was better than most for her). Kristy Lee, it's your time to go. Stop floating through on your looks.

Collins: Michael Johns and Syesha Mercado both disappoint me too often. They're both SLIPPING. But my bottom three are as follows: Amanda Overmyer was lousy, Kristy Lee Cook was uninspired and shaky, and Michael Johns' arrangement was a wreck. I know it's a gutsy move, putting him in the Bottom 3, but... I'm going there. I think Ramiele will be okay, for some reason. Just a hunch. Who's going home? Amanda Overmyer was the worst of the night. Should've listened to me and picked that other song. But my killer instinct says the low-vote-getter will be Kristy Lee Cook. Your time has finally come! I was right about David Hernandez last week, so... let's hope I'm 2 for 2!

KRISTY LEE COOK, YOU'RE ON NOTICE!

OVERALL STANDINGS - Top Three of the Week

Funk: And in the dawghouse this week (see what I did there?), my faves are Syesha, Carly and Chikezie... although Chikezie is nowhere near the level of Syesha and Carly.

Heart: They really should have stuck to one Beatles night; two was too many. And almost everybody did better last week. My Two Daves were great, but Syesha really stood out from the crowd. By far the best! She's been my top pick to win it all, but she was sliding further and further down over the past few weeks... I'm happy to see her come back strong!

Collins: Archie is back after a lame performance last week! He and Carly topped them all, once again.

***** DISCLAIMER *****
The opinions expressed by the three "FOX43 Idol Experts" do not necessarily reflect the opinions of FOX43, Tribune Broadcasting or FOX.
***************************

Posted by Joe at 8:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
TAGS: American Idol, Idol Chatter, Idol Experts

IDOL GIVES BACK, the historic Emmy Award-winning television event and music celebration airing Wednesday, April 9 (7:30-10:00 PM ET) on FOX43, will raise awareness and funds to benefit six charities including: the Children’s Defense Fund, The Global Fund, Make It Right, Malaria No More, Save The Children and the Children’s Health Fund.

This year’s event, beginning at a special 7:30 PM start time, will be bigger and more ambitious than ever. The one-of-a-kind charity special will feature incredible international artists and sports figures including Bono, Brad Pitt, Reese Witherspoon, Miley Cyrus, Eli Manning, Peyton Manning, Mariah Carey, Fergie, Chris Daughtry, Carrie Underwood, Annie Lennox, John Legend and Snoop Dogg. Additional artists scheduled to appear to be announced.

During the show, viewers will be able to make donations via toll-free lines and the Internet. The money raised by the charity special will be distributed by IDOL GIVES BACK to the following beneficiaries:

Children's Defense Fund
For 35 years the Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) has worked relentlessly to ensure a level playing field for all children by lifting them out of poverty, protecting them from abuse and neglect, and ensuring access to health care, quality education, and a moral and spiritual foundation to help them succeed with the help of caring adults and communities. Begun in 1973, CDF is a private, nonprofit organization supported by foundation and corporate grants and individual donations and does not take government funds.

The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis
Bono has campaigned in the United States and around the world on behalf of the Global Fund with his two organizations: ONE, which lobbies governments, and (RED), which targets the private sector for contributions. The Global Fund is the world’s leading funder of programs to fight AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, which together kill over 6 million people per year. Created in 2002, the Global Fund has approved 450 grants to programs worth $7 billion in 136 countries. Of this, $2.3 billion has been committed to AIDS programs in Africa. As of December 2006, Global Fund-financed programs had put 770,000 people on antiretroviral (ARV) treatment; distributed 18 million insecticide-treated bed nets to combat malaria; and detected and treated more than 2 million TB cases, which are rising sharply due to co-infection with HIV. All Global Fund-financed programs support 2 million orphans around the world.

Make It Right
In December 2007, Brad Pitt launched a national fundraising campaign to help New Orleans recover from the lasting devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina. MAKE IT RIGHT is committed to building 150 houses in the Lower Ninth Ward, and ensuring a green, affordable, sustainable and replicable community to serve as a model for further rebuilding throughout the city.

Malaria No More
Malaria No More's mission is simple: to end deaths due to malaria. Although it is preventable and treatable, malaria continues to kill more children in Africa than any other disease, claiming more than 1 million lives a year. Malaria No More works to raise the profile of this crisis among the public, policymakers, and businesses, while engaging the private sector to provide life-saving mosquito nets and other critical interventions to families in Africa. Through the support of Idol Gives Back 2007, Malaria No More has protected more than a million mothers and children from malaria to date in Uganda, Zambia, Angola, Madagascar, and Mali.

Save the Children
Save the Children is the leading independent organization creating real and lasting change for children in need in the United States and around the world. Save the Children’s U.S. Programs focus on underserved rural areas, where one in five children lives in poverty. Partnering with schools and community organizations, Save the Children provides high quality early childhood education services for children from birth to age five and literacy, physical activity and nutrition programs for children in kindergarten through eighth grade, benefiting over 35,000 children nationwide. Save the Children’s work in the United States also includes emergency preparedness, response and recovery. When a disaster strikes, Save the Children deploys trained teams to help displaced children and families and provide more secure environments. In addition, Save the Children works with local, state and national governments to ensure that the unique needs of children are integral in emergency response plans.

Children’s Health Fund
Founded in 1987 by singer/songwriter Paul Simon, and pediatrician/advocate Irwin Redlener, MD, the Children’s Health Fund (CHF) is committed to providing health care to the nation's most medically under-served children and their families through the development and support of innovative medical programs, response to public health crises, and the promotion of guaranteed access to appropriate health care for all children. They partner with major academic medical centers to deliver health care to disadvantaged children and families in both rural and urban areas across the country.

Posted by Joe at 12:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
TAGS: American Idol, Idol Gives Back, Special

The FOX43 Idol Experts tell you Who's Who in the Bottom Three, in a very Whooey Results show. And who got the whoot ... I mean the boot!

We crank it up to Eleven (contestants) after this week's elimination. Let's see how the Chatterer's predictions held up, and what they have to say for themselves...

America voted, and DAVID HERNANDEZ... You're going home.

And here's your Illustrious Bottom Three, Chatterheads:

Artie "I Say 'Dude' and 'Dawg' To Try To Be Cool With The Kids" Funk selected Kristy Lee, David Hernandez, and Ramiele Malubay for his Bottom Three, with Kristy Lee going home. Two for three ain't too shabby. What does he have to say about Mr. Hernandez's expulsion this week?

Artie Funk

Funk: Yo, I'm agreeable to the decision the Idol fans made this week. I was surprised that Syesha was in the Bottom Three, but I can understand why she dropped in popularity. I just didn't think she'd drop that far. I thought there were others who did way worse than she did.

As for America stripping David Hernandez of his right to become a true American Idol, I'm cool with it. I thought he'd go next week, but I'm shedding no tears because he's gone already.

What did make me shed a tear, however, was this:

Seeing too much of Jim Carrey plugging his movie was pretty annoying. I kinda wanted him to be in the Bottom Three, just so he would go home. The problem with that, though, is that it would've saved Hernandez's butt, and I'm not cool with hearing him sing anymore.

Oh...and I think we all agree that Kristy Lee Cook is on notice. Hard. All of her fans' hands are scorched after lifting her butt outta the fire this week. She needs to go with the right kind of country for the song, which she absolutely did not do this week.

Julie "My Screenname is 'DavidCookFanGrrrl'" Heart chose Amanda Overmyer, Kristy Lee Cook, David Archuleta as her Bottom Three, but she also thought Kristy Lee would be hitting the bricks. One outta three!

Julie Heart

Heart: I was shocked that Syesha was in the Bottom Three! I want to know what the heck you Idol fans are thinking! I really was hoping Kristy was heading out this week, but I was so happy to see "Crazy-Eyes" Hernandez go home. I wonder if his stripper job stalled out the Bible-Belt voters... that's the sort of thing you need to think about in politics and Idol.

I also want Amanda out of this competition next week, please. Mostly because she is not good. But also because she didn't help that Beatles medley out at all. At least don't give her any more solos in the group songs! Ew!

Other things of interest that I feel like mentioning here: I guess Horton really is desperate for an audience if they're sending Jim Carrey to show up on Idol. And I thought the call-in segment was dumb and a waste of time.

Clyde "I Have An Unhealthy Dislike For Hidden Receding Hairlines" Collins chose Ramiele Malubay, David Hernandez, and Kristy Lee Cook for his Bottom Three... 2 for 3, sir...

Clyde Collins

Collins: David Hernandez leaving was a pretty easy call. He picked the wrong song for his style of singing, and, as predicted, Kristy Lee Cook's looks kept her safe for at least another week. Seeing Syesha in the Bottom 3 was a BIT of a surprise, but not MUCH. I did describe her performance as 'lousy,' after all. Justice was served, this week. And did they say they're doing ANOTHER Lennon-McCartney Week?! Idol really must love me, after all! See you next week, when David Cook will continue to experiment with hairline-hiding hats, and I'll continue to be absolutely right in everything I say!

So there you have it! The FOX43 Idol Experts' continue to have opinions that you want to hear about!

What did YOU CHATTERHEADS think of this week's results? Drop us a comment and let us know. Also, check back during the week to see if we post anything Idol-related between competiton nights!

***** DISCLAIMER *****
The opinions expressed by the three "FOX43 Idol Experts" do not necessarily reflect the opinions of FOX43, Tribune Broadcasting or FOX.
***************************

Posted by JT at 11:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
TAGS: American Idol, Idol Chatter, Idol Experts

This is an important week, because this the first time that the girls and boys have to directly compete against each other. Plus, we're inching ever closer to that magical Top Ten... which Idol fans know is the cut-off point for the popular summer Idol concert tour. If you make it to the Top Ten, you're at least going to see the country and sing for fans, rather than drifting back into obscurity alongside Colton Berry.

We were greeted by a brand new set...but did the Top 12 deliver anything fresh and different, this week?

Wow! They sure are really excited about that new set, weren't they?

It sure seemed like they were totally stretching to fill some time here, but what are you gonna do about that? Oh and by the way, welcome back, Julie! I know you didn't appreciate the David Cook comments from last week. Let's see if more than his forehead shines this week! On with the show...

Collins: Lennon-McCartney night is a mixed blessing for me. As a huge fan of The Beatles and their solo work, the theme made me happy and completely prepared to cringe a lot, all at once. If they're going to step up, though, this was the arena to do it...and a few absolutely did.

Heart: I can't believe it took 'til Season 7 to be able to sing Beatles songs!

Funk: I know, right? I mean, two cultural forces of such magnitude should have met like this long ago, it seems.

Syesha Mercado
performed Got to Get You into My Life

Funk: Yo! I thought that was hot! Way to start off the night! She mixed up the style a bit and sang it like she wanted it to sound, while still stay true to the original. And --MAN!-- she totally belted that last note like a pro!

Heart: I think she took a bit of a risk singing a lesser-know Beatles song, but I think it could pay off making her sound more original. I agreed with Simon. She did better than just okay. I think she rocked it! I also liked her hair.

Collins: It was a lousy, showy rendition of a great song, which, incidentally, Paul McCartney wrote as a love song to marijuana. Her voice was 8/10, but the arrangement didn't sit well with me. The girls had a distinct advantage, last night, as hearing these songs sung by women makes them instantly different and changes the lyrical meaning without some huge, crapped-up arrangement getting in the way. She made it her own, but I didn't like it much.

Chikezie
performed She's a Woman

Funk: Dude! If nothing else, the energy from that performance will lift him up out of the bottom two for this week, I think. I liked how he changed the feeling halfway through and really amped it up. Yo! He even took on the Lennon Stutter (TM) and pulled it off to great effect. It was great to see him get his groove on with that song, dawg.

Heart: I don' t know, Artie. I think it was a lil too much country-funk in the beginning. He reminded me of Taylor Hicks in the middle with all the craziness... but I did like his energy. He'll be memorable, but I'm not sure he'll make it past the Top 10, anyway, though.

Collins: I love this song, and must've dug the arrangement, because I found myself humming along almost instantly, like I've heard this version before. A first for Mr. Eze to get me excited, I have to say...a little too much, really, but he did a decent job, and at least he FINALLY showed a little LIFE! A hit for Chikezie, nice job.

Ramiele Malubay
performed In My Life

Collins: Not to be racist, but listening to the first few notes of the arrangement reminded me of the music you might hear in a Chinese restaurant, where they redo popular songs with a slow, drifty, Asian feel. Right away, upon hearing her voice, I thought this would be a perfect iTunes download for high school seniors about to graduate. Feel free to make your little slideshows to this, kids! It was a nice arrangement, but she hit an odd note or two at the end, and didn't finish strong. A bit safe, but not terrible by any means. Doing a simple, even slightly predictable take on an easy song is just as good or bad as ruining a more-challenging song (cough - SYESHA - cough).

Heart: As much as I was dying for her to do a crazy/fun/upbeat song, I still enjoyed the soft sweetness of her voice. And Simon was way too harsh on her.

Funk: I don' know...I thought that was a pretty rendition and she did a solid, heartfelt performance. I don't think she knocked it outta the park, but that was good. I was feelin' it.

Jason Castro
performedIn My Life

Collins: As soon as I heard the theme, I was DYING to know what song he would choose. He had the chance to OWN this night...and fell JUST short. It was a great song choice, and he was solid. I don't know if this was his David Archuleta Moment (TM), but I do think he NEEDS to have that guitar in his hand. It's NOT a crutch, it's just not natural for him to be singing without one. Think about it...John Mayer without a guitar is just a whiny jerk. Jason's a bit lost without one, so I'm glad it was back this week. What I like about Mr. Castro is that he is very college coffeehouse. I liked the emotion in his voice, and that he feels anti-mainstream pop, very chill and human and humble. Stick around, Jason, you're more of a breath of fresh air than Amanda Overmyer will EVER be, no matter what those idiot judges think.

Funk: See... I thought he was at a bit of a disadvantage this week because of the theme. Jason didn't kill, which is disappointing, but not unexpected here. I really dig his style in general. I think he could be another really chill-accoustic guitar-Jack Johnson kind of artist. But the problem with that style and this song, is that it's hard for Jason to take this song and put it in his style, because it's already kind of in his style, being light-hearted and accousticy. I don't know if that was his best, but I hope he sticks around.

Heart: I think he did an okay job. He knows people like him doing the "guitar thang" - so I think he connected with the audience but I'm still not in love with him.

Funk: So Heart doesn't heart Jason?

Heart: Not so much, yet. No.

Carly Smithson
performed Come Together

Funk: Aside from the weird shopping list she and Seacrest decided to chat about, Carly was on point tonight, dude. Home. Run. She rocked that song so hard, my face might have melted a bit. I'm glad she did this song the rock justice it deserves. And the fact that she does that song all the time probably just made her feel way more comfortable performing it than the others in the Dirty Dozen.

Heart: Carly finally showed off her tattoos and her rocker-side. I like it! You could tell she was having so much fun! She did an awesome job - Carly's back, baby!!

Collins: Potatoes. She likes potatoes. GET IT?! SHE'S IRISH! HAAAAA! Ugh. Anyway, I was at first thrilled that we weren't hearing ANOTHER Celine Dion song from her...but quickly realized that the REAL problem with Carly is that her version of this song is STILL exactly what it'd sound like if Celine covered it! It was a cool take on it, and she did a nice job, don't get me wrong. But we already know what her album's going to sound like, at this point, and I'm not interesting in Celine 2000. No one under the age of 55 is interested in that. Anyway, she rocked a bit, was memorable and stood to reclaim the frontrunner spot if Brooke White screwed up later in the show. Luckily for us all, Brooke did NOT. But first, we had to sit through David Cook.

Heart: Easy, there, Collins. I'm back this week, remember? And I'm not gonna stand by and let you bash my Idol crush.

David Cook
performed Eleanor Rigby

Funk: He did a pretty good job making it his own, and making his performance rock-like. It was a solid showing. I hate to say it, but I think that was better than Ramiele, unfortunately, because he had energy and a good song to go with. Decent job, kid.

Heart: I love this song! David rocks it and is loved by all...in your FACE, Clyde! Paula definitely called it saying "there is more than one horse in the race." This season is soooooo much better than last because you don't really know who'll win yet.

Collins: No guitar is a GOOD choice for him. He HAS to prove he has a little variety. The arrangement was kind of weird, for me. He's, sad to say, sub-Daughtry. Hm, maybe he DID need that guitar...he could've shredded a bit along with the band for a nice effect. Oh, well. Look, I would NEVER, not in a MILLION YEARS, buy his music. He is fine at what he does, which is bland pseudo-rock, but I'm not interested. He won't win this season, because there are several guys and multiple girls who are flat-out BETTER. His success at this point is nothing more than Daughtry Guilt (TM)...Daughtry's fans fooling themselves into thinking they owe it to Lord Chris to keep this balding idiot around another week. Like they dropped the ball before, or something. Maybe David should have dedicated "Yesterday" to his hairline? Oooh, oooh...or he could've done the same song as Syesha. "Got to Get You into My LIfe," sung about hair, would make for a great Rogaine commercial!

Heart: ARE YOU KIDDING ME??!?!? He was probably the best--no scratch that-- WAS THE BEST of the whole night! Chris Daughtry is a great singer, but Cook is making his OWN fans that are supporting him. And you know why? Because he too is a great singer. And I don't know why you have this ridiculous obsession about his hair that keeps you from appreciating someone with actual talent standing right in front of you! SHEESH.

Funk: Yo! I'm gonna have to move my seat out from between you two! I don't want to get any blood on me! DANG! Let's move off of this sensitive topic and on to our girl Brooke...

Brooke White
performed Let It Be

Funk: I love this song and I love Brooke, so this was big. And she didn't fall very short of my expectations. I kind of wanted her to go a little bit bigger and stronger near the end, but I think it was a good call not to. She did pretty well and will definitely be safe. OH! And awesome that she was barefoot at the end. Wicked-cute.

Collins: Performance of the night. Nice move to just sing while playing piano, very simple and understated. Good song choice, and she made the slow, simple thing WORK. She delivered another quality vocal, and I'd ABSOLUTELY buy her music. She's tremendous, and I'll say it again -- Still. The. Best. Girl. And those teary eyes after the performance will win votes. She dominated.

Heart: She sounded good but looked a little nervous or uncomfortable on the big stage. It was heartfelt, though. Sometimes I think the judges go easy on her because they like her soooo much. I wish they would have said something about calming her nerves. Don't get me wrong, she did a great job, but I think some criticism would have been helpful.

David Hernandez
performed I Saw Her Standing There

Heart: Okay... I will never like this guy!! It was WAY too over the top, He ruined a perfectly good Beatles song. You know, he reminds me a little bit too much of Phil Stacey from last season, and I hated him, too. I hope David doesn't stick around as long as that creepy guy did... And P.S.... So, David, are you trying to pull a fast one by not mentioning that "other" after-school job you had? (Cough.)

Funk: Well I think he certainly "stripped" away the quality inherent in a Beatles tune with his performance here. And by the way...Phil Stacey is a vampire. But what'd you think, Clyde?

Collins: I agree that Phil Stacey is or was some sort of Nosfaratu. As for David Hernandez, he's obviously very showy, but he didn't make it feel modern in any way, which probably hurt him. He took it back to the Beatles playing in those German bars in the early 1960s, playing to and WITH the crowd, but it was a THRASHING rock song, at the time. He made it into "Copacabeatle" or whatever, and I wasn't feeling it. It was too theatrical and too flashy. Probably just a terrible song choice, because his voice is very good, typically.

Funk: So, here it is, David... that was pretty bad, and I think you lost a lot of momentum after that train wreck. Youch, dawg. Youch.

Amanda Overmyer
performed You Can't Do That

Heart: Speaking of train wrecks...Amanda's performance was full of mumbling! She's back to mumbling again! I can't understand you when you mumble! Yeah, yeah, she rocked out. But she's always the same thing and I'm done with her.

Funk: I thought this was her best performance in a while, actually. But don't get me wrong, guys... I don't much care for her either. And Clyde, I think I actually heard some melody here and there, but it was hidden in between all her grunting and honking somewhere. So I'll say that was not as horrible as usual. I don't think I'll download that one from iTunes any time soon.

Collins: I'm never going to LOVE what she does. That said, this was, at best, at least interesting. The beginning was Amy Winehouse-style awful, but she was passable at times after that. Here's my problem -- what did that PROVE? She can scream lyrics over guitars with reckless disregard for melody? Yeah, been there, hated that. She could've won my undying love if she'd chosen "Oh, Darling." That would have been the CORRECT song choice for Amanda, and she'd have torn it up. Bluesy, full of McCartney-style screaming...yeah, missed opportunity, there.

Michael Johns
performed Across the Universe

Funk: Yeah. Not bad. Better than average, I'd say. Didn't bring much originality, but solid. I gotta go with Randy and say it was a little "sleepy" but decent nonetheless.

Heart: This is such a great song. He did an alright job, I think he kept the song honest. Not amazing but still good.

Collins: Good song, but all this does is cement him as Bono 2000. He's safe, but...meh. He's just another Josh Groban kind of singer, not my style. "Nothing's going to change my world?" Well, sadly, "Nothing's going to change my" OPINION of this guy. Old ladies eat this slop up. It was a good vocal, I simply don't like him. As Randy Jackson would say, it was just okay for me.

Kristy Lee Cook
performed "Eight Days a Week"

Funk: Bad and campy. Good intentions don't always lead to good performances. She went the wrong country way with it. Sped-up honkytonk instead of classy Faith Hill style.

Heart: Oh god Kristy no! Why?! Please don't ever make the Beatles country... ever, please?! I hated it, a lot! Pack your bags. You're going home.

Collins: A Country-fried version of this song would've been fine...but what a godawful HOOTENANNY arrangement that was! I didn't get the pacing at all, and she could very well go home for that, if her looks don't save her again. I don't know if she'll go, we'll see. But it was a total mess, regardless of genre. The ending was terrible...I mean, it was a JIG! A JIG!!! Come on, it was simply unforgivable.

David Archuleta
performed "We Can Work It Out"

Funk: Our little man had to grow up sometime. It's good that he got his first flub out of the way, because he's going to stick around. That was bad.

Heart: OMG. Did he just forget the words? I don't think I've ever seen him so nervous. He didn't do so good... but he's a strong enough contestant to be fine. Simon was harsh but true.

Collins: In his intro video, he noted he was "nervous" when he heard it was Lennon-McCartney Week. This, from the guy who absolutely made a name for himself with "Imagine" a few weeks ago? Please. Once again, I was not a fan of the arrangement. He wasn't great, and many would say it's his competition to lose, at this point. He flubbed a lyric or two, which is terrible. It was all too early-90s. Not his best...not the worst, ever. Oh, well.

OVERALL STANDINGS - Bottom Three

Funk: My bottom three are Kristy Lee Cook, David Hernandez, Ramiele Malubay. Kristy, you're going to have to buy a new horse once you go home this week. Sir Paul McCartney is personally sending your old one to the glue factory.

Heart: Amanda Overmyer, Kristy Lee Cook, David Archuleta. No question, Kristy Lee Cook's the one on her way out the door.

Collins: Ramiele Malubay, David Hernandez, Kristy Lee Cook. I predict David Hernandez is going home, call it a hunch... but any of those three are vulnerable.

OVERALL STANDINGS - Top Three of the Week

Funk: Brooke "I'd hit that" White, Carly "That too" Smithson, Chikezie 'Why Not?" Eze. On tonight's performances, I give Brooke the golden ticket.

Heart: David Cook, Carly Smithson, Brooke White. Although those were the best shows of the night, I don't think any of them will win the whole thing... cute little Archuleta better not screw up again.

Collins: Chikezie definitely is on the rise, but Brooke White was the best of the bunch. Even though David A. had big trouble in little vocal chords, he's still the guy to beat. Overall, a fun night. It was a great song catalog, and I can't help but be disappointed by whatever they pick next week, ha ha. Nothing can be as good, by comparison! See you all tomorrow for the SHOCKING RESULTS.

***** DISCLAIMER *****
The opinions expressed by the three "FOX43 Idol Experts" do not necessarily reflect the opinions of FOX43, Tribune Broadcasting or FOX.
***************************

Posted by Joe at 11:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
TAGS: American Idol, Idol Chatter, Idol Experts

Your friendly neighborhood Idol Expert, Artie Funk here with a bone to pick...

Is keeping the Official Idol website current TMTH for the people behind America's television juggernaut?

It's the Friday afternoon after we saw the Top Twelve announced and I had an urge to check out some new Idol photos.

So...off I went to the Official Idol Website, and I ran into a little snag in my plan. Here's a screen grab:

The website hasn't been fully updated yet! The latest photos are from Tuesday and Wednesday night...

The only hint of an update is a cheap "We Say Goodbye" photo mash-up on the main page and a quickly chopped-together bunch of clips from Thursday's Results show.

Where is the new stuff proclaiming the glory of the Dirty Dozen? I need new photos. I want updated bio's. And I want the presence of the dearly departed downsized. Is it so hard to keep your website updated? I mean... I know you're only "America's Top-Rated Show for at Least Five Years in a Row", but c'mon, dogg! Show us you're worthy of our attention by keeping us more up to date than this. Sheesh.

I'm not feelin' in, Idol Web Team. A little pitchy, if you catch my drift.

This just helps to prove that you Chatterheads out there know that FOX43's Idol Chatter is THE place to go for your latest info and best insights.

Posted by JT at 4:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
TAGS: American Idol, Artie Funk, Idol Chatter

How did just two of our FOX43 Idol Experts do on their Week 3 predictions?

When Julie's away, the boys will play. Artie and Clyde were your designated Experts for this week's columns, and they definitely had fun with it!

But, the time has come to get serious.

Four singers went home, last night...and our boys have some explaining to do about their predictions!

4 contestants (Luke Menard, Kady Malloy, Asia'h Epperson, Danny Noriega) left the American Idol stage for good, and our Idol Experts made their calls before Thursday's Week 3 Results Show.

Here's how they did!

Artie Funk

Artie thought Luke Menard and Kady Malloy were EASY picks to go home this week...but had a bit more trouble with his second male and female choices. He went with David Hernandez and Ramiele Malubay, half-heartedly.

That's 2 out of 4! Not bad, not great...average, even. What do you have to say for yourself, Artie?

Funk: I got the EASY two right! Doesn't that count for something? Gimmie a LITTLE credit, dogg! I was just flat-out surprised that the so-called "spicy" personality Danny had didn't win him more fans from the text-crazed youth that seems to be a large part of the Idol audience. Seeing him go this week was TMTH. I was surprised Asia'h left...I thought she would make the Top 12. But, looking back, I'm GLAD Ramiele is still around! I think if she BRINGS IT, I guess I'm not too hurt by Asia'h leaving. Kady needed to go, she wasn't getting better or proving anything. She just needs to head over the E! or TV Guide Channel and give up singing to becoming a fun television personality. No big loss on her, or Luke, as far as the contest is concerned. Just a little surprising with the other two...definitely thought Danny had some staying power.

Clyde Collins

Mr. Collins was 2 for 4 again, this week!

Going with Luke Menard, Chikezie, Kady Malloy and Ramiele Malubay, he once again had decent but not great predictions.

Here's what he thinks about this week's results!

Collins: The voters continue to get it wrong, every week. Based on performance, I believe my choices were the CORRECT ones. Ramiele isn't going to win, and Chikezie's irrelevant, ultimately. They'll go sooner or later, of course. Luke has been horrible from the start, so good to finally shed that dead weight, and Kady Malloy hasn't been much better, to be honest. No loss, there. Danny and Asia'h should still be in the competition. They actually brought something interesting to the mix, and I think they would have made for a far more well-rounded and entertaining Top 12, personally. Neither deserved to go, and I think the voters were simply in the wrong. At least Chikezie was one of the last two guys standing. I felt vindicated in that regard. But Asia'h is the true shocker of the night. I can see people hating on Danny, because his personality can be grating...but Asia'h, with her rise to the Top 24 after losing her father shortly before her audition and her solid performances so far, should have survived. Oh, well. Won't be the last time America botches something! And neither would have won the season anyway, so...can't get too hung up on it. In the end, only one can win it all. It gets easier to pick who leaves after this week, I think. Trends start to show, people kind of pick favorites and stick with them until a major blunder. We'll see, but I think the show would be stronger if my choices had gone home, instead.

FOX43 Idol Experts Artie and Clyde will be back next week for more Idol Chatter fun, joined, once again, by the lovely Julie Heart!

Leave your comments in the little box below, as always, and we'll see you next week when the Top 12 battle it out!

***** DISCLAIMER *****
The opinions expressed by the three "FOX43 Idol Experts" do not necessarily reflect the opinions of FOX43, Tribune Broadcasting or FOX.
***************************

Posted by Prisoner No. 24601 at 9:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
TAGS: American Idol, Artie Funk, Clyde Collins, Idol Chatter, Idol Experts, Results

A full recap of Ladies' Night, predictions and more fun from Clyde and Artie.

Collins: Well, Julie Heart's still not here, but I'm sure she sends her love. And if she were here, she'd probably still be gloating about how David Cook wasn't entirely awful Tuesday night. But we're here now to talk about Ladies' Night!

Funk: Oh, shoot. That was last night?! I didn't even see it...

Collins: What? Are you bloody serious?!!

Funk: Naw, dogg. Just messin' with you! Of COURSE I watched, and it's gonna' be tough saying good-bye to 2 more of them this week.

Collins: Less tough for at least one, I think. But, more on that after we recap the performances!

THE IDOL EXPERTS ON...THE TOP 10 GIRLS

Asia'h Epperson
Performed: "I Wanna' Dance with Somebody" by Whitney Houston

Funk: It was fun. Really showed off her solid vocals. Wasn't diggin' her pants, though.

Collins: Would you rather she had performed without pants?

Funk: Ha ha, don't take that the wrong way, cats! And Clyde takes EVERYTHING the wrong way!

Collins: Guilty, as charged.

Funk: Anyway, good job by Asia'h. She took on Whitney Houston and survived!

Collins: She's no Whitney, but...well, neither is Whitney anymore, frankly. Look, it was a good, peppy performance to start the show. She should be safe, deserves to come back.

Kady Malloy
Performed: "Who Wants to Live Forever" by Queen

Collins: Kady, darling...the writing was on the wall from the start. You had to kill, and you didn't. You'll be going home this week, sorry. America will not be voting for your "lack of personality," as Seacrest so aptly called it.

Funk: Remember that feedback she was talking about in her "embarrassing" story? Yeah, she just recreated that sound VOCALLY.

Collins: HA! Love it!

Funk: She did NOT do well, at all. She pretty much slaughtered it.

Collins: Here's how that song is SUPPOSED to sound. I checked this out, because I didn't know it, and wanted to know what she was butchering. Listen to even the first few NOTES Mr. Mercury sings, and you'll know the true extent to which she failed his memory...

Amanda Overmyer
Performed: "I Hate Myself for Loving You" by Joan Jett & The Blackhearts

Collins: She was a complete trainwreck, last week. Not much better the week before. So, I had VERY low expectations, going in. Ready to write her off...she pulled out the first GOOD rock performance of the season, guys included. David Cook, here's how it's done. She'll go home, sooner or later, though. I think this strong performance was a fluke, and the big voices around will swallow her up. She does bring something unique to the competition, but...it's just a matter of time!

Funk: I still don't get her appeal. I don't like her even a LITTLE bit! Maybe...a TINY bit. But...no. She's not going to win, and if she DOES, I quit. I get it -- she did well for what she NEEDED to do, but I don't think honking and grunting are good for this competition! She's not even a rockin' kind of personality onstage! She feels like she's STUCK in this competition, and she just can't get out!

Collins: To be fair, she should have been out after last week's performance. But...for what it's worth, this wasn't the worst. I guess it's the week of the sort-of-rocker on American Idol. My nightmare comes alive!

Carly Smithson
Performed: "I Drove All Night" by Celine Dion

Funk: Yeah, it was a good performance! I liked it! She keeps proving she's Top 3 material, and that didn't stop her. I was FEELIN' those high notes, but I still hate Celine Dion.

Collins: She did a fine job with a slightly-weak song, but I actually liked it a lot more than the ballads she's forced us to sit through. She was very good, to be expected. And I wasn't bored by it, this week, unlike Michael Johns.

Kristy Lee Cook
Performed: "Faithfully" by Journey

Collins: I hate the 80s, but she took a song I normally would've detested and gave it a nice twist. I didn't hate it! Is it enough to keep her in it for another week? Don't know, because she's not really the best. She hit some ugly notes, to be sure. She's in danger, even it was a fine-to-good performance and an interesting arangement.

Funk: It was pretty good...better than Kady! Shaky in a couple parts, but felt more stylized, like she kinda' did her own thing with Steve Perry's vocal part. It was a'ight!

Collins: Is it just me, or were Simon and Paula cuddling or making out or something while Randy was proclaiming his love for dogs and Journey? Creepy...

Ramiele Malubay
Performed: "Against All Odds" by Phil Collins

Collins: For those of you who don't know our set-up, here...we watch the show as it airs, then have a DVR recording of it in front of us for reference while writing the column. Well, I think Ramiele's going home...solely because her embarrassing story wasn't as memorable as Kristy Lee's dog thing.

Funk: She's so cute, though!

Collins: Sorry, Artie. I wasn't a fan of the song choice, and she didn't really prove much with it.

Funk: I grew up listening to a lot of Phil Collins and Genesis stuff...I like that song, but it was a questionable song choice for her -- not a lot of emotion in it! It was a good vocal, she's got a good voice, but...she was lacking 'zazz. Better than the blondes, I thought. And, as I said, she's cute. So, I like her.

Collins: Cute does go a long way, which is why I'm torn between Kristy Lee and Ramiele for the second person going home tonight...spoiler, the next two are better than them.

Funk: Paula is quickly going more and more insane all the time. Like they said on Seinfeld, it's like her mouth is falling down the stairs.

Brooke White
Performed: "Love is a Battlefield" by Pat Benetar

Collins: I liked it. This song is usually another 80s turnoff, for me...but she made it her own, made it original. She should be returning next week. I hope America doesn't drop the ball with her, she's probably the most interesting and freshest of the female talent. Take her to the finale, people! Ignore than she had one or two bad notes. Everything else was great.

Funk: That was AWESOME. Really good, I liked it a lot. I would buy her album when it comes out! I think the whole "dowplaying it to an acoustic Folk song, sitting down" thing shows she put a lot of thought into the performance, and she pulled it off well!

Collins: We were talking before, and neither of us is a particularly big fan of the original version...I have to wonder, because I always like the way they redo these cheesy, over-the-top 80s songs, whether or not someone who really loves the music from that decade would feel differently. I hope people embrace it, because, again, she's quickly becoming my favorite female singer in the competiton, if she hasn't already reached that lofty status.

Syesha Mercado
Performed: "Saving All My Love for You" by Whitney Houston

Collins: Again, a bit weak compared to Whitney in her prime, but...still, a solid performance. Didn't blow me away, sadly, and I think they wanted her to, if she's singing at the end. They keep setting them up for that big, memorable moment...and the unexpected singers are stealing the spotlight a bit, this season. I hope that trend continues, and we get a nice, diverse Top 10, heading into a SURPRISING finale, which isn't just Michael Johns vs. Carly Smithson for the Best Imported American Idol title. Just not feeling that kind of predictable thing, this time...though I'd rather see Carly there than several of the others, truthfully. I'll stop now. Good, not great. Thanks, Syesha.

Funk: Not her best performance. I think she's trying too hard, trying to knock it out of the park...and it's too early to be taking such big risks. She'll CLEARLY be safe, don't risk it. And, please, STOP SINGING CELINE DION AND WHITNEY HOUSTON SONGS! EVERYONE!

Collins: I'm with you on that! I do think she tried to do too much with it. Too many attempted runs, and she missed some big notes. When you're comparing it with the original...I don't know, it doesn't stand up. Good not great.

THE NIGHT'S BEST

Funk: Brooke WAS the best! Not only did she do a solid vocal, but she did it in her own kind of style, which puts her one-up over Carly at this point, because Carly just did the BIG VOICE thing.

Collins: Brooke White was the best of the night. There, I said it.

THE NIGHT'S WORST

Funk: Kady Malloy and Amanda Overmyer are tied. I can't STAND her. No...wait. Just Kady. I guess, technically, Amanda did well for what she does...but I still don't like her.

Collins: Kady Malloy, easily the worst. No contest. It's picking the SECOND who's going home that'll be the tough part...

WHO'S GOING HOME THIS WEEK?

Funk: Kady Malloy and...it's not gonna' be Amanda, as much as I wish it would be. I think Kristy Lee did OK...man. If it comes down to the second spot being between Ramiele and Kristy Lee...it'll be Ramiele, sadly. She just phoned in a solid performance instead of something special.

Collins: So difficult...but, I'll say Kady Malloy and Ramiele Malubay are out. Kristy Lee Cook, you're on notice.

OVERALL STANDINGS

TOP GAL/MOST LIKEY TO WIN RIGHT NOW

Funk: Carly's still on top. I still don't count Asia'h as making it very far.

Collins: Changing my allegiance, I'm going with the TRUE DARK HORSE TO WIN IT ALL...Brooke White. She's it. She's the David Archuleta for the ladies. Not the obvious choice, but surprising us and pulling off great vocals every week.

GAL ON THE RISE

Funk: Asia'h did real well this week. I'll give it to her! Her performance will keep her around at least another week.

Collins: I don't think I can put Brook here, anymore. She's improved too much, and become my official frontrunner...so, I'll say Asia'h, as well. Honorable mention, I know you'll hate this, Artie, to Amanda Overmyer. She saved herself, probably...but I doubt her momentum lasts very long.

SLIPPING

Funk: Syesha, dogg! I'm sorry to say it, but...she put too much effort into it, and she got snubbed by the judges for real criticism pretty much because of time constraints, I think. Add that in with the fact that it wasn't her best vocal, and she's SLIPPIN', yo.

Collins: Kristy Lee Cook, you're on the way out. She was my first prediction to win it all, in the auditions...but, I just don't think she'll last. And if she DOES...well, Idol's broken.

Funk: Well, that's all of 'em, dude! It's been a crazy week, and Julie's gonna' come back to a whole different ballgame in terms of frontrunners and who's been sent home.

Collins: I'm sure she's been following the show, even though she's away, fans. Thanks for reading...and check in tomorrow for the quick results recap, and to see how we did on our predictions! We could easily be surprised by something like, oh, I don't know, Amanda Overmyer going home on the ONE week she doesn't REALLY deserve it.

Funk: No big loss for me, there!

Collins: See you then, everyone.

***** DISCLAIMER *****
The opinions expressed by the three "FOX43 Idol Experts" do not necessarily reflect the opinions of FOX43, Tribune Broadcasting or FOX.
***************************

Posted by Prisoner No. 24601 at 9:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
TAGS: American Idol, Artie Funk, Clyde Collins, Idol Chatter, Idol Experts

FOX will change a few of the scheduled Friday night movies this summer, adding the original action movie XXX: STATE OF THE UNION and encores of the comedy hits DADDY DAY CARE and THE ANIMAL! Please also note that a few titles have moved to different dates in July to keep the action movies running on subsequent weeks.

On FRIDAY, JUNE 27, 2008, from 8:00-10:00pm (ET/PT), FOX presents the WORLD BROADCAST PREMIERE of XXX: STATE OF THE UNION. In this action-packed sequel to the box-office smash XXX, ICE CUE stars as Darius Stone, a thrill-seeking troublemaker whose criminal record and extreme sports obsession make him the perfect candidate to be the newest XXX agent. He must save the U.S. government from a deadly conspiracy led by five-star general George Deckert (DAFOE). Only a renegate XXX agent like Stone has the Xtreme skills to stop Deckert’s dangerous miliatry splinter group from taking over the government in America’s capital. (NOTE: The movie THE FORGOTTEN, previously announced for this night, is no longer scheduled to air.)

On FRIDAY, JULY 11, 2008, from 8:00-10:00pm (ET/PT), FOX presents an encore of the action movie 2 FAST 2 FURIOUS. The action is faster and more sizzling than ever in this sequel to THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS, PAUL WALKER is back as undercover police officer Brian O’Connor, who has been stripped of his badge and is now street racing in Miami for cash. Offered a chance to redeem himself and avoid criminal charges, he must now go undercover again to bring down a drug lord (HAUSER) with the help of his old racing buddy Roman (actor/R&B singer TYRESE) – together they’re 2 FAST, 2 FURIOUS! (NOTE: The movie HELLBOY, previously announced for this night, is no longer scheduled to air.)

On FRIDAY, JULY 18, 2008, from 8:00-10:00pm (ET/PT), FOX presents an encore of HOLLYWOOD HOMICIDE. In Hollywood, no one is who they really want to be. Veteran police detective Joe Gavilan (FORD) and his rookie partner K.C. Calden (HARTNETT) are no exception. Between Joe’s struggling real estate business and K.C.’s fledgling acting career and yoga instruction, they’ve to a major murder case to solve. With both Internal Affairs and their main suspect on their tails, Joe and K.C. have to infiltrate the dangerous world of the hip-hop recording industry. Juggling two careers proves to be a comical adventure, with Joe and K.C. desperate to stay alive long enough to catch their big break! (NOTE: HOLLYWOOD HOMICIDE was previously announcd to air on August 1 – see below for new programming.)

On FRIDAY, JULY 25, 2008, from 8:00-10:00pm (ET/PT), FOX presents an encore of the movie DADDY DAY CARE. After failing to excite the public about vegetable cereal, Charlie (MURPHY) and PHIL (GARLIN) are fired from their high-profile advertising jobs. That means no more expensive day care for their sons at the exclusive Chapman Academy, run by the harsh taskmistress Gwyneth Harridan (HUSTON). Unable to find new jobs, the stay-at-home dads have an idea: start their own day care center. After all, if they can handle taking care of two kids, how much harder could it be to supervise 10? As things turn out, much harder than they ever imagined – especially when Miss Harridan finds out about the success of Daddy Day Care and plots to run them out of business. (NOTE: The movie DARKNESS FALLS, previously announced for this night, is no longer scheduled to air.)

On FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 2008, from 8:00-10:00pm (ET/PT), FOX presents an encore of the comedy THE ANIMAL. ROB SCHNEIDER stars as a lowly police station evidence clerk who dreams of being a real cop one day, but can never seem to pass the exam, not to mention the constant hazing from his sergeant (McGinley). After mysteriously surviving a horrible car accident, he suddenly finds he has certain “animal” abilities – heightened senses, amazing running and jumping abilities, and more. Perfect for a police officer – if his animal instincts don’t get him into trouble.

The new schedule will be as follows:

Friday, June 27 @ 8:00pm, XXX: STATE OF THE UNION
Friday, July 11 @ 8:00pm, 2 FAST 2 FURIOUS
Friday, July 18 @ 8:00pm, HOLLYWOOD HOMICIDE
Friday, July 25 @ 8:00pm, DADDY DAY CARE
Friday, August 1 @ 8:00pm, MOVIE: THE ANIMAL

Posted by Paula at 7:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
TAGS: Movies, Programming, Summer

The Top 8 Guys go under our microscope! Who's in, who's out?

Funk: Dude, the guys did their thing, and we're gonna' have to go on without Julie Heart, this week!

Collins: It's true! Julie's off on holiday for her birthday, this week. She'll be back soon, fans. In the meantime...there's no one to stop us from mercilessly mocking David Cook's rapidly-retreating hairline, or from calling out Luke Menard as a talentless hack prettyboy who deserves to be shot into space without a helmet.

= BEEP-BEEP BOOP BOOP BOOP...BEEP-BEEP-BEEP BOOP BOOP! =

Funk: That, uh...that your phone, Clyde?

Collins: Yes, voice message. Just a moment.

Funk: Your ringtone is "Funkytown?!" Yo, Clyde...dude, what's up with that?

Collins: Julie keeps changing it, whenever I leave it on the desk. And...I don't know how to fix it. Actually, speak of the devil...the voice message is from her!

Funk: Yo, speakerphone!

Collins: It's a new phone. I'm...not really certain...how...um...oh, there it is.

Heart: Okay, Clyde. I know it's about the time we'd usually be in the office, working on the column...so, I just wanted to send some suggestions for while I'm away. First of all...LEAVE DAVID COOK'S HAIR ALONE! HE'S A GREAT SINGER, AND YOU GUYS ARE COMPLETELY WRONG ABOUT HIM!

Collins: I'm already regretting this speakerphone idea.

Heart: Also, make sure the Chatterheads all know how much I wish I could be there. I'm off on a ski trip, but there's nothing worse than missing American Idol, in my mind. I'll be watching, and I'll definitely have a few thoughts on this week's performances when I get back! Most importantly, have fun, boys...but don't be too mean! Keep in mind that whatever you end up posting, I'll be READING! See you next week!

= BOOOOOOP! =

Collins: Well, there you are. Miss Heart wishes you all well, and...well, Artie, looks like she wants us to be on our best behavior while she's away!

Funk: That in mind, I think it's time to unveil this week's Idol Chatter sponsor, and start the column!

Collins: Truly beautiful, and how brave of Mr. Cook to put it out there that this serious issue affects him. Way to take a stand, Baldy McGrunt!

Funk: So, so brave...anyway, to the recap, dogg! We got a LOT to talk about. Incase you didn't know, there are only 8 guys left in the running.

Collins: Indeed, the pack of hopefuls is thinning faster than David Cooks hai -- aww, too easy. Julie, I'll let that one go, in your honor. On to the first performer!

THE IDOL EXPERTS ON...THE TOP 10 GUYS

Luke Menard
Performed: "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" by Wham!

Collins: Luke Menard should go home, once again, this week. I don't know what more I can say. There is absolutely NOTHING redeeming about this guy. It was nasal, fruity and thoroughly unlikeable. For the record, that entire decade was a complete waste of time, musically. Perfect for Luke, really...GO HOME!

Funk: I watched. I didn't really hear much that impressed me...and it wasn't really worth rewinding the DVR to listen again. Sounded like a decent George Michael impression, but...that's not going to win this competition. I could do a decent George Michael impression.

David Archuleta
Performed: "Another Day in Paradise" by Phil Collins

Collins: He's the new frontrunner for the guys. He continues to make songs sound original, and has the ability to actually surprise us...whereas someone like, oh, I don't know...Michael Johns...is always just the same bloody thing. Archuleta is very good, something to look forward to each week.

Funk: It was really good! I really liked it. Simon's right, though...he needs to show us his fun side, next week. Quite impressive, though, and I liked his interpretation of the song.

Collins: He DID start out by wowing us with that John Mayer song. I think we've seen young, hopeful songs from him...and he wants to show a little depth, and that he can dabble in different styles. I don't fault him for his song choices, to this point. In fact, doing something too boppy could kill the "you sound older than you are" vibe he's got going.

Danny Noriega
Performed: "Tainted Love" by Soft Cell

Funk: HUH?! I didn't like it at ALL! It wasn't even CLOSE to good!

Collins: Actually, I liked it. It's an overplayed, cheesy song...but, I thought it was a perfect choice to show off his personality and attitude. That's pretty much his strongest area. I mean, his voice isn't the best, but he's got enough personality to keep going. I disagree, Artie. He should keep going, thanks to this.

Funk: I don't know what you saw in it. His vocals were breathy and...just didn't do anything for me. I usually dig that song, so...I don't know.

Collins: Funny. I HATE that song, and I didn't dislike his version. We'll have to leave it to the fans, I suppose. But I think he may be on the chopping block, either way. MAYBE.

David Hernandez
Performed: "It's All Coming Back to Me Now" by Celine Dion

Funk: Not a good sign when I start LAUGHING during a performance. I thought that was pretty bad, too.

Collins: Ballads are so boring. Not his strongest, it was a bit showy...a bit Disney movie, even...but he's STILL one of the best guys in the competition. He should be safe, because this will work to his fanbase. But, Celine simply isn't cool. She was never and WILL NEVER BE cool. So, this song does him no favors. Nor does his "booger" story. Erk...

Michael Johns
Performed: "Don't You (Forget About Me)" by Simple Minds

Collins: Okay, I don't like this song. It's one of those instant turn-offs when it pops up on the radio. I don't have much in the way of 80s nostalgia, of course. That it was on some awful movie soundtrack really doesn't matter to me...though, I suspect it'll mean a lot to his fanbase. Look, Johns isn't bad. He's obviously talented! But, THAT SAID, he officially BORES me. I just don't care when he's singing, and he has yet to prove to me I should absolutely buy his music. Why would I? He'll be safe, but I doubt he can win this competition, anymore. He's got "Season 7's Chris Daughtry" written all over him.

Funk: Uh...I thought it was good, I liked it! It was kind of...wavy and fluttery, a little nervous here and there. But pretty good! I like that song, personally. It was cool. He reminds me of the late lead singer of INXS a lot, don't know why...

Collins: A fine performance of a song I hate...he'll be safe, but I think he'll get a bit stale, just my prediction. We'll see! Either way, I just can't get into him. And I never understand anything Paula talks about. Ever. Just wanted to get that out there.

David Cook
Performed: "Hello" by Lionel Richie

Collins: Fine. So he wasn't horrible. Decent reimagining of the song, but I don't like that they changed the order of performers to allow for his guitar to be fixed or tuned or whatever. He should've been forced to go on without it, if he wasn't ready at the time he was supposed to perform. That's just me, maybe...but I think it'd have come across a lot different without the instrument.

Funk: I HATE myself, but...I think that was really good.

Collins: Definitely memorable, and I think he'll be back next week. Just to blow balding kisses at Julie Heart.

Funk: He just had his "moment" last night. It was pretty good.

Jason Castro
Performed: "Hallelujah" as made famous by Jeff Buckley

Collins: It was in Shrek. That's where you know it from, people.

Funk: I want to hear him do Rage Against the Machine, next week. I liked it, except for the note he bumbled at the end. He may have shown up without the guitar...but he didn't show up with a different kind of song. He dropped the crutch, but didn't exactly hop away from it. He's pigeon-holded into the acoustic guitar musician kind of niche. If the judges wanted him to take a risk this week, I don't know if he really pulled that off.

Collins: I have mixed feelings about this. It was a good vocal, but is he popular enough to keep going? His bad interviews are no longer cute, and I don't know if slow songs win new fans on this show, unless it's a grand slam. I like him still, but I don't trust America enough to proclaim him safe. They've made bad voting decisions before in far more important national contests...and they could do the same with Jason Castro, who belongs in this competition.

Funk: Not to get too political, Clyde...let's stick to American Idol, here!

Collins: Of course. And on the point you were making, I actually really like that singer-songwriter, Folk-y persona he's got going. I think it suits him, and the second he takes a huge risk, he'll go home. If he's still around for a 90s week, I hope he does that Del Amitri song, "Roll to Me." Perfect for him, a bit more upbeat. But, we'll see if he can survive this week and have that chance to go home next week or the week after.

Chikezie
Performed: "All the Man That I Need" by Whitney Houston

Collins: Meh. Lucky he went last, because it wouldn't have been particularly memorable or impressive if it had fallen earlier in the show. I think Chikezie's just a tad overrated, and he won't end up winning this thing. Tough call, really...but he has yet to really stand out, even last week when he added his name to the lyrics. Don't know. I thought it was uneven, and I just don't love him. That's all.

Funk: It was pretty good...eventually. First part was boring and quiet, but he busted it out in the end. I like Chikezie, good voice. Solid performance!

Collins: Well, we may very well differ on our predictions, this week, Artie! Let's get to it...

THE NIGHT'S BEST

Collins: Take it first, Artie.

Funk: I'll fill in for Julie, this week...and give David Cook that honor!

Collins: David Archuleta and David Cook. Both took very recognizable songs and gave them a twist, and I think they were head and shoulders above the others.

THE NIGHT'S WORST

Collins: Luke Menard must go. He's EASILY the worst.

Funk: David Hernandez, dogg. Just not good.

WHO'S GOING HOME THIS WEEK?

Funk: I think Luke's got to go, he's on borrowed time. If he doesn't go home, something's wrong. He doesn't have the star talent to stay in till the Final 12. I'll half-heartedly say Hernandez, too. He didn't hit his mark this week, left a sour taste in my mouth. I HOPE it's not Chikezie.

Collins: Luke Menard and Chikezie will go home. Chikezie has to go at some point, and I think he has the least to offer to this competition, at this point. He just feels old and tired. I'm hoping Jason Castro is safe, personally...but I think he will be.

OVERALL STANDINGS

TOP GUY/MOST LIKEY TO WIN RIGHT NOW

Funk: David Archuleta continues to prove himself uber-worthy of all the adoring fans he no doubt has. And I'm one of them!

Collins: David Archuleta stayed on top of the dogpile, I agree. Who can touch him? Michael Johns is the obvious choice, and they always go home early. David Cook's rock moment was a FLUKE. He won't win this thing, sorry, Julie. Archuleta's the safest bet, at the moment.

GUY ON THE RISE

Collins: David Cook, sadly. It'll just make it sweeter for me when he finally crashes and burns. Also, this is make-or-break week for Danny Noriega. Either this clicked and people are warming up to him...or it's over. I'll tentatively put him here.

Funk: It's gotta' be David Cook, winning some haters over out of nowhere. The surprise on the rise!

SLIPPING

Funk: I thought Danny slipped this week! And David Hernandez wasn't that spectacular. And I'm a little bit worried about Chikezie, but we'll just have to wait and see.

Collins: David Hernandez, kind of on the same footing as Danny Noriega, right now. He wasn't his best, and has been consistently strong up to this point. Is he really going to slide into obscurity? Probably not. Then again, can Danny win this thing? Probably not. They're both such gray area contestants.

Funk: Tough call, man. But, hey...the night started off slow and had a few surprises! The biggest of the night was definitely David Cook, for me. He definitely didn't phone it in, like Julie did this week! Man, what a show for her to miss!

Collins: Good she wasn't here to crow about how amazing he is and all that. It is interesting that his comb-forward sponsored this week's Guys Night post, though. He, arguably, stole the show, and I think he pretty much dominated this column! Will the ladies stack up? 80s Week mercifully concludes tonight, and we'll be back tomorrow with our thoughts and predictions, same place as always.

Funk: Catch you then, peepz!

***** DISCLAIMER *****
The opinions expressed by the three "FOX43 Idol Experts" do not necessarily reflect the opinions of FOX43, Tribune Broadcasting or FOX.
***************************

Posted by Prisoner No. 24601 at 1:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
TAGS: American Idol, Artie Funk, Clyde Collins, Idol Chatter, Idol Experts, Julie Heart

Mariah Carey.

Bono.

John Legend.

Annie Lennox.

Snoop Dogg.

Sounds like a list of singers whose songs the hopefuls on American Idol might cover. But, it's REALLY just a few of the big-name singers and celebrities set to appear on the now-annual Idol Gives Back special, April 9th on FOX43!

Want more?

Reese Witherspoon.

Fergie.

Peyton and Eli Manning.

And the list goes on (and gets hotter)!

Brad Pitt.

Miley Cyrus.

Chris Daughtry.

Carrie Underwood.

And that's just the list of celebs announced so far! The stars are DEFINITELY coming out to help Idol raise money during a 2-hour a music celebration to raise awareness and benefit various U.S. and international charities.

This year’s event will be bigger and more ambitious than ever, and will feature incredible international talent (like those listed above)! The star-studded evening will echo the success of last year’s Idol Gives Back, which raised over $76 million for various U.S. charities that deliver support to underprivileged children in some of the most disadvantaged areas of the country, providing them with medical care, food and grocery products, health and life skills and literacy programs, among other important initiatives.

In Africa, funds were dedicated to organizations that support efforts to battle poverty through various health and education programs, including delivering medical supplies and providing clean water.

The brainchild of Simon Fuller, Idol Gives Back has been recognized as a life-changing program, earning praise from many of the world’s best known figures, including: President George W. Bush, HRH Prince Charles and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

Last season’s special featured performances from the American Idol stage, where Ryan Seacrest hosted alongside judges Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell.

Visit americanidol.com for more information on Idol Gives Back, as well as exclusive videos, photos, special behind-the-scenes information and all of your AMERICAN IDOL news.

(And, of course, you can always get your Idol updates from the FOX43 Idol Experts, right here on Electric Blogaloo!)

Collins: Not a lot of things impress me, as you know by now! But THIS is going to be one incredible show. If last year's effort is any indication, we're in for a spectacular night of entertainment and surprises, all in the name of some truly worth causes. The only downside is...none of the singers will be sent home that night! I do love watching them squirm on that stage as they await Seacrest's announcement of their fate! Still, if we MUST take a night off from the competition, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better reason!

***** DISCLAIMER *****
The opinions expressed by the three "FOX43 Idol Experts" do not necessarily reflect the opinions of FOX43, Tribune Broadcasting or FOX.
***************************

Posted by Prisoner No. 24601 at 5:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
TAGS: American Idol, Celebrity Guests, Idol Chatter, Idol Experts, Idol Gives Back