With the Battle of the Davids looming overhead, only one challenger remains to spoil the producers' perfect finale. Who hung on long enough to be the Last Hope at shocking the world and taking down one - or both - of the mighty, invincible Davids?

Last night's results show left no one surprised when David Archuleta and David Cook were pronounced Safe for another week and enjoyed a nice, long rest on the fluffy Idol couch. We were left with Syesha Mercado and Jason Castro, both of whom have had ups and downs, this season.

No one had quite as rough a night as Jason did this Tuesday night, though...oozing through an awkward Bob Marley cover and forgetting Dylan lyrics.

America has shown that it only SORT OF likes Syesha, though, as she has consistently been in the Bottom 3 - even on her stronger weeks.

Which of the two talented non-Davids gets to go on to next week?

Jason Castro has been eliminated from the competition. The audience had no pity on him, and those pretty, blue eyes weren't enough to keep him safe after a lackluster performance Tuesday night (to say the least). He left many questioning whether or not even even still wanted to become the American Idol.

A happy Castro, back at home, enjoying a pluck on his trusty banjo.

Doesn't really matter much, now. Does it? He ain't it, and it's going to come down to David, David and Syesha.

FOX43 Idol Expert Artie was hardly taking his predictions seriously, this week. His REAL Bottom 2 included Syesha and Jason, with Jason going home. That's perfect, 100%, dead-on! His FAKE prediction saw a huge outpouring of support for Castro, somehow leading to the departure of David Cook. We can all dream, but we'll give Artie full credit for calling it perfectly. Care to comment, Mr. Funk?

Funk: I think he was just really nervous the ENTIRE time. I thought him singing and goofing around at the end during his final preformance was REALLY GOOD! He totally seemed relieved, so...he's one of the few that didn't look all that upset when he heard the news. If that's what it takes to make him more at ease and improve his singing...he's on the right track, now. That means Syesha totally made it through to the Top 3, which makes me even RIGHTER, this week, based on a call I made early in the season. Yeah, dogg! And, for the first time, I actually watched the WHOLE hour...and the group number they all forgot the steps through at the beginning? I laughed SO loud someone else came into the room to see what I was watching that was so funny. I'd like to know who is pretending to enjoy that for what it really is. The only reason I enjoyed it is because it was so...so...SO bad. Anyways, on to the Top 3! On to the hometowns! On to Syesha's elimination! Let's go at 'em!

FOX43 Idol Expert Julie Heart didn't really give a Bottom 2, though she did say, quite certainly, that it would be a "travesty" if anyone other than Jason went home. Travesty averted, Ms. Heart! What are your thoughts after last night's results show?

Heart: So Jason was the one that left last night, and I think he was happy to go. I have a feeling he would have felt bad if he was the one that stayed and Syesha had to go, because we all know she wants it more, and he was ready to leave. It was a very predictable show this week, but I guess it kind of gets that way when you get down to the top 4. Syesha didn’t deserve to be in the bottom two this week, but girls are crazy over those Davids. I’m glad that she was safe –wouldn’t it be amazing if it was Syesha and Cook in the finale, and by a twist of fate Archie’s other vocal cord went down and he couldn’t continue? Oh well wishful thinking. I hate that little Archie still comes on stage saying he’s nervous on the results show. C’mon kid, you know you’re safe, the judges know you’re safe, the fans know you’re safe…just go sit on the couch. Now, I think David Cook had a bit MORE reason to be nervous after his performances, but I wasn’t surprised to see him sail through this elimination round. And I'm with Artie on the group songs. I'm glad to know it's not just me. They're dumb with just four people…give it up…please.

FOX43 Idol Expert Clyde Collins has already made his call that David Archuleta is going to win this season. He couldn't care LESS about the order in which the rest of them go home, so his prediction for this week was, while "it's probably Jason," David Cook and Syesha are the Bottom 2, with her going home. America disagreed, hating her less than Castro for another week. Clyde, what are your thoughts on last night's show?

Collins: Look, I love American Idol. Don't get me wrong. But I am SO bored with this season, at this point, I can't even see straight! It's obvioius we're heading toward the coronation of David Archuleta, and that Syesha's doomed, and that David Cook will come in second. I mean...as I said, flip a coin! Between Jason and Syesha, one would go home this week, the other the next. Who cares?! I mean...Artie cares, but, still. The show's over, as far as I'm concerned. Jason was the last possible hope any of us had for keeping the season legitimate, and he stopped caring, too. Can't say I blame him! You could see the weight of the world had been lifted off his shoulders. If Syesha had been voted off, he may have been the first ever contestant to ask, on live TV, if he could go home instead of her, sparing Syesha for another week and becoming a hero for the ages - at least until she goes home next week. But, they're all going to be fine. They'll all go on the Top 10 Tour, many of them will probably release albums...we're just counting down the days until Archie joins Kelly, Ruben, Fantasia, Carrie, Taylor and Jordin.

***** DISCLAIMER *****
The opinions expressed by the three "FOX43 Idol Experts" do not necessarily reflect the opinions of FOX43, Tribune Broadcasting or FOX.
***************************]]> tag:blogs.trb.com,2008:/entertainment/news/blog//76.99814 2008-05-07T15:34:14Z 2008-05-07T19:17:15Z

So the Idol’s continue tonight in their pursuit into new and popular music…oh wait, no they’re singing songs from the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame…so pretty much guaranteeing we still wont be hearing anything from the past decade…fun.

To be fair, almost no good music has happened in the past 10 years, Julie. So, no big loss. Still, this theme DID give them a chance to pick good music from a variety of genres and establish, once and for all, their identities. What did our Final 4 do with all that freedom? After last night, it's official: Rock & Roll is DEAD. Could these schmaltzy pukes have rocked LESS?! Anyway, this is usually the night where the judges make it blatantly obvious which singers they want to see in the finale.

Paula's Prepared Notes for the Week: "Great, Great, Great, I Hate You Jason Castro and I Want You to Die."

The Top 4 night is ALWAYS telling...after all, Seacrest invoked both Tamyra Gray and Chris Daughtry, last night. Big stuff, especially when, like me, you consider it a blatant effort to remind people to keep David Cook (and maybe Syesha) safe because the producers want him in the Final 2 (and Jason Castro out of the way).

Rock Night, huh? Let's rock this rockin' rocky place. Rockin'...rrrrock! Dogg.

David Cook
performed Hungry Like the Wolf and Baba O'Reilly

David Cook was up first singing “Hungry Like the Wolf”. It was a fun performance, entertaining, not major song changes, but good. His vocal didn’t really wow me, and it was kind of a safe song for him. I’m so glad he came back with The Who’s”Baba O’Reiley”, which I have to say is my favorite song from The Who. He really came alive with this, and at the end I was wishing they gave him more time to finish the song.

THAT'S your favorite Who song?! You need to listen to more of their music, dear...Artie?

What else is there to say at this point? Honestly? What do you want me to SAY?! It was a good performance...for him. Probably the least I've hated him in a while, I don't know. Maybe I've just become complacent to his style at this point, but he did his thing. And Duran Duran's thing. I thought the second song was called "Teenage Wasteland." I've learned something. Thank you, David Cook. You've enriched my life.

Um...care to comment on his performance, Funk?

NOPE!

Good man. Putting him in the first position, just DARING America not to vote for him...how cute. His first song was a pretty bland take on the innocuous 80s song by Duran Duran. Nothing new, nothing special, on par with just about any cover band in the world, nothing shocking about that. His second song, in which he took on The Who, Cook was back to form. I can't say I was a fan of his song choices, last night...his lower register notes are always AWFUL, and, after he started to "rawk" at the end of "Baba O'Reilly," it all completely fell apart. I thought to myself while watching, "These are horrible song choices, he's too shrewd for this kind of thing. What's he pulling?" I'll tell you what he's pulling - his only chance of winning is to go after Archie's fanbase! "Hungry Like the Wolf" will appeal to the college-age girls who hold such crap songs in the most special places of their hearts for GOD knows what reason, and the Who song goes right for old ladies who maybe USED to rock, but have since forgotten what it was like. That is to say...moms and grannies who would ever consider switching off the Adult Contemporary station, or who used to go for John Lennon over, say, Michael Buble. No harm, no foul. His performances weren't good enough to win any new fans...but he's going to stick around another week.

Syesha Mercado
performed Proud Mary and A Change is Gonna' Come

"Proud Mary" was fun! She looked HOT. You can tell that doing choreography and being able to play it up is pretty much what she likes being able to do, and I dig it. Totally having fun with it, like she said, and I was down with it. Second song...it was okay. Yo, Syesha - remember when I said I like when there's energy and it looks like you're havin' fun? LIke...two sentences ago? Yeah...that's better for you. Second song was kinda' just alright. Kinda' mediocre. Big, belty notes...I wasn't feelin' it. She didn't have enough heart in it.

I love that Syesha decided to sing “Proud Mary” because she does so much better with fun songs that she enjoys.

This may surprise you all, but I completely disagree with Julie and Artie, here. Syesha was foolish to take on this song. TOO BIG FOR HER.

NO. She really wowed me with it, she had her Idol Moment (TM). She’s proving she can be a fierce competitor with those boys, she’ll be here for the top three. With her second song, I feel like we got a real honest performance from Syesha. I don’t know if it was acting or real emotion, but either way I liked it.

Gyeeee-aaawwwwwd, I think we're watching different shows every week. Let's get REAL, here - the first song was a terrible mistake because she's incapable of rocking or hitting notes while dancing like that, and the second song was dreary and lifeless when she should've had us crying into our novelty Coca-Cola cups. How do you take all the impact out of "A Change is Gonna' Come?" HOW?! She had no "Moment," try as the judges might to convince us that she had. They clearly just want Jason gone, and I suspect that's why you wanted to like it so much, too, Julie. Anyway, here's Syesha's problem - she's got a good enough voice, she's stunning...but she HAS NO SOUL. She lacks the ability to make you feel ANYTHING. There's no truth or emotional impact behind her singing. She never makes you believe what she's saying, never draws you into the story of her song. She's only comfortable when she's playing a role, overdoing it Broadway-style. Early in the season, she seemed like she'd be The One - bright, sunny, interesting. Then we got to KNOW her. Bottom 3 several times. I've repeatedly complained about her emotionless singing style. She makes me miss people like Danny Norriega or the Lampkin siblings. At least they made you REACT. She's the one everyone wants to like, and the judges worked hard to try to send Jason home instead of her, last night. We'll see...but I still think she's got no shot of making it into the finale. Syesha was NOT incredible. She was decent, as usual. This is not a show about finding the mediocre. Then again...considering who's probably going to win, I can't be so sure about that anymore...

Jason Castro
performed I Shot the Sheriff and Mr. Tambourine Man

Jason singing Bob Marley seems fitting in theory, but it kinda reminded me of one of those teen movies where they point out the clique of white kids that think they’re Rastafarians. The performance was a little weird, and I’m thinking the rumor that Jason said he was tired of being on Idol…was probably true. This performance didn’t do him any favors. Bob Dylan was a much better fit for him…but he forgot the words…he’s the top four and he forgot the words?!? I’m sorry but what is THAT about? Is he seriously trying to get himself voted off?! I think so.

I'll agree with Julie on the stupid song choices. He's daring people to send him home, at this point. I like the guy...and I think he could've easily become the Dark Horse and made it into the finale with some smart choices. I don't like Bob Marley music, but even I know Castro's semi-funky take on it was sub-par. One positive is that people are going to remember it and talk about it. But the worst thing is...it was just confusing. The second song should've been his FIRST of the night, his "I'm doing this because I like it and I CAN" song, followed later in the show by the REAL one he wanted people to consider when voting. He failed to do that. He forgot his lyrics, but who cares? I don't. Whatever. Will he be safe? I don't know. We're led to believe he won't be, but this show hasn't been kind to ladies, lately. Specifically, Syesha's been kicked around all along. I hope he gets the chance to go again, next week. And I really LIKE that he isn't taking this dopey contest very seriously. Should've done an acoustic version of "Smells Like Teen Spirit," like I requested. Missed opportunity, Castro! Best of luck, you're the last bastion of genuineness this season. Don't know if you made a strong enough case, but your eyes are still dreamy. So...you got that going for you. Which is nice. And may make little girls text in votes.

The thing that's kind of refreshing about Castro is you can really tell that, unlike everybody else who's been through this competition, he's not taking it as seriously as maybe he SHOULD be. But...it just doesn't seem like he's into high-pressure situations. He doesn't let anything bug him. It's kinda' cool! Castro doing "I Shot the Sheriff?" Shot his chance at becoming American Idol is more like it. That was kinda' weird. On one hand, I like that he kinda' embraced the whole "I'm a stoner" vibe...on the OTHER hand, spots were rough, vocally. It wasn't all that strong a performance. He was definitely feelin' it, almost PASSIONATE about it at times...and that came through in his vocal. Those spots were strong, but there were still those pesky OTHER spots. I don't think that'll carry him through to next week. And the second song? My guess as to what happened here was...after he got chopped down by the judges after the first song, he went to the back and smoked a couple bowls...and forgot some of the lyrics to a Bob Dylan song. Lyrics you don't have to sing very clearly, anyway...so what harm could it do? I think he was paying TRIBUTE to Dylan by not singing the lyrics right. Look, it wasn't as bad as some people will SAY it was...but...Vote for the Worst got it right backing him. He's in the most trouble out of the 4 of them, if I can state the obvious.

David Archuleta
performed Stand By Me and Love Me Tender

First song was more of the same! "Stand By Me" is overdone, and all Archie did was slap his usual coat of Vanilla White paint on it and enjoy the glowing praise. This one's for the Claymates and the little girls...and he nailed it for those audiences. He's The One to Beat (TM), and we all know it. The second song, "Love Me Tender," wasn't too bad. I'm an Elvis fan, and...I actually thought this was an okay take on it. As soon as he started, I BEGGED the TV not to bring in any other instruments but the piano. Simple and different for such a familiar song. The end was kind of sloppy, and I wanted to slap the little puke for saying he'd never heard the song, before. Next season, we need to have some kind of music history entrance exam. Too many of these idiots have no CLUE what music is all about or who came before them to make this dopey show possible. Archie has a LOT of growing up to do, and I have the feeling that we'll be forced to follow every awkward, gawky moment when he's crowned the next American Idol! He's it, folks. His song choices were PERFECT, and his vocals were solid enough, as usual. No major mistakes, no reason to think his fans will lose fervor at this point in the game. David Archuleta and his one vocal chord will win this season, mark my words. Or I'll wear Julie Heart's best dress to the Idol Chatter Season-in-Review column!

Ya know you’re gonna get the crowd swooning with Archie singing “Stand By Me”. I admit he had a good vocal, but I think it’s funny he still can’t get through a critique without someone mentioning his age. The last bit wasn’t perfect as Simon mentioned, but nobody is going to remember that. Then he goes and sing Elvis and ensures that his older audience will love him too. Every week I hope this kid has a big flub up and forgets his words or just really kills something…but he wont, he’s gonna win this whole thing and everybody knows it.

"Stand By Me?" More like "Walk By Me." If you see him, anywhere, EVER...because he's BORING!!!!!! I was chatting with Clyde for most of the performance, and I STILL know exactly what happened. I'm SO tired of this! WHEN IS THE FINALE?! It wasn't BAD. It was a David. He's SAFE. And let's touch on the fact that he claims he's never done a sappy love ballad before. What? Is he seriously...serious?

"Love Me Tender" was sappy, syrup-y...perfect for David Archuleta. You are through to the next round. SHOCKING!

David Archuleta and Syesha had great nights last night, they both did very well. David Cook wasn’t bad, but he wasn’t the best. At this point if anyone other than Jason goes home…it will be a travesty.

You are WRONG, Julie. Syesha could very well go home, because she's boring. It's probably Jason after the whole lyrics thing, but I wouldn't be shocked or outraged if it's Syesha. Come on, she's been on her way out for over a month, now. Bottom 2 will be David Cook and Syesha, with her going home. Everyone's shocked, Jason's COMPLETELY safe another week, and I just LAUUUUUUUUUUUUGH myself to sleep. There's my big, probably wrong, anarchistic call for the week. Because it DOESN'T MATTER ANYMORE. ARCHIE WINS. END. OF. SEASON.

On that note...I hope that there's an outpouring of unprecedented support for Castro, and that this Tsunami of Voting Power (TM) has only ONE casualty -- the ROCKER. Because, as we were reminded by Seacrest, the rocker was voted off "this week" in a previous season. Because everyone thought he was WICKED safe. (Realistically, I know this probably will not happen. But I am one hopeful Funk. I made a prediction that Syesha would make it to the Top 3, and I'm hoping her "Proud Mary" performance was strong enough to push her through to next week; thusly making it possible to file her in the "Artie Gets One Right" column. That said, my real prediction is that Castro's out, with Syesha in the Bottom 2...while the Unstoppable Davids plow through to next week.)

***** DISCLAIMER *****
The opinions expressed by the three "FOX43 Idol Experts" do not necessarily reflect the opinions of FOX43, Tribune Broadcasting or FOX.
***************************]]> tag:blogs.trb.com,2008:/entertainment/news/blog//76.99453 2008-05-06T13:30:24Z 2008-05-06T14:03:01Z

Time to get serious. Take a ride with Clyde.

Now that Brooke White is gone...I'm no longer obligated to care about any of the remaining singers. I have no real, emotional attachment to any of them, and, thus, can be completely critical and objective. If I had to pick a favorite, I'd have to go with Jason...but, he's not going to win and I'd only be choosing him because: 1) Brooke is gone, B) Syesha doesn't have a prayer, and 3) I hate the Davids so much! Why be so negative all the time, though...right? Julie Heart tells me I look like I'm going to have a nervous breakdown or something, lately. So...it's time to detach myself from the process, like I should've been doing all along, and make the tough calls.

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Syesha goes, Jason goes...and we're down to the Battle of the Davids (TM) for which we've all been (apparently) waiting. Archie is pulling in the tweeners and the mommies and the g-mommies...and, probably, any of the remaining "David Hernandez Voters," if you know what I mean. (Wink, nudge.) David Cook is going to rule young boys, teen girls and college-age girls. All idiots still harboring Daughtry Guilt (TM) are going to vote for him, in a vain attempt to help a "rocker" finally win American Idol.

"I'm sorry, Dave...I'm afraid I can't do that."

Like it or not, America - though I suspect many of you are of the former persuasion - David Archuleta is going to be your. Next. American. Idol. David Cook will fly too close to the sun and what remains of his hair will burn right up. Archie is pretty much it. He was an early frontrunner, he's got Kelly Clarkson's support, and the whole gawky little twit thing that is such a turn-off to me is a huge hit with the Idol voters. You think David Cook has the Daughtry Guilt Vote? Archu-D2 has the Clay Guilt Vote...and there is no way the Claymates are going to let their hero, or his spiritual successor, fall short of winning THIS time around. That's my call - hardly a bold one, but it's pretty much inevitable and I wanted to make it before we get all wrapped up in some crazy "no, I REALLY think Cook can win this" thing.

See you at the York Fair, Mr. Cook.

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One by one, the herd is thinning out on the way to the American Idol finale. This week, the remaining contestants took on the songbook of Neil Diamond. Was the bushy-browed wonder's work kind to the 5 best singers in the world?

Well, yes and no. Some good, some bad, some ugly...and, last night, one had to go home.

Last night's show followed the Bottom 2 structure of last week's results show, and, after Jason, Archie and Cook sat down on the big, comfy couch...Syesha and Brooke were left standing in the harsh, bright light of judgement.

They had the lowest vote totals for the week...but which lovely lady was picked-off?

Brooke White has been eliminated from the competition. Her performances of "I'm a Believer" and "I am, I Said" didn't draw enough votes to keep her around for another week...and last week's much talked-about song restart probably didn't help her chances much, either.

FOX43 Idol Expert Artie put Jason and Brooke in his Bottom 2. He's batting .500, there. Mr. Funk also thought Jason would be going home this week. Artie, your thoughts on this week's results?

Funk: Well, that SUCKS. Did she deserve to go this week? Sure. Did I want her to go this week? No. Will I miss her shining, happy/uber-emotionally-crying-but-completely-human persona? Yeah, probably. Will I buy her first album? At least the single! I was disappointed, but I think it was probably about time. Her fanbase clearly was not as dedicated as all of the tween girls who loved hearing Jason Castro singing about his tight jeans. So, farewell, Brooke.

FOX43 Idol Expert Julie Heart ALSO had Jason and Brooke in her Bottom 2. And, like her ol' buddy Artie, she's a total Jason hater...saying he would go home this week. Julie, what do you think of this week's results?

Heart: Brooke and Syesha went head to head for the final spot at safety. As surprised as I am to see Brooke leave, I kind of thought it might happen after last night. She’s had too many mistakes, and Syesha has been strong the last two weeks. I still think Jason Castro should have been the one going home, Brooke is more talented and original. I would much rather see her perform then Syesha as well, but I don’t think the fans could get past Brooke having two bad weeks in a row. Watching her stand next to Syesha, she knew it was her night to go home, and when she had to sing –it was painful to watch. I don’t know if it’s ironic or classic that she messed up her final song and couldn’t even finish. I think if she can get her confidence back and put out a record people would actually buy it though, it would probably be different than what most idols would put out. Other thoughts from last night? Worst. Group. Song. Ever. I don’t know what they were thinking with that, but it was just bad. So cheesy and corny, and many other vomit educing adjectives-even for Idol. They really do like to mess with us on Idol, making Jason Castro go out first and he’s safe…I wonder if he got sympathy for Paula screwing him over last night. I know they drew out David A’s critique, but why was he shocked when he was safe. C’mon now, even he’s gotta know he’s a shoe in to win at this point- and I think Natasha’s got a little Lolita crush on him! David Cook was the third one out of the gate, and they wasted no time telling him he was safe. The call segment of the show was a lot more interesting last night with Simon getting a call from his first kiss. That was actually cool to see his reaction. And, yeah...I’m not really interested in hearing a new song from Neil Diamond…if he’s the one I have to watch singing it!

FOX43 Idol Expert Clyde Collins apparently lost his mind. Not only did he put David Archuleta in his Bottom 2 with Brooke...he said Archie would actually be the one to go home! Clyde, what were you THINKING?!

Collins: I knew. Don't think I didn't know it'd be Brooke. Brooke knew. I knew. It wasn't going to be a David, because those overrated pukes are too popular. It wasn't going to be Jason, because him leaving after Paula Abdul's blatant hatchet-job this week would create an unwanted controversy and make him a martyr. It wasn't going to be Syesha, because she's got momentum (not enough to win) and has come alive in recent weeks. That leaves...Brooke, the unlucky and unloved. It was an easy call, but, as I said in the column after Tuesday's performance show...I'm pushing for complete and total anarchy at this point. The mediocre and predictable ending toward which this season is headed should NOT be allowed to happen. The Davids commit crimes against music on a weekly basis, and no one cares. The ladies are doomed, because it's OBVIOUS that little girls are the ones dominating the voting. How else do you explain Jason Castro?! I like the guy, don't get me wrong...in fact, he's just become my new favorite contestant (bye, Brooke). Those haunting, blue eyes are keeping him around just as much as his mellow voice...if not moreso! I still don't get what little girls see in balding faux-rockers or theatrical dwarves with breath control problems, but, hey...whatever floats your boats. Not up on the trends, don't read the Tiger Beat. Anyway, I'm miserable about Brooke leaving on some level...but okay with it on another. She wasn't going to win the show. She got a stay of execution after last week's screw-up, and I like that she got to go out the way we WANT to remember her - a sobbing, blubbering, sappy mess. I'm sure more than a few of her haters smiled...but plenty more people felt really, really bad for her. I want people feeling unhappy when they watch Idol, at this point...everyone should have to experience the show the way I do, now. It just got a lot less genuine and a lot less interesting. Oh, well...there's always next season! Looking forward to Season 8, people! (Sigh.)

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

So this week’s mentor is Neil Diamond…I’m not a big fan of the guy, honestly before the show I couldn’t have named five of his songs, but it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be.

With all due respect to Neil Diamond...it's time to stop with the ancient songs written by ancient musicians. Let's get CURRENT. Do you know why David Archuleta and David Cook are doing well? All of these contestants have been encouraged to sing in certain styles or genres, and the Davids' styles happen to be the ones ruining radio at the moment. They're not daring, they're not new...they're same-y, but sound current compared to the others because what they do naturally just happens to be in style. If the nation was still fascinated with Dave Matthews Band or we were in the 1970s/Lisa Loeb Week, Jason or Brooke might have a better chance. Syesha belongs on Broadway, or in musical movies. If she goes that route, she could end up very successful. The Battle of the Davids that's looming overhead isn't going to be good for the music industry. Jordin Sparks? Does the same thing you hear on the radio all the time. Forgettable, already passe, not good for music. We don't need another Daughtry or another Josh Groban. We need someone different to blow up the drek on the radio with something TRULY different. The way this season is going...it's not going to happen, and I think that's depressing. Anyway...let's go on and disagree about the performances!

I'm not a huge fan of "The Diamond", but having seen the obscure movie Saving Silverman one too many times has made some of Neil's songs endearing to me. So Clyde says the competition is fixed, but in the words of Wayne Lefessier, "Yeah, sure. But he's America's greatest songwriter. And he's our hero." So bring it on! Neil Diamond's library is CRAZY diverse, so let's see where these cats take his songwriting skills.

Jason Castro
performed Forever in Blue Jeans and September Morn

First of all, I think we have to address this...did Paula Abdul just reveal that there really IS a fix?

I mean...he had only performed once. She KNEW what his second song would be. She probably heard it in rehearsal. But...how did she know he wouldn't kill with it on the live show? Hm...FIX! THEY WANT HIM GONE! And now...I offically want HER gone.

Have you ever been trying to hide a surprise party...and then your idiot aunt blurts something out at the dinner table two days before? Then she tries to cover it up by acting confused? That's what that was. She killed the show. If she's not back next year...oh, well. Tiffany! You're on-deck!

I was not a fan of the rapid fire judge commentary in the middle, that was just weird and rushed. Let's get to the performances, though. Jason’s first song was “Forever in Blue Jeans”, and def sounded like his style. He seemed a lot more comfortable and natural with this song. His second song was ok, but I’m still not impressed. I’m not sure if he’s a good enough contestant to continue to compete with the other top five. His vocals have been unimpressive, and the second song was a bit too mellow, he should have gone upbeat.

His first song was good! Pure Castro Magic (TM). Sounded good to me, I enjoyed it. Didn't hear anything wrong with it. The second...wasn't that great. Kinda' awkward and boring, much like many of his interviews. Oh, my GOD...Paula Abdul was RIGHT! Glad we got her prophetic vision on tape, thusly proving that she's a precog!

"Forever in Blue Jeans" was good. I liked his version. "September Morn" was a bit boring, don't know if it's the one I'd have closed with. Both decent vocals. People either get his laid-back style by the point...or they don't. I hope he's safe, I doubt he will be. Maybe enough little girls love his dreamy, blue eyes. I just wish, after Paula reviewed his second performance, he'd been brave enough to question whether anyone should even listen to her at this point, because she knew what she was going to say about it before he even sang. This is Castro, though. He's just going to stand there and let the show happen around him. We know that.

David Cook
performed I'm Alive and All I Really Need is You

First song was vintage David Cook. Second song...vintage David Cook. He NEVER DOES ANYTHING DIFFERENT. Overwrought, watered-down rock is his deal, and the judges love all over him for it. I don't care much for him, I think he's overrated. What else do you want from me at this point?

I'm tired of complaining about him, because he's going to be here forever.

"I'm Alive" was actually pretty cool. In the first part of the song, he fell into the Our Lady Peace song trap, where the it was too low for him, down where he couldn't do anything with it. But the rest was good! The rocky, Neil Diamond feel was pretty cool. Oh, and enough with the AC/DC stuff. We GET IT. You like them. Stop it. Anyway, second song...it was pretty good. Just kicked Jason Castro to the curb, I think...but it wasn't a bad vocal. It just wasn't the greatest. There were a couple moments in there I thought were really good. Puts him over most of the others at this point, because the sum of his two performances is greater than anyone else's.

Aww, even Neil loves David Cook! I really enjoyed David’s first performance, he picked a song I’d never heard before, so it sounded like it could have been his own. The second song was a good performance, but I didn’t like the song as much. It sounded a little sappy to be a rock ballad, at least he did make it his own though. Either way the judges liked it and so did the fans-you know he’ll sail through.

Brooke White
performed I'm a Believer and I Am, I Said

Okay. "I'm a Believer" was fun and goofy, but not going to win her any fans. The producers didn't do her any favors with the awful, gawdy backdrop and lighting, either. She sung it too low, and the only part I really liked was the end, when she started getting all raspy and shouty. Not enough of that. Could've been a good calculated risk, kind of just odd. Now, the SECOND SONG...much better. Was it enough to erase last week's false start and her weak first performance of the night? She needed a homerun, and I don't know if that was it. Still a fan...and SHOCKED the judges gave her ANY positive remarks at all.

I love “I’m a Believer” but with each passing day I’m believing less that Brooke can do this. She seemed awkward playing to this song, the music behind her seemed too loud I could hardly hear her, and the vocal wasn’t anything to write home about. I think the only benefit was that people know this song…but I’m not sure people will think she did it justice. For her second song it was interesting that she changed the words to “I am I said” so it was Arizona instead of New York…but then the lyric about the two shores didn’t really make sense. Her performance on this song was ten times better then the first song though. This style with her at the piano was so much more comfortable and natural for her. She had a better vocal with this, and she seemed less nervous.

Most people will remember "I'm a Believer" from the hit movie Shrek. Brooke's cover really wasn't very good. She tried to get into it and act all upbeat, but she came off as cheesy and awkward. Love the shiny pants, though! The second performance was better, but it was shaky at parts. I liked the second one a lot better because it felt a little more natural... then again, maybe it's the Artie Loves Piano Chicks Thing (TM). And the fact that she took Neil Diamond's suggestion to change the lyrics to "Arizona" was a good idea, despite the "two shores" deal Julie mentioned. Overall, with a weak, awkward first performance and a decent, more heartfelt second performance, I'd say she's about even with Jason Castro, but a tad better than him right now.

David Archuleta
performed Sweet Caroline and America

"Sweet Caroline" was stupid, his weakest in a while. We've seen every trick in his book, and he's BORING. No one cares, though. And as for his second song, good to see the spirit of Kristy Lee Cook is alive and well. Two shrewd, predictable choices. I. Am. Over. This. Kid.

"Sweet Caroline" was such a smart song choice for David Archuleta. Not only is it one of the most popular bar songs that people love to sing along to, but he was able to showcase his vocal as well. He’s not one of the contestants that needs to make sure people remember him, but people will remember that he sang this song. Again for the second song smart going with the “yay America” vote…Kristy Lee would be so proud. There was a little flub up in the middle, but no one will ever notice because they’re so in love with this kid.

I don't think the first song was his best. The beginning was funky...and not in a funktastic, brassy, "Artie Funk" sort of way. More in a stinky, just got out of gym class and my tee shirt smells bad kind of way. Taking the karaoke favorite and putting the Archie Smarm (TM) on it was pretty much the only play he has anymore, and I don't know if it really was that great. Meh, dogg. Second performance was more of the same. It was really good...FOR David Archuleta. Plus, he's gonna add in the flag-waver vote this week. But I don't think he did this on purpose. I don't see him being as calculating and conniving about his song choices as KLC was, like you two imply he is. I think he's literally too young and naive to think like that. Anyways, if you figure that Cook grabs most of the teen rocker vote, then Archie has the tweens, grandmoms and NOW anyone who's a flag-waver...he's probably on top this week. Not that he's my FAVORITE, but...

I think he could end up in the Bottom 3 or 2, this week. It's time for a shocker. Won't happen, of course. But his performances weren't really THAT good. Will the fans even NOTICE? Doubt it. Just give the little freak the title, already. It's over. I'm done trying to predict this season accurately...the deck is stacked.

Syesha Mercado
performed Hello Again and Thank the Lord for the Nighttime

The Future Mrs. Artie Funk delivered a good, solid vocal on "Hello Again." It sounded nice! Of course, everyone will remember this song from my favorite movie, Saving Silverman. Um...decent song choice for her, because it let her belt. I mean, she did really well, but she didn't floor anybody with that performance, I don't think. It lacked...shine? Is that the right word? I don't know. The second song was a little better, mostly because it had more energy and that's what I like to see Syesha doing. Upbeat, happy songs are better than slow, Whitney, belty songs. For me.

Did you just make "Whitney" an adjective, Artie? I like that.

I'm doin' my thing, yo! Overall, I'd say she's got two decent performances, and it's tough to say who's going to be in trouble. But...given her history...she might have needed that "shine" on the first song to get her through to next week. And P.S.-- singing barefoot is still completely AWESOME.

Syesha looked really good last night, and I don’t mean that in a Paula Abdul "you sounded horrible" kind of way. Her vocal was really nice and strong, not the most memorable performance, but it wasn’t bad. For the second song - I love when Syesha has fun with a song, it makes her so much more entertaining to watch. Simon was a little hard on her saying she would be the one to leave. I do agree she’ll be leaving soon, just maybe not tonight.

Syesha is more at home with this Broadway, theatrical stuff. We all know that, now. I don't know if it'll help her win American Idol, but maybe it'll be enough to win her a few fans and keep her around another week or two. MAYBE. She was better last week and was in the Bottom 2, so...maybe America just doesn't WANT to like her? Both songs were solid, but her second was a bit too over-the-top for me.

The Davids were my top performers of the night. Archuleta had smart song choices, I liked Cook’s performances better. Brooke, Jason, and Syesha would be in the bottom three if we were to have one, but they’ll probably make it a bottom two again this week. It’s a tough call but I think Jason and Brooke will be the bottom two with Jason heading home.

Anyone not named David is in danger of elimination...moreso this week than any other previous week. Especially Jason Castro. He's in REAL trouble. He's my go-home guy. As for the other slot for the Bottom 2...it's a toss-up for me between Brooke and Syesha. If we're basing it solely on the performances tonight (which we NEVER are), I'd say it's a tough one. I'm gonna' go with Brooke, because of the lack of quality on her first song might be insurmountable. For some reason, I find myself listening to PAULA'S critiques on Syesha. I kind of agreed that she showed BOTH of her strengths in both of her songs, so I'm inclined to agree with that. Weird, huh?

Here is my call. David Archuleta goes home...TONIGHT. Bottom 3 is Archie, Syesha and Brooke. Bottom 2 are Archie and Brooke. Archie goes home. There it is. That's my call. The end. Jason deserves to be safe after Paula Abdul's sniper job on him halfway through the show. If he goes home, there's a controversy, so he WON'T.

***** DISCLAIMER *****
The opinions expressed by the three "FOX43 Idol Experts" do not necessarily reflect the opinions of FOX43, Tribune Broadcasting or FOX.
***************************]]> tag:blogs.trb.com,2008:/entertainment/news/blog//76.97256 2008-04-25T19:36:28Z 2008-04-25T19:39:03Z

Join our Idol Experts for some funny and honest commentary that didn't make it to our written Idol Chatter column! In this episode:

-Carly went home
-Andrew Lloyd Webber ROCKS
-What saved Brooke?
-Battle of the Davids

And more!

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Check them out here on the Blogaloo, or hit up FOX43's YouTube page. They'll be up there, too!

Leave a comment to let us know what you think...or to join in the discussion. If it's a good one, we may even bring it up in the next episode!

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Andrew Lloyd Webber was the greatest thing to happen to Idol this season. Who'd have thought?! His honest, constructive criticism and advice has elevated the performances of all of the finalists. What this week was NOT...was easy to predict. First of all, Seacrest only whipped-out his Bottom 2.

With whatever image that may have conjured in your mind secure for the next several days, we learned that Syesha Mercado and Carly Smithson, both of whom have been teetering on the verge of elimination off and on for weeks, were our Bottom 2.

Our Idol Experts made their calls...

...and they have to live with them, as the world was shocked to learn that Carly Smithson has been eliminated. Talk about the drama of live television...favorites to leave Brooke White and Jason Castro looked like they were about to die upon hearing Seacrest declare them SAFE.

Carly and Syesha had to be equally as surprised, as the judges and fans seemed to eat up their performances, the most energetic and memorable either has put on in weeks.

FOX43 Idol Expert Artie put Jason, Brooke and Syesha in his Bottom 3, which, when you consider we only had a Bottom 2 this week and count all of his choices, leaves him 1 for 2. We didn't know, going in, that we'd only have a Bottom 2, so we're giving our Experts the benefit of the doubt and allowing all 3 choices to count. Artie said Brooke would go home, which was a popular sentiment. He was wrong, and here's what he has to say...

Funk: I don't want to give you any thoughts on Idol! I quit the blog! I was SHOCKED that Brooke was safe. Not even in the Bottom 2?! I disagreed with Simon's comment that the restart made her human, because...DUDE, how much more human can she be? She's cried, she's already restarted once, she...is wicked human, by now. Inexplicable save from the fans. Not that I'm unhappy about it, but confusing nonetheless. And...Syesha's gone next week. She handed in one of her best performances of the competition, and she's STILL in the Bottom 2. Maybe they're living in a cursed hotel room together, or something? I dunno', dogg. As for Carly, oh well. Catch you on the flip-side.

FOX43 Idol Expert Julie Heart put Jason, Brooke and Carly in her Bottom 3. That gives her a score of 1 out of 2 for the Bottom 2, but the one she got right was the big one! She called Jason going home, and...well, that just didn't happen. Julie, what's going on?

Heart: Seeing Brooke safe and Syesha in the bottom two was a shocker, she thought she was going home after that false start. Idol was really trying to pull out all the stops to surprise the audience by having Jason safe going up against Carly. Jason looked like he thought he was going home too. I am glad these were the two performances to hear again though, I would not have wanted to sit through Jason or Brooke’s songs after last night. It does go to show you that this competition is more about your fans than your talent. I’m sad to see Carly go home, but I knew her days were numbered.

FOX43 Idol Expert Clyde Collins selected Syesha, Jason and Brooke for his Bottom 3, and that makes him 1 for 2 on the Bottom 2. He thought Syesha and Carly were interchangeable, but went with Syesha simply because she performed first. He called for his personal favorite, Brooke, to go home...so he's got to be glad that she dodged the bullet. Right, Clyde?

Collins: First of all, to Julie, I'd like to note that your boy Cook has been lucky on more than one occasion that this show sometimes seems to be more about fans than talent. The fans got it RIGHT, doing what was best for the show overall. That said, who saw this coming? When you look at their performances, I thought Jason and Brooke were just fine. Carly was fun and Syesha was...well, at least better than usual. But the changes they made threw off whatever fans they have, and I'm glad the voters ignored the judges and gave Brooke and Jason some credit. I honestly thought Brooke would go home, and proclaimed my hate for this season of American Idol, because I have so little faith in the voters. This week...they showed me that Brooke and Jason, the only interesting things left this season, are at least popular enough to weather a storm. I hope they both stick around, and as for Carly...well, at least she went out on a high note. People will remember her for this, and she should have little trouble attempting to become this season's Daughtry. Best of luck, but it was going to happen at some point.

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

With Kristy Lee finally gone, the real competition can begin. We’re down to six contestants and they had to prove they can be like Fantasia and Clay and do a little Broadway singing.

Clyde, here. I officially don't like American Idol anymore, this season. It's rigged, it's over, it's not going to end well for the future of humanity. That said, I was prepared to hate this night...and actually came out of it respecting Andrew Lloyd Webber. He was the best mentor, by far, offering honest and helpful criticism to all of the contestants. Good man. But, yeah...if you're trying to convince America that one of these kids is the NEXT POP MUSIC SENSATION...maybe move Broadway week back to the Top 10 theme, or something. We're too close to the end for themes that actively work against contestants sounding current and cool.

Yeah, dogg! Artie in the house! This is, actually, sadly, my week. I guess I like Broadway stuff...dated a lot of ladies who were musicians, so...you know, you pick up a few things, dogg. Let's get MUSICAL!

Syesha Mercado
performed One Rock & Roll Too Many from Starlight Express

You could really tell that Syesha had fun singing that song. She really made a performance out of it, her personality came out and it reminded me why I liked Syesha so much in the beginning of the competition. She got great marks from all three judges; this song could keep her in the game this week.

Shame she went first. By process of elimination, she and Carly are in danger of being part of the Bottom 3, deservedly or not. This was her best performance. Ever. She has never done anything nearly as exciting or fun. And you know what? I STILL don't care about her. Her voice is fine, I guess, but she doesn't connect with me. Too little, too late. She goes home before the finale, but not this week.

It was REALLY good, and I think she hit a clam at the end. Like RIGHT before the end. Clyde, can I say that?

What? The clam thing? Sure.

SWEET. She hit a BIG clam at the end. But other than that, it felt like she was in her element. I would go see [insert Broadway show name here], starring Syesha! Big voice, nice movement, trottin' around on stage...a little out of Idol's regular performance zone, but I liked it a lot. Pretty big clam, though. Dogg.

Nice use of clams, Artie. I'd almost forgotten that catchphrase.

Thanks. Oh, and did I mention that she looked SMOKIN' hot, too? Because she diiiiii'.

Jason Castro
performed Memory from Cats

You know what? It was a bit overly-emotional, but I never perceived it as fake. He tried his best with a well-known song, and I actually listened to it the entire way through. He connected. It was a good performance, I thought. Nothing wrong with it, very Jason-y. At this point, either you like that or you don't. I happen to like him, and think the show suffers if and when he goes home. Could be this week, but you never know. He took a chance with this, and made it into a Castro song. Archie was complimented for making his song sound like a David Archuleta song, but Jason was bashed. Don't get why the producers and/or judges are so anti-different, this year. I guess they're dying to crown Daughtry 2.0 or Archie the Mouseketeer.

What a shame this season turned out to be. I sense great disappointment ahead, already. The wrong people have America snowed, completely. Sorry, Jason. Bottom 3, because a lot of people don't get you and the show doesn't WANT them to.

It was good! Really clean, and he brought that Castro Purity (TM) to the song that we've come to expect, know and love from our boy. And, he had my favorite quote of the night: "I didn't know it was sung by a CAT." Dude. It's a show...called CATS. EVERYBODY'S A CAT. Still love him, though. Oh, and by the way...Clyde, I'm with you on the whole fix theory, here. I can't believe that NONE of the judges liked his performance. Yo, what the [expletive]?!

Hearing Jason sing "Memory" was a little weird for me. His voice sounded a little whiny doing it the way he did, and I was not impressed by the vocal. I hate to say it, but Jason’s days are numbered and we all know it. He’s just not good enough to go a lot further in the competition.

Brooke White
performed You Must Love Me from Evita

Brooke had a cute moment with Andrew Lloyd Webber when he was explaining the song to her, and I liked that. She had a hard start in the beginning, which wasn’t as cute and forgivable this time around. She def sang with emotion for the song, but I think the song itself was a little too hard for her. Maybe if she wasn’t so nervous she could have done a better job.

Awww...MAN! Crap! She's gone. She needed to have Her Moment of the Entire Show to make up for the restart thing...and all she did was hand in a solid performance. That's not going to be enough to overcome her SECOND restart of the competition. People aren't going to vote for that, and that makes me sad. But...ouch. The only way this could work out for her is if she gets the sympathy outpouring, but I kinda' don't think that's coming, because she's already been in the Bottom 3 a couple times.

Shame she had the false start, and also that she was part of the Obvious Trio Producers Want to Go Home (TM) at the top of the show. It was handled as well as it could be, again...but it may be one too many screw-ups for the most vocally interesting singer left this season. I'd also like to note that she's the new Vote for the Worst contestant, with KLC out of the way.

What can I say about it? Well, the judges hate her, the producers hate her, and America's patience for her may have run out. I still think she's the best one out of the bunch, but what I think doesn't matter anymore, this season. Once she started again, her vocals were fine. Any shakiness worked well with the lyrics and the mood. Is THIS the song she'll sing on her way out the door? It's quite sad, if so. I want her to go out on a high note, because it's clear to me that the fix is in and none of the contestants I like are going to win. The pity vote, as Artie said...or Vote for the Worst...may save her this week - MAYBE - but she's in serious danger of elimination.

David Archuleta
performed Think of Me from Phantom of the Opera

David looks and sounds like a little Disney prince on stage singing this kind of song. He was theatrical as always…but I guess that was ok this week? It was a good vocal, because he always has a good vocal, but I agree with Simon –it was forgettable.

That was really...it was good. I'm surprised Momma Funk didn't call me up last night and ask how to download a song she heard on American Idol. ALL of his fans loved that. I don't know who to give credit to for the arrangement, but it was appropriate and cool. The one to beat!

Clyde, here. I officially hate this week, again. This kid schlock-ed his way through another song, and his fans will eat it up. He should be in the Bottom 3. Sadly, he will NOT be. If there's any week in which he MIGHT end up in the Bottom 3, it's this one. He was just as vanilla as ever. Yuck. Whatever, America. If this is the kind of trash you want to love, far be it from me to stand in your way. You and Archie deserve each other.

Carly Smithson
performed Jesus Christ Superstar from...well, Jesus Christ Superstar

Yo, Clyde! She did it, ha ha ha!

Here's a "Get to Know the Real Clyde Collins Moment" for you. One of my biggest guilty pleasures is Jesus Christ Superstar. I love the music. I know all the lyrics. I watched it over and over again as a kid and teen. Haven't seen it in a while...but I said to Artie, going into last night, that anyone who did a song from that particular show would get my vote. I'm here to make good on my word. I am THRILLED that Carly was steered in the right direction by the ONLY decent mentor so far this season, Andrew Lloyd Webber, and went with this song. Had she done "I Don't Know How to Love Him," I'd have peed myself. But I'll take this. It was fun, it was cheeky, it wasn't religious-for-the-sake-of-votes, like Kristy pulled off. That said, she's probably safe BECAUSE, I predict, the KLC supporters who liked her BECAUSE of the Jesus stuff will probably get behind Carly. She's also in danger of Bottom 3, just by nature of being Carly. But I think Syesha takes that bullet, instead. Good work, Carly. You made Clyde care about you. FINALLY. Now, keep it up...give into the Dark Side and embrace your Pop-Rock past. The Celine thing? Yuck. I will drop you SO FAST if you bore me, next week.

Yay, Clyde...we agree on something! I’m SO glad that Andrew Lloyd Webber convinced Carly to do Jesus Christ Superstar- that rocked! With her big voice, she was really in her element with this song. Easily one of the best of the night, but will it be enough to keep her out of the bottom three?

She was CLEARLY havin' fun, and it wasn't even Jesus she was happy about...it was the gargantuan notes she was punchin'! And they ALL sounded good, tons of energy...I think AL-Dub was totally right to switch her song. It was probably the most fun I've seen her have during a performance, and that was reflected IN said performance, yo! It was pretty good!

David Cook
performed Music of the Night from Phantom of the Opera

That was really refreshing hearing David Cook just sing "Music of the Night" the way it was meant to be sang. I think he made a good choice not changing it, and may have surprised people that he really can sing. You all know that I love David Cook, but this made me fall for him again.

I find him fakey and overrated. This didn't win me over. He's all muddy and muttery on the lower notes, and injecting that rock scream at the end was unnecessary and tacky. Look, I really don't want to go into it, because it's quite clear that this season's turning into the Battle of the Davids (TM), and I'll have plenty of time to hate on him to no avail in the weeks ahead. Safe, but sorry.

So...I'm trying to decide whether or not that was GENUINELY David Cook...or if that was even more of the same FAKEY FAKERSON thing. For once, I can say I thought that was a really good vocal. I know the song well, and he did a good job singing it. The weird thing is that he didn't put a spin on it. Archuleta performed a version of a song from the SAME musical, and that version was a Pop version. This was, like, straight out of the musical...and I don't know if it means that David Cook is secretly harboring dreams of Broadway stardom. Is this who he REALLY is? Because I don't know if he'd be doing as well on this show if this is who he REALLY was...because he'd lose if he took on David Archuleta's style head-to-head. He genuinely thinks he's a rocker, and he's stuck to those guns until tonight. There was no Rock element, except for the last note...I don't know. If this is NOT who he is, he's just playing the game, and he's reaching out for new fans. Irregardlessly, it was a good performance, dogg. I'm just so conflicted on the inside, and I just don't see why he had any trouble picturing Andrew Lloyd Webber as a 17-year old girl. Interesting, that's all I can say.

David was my best of the night with that amazing vocal, but Syesha has a close second with a fantastically entertaining performance. The bottom two are easily Jason and Brooke, neither had a great night in this category, I would say David Archuleta deserves to join them, but with all his fans he never will –so I’ll put Carly in the bottom three because I think she has fewer fans. I also wouldn’t be surprised to see Syesha in the bottom three as well because she sang first. I think Jason will be the one to go home. The two David’s are the only ones that you can be pretty sure are safe.

The Bottom 3 will be the first three performers on last night's show - Syesha, Jason and Brooke. It'll come down to Brooke and Jason, and Brooke will be sent home. Part of me wants to say it'll be Jason. It'd be more exciting...the world would be shocked, Brooke would probably fall down and die, and Vote for the Worst pulls her through. But I doubt she gets the causal voters, this week. I don't know if KLC's fans will flock to her after the big mistake, though they might've if she hadn't false-started. I don't think anyone can save her, because her mistake was too big to overcome at this stage. What a sickening shame. Best of the Night was Carly Smithson, honorable mention to Jason Castro for having some cajones. Worst of the Night was David Archuleta.

Tonight was weird. I think I expected a lot more of what David Archuleta did...different versions of Broadway songs. Strangely enough, I think some of the more solid performances came from the straight-up Broadway-style performances! Bottom 3...man, after the beating he took from the judges, Castro's down there. After the restart, Brooke is down there. And, because she went first, Syesha's down there. Best of the Night were the Davids, honorable mention to Syesha. Worst of the Night had to be Brooke, because the only thing you remember about it is she had to restart...and the awkward silence from the audience during the judges' comments. Things are looking dark...for Brooke White. I think she goes home.

***** DISCLAIMER *****
The opinions expressed by the three "FOX43 Idol Experts" do not necessarily reflect the opinions of FOX43, Tribune Broadcasting or FOX.
***************************]]> tag:blogs.trb.com,2008:/entertainment/news/blog//76.96185 2008-04-21T21:49:55Z 2008-04-22T15:19:10Z

The fans pick the song this season's American Idol winner will sing. Clyde tells you which ones aren't completely horrible.

By Clyde Collins

This is quite a difficult assignment, I must say...because these songs are, by and large, syrupy, gooey messes.

Let's start off by taking a look at how you'd go about voting, if you so choose. You'd start by going here. Better get on that fast, though...

]]> The Lovely Logo

Look, it has its own little logo and webpage and everything. Isn't that cute? Gosh, American Idol Songwriting Competition, your parents must be SO proud!

The Mission

As usual, Idol wants you to become part a massive, united group of people who think about the show WAAAAAY too much to be considered normal or healthy in any way.

(By the way, I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for joining me, once again, here on Idol Chatter! Come back often, and hear all about nothing but American Idol! It's TOTALLY healthy, we promise.)

Okay, so, now that you understand that this is an incredibly vital mission, and that, as a fan, you have a moral obligation to participate...how do you vote?

Your Part in All This

You register with the site (so that it can save your song ratings), then open the handy song player and let them know what you think of all 20 amazing, unforgettable selections.

Are You a Moron?

Idol is completely aware that you may happen to be part of that small, oft-ignored cross-section of viewers who also happen to be complete morons. Or, perhaps, you despise the ideas of free will and exploration. That's why they've created another handy little section of the site that features handy little hints on how to handy little decide whether or not you handy little like a handy little song!

Let Idol Hold Your Hand (and Subtly Try to Influence Your Choice)

I am not a fan of this. Here's how it should really go - the Clyde-Honest Truth (TM)! We are going to be stuck with this song, as a nation, for the entire summer. It will be an overplayed radio single, heavily pushed on iTunes, performed daily/nightly on the talkshow circuit...it'll be EVERYWHERE. It will be in your raccoon wounds.

So, I beg of you: Choose. The. Song. That. Sucks. The. Least.

That's all you have to do. Don't choose something because of its mushy lyrics or whatever. Don't choose it because it's really representative of David Archuleta's journey, and you want him to win.

Choose the song that will be the least ear-stabbing upon multiple thousand listenings.

Recently, I zipped through the selections and jotted down some thoughts. Know what you're getting into...American Idol is looking for The Next "A Moment Like This" (TM), and these sappy attempts - largely - don't disappoint.

All You Will Need sounds like The CW Network threw up, and they used the vomit chunks littering the sidewalk as sheet music. It's every "just let go" and "be free" and "heart and soul" cliche you've ever heard in a One Tree Hill promo. Yuck.

Who Should Sing It: No one. Ever.

You Believed in Me was written to celebrate the love and support with which our own Julie Heart has showered David Cook all season. In fact, this song sounds like it was written by someone fully expecting him to win. I didn't much like it, which means it'll probably be popular.

Who Should Sing It: David Cook

Only Love is a John Mayer-y Pop song, complete with "change the world" lyrics. A few "na-na's" were added in the background, so that the final moments of Season 7 can sound like the world's largest rendition of "Hey Jude." We'll just all join hands and sing across the country, swaying and praying that the world will be a better place. Golly.

Who Should Sing It: David Archuleta

Dream Big, besides being all over TV as a phrase right now thanks to the Juno DVD commercial, is a song written for all the "little girls" who want to "reach out for something more." It would do for a female winner, but I don't know if any of the ladies left would really be able to pull it off. It was more of a song for one of the castaways.

Who Should've Sung It: Kristy Lee Cook

We're Gonna' Make It is really boring. A lot of these are straight-up LOVE SONGS written for radio play...and, if this is the winner, it won't last long.

Who Should Sing It: It's a bit Brooke-y, and Jason could pull it off...

Overcome proves that it's possible to make that awful, faux-rawk Daughtry music sound even cheesier! Lucky us. It's a Country ballad, but written for David Cook. "Look what I've done! Look what I've overcome!" Yep. If he wins, it's an historic step for all bald men with a dream.

Who Should Sing It: I guess David Cook is the only one who could take on something this horrible and have people not point out how horrible it sounds...

Here I Am is a piano-ified cheese-fest. Yeesh. The lyrics make you want to move to a cave and give up music forever.

Who Should Sing It: Archie or Jason. More Archie, though.

Thank You Whatever Comes Stupid title, but okay for a girl song. More piano-y stuff, it'll sound great next to the latest Gnarls Barkley single, this summer. (Cough.)

Who Should Sing It: Brooke. Kristy Lee could've worked it out. Maybe Carly, a little.

Fly Me Away is a weak song, and the production is poor...so the instrumentation swallows the lyrics. It's a falsetto-fest.

Who Should Sing It: Jason Castro

You Believe in Me probably wins. I'm going to go out on a limb and make a call. It's a sappy ballad with a nice rasp for Brooke White, and, even though it's completely boring, the lyrics will have her crying by 1:30. THAT is the ending producers ALWAYS want...and this season promises to deliver on winner waterworks.

Who Should Sing It: Brooke would sound best.

You Can Do Anything is a song I don't think ANY singer could make into a hit. It's a laundry list of cliches, including my personal favorite, "find your own star." Yay! Ugh! The worst part, lyrically, may be that it goes from "anything you can dream of" to "anything now." Huh? What does that even mean? Awful song.

Who Should Sing It: KLC was the only one gooey enough to pull this off, and America has already said no.

In This Moment is the kind of absolutely garbage I imagine that crybaby Josiah would've written. It's a stream of consciousness, Howie Day-style pile of phlegm, and the title makes it clear that the songwriter looked at the quintessential Idol song, "A Moment Like This," and decided to rewrite it in the key of SUCK. It starts off with some creepy, Psycho-style lyrics: "Mother, can you hear me?" (Shiver!)

Who Should Sing It: No one. The terrorists have WON if this song is chosen.

Align is a lovely attempt at a song that might be legitimately radio-worthy. It's over-sung, but the little guitar breaks are nice. I wonder if people will want to hear the remaining guys sing this? It's actually okay, for what it is, and that pretty much guarantees that it will not win.

Who Should Sing It: I'd like to hear how any of them would tackle it, really. It's not the typically End of Idol Song (TM).

The Time of My Life is what happens when someone REALLY does his or her homework about what producers want in a final song. The lyrics make it perfect for the coronation performance, and the lyrics SHOULD have the potential to make the singer cry. Once you get past the "magical rainbows" and "beautiful horizons" of which the lyrics speak, you realize that this could easily be The One. Cheesy? Sure. But there's really no avoiding that, now is there?

Who Should Sing It: Archie, and he WILL cry while singing it.

When You Come from Nothing is a little bit Country, with "keep the faith" lyrics that remind Kristy Lee Cook that you've got to "belive in something with you come from nothing." Clever little wordplay, but the person who'd make this song a hit is already gone.

Who Should've Sung It: KLC...again. Sorry, there's a lot of Country-ish stuff, here.

Faith is awful. BOOOOO. Stop with the pseudo-religious stuff, please. "Oh, what faith can do...it led met to you!" Yuck. It's Christian Rock, wrapped up in a Pop love ballad.

Who Should Sing It: Syesha could give it much-needed soul, and Brooke would probably convert non-believers to any faith she wanted with her version.

Stronger could be a Carrie Underwood song. It's not OVERLY Country, and might work for a few of the ladies. "Don't go caving in...so what if it takes a little longer, it'll make you stronger." Hm...

Who Should Sing It: Surprisingly, Carly might sound best. Brooke could do it, too.

Believe is a piano-y R. Kelly-style R&B song.

Who Should Sing It: If David Archuleta did this song, it'd probably be really good...and a bit of a shock to his audience. No one else should even attempt to sing it.

Something Like Heaven is a bit "meh." It's boy-specific. Kind of a love song with the usual cliche lyrics...it feels a bit Nsync, even. It shouldn't win.

Who Should Sing It: What's Blake Lewis up to? Let him beatbox all over it, give it a hook. Otherwise, it should be avoided like Paula Abdul.

No Turning Back has interesting writing. It's a bit Oasis-y, kind of Faux-asis. It's a good finale song, and I think it's quite passable. Rock-ish, with lyrics like "feel the elevation." Not the worst, by a long shot.

Who Should Sing It: I'd like to hear any of them try it. Cook and Castro have the edge with this song, and Carly might actually surprise with a decent take on it.

So, there you have it! All 20 songs in the running to become the Season 7 winner single...in Cliffs Notes form. Clyde's Notes, if you will.

You've still got time to vote...so, jump in and try to save us all from a mediocre finale!

If I had to choose, I'd go with Align, The Time of My Life, or No Turning Back. Which would you like to see win the songwriting contest?

Leave a comment and let us know.

See you tomorrow, after the Top 6 take on Andrew Lloyd Webber.

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Mariah Carey Week wasn't friendly to the ladies. In fact, the judges had very few kind words for the gals, but pretty much drooled all over the guys during Tuesday's performance show. It was pretty obvious to our Idol Experts that the Bottom 3 would be entirely female...

...but who went home?

The Bottom 3, after Seacrest jerked us around for an hour, ended up being Syesha Mercado, Brooke White and Kristy Lee Cook.

In the end...it came down to Brooke and KLC, and the Lady Cook was sent packing this week.

As happy as some people are going to be about this...you have to admit, it's a bit of a surprise now that she's finally gone.

FOX43 Idol Expert Artie put Brooke, Syesha and Carly in his Bottom 3...and that's another 2 for 3 for the Man They Call Funk (TM). He thought Carly would be sent home, and even went so far as to put KLC in his Best Performances of the Night! Artie, help us figure it all out.

Funk: That just goes to show you...America hates trying to be predicted. Dude, when I tuned in and saw Brooke and KLC left, I started laughing. I was just trying to imagine what Clyde's living room looked like at that moment. I pictured him crying into his own hands, because he's just sworn allegiance to both of these chicks! I had this horrible feeling that Brooke was about to get axed, balanced by the less-horrible feeling that KLC was about to bite it. I was quite relieved to see that it was the latter of the two. Of course, after growing praise and seemingly growing popularity...she finally goes home. What can you say, man? That's the way the...COOK...crumbles? Heh. Very funny. Dogg.

FOX43 Idol Expert Julie Heart put Carly, Syesha and Kristy Lee in her Bottom 3, and said Carly would probably be the one to leave. KLC was in there out of sheer spite and blind hatred, and Julie didn't hide this fact. No need to point out that she was wrong...pretty sure she doesn't care because she's been holding nightly candlelight vigils for the removal of Kristy Lee Cook since about Week 3. Julie?

Heart: YAAAAAAAAY KRISTY LEE COOK IS GONE AT LAST! She really was the Sanjaya this year, leaving the same week he did. I knew as soon as I took her off the hot seat to go home she would -and thank god. It’s a little late, but better late than see her in the final two. As soon as the stage had two on each side I realized they kept alluding to having one group here and another group over here…but Ryan didn’t actually say who was safe and who was in the bottom three so I had a feeling they were gonna try to pull a fast one and change sides on us. I hate when they play these stupid tricks on us and force the last one to choose sides, that’s just cruel. I really thought even though David Cook didn’t do as great as the judges praised him for he had a big enough fan base to keep him out of the bottom three...they had me worried for a minute, there! And I think it’s a good idea that they’ve been having past idol contestants come back to sing on elimination night. I think it’s a lot more original than just getting big name celebrities to perform, and it’s actually helping the Idol careers. P.S. Eliot looks so much better with his teeth fixed!

FOX43 Idol Expert Clyde Collins was 2 for 3 on his Bottom 3 predictions, with Carly, Syesha and Brooke as his selections. He thought Syesha would be sent home, rather ironically on Mariah Carey Week. He also listed KLC among his Best Performances! In fact, as Artie pointed out, Clyde pretty much came out in strong support of Miss Lee Cook, if only to spite those awful David Cook fans. They win again, naturally, and Clyde has the floor.

Collins: America was wrong. Kristy had been improving, and was definitely better than a certain OTHER Cook who performed Tuesday night. In fact, I still believe it was one of her stronger performances. Every other week, she seemed ready to leave...but this week, you can tell it really stung. I guess the people dying to see her go will love gloating over her pain, but I think that, even though she NEVER would have won this season, it was not her week. Had the judges switched their "critiques" of David and Kristy Lee's performances, I have a feeling she'd still be around, and we'd be Brooke-less. I'm a MUCH bigger fan of Brooke's, but I'd have understood completely if she went home this week. I think this season is starting to get to me, because I refuse to believe what the judges are telling me...that some of these jerks are so amazingly talented. I just don't see it. What I was saying in announcing my support for KLC...JUST AS I DID FOR SANJAYA, THE ONLY THING WORTH WATCH THAT SEASON, BY THE WAY...was that I would rather see her succeed than either of the Davids. I am completely against the course Season 7 seems to be taking, and I'd rather blow it all up with an anarchist move like supporting KLC than see it go down the way it will probably go down. You want to talk about too many fans? Those guys have TOO MANY FANS. They're not as good as people think. Kristy, you're a martyr to me, now. I was just starting to appreciate what you meant to this season - you were to most people what David Cook is to me, and I respect you for providing that kind of pain. Sorry if I made fun of you too often...but, to be fair, you did sing "God Bless the U.S.A." and that's terrible. Brooke, glad you're still in it, hopefully (but not likely) to win it. My last hopes for enjoying this show are Brooke and Jason, so...buckle-up, fans. It's time to take out the trash.

THAT'S RIGHT! TAKE THAT!

***** DISCLAIMER *****
The opinions expressed by the three "FOX43 Idol Experts" do not necessarily reflect the opinions of FOX43, Tribune Broadcasting or FOX.
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The recording industry is, apparently, nothing new to a few of our Season 7 Idol finalists. Making an album? YAWN. That's ancient history.

Aside from Carly Hennessy-Smithson (we've all heard about the legendary bellyflop that was her attempt at Pop stardom), four other contestants have albums listed on Amazon.com. And, luckily, the majority of them allow you to listen to clips of the tracks!

The only one that doesn't have preview audio? Read on, and know that it'll cost you $75 if you want to own it and check it out for yourself.

David Cook's "Analog Heart"

Cook's album sounds like the kind of drek you might expect from him. Shocker, huh? And that dopey "Give Back Hand" thing he did last week? Even THAT wasn't original - look at his bloody album cover!

Guy really seems to be in love with his own hand. All I'm saying.

Listen to the tracks, then realize why he should NOT win American Idol. He can't be a rocker. He tries too hard to be a rocker.

Maybe he could be the next Meatloaf? David Cook might work as a Rock Opera-er.

Otherwise, pyeeeeew. I do not like him, and I would not purchase his music. His album does little to change my mind.

Clyde's Review: 1.5 out of 5

Kristy Lee Cook's "Devoted"

KLC has a sweet, unassuming Country girl sound. She could've EASILY become a star already, had any of these songs was picked up by Country radio...isn't that terrifying?

It's actually not terrible. It's not great or earth-shattering...but, she's playing to her audience and sings the right song style. That's proven to be a good thing for Ms. Lee Cook, and the low expectations everyone has for her performances make it easy for her to look like she's improving by leaps and bounds with each passing week!

So, in conclusion, album not bad. They could re-release this with the Idol single if she wins, and no one would know the difference. Sounds as new and fresh as today's Country artists ever sound...which is always about 15 years old.

Clyde's Review: 3 out of 5

Carly (Hennessy) Smithson's "Ultimate High"

Ah, Carly Hennessy. Your album reeks of "released in 2001 to make a bid at joining the Britney/Christina Pop Princess ranks." The songs are over-produced schlock, and her voice is so computerized, it's hard to tell it's even Carly singing after having heard her on Idol.

I have to say...I do prefer the Pop side of her to the Celine side of her. This stuff just feels so outdated and gooey by modern standards.

I'm sure she'd much rather be remembered for some power ballad-type thing than "Get You Off."

Sorry, Carly. Maybe in a parallel universe 2001...

Clyde's Review: 2.5 out of 5

Michael Johns' "Rolling", as part of the band Film

Clyde's Review: 3 out of 5

Michael Johns' album is like that one CD you don't remember buying back in high school because one of your friends was kind of into it for a little while. It's been living in a shoebox for 10 years, and when you blow the dust off the box and take the disc out today for a trip down memory lane...

...man, you feel old. And you wonder why you spent $13 on this, instead of putting to toward a better CD or a MAD magazine.

It's semi Rock-y, Adult Contemporary stuff that would appeal to his fanbase, and I don't think it's entirely horrible. Just not my thing.

Unlike Cook's, which was, indeed, horrible regardless of what styles of music you enjoy.

This thing does sound aged, though. And it's not THAT old. Appropriate, considering the singer!

Clyde's Review: 3.5 out of 5

Brooke White's "Songs from the Attic"

There are no song clips to listen to for Brooke's album. Unless you're smarter about computers than I am and can find her stuff elsewhere by yourself...you'll be paying a whopping $75 to get your hands on this little disc! Wow.

To hear her cover of Aerosmith's "Dream On," the song that KILLED Michael Johns, click on this underlined phrase.

Fake piano, yes. But I like her cover, anyway!

Clyde's Review: I didn't get to listen to her album, but her voice still shines on "Dream On." America, keep her around and give her the chance she deserves as the only truly unique voice on the show! I'll give it a 5 out of 5, just be true to character.

(C'mon, you know it's awesome. Get this girl outta' the attic!)