Top 9 –> Top 8… FINALLY!

For once, I feel that the right thing happened. My ideal bottom three occurred (yes, I even thought Brooke would be there). I was happy to see that Syesha was safe, maybe she does have a following? HOLLA!

Anyway, I was sick of seeing Ramiele pout and whine and be an annoying high school girl. SEE YA! Oh, and what was she wearing last night? Looked somewhat like pajamas.

I have come to the conclusion that Brooke White talks too much. Kristy Lee Cook is annoying. David Cook has bad hair. Syesha Mercado is hot. Carly is annoying and wore sleeves for the first time this season last night. Michael Johns is forgettable. Jason Castro is goofy. David Archuleta sings effortlessly but is 6 years old (and wears Mr. Rogers sweaters).

Oh, and group number “9 to 5”, I think I threw up.

EDIT: I got my first hate response today to this particular post. Apparently I am being mean and acting as though I am perfect. Can’t a guy have superficial reasons for not liking people on Idol??

American Idol – Top 9 – Dolly Parton Week – My Thoughts

Brooke White – “Jolene”

Um, Brooke? Where did you go? I felt absolutely no connection on that song. Although, I was shocked that she chose the song. I thought for sure that David Cook would steal someone elses version of “Jolene”. Wrong again. Either way, Brooke is good (sometimes) and frankly, there have been a few weeks of eh. Don’t let it happen again! We like you. Oh, brush your hair.

David Cook – “Little Sparrow” 

I am happy that he finally cleared the air about the big “cover of cover” scandal. I felt it was pretty reminiscent of Daughtry a few years back with his “cover of cover” scandal. Ha. Anyway, I like David Cook, but I felt this week was a bit dull. He won’t be going anywhere though. I did read that he was rushed to the hospital with heart palpitations, but he is okay. See you next week David.

Ramiele Malubay – “Do I Ever Cross Your Mind”

Ramiele just bores me, plain and simple. She doesn’t connect. I feel that she is one of those snots in high school that no on really liked, but they kept her around anyway. This week they should let her go back to Miramar, Fl.  

Jason Castro – “Traveling Through”

I liked it. He was in my top three of the night with this song. It just solidifies the fact that I think he should be signed to Brushfire Records. Pronto. I doubt he will win, but he deserves to win a record deal, for sure. Still not a fan of the hair though.

Carly Smithson – “Here You Come Again”

This was a song not written by Dolly, and maybe that was a good idea for Carly. I was honestly surprised I didn’t hear her sing “I Will Always Love You” this week. But thank god, cause I loved Syesha doing it. This song that Carly did, I didn’t recognize at all. I had to go back and listen to Dolly sing it to say, “oh, duh. I know that one.” I just have no interest in Carly and am surprised at her big following. BOO

David Archuleta – “Smokey Mountain Memories”

This definitely brought David Archuleta back to form. I think he always has to do ballads that he can showcase his voice. The up-tempo often come across as goofy and uncomfortable. I don’t see the immaturity that others do; I think some can’t get passed the age thing. I hope he keeps on going strong. This was my second favorite performance of the night (even though there were some crazy cracks in the middle). 🙂 

Kristy Lee Cook – “Coat of Many Colors”

Kristy Lee makes me vomit. Please leave. I also decided that she looks alot like LeAnn Rimes. Could it be the eyebrows? 

Syesha Mercado – “I Will Always Love You”

I wish people would give this girl some credit. Realize that she is not Whitney or Mariah and move on. Syesha was my favorite of the night. She blended the Dolly version with the Whitney version and executed it awesomely (yes, I said awesomely). It was very subdued at the beginning, ending each stanza with one note instead of a run. The end was the Whitney power notes; ending with a long held out note (which Shelly said was TOO TOO long). Ha. I love Syesha, I wish more people did. Here’s to hoping she stays another week.

Michael Johns – “It’s All Wrong, But It’s All Right”

I thought that it was hysterical for me. Only because when Ryan Seacrest announced that Michael Johns was coming up after the break, I said to myself, “Oh, I completely forgot he was still on the show.” Oops, I guess that shows how much I care. I will say he did a good job and sounded nice and really went for it. But he is still not a favorite of mine. I don’t think he is in any danger of going anywhere yet.

Top 10 –> Top 9 – Not a huge shocker

Bottom Three: Cheezits (not a surprise), Syesha (somewhat a surprise), Jason Castro (somewhat a surprise)

So Cheezits went home. I think it was inevitable. I don’t think he is marketable. He bored too many people and didn’t connect. He has a great voice. I think Syesha is falling into that trap as well. People cannot connect with her personality. She isn’t original though, great voice, just nothing special. Jason was just getting to comfortable; maybe this will be the shake up he needs.

On to more important things, Kimberley Locke. Um, was it me or was she STUFFED into that dress. Particularly her boobs. Not sure if last nights theme was prom night but Paula, Kimberley and Ryan were ready.

Top 10 Performances – Idol – My Thoughts

Ramiele Malubay – Alone

The curse of going first might hurt her. She also might have assumed she was safe until Kristy Lee did “God Bless the USA” which may save her (stupidly). Ramiele has a good voice and I think she did alright on the song, but I will continue to think she is not marketable. She won’t win. She will probably go home; I don’t feel that America really connects with her.

Jason Castro – Fragile

I still like Jason Castro, but I feel that we will never hear something “different” from him. He will always be poised to be signed to Brushfire Records under Jack Johnson’s guidance. Not too bad though, I’d take it. 

Syesha Mercado – If I Was Your Woman

So, I still love Syesha. I think she is so pretty and she has an awesome voice. If only she didn’t pick such boring and obscure songs. I still think she deserves to stay. I don’t know how marketable she would be since she is very common, but it’s fun to see her each week. I much prefer her straightened hair (bonus tidbit). Ha

Chikezie Eze – If Only For One Night

Cheezits just bores me. I don’t think he would sell many albums. I don’t have much to say. 🙂 

Brooke White – Every Breath You Take

So she messed up at the beginning; who cares? 🙂 I think she did a good job. I love piano, but I didn’t hate when the band came in. I think that it was blown out of proportion. She sounded great at the beginning, middle and end. Get over the arrangements judges.

 

Michael Johns – We Will Rock You

What I liked or noticed about Michael Johns’ performance was that it appeared to be not just a “HS talent” show, but almost like concert footage. It was a big visual spectacle compared to the rest of the performances. His singing, or should I say, SHOUTING, was not that spectacular. He still bores me. Australian, too.

 

Carly Smithson – Total Eclipse of the Heart

Irish. Boring. Has proven she can flop a major label album. I just felt the whole thing was “safe” and not surprising. I wish I didn’t feel mean thinking she was over-rated.

David Archeluta – You’re the Voice

I felt this obscure song choice was not so bad. He was engaging and I wasn’t bored. I think it also might be that I wish I could sing half as good as this kid. It is so effortless. He did have a really SWEET crack in the middle of the song, but that is alright. He needs to be careful that he doesn’t always pick preachy songs though. David Foster might like this kid.

Kristy Lee Cook – God Bless The USA

Sans mustache, she was alright. She did the best she could. Like the judges said, she may have picked the only song that can possibly keep her safe this week. There is alot of patriotism going around nowadays; this song might make Ramiele go home first. Maybe Cheezits? Is she this years Carmen Rasmusen? Mikaylah Gordon? Camille Velasco?

David Cook – Billie Jean

I hope people realized that he didn’t arrange that song himself. He covered the Chris Cornell version of the song. I feel that he is good, but on the same token, he plays it “safe” doing songs like this. This is his comfort zone. The judges get on everyone else for playing it safe, but not David Cook? Lets be fair now. He’s still really good. He shouldn’t want to win though, he will do better without winning, kinda like Daughtry.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Your Top 10 – American Idol

Last night on Idol, another one of my dreams came true. Haha.

First off, Idol needs to hold back on the group numbers until the finalists can learn how to sing together and/or with each other. It just sounds like a gigantic mess. Also, I know Ford gives lots of money to Fox for Idol, but can we be spared those horrible commercials? Yikes.

Kellie Pickler looked good and sounded, well, like Kellie Pickler. I am happy she has found success in the country world. I rather enjoyed her debut album and am looking forward to her follow-up. If only she could learn to sing “I Wonder” without crying. Ugh.

Back to the results, the bottom three: Carly, Amanda and Kristy. I know alot of people were surprised about Carly, but I wasn’t. I don’t think everyone loves her as much as they used to. The funnier thing though is that this week was the first week where I didn’t mind her so much. Oh well, she was safe.

Amanda Overmyer goes home. Finally. “You just got the boot, now sing!”

Our Top Ten:

Brooke White

Carly Smithson

Chikeze Eze

David Archuleta

David Cook

Jason Castro

Kristy Lee Cook

Michael Johns

Ramiele Malubay

Syesha Mercado

Top 11 – American Idol – My Thoughts..

For real though, did we need another Beatles week? Seriously, come on.

Fortunately most of the song choices sucked and American Idol can be shamed into avoiding it next season.

My thoughts… 

Amanda Overmyer – “Back in the USSR” – I really don’t have anything good to say about her singing or performing. I will say that she knows what she likes and what she can “pull off”. I was kind of glad to hear her stand up to Simon, but at the same time, he was right, She is not selling tickets just yet.

Kristy Lee Cook – “You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away” – Well, vocally, she was better. She bores me to tears though. Also, why is she so plain? Don’t they have make-up artists and people to help with the wardrobe? Better notes throughout but she will most likely be in the bottom three. Frankly, cause I am done with her.

David Archuleta – “The Long and Winding Road” – He’s back. This is what he was meant to do. A sappy ballad. Keep em coming and hit us with those big notes. Stop breathing so hard and licking your lips though, it’s kind of distracting. For real. This was my second favorite performance of the night.

Michael Johns – “A Day in the Life” – Australian. Oh wait, I think I have mentioned that before. He bores me. He was alright before, but I feel like he is doing the same song over and over again. Its a bit Hootie-ish or Matchbox 20. Also, don’t pull the sympathy card! He might stay because of that, but I will say solely because of that.

Brooke White – “Here Comes the Sun” – Oh Brooke, you were NOT my favorite this week, neither in the song nor the after-song rambling. The song was forgettable for sure, but then you made the whole thing unforgettable by rambling on and on with the judges and making the rest of American uncomfortable. Yikes. She should stay though, just shut it!

David Cook – “Day Tripper” – Daughtry much? Good performer, I’m just not a fan of that song. He is kinda growing on me and definitely deserves to stick around.

Carly Smithson – “Blackbird” – Irish. Oh, but I think I liked her this week. Maybe I just like the song, but I didn’t mind her so much. Enough with the lame meanings of the song though. She will stay.

Jason Castro – “Michelle” – Oh Jason, why? It didn’t work, but thats alright. My favorite part of his bit was his mention of that horribly sour note of Hallelujah. I completely thought the same thing, but it was okay. He acknowledged it and they let is slide. He is growing to be one of America’s favorites. Watch out Archuleta and Cook.

Syesha Mercado – “Yesterday” – This was my favorite performance of the night. My friend Shelly seems to think she was pitchy, but I think she is a liar. I loved everything about this. She looked awesome with her hair done that way, the song was arranged very nicely and she really connected emotionally to the song. WAY TO GO! This should definitely keep her out of the bottom three!

Chikezie – “I’ve Just Seen a Face” – I really hate to admit this, but Cheez-its is starting to grow on me. He has gotten better vocally in the past two weeks. Opposite to what Simon said, I liked the slower part at the beginning better than the faster part. I think the Harmonica playing should have been omitted though, it was just weird.

Ramiele Malubay – “I Should Have Known Better” – She has a good voice, like I have mentioned, I still don’t think she is marketable and/or is making a connection with America. She will most likely be in the bottom three again.

The bottom three should be: Amanda, Kristy and Ramiele.

Kristy Lee Cook should go home.

And then there were 11 – American Idol

Why must they drag out the results nights on American Idol? I mean, I know the reason, but come on.

Breaking News! UGH, another week of Lennon/McCartney songs. SHOOT ME! 

Group numbers with 12 different voices definitely didn’t work. I think when we get down to six finalists, we should try again. Until then, NO!

Ford commercials? NO!

Katharine McPhee looked great. I wanted Ryan to ask her, “So, how does it feel to be dropped from your label?” but he didn’t. It appears that she is now working with David Foster, so maybe she has a new deal. I must research. She did a great job. She reminds me of my friend Evyan, maybe thats why I love her a little more than others do.

Let’s watch, then we can discuss the results.

Bottom Three: Syesha Mercardo, David Hernandez (why do I always want to put Hernandex?), Kristy Lee Cook

Going home: David Hernandez. This wasn’t a big shocker although I would have rather Kristy Lee Cook have gone home tonight. But she will go soon.

Buy Brooke White’s studio version of “Let it Be” on itunes !

Top 12 – American Idol – It begins…

So the real competition begins and really, with one of my least favorite themes. Oh well… 

My favorite of the night was Brooke White. For sure. My reviews of each…below.

Syesha Mercado – “Got to Get You Into My Life” – Nothing special for me. I still think she has a good voice and a cute personality; I hope she connects with America. I think she will stay around.

Chikezie Eze – “She’s a Woman” – For the first time, I think I enjoyed Cheez-its. WOW. The beginning kind of reminded me of the opening scene of the movie The Jerk with Steve Martin. Ha. Although this was good, he could be a shock elimination. Not sure how much of America likes him.

Ramiele Malubay-“In My Life” – This girl has a good voice. Where has it been for the last few weeks? Like I said, I don’t think she is marketable. If she goes, its neither here nor there. She won’t win.

Jason Castro -“If I Fell” – Coffee Shop – esque (weird fact: As I was writing this portion, Coffee Shop by Landon Pigg came on my player). Agreed with Simon. This kid is good and he should (and deserves to) to far in the competition. Like I said before, Brushfire Records will sign him as soon as the season is done. Maybe a few duets with Jack Johnson and Matt Costa.

Carly Smithson -“Come Together” – She rocked it out. I still don’t think she is amazing. Let’s hope she doesn’t flop twice if she gets signed again.

David Cook -“Eleanor Rigby” – Dark horse, indeed. Get rid of the stupid hair David Cook. He’s good. Won’t win, but he is good. He can hope to endure the same fate as Chris Daughtry. Start collecting your bandmates David for your group Cook.

Brooke White -“Let it Be” – This was my favorite performance of the night. I love the piano. She didn’t try to ruin the song by changing the genre or speeding it up. She “let it be” raw and emotional. Kudos.

David Hernandez – “I Saw Her Standing There” – The scandal and this performance may give David Hernandez the boot tonight. What is this, a high school talent show? Let’s not oversing every word, k? Oh well, David you have a good voice and a good outlook. If you are back next week, keep to your promises.

Amanda Overmyer -“You Can’t Do That” – I am still not sure why she is here, but this was alright. She probably wont go home yet. Its amazing how her face does not match her body. Not sure if anyone else notices that.

Michael Johns -“Across the Universe” – Australian. They have Australian Idol, just so you know Michael. He’s alright. He won’t be going home yet. I kinda like the song though, especially from I am Sam.

Kristy Lee Cook -“Eight Days a Week” – Vomit. Bad notes. Good try though. I wonder if Carrie Underwood could pull this off. At least she didn’t have a mustache this week. She should go home.

David Archuleta -“We Can Work it Out” – I will allow him to have his off weeks. He didn’t seem to have any confidence this week in the song and that was to his detriment. It’s okay though; he can shake it off and come back next week with a dreary, slow song and make America love him again. I don’t think he is in danger of leaving, yet.

Our Top 12 is Revealed – America has made my day!

Well, my dreams have come true. Danny Noriega is gone and I won’t have to scream everytime I watch Idol for the rest of the season. SWEET.

Unfortunately, my predictions about Asia’h came through last night. I just think the Top 24 portion of the show really exposed her weaknesses and helped everyone else shine through.

Our Top 12, Ladies and Gentlemen:

Michael Johns – Australian, not American.

Seyesha Mercado – GREAT

David Archuleta – Might just win

Carly Smithson – Irish, not American. Over-rated.

David Cook – Bad Hair. Daughtry fate, if he makes it that far. Probably not as successful.

Ramiele Malubay – Not marketable, but good voice.

Jason Castro – Jack Johnson label, Brushfire Records, here he comes.

Kristy Lee Cook – Leave. Need some mustache wax?

David Hernandez – Good voice. Nothing special, surprised he made it through the scandal.

Brooke White – Mia Farrow. Good voice. Eh, excite me please!

Chikezie – Leave please.

Amanda Overmyer – Goodbye? Please?