American Idol Recap + Predictions

It’s David against David in the American Idol 7 Finale!

Who will it be, little Babyface Archuleta or David C.?

Both never in the bottom three, but who will have the bigger fan base?

If both don’t screw up, the judges will have a tough part judging them. Will Randy find something else to say than “you’re in the zone” and will Paula see colors?

The contestants show off boxing style, three rounds, three songs for each of them tonight.

David C. is first, singing “Still haven’t found what I’m looking for”.

Randy says he’s calling David DC, and it was a great song choice.
Paula says we have found.
Simon says it was phenomenal.

David Archuleta sing “Don’t let the song go down on me”

Randy says one of the best performances.
Paula says she has chills, and he brings out sunshine.
Simon says that round one goes to Archuleta, and Babyface has tears in his eyes.

Round Two is the contestants choice.

David Cook sings “Dream Big”

Randy says nice.
Paula says millions just learned a new song.
Simon says it wasn’t a winning moment, and he’s waiting for the winning song.

Archuleta sings “In this moment” (and it’s very cheesy)

Randy says he could sing the phonebook (how many times has Randy said that?)
Paula says he’s on fire.
Simon says round two goes to Babyface.

David Cook sings “The World I Know” by Collective Soul.
And while his song choice is more orginal than Archuleta’s, I fear most voters won’t appriciate it.

And Cook is in tears, ahh, makes me want to vote for him.

Randy says he’s showing a great sensitve side of him, very nice job.
Paula is giving him a standing ovation.
Simon says he’s the most sincere contestants they’ve ever had, but utterly wrong song choice.

David knows what Simon wants to say, but wanted to offer something new.

David Archuleta sings again “Imagine.”

Randy says that the best singer is David Archuleta, he’s what the show is about.
Paula says that he left her speechless and that he was stunning tonight.
Simon says that AI is about finding a star, tonight, they have witnessed one of the great finals, and that we have witnessed a knockout.

Well, the judges have clearly spoken, and they want Babyface to win.

And wouldn’t it suit David C.’s image not better anyway, to not win the popular vote? Would be more edgy. Whatever, tomorrow will know.

It’s decision time on American Idol. 56 millions votes: Who goes home and who is in the big finale next week? I wonder if Syesha is prepared that she won’t make it into the finale. Or will the miracle happen and America votes off Archuleta?

And by the way, could Simon’s shirt be any more open down the front?

Who is the first contestant to get the good news?

David Archuleta is first to walk onto the stage to Ryan. Is he in the finals?

OMG, they show all the screaming girls in his hometown. I almost feel sorry for the kid. Most girls are a head taller than Archuleta.

Archuleta’s comment upon seeing the excited fans: “Oh, gosh!” repeated several times.

And Utah has now an Archulta day, says the major. Yay.

But is he safe? We don’t know, because the Idol producers are a tease, stretching out the moment of truth as long as they can.

And next on the stage is Syesha Mercado. And she, too, gets the hometown treatment.

Syesha’s hometown visit is much less excited and hysteric than Archuleta’s, that’s for sure. And Syehsa admits under tears that she’s living her dream. You go girl!

What about David Cook? Is he safe tonight? Well, David’s brother Andrew comes on stage too, explaining that David auditioned more by accident while being his brother’s moral support.

David’s hometown visit is pretty insane, too, screaming girls, and he gives a concert to his fans. And he visits his music teacher. That’s actually sweet.

And…all three contestants are moved to tears during their hometown visit.

BUT: Who makes it into the finale?

Syesha Mercado is out.

David Cook and David Archuleta are facing off next week.
Well, that was a bit predictable.

American Idol is ON and here are the top three finalist: David C. David A. and Syesha Mercado. Why is it that I already have a feeling that it won’t be Syesha for the Final Two?

The judges will pick the songs for the contestants to sing. At least they can’t say wrong song choice for once… Every one has three songs.
Paula picked “And So It Goes” for David Archuleta to sing.

Randy says David A. is in the zone to win it.
Paula says that it was a pure performance, beautiful.
Simon says that it was very good, but predictable, and not outstanding.

Randy picked a song for Syesha to sing “If I Ain’t Got You.”

Syesha outperforms Archuleta, and it would be a real shame if she gets kicked out tomorrow. Great song choice for her, hands down.

Randy says she did an amazing job.
Paula says that it’s hard to sing a Alicia Keys song, but well done.
Simon says very good job, but too close to Alica Keys vocally.

Simon picked a very tough song for David C. “First Time Ever I Saw Your Face”

Great ballad for David C. to sing.

Randy says he’s a David C. fan, but he didn’t like Simon’s song choice.
Paula says that David is Paula’s second favorite artist to sing that song.
Simon says that it was one of David’s best performances and round one goes to Cook and Simon.

The weakest of the three is Archuleta tonight. But let’s wait for the second songs.

David Archuleta picked the song “With You” for himself to sing. So the second song is up to the contestants. Ugh, nope, I don’t think the song works for Archuleta.

Randy says he applauds the fact that he chose something more youthful, but didnt buy the song.
Paula says that he did a great job.
Simon says that he sounded like a chihuahua trying to be a tiger. Awkward dancing, and not quite his style.

What did Syesha pick? She’s singing “Fever”, working the chair while singing, very sexy. And truckloads better than Archuleta.

Randy says she sang amazing, great performance.
Paula says that Syesha looks lovely, but she’s surprised about the song choice.
Simon says she will regret the decision to sing a quite lame cabaret performance.

What will David Cook pick? “Dare You To Move”. Hmm, I don’t know, the original is so good…

Randy says great song choice, performance was a little pitchy.
Paula says the song was too crammed and she’d have liked to hear the complete song.
Simon says it was okay, nothing more.

The producers picked the next songs, to test the contestants.
David Archuleta sings “Longer Than”

Randy says he could sing the phone book, hot.
Paula says lovely performance.
Simon says he sang the song well, but the song and the lyrics were horrible.

However, Simon thinks Archuleta will make it into the finals.

Syesha Mercado sings “Hit Me Up”

Randy says it was just okay.
Paula says she did the song very well, but not the right type of song, not good enough for the finals.
Simon says better than the second song, but the song was a little forgettable.

David Cook sings “I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing”

Randy says very predictable.
Paula says se ya in the finals.
Simon says David Cook wins the night.

So, the two Davids in the big finale? Or will the voters do the right thing and vote for Syesha, giving Archuleta the boot?

American Idol fans voted nearly 51 million times.

Insane.

Well, I doubt tonight will be a big surprise. I’m willing to bet that Jason is going home tonight.

So, who’s in American Idol’s Top Three?

Is David Archuleta safe tonight? No surprise here, he’s safe. The first of the Idol Top Three.

David Cook is next to be called on stage by Ryan. Is David C. safe? If he’s not, I’ll stop watching AI.
Thankfully, David Cook is safe. The second to be in the Top Three.

Syesha or Jason…who’s going home?

Telephone questions:

David Cook is asked over the phone if he wants to go on a date with the caller (a girl.) David, very awkwardly, says pretty much nope.

So, finally, after almost an hour, who’s going home?

Jason Castro is going home and Syesha Mercado is in the top three.

American Idol is back, and only 4 contestants are still standing. And the question everyone’s asking is: Who will mess up tonight?

The Rock’n'Roll Hall of Fame is tonight’s theme.

Two songs again for each contestant, BUT the judging will be after each individual song. (Paula must be soo relieved)

David Cook is first to sing, “Hungry Like the Wolf” by Duran Duran.

Randy says it was just an okay song choice and an okay performance.

Paula ponders if David is hungry like a wolf…for success?

Simon says it was a little bit copycat, but good enough to go through to next week.

Next up is Syesha Mercado (the last girl still standing), singing “Proud Mary” by Tina Turner.

Randy says that Syesha is in the zone.

Paula says that Syesha looks like a star, great voice and presence.

Simon says that it was just a bad shrieky version, and a bad impersonation of Tina Turner. Wow, Simon, that’s harsh and, also, totally inaccurate.

Jason Castro sings “I Shot the Sheriff” by Bob Marley. It should be a great song choice for Jason, but unfortunately, I’m not feeling it.

Randy says that this was really karaoke, nothing special, not good.

Paula says that the audience seemed to like it, but Paula didn’t like it.

Simon says that this was utterly atrocious, it was a massacre.

Wow, again Jason got it pretty bad from the judges.

Uh, little Archuleta is up next. He sings “Stand by Me” by Ben E. King. For some reason or the other, the song sounds pretty gay coming out of his mouth, no offense.

Randy says he hits the notes every time. It was hot.

Paula says with David being only seventeen, she admires David A., he’s very seasoned.
Simons says good song choice, struggled a little bit, but overall best performance so far.

David Archuleta has noticeably taken past criticism to heart, and has stopped the excessive lip licking. And his eyes stay mostly open while he sings, something Andrew Lloyd Webber told him to do.

Next up is David Cook, singing “Baba O’Riley” by The Who.

Randy says he wasn’t sure about the first song choice, but he rocked the second.

Paula says thanks for sharing.

Simon says “welcome back”.

Uhm, not sure for this song choice, I feel David C. is not his usual great self tonight.

Syesha Mercado is next to sing her second song “A Change is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke. Great performance again from Syesha, truly stunning.

Randy says he didn’t love the song or the arrangement. (what? WTF?)

Paula gives her standing ovation. Beautiful voice and great performance. Paula has tears in her eyes.

Simon says that he agrees with Paula. Great performance.

Syesha is moved to tears, the song means a lot to her. Simon says that Randy is utterly wrong. Actually, I think Syesha almost outperformed the guys tonight.

Jason Castro is next, singing “Mr. Tambourine Man” by Bob Dylan. Aaand, he forgets the lyrics!

Randy asks how Jason thought his performance was.

Paula says that she didn’t like the song, but she likes Jason.

Simon says Jason should pack his suitcase.

Well, relativly easy to predict who leaves tomorrow…Jason was simply not good at all tonight, even his fans should admit that.

“Love Me Tender” by Elvis Presley, sung by none other than Idol’s Archuleta. Wow, that’s…incredibly corny.

Randy says another great performance.

Paula says one of her favorite performances from him.

Simon says that he crushed the competition.

Well, bottom two are easily predicted: Syesha and Jason. With Jason going home for sure.

Well, the highlight of yesterday’s American Idol wasn’t the performances. It was Paula Abdul. (In case you live under a rock, Paula completely screwed up judging Jason.)

She messed up big time, and when I read through the blogs, the reactions are mixed. Some say everyone should leave her alone. Some thought it was hilarious, some said it was a major embarrassment for AI. What caused Paula’s trainwreck? Heck, who knows. But give the girl a break, at least it was funny.

Ryan called it the fastest show, Simon the strangest show they ever had.

More important, who goes home tonight?

Wonder if they show the whole Paula thing in the recap at the beginning of the show… Nope, the Idol producers completely ignore the hubbub around Paula. LOL. They don’t think it was funny, apparently.

But wait, Ryan addresses the rumors around Paula and says that they are wrong…then he says that “she’s part of the family and that we love her.” Weeellll, what rumors did he mean exactly?

Jason Castro is safe tonight!

David Archuleta is being reminded (by Paula) that he should have more fun on stage. But is he safe? Of course he is.

David Cook is safe.

And Syesha Mercado and Brooke White are in the bottom two tonight.

Well, we have to wait until we know who goes home. Natasha Bedingfield sings. She’s a bit shouty. Can someone vote her off, please?

During the phone questions for the judges Simon’s first girlfriend calls, the one he gave his first kiss to. Very, very funny. Simon was nine. Her name is Tara, (now) aged 46. Simon is visible flustered.

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Aaaand, Brooke White is going home tonight.

Brooke is in tears, and they show a recap about Brooke. Tears still run down her face, she’s very emotional and thanks everyone. During her song, she struggles to keep her voice. More tears….
Well, there can only be one winner…

Say hi to the Idol judges… Yes, it’s that time of the week again. American Idol says hello to the Top 5 contestants of tonight: David and David, Brooke, Jason, aaand Syesha.

Neil Diamond will inspire the contestants tonight.Upon meeting Neil, Brooke admits that she’s nervous to be singing his songs.

Two songs tonight for each contestant. OMG, two Neil Diamond’s songs to listen to…

Jason Castro is up first. He sings “Forever in Blue Jeans.”
I don’t know if Jason will survive next day’s voting.

David Cook sings “I’m Alive.” And Neil Diamond admits that he got goosebumps hearing David C. sing the song. David rocks the song, and he pulls it off that the song sounds contemporary.

Next up is Brooke White, and she’ll sing “I’m a Believer.”

The judges will have their say after the second song of each contestant.

David Archuleta, we learn, is a little uncertain how to end the song (during the rehearsal with Neil). Archy sings “Sweet Caroline.”

Syesha Mercado has chosen to sing “Hello Again”. She looks lovely on stage, wearing a purple dress, barefooted again. Her performance is much better than Jason’s or Brooke’s. Wonder what the judges will say.

Randy’s comments for: Jason: just okay; David Cook: In the zone, Brooke: little karaoke; Archuleta: da Bomb, Syesha: not amazing, but good.

Paula’s comments for: Jason: LOL! Paula makes no sense at all, talks about the two songs Jason has sung. But he has only sung ONE so far! And OMG, Paula admits that she thought Jason sung already twice!

Ryan and Simon try to calm the situation down, asking her who was her favorite. And she says that it’s David Cook.

Simon quickly wraps up saying that Jason was forgetable, David Cook just about average, Brooke a nightmare, Archuleta was amateurish, and Syesha was old fashioned. And Simon wants to see from the top five performances of a lifetime for the second time around.

Jason sings his second song (take note, Paula!). “September Morn” is Jason’s song.

Randy says that was just another okay performance, not the best.

Paula feels he sings his songs too safe…but it’s really hard to make out what Paula is really saying.

Simon says that he doesn’t recognize Jason anymore.

Well, I feel too, that Jason’s time on American Idol has come to an end.

David Cook performs, singing “All I Really Need Is You”.

Randy says that he’s a huge fan, blazing performance.

Paula says that she’s proud of him and that she can see David C. as the next American Idol.

Simon says that his second song was brilliant. He made the song his own.

Brooke White is playing on the piano, singing “I Am … I Said.”

Randy says that Brooke did a nice job.

Paula says that the song showed her vulnerabilty and the song worked for her.

Simon says that he hated the first song, but the second one was the Brooke we (Simon?) like. Well done.

David Archuleta sings “America”

Randy says another good performance

Paula says perfect song choice. And she loves him.

Simon says that this was a clever song choice. Meaning that Archy’s devoted fans will vote, vote, vote for him.

Syesha Mercado sings “Thank the Lord for the Night Time”. And I wonder why Syesha get’s only ever a-okay coments from the judges… I feel that Syesha performs much, much better than the judges give her credit for.

Randy says that she was in the zone.

Paula says that Syesha has a magical voice and…I have no idea what Paula is saying, sorry.

Simon says that Syesha may be in trouble tonight? WHY? WTF? I usually agree with Simon, but that is just wrong.

Bottom two tomorrow? Jason and Brooke. And I think it will be Jason who goes home.

American Idol fans have voted over 38 million times. Which contestant got the least calls?

I’m guessing Jason, but what do I know? Maybe it’s Brooke going home? (She lost the lyric–Brooke’s explanation to her screw-up.) However, Webber says that Brooke was flawless during the rehearsal. Webber is a very excited looking fella, by the way. Very animated on stage, talks a lot with his hands.

Cook and Archuleta have to go on stage. The two Davids. (Are they going to be the two finalists? The Davids-Finale?)

Why did Cook sing the song up straight, without giving it a twist? Because by singing it in its original version, he wanted to be surprising.

Who is safe? Both are safe, of course. David Cook as well as David Archuleta.

Leona Lewis is singing “Bleeding Love” and she truly has an amazing voice. (I guess by now, anyone knows that she’s been the UK’s Idol.)

Syesha Mercado and Brooke White are on stage with Ryan. Who is safe?

Brooke wished her “start over” wouldn’t have happened. But, Brooke is safe tonight! Now there’s a surprise.

Syesha Mercado is in the bottom two tonight.

Who else is in the bottom two?

Jason Castro or Carly Smithson?

Well, Jason Castro is safe!! I get the vibe from Jason that he can’t believe his luck. He looks puzzled to have made it into the next round.

And Carly Smithson is in the bottom two!

So, who goes home? Carly is about to sing her song again “Jesus Christ Superstar.”

Syesha sings again, “One Rock & Roll Too Many.”

So, who gets the boot?

Who goes home: Carly Smithson!

Well, that’s a mini-surprise. But I can’t say I’m sorry to see her leave.

Simon says, Carly can leave with her head held high.

So, tonight’s mentor is Broadway King Andrew Lloyd Webber. Be prepared for a musical night. Or, The toughest test yet, as Ryan puts it eloquently.

Happy Earth Day, by the way! American Idol is going green energy for the finale.

The contestants are in Vegas, meeting Andrew Lloyd Webber in the Venetian.

Ryan says that the songs are the toughest of the season, and that it will be a very tough night. (At least tonight, Simon can’t say it sounds Broadway).

Syesha Mercado sings “One Rock & Roll Too Many” (Starlight Express). Syesha looks very sleek tonight on stage, her hair pulled back, lying on the piano. She’s wearing a great red dress, no shoes. I think she’s doing a good job, even though I can’t get excited about her song choice. But she’s having a great time on stage.

Randy says that she could be a huge Broadway star.
Paula says that musicals is her happy place and she could bring the house down.
Simon says that the song was very sexy. Strong performance and great personality.

Seems like Syesha would be a great Broadway star, at least that’s were she would like to see herself end up, I guess.

Jason Castro sings “Memory” (Cats). Andrew Lloyd Webber is kind of bemused, hearing “Memory” from a young male with dreadlocks. And Jason admits that he has no clue whatsoever about Webber’s musicals. Well, can’t blame him there.

Jason’s performance is very emotional, but for the first time he kinda looks nervous.

Randy says it was a train wreck. Wrong song for Jason, too big a song.
Paula says that to many people are used to hear that song from a female vocalist. But it showed Jason’s uniqueness.
Simon says it felt like the longest two minutes of his life. If felt as if Jason was forced to sing that song. Not just Jason’s style of music.

Gee, I’m not a Jason fan, but tonight he gets it left and right from the judges.

Brooke White sings “You Must Love Me” (Evita). Brooke hasn’t a clue what she is singing about, says Andrew Lloyd Webber. LOL. After he explains the meaning of the song to her, he says she got it and that she’s a natural actress.

Brooke’s on stage, singing the first words, when…she forgets the lyrics. The orchestra starts over after a pleading look from Brooke, and she says “Sorry.” Well, after that little glitch, the rest of her performance is a little uncomfortable to watch, because Brooke looks extremely nervous now.

Randy says that wasn’t great. But Brooke believed in what she was singing, but the vocals were not good.
Paula says that it was her great personality showing through the song. But that she should never start a song over.
Simon says that he loves live TV and that her mistake threw Brooke out of the performance.

Why did she start over? Because she forgot the lyrics, but Simon says that it was perfectly logical that she started over. Well, I’m feeling kinda sorry for Brooke. That must suck pretty badly.

David Archuleta sings “Think of Me” (Phantom of the Opera). The song is a big Diva song, so Andrew is looking forward to hearing Archie. If he only would open his eyes, says Andrew.

Has anyone else noticed that Archuleta has stopped his excessive lip-licking?

Randy says that Archie can sing anything. And that he is the one to be. (Say it ain’t so.) Paula says it was perfect, and he took a risk to turn the song into a pop ballad.
Simon says it was pleasant, but one of Archuleta’s weaker performances, a bit forgettable.

Carly Smithson sings Jesus Christ Superstar. Carly thinks that she has the song written all over her. And might I add, very politely, that her husband kinda scares me.

Randy says that it was definitely good, maybe not her strongest performance.
Paula says that it was very unexpected, but great.
Simon says that it was a little shouty, but one of his favorite performances of the night.

And Carly shows off a t-shirt with “Simon loves me (this week)” written on it.

And now, for the hopefully best performance of the night:
David Cook sings “Music of the Night” (Phantom of the Opera). Andrew says that David C. has great, raw passion.

Holy smokes, David really nails that song. He sounds as if he’d never sung anything else.

Randy says that this was an amazing performance.
Paula says that he is very well rounded and it was fantastic.
Simon says that he made the most of the song, but he prefers a more grittier David C.

Bottom three predictions? I guess it will be Brooke White, Jason Castro and Carly Smithson.

Who goes home? Well, Brooke messed up, but I think Jason Castro will go home.

Who is going home tonight? Another shocker like last week, or someone more predictable? Wouldn’t it be fun if Archuleta left the American Idol building tonight? Unfortunately, I seriously doubt this is going to happen…

Mariah Carey sings tonight, by the way. But, more importantly, who is safe, and who is in the bottom three tonight?

Jason Castro is safe. Whoa, I wouldn’t have thought…

David Cook is in the bottom three???!! I think I have to stop watching American Idol…Holy shit.

Carly Smithson is safe. Why?

Kristy Lee Cook is in the bottom three! Yes!!

Syesha Mercado is safe.

Brooke White is in the bottom three tonight.

So, the bottom three are David Cook, Kristy Lee Cook, and Brooke White!

Well, that means David Archuleta is safe. Why the f*ck is David C. in the bottom three?

Telephone questions…:

Well, we find out that Kristy Lee Cook wasn’t able to buy her horse back. Ahh, what a sad, sad story…

And as always, Simon has to explain himself…probably because he’s the one with a brain on that show…well, never mind.

Is David Cook single? —-Yes, he’s single! Omg, what great news for all the girls out there!

Mooriah is about to perform now — her song “Bye Bye” sounds a little pitchy and karaoke and theme park, Simon says…(Just kidding…) Mariah Carey is above the mortal singing range. Mariah breaks records left and right.

Right now, Ryan is re-arranging the contestants on the stage…and…Ups, my fault! the above were not in the bottom three!

One group was safe, one was the bottom three!

Sorry for that!

David Cook, David Archuleta, Carly Smithson, Jason Castro are all safe!!

+++ Kristy Lee Cook, Syesha Mercado and Brooke White are the real bottom three!

Syesha Mercado is safe! She will be back next week.

Who goes home tonight? Not Brooke White, because she is safe.

Kristy Lee Cook (yeah!) goes home!!

Who would have thought that the country girl would get kicked off? I thought she had such a huge country fan-base. Apparently not.