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Wednesday, May 07, 2008

Idol Chatter: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

by Becky Tennant and Bethany O'Neil


Well how should we even begin to talk about American Idol last night? Should we start with the Good? The Bad? Or the Ugly? Let’s just be done with it and get the bad and ugly out of the way.

Unfortunately for Jason Castro, bad and ugly represents everything about his performances on Tuesday night. To all you Jason lovers out there who put him up on a pedestal, to be frank, he fell off…hard. It’s time for Jason to leave the competition.

The theme for the night was songs from the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. OK theme, right? We thought so. The are a ton of songs that Jason could have chosen, to show us that he wants to be here. But no, true to form, he took the stage and sang Bob Marley’s “I Shot the Sheriff.” Ten seconds into the song we wanted someone to shoot us. And believe us when we say that we were not the only ones that felt this way! The performance was disjointed and scattered. Definitely not final-four material. To be blunt, it stunk. The judges were stunned and rightly chastised Jason for the performance. We thought Simon was going to throw his notebook at him. It just wasn’t good, regardless of how much you like Bob Marley.

His second choice was Bob Dylan’s “Mr. Tambourine Man.” We were equally disgusted with the second selection. Jason chose two songs that were sung by singers who have a very distinct voice and style, and he just didn’t pull it off. And we can’t end our critique of Jason without pointing out that this isn’t the first audition, this is the final four, and to FORGET the lyrics of a song just shows how obvious it is that Jason doesn't have what it takes. There are several people who would love to be in his position right now, and all he can think about is Bob Marley! It’s time for dreadlock boy to go.

Now finally, let’s talk about the GOOD.

David Cook started with “Hungry Like The Wolf” by Duran Duran. Oh David, we totally agree with Paula, it made us hungry for more! While it wasn’t a “totally blow us away” performance, it was good and showed how versatile he really is. His second choice was “Baba O’Reilly” by The Who. Another solid performance by David Cook. This guy is the total package! He has talent, charisma, looks, excellent vocals etc.

Syesha Mercado delivered two of the greatest performances of her time on Idol. She took on Tina Turner’s "Proud Mary.” We were a little nervous for her on this one, and we thought her dancing was a bit corny, but she totally pulled it off. Her version of “A Change Is Gonna Come,” by Sam Cook, was inspiring. Not to mention the fact that she is absolutely beautiful! Syesha showed us that she WANTS this. You go Girl!

The show ended on a good note with David Archuleta. Archie’s first choice was “Stand by Me,” by Ben E King. Nice David, maybe a little safe for this point in the competition, but nice all the same. He delivered on Elvis’ “Love Me Tender.” We liked how he slowed the song down and didn’t try to sound like Elvis. And while we might not care too much for him, he does have some of the best vocals of the competition. It was a nice way to end the show, and we think that he is a good contemporary artist. It’s a shame that this is American Idol and not America’s Greatest Contemporary Artist. Just kidding.

Tonight Jason should go, it is only fair, but if he does stay another week, let’s hope he does better.

22 comments:

Anonymous said...

500 great song choices, and we had to sit thru Proud Mary, I Shot the Sheriff, Mr. Tambourine Man, and Stand by Me?

Too bad these kids are too young to recognize what stellar material was available to them. Because, as Tube Girl said, these tunes made me want to shoot myself.

What was supposedly the "best ever" talent has been exposed as monotonous, bland, weepy, insincere, screaming, forgetful...just plain bad. Oh yeah, and rigged.

Why do we bother with this show?

Anonymous said...

It's addictive. That's why! LOL And sometimes it gives us great finds like Carrie Underwood, Daughtry, Kellie Pickler...

Anonymous said...

i thought the same thing about the choices as well. all of the songs to choose from and we get this? but, i would say that idol is a little bit of a popularity contest. i wish it were all about the singing, but sadly it isnt.

Anonymous said...

opps, sorry, i meant bethany. long day, ya know.

Anonymous said...

You're right Bethany that it's a popularity contest. Clay Aiken???? LOL But we know that and watch anyway, so what can we expect. It still sucks me in. Great post, by the way. (Assuming you're the Bethany that writes it.)

Anonymous said...

You're right Bethany that it's a popularity contest. Clay Aiken???? LOL But we know that and watch anyway, so what can we expect. It still sucks me in. Great post, by the way. (Assuming you're the Bethany that writes it.)

Anonymous said...

Yes Steph in LA. This is one and the same Bethany. Becky is around somewhere. we always check the posts to see what the readers think about idol as well. so thanks for reading and always feel free to share your thoughts.

Roca said...

HI Girls!!

First of all..... Where is Bec?? :P

Bethany nice to meet you! :)

Great post girls, 7 comments already and it's funny that this week there is not a single soul coming to "poor Jason's" defense. I never really liked him but was rooting for him over Syesha. But Mr Tambourine Man is my favorite song and he trashed it so I hope the popularity vote doesn't save him again this week.

I was actually thinking to myself that the best thing this week was to see Carly again :)

I'm just getting worried about David Cook's chances in the finale, I mean David A can sing whatever way he wants and Randy goes "blazing, molten hot.". He is not getting the same standard of criticism from the judges as the others and I hope that it doesn't influence the vote in the finale, giving Cook the criticism and Archuleta a free ride.

Anonymous said...

Becky is around, she will check in later i am sure.
but thanks for the post. I agree, every time archie opens his mouth its "that was hot" well it is good but i dont know about smokin hot. i am a little worried about my david cook tonight. i hope i dont have a flashback to chris daughtry.

Anonymous said...

I'll defend Jason. Dude is smokin' and a really nice guy. Some of his songs this year have been great, like Daydream, Hallelujah, Over the Rainbow. But he's been plagued by some really drab selections. We should all be so lucky as to have a sweetheart like Jason in our lives. Yeah, he's a niche singer, a folk/acoustic/feelings type guy, who is no doubt uncomfortable with the whole country critiquing his ever move.

No, he probably won't win this thing, but I'm sure glad we've had his pretty smile and adorable eyes to look at for months. I want him to stay tonight!!!!

Anonymous said...

I will say in Jasons defense he does have nice eyes.

Roca, I am here but not feeling my usual perky self.

I will add that Archie could fart and the judges would go nuts! :)

Anonymous said...

LOL Becky at your "fart" comment. Good column ladies.

tube talk girl said...

Anonymous #1, just to clarify, this column was written by the lovely and talented Becky and Bethany, not me.

It is interesting to see the song choices. I have to say though, I like Proud Mary!

Anonymous said...

I thought Syesha's version of "A change is gonna come" was totally beautiful. There just seemed to be something about her and her performance that showed she really wants this. Her performance last night is how everyone who gets that kind of chance should perform.

and thanks for all the comments folks we really appreciate them.

Anonymous said...

And while we are lovely and talented we are also beautiful too! ;)

tube talk girl said...

OK. I'll give you that. But careful, Becky. You're gonna make me start singing that James Blunt song. You're beautiful...

Anonymous said...

Well you know we are the 3 best looking gals on the net right?

Anonymous said...

here here becky, i totally agree!!! ha ha ha.

Anonymous said...

I can't believe that Mario was voted off!!! He's a million time better than David Cook.

Anonymous said...

umm yea wrong show dude.

I thought Jason was a natural disaster. His perfomrances last night could just be one of the worst top 12 perfomrances on idol so far!

And I know what you guys mean about "Bob Marley", i think he was smokin him some "Bob Marley" before the show.

Roca said...

anonymous

I agree with a few things, I don't think he is terrible, and I love his niche, Bob Dylan is my idol. I even downloaded his Forever in Blue Jeans from last week and the studio version is really good.

That said I think for weeks now he just didn't care... and this week he trashed 2 great songs, and worse, forgot the lyrics IN THE CHORUS!!!! I just think that's not top 4 material and doesn't deserve to stay on.

Bec.... About David A, I couldn't have put it into better words, thank you!! And I hope whatever is bothering you goes away and you get back to your perky self soon! :)

Anonymous said...

i think you are right kelly.... there was something in the air.
and roca, i totally agree with you that Jason just didnt seem to be as into the show the last few weeks..

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